What are you Looking For?

Transcription

1 What are you Looking For?

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, ext. 225, Gerry Czerak Business Manager, ext. 106, Corinne Seguin-Dart Director of Junior High Youth Ministry, ext. 117, Patti Dougherty Director of Religious Education, ext. 109, Julie Frazier Liturgy and Music, ext. 111, Robert Frazier Liturgy and Music, ext. 112, Jim Melton Director of High School Ministry, ext. 123, Jan Olah Director of Pastoral Care, ext. 124 Chari Rosales Director of Adult Education & RCIA ext. 138, Michael Ryder Director of Outreach, ext. 121, Pastoral Care Staff Part Time Audrey Casey, BSN, Parish Nurse, ext 104, Felicia Lawlor, M.S., R.N., Parish Nurse, 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 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 Ivan Deatsch Steven Grumbine Pam Foster Dan O Grady Guy Francesconi Ray Vogt Julee Gard Commission Facilitators Worship Gwen Wells Parish Life Faith Formation Lorraine Katz Administration Dave Otto Service Phil Meno Stewardship 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/eucharist from a priest, deacon or 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 Dear Friends, Bad things, (natural calamities, disasters, etc.), don t happen to people because they re sinners. God doesn t punish us that way. But certainly the consequences of sin can be very disastrous to us as persons and in our relationships. We have all seen and felt the effects of sin in our lives. But the consequences of sin do not come from God, they are Let this be a time of conversion. consequences of our own actions. God does not desire the death of sinners, but rather our conversion that we might live. God is Absolute Good, nothing evil or bad can come from God. Evil, natural and otherwise, only testifies to it s own existence. Jesus comes into our lives to conquer evil, sin, and death itself, so that, rooted and grounded in Christ, we may bear the good fruit of the Spirit and live. That is the point of the gospel today. Our God is a God of second chances. In the parable of the fig tree, the metaphor is of a fig tree that bears no fruit. It would normally be cut down. We are given the opportunity during this Lenten time of conversion, prayer, fasting and abstinence, and special acts of charity, to cultivate the soil of our lives, to nurture and fertilize our lives so that we can bear the good fruit of the Spirit. What kind of fruit, if any, are we bearing at this time in our lives? Let this be a time of conversion of mind and heart from the things that produce sour, bitter fruit in our lives to ways of peace, love, and forgiveness that will bear the sweet fruit of the Spirit and a good life. Even our physical suffering, born in faith and love, can produce the fruit of the Spirit. Our suffering is not from God. Some of it is natural, much of it is manmade. What can we do to turn things around in our own lives and in our world? That is the Lenten call we hear so clearly today. Let us heed that call and live! God offers us life today, the choice between life and death is set before us, let us choose life. That is what Lent and Easter is all about. Ways to nuture and fertilize our lives are given in our lenten devotions listed in our Lenten and weekly bulletin, as well as on our web site. I encourage you to try any and all of them, especially the sacrament of Reconciliation during this great season of grace and renewal. Carpe diem! It is never too late! Our God is waiting. Third Sunday of Lent March 11, 2007 The Lord secures justice and the rights of all the oppressed. Psalm 103:6 Happy Lent, in Christ s love,

4 Worship Commission Scrutiny Rituals with the Elect On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent the Church celebrates rituals called the Scrutinies with the Elect (those preparing for baptism, confirmation, and first eucharist at Easter). These rituals include the laying of hands and other special prayers to help the Elect (and all of us) look into our hearts. The Scrutiny is intended to help us strengthen all that is good and to correct all that needs to changed in our lives. When we celebrate the scrutinies we also use a different set of Sunday readings. The Church recommends the classic conversion stories from the gospel of the woman at the well, the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus. At St. Thomas we have chosen to use these optional readings only at the masses with a scrutiny. We will celebrate the scrutinies at the following mass times: Third Sunday of Lent (March 11) at 7:30 a.m., Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 18) at 9:00 a.m., and the Fifth Sunday of Lent (March 25) at 10:45 a.m. Lent Bulletins Lenten bulletins were recently mailed to each registered household. This bulletin is a handy reference for our seasonal services, enrichment programs, and outreach opportunities. More copies are available in the Gathering Area Keeping Lent Workbooks Small complementary booklets are available in the Narthex and Gathering Area to help you work out a plan to pray, fast, and give alms with a purpose this Lent. Why not pick one up and use it throughout Lent. Keep Lent, that you may be reborn at Easter. Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross are held each Friday during Lent at 7:30 p.m. in the Church. Prayer, response, song, movement, and art will be used to help us reflect on Jesus greatest act of love for us. Having a simple meal (observing Friday as a day of fasting) and attending this service yourself or with family/ friends can be a wonderful lenten practice. March 11, 2007 Page 4 Taizé Prayer Service The next Taizé style prayer service will be the Monday if Holy Week: April 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lighthouse. This meditative hour of song, silence, scripture, and prayer around the cross will also include the ritual of handing on the Lord s Prayer to the Elect of our parish (those who are preparing for full initiation into the Church this Easter Vigil. All are welcome. Instruments for Haiti We are still in need of recorders for our music mission to Haiti on March 22. We wish to provide each child in Duchity with one. If you have a recorder that you are not using please contact Robert Frazier in the Music & Liturgy Office at x112. Thanks to all who have been so generous in supporting this mission. Audio Files Online Audio files of selected liturgies are available for download on our web site. You will find Bishop Sartain s first mass at St. Thomas on February 25 and all of our St. Thomas Prays / Praise Nights with John Angotti including the Ash Wednesday service. St. Thomas Prays/Praise this Thursday The next St. Thomas Prays / Praise Event will be this Thursday, March 15 from 7:15-8:00 p.m. Note the change of day. This event is on a Thursday evening rather than a Wednesday. People of all ages are welcome. John Angotti at Weekend Masses John Angotti will be at St. Thomas this coming weekend, March 17 and 18, at the Saturday 4:30 p.m. and the Sunday 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.. and 8:00 p.m. masses. After this weekend John will be with us again for the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil), Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday. John s New CD John Angotti has just released a new recording entitled, Stand in the Light. It is a wonderful collection of diverse and inspiring music that is sure to stir your faith. It features the theme song of the 2007 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. John has provided us a special pricing of $15.

5 Pray For Our Parish Third Sunday of Lent God of holiness and mercy, you never abandon your people, you see our misery, hear our cry and come swiftly to our deliverance. Tend us patiently as the tree you have planted, and do not let us perish. Cultivate us with compassion, and nurture us with forbearance, until, by your grace, we bear at last the abundant fruit of conversion. We ask this though the One into whom we have been baptized, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications. Mass Intentions Monday, March 12, :30 Joseph Trunfio, by The Poydence Family Friday, March 16, :30 Brian Martin, by Frank & Pat Haynes Saturday, March 17, :30 Deceased Members of Shepard and Russell Families, by Vince & Shirley Anne Battisto, by Vito Battisto 4:30 Rose Cuga, by Helen & Tim Swanson Ann Souronis, by Mike & Margie Sunday, March 18, :30 John Easton, by Audrey Easton Elizabeth Anderson, by Sue Anderson 9:00 For the People of St. Thomas 10:45 Charles McCully, by Maureen Deneen Richard McCarthy, by The McCarthy Family 12:15 Marilyn Kane, by Ed Kane Dolores Sorenson, by Laura McKenzie For the sick Jeff McCown, brother-in-law of Carol & Tom Bax Margaret Maddalon, aunt of Janine Mogan Laurie Casey & Elizabeth Singelyn, sister and niece of Pete & Mickey Casey Joan Burke, friend of Jan Olah Fr. Dennis Sheehy, friend of Don & Betty Wampach Grace Ford, mother of Brian & Margaret Virginia Klotz, aunt of Sue Anderson Joyce Bauer, aunt of Sue Anderson Sandy Hatfield Joseph Montabano For the deceased Dale Molloy, friend of Maryellen & Bill O Hara Dorothy Reische, mother of Terry Bill Hurley, uncle of Bob & Mary Bohr Today s Readings First Reading I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have come to rescue them (Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15) or Exodus 17:3-7. Psalm The Lord is kind and merciful (Psalm 103) or Psalm 95. Second Reading Those who think they are standing secure should take care not to fall (1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12) or Romans 5:1-2, 5-8. Gospel I shall cultivate the ground around the fig tree and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future (Luke 13:1-9) or John 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, ]. Readings for the Week Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15b; Lk 4:24-30 Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Mt. 18:21-35 Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19 Thursday: Jer 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23 Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Mk 12:28-34 Saturday: Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14 Sunday: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps 34; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, Alternate readings (Year A): 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Ps 23; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41[1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38] Page 5 March 11, 2007

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Receive the Holy Spirit If you are a baptized Catholic adult who would like to receive the sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday (May 28), preparation sessions are being offered. Participants meet at the 10:45 Mass for 6 weeks, beginning April 15, and afterwards attend a one-hour exploration and update on Mass and the sacraments. For more information, or to register, please call Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office ( x138). C.A.R.E. CORNER Jesus is considered to be a superb teacher. It seems He could turn any situation or circumstance into a teachable moment. He taught His disciples how to pray, using words we fondly know as the Lord s Prayer. By reaching out to the untouchables of His day, Jesus exhibited acceptance and compassion. By receiving all who sought His counsel, He modeled God s tenderness and accessibility. By honoring women and children, He acknowledged the worth and dignity of all. He even spent His precious time and extended His healing power to non-jews, illustrating God s love and concern for all of His children. And all the sins He forgave exemplified divine mercy and called people to question their own judgments and condemnation of others. No wonder Jesus was considered a trouble maker. His compassionate words and actions magnified the pettiness and callous nature of others. Men s Annual Prayer Breakfast Can You Hear Me Now? Faith and Family In Today s World. The Men s Christian Fellowship Group will host it s Annual Men s Prayer Breakfast on March 17. The guest speaker is John Angotti, Catholic music artist, pianist, director, and vocalist, and the winner of the 2006 Male Vocalist of the Year award. Though well known for his music \ accomplishments, what some don t know, is that John is an excellent speaker. He has a powerful message of being a product of the baby boomer generation, a generation that has had difficulty in finding God. His talk will provide insight into what this means and why this has happened. All men of the parish are invited for Mass, breakfast and an inspirational talk. Mass will be at 8:30 a.m. in the Church with breakfast at 9:15 a.m. and the talk at 10:00 a.m. in the Gym. Tickets are on sale for $10 after each mass on the first two weekends of March. Questions? Call Monte Anderson, Come Away with Me In the gospels, Jesus is repeatedly reported to take quiet time apart for prayer. He invites us to do the same. Meditation time will be set aside in the Chapel from 11:30 a.m. to noon on the Tuesdays of Lent February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 3. Take prayerful advantage of your lunch break and feed the hunger in your soul. March 11, 2007 Page 6

7 Communication From the Bishop Dear Friends in Christ: In the story of the Last Judgment, Jesus reminds us to care for those in need. If we ignore those who are hungry, thirsty, or ill, we act with compassion, generosity, and commitment to justice for the least among us, we act as his true disciples. The Catholic Relief Services Collection is an important opportunity to express Christian compassion and generosity. The Collection is scheduled for March 17 and 18 in our diocese. The Collection theme, Jesus in disguise, reminds us of the presence of Christ in every one of our brothers and sisters in need. The Collection helps build the Church s international social ministry by funding the work of five agencies: Catholic Relief Services, the official international relief and development agency of the Catholic community in the United States, assists people in 99 countries on the basis of need not race, creed, or nationality. Catholic Relief Services creates opportunities for Catholics in the United States to live their faith in solidarity with poor people overseas by providing financial support and addressing the root causes of poverty. Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., provides a full range of legal and support services to Catholic programs directly representing poor immigrants, and it advocates for comprehensive immigration reform. Its focus is on reunification of families and protection of those fleeing persecution or civil unrest. Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops annually resettles one quarter of the refugees admitted to the United States, serves victims of human trafficking, and provides advocacy for and pastoral care to many newcomers and persons on the move. Social Development and World Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops advocates for poor and vulnerable people and for international peace and justice. It works to build the capacity of the Church to respond to global concerns such as religious freedom, poverty, and hunger. The Holy Father s Relief Fund assists victims of natural disasters and other emergencies around the world. By giving to The Catholic Relief Services Collection, you are responding to Jesus in disguise. Thank you for your generosity. Please visit for more information. Sincerely in Christ, Spirit Moments Reflection on the Spirituality of Aging With the perspective of sixty years, I can more clearly identify God s presence in my life. Allowing oneself to be conscious of death seems to lead to a desire to live fully in the present and to appreciate the preciousness of this moment of life with gratitude. The years ahead of me are far less than the years I ve already lived. Although I am experiencing changes in my body, my health and energy, I am paying close attention to what my heart desires. and so the questions: What next? What new possibilities do I wish to explore? What is most meaningful? With whom and how do I want to spend my time? Where do I want to put my energy? Where do I seek solitude and beauty? How can I live consciously in the moment and attend with care to what is before me? What I have leaned in this lifetime is the answers are all in the questions before us. With anticipation of years to come, eager for the twists and turns it will offer, open to the surprises and challenges, I am more conscious of every day of life as GIFT. The years of old age are indeed formative years, rich in possibilities to unlearn the follies of a lifetime, to see through inbred self-deceptions, to deepen understanding and compassion, to widen the horizon of honesty, to refine the sense of fairness. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Submitted by Carol Dean Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain Bishop of Joliet Page 7 March 11, 2007

8 Religious Education 3 rd Grade R.E. Students Will Walk the Labyrinth Religious Education students in the 3 rd grade will come to St. Thomas during their regular class time on Saturday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 13. Students will gather in the gym to learn about the labyrinth and to walk our indoor one. Labyrinths are a form of a maze. Unlike mazes, however labyrinths offer one path which always leads to the center. By following the one path to the center, the walker can use the labyrinth to quiet the mind, be prayerful and find peace. Our students will have the opportunity to walk and then reflect on that walk. St. Thomas has an outdoor labyrinth behind the Ministry Center available to anyone who wishes to walk it. For more information about the Labyrinth, please contact the Religious Education Office, Marge Coronado Receives Certificate of Achievement Our Kindergarten Co-Coordinator and Religious Education catechist, Marge Coronado, is the first St. Thomas catechist to receive the Catechist Foundational Certification from our Diocese of Joliet. Congratulations Marge! This is a milestone on her journey as a disciple, showing that Marge recognizes the importance and the need for continuing personal faith formation in her life. She is a wonderful role model to us all. We have several other catechists who are in the process of submitting paper work to receive their certification. As a parish, we are grateful for the time, energy and love they have dedicated to the catechetical ministry. Family Prayer Service for 1 st Eucharist The next Family Prayer Service for families of First Communicants is Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. in the church. This bread service, It s About Celebrating, will last approximately 35 minutes. Please continue to pray for these children as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, an event of great joy for them, their families and our whole faith community. Scripture Safari Week is Coming The St. Thomas Vacation Bible School, Scripture Safari, will be held June 18 June 22, Registration forms will be available in the Gathering Area during the month of April. Scripture Safari is for children entering Kindergarten through 4 th grade. Youth entering 5 th grade or older may sign up to be helpers at Scripture Safari, on a first come, first serve basis. Contact the R.E. Office with questions, Evangelize with a Yard Sign The Religious Education Office has available for a small donation Yard Signs. These signs have this year s message, What are you looking for? with symbol and The Faith Community of St. Thomas the Apostle. Let s show our neighbors how proud we are of our parish! Stop in the R.E. office to get yours! Questions? Call our office, March 11, 2007 Page 8

9 Jim Melton Calls it Quits Only in the lucrative career of youth ministry can you retire at 35! After seven years at St. Thomas, I really think that God is calling me to do something else next year. It has been a true blessing to be here! St. Thomas paid me to hang out with high school kids and try and help them come to know God (by the way, thinking about your financial support for this ministry and my salary is truly humbling to me). As far as I am concerned, there is no better job in the world; and no better place in this diocese to do it than right here. So if it is such a good deal, why am I leaving? For the past couple of years, I have tried to be a stay-at-home dad and full-time youth minister. While God may have created some men able to do both well, He didn t create me that way. I just want to be a better Christian, husband and dad! (Of course, parenting two children hasn t been easy for me. If these two kids from Haiti that we are trying to adopt join our family, I may be in over my head.) So I just want to say thank you to St. Thomas for being such a great place to do ministry. A special thanks to all of you who have given of your time and talents in volunteering as a part of TREC. Without you this can t happen. Any success that has come during my seven years is due to you. We are blessed to have such great people willing to give their time to help high school students. I am so grateful to you! Let me end with a note to any high school student who actually reads the bulletin. In my years here, there have been people who have loved God, people who have loved the Church, people who doubted God and people who totally hated being here. Every one of you, regardless of what you have thought about Church or God or me, has treated me in a loving way. That means a ton to me. In my time here, there have been something like 700 high school students that have gone through the program. I love every one of you. You didn t have to treat me with total respect all of the time. You didn t have to spend your time helping the poor in Hopkins Park, Ecuador, Haiti or Aurora. You didn t have to ask me how me and my family were doing. You didn t have to be willing to do so much that I asked you to do. You didn t have to come to a Mass in a gym. You didn t have to be such fun to hang around with. You didn t have to give me total attention when I talked at Mass or really anywhere. And you surely didn t have to hang out with a dorky thirty-something year old in your cafeteria or at Jamba Juice. Even if you hadn t done all of this stuff, I would have loved you. But since you did do all of that stuff, you have made the last seven years of my life better than I could have ever imagined! My prayer for you is that each one of you will come to know the greatness of a relationship with God. Thank you so much for a great run at St. Thomas! If you want information on any of this or anything TREC, check out Shamrock Shindig for all ages on Friday, March 16 7:00 ~ 9:00 p.m. All Saints Catholic Academy s gym Cost: $5 per family, a canned food donation and a plate of goodies to share. Drinks provided. Featuring a sing-a-long with John Angotti Sponsored by St. Thomas Religious Education Office Pick up a flyer to register. Questions? Call SNACKS FUN! GAMES Featuring the Junior High as Builders of the City of God Mark your calendars for the following events for our youth: The 6 th grade diocesan event is scheduled for April 20, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. This event is entitled, American Idol: Who is your God? It will be held at Benet Academy in Lisle. Please contact the R.E. office if there is an interest in arranging a car pool. The evening will include skits, music and food. Come on, take a chance and check it out! Young Adults Spirit and Truth at St. Mary Parish in West Chicago Priests, brothers and sisters from the Joliet Area Vocation Association will be present for Spirit and Truth, a young adult gathering at St. Mary Parish in West Chicago on Tuesday March 13 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Young adults (age 18 and up) will have a chance to hear about the call of several men and women to priesthood and religious life. Their presentation will be followed by Eucharistic Adoration. The evening will conclude with some social time for young adults to mingle with the vocation directors. Page 9 March 11, 2007

10 Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Pancake Breakfast to Benefit St. Thomas in Long Beach, MS St. Thomas s own St. Thomas Katrina Task Force is hosting a pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Gym. Fr. Louis, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Long Beach, MS and members of the St. Thomas Long Beach Choir will be here during the weekend. Tickets are being sold this weekend, March 10 and 11, after all Masses and will also be available at the door on March 18. Ticket prices are $10 per family and $5 per adult. Tickets for children age 5 and under and adults age 60 and over are free. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Church Rebuilding Fund at St. Thomas-Long Beach. Some of the famous pancake flippers from last year s event will be working the griddles again this year! Bring a healthy appetite and enjoy sharing breakfast at St. Thomas. Second Collection Next Weekend To Benefit St. Thomas in Long Beach, MS A second collection will be taken at all the Masses next weekend, March 17 and 18. This collection will be used in its entirety for the Church Rebuilding Fund at St. Thomas in Long Beach, MS. Their church was severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Katrina; their last Mass on the church site was held January 14. The next week, the church structure was taken down. Thank you for your generosity; please continue to keep our brothers and sisters in Long Beach in your prayers. Pastoral Care LENTEN LEHAVREE SERVICE Open to Healing ~ Are you currently journeying with cancer or some other chronic mental, emotional or physical illness or pain? ~ Do you support or companion someone with these issues? ~ Would you like to remember someone who has died from cancer/chronic illness? Monday, March 19, 7:30 8:30 p.m. St. Thomas the Apostle Chapel The Hebrew word ~ Lehavree ~ means to heal. You are invited to join Bev Phelan & Joanne Shackelford as we gather for an evening of healing and support. There will be prayer, reflection, story, song, and anointing. Come and rest in the presence of the ultimate Healer as we lift our prayers of petition. For questions, contact Jan Olah, Pastoral Care Associate (630) Pregnant? Confused? Need Help? Please call Woman s Choice Services March 11, 2007 Page 10

11 Training Sessions Available To Become a Respite Volunteer Three free volunteer training sessions are available at Metropolitan Family Services DuPage for individuals interested in becoming a Respite Volunteer with the In-Home Senior Respite Program. Sunday, March 18, 2007 from 4-7 pm Monday, March 19, 2007 from 6-9 pm Wednesday, March 21, am-12 pm The In-Home Senior Respite Program is a free service of Metropolitan that recruits volunteers who can provide a weekly, social visit to an older adult living in their community so that the family caregiver can leave the home to take care of their personal and business needs. No hands-on assistance is required. Family caregivers use this precious respite time to run errands, have lunch with a friend, attend religious services, or even take a nap! Volunteers can work alone or as a couple or in teams with friends. To register contact Monica Lockie at or visit Wellness House in Hinsdale Offers Programs Something for the Guys Can We Talk! Tuesday, March 20 & April 17, 7-8:30 p.m. Calling all men (only) If you are supporting a spouse, girlfriend, or loved one who is dealing with cancer, join Michael Williams, PsyD, Program Associate at Wellness House, for a discussion focusing on practical strategies for improving communication, managing stress and increasing the understanding of the cancer experience from the man s perspective. Young Adults 20 s, 30 s & 40 s Supporting Loved Ones with Cancer Thursday, March 15 & April 19, 7-8:30 p.m. Are you in your 20 s, 30 s, or 40 s offering support to a parent, sibling, family member or friend who is dealing with cancer? Join Cheryl for a discussion of the challenges that young adults face trying to balance work and family responsibilities while trying to offer reassurance, be available to pick up the slack, and manage information for their loved one with cancer. For information or to register for either or both of these events, please call: Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Rd, Hinsdale, IL 60521, St. Elizabeth Seton Hosts Health Fair March 24, a.m. to Noon St. Elizabeth Seton lower level 1370 Lisson Road, Naperville Contact Kathy Ross, Parish Nurse All Screenings are Free! Rush Copley Bone Density Dr. Bill Buchar, Chiropractor Spinal Screening Naperville Police Safety for Seniors Naperville Fire Carbon Monoxide info. Edward Hospital Poison Prevention Mike Bearce Fall Assessment Spiezo Counseling D ifficulty with children Shaklee Products (Weight Loss) Villa St. Benedict Retirement and assisted living St. Patrick Residence Long term care Lewis University Students BMI screening Juice Plus Veg and Fruit in one CAPS Modify house for special needs Dr. Laura Pather Audiology screening Meissler & Associates Depression screening Home Health Agencies Americare Rainbow Homewatch St. Elizabeth Seton B/P Screening & Hostess Will Co. Health Dept Tobacco control/prevention CNS Home Health & Hospice Information on services Marianjoy to Offer Presentation: Caring for Your Aging Parents Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is pleased to offer an information presentation on caring for an aging parent or loved one. This free panel discussion, which will include a Marianjoy physician who specializes in senior health, a psychologist and case manager well-versed in resourced for the elderly, will take place on March 22 at 6:30 pm. The presentation will include practical information about what to expect physically and psychologically from aging parents, along with help and information on available resources. Call to register at Senior Home Sharing, Inc. (SHS) Independent Living Senior Home Sharing, Inc. (SHS) a not-for-profit agency, provides seniors with an opportunity to live independently in a safe, affordable family-style home. They currently have openings in Naperville and Lombard. If you are interested in becoming a part of SHS s family or would like more information about their services, call Lois at , ext 251. Page 11 March 11, 2007

12 Stewardship Commission Campaign Update Stewardship A Way of Life Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory (week 36) Envelopes Loose 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 7/1/06 to date: Sunday Offertory Goal YTD Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year Diocesan Appeal updated Results Parish Appeal Goal Pledges received at St. Thomas Remaining amount to goal % of Goal Pledge to date $34,829 31,394 3,435 $0 $3,394 $38,223 $1,264,150 $35,115 $1,224,000 $1,768,000 $503,850 $142, ,487 $33, % The Journey of Faith: A Quarter Century Campaign The Phone-a-thon continues this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. The specific purpose of the calling process is to invite all parishioners to become a part of St Thomas the Apostle Parish in a very meaningful way, by making a commitment to the Journey of Faith: A Quarter Century Campaign. The callers have made over 530 initial calls to St Thomas the Apostle parishioners. Each call is followed up with a personal letter acknowledging the result of the telephone contact, along with a copy of the Letter of Intent. Parishioners will then receive a second phone call within two weeks of the first call asking you for your decision. Many of you have already made a commitment to the campaign and we look forward to receiving your signed Letters of Intent. Please place them in the Mail using the remittance envelope you received with your letter, or drop them into the collection basket. The Phone-a-thon will continue on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings until all parishioners have been contacted. If you have changed your telephone number or address, please contact the Parish office with the current information so we can update our records before the calls are made. Please support St Thomas the Apostle, and pick up your call when you see from your caller ID that St Thomas the Apostle is calling... We prayerfully ask for your support. Will you join us on this Journey of Faith? March 11, 2007 Page 12

13 Parish Life Commission 50 and Holding Mature Adults Young at Heart 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: Mar. 14 (1:00 PM Afternoon meeting) Monthly Meeting/Chili and Bingo. Mar. 17, Parish St. Patrick s Day Party see bulletin for details Apr. 15 7:30 AM Sunday Mass for Living and Deceased members of 50 & Holding Apr. 18 7:00 PM Monthly Meeting/Pot Luck and Dominoes Knightly News Naperville Knights of Columbus Council No Single Adult Ministry S.A.M. - Single Adult Ministry is a community for all Christian single adults 45 and over. The ministry promotes balance in single life through spiritual, service and social functions. It offers singles an opportunity to celebrate life. Sat. Mar 17 -St. Patrick s Day Dinner and Dance, Purchase your own ticket after Masses and mention a SAM table, Contact Lynn Fri. Mar 23 Fish Fry at St. Peter and Paul Contact Jack Fri. Mar Fish Fry at DuPage Inn in Downers Grove Contact Yolanda. CURRENT Young Adult Ministry for People in their 20 s and 30 s Lent is a great time to re-connect with your faith. Why not do it with Current? Make plans to attend the Current Core Meeting on March 21 at 7:00 at St. Thomas. Contact Dave for information at X225. Another can t miss is the Y.A.C.H.T Club on March 13 at White Fence Farm. Contact Julie Christin at julie@juliechristin.com. If you want any other information about Current, check out E. Ogden Avenue Naperville, Illinois Web site: napervillekofc.org Upcoming future events: Each Thursday in March at 7:30 PM Family Rosary K of C Hall Thursday 03/15/07 Irish Mass 7:00PM -SSPP Saturday 03/17/07 St. Patrick s Day Parade-Downtown Naperville Sunday 03/25/07 Knights Mass Honoring Priests, Vocations and the Unborn- SSPP Ministry Center Chapel Wednesday 3/28/07 Quarterly Blood Drive-SSPP Lenten Family Rosary Each Thursday during Lent, through Thursday March 29, a Rosary will be prayed at the Knights of Columbus Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. For details contact Larry Pociask at Charity Mania March Madness The Naperville Knights of Columbus now have a limited number of tickets available for College Basketball s March Madness Tournament in early March. Tickets $20 each. Ten cash prizes can be won up to $1000. For information or to purchase, contact Sal Bruno at either or , Jack Guasta at , Al Knoeck at , or Terry Ross at Thursday 3/15/07 Irish Mass SSPP-7:00PM The annual Irish Mass will be held at SSPP on Thursday evening March 15, beginning at 7PM. An honor guard of fourth degree Knights has been requested to attend this festive Mass in Regalia. Please contact Jim Snyder at for further details or to volunteer. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Men s Fraternal Service Organization that focuses on Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth activities. For further information, please contact Jack Guasta at or John Moran at Page 13 March 11, 2007

14 Administration Commission Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Lighthouse The March St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held on Thursday evening March 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse. The speaker will be Dick Dodsworth. Dick is an HR executive with 34 years experience in the profession and the last 20 years at the Vice President level. His career includes companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Kraft Foods, and American Hospital Supply. Dick is a graduate of Purdue and the University of Texas. Dick s presentation is titled: Views on Networking and Job Search from the HR Suite. Dick will explore such areas as: Networking for life and not just for jobs. Networking - what s in it for the other guy Finding a job or Creating Your Future? Networking around the HR Department Please plan to attend this very informative and exciting meeting on Thursday evening March 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Church. Contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com for more information. Jobs Ministry Not Just Help Finding a Job The following was received from an individual that has found our Jobs Ministry to be life affirming. Thank you for sending the list of the attendees at the Friday Feb 9, meeting. It was my first time, and I feel you have a really valuable program where people can learn and get exposed to many aspect of life. Jobs Wanted If you have a job, or know someone who can help these Job Seekers listed below, please contact them directly or call the General Office at : Name Position Sought Phone Ed Hart Sales Management Dave Otto Supply Chain/Logistics Mgt Jim Weber Insurance/Claims/Cust Service Jennifer Garica Administrative Assistant March 11, 2007 Page 14 THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, Mar. 12 8:00am-6:00 p.m. Lifeline Screening, Gym 4:!5 5:15 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, Church 6:30 9:30 p.m. New Wine Class, Senior Center 7:00 9:30 p.m. Just Faith, Resource Center 7:00 10:00 p.m. My Own Four Walls (Movie), Lighthouse 7:00 9:00 p.m. Transitional Housing, Meeting Room 4 7:15 9:00 p.m. Healing the Soul, Rectory Basement 7:15 8:30 p.m. Jr. High Religious Reconciliation, Church 7:30 9:00 p.m. Meditation, St. Patrick s Chapel Tuesday, Mar. 13 8:00 8:45 a.m. Wholistic Practices, Gym 4:30 5:45 p.m. R.E. Classes at Brookdale School 4:30 5:45 p.m. 3rd Grad Labyrinth Walk, Gym 5:00 6:30 p.m. Jr. High Stations Practice, Church 6:00 7:15 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal, Meeting Room 1 7:00 9:30 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:30 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer, Meeting Room 2 7:30 9:00 p.m. Marriage Enrichment Team, Senior Center 7:30 9:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Church 7:30 9:30 p.m. Pro-Life, Meeting Room 4 Wednesday, Mar.14 9:00 11:30 a.m. Bible Study, Senior Center 4:15 55:30 p.m. Joyful Jammers, Church & Senior Center 6:00 10:00 p.m. ALPHA Course, Lighthouse 6:00 7:30 p.m. TREC Band, Senior Center 7:00 9:00 p.m. Apex, Youth Center 7:00 9:15 p.m. Leadership Night, Ministry Center 7:30 9:30 p.m. Sojourner Rehearsal, Senior Center Thursday, Mar 15 9:30 11:00 a.m. Catechist Study Group, Meeting Room 4 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Meeting Room 1 5:00 6:30 p.m. Jr. High Stations Practice, Youth Center 6:30 8:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Meeting Room 1 7:00 8:30 p.m. DuPage United, Meeting Room 4 7:00 8:00 p.m. Jr. High Video Viewing, Youth Center 7:00 8:30 p.m. St. Thomas Praise, Church 7:00 9:00 p.m. Racial Justice, Resource Center 7:30 9:00 p.m. Marriage Enrichment, Meeting Room 2 Friday, Mar 16 9:30 11:30 a.m. Jobs Ministry, Lighthouse 6:00 9:00 p.m. Rainbows Closing, Lighthouse 7:30 8:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross, Church Saturday, Mar 17 8:00am-12:00 p.m. Men s Prayer Breakfast, Gym 8:30 11:00 a.m. Bread of Life, Resource Center 8:30 10:30 a.m. Ensemble Rehearsal, Lighthouse 8:30 11:45 a.m. R. E. at All Saints Academy 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Christian Fellowship Sat., Senior Center 1:00 4:00 p.m. 1st Reconciliation & Reception, Church 7:00 11:00 p.m. St. Patrick s Day Party, Gym Sunday, Mar 18 7:00am-2:00 p.m. Pancake Breakfast, Gym 9:00 & 10:45 a.m. Masses, Children s LOW thru 5th grade, Ministry Center 9:00-11:00 a.m. RCIA, Senior Center 11:45am-1:15 p.m. Haiti Twinning Awareness, Resource Center 6:30 8:00 p.m. Quest, Ministry Center & St. Patrick s 8:00 9:00 p.m. TREC Mass, Church