St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish

Transcription

1 JUNE 25, 2006

2 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at (Religious Education) (Facsimilie) Pastoral Staff Full Time Rev. Joel Fortier Pastor, Rev. Mark Cote Associate Pastor, Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. Weekend Assistant Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. Deacon, ext. 105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane Deacon, ext. 220, Rev. Mr. Jim Breen Deacon, , Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney Deacon, Chari Rosales Director of Adult Education & RCIA ext. 138, Gerry Czerak Business Manager, ext. 106, Patti Dougherty Director of Religious Education, ext. 109, Julie Frazier Liturgy and Music, ext. 111, Robert Frazier Liturgy and Music, ext. 112, Ginny Lucado Director of Outreach, ext. 121, Jim Melton Director of High School Ministry, ext. 123, Jan Olah Director of Pastoral Care, ext. 124 Pauline Vandy Director of Junior High Youth Ministry, ext. 117, Pastoral Care Staff Part Time Audrey Casey, BSN, Parish Nurse volunteer, ext 104, Susan Kearney, Pastoral Care Assistant volunteer, ext. 124 Felicia Lawlor, M.S., R.N.,Parish Nurse volunteer, ext 104, Support Staff Full Time Nancy Cirmo Religious Education Assistant, ext. 118, Lori Culberson Liturgical Assistant, ext. 120, Kathy Ferguson - Receptionist, ext. 100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Diane McQueen Parish Assistant, ext. 101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Anne Schultz Outreach & Adult Faith Formation Assistant, ext. 113, aschultz@stapostle.org Angela Tuttle Liturgy Assistant & Communications Coordinator, ext. 110, atuttle@stapostle.org Support Staff Part Time Pat Berkhout Evening/Saturday Receptionist, ext. 119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Marge Coronado Evening Receptionist, ext. 119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Marilyn DeMeo Database Coordinator (T/Th), ext. 107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Jorge Gonzalez Custodian Louise Leonard - Care Pantry Coordinator, stthomascarepantry@comcast.net Sue Sportiello Accounts Payable (M/W), ext. 107, ssportiello@stapostle.org Ted McKeown - Facility Coordinator, ext. 133, facility@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga Sacristan Coordinator, ext. 116 Lynne Vehlewald Librarian, ext. 125, library@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community Bob Bohanek Ivan Deatsch Pam Foster Guy Francesconi Julee Gard Commission Facilitators Worship Parish Life Faith Formation Administration Service Stewardship Mary Johnson Rosemary Krol Carolyn Lowrie Ray Vogt Glenn Weir Gwen Wells Pam Foster Susan Cornell-Ohl Dave Otto Phil Meno Steve Obendorf Doug & Maureen Johnson Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday reconciliation is available after 8:30 a.m. Mass, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel and Fr. Mark are available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally throughout the year. Sick and Home Bound Call the Church Office to receive prayer and Eucharist from one of the priests or deacons or a Minister of Care. Baptism Baptisms are usually celebrated two Sundays each month at a 1:45 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend a two-part awareness and renewal program prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office a few months in advance to make arrangements. Matrimony A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas should contact the church six months in advance. One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or their parents, must be a registered parishioner for at least three months prior to calling to set a date. Religious Education Call the to register. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call the church at Counseling Service Call Samarian Interfaith or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care x 124. Sunday Nursery Nursery care is available for your child age one (must be walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office. Liturgy Schedule Daily (Monday Friday) Rosary 8:10 a.m. Mass 6:30 & 8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Mass 8:30 a.m. Weekend Saturday Vigil 4:30 p.m. Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., & 12:15 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday of the month 9 a.m. Noon.

3 PETER S PENCE LETTER Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Last year Catholics around the world were thrilled when we heard that a new pope was elected. We were grateful that we had been blessed with John Paul II and now another shepherd would continue to lead our Church. We wondered what impact Pope Benedict XVI would have on the Church and on the world. Over the past months we have learned that in Pope Benedict XVI we have a compassionate, caring leader who openly expresses his concern for all people. The annual Peter s Pence collection supports the works of the Holy Father in caring for those throughout the world who suffer from war, oppression or natural disasters. Through our contributions to the Peter s Pence collection we share the concern of the successor of Peter for the many needs of the universal Church and for the relief of suffering persons around the globe. The annual Peter s Pence collection will be taken up on the weekend of July 1-2. Last year the people of this diocese generously provided $265,000 to assist the Holy Father in his works of charity. I know that you will be generous in this year s collection, as well. Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time June Whoever is in Christ is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend Joseph L. Imesch Apostolic Administrator

4 Worship Commission Parish Feast Day The liturgical Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is Monday, July 3. To celebrate our patronal feast we will have an outdoor mass (weather permitting) this Saturday, July 1 at 4:30 p.m. on the Labyrinth. Many people enjoyed this event last year. Come join us if you can. The Rite of Peace My peace I give you, my peace I leave you; let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27). Peace descends from above; it is the gift by which Christ prepares us to become one in the sacrament of his body and blood. By coming together for the Eucharist, we demonstrate our readiness to forgive one another, to accept the peace of Christ into our hearts, and to exchange it with one another. The exchange of "the peace" is not the expression of mere good wishes. It is the outward sign of a gift inwardly received. While giving the sign of peace, one may extend a hand, hug, or kiss and say, "Christ's peace be with you," or a similar expression. In the early church this rite was sometimes referred to as the "Kiss of Peace." Jesus is the source and center of our peace and love. Musical Instruments for Haiti We are collecting used musical instruments for the children and the youth of Haiti. Fr. Fritz and Ertha have both asked for any trumpets, cornets, trombones, and guitars that we can provide. The Haitian people love music and they will learn to play these instruments for church, school, civic and social events. If you have any instruments at home that are not being used and that you would like to donate to Haiti, please contact Robert Frazier at x112. Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time IS GOD PAYING ATTENTION? When storms rage without and within, and we are beset with dread and frantic activity, we often find ourselves wondering, Is God paying attention? Today we learn that God indeed pays attention. Today we learn of the God who is beyond and of God who is here. We discover that the God who created the boundaries of the sea is within the raging seas that sometimes threaten us. We ponder troubles and we learn trust. We are drawn to consider that we are one with the Lord of all time and trouble. We are one with Christ who has died for all and lives for all, and we are all new creations in a world freshly ordered. This trust and faith steadies our ship and calms our seas. We have some surety now, even as we continue to move our small ships through treacherous waters. We can take on life s journey with its troubles and its peace, for Christ indeed is here and attentive to us, whether or not we are likewise so mindful. As God s own people, we cannot expect to slip through life as small skiffs on glassy seas. But we can expect God to be right there with us, inside and outside, as close as mates on a small vessel, as yeast in bread, as blood coursing through the veins. TRUST The people of Brittany who make their living from the sea have given us a gentle prayer that is soaked through with trust: Lord, the sea is so large, and my boat is so small. As sea folk ship out to sea, so do Christian folk turn to sisters and brothers and take on all the turns and troubles and joys that come with loving one another. For the inner sea is calm, and peace and life have the final claim. Today s Readings: Job 38:1, 8 11; Psalm 107:23 26, 28 31; 2 Corinthians 5:14 17; Mark 4:35 41 Copyright 2005, World Library Publications. All rights reserved. June 25, 2006 Page 4

5 Pray For Our Parish God of the whirlwind, at creation s dawn you set the bounds of the sea and stilled the raging of its waves. God of the calm, in Jesus the Teacher you rebuked the wind and set the sea at rest: Calm our fears now. stir up our faith, that we may gladly lend our hands to your work of making the whole creation new! Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. From: Prayers for Feasts and Seasons, Liturgy training Publications, Mass Intentions Monday, June 26 8:30 T Martinez, by Martha Lopez Peter Powers, by Larry & Susan Kearney Tuesday, June 27 8:30 Ron Ziolkowski, by Mr. & Mrs. John Nemcek Betty Powell, by Don & Mary Jurgens Wednesday, June 28 8:30 Pierre Peebles, by Rosemary Grace Ovbiebo Igunbor, by Esther Tongo Thursday, June 29 8:30 Raymond & Marcella Dolan, by the Muhlenfeld Family Friday, June 30 8:30 50th Wedding Anniversary for Bruno & Loretta Rejman The Mravca Family, by Joan Mravca Saturday, July 1 8:30 Jeff Petrick, by Ann Clawson 4:30 Tim Augustine, by The Illinois Toll Workers Patricia Loomis, by The Pettinger Family Sunday, July 2 7:30 For the People of St. Thomas 9:00 Edith Marie Bendis, by Ted & Joan McKeown Joseph Cierullo, by Paul & Joann Guarneri 10:45 Ron Ziolkowski, by Elizabeth Topa Gertrude Matyniak, by Suzanne Anderson-Nystedt For the sick Katherine Zelasko, wife of Frank Clarence Schultz, brother-in-law of Katherine Zelasko Martha Mirabile, mother of Melanie & Dennis Steve Aiello, friend of Jerry Tichy Florence Spaeth, mother of Cathy Peel For the deceased Robert Currier Sr., father of Bob James Testa, father of Carol Naveja Gregorio Huerta, husband of Guadalupe and father of Delia Walter Drake Medard Wicklas Today s Readings First Reading The Lord said to Job: Who shut within doors the sea? And who said: Thus far shall you come but no farther! (Job 38:1, 8-11). Psalm Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting (Psalm 107 (106)). Second Reading Whoever is in Christ is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:14-17). Gospel Who is this whom even wind and sea obey? (Mark 4:35-41). Readings for the Week Mon: 2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a; Mt 7:1-5 Tues: 2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36; Mt 7:6, Wed: 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3; Mt 7:15-20 Thurs Vigil: Acts 3:1-10; Gal 1:11-20; Jn 21:15-19 Day: Acts 12:1-11; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19 Fri: 2 Kgs 25:1-12; Mt 8:1-4 Sat: Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19; Mt 8:5-17 Sun: Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24; Ps 30; 2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mk 5:21-43 [5:21-24, 35b-43] Page 5 June 25, 2006

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Come to the Celebration! St. Thomas Feast Day Mass C.A.R.E. CORNER There are many elements to human nature. We all understand the physical as it relates to concrete, material things. Usually, when we describe our physical selves, we are referring to our bodies and how they look and work. And we humans are all intellectual, though in varying degrees. We all have some capacity for reason, understanding and judgment. Our intellect pertains to our minds. Humans are also emotional creatures. We are capable of strong feelings and we have many ways to express and demonstrate those feelings. Which brings us to the spiritual. It is the spiritual part of our nature which seems to be the most mysterious. Our spiritual dimension digs deep into the spirit and the soul that part which we cannot touch or see, but which we know exists. It is here where we are drawn into the sacred; where our longing for the Divine is manifested and where the Divine looks to connect with us. Our souls have been described as the deep heart within, our true self, our God-shaped hole, and the internal well-spring. You can likely think of other descriptions. Jesus said: Thomas, you became a believer because you saw me. Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed. Saturday, July 1 4:30 p.m. Outdoor Mass on the labyrinth (weather permitting). Please join us! Bring your blankets or lawn chairs! June 25, 2006 Page 6

7 Religious Education Registration for Religious Education (Grades Pre K 8 th ) Registration for Religious Education (Pre-K 8) has begun and will continue through out the month of June. Families currently in the program will receive their packet in the mail the first week of June. New parishioners / participants must pick-up their registration packet during Welcome Sunday registration on June 11 or afterwards in the R.E. Office. There is a $35 deposit per family to help cover the initial costs of books and supplies. Fees are $100 for one child, $155 for two and $200 for families of three or more. Registrations are due July 1. High School Registration, which is a separate packet and fee, will also be mailed to those currently in the program. Please call the Religious Education Office ( ) with questions. Gospel Champions: A Catholic Action Adventure PC Video Game Series Hey Kids! And Parents! Gospel Champions is now registered to our Religious Education Program and is for St. Thomas families. This game series reinforces Gospel learning and Catholic teachings by recreating Bible stories in fun action/adventure gameplay. The full series of games begins in September but until then you can enjoy this sample game Jesus and Zacchaeus. Download the game at Open the file named GospelChampionsetup.exe and use our 9 Digit Access Code when prompted by the installer. You need to contact Patti Dougherty at pdougherty@staspostle.org for the code. You can also get a flyer from the Religious Education Office or see our web site for more information: Scripture Safari: A Safari Celebration of Family (Vacation Bible School) Our VBS, A Safari Celebration of Family, has ended and it was a week full of scripture, special speakers, puppet shows, songs, crafts and games with a closing mass on Saturday at the 4:30 liturgy. Each day of the week had a speaker and a theme: Mon: Celebrate God the Father Speaker: Fr. Joel Tues: Celebrate Jesus the Son Speaker: Jim Melton Wed: Celebrate the Holy Spirit Speaker: Anne Schultz Thurs: Celebrate the Blessed Mother Speaker: Robert Frazier Fri: Celebrate our Christian Family Speaker: Deacon Larry Kearney Look for examples of our time together on the bulletin boards in the ministry center. During the week we collected our old tie-dyed shirts to be sent to Fr. Don Kenny in Quito, Ecuador. We also had fun making Rosaries that will be sent to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Long Beach, Mississippi. So many faithful adults and youth helpers contributed in some way to make this week the greatest adventure ever for 187 participants. Thank you to each and every one of them. Extra special thanks to our Safari Leader, Molly Petersen; she is an outstanding safari leader! Finally, we are looking at having Scripture Safari in June next year, tentatively scheduled for June 18 22, We hope to see everyone again next summer! A Special Thank You Dear Friends of St. Thomas, A very special thank you for your support these past 15 years of junior high youth ministry and my work with the youth. You have made my work here a gift and privilege and for that I am most grateful. Thank you also for your many well wishes, cards and gifts of love and appreciation. You have all blessed my life in a special way. Thank you! Christ s love and peace be with you always, Pauline Vandy Page 7 June 25, 2006

8 Service Commission Outreach Domestic Violence If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising his hand against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, my equal, my companion, my close friend, with whom I enjoyed sweet friendship as we walked in the house of God with the throng. Ps 55:12-14 What is Domestic violence? Domestic violence is a pattern of violent behaviors used to control an intimate partner. It may be physical, but it may also take on more subtle forms such as emotional, verbal, or financial intimidation and control. It may take forms such as isolating the partner from family and friends, threats, intimidation, controlling where the partner can go and/or do, putting the victim down or causing them to be afraid, making light of the abuse, and making the victim feel guilty. (For a complete description go to It is in our midst: Domestic Violence occurs in all socio-economic, racial and religious groups. Statistically, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 12 men in our churches have experienced domestic violence and their abuser is likely to be sitting next to them. Abusers are often good providers, charming, sober, and respected in their congregations. However in their homes, they are controlling, extremely jealous and threatening. To confront this issue, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released the following statement: "As pastors of the Catholic Church in the United States, we state clearly and strongly... that violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified. Violence in any form -- physical, sexual, psychological or verbal -- is sinful." Both church groups and state and local agencies provide resources and help for both the victim and the abuser. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, or you suspect you may be an abuser, get help. You are not alone. Illinois 24 hour Domestic Abuse Hotline: (800) 603-HELP Gives phone numbers and addresses of domestic abuse and homeless shelters, makes referrals to family counselors, and does counseling over the phone. Also offers FREE counseling for children from violent homes and has a High School Education Program. Illinois 24 hour bilingual Domestic Violence Hotline: (312) National Domestic Violence Hotline SAFE Pastoral Care Blood Drive St. Thomas, in association with Heartland Blood Center, will host a Blood Drive, Monday July 10 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Interested donors are asked to call for scheduling. Direct any questions or concerns to the Parish Nurse Office at x 104. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, be in good health and feeling well. The donor must weigh 110 pounds or more and not have donated blood within 8 weeks. It is suggested that you will have eaten within four hours of donation. Individual, in-depth screening will take place by the Heartland staff on donation day. Appointments are strongly encouraged. We welcome previous and new donors. Consider starting your summer with this gift of life. June 25, 2006 Page 8

9 Parish Life Commission If you are 50 or over, you are cordially invited to join our group. We always welcome fresh ideas and new friends. Couples and singles are welcome. Upcoming meetings and activities include: June 25 Mass for Deceased Members of 50 & Holding. Sunday, 7:30 AM Mass. July 16 7:30 AM Mass for deceased members. No Monthly meeting in July Aug. 16 Monthly Meeting in the Lighthouse. Wednesday, 7 PM Ice Cream Social. August 20 7:30 AM Mass for deceased members NOTE: Shirley Mann has agreed to serve as "Sunshine Lady" for the club. Please give Shirley a call if you know of a member who is ill, in the hospital, or in need of some encouragement. There s no better time than NOW to join 50 and Holding. If interested, call Bill Huff (parishioner). Hope to see you! GOD WILL POINT THE WAY Stewardship is in our hearts, but like any other discipline, good stewardship takes time to infuse our total being. And so the operative word that the good steward uses is: Relax! God is with us on our journey. He will point the way. It is not so much that good stewardship has a learning curve; it is more an experiential curve. In other words, as we do or live good stewardship, we become better and better at it. And, as we experience that satisfaction (it is really God's grace streaming into our lives) that comes from sharing some portion of our time, our talents and our treasure, we hunger for more. It becomes easier, more natural. Once a person actively commits herself or himself to the first step becoming a conscious or intentional steward the next steps and portions of the stewardship journey will reveal themselves. In people they meet, situations they see, words they hear, they will begin to hear the soft, gentle call of God, asking them to respond. The good steward then responds, not out of guilt, but out of gratitude. Not responding to every one of the cacophony of voices and needs that cry out, but to certain ones that, at this particular time of life, can be addressed. Used by permission of St. Anthony Messenger Press Diocesan Annual Appeal Diocese of Joliet Diocesan Appeal Results as of June 6, 2006 Parish Appeal Goal: $142,254 Pledges received at St. Thomas $73,149 % of Goal pledged to date: 51.4% Remaining amount to goal: $69,105 All of us share in the life of the Diocese of Joliet. We are many people, but one Church. If you have not made a gift to the Annual Appeal, please do so today. Your gift will touch many lives. Thank you. Stewardship A Way of Life Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory (week 50) Envelopes 20,663 Loose 2,916 Automatic Direct Debit Mailed in & stock donations Total for week *Based on Collection Counters Reports Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) to date: Weekly Average 7/1/05 to date: % of Annual Sunday Offertory Goal Sunday Offertory Goal for YTD Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 $23,579 $11,176 $2,220 $36,975 $1,652,615 $33, $1,700,000 $1,768,000 Page 9 June 25, 2006

10 Administration Commission Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Lighthouse The June St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held on Thursday evening June 29, at 7:00 pm in the Lighthouse. The speaker will be Syndie Cassedy, US OperationsHR Manager for BP s Refining and Marketing Segment. Ms. Cassedy is an established professional with over twenty years of HR experience. Syndie has worked in HR for four major corporations including BP, Becton Dickinson, Sara Lee and Tenneco. Syndie s presentation is titled Reinventing Your Offering. Syndie will share her more than twenty years experience as an HR professional to explore what we need to do in today s market place to be able to use the skills that we have and what we need to do to leverage them to fit into today s job needs. Please plan to attend this very informative and exciting presentation by Syndie Cassedy as she shares her experiences about howdomvio to Reinvent ourselves to meet to needs of today s job market place. THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, June 26 8:30am-11:30 a.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 7:00 8:30 p.m. RCIA, Youth Center 7:00 9:30 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00 9:15 p.m. ALPHA Facilitators Training, Senior Center 7:30 9:30 p.m. Haiti Twinning, Resource Center 7:30 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer, Meeting Room 2 7:30 9:00 p.m. Meditation, St. Patrick Chapel Tuesday, June 27 9:00am all day Jr. High Cluster Mission, Gym & Ministry Center 6:30 8:30 p.m. Health Committee Meeting, Meeting Room 4 Wednesday, June 28 8:30am-11:30 a.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:00am all day Jr. High Cluster Mission, Gym & Ministry Center 7:00 9:00 p.m. Apex, Resource Center 7:30 9:15 p.m. Buildings& Grounds/Security, Meeting Room 4 7:30 9:00 p.m. Neighborhood Connections, Gathering Area 7:30 9:30 p.m. Sojourners Rehearsal, Church Did you know you can register for your 2006/2007 ministries online? It's easy as visit 2. click on "Login to STA online" and register for a STA account 3. Login with your user name and password, and sign up for your favorite ministries Thursday, June 29 8:30 am-11:30 a.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:00am 6:00 p.m. Jr. High Cluster Mission, Gym & Ministry Center 7:00 10:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry Lecture, Lighthouse Friday, June 30 8:30am 11:30 a.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area Saturday, July 1 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Christian Fellowship, Resource Center 2:00 4:15 p.m. Library Hours, Library 4:30 p.m. Outdoor Mass Sunday, July 2 (Details and FAQs can be found on the Login page) June 25, 2006 Page 10