The Baptism of the Lord, January 13, 2013

Transcription

1 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Naperville IL Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon, Bishop. Most Rev. Joseph Siegel, Auxiliary Bishop. Most Rev. Joseph L. Imesch, Bishop Emeritus The Baptism of the Lord, January 13, 2013

2 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at (Religious Education) (Facsimilie) Parish Staff Priests Rev. Don E. McLaughlin Pastor, x102, Rev. Rodolphe Arty, C.S.C. Parochial Vicar, x 103, rarty@stapostle.org Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. Weekend Associate, robco@robco.org Permanent Deacons Rev. Mr. Michael (Kathryn) Barrett x220, meabarrett@att.net Rev. Mr. Jim (Mary Jo) Breen , jimb4853@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. Larry (Susan) Kearney x225, lrkearney@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Chuck (Sue) Lane x220, chucklane2@juno.com Rev. Mr. Pat (Mary Jo) Lennon x220, presence.now@gmail.com Liturgy Kate Cuddy Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, kcuddy@stapostle.org Scott Knisley Asst. Director of Music and Liturgy, x111, sknisley@stapostle.org Lori Culberson Liturgy Coordinator, x120, lculberson@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga* Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Sandy Renehan Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy Patti Dougherty Director of Religious Education, x109, pdougherty@stapostle.org Brett Adams Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, x117, badams@stapostle.org Peggy Goralski Associate Partner of Youth Ministry, x123, pgoralski@stapostle.org Chari Rosales Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, crosales@stapostle.org Nancy Cirmo Religious Education Assistant, x118, ncirmo@stapostle.org Outreach and Social Justice Michael Ryder Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, mryder@stapostle.org Anne Schultz OSJ Partner, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Sally Meno* OSJ Financial, x137, smeno@stapostle.org Pastoral Care Jan Olah Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. Faith Community Nurse, x104, flawlor@stapostle.org Rose Grumbine*, R.N., Faith Community Nurse, x140, rgrumbine@stapostle.org Administration Janet Simmons Finance/Business Officer, x106, jsimmons@stapostle.org Diane McQueen Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Kathy Ferguson Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Elizabeth Fisher* Evening/Saturday Receptionist Mary Wright* Evening/Saturday Receptionist Marge Coronado Administration and R.E. Asst, x219, mcoronado@stapostle.org Marilyn DeMeo* Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle Bulletin and Web Editor, Liturgy Asst, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Bob Hartmann* Facility Manager, x133, facility@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community Christine Berta Pam Foster Nick Furibondo Richard Strassburger Charles Haydon Commission Facilitators Worship Kate Cuddy Parish Life Faith Formation Chris Baker Administration Charles Haydon Service Carol Healy Finance Chairman Bruce Patterson *indicates part-time staff Sacrament of Reconciliation Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Our priests are available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally during the year. Sick and Home Bound Call the Church Office to receive prayer/eucharist from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care. Baptism Baptisms are usually celebrated 2-3 Sundays each month at a 12:30 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend an awareness and renewal evening 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 Samaritan Interfaith or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care x 124. Sunday Nursery Nursery care is available for your child age one (walking) to four at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office. Liturgy Schedule Daily (Monday Friday) Communion Service 6:30 a.m. Rosary 8:10 a.m. Mass 8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Mass 8:30 a.m. Weekend Saturday Vigil 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday, 9:00 9:30 a.m.

3 From the Pastor s Desk... I hope you still have your Christmas decorations up! I do! The Christmas season isn t over until today! Despite the early start to the Christmas season by the commercial world, (and try to find any Christmas music on the radio on December 26!) the church celebrates the Christmas season from the eve of Christmas through today s feast, the Baptism of the Lord. It may seem strange that the Baptism of the Lord ends the Christmas season because there is such a historical gap in years between the birth and baptism of Jesus.remember Jesus wasn t baptized as an infant, but as an adult. If we think of Christmas as simply about the baby, it s hard to see what this feast has to do with Christmas. But if we recognize that Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation and of the beginning of our redemption, then the baptism of the Lord is linked to it as the time when he accepted the mission that the Father intended for him. And that is the significance of our own baptism accepting the mission that God intends for us! As we bring the Christmas season to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to thank several people who worked so hard to make the liturgical celebration of Advent and Christmas at St. Thomas so uplifting and joyful. Liturgy and Music Director Kate Cuddy, Assistant Music Director Scott Knisley, and all the various choirs, music ensembles and instrumentalists for the many hours of preparation and rehearsals that resulted in beautiful music for our liturgies. Thanks to Lori Culberson, Liturgy Coordinator, for all her hard work attending to many details and in preparing presider s texts for numerous liturgies. Thanks to Angie Tuttle for getting all the liturgy booklets printed. Thanks to Theresa Sheliga and all our sacristans for preparing the needed vessels and items for each mass. Thank you to those on the church cleaning and Art and Environment Committees for preparing and decorating our church (and gym) so beautifully for the Advent and Christmas season. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped set-up/take down the decorations. Thanks to all our Deacons for their assistance in this Christmas season. Thank you to all the liturgical ministers (lectors, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, ushers, greeters) during this season. And if I have forgotten to mention anyone I apologize, but please know of my appreciation for anything you may have done to help celebrate Christmas at St. Thomas the Apostle! On behalf of Fr. Dof and myself, we wish to thank all those who sent us Christmas cards, gave us homemade goodies or personal gifts. We truly appreciate your kindness in remembering us at Christmas. Heidi got a few gifts too and thanks everyone! May the peace, joy, and hope of the Christmas Season remain with you throughout the New Year 2013! God bless you all! The Baptism of the Lord January 13, 2013 He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 Welcome Guests and Visitors! We re so glad you re here and invite you to walk the path of faith with us. St. Thomas strives to provide a spiritual home where all are welcome, where the healing, reconciling, liberating love of God is shared by all. We believe the church is the sacrament of God s saving presence in the world, join us! Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us in the gym for Welcome Sunday between 9:00 and 9:30 or 10:30 and 11:15, TODAY, January 13.

4 Worship Commission Liturgy & Music New Hymnals! St. Thomas will be purchasing new hymnals in the near future, and your help is needed! This is quite an expense, so we are offering the option of personalized bookplates. These bookplates can be used to celebrate the memory of a departed loved one, commemorate an important event, or to simply honor your family name. These bookplates adhere directly to the inside front cover of your hymnals, creating a lasting memory for years to come. Below is an example of what one of the bookplates would look like. Purchasing these new hymnals will help offset the music ministries costs of licensing and printing, as well as offer access to many beloved traditional hymns, and many new contemporary songs, including many from well known composers in the St. Thomas community such as John Angotti, Kate Cuddy, Gary Daigle, Tony Alonso, Chris De Silva, David Haas, and Lori True. Soon, flyers will be available for you to write the names of your family/loved ones to be adhered onto the inside cover of a hymnal. The cost for each hymnal/ bookplate will be $20. More information will be announced soon! Symbols of Baptism The symbols of the baptismal rite put into focus the primary gift of baptism- the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a share in divine life: Water plunged into the baptismal waters, we are plunged into Christ s death; rising, we share in his risen life. Water brings both death (to our old selves) and life (new life of rebirth in God). Chrism anointed with Chrism, we share in the threefold of Christ priest, prophet, and king. Our being anointed with Chrism is a consecration of ourselves to conform our life to Christ s. White garment clothed in a white garment, we are reminded of our new, risen life in Christ. We have been given a new identity as beloved daughters and sons of God. We are to live unstained until we come to enjoy eternal life with God. Lighted Candle enlightened by Christ, we are also to be the light of Christ dispelling sin and darkness in the world. We ourselves are to be living examples that in Christ the light of salvation has come into the world. Although all of these symbols imply the demands of discipleship (Water dying to self; Chrism conforming ourselves to Christ; White Garment living lives worthy of who we are; lighted candle overcoming the darkness of evil), they primarily help us understand who we become in baptism members of the Body of Christ, sharing in divine identity. Greater awareness and appreciation of our identity eases the way for us to be more faithful in our discipleship. -- From Living Liturgy, LTP Publications Presider s Schedule January Saturday 4:30 pm, Fr. Dof Arty, Deacon Mike Barrett Sunday 8:00 am, Fr. Don McLaughlin 9:30 am, Fr. Don McLaughlin, Deacon Larry Kearney 11:15 am, Fr. Bob Colaresi 6:00 pm, Fr. Matt Lorenz Schedule is subject to change. Christmas Tree Help Needed WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 Come help take down the beautiful decorations. Many hands make for EASY work! Gather around 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 16. Many hands were available last year and the job was completed in under an hour! January 13, 2013, Page 4

5 Pray For Our Parish Almighty ever-living God, When Christ was baptized in the Jordan River And as the Holy Spirit came down upon him, You declared him your beloved Son. Grant that we may be also Reborn of water and the Holy Spirit And always be pleasing to you. 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. For the sick Jonathan Roller, grandson of Joan & Jim For the deceased Cecilia Dirube, mother of Rosa Bronson Tasilla Tegmeyer, aunt of Bill Dougherty & Nancy Trattner Mary Ryan, sister of Bill Scanlon Ron Angelotti, husband of Carol Please Pray for our Men and Women Serving in the Military Our parish community would like to recognize and remember the following individuals in prayer: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brooke Sica Lt. Joseph Zito A1C Maxwell Dempsey Joseph Michalowicz AB Jon Babiarz, Special Forces Air Force National Guard Senior Airman Jacob Brancaleon U.S. Army Lt. Alanna Casey Cpt. Matthew Haselhorst Staff Sgt. Aaron Simms Sgt. William Stuart PFC Sean Wesley 1st Lt. Chris Turley SPC Eric Servatius Matt Nelson Medic Jeremy See Warrant Officer Aviation Kyle Zimmerman U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Kevin Martin Corporal Aaron Murphy Captain Brad Rothman Lance Corporal Oliver Buckley Lt. Colin Miller-Ratcliffes Lance Corporal Tommy Baldacci U.S. Navy AT3 Amanda Schlarman Ensign Jason Coons Alex Metzger John Osborne Jennifer Slown Pvt. Sonia Carrillo SN Joel Curry SR Jeffrey Bates Airman Alex Dwork U.S. Coast Guard Call the parish office to include someone you love in the Military prayer list. Mass Intentions Monday, January 14, :30 Bill Riordan Tuesday, January 15, :30 Sick & Homebound of St. Thomas Wednesday, January 16, :30 Joseph Quattrochi, by Joseph Battisto Thursday, January 17, :30 Vocations of Priesthood & Religious Life Friday, January 18, :30 Jennie Battisto, by Vito Battisto Saturday, January 19, :30 Sisters of St. Patrick s Residence 4:30 Carol Krey, by Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Krey, Zoe & Hailey Sunday, January 20, :00 Francis Bessenhard, by Ann Clawson & Kathy Fullen Jerzy Szewczyk, by Lydia 9:30 For the People of St. Thomas 11:15 DeWayne Gentert, by Family Natalie Hilmann, by Phyllis Cliff 6:00 Youth of St. Thomas Parish Page 5 January 13, 2013

6 Faith and Formation Commission Adult Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, Did you know this psalm is a reflection on the creation story of Genesis? It gives praise to the glory of God. Do you see God s presence in the beauty of creation? Save these dates! As you fill in your 2013 calendar, give these dates consideration: Jan Feb 4-6 Feb Men s Retreat: The Challenge of God Parish Mission Eucharist: Core of Our Catholic Faith Women s Retreat: Energy for Wholeness Beauty Reflected Watch this space and the St. Thomas website for details! Today s Readings First Reading Isaiah speaks of the Servant whom the Lord upholds; he shall bring forth justice to the nations (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7) or Isaiah 40:1-5, Psalm The Lord will bless his people with peace (Psalm 29) or Psalm 104. Second Reading Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit; he went out healing and doing good (Acts 10:34-38) or Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7. Gospel A voice comes from heaven proclaiming Jesus as the beloved Son, with whom God is well pleased (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings for the Week Mon: Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97:1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9; Mk 1:14-20 Tues: Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2ab, 5, 6-9; Mk 1:21-28 Wed: Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Mk 1:29-39 Thurs: Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95:6-11; Mk 1:40-45 Fri: Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3, 4bc, 6c-8; Mk 2:1-12 Sat: Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mk 2:13-17 Sun: Is 62:1-5; Ps 96:1-3, 7-10; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11 What are you listening to? What do you long to hear? On Sunday, January 13, from 4:15 to 6:00 p.m., the St. Thomas Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission presents Word of Love: All About Relationships. Presenters from Samaritan Interfaith will focus on the question, What makes a good connection/relationship in this busy, wired world? This workshop for adults and teens will help participants understand the link between stress and relationships, and how to connect to yourself, family, community and God. An RSVP to Peggy Goralski ( x123 or pgoralski@stapostle.org) is requested by Jan. 10, but walk-ins are welcome. Start the New Year on a positive note renew your relationships, or be ready to nurture new ones! C.A.R.E. CORNER This week, we wrap up our series on what it means to have faith like that of a child. And what better way to end than with the virtue of hope. Kids tend to have great resilience and roll with the punches. They are able to quickly cast aside disappointment and to look ahead with expectation for the next good thing. Adults could learn a lesson from that. Our model of hope often comes in the form of a child. And our hope itself tends to be invested in children. That certainly was the case when it came to the child Jesus. Hope, like faith, has trust, confidence and desire at its foundation. Hope anticipates the fulfillment of those desires. The apostle Paul believed hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit whom he has given to us. (Romans 5:5) Kids aren t afraid to dream and to look to the future. We adults would be wise to do the same. Jesus, you are the real reason for the hope we have. Please help us to keep that always in the forefronts of our hearts and our minds. January 13, 2013, Page 6

7 Mark your calendar for the St. Thomas Parish Mission 2013 Pilgrimages Led by Fr. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. Carmelite & Colonial Spain: April 7-19 Focusing on the spirituality of Carmelite Sts. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. We visit Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Segovia, Salamanca, Avila, Alba de Tormes, and Fontiveros - Spain is a wonderful country, rich in history and heritage. France: July 7-16: following the life & spirituality of St. Thérèse. Includes Lourdes, Normandy, Lisieux, American Cemetery at Normandy Beaches, Alençon, and Paris. A country of rich history and prophetic saints in the 19 th century: Bernadette, Catherine Labouré and Thérèse. Holy Land in November or December dates & prices still being worked out. For further more information, full brochure or registration form, please contact: Darlene Jindra, Carmelite Spiritual Center, 8433 Bailey Road, Darien, IL 60561, CSCRetreat@aol.com Page 7 January 13, 2013

8 Faith and Formation Commission Youth Family Prayer Service for 1 st Eucharist Parents will present their children as candidates for reception of First Eucharist at the first Family Prayer Service on Wednesday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Please pray for these children as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, an event of great joy for them, their families and the entire St. Thomas faith community. Prizes Needed For Fun Fair First Graders in the Religious Education Program have a Fun Fair as part of their year of Faith Formation. There is a need for prizes, so if you have used puzzles, games, matchbox cars, dolls, etc. hanging around the house, they would be most appreciated. Please drop items off at the Faith Formation / Religious Education Office by January 27. Thank you. 1 st Reconciliation Parent Meetings Parents of children, who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, have been sent letters regarding parent meetings. Parents should attend one session from the following dates: Saturday, January 12 at 8:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Academy or Monday, January 14 at 7:15 p.m. at St. Thomas. If you have a child who should be preparing for their first Reconciliation and did not receive an information letter, please call the Religious Education office ( ).? Families: Take some time to discuss and reflect on the readings. Question of the Week... Do you have pictures of your baptism that you can share?? Teens With Character Upcoming Events January Sat, Jan 19, 9-11 am, Grandparents Day Service Project at St. Pat s Thurs, Jan 31, Feed My Starving Children Packing, 6-7:30 pm. Contact Peggy to reserve a spot or sign up online at Go to Volunteer Registration, select Join an Existing Group, and then type Peggy Goralski as the leader name and St. Thomas as the group name. If you have any questions or would like any further information about Teens with Character, please contact Peggy Goralski at pgoralski@stapostle.org or Ext th Grade Reconciliation Service Please make a note about the following dates, location and adjusted Saturday times in your calendar: Tues, Jan 22: 5 th graders meet at St. Thomas in the church instead of Brookdale School from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. Parents may participate in the Reconciliation Service. If a parent does attend, your child may leave with you when finished. Otherwise, students are to be picked up at the Gathering Area at 5:45 p.m. Sat, Jan 26 (Please note the following time change.) All Saturday A and B classes will meet at St. Thomas in the church instead of All Saints Catholic Academy from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Parents may participate in the Reconciliation Service. If a parent does attend, your child may leave with you when finished. Otherwise, students are to be picked up at the Gathering Area at 9:45 a.m. Important to note: All Saturday, 5 th grade students are to attend the 8:30 a.m. session at the church. There will be no 5 th grade classes at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday January 26. Students may leave their books and folders at home. Call the Religious Education Office ( ) if you have any questions or if your child has not yet received this sacrament. Middle School Religious Education Class Schedule Middle school religious education classes resume at All Saints on Monday, January 14. Classes will continue to explore Sacraments and Prayer (6 th grade), The Eucharist (7 th grade), and Christian Morality and Justice (8 th grade). Because of the Martine Luther King Day holiday, there will be no religious education classes on Saturday, January 19 or Monday, January 21. January 13, 2013, Page 8

9 Pancakes after Mass Sunday, January 20! St. Thomas the Apostle s teens are hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, January 20, to support next summer s mission trips. A pancake breakfast will be served after the 8:00 am, 9:30 am and 11:15 am masses. Enjoy delicious pancakes, scrumptious sausage, orange juice, fruit, and coffee. Yum yum! A freewill offering accepted at the door before or after your tasty meal. All of the proceeds will help purchase supplies and cover expenses for youth missions. Please plan on attending and getting to know your fellow St. Thomas family better at the table. Updated Schedule for Spring Confirmation Classes The Sunday dates for Confirmation classes are: January 6, 13, 20 and 27, February 10, 17, and 24, March 10 and 17. There are some weeks when no Monday class will be held and those students should attend the Sunday class. The Sunday (combined session) and Monday dates for Confirmation classes are January 6, 14, 20 and 28, February 11, 17, and 25, March 11 and 18. Journey Night Save the Date The next Journey Night for high school students and parents will take place on Sunday, January 27, at 4:15 p.m., in the gym. John Grossman will be the featured speaker. Retreat Planning for Life Retreat High school teens are needed to help plan the next Life Retreat, taking place in March. If you have made a Life Retreat and are interested in being a part of the team planning the next Life Retreat, planning meetings will take place on Thursdays, from 6:30-8:30 pm, in the Youth Center. Please join us this Thursday, January 17! Your gifts are needed! If you have questions or would like more information, contact Brett Adams at Ext. 117 or badams@stapostle.org. Did You Know? All Saints Catholic Academy has a 360 Virtual Tour of the school at the ASCA website Take the tour and travel through classrooms, cafeteria, library, gym, offices and more. See what All Saints looks like before you attend open houses at the end of January. Classroom Happenings As students return to school from their Christmas Break, we conclude the Christmas Season with the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord this weekend. Students have had many opportunities throughout this Christmas season to explore their faith. Pre Kindergarteners who attend school at the All Saints satellite campus located at St. Elizabeth Seton every day, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, really explored the birth of the tiny babe born in Bethlehem. We can all relate to Jesus birth in one way by the joy that we have experienced at the birth of our own children. Compare this love to the love of God our Father; sending his only son to save the world. Students reflected on the journey that Mary and Joseph had when they travelled to Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph were met with so many obstacles, which we all do in our everyday lives. Children learned that Christmas isn t all about Santa; after all, we wouldn't have Christmas without celebrating the birth of Jesus! They even read a story called Santa and the Christ Child, which prompted lots of discussion about the true meaning of Christmas. The students concluded their studies with a field trip to visit the crèche in the Worship Center. January Open Houses for School Year All Saints will host open houses during Catholic Schools Week on Sunday, January 27, and Wednesday, January 30. Staff members, along with representatives from athletics and our School Home Parish Partnership (SHPP) organization, will be available to answer questions at the Sunday open houses, 1 3 pm at the ASCA Main Campus, 1155 Aurora Avenue, Naperville (Preschool through Grade 8), and from 9 am to Noon at ASCA s St. Elizabeth Seton satellite campus (Pre Kindergarten program only), 2220 Lisson Road, Naperville. Page 9 January 13, 2013

10 Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Movie Bingo The parish needs money and the Archdiocese has a new bingo department. Bring the two together and you have a night of bible trivia, audience interaction, improvised moments, and the funniest quizzes about the Holy Family and movies you ve ever seen! Add to that a box of wacky prizes, fun bingo cards, and a lot of Catholic humor. In this interactive bingo show, you ll actually play bingo, and still learn a little something about what it means to be Catholic! The show gets the audience talking about everything from Adam & Eve to modern sins. Nuns4Fun, the group who brought you the popular Late Nite Catechism production, is coming to St. Thomas the Apostle on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 7:30pm! Their performance of Movie Bingo is sure to keep you laughing all night long. Soda, beer, and wine will be available. All proceeds will benefit the Haiti Twinning Duchity Education Fund! Tickets ($25) are on sale in the Gathering Area after Masses this weekend and next weekend and also in the main office or contact Alice ( , duchityeducationfund@gmail.com). St. Nicholas Relationship Most of the faith formation for children at St. Nicholas is conducted in Spanish. But some parents would like their children s faith formation to be in English. This is the second year that St. Thomas parishioners Marge Coronado and Diane McQueen have been teaching faith formation at St. Nicholas. The New Pax Christi Want to learn more about Pax Christi, the National Catholic Peace Movement? Come to the next meeting on January 13 in the Cana room at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, from 6:30-8:30pm. We first heard the calling from the pulpit. After further investigation, we decided to team teach due to the commitment of time. Even though we found the commitment to be more than we anticipated, the rewards have been beyond our imaginations. The parents and children have embraced the concept of faith formation beyond just sacramental preparation as has been done in the past. Our 20 students have almost perfect attendance on a weekly basis. This year we have a fourth grade class. We are learning about God s plan for us and our world. The children have shared who God is for them: creator, guide, and loving father. We also discussed paying grace forward. They demonstrated their understanding of this by donating food for their food pantry at St. Nicholas. It s a joy to share our faith with them because the benefits to us are greater than the time we give. We re grateful for the opportunity to share our St. Thomas faith with our twinning parish, St. Nicholas, and to grow the bond between our two parishes. Marge Coronado & Diane McQueen And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. Matthew 18:5 The annual interdenominational prayer service for life will be held on Tuesday, January 22, at St. Elizabeth Seton Church (2220 Lisson Rd, Naperville). Sponsored by Napervile Christians for Life. January 13, 2013, Page 10

11 A Letter from Father Don Kenny St. Thomas is a member of Quito Barrio Outreach ( in support of Fr. Don Kenny s mission work in Quito, Ecuador. (Fr. Don is a prior St. Thomas Pastor.) Below is an excerpt from his latest letter (9/3/12). You can visit to see the entire letter. As a fundraiser for Father Don s efforts, Quito Barrio Outreach is hosting a raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $20. Only 1,250 tickets will be sold. Grand Prize is $5,000. Buying a raffle ticket entitles you to attend the Saturday, February 16 event at Tamarack Golf Club. There will be food, music (DJ), and cash bar, along with the silent auction and cash bar. You can go to (November 17, 2012) Hello everybody: It s been two months since I ve written, mostly because I spent almost the whole month of October on retreat. First, some tidbits: Things have settled down for the new school year here The soup kitchen is filled with hungry kids every weekday The clinic is going fine, although there is some competition from a government-sponsored clinic nearby. We have a physical therapist and a laboratory specialist three days a week, in addition to our regular team. I have started new Young Christian Students groups in the two public schools nearby. The government is stepping into all the daycare centers next year. In our daycare center Miguelito we will only be serving one, two, and three year olds. They are putting the older ones in schools, but there aren t enough teachers for them. Since we have a long waiting list, we will keep the same number of kids and teachers. Now, because so many people have helped in the project to get water purifiers into the upper barrio Mirador, I d like to talk about that. One of the purifiers was put into a school classroom. They aren t using the water purifier at all, because it requires electricity, and twice someone has stolen the outside cable connecting the purifier it to the power line. We working on getting a different kind of cable, one that can t be stolen. The second purifier was put into the barrio center building, at the behest of the people. But no one understood that it requires electricity, and there is no outlet in that building. We arranged to have it moved to outside the house of Sebastian Ortiz, who owns the barrio s bakery. We will have to work on details such as prevention of theft, cost of electricity, etc., but I think it will be well used now. The barrio has 180 families, of whom 60 have no other way of getting potable water. By satellite there is a way I can get a play-by-play account of the Notre Dame games. I can t get a picture or a vocal, but it is something like the tickertape that announcers like Bob Elson got for the Sox awayfrom-home games when I was a boy. I went through trauma during the Pittsburg game. Final news: After 36 weekend mission appeals over ten years, I ve pretty well drained the diocese, and it is time to begin another way of helping to finance my projects here. As some of you know by e- mail, the Quito Barrio Outreach Foundation is sponsoring a dance on Feb. 16. Since my knowledge of modern means of communication is equal to my knowledge of the stock market, - almost nothing I m not sure of how much information you already have. All the info is on the internet Thanks for your constant love and support, Fr. Don Evening of Hope The St. Thomas Pro-Life Ministry has developed a relationship with Waterleaf Women s Center, a local pregnancy resource center. The Evening of Hope, to benefit Waterleaf, is being held Saturday, February 2, at The Abbington in Glen Ellyn. Questions? Contact Sheryl Finn at or sherylf@waterleafwc.org Page 11 January 13, 2013

12 Pastoral Care St. Thomas Prayer Shawl Ministry Gift to Sandy Hook Elementary School Families The St. Thomas Prayer Shawl ministers knit and/or crochet shawls and prayer squares throughout the year. When requested or when appropriate the crafted items are gifted to those in need, those in crisis, and for appropriate celebratory occasions. As previously described, the shawls and squares are knit or crocheted with prayers entwined in each stitch. They are unique gifts which take on a holiness to provide the comfort, strength, and love of the Lord to those who will receive them. Recently, twenty-six families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. experienced a lifechanging, horrific tragedy. Twenty children and six school employees are now Angels of God. The Prayer Shawl Ministry hand selected twenty-six prayer squares. The squares were addressed and customized, to the best of our information, for each family of a Sandy Hook Angel. The squares were mailed to the Donation Coordinator at St.Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown, CT. The letter enclosed described St Thomas the Apostle s love, support and promise of continued prayers. God Bless Newtown, CT. The Prayer Shawl Ministry Parish Nurse, Felicia With grateful hearts for your service, we offer A Day of Reflection, Prayer, and Renewal for all those involved in ministry Saturday, Feb 9 Please mark your calendars. More information will follow. What Keeps You Up at Night? Coping With Life s Challenges Are you experiencing transition? Maybe struggling with an important decision? Are you looking to define where you are in life both emotionally and spiritually? This interactive presentation with Reverend Dr. Patty Roberts encourages introspection and contemplation through the use of thoughtprovoking questions and ideas. Participants will create collages reflecting their personal feelings related to the questions that are posed. There will be opportunities for individuals to share their thoughts and artwork should they choose. All materials are provided at no cost and no art experience is necessary. Date: Saturday, January 26, 2013 Time: 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Place: Marionjoy Rehabilitation Hospital Registration is required. Please call for more information or to register. Announcing St. Thomas the Apostle s Walking Ministry Wednesdays and Thursdays through April, 9:00-10:00 am in the gym. If you have any questions, contact John Muhlenfeld at See you there. January 13, 2013, Page 12 Wellspring Wellspring Event- Save the Date! Tuesday February 26, :30-9pm Wellspring is a ministry dedicated to presenting interactive educational experiences to integrate a wholistic way of living to the parish. To RSVP or for more information, contact Rose Grumbine at x140 or rgrumbine@stapostle.org.

13 Stewardship Commission Director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry and Coordinator of Ethnic Ministry Office of Hispanic Ministry The Diocese of Joliet is seeking a Director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry and Coordinator of Ethnic Ministry: to promote greater participation by Hispanic Catholics in the Church of Joliet on all levels so that the Church and those charged with leadership will welcome and invite to the full participation of Hispanics within the local Church as well as the Church Universal. To provide a diocesan connection for the needs of other cultures within the Diocese as Coordinator of Ethnic Ministry. To provide support for the Diocesan Office in their ministry to the Hispanic and all ethnic Catholics in the Diocese. An M.A. in Theology or Spirituality required and a minimum of five (5) years experience in Hispanic Ministry. Must have good organizational and administrative skills and knowledge of the cultures of the other ethnic communities in the Diocese; along with written and oral fluency in Spanish and English, as well as competence in translating English into Spanish and vice versa. This position is fulltime, benefited and will require attending frequent weekend and evening activities, meetings, etc. Applicants meeting the necessary qualifications cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: humanresources@dioceseofjoliet.org Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory January 6, 2013 Sunday Collection Offering 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 7/1/10 to date: Offertory Goal Year to Date Over/short of goal to date: Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year goal $19,610 $21,997 $5,173 $46,780 $999,006 $35,679 $1,025,752 ($26,746) $1,904,992 $905,986 The Diocese of Joliet is seeking an auditor/accountant for our Finance Office. The auditor/accountant performs parish financial and operational reviews, assists parishes with financial matters, and compiles and analyzes annual parish financial reports. The auditor/accountant will assist with internal audits of Diocesan agencies, and will complete various Finance Office projects. A Bachelor s Degree with emphasis in accounting is required, along with several years of accounting experience. Previous experience with auditing and preparation of financial statements is desirable. Knowledge of accounting software (ParishSoft is a plus) and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access required. Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills; and must be a Roman Catholic in good standing. This is a full time exempt position with benefits. Some evening meetings or work may be required. Travel to Diocesan parishes with no over night stays. Qualified candidates must cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: humanresources@dioceseofjoliet.org. Page 13 January 13, 2013

14 Administration Commission St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry JANUARY KEYNOTE PRESENTATION Wed, Jan 23, 7:00 pm: Empower YOU! Make a Lifestyle Change! presented by Judy Feldhausen Can you relate? - Weight gain - Constipation - Food Cravings/Hot flashes - Inflammation *Stubborn fat - Low Energy - Depression/Insomnia - Mood swings/irritability - Anxiety TAKE CONTROL Understand the role of how these powerful life controlling factors have an effect on men and women of all ages and learn how to take back control of your life. Remove the negative effects by applying the knowledge of diet and nutrition to achieve the greatest quality of life. Learn a LIFE- STYLE approach to create a future of health & wellness, hear inspiring life changing testimonies, and fuel yourself with the power to do so! EMPOWER YOU...make a lifestyle change! Judy Feldhausen has been helping people build their dreams as a certified coach for ten years and is also a Certified Seminar Leader. Her corporate employment ranges from electronics to cosmetics- working in customer service, sales and marketing for Fortune 100 companies. Her highest honors are being named Illinois Woman of Achievement and recognized in the Cambridge Who s Who. The organization which Judy founded, focuses on helping individuals unlock their strengths while developing new habits of mind. Her work has expanded to include proper nutrition and supplements.. THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, Jan. 14 4:15 5:15 pm Youth Choir, Church 7:00 9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00 9:00 p.m. The Mass Part II, Chapel 7:00 9:00 p.m. Transitional Housing, Cana 7:15 8:30 p.m. 1st Reconciliation Parent Mtg, Lighthouse 7:15 8:30 p.m. Middle School R.E. at All Saints Academy Tuesday, Jan :00 11:00 a.m. Care Pantry, Gym 4:30 5:30 p.m. 1st Grd. R. E. Jesus as a Boy, Ministry Center 4:30 5:45 p.m. R.E. at Brookdale School 7:00 9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge 7:00 9:00 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church Wednesday, Jan. 16 9:00 10:00 a.m. Walking Ministry, Gym 3:45 5:00 p.m. Stay, Pray and Play, Gym 6:00 8:00 p.m. Taking down Christmas Trees, Church 7:00 9:00 p.m. PLC, Cana Thursday, Jan. 17 9:00 10:00 a.m. Walking Ministry, Gym 9:15 11:15 a.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 10:00am-12:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Cana 4:15 5:15 p.m. Jammers, Church 6:00 7:00 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 6:30 8:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Cana 7:00 9:30 p.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center Friday, Jan. 18 9:00 11:30 a.m. Friday Bible Study, Senior Center 9:15am-12:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym Saturday, Jan. 19 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Art Class, Senior Center 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Saturday Sharing, Resource Center 10:00 am 2:00 p.m. RCIA Story Retreat, Rectory Basement 5:30 9:00 p.m. OSJ Movie, Lighthouse Sunday, Jan. 20 8:00am-1:00 p.m. Pancake Breakfast, Gym 9:00am-12:00 p.m. RCIA, Senior Center 9:30am-12:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Word with Children, Ministry Center 12:30 1:30 p.m. Confirmation Class, Emmaus & Galilee Fri, Jan 4, 9:30 am: Bill Burnett, change catalyst at Launchpad Partners, and with a wealth of international business experience in over 65 countries on 6 different continents, will present "The Peak Interview". This emphasizes all the best practices you need to skillfully deliver in the interview, and then shows you how to leverage the Peak/End phenomenon as you prepare for, and produce an outstanding interview. Fri, Jan 11, 9:30 am: Steve Grosskopf, founder and president of Gobie, Inc., a career services firm, presents "Research". This part of your job search has proven to be critical and can dramatically increase your desired results. While interest has grown in understanding the reason to incorporate research, little attention has been paid on how to do it most effectively. We will discuss best practices from varied sources to increase your ability to use research to make better informed job search decisions. Fri, Jan 18, 9:30 am: Jim Fitzgerald presents Seven Obstacles to a Successful Job Search, addressing the most common barriers encountered in your job search, and ways to overcome these obstacles. He is a past founding member of the CTC in Chicago and now runs his own executive coaching firm in Oak Brook. Wed, Jan 23, 7:00 pm - Keynote see above January 13, 2013, Page 14

15 Dave Jones, Parishioner Stephanie JonesKastelic, CPA Funeral Home, Pre-planning and Cremation Services 44 S. Mill Street Naperville, IL Ray Jones The Confident Choice Quality, affordable in-home care for adults: Non-medical Companion Care Personal Care S. Route 30, Suite B102, Plainfield, IL Dr. Bill and Dr. Sonia Buchar (630) E. New York St. Suite A-11 Aurora, IL Parishioner Discount 10% OFF W/Ad With Hearts and Voices Songs and Prayers of a Faithful People More than 80 traditional Catholic songs and prayers familiar to our moms and dads. Large print for older eyes. Book ($3), Four-CD Music set ($49.95), Spoken Prayers CD ($17.00) World Library Publications the music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE. EXCEPTIONAL CARE Christening Gowns Baby Gifts Hair Accessories Birthday Parties Parishioner 175 W. Jackson, Ste. 135 Naperville, IL Please Cut Out This Thank You Ad Esser Hayes Insurance Group Inc. Insurance is Our Only Business Since 1939 With Excellent Companies & Competitive Rates and Present It The Next Time You Patronize One of Our Advertisers 1811 High Grove Thank you for advertising in our church bulletin. I am patronizing your business because of it! The Sponsors Who Appear On This Bulletin. It Is Through Their Support That This Bulletin Is Made Possible. Business Owners Interested In Advertising Please Call J.S. Paluch at NOTRE DAME FAMILY CTR. Rev. James Watzke, Ph.D. Depression - Anxiety - Stress Family - Separation - Divorce Sub. Abuse - Medicare - Español Oakbrook Terr. (630) At the Name of Jesus Business Slow? The Way, The Truth, The Life Art by Brother Michael O Neill McGrath, OSFS Advertise In This Bulletin! Businesses that advertised Prayers by Father Richard N. Fragomeni throughout a recession...grew 256% Hardcover book $39.95 more than the businesses World Library Publications the music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. Advertising here helps your parish & your business. Call Frank Tucker that chose not to advertise. MCGRAW HILL LABORATORY OF ADVERTISING PERFORMANCE Call ex 2704 today for a FREE ad design. Cleaning Sales Service N. Washington Naperville St Thomas the Apostle Church (B) For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc

16 Good Shepherd Heating, Cooling Residential Commercial Sales, Service, Installation Duct Cleaning Available 24 Hr FREE SERVICE CALL Dr. Paul Rickard Meadow Lake Dental Care 3941 W. 75th Street Aurora Illinois (630) VO E G T L E S PHIL WALZ PLUMBING. INC. Auto Service Accounting Work, 401K Audit, 28 W. 224 WARRENVILLE RD. WARRENVILLE, IL COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR SINCE 1975 CHARLES VOEGTLE JOE VOEGTLE IRS Audit & Notices (NW Corner - Kirk & Butterfield) LASIK, Cataract, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic & Retina Exams Naperville office call (630) Elmhurst office call (630) Kevin J. Kovach, M.D Kirk Road - Ste 106 Aurora, IL Tel: store6169@theupsstore.com ALL MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED Naper Auto Works Aurora Central Catholic High School A National School of Excellence AuroraCentral.com Located near I N. Edgelawn Aurora Duanne Doug Naperville ER Everything Homemade Fresh ELIV Daily Specials WE D ATER C AND Breakfast Lunch Dinner 20% OFF Sunday Only Off Your Bill or Donated to St. Thomas Preferred Card 10% OFF Mon.-Sat. or Donated to Church Aurora Siding Windows Doors & More Look for our RED trucks in your neighborhood! Master Contractor MIHAELA O. BOGDANOV, DMD LANCE C. LAW, DMD Mon., Tues. 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM Wed. through Saturday 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sundays 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM 4s040 Rt. 59, Naperville 10% OFF Catering or Donated to Church 405 North Eola Aurora (630) Parishioner 475 River Bend Rd., #200A, Naperville SUNDAY HOLIDAY SPECIAL $3 OFF $15 or more $5 OFF $25 or more * Limited Time Only * Please show coupon FREE SPA PARTY Pamper yourself and your friends! 10% of all sales will be donated to Haiti Arbonne Consultant Megan Hofbauer-Parishioner HAMMAN MEDICAL ALARM LANDSCAPE SUPPLY Mulch Firewood Top Soil 10% OFF or Free Delivery of Unilock Products S. 343 N. Eola Rd. Aurora, IL HEATING COOLING (630) $10.00 off w/ad (630) Member of the Chamber of Commerce and B.B.B. Beidelman Kunsch FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Kunsch, Directors 516 S. Washington St. (Downtown Chapel) In step with your foot care needs Dr. Patricia M. O Donnell, Podiatric Physician & Surgeon (630) S. Naper Blvd. Naperville Storm Hail Insurance Work Family Owned and Operated Since 1861 NAPERVILLE FOOT CLINIC PROTECTING CATHOLIC SENIORS NATIONWIDE Windows Doors 24 HOUR SERVICE John W., John L. & Joseph O. -OR- B & L Auto Body Inc. Free Estimates Insurance Work Expert Refinishing 25+ Yrs. in Business A+ Rated with BBB Dr. Recommended Complete Collision Repair 1340 W. Ogden Ave. Made in the USA Waterproof Button Price Guarantee Monitored in the USA Lifetime Warranty Tax Deductible* Naperville Bob Paladino $19.95*/Mo. - Holiday Special Larry Frank Toll Free: *First three months only *Check with your accountant St Thomas the Apostle Church (A) (630) Siding Trim Gutters Sports Nutrition Consulting Cell: N. Mill St. Naperville, IL D-S Exteriors, Inc. F: Sports Nutrition & Treatment of Eating Disorders Katie Davis MS, RD, CSSD, LDN Your One Stop Shop Since 1977 PEGGY BOLGER, GRI Consider Remembering TOP 1% OF REALTORS NATIONWIDE Your Parish in Your Will. PARISHIONER For further information, CELL: please call the Parish Office. Find all homes for sale at E. Chicago Ave., #143 Naperville, IL T: Naperville Dave Otto Owner - Parishioner The UPS Store #6169 Kovach Eye Institute Established W. Ogden, Naperville (630) Lic# Oak Brook Specialists In Bath Remodeling Medical & Non-Medical Homecare for Seniors & Children IFC Tax (630) W. Royal Worlington Dr. (Rt. 59 Chapel) Funeral and Cremation Services Brennan & Brosnan, L.L.C. Certified Public Accountants Margaret M. Brennan, C.P.A. Betsy K. Brosnan, C.P.A. Parishioner 1776 Legacy Circle, Ste For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc