Second Sunday of Advent

Transcription

1 Second Sunday of Advent December 7th, 2014 Pastor: Fr. Gene Dyer Weekend Associate: Fr. Luke Kleczka, SDS Pastor Emeritus: Fr. Gerald Rogala Deacons: John X. Rottman, Robert Cnota, Steven Wagner and Michael McManus Business Manager Mr. Joe Wojtowicz School Principal: Mr. Dan Gargano Music Director: Mr. Aaron Dixon Religious Education Coordinator: Mr. Ron Mazzoni Mass Schedule: Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. (Mass in Polish) Monday through Saturday: 8:30 a.m. Holy Days: Please see the bulletin Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Tue. - Sat. following 8:30 a.m. Mass Adoration: Wed. 1:00 p.m. with Benediction at 3:00 p.m. Confessions: Saturday 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. Spowiedþ: po polsku Niedziela 11:00-11:25a.m. Office Hours and Addresses: Church: 6725 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL Parish Office: 6333 N. Newcastle Ave. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30am - 7:30pm (773) , FAX: (773) parish@saintthecla.org School: 6323 N. Newcastle Ave., (773) Visit us on the web at:

2 Weekly Parish Information Mass Intentions Mon. Dec. 8th, 8:30am +For All Parishioners 5:30pm Mass in Polish 7:00pm Mass in English Tue. Dec. 9th, 8:30am + Maria Bernacchi Wed. Dec. 10th, 8:30am +Jack Borner Thur. Dec. 11th, 8:30am SI: Nicole Jurka Fri. Dec. 12th, 8:30am +Ted Sawa Sat. Dec. 13th, 8:30am +Therese K. Kennedy 5:00pm + Joan Tebelman +Richard Lewandowski +Catherine & Joseph Wlodarczyk +Family of Harris-LaFleur &Norton +Anna Kusibab +Wanda Wash +Sarah Alongi +Casey Orzechowski +Jeanne & Norman Kwidd +Fred Addante Sun. Dec. 14th, 8:00am +Eugenia Bukowski 10:00am +Therese K. Kennedy +Raymond Swistara +John Sadler +Edward McGinniss +Bernice Borucki +Charlotte Bartkowicz 11:30 a.m. Mass in Polish +Jan i Aniela Mateja +Czeslaw Grela +Jozef Kadlub +Jozef Rogoz +Dominik Horak +Jolanta Tekien Immaculate Conception Monday, Dec. 8th - a holy day of obligation Mass times at St. Thecla 8:30am (English) 5:30pm (Polish) 7:00pm (English) Evening Mass times at St. John Brebuf, in Niles 5:30pm (English) 7:00pm (Polish) TODAY S READINGS First Reading The rugged land shall be made a plain; the rough country, a broad valley (Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11). Psalm Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation (Psalm 85). Second Reading : Conduct yourselves in holiness, hastening the coming of the day of God (2 Peter 3:8-14). Gospel: I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:1-8). Parish Calendar for this week Monday Dec.8th- Sport Practices -3-9:15 pm - gym Christmas Pageant Practice-2:15-2:45pm-Church Girl Scouts 6-7:30pm-St.Joseph The Worker Tuesday Dec.9th- Sport Practices-4:15-9:15pm-gym Christmas Pageant Practice-12:10-1:10pm-Church Girls Scouts-6:30-7:30pm-St.Joseph The Worker Wednesday Dec.10th - Adoration 1pm-church; 3pm Chaplet & Benediction Thursday Dec.11th- Al-Anon Mtg-9:30-11am-St.Joseph the Worker Room Christmas Pageant Practice-12:10-1:10pm-Church Music Set-Up-6-7pm-church Adult Choir 7-9pm-Church Sport Practice-5-9pm-gym,school kitchen Boy Scouts-7-7:30pm-Russo Hall Friday Dec.12th- Christmas Pageant Practice-12:10-1:10pm-Church Knights Christmas Party 5-11pm-Russo Hall Bible Study (Polish) -6:30-9pm-Mary Queen of Peace Saturday Dec.13th- General Anders-9-12:30pm-Mary Queen of Peace, St. Joseph the Worker, Russo Hall General Anders - dance-12:30-3pm-mary Queen of Peace, St. Joseph the Worker Sunday Dec.14th- Rel. Ed.-9:15-11:45am-gym, Russo Hall, School General Anders - Jaselka-12-4:30pm-gym Children s Christmas Choir practice 4:00pm - church Share your gratitude for the senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who made a positive difference in so many lives. Please give generously to next week's collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 Wed. Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Thur. Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1, 9, 10-13ab; Mt 11:11-15 Friday Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19: Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, Sunday: Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; Lk 1:46-50, 53-54; 1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8,

3 Where will you be 100 years from now? The eyes of the world see no further than this life; but the eyes of a Christian see into eternity. - St. John Vianney St. Thecla parish started in 1925 and next year we will have our 90 th anniversary! Adoration takes place every Wednesday in church starting at 1pm. At 3pm we conclude with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction. Come and spend time with our Lord. Adoracja Najºwiêtszego Sakramentu w naszym koºciele odbywa siê w kaýdà ºrodê od godz. 1 do 3:00 po po³udniu. Na zakoñczenie adoracji udzielane jest b³ogos³awieñstwo Najºwiêtszym Sakramentem. OPEN CALL FOR STUDENTS IN 3RD TO 8TH GRADE CHRISTMAS EVE 4PM FAMILY MASS CHILDREN S CHOIR The mandatory rehearsal times start this Sunday: Sunday, Dec. 7th at 4:00pm Sunday, Dec. 14th at 4:00pm Sunday, Dec. 21st at 4:00pm Wednesday, Dec. 24th at 3:00pm (dress rehearsal before the Mass) Please contact me with any questions you may have. Mr. Aaron Dixon x203 adixon@saintthecla.org STUDENTS IN 1ST AND 2ND GRADE Be a part of the traditional Christmas eve Family Mass procession to the Manger.carrying the luminaires. Mrs. Marialice Wagner at mari6023@aol.com HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS Please consider helping with the ushering at the Christmas eve Masses at 4PM or 10PM Call Deacon John at the office (leave a msg.) Ever wonder who the Knights of Columbus are? Ever consider becoming a member? To find out who these men are and for more information about joining contact Tony Mangiaracina, Field Agent at (773) Our Beloved Dead Nancy Samp Edward Joseph O`Connell Weekly Contributions: A note from the Finance Council We need to maintain the momentum of the great financial progress we made in the last fiscal year. Have you missed a weekly donation that you can catch up on? Thank you for giving this your consideration. November 23rd, 2014 Total Collection......$7, Maintenance Fund...$ 0.00 School Fund.....$ Children s Envelopes......$ Parking Lot Fund.$ Sharing Parish..$ Human Development...$1, November 30th, 2014 Total Collection......$7, Maintenance Fund...$ School Fund.....$ Children s Envelopes......$ 4.52 Parking Lot Fund.$ Sharing Parish..$ Thanksgiving...$ Thank you for your generosity to help meet our weekly financial goals. Please remember St. Thecla in your will. Sign up for Automated Giving by visiting or by calling parish-1 3

4 Pro Life If you know someone who has lost a child or grandchild to abortion, or was in any way responsible for an abortion, and now suffers from remorse or sadness or simply doubts that God can ever forgive them, please let your friend know about the Church s post-abortion ministry, called Project Rachel. More information can be found at or by calling HOPE. Contact Us Option Line is a 24/7 Call center for those experiencing needing help finding a Pregnancy Help Center in their area. Phone: HELP (4357) Projekt Rachel telefon: rachelpolish@yahoo.com Dom Samotnej Matki-telefon: THE WOMEN'S CENTER 5116 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL (773) BRANCH OFFICES: In Evergreen Park and Des Plaines Christmas is about love and family and that is what we strive to be for the many women in difficult pregnancies who come to us. This year we saved approximately 1,000 babies from abortion and helped their mothers with our support and care. Last year over 1,400 children and adults attended our annual client Christmas parties. This year s parties will be on the north side, 12/13 and the south side 12/20. To donate food or a large quantity of paper products, please call Paige at We need 3 walkers, 4 toddler beds, 4 strollers, 2 double strollers, 2 bassinets, 4 swings, 2 pack n plays, 2 fixed side cribs, crib sheets, 4 bouncers, 2 changing tables, 2 high chairs and 2 infant car seat/carriers. It will be a great help if you can deliver these to us. For our address, or if a pick-up by a volunteer is needed, please call Diapers in sizes 1, 4, 5 and 6, and baby hygiene products are urgently needed. These must be delivered to us unless accompanied by baby furniture. The families who receive these things are grateful for your generosity. Call for our address. Please consider hosting a diaper drive or shower as a Confirmation project, for Scouts, or service hours, etc. For information call Paige at or pscarlett@womens-center.org. Save the date: Saturday, February 14, 2015 is the date for our 30th Life Banquet. NOTE: It will be at a new location The Belvedere Restaurant in Elk Grove Village. The super price for the banquet is $55.00 per person or $ for a table of 10 people. We are excited to announce our keynote speaker is Dr. Monica Miller, author of the book Abandoned, the Untold Story of the Abortion Wars. For tickets call If you have a new item, gift certificate for a restaurant or sporting event, etc., or a service to donate for our silent auction, it will be most appreciated. To donate, phone Nikki at SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Monday: The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Tuesday: St. Juan Diego Wednesday: International Human Rights Day Thursday: St. Damasus I Friday: Our Lady of Guadalupe Saturday: St. Lucy WORLD WIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER The search is on. The Fifth Annual Longest Married Couple Project in the U.S as well as each of the 50 states and territories has started. If you know a couple with a long marriage please nominate them for this honor. This annual search is sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter. More information can be found at wwme.org. 4

5 Prayer List, US Military United States Air Force: SrA Michael J. Archam, A1C Heather Bosh, SrA Nicole Coreil A1C Scott Frisco A1C Shane Garrison, SSgt. Adam Krey, Lt. Andrew May, 2ndLt. Peter A. Schroeder, SSgt. James E. Stay SSgt. Sentara Stay SSgt. Matt Tredwell AIG. Keith Daniel Garrison United States Army: MAJ. Terence W. Bacon, SGT. Sean Doherty, SGT. Rachel Hall, CPT. Gina Marie Healy, SGT. Robert Lach, CPT. Jared Lampe, WO. Steven Larmay, SPC. Thomas J. Lyons III, PFC. Raymond Rau, SPC Thomas Rohl, 1LT. Michael Spiwak United States Marines: 2ndLt. Philip E. Blais, 2ndLt. Kevin Bowler, PFC Michael T. Brennan, Keep in mind... Pvt. James Dinela, LCpl. Kyle Elmer, SSgt. Benjamin Juhasz, LCpl. Nathaniel J. Juncer, Maj. Michael C. Mroszczak, Cpl. Brian Pasterczyk, Capt. Craig V. Platt, LCpl. Jose Rivera, MSgt. Richard L. Sroka, SSgt. James E. Stonehouse United States Navy: SN E-3 Joseph J. Daly CAPT. Steven Stancy We keep those who are serving in the military in our prayers. Please print the name of your loved one and drop it in the collection basket or return it to the Parish Office. Their names will remain on the list until you notify us of their return or if their rank changes. Sick List - We pray for all those in nursing homes, homebound or who require extended care and those who care for them: Help us with the responsibility of keeping the list up to date and accurate. Please call the office when the status of someone s health changes. Joseph Augustin Frank Bednarczyk Frank Bednarz Gino Belcaster John Belcaster Christina Bennett Rosemary Besyk David Bergthal Stella Bieniek Frank Bieniek Robert Blachowiak Franciszek Bosak Marian Brown Laurence Brueck Daniel Burke Krzysztof Bylica Herlinda Castellanos Irena Chmielowski Susan Christ Therese Ciborowski Eileen Cobb Kevin Connolly Dorothy Taylor Elizabeth Link Joan Lonasney Eileen Conway Mike Curtin John Dooley Sophie Dembek Jackie Dubiel Donald Edsey Kenneth Ellinger Genevieve Erazmus Kristen Formanski Nicolette Garrigan Frank Gibbons Joan Giuntoli Loretta Golubski Ann Gosciniak Ireta Gross Patrick Hall Gerald Halvey Dorothy Hennessey Frank Herbig Gerald Halvey Teresa Jozefczak Tommy Kernan Wladyslawa Kielar Jodi Chmiel John Tentele Beverly Kisiel Rita Koch Mary Kozlowski Tillie Kroll Stephanie Krupa Sophie Lally Anita Lapiszko Mary Lavalle Arlene Lewandowski Elizabeth Link Dorothy Lyjak Joan Lomasney Martin McCaffrey Eileen McGovern Edward McManis Imleda Mizones Lillian Morris Gerrick Mueller Katharina Mueller James Mullins Kim Murphy Julie Muza George Marcin Catherine Neumann Kathleen Numec Danuta Okrzesik John Orloff Patricia O Toole Bob Paige Susan Peterson Kevin Peterson Giselle Piekarski Estella Plaza Caroline Plodzien Thomas Podgorny Roman Poniatowski Raymond Prybil Joe Pulizzano Virginia Romarynowski Stanley Sadej Anthony Sansone Mary Sarlo Peter Schroeder Eugenia Siemianowski Janina Sikora Susan Carroll Barbra Ammemdola Laura Smith Janina Sroka Helena Starzynska Judith Wolff-Stenzel Dorothy Struck Helen Surdey Dorothy Taylor Janis Taylor Patricia Timm Cecilia Walega Christine Wasowski Mary Widelka Anthony Wiorski Irene Wlezien Edward Wnek Julia Wojtanowski Paul Wyncott Julia Zeler Rose Zemba Burke Daniel Wanda Marshall Therese Neiman Walter Malinowski Louis Kuszynski 5

6 St. Thecla School Middle School Language Arts 6th Grade- In sixth grade language arts, we finished reading the novel, Hatchet. Students worked to identify figurative language and practice developing descriptive writing skills. The students highlighted examples of alliteration, onomatopoeia, assonance, hyperbole, metaphors, and similes. Through this novel we discussed the challenges of man vs. nature. For the final project, the class created their own model of a shelter that represented the one the main character made in the novel. The students tried to build a structure that was strong enough to survive a simulated tornado. The class is now reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The students have been working in literature circles to better understand the novel, and to complete group assignments. 7th Grade- The seventh grade class started the year off with the novel, The Giver. The students each completed their own project at the end of the novel. The projects included: imovie trailers, children s books, comic strips, musical albums, and board games. The class is now reading the classic novel, A Christmas Carol. The students have been working in small reading groups to answer challenging questions to dig deep into the heart of the story, and to analyze the text. 8th Grade- The eighth grade class finished reading A Murder on the Orient Express, and solved a mock murder mystery here at school. The students pretended to be investigators, and participated in many science labs in order to solve the mystery. The activities were cross-curricular in that they found the height of the criminal, the blood type, analyzed fingerprints, and studied the suspects hair. The student wrote a report explaining their analysis of the crime. The class is now studying Edgar Allen Poe. We have read The Tell Tale Heart and The Raven. The class will be creating their own poetry, and practicing creating mood within their writing. 1st Trimester Honor Roll 1st Honor Madeline Arnold (6) Gabrielle Brosnan (6) Abigail Farmer (6) Jimmie Fidanzia(6) Madison Kaup (6) Abby Kukpka (6) Emily Schutt (6) Nicholas Trekas (6) Colin Weber (6) Briana Broderick (7) Fiona Collins (7) Kaitlyn Jettner (7) Maeve Sheedy (7) Kyle Shrader (7) Abigail Alonzo (8) Rachel Dietz (8) Elizabeth Malarski (8) Morgan McCarthy (8) Gabriella O'Hehir (8) Meghan Staunton (8) Alexandra Trekas (8) Mary Claire Weber (8) 2nd Honor Victoria Boekeloo (6) Brendan Borner (6) Conor Clyde (6) Caroline Leyden (6) Luke Haras (7) Joseph Salemme (7) Payton O'Hara (7) Anne Torrez (7) Josh Abad (8) Mary Kate Borner (8) Ryan Nelson (8) Bobby Rosenquist (8) Summer Rocha (8) Sarah Haras (8) The following students (St. Thecla graduates) from Trinity High School in River Forest achieved first honors in the first block of the academic year: Erin Nelson, Kelcie Leyden, Ashlen Trapalis Our school is growing! Have you considered Catholic school for your children? We have 3 and 4 year old preschool with half-day and full-day options. K through 8th grade receive auxiliary classes as well as traditional academics; 1:1 ipads; technology; and a curriculum that is based on the Catholic Faith. Call or our Student Development Director Kathy Collins to schedule a tour, obtain more information or for any questions studentdevelopment@saintthecla.org On December 16 th we host our annual Christmas party with a catered dinner and entertainment and all are welcome. Ticket price for members is $20.00 and non-members $23.00 please join us for the Christmas fun. One of our vendors from the Holiday Craft Show is extending 10% of sales ordered online between now and December 31, 2014 to come back to St. Thecla. That's a great gift to the parish. Perhaps you would find some wonderful Christmas gifts on this site. How to order? Go to: Look at the top for "MY OPEN PARTIES" and click on SHOP under ST THECLA FUNDRAISER Patricia Marchman, Scentsy Representative Phone: caringscents4u@att.net Any questions, call Maribeth

7 Parish Life ST. THECLA CERTIFICATE PROGRAM LIMITED TIME CHRISTMAS SPECIALS ON SALE DECEMBER 7 & 14 TH AT THE 8AM AND 10AM MASSES We are pleased to announce that we will have some special denomination gift cards in stock for the Christmas Season: Amazon.com $10.00 AMC Theatres $10.00 CVS Pharmacy $10.00 Jewel $10.00 Panera $ 5.00 Starbucks $ 5.00 Subway $ 5.00 Target $ 5.00 & $10.00 Walmart $10.00 These smaller denomination gift cards make great stocking stuffers! We will have these in stock as long as they are available to order. Confessions: Saturdays 4:00pm - 4:45pm Sunday Dec. 21st 11:30-3:00pm Spowiedz: Niedziela (po polsku) 11:00 do 11:25am W niedziele 21 grudnia, spowiedz po polsku od 11:30-3:00pm Christmas Eve Family Mass at 4:00pm Christmas caroling starts at 3:45pm Christmas Solemn Night Mass at10:00pm (in English) Christmas caroling starts at 9:45pm Koledowanie at 11:45pm & Pasterka 12:00am Christmas Morning Masses in English 8:00 & 10:00am Msza Swieta o 11:30am (Po polsku) Cut this out and keep it with you: Let s pray the Prayer of Abandonment first thing every morning. The prayer is challenging and yet at the same time consoling. Praying it helps us to become more Christ like in our faith and trust. Trust in God does not depend on whether or not we like the circumstances surrounding our lives. Instead, we can learn to turn all moments into serving our Lord, His Church, our brothers and sisters with the light of hope and love. Prayer of Abandonment Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father. (written by Charles de Foucauld) Hail, Holy Queen (page 243 in the new hymnal) Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears! Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Priest: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. All: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Prayer to St. Michael (page 243 in the new hymnal) Saint Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Each year during the Advent/Christmas; Lent/Easter seasons we sing the Latin version of the Holy, Holy and Lamb of God. Here are the words. (#855 in the new hymnal) Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus. Dóminus Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra glória tua. Hosána in excélsis. Benedíctus qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosána in excélsis. (#859 in the new hymnal) Agnus Dei, quitollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, quitollis peccata mundi miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, quitollis peccata mundi: dona nobis pacem. 7

8 Nasza Wiara Polski Dystrykt AA-tel uzaleznien: Zrzeszenie Polsko-Amerykanskie Ola-wewnetrzny 346, Piotr wewnetrzny 347. Schronisko dla bezdomnych-tel , wewnetrzny 326 lub 319. Stop przemocy tel wewnetrzny 333 lub 331 (ofiary przemocy). 357 lub 344 sprawcy przemocy Haymarket Center-leczenie uzaleznien (po polsku) Daniel , Andrzej , Grzegorz Anawim-schronisko dla bezdomnych lub 1125 N.Cleaver St. Chicago Dzienna Pomoc Bezdomnym-Kosciol Sw.Jacka Rainbow Hospice Centrum Wsparcia w zalobie BAL SYLWESTROWY Wspólnota Rodziny Trojcy Swietej", przy parafii Sw.Trojcy wraz z opiekunem duchowym ks. Robertem Bedzinskim, zaprasza bardzo serdecznie na rodzinny, bezalkoholowy BAL SYLWE- STROWY", który odbedzie sie 31grudnia o godz. 7:30pm w sali parafialnej. Osoby samotne równiez są mile widziane. Najlepszą muzyke w miescie bedzie prezentowal DJ Marcin Kania. Zapewniamy doskonalą polską kuchnie oraz wspanialą zabawe. Bilety w cenie$50.00 od osoby doroslej, $25.00 mlodziez, $15.00 dzieci (od 6 roku zycia).telefon w sprawie wczesniejszych rezerwacji (773) Serdecznie zapraszamy! Święty Michale Archaniele! Wspomagaj nas w walce, a przeciw niegodziwości i zasadzkom złego ducha bądź naszą obroną. Oby go Bóg pogromić raczył, pokornie o to prosimy, a Ty, Wodzu niebieskich zastępów, szatana i inne złe duchy, które na zgubę dusz ludzkich po tym świecie krążą, mocą Bożą strąć do piekła. Amen. 8 Witaj, Królowo, Matko milosierdzia, zycie, slodyczy i nadziejo nasza, witaj! Do Ciebie wolamy wygnancy, synowie Ewy; do Ciebie wzdychamy jeczac i placzac na tym lez padole. Przeto, Oredowniczko nasza, one milosierne oczy Twoje na nas zwróc, a Jezusa, blogoslawiony owoc zywota Twojego, po tym wygnaniu nam okaz. O laskawa, o litosciwa, o slodka Panno Maryjo! K. Módl się za nami święta Boża Rodzicielko. W. Abyśmy się stali godnymi obietnic Chrystusowych

9 Year of the Sacraments / Rok Sakramentow Weekly Collections: The chart shows the St. Thecla offertory collections for the month of October. A reference to last year s October collection and to the October 2014 budget is also shown. Monthly electronic giving (ParishPay) is included in the totals above. We fell $2,462 short of our collections budget for the month of October. Our October collections were $1,670 lower than October of last year. Please consistently use your weekly contribution envelopes or consider enrolling in our electronic giving option today. A note from the Finance Council: In the early results so far this fiscal year, the Sunday weekly collections have fallen short of the budget that we established. Also concerning is that - in total, our collections are running lower than last fiscal year. We need to maintain the momentum of the great financial progress we made in the last two fiscal years. Have you missed a donation that you can catch up on? Are you able to increase your Sunday contribution this year if you haven t done so already? Thank you for giving this your consideration. We are thankful for your continued generosity - and we appreciate your active support for this gift of our parish! 9

10 General information Baptisms: Please contact the Parish Office to arrange a Baptism. Baptismal Prep Class: Will be confirmed at time of Registration of the Baptism. Marriages: The Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation for the Archdiocese of Chicago ask that a minimum of 4 months be set aside for personal preparation for marriage. Couples should refrain from setting a firm date or making any other arrangements until after they have met with a parish priest or deacon to discuss marriage plans. Please note that Weddings do not take place during Lent. Bulletin Deadline: All articles must be ed or dropped off at the Parish Office by 10:00 a.m. on Fridays (8 days prior to publication date). Holidays subject to longer lead times. Please articles to parish@saintthecla.org. Note - articles subject to editing. For more information call the office at (773) website: How to Become a Catholic: Adults or teenagers interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, or Eucharist) or those who are interested in the Catholic Faith should call the Parish Office for more information about the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). Homebound/Communion Visitations: St. Thecla Church has several ministers of care who can regularly take communion to those in need. Please call the Parish Office to arrange for communion for yourself or a homebound loved one. THANK YOU, BULLETIN ADVERTISERS This bulletin is subsidized completely by those companies whose advertisements appear on the last two pages. If you have the opportunity, you may thank them in the name of our parish by using their products or services. Should you desire to participate as a sponsor of our bulletin, you may contact J.S. Paluch Company at To register as a parishioner; call the Parish Office for more information at

11 Friday, December 12 th 3pm-9pm Village Crossing 5405 Touhy Ave Skokie, IL Guest teacher readers Decorate a holiday cookie in the café Scavenger hunt for the junior high students Visit BN.COM/bookfairs to support us online from 12/12/14 to 12/17/14 by entering Bookfair ID at checkout. A percentage of your Barnes & Noble purchases will benefit our school 12