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2 Page Two Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 13, 2008 MONDAY, July 14, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha 8:30am Mary Aliotta, Sandra Pierzchala TUESDAY, July 15, St. Bonaventure 8:30am John Rybicki, Edward Mitchell Anna Koestner WEDNESDAY, July 16, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel 8:30am Marie Ponczoch, Fr. Joseph Verardi THURSDAY, July 17, Weekday 8:30am Rose Meyer, James Davis, Richard Davis San-Juan Family FRIDAY, July 18, St. Camillus de Lellis 8:30am Jerry Brand, Joan Kazmierczak SATURDAY, July 19, Weekday 8:30am Catherine Rzeszutko, Ed & Irene Wanilesta 5:00pm Joseph Crotese, Angela Allen, Loretta Piekut Deceased Members of McDonnell Family, Deceased Members of Monaghan Family SUNDAY, July 20, Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30am Ernie Grebbs, Rosemary Morris Joseph Gagliano II Felix and Harriet Suchodolski 9:00am Dean Grabowski, Margaret Grabowski Dennis Kroll 10:30am Truly T. Kroll, George Brunell, Jr. Marie Havlik, San-Juan Family 12:00pm Ted & Joseph Zalewski, Wiktoria Ignarska Deceased Members of Bakalich Family FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP JUNE Offertory $6, Peter s Pence $2, Sharing Ascension/St. Susanna $ July 5-6 Offertory $8, Peter s Pence $ Sharing Ascension/St. Susanna $ Thank you for your generosity! Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently especially, Elizabeth Calderone and Sarah Barrows. THERE WILL BE A NOVENA ON TUESDAY, JULY 15 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE CHURCH. KNOWING GOD Knowing God is not so much a question of opening a book and reading about God, but of opening the heart and loving God. Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time The word of the Lord comes from the lips of Isaiah saying, my word shall not return to me void. God speaks through the prophet saying as water returns to heaven only after watering the earth and making it fertile, such are his words. God s plan will in the end be accomplished. God says that his word is achieving the end for which I sent it. Therefore, the Israelites (and we, too) must have hope, even when things seem hopeless. St. Paul also speaks about hope when he says that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed. He tells the Romans that we ourselves are groaning while awaiting redemption, where all will be set free from slavery to corruption (sin and death). In Matthew s gospel Jesus tells the parable of the one who sows the seed. The seed is planted on a pathway, among thorns, on rocky ground and in rich soil. It is only in the rich soil that the seed grows and bears fruit. Jesus explains that like the particular type of soil that only bears fruit it is a particular person that will bear fruit for the kingdom. But because the people have closed their eyes and ears to God, they are unable to understand him. It is only those who understand with their hearts the words of God who will bear rich fruit. Through hope and trust in God s word a person can understand with the heart and live in the spirit of God s grace. Am I producing fruit for the kingdom? Isaiah 55:10-11 Romans 8:18-23 Matthew 13:1-23

3 July 13, 2008 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Three Today s scriptures emphasize truly listening so that we may hear God s word. It is only through hearing God s Word that the grace of God can enter out lives. Since salvation is possible only through accepting and acting on God s Word in our lives, the scriptures are really a wake up call to remind us to listen, to pay attention to what God has to say. If we believe, act and trust in that Word, then God s will for us will be accomplished. Our Catholic belief is that God s Word (his will) is for our salvation and that God means what he says. God assures us that he is in charge and that his word is effective. The prophet Isaiah tells us that the Lord says that his word will go forth from his mouth and will not return to him empty. God says, my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it. He further tells us that the end for which he sent the word (i.e. his purpose) is so that, like the rain and the snow, it waters the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats. In other words (pardon the pun), God s word is to nourish us. Jesus expands on this passage from Isaiah in today s gospel parable of the seed. The sower (the one who plants) goes out to sow. Some seed falls on the path and the birds eat it. Some seed falls on rocky ground where it withers for lack of roots. Some seed falls among thorns which choke it. And some seed falls in rich soil where it yields fruit thirty, sixty and one hundredfold. God, of course, is the one who sows. The seed is God s Word. The seed sown on the path is the one who does not understand the word of the kingdom and has it stolen from him. The rocky ground is the one who hears the word with joy, but because it has no roots, he falls away when times get tough. The thorny ground is the one who hears the word but worldly anxiety and material things choke the word and it bears no fruit. The seed sown in rich soil is the one who hears and understands the word and will yield abundant fruit. It seems to be part of our human nature that at times we are all like the rocky or the thorny ground. We have heard God s Word but our understanding is often clouded and our wills are weak. So when trials and tribulations come we no longer rely on God but use our will to try to control the circumstances around us. At other times the anxieties of daily living overwhelm us and we are no longer listen for God s word. And sometimes the lure of material things leads us to ignore the Word of God. We live in a consumer culture that tells us that we deserve all the good things in life, and we should have them right now, pursuing pleasure and comfort as our goals. And all of us fall into this temptation at times, some more than others. Jesus says that the people have hardened their hearts and do not listen or understand the word. He warns us that whoever has ears ought to hear. St. Paul tells us that we await deliverance from slavery to sin and the corruption of death through the redemption that comes from Christ, so that we may experience the glorious freedom of the children of God and receive the fruits of the Spirit. In order for that to happen we must listen to the Word of God, hear it and act upon it, so that we will yield the fruits of the Spirit. All of us should look at our lives from God s perspective. A brief checklist would include both the vices and the virtues. Are we selfish, do we indulge various lusts for pleasure, are we enslaved to consumer debt, are we angry, jealous, spiteful, self absorbed, prideful, taking credit for the gifts that God has given us, do we bear false witness or speak unkindly of others, are we prejudiced against those who are different in any way? Do we obey the commandments, attend Sunday mass regularly to hear the Word of God, give generously of our resources, perform corporal works of mercy for those who suffer or are less fortunate, do we go out of our way to work for peace and justice, do we respect others, do we truly love God with all our heart and soul and our neighbor as ourselves, do we live the beatitudes, do we show the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives? The Good News is that God will give us all the grace we need if we listen to his Word. God says that his word will not return to him empty. We just need to take the time to hear that word and ask him for the courage to act upon it in our lives. And then God will take care of the rest. Have a great week. Sincerely, Fr. Neil

4 Page Four Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 13, 2008 MUSIC NOTES Today s Old Testament reading from Isaiah compares the Word of God to the rains that make the earth fruitful. Today s psalm is a hymn of praise to the Creator, who sustains life by sending rains to nourish and provide an abundant harvest. The refrain, The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest, is taken from the Gospel, in which Jesus uses the parable of the sower, spreading seeds, and hoping they will bear much fruit. The psalm, then, rather than being just another song that we sing during Mass, makes direct connection between the Old Testament and Gospel readings. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The last day to register for RE classes for the calendar year is on Sunday, September 7 from 1:00 2:00 p.m. Please plan to attend even if you have pre-registered. The last day to receive discounted tuition is August 1, This is the 28th year for the Archdiocese of Chicago s Young Adult Ministry s summer lecture and fun series that runs from July 13- August 10. Young adults are invited to attend any of the different events during this four week program. Theology on tap is hosted by nearly 40 parishes in Chicago and suburbs. For more information log on to #1220 $500 Pat Harrison #0421 $200 Sarah Hester #2317 $100 St. Robert Bellarmine School #1580 $100 Joanne Grichter #0204 $ 50 Joseph Glass #0015 $ 50 Ann Decicco #0065 $ 30 Gayle Strain #0809 $ 30 Camille Guiriba #1222 $ 30 Margaret Beilmann, Harwood Hts. #0015 $ 30 Ann Decicco #1723 $ 30 Dianne Filstead, Arlington Hts. #1900 $ 30 Gaskin #1699 $ 30 Mary Lou Swiatek #2260 $ 30 St. Robert Bellarmine School #1882 $ 30 Cleary #2548 $ 30 Frank & Donna Kehoe #0020 $ 30 Yolanda & Robert Simonsis #0109 $ 30 Dolores Rosenthal #0808 $ 30 Ms. Alvina Callahan #1876 $ 30 Veronica Ruiz #1527 $ 30 Janet Gice The Missionaries of the Holy Innocents present FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS Every first Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Our Lady of Victory Church, 5212 W. Agatite Ave., Chgo. Spiritual Talks, Confession, Rosary, Benediction, Holy Mass To Honor The Sacred Heart of Jesus & The Immaculate Heart of Mary Please Join Us Praying for an end to abortion. Norwood Seniors Network Luncheon Outing Tuesday, July 22 Experience this first-time visit with Norwood Seniors Network to What s Cooking in Chicago, a Kosher restaurant that specializes in deli, Kosher and Middle Eastern cuisine. Transportation pick-up and drop-off from your home is provided for $10.00 per person. Diners pay for their own meals. Please call (773) by July 18 to register. Archdiocese of Chicago At Home Pilgrimage Friday, August 1, 2008: 7:30 p.m. Departure Mass for All Pilgrims Queen of All Saints 6280 N. Sauganash, Chicago, IL Concelebrated by Cardinal George and Bishop Paprocki Monday, August 4, 2008: 7:30 p.m. Opening Mass for the At Home Pilgrimage Our Lady of Lourdes 4640 N. Ashland, Chicago, IL Tuesday, August 5, 2008: 7:30 p.m. Torchlight Rosary Procession Felician Sisters-Mother of Good Counsel Province 3800 W. Peterson, Chicago, IL Wednesday, August 6, 2008: 7:30 p.m. Archdiocesan Mass followed by Eucharistic Procession St. Mary of the Angels 1850 N. Hermitage, Chicago, IL Thursday, August 7, 2008: 7:30 p.m. Healing Mass with Anointing of the Sick & Reconciliation Our Lady of the Woods W. l31st, Orland Park, IL Friday, August 8, 2008: 7:30 p.m. Torchlight Way of the Cross Mundelein Seminary Grotto St. Mary of the Lake Seminary

5 July 13, 2008 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Five Dear St. Robert Bellarmine families, The summer is going quickly and we have just a little more than a month until the new school year starts. During my first two weeks as the new principal at St. Robert s, I have worked to settle in and meet many new people. I have been an educator for more than twenty years and have taught most of the grades and subjects. Most recently, I was the Assistant Principal at St. Luke School in River Forest. I have two Masters Degrees; the Curriculum and Instruction degree helped me become a better teacher and the Educational Leadership degree helped me become a better administrator. I am excited and grateful to become part of the St. Robert Bellarmine School family and look forward to meeting each of you. I take my responsibility as principal very seriously. My door is always open, so please feel free to contact me for an appointment. It is my goal to have each school family come for a one-on-one meeting. Please bring family pictures for me to keep, too. Call the school office at to set up a time. There are several important dates for you to note on your calendar. The school office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. The New Family Meeting is August 13 at 7:00 P.M., in the school s lunch room. The Parent Handbook pick-up times are on August 16 and 17, after each Mass, in Kernaghan Hall. The first day of school for Grades 1-8 is August 21; students arrive at 8:00 A.M. and are dismissed at 11:30 A.M. August 22 is a full day of school for Grades 1-8; students should arrive at 8:00 A.M. and are dismissed at 2:40 P.M. Kindergarten interviews are August 21, 22, and 25. The preschool and the lunch program both begin on September 2. The fall Open House is September 15, at 7:00 P.M. in Kernaghan Hall. The school handbook will be available on-line soon. Please take time to read it as there has been some updating. Many of you are aware that students wear closed-heel shoes for school. The girls will be able to wear a white polo shirt, in addition to the traditional white uniform blouse option. I am looking forward to a wonderful year at St. Robert Bellarmine School. I would like to thank you for choosing our school. God Bless, Mrs. Carrie Mijal

6 Page Six Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 13, 2008 We Pray For OUR TROOPS Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands; protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. May their sacrifices bring them home safely. Grant that their work may bring about a lasting and just peace in those lands in which they serve. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen Edward Bell (Army) Staff Sergeant Timothy R. Hogan (Marines) Sergeant Steven Sullivan (Marines) Raymond Weernink (Navy) 2nd Lieutenant Christopher Engelhardt (Air Force) Captain Kevin P. O Grady (Air Force) Captain Dan Allen (Army) Brigadier General Tau aika Uta atu (Tongan Defense) Sergeant Joseph Konieczny (Army) Mike Janson (Navy) Lance Corporal Kurt Williams (Marines) Specialist Sean Cheker (Army) Bernard Brennan, (Marines) Lance Corporal Michael Zuba (Marines) SPC Michael Amenitsch (Army) Private James A. Gaudio (Army) CM Sergeant Bruce Heinzen (Air Force) CPL Jason R. Reyna (Marines) Sergeant Scott Pekar (Marines) CM Sergeant Diane Foote (Air Force) Private Colleen McDonald (Army) Micha Barcus (Coastguard) 1st Lieutenant Albert Eiffes (Air Force) Private 2 Michael Rosenthal (Army) EM3 Abraham Inoa (Navy) 1st Lieutenant Lauren Eiffes (Air Force) Captain Patrick J. Collins (Army) Private Ewa Dabrowski (Navy) First Lieutenant Brian G. Lutz (Army) Richie Sullivan (Marines) Lieutenant Commander Daniel Moll (Navy) Why Have Year of St. Paul? Wednesday, July 16, 7:00 p.m. Spirit... Faith Beliefs Summer Speaker Series 2008 Fr. Joseph Mulcrone is the Director of the Deaf Ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago and a resident priest at St. Francis Borgia Parish. Sign interpretation will be provided. Bumping into God: Finding God in Unexpected Places Wednesday, July 30, 7:30 p.m. Fr. Dominic Grassi is the Pastor of St. Gertrude parish, Chicago, a life-long Chicagoan, storyteller, author and amateur chef. Giving Thanks and Praise: Understanding the Eucharist Prayer Wednesday, August 13, 7:30 p.m. Todd Williamson is the Director of the Office of Diving Worship, Archdiocese of Chicago, and author of various books and articles on the Catholic faith. Free admission Light refreshments St. Francis Borgia Church-Fr. Stokes Center, 8025 W. Addison, Chicago (773) MASS SCHEDULE JULY MASS PRESIDER SERVERS LECTORS AUXILIARY MINISTERS 5:00pm 7:30am 9:00am 10:30am 12:00pm Msgr. Charles Lang Fr. Scott Donahue Fr. Scott Donahue Fr. Neil Fackler Fr. Matthew Feit Jessica Weernik, Eamon McInerney Mary McInerney Zachary Stefanski, Michael Medina Eric Wilson Nicole Johnson, Siobhan Walsh Sarah Benavides Nicole Connelly, Rebecca Borghi Vivian Kadus Katarina Brooks, Erin Radcliffe Kathleen Hughes Joyce Kosinski Paul Wisniewski Lee Puttrich Jane Hearrin Walter Monco Daniel Gandor, Pastora Gandor, Ed Stecker Mary Ann Furphy, Donna Kehoe, Deacon Jim Janet Gorgius, Marlene Heinlein, Donna Czech, Deacon Jim Pat Zyburt, Pat Gross, Jean Gross Nancy Kriescher, Joan Pandocchi, Donna Porretta Mark Calcagno, Sue Calcagno, Tom Calcagno

7 Rev. Neil E. Fackler, Pastor Rev. Scott Donahue, Resident Rev. Michael A. Goergen, Pastor Emeritus James Schiltz, Deacon Sr. Mary Lou Stoffel SND, School Principal Lorraine Sharpe, Coordinator of Religious Education Jean Tuohy, Music Director PARISH OFFICE AND RECTORY 4646 North Austin Avenue Chicago, Illinois Tel. 773/ Fax 773/ Website: Loretta Pociask, Secretary RECTORY SUMMER HOURS M-F - 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sat. - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sun. - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE Lorraine Sharpe, Coordinator Joyce Schoenecker, Admin. Asst West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/ ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE SCHOOL Sr. Mary Lou Stoffel, SND, Principal 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/ Convent Tel. 773/ OFFICE OF MUSIC DIRECTOR Jean Tuohy 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/ BULLETIN Beverly O Connor, Editor 773/ BULLETIN DEADLINE Saturday by 12 Noon in the rectory for the following Sunday (8 days in advance). PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT DEADLINE Friday by 6:00 p.m. in the rectory. MASS SCHEDULE Weekdays - Monday through Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Weekends - Saturday Evening at 5:00 p.m. Sundays at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon Holy Days - 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. WEDDINGS Arrangements should be made with a priest or deacon at least six months in advance. Please contact the rectory for date and time availability before making other arrangements. BAPTISMS Celebrated the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 1:15 p.m. Parents need to contact the rectory to register for a baptism. Please note: there are no baptisms scheduled in the season of Lent. Preparation Class is on the last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. CONFESSIONS/RECONCILIATION Saturday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. or by appointment. ANOINTING OF THE SICK First Saturday of the month after the 8:30 a.m. mass. NEW PARISHIONERS Welcome to Saint Robert s! Please register at the parish rectory office. NOVENA Mother of Perpetual Help Novena is offered on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church. RECITATION OF THE ROSARY Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m.