SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 13, 2011 What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has

Transcription

1 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 13, 2011 What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love [God], this God has revealed to us through the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

2 A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR If you tuned in last week, you may recall that I took a snow day in this column. The bulletin went to press Tuesday morning, and at that point we were anticipating the Big Storm. We cancelled school and meetings, and I was looking forward to having an evening when all I had to do was wait out the storm, watch some TV, and spend quality time with Bill the Cat. Well, the eighth gift of the Holy Spirit is irony. Tuesday at about 2pm as the storm was just getting fierce, water began to boil out of the garage along Hull Avenue because of a broken water main. The village responded quickly and was very helpful. President Sam Pulia was one of the first people on the scene. The village turned off the water, but we knew that with the storm we would not be able to get working on the repair until Thursday. So the snow day for our students turned into a snow week. I have yet to hear one of them complain about this. So on Tuesday as the storm was bearing down, there was no running water. In medieval times (the times, that is, not the dinner and show) when water was often unsanitary, people drank beer. I could do that...if I had beer. At least Bill the Cat and I could still watch TV. Then the electricity went out. No TV and no beer make Father Michael something something. Well, it took 12 hours, but the power was restored. Saturday afternoon, the main was repaired and the water began to flow again. We still had to keep school closed because we had to flush the entire system and have the water tested to make sure it was safe to drink, but we got through our latest natural and mechanical disaster. Several people observed that this was just another example of the many water problems that have thus marked my pastorate. Someone even said that water must not like me. Actually, the opposite is true. The water loves me! It is always trying to find me. It comes up from the floor and down from the ceiling and sprays out of the walls just to be my friend. When I mentioned to a friend that I had considered praying to Jesus to help us but then realized that he could not be much help in this situation because he was a carpenter, she responded that I should then pray to John the Baptist instead. That was a snappy and impressive comeback, but I think John had the same water issues as I do. Nevertheless, we survived. We made it through the storm, and we repaired the broken water main. It is just one of those things. All matter is doomed to corruption, and older buildings have more maintenance issues than newer ones. Things are going to break around here, and that is just a fact. But one's attitude can make all the difference. Rather than seeing these things as problems, I prefer to see them as adventures. Every time something breaks, it is an opportunity for me to learn something new, and I like to learn new things. It helps me to do a better job the next time something goes wrong. Hopefully, it will be a while before we have our next natural disaster or huge repair. But when that day comes, I will see it as yet another adventure in this Big Adventure we call life. If not, I might just something something. Fr. Michael

3 Second graders have been learning about fractions. To integrate technology into our math curriculum, students are using Education City s Ready, steady, bake to review their skills in fractions. The 6th grade science class is learning about different invertebrate animals. The class was able to observe the movements and behaviors of meal worms. Students worked in groups providing different barriers and obstacles for the meal worms to move around. They then charted its reaction from what they saw. Matt Kubeczko is having fun working on fraction reinforcement on the computer. Breanna Meeks and Grace Patton check out their mealworms before beginning their experiment. First grade students had the opportunity to learn all about penguins during the month of January. They learned where they live, what they eat and even how tall they are. Kayla Stovall and all the 1st graders had a chance to see how they measure up to the tallest penguin, the Emperor penguin, who stands at 3 feet, 9 inches. During Catholic Schools Week, students enjoyed watching the American Eagle Production of In the Beginning in Langan Hall. The play included a series of skits and songs which took the students through the Creation to Noah s Ark.

4 THANK YOU TO EVERYONE! The fund raiser for the Polak family is over. It was a huge success thanks to all the wonderful, kind people who donated and contributed in so many different ways. The generosity of everyone has been overwhelming. This event could not have taken place without all of you. To see everyone come together for such a wonderful cause and wonderful family is fantastic. So, thank you all, over and over again for everything you did, we are forever grateful. We miss you, Donna! The Calcagno Family LITTLE ROCK SCRIPTURE SERIES CONTINUES FOR LENT: The Passion & Resurrection Narratives CHOICE If you choose you can keep the commandments, Sirach tells us. God has set before you fire and water; to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand (Sirach 15:15, 16). This is a great mystery: God does not control us so completely that we cannot choose our own path. We have certain boundaries, of course, but no one but we can choose our way within those boundaries. In today s reading from Matthew s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of our freedom and our responsibility for our lives. He calls us to look beyond the words of the commandments, all the way to their meaning. Look beyond the adultery to the selfishness that poisons our love. Look beyond the murder to the anger that eats away at our compassion. Look beyond the perjured testimony to the lies and deception that drive our behavior. Our vocation is to choose life for ourselves, and to choose a path through our part of the world that helps make life possible and more abundant for others as well. Tuesday March 15th to April 19th 7:00 to 8:30 pm Wednesday March 9th to April 13th 1:00 to 2:30 pm Former Convent (10120 Kent Street) Cost of Material $12.00 Call rectory to register Come join us for: Mass With An Explanation with Fr. John Cusick Sunday, February 20, :00 pm HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT EXAM Montini Catholic High School offers a Second Placement Examination for 8th grade students on Saturday, February 19th, at 8:30 am and an Information Night on Thursday, February 17th. This Placement Examination is for eighth grade students who did not test in the first placement examination offered at any other Catholic High School on Saturday, January 8th, A $30.00 testing fee and two, number two pencils are required for the exam on February 19th. The Information Night on Thursday, February 17th at 7:00pm begins in the school Auditorium. Fr. John Cusick, Director of Young Adult Ministry, will be with us for a Closer Look at the Mass. A great deal of the beauty of the Mass is lost if those participating do not have an understanding of our rituals, signs and symbols. The teaching Mass offers young adults an opportunity to understand why we do what we do. Join us on Feb. 20th as Fr. Cusick provides a play-by-play explanation as we celebrate Mass together. This is an event for young adults (20s & 30s, married and single) but all ages are welcome. St. Bernardine Church ~ 7246 West Harrison Forest Park, Illinois Light Supper to Follow For More Information: Call Fr. (708)

5 2011 ARCHDIOCESAN ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL BEGINS Please Respond Generously to Cardinal George s Letter The theme of the 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal is seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Jesus taught that we are not to worry about the things of this world. Rather, we are to seek the kingdom of God and the Father will reward us. God provides all that we have and all that we are. Stewardship, in part, is the recognition of God s gifts and the obligation to return a significant portion of our gifts to assist in his work. Our gifts to our parish, to our Archdiocese and the Church throughout the world are given in gratitude for what God has given us. A gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal helps to provide education, services, and ministry to thousands within and outside of our Archdiocese. The Appeal supports parish ministries that provide religious education to children, youth and adults in economically disadvantaged communities. It is also one of the largest philanthropic sources of financial support for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. The Appeal also funds services that are of great help to the ministries here in our parish. Also, when our parish reaches its goal of $36,000 in paid pledges, 100% of the additional funds received will be returned to us for use in our parish. Please make a significant pledge to the 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal. Jesus tells us that we are not to worry about the things of this life but must first seek the kingdom of God. Let us all join together in helping to share His Gospel message through our financial support of the 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal of our Archdiocese. We pray to the Lord.

6 LET S ASK A NURSE Wellness House Health Fair Thursday, February 17th 5:30-8:30pm Free Health Information for Everyone! Experienced registered nurses from Benedictine University will host a Health Fair at Wellness House covering a variety of current health topics such as: Hypertension Cholesterol Body mass index Sleep Depression Much More! PROGRAMS AT THE WELL Grief Recovery Outreach Program is an in-depth 10-week grief recovery program that has proven to be a helpful tool for those experiencing loss in their lives either recent or past. Cecilia Kaiser, MS, will facilitate this program on Mondays, March 7th to May 9th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The cost of $160 includes materials. Call Cecilia at for more information and/or to register. The Well is located at 1515 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park. Visit the website at The nurses will be available to answer your questions and explain common health problems. Wellness House staff will also be available to answer questions about exercise, nutrition and stress reduction programs for people experiencing cancer. There will be a special program for children so that parents can fully participate in the Health Fair. Please register online at or call THE FORMATIVE YEARS Evening lecture and Q & A Wednesday, February 23, p.m. Priory Auditorium Priory Campus 7200 W. Division Street, River Forest (corner of Harlem and Division) Dennis Kirchen, EdD is associate professor of early childhood education at Dominican University. The early years of childhood are characterized by rapid developmental changes. While some of these changes are easy to see, others are not so obvious. Highlights of cognitive and social development for children aged birth through pre-adolescence will be discussed. See why they are called the formative years. Elizabeth Jeep, PhD, associate director of the Siena Center, will offer a response to Dr. Kirchen s lecture. Admission is $ For more information, call the Siena Center at The event will be held at Dominican University s Priory Campus Auditorium, 7200 Division Street, River Forest. If you would like to learn more about the Siena Center please visit

7 Relevant Radio helps us bring God into our marriage everyday! (Lisa T.) Helping the Catholic Church build strong families and marriages since Tune into Relevant Radio : Chicago 950AM, Chicago West 930AM, or NW Indiana 1270AM (Listen online at FEBRUARY 14, 2011 NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT We are in the process of updating our parish Web siteʼs music tab with photos including our music groups at our Christmas liturgies. Now it is time to think about starting up a new season of song. Perhaps you will think about joining us. The DI Adult Choir opens up for newcomers at the beginning of each of the choir seasons. Currently, the Adult Choir is ready to begin the Lent/ Easter season so newcomers are welcome to join us at our first rehearsal of the season on Wednesday, February 16th, from 7:15 until 8:30 pm in the music area of the church. The only requirements to join this group are a blendable singing voice as well as the time and dedication to devote to regular weekly rehearsals and liturgies. A complete schedule of events for the season will be distributed at that first rehearsal. The DI Youth Ensemble is open to young people of high school and college age who enjoy singing or playing a musical instrument. These young people must come to us with a blendable singing voice and some level of accomplishment on the instrument. Please contact Judy Schindler, parish organist, about joining this group. The Strings of Faith are already in session for the season. They are currently working on their full season schedule. We welcome back our Chimes Choir for another season. We are delighted with their growth this year. "Father, as we prepare for World Marriage Day, we thank you for your tremendous gift of the sacrament of Matrimony. Help us to witness to its glory by a life of growing intimacy. Teach us the beauty of forgiveness so we may become more and more one in heart, mind and body. Strengthen our dialogue and help us become living signs of your love. Make us grow in love with our church so we may renew the Body of Christ. Make us a sign of unity in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and brother. Amen" CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS Are you a practicing Catholic age 18 or over who has received First Communion but has not been confirmed? A preparation program for adults who wish to celebrate Confirmation will begin on Monday, February 21st, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at St. Barbara Church, 4008 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield. The program will meet for eight weeks and Confirmation will be celebrated in early May. To register or for more information, contact Patrick Redington at or predington@archchicago.org.

8 LITURGY FOR THE WEEK SATURDAY, February 12 5:00 pm Donna Polak SUNDAY, February 13 7:30 People of the Parish; Lorenzoni Fam.; Jim Cibulka; Mildred & John Baranski; Tom Mulvihill 9:30 Frank Olivo; The Bacon Fam.; Mary Pat, Barney & Therese Crosson; Dr. Norbert Skupien 11:30 Alida Ressa Iozzi; Alfeo Vivo MONDAY, February 14 8:00 Jack W. Cagney; Joan Smerge; Hank & Jean Lenart TUESDAY, February 15 8:00 All the Faithful Departed WEDNESDAY, February 16 8:00 Audrey Schroeder; Walter & Mary Wanick THURSDAY, February 17 8:00 Walter Trojak FRIDAY, February 18 8:00 All the Faithful Departed SATURDAY, February 19 8:00 Frances J. Bauman 5:00 pm Mary Jo Scanlan; Joseph Hable SUNDAY, Feruary 20 7:30 People of the Parish 9:30 Dennis J. Roberts; Eduardo Perez; Rev. Edward Skupien; All the Faithful Departed 11:30 Hanoria C. Dudley; Daniel Riordan; Dec. Mem. of St. Vincent de Paul Society PRAY FOR THE SICK OF THE PARISH Mary Baloun Muriel Becassio Mary Belluzzi Irene Bendinelli Michelle Budrick Nicholas Cabrera Marie Camerota Kay Carlson Jean Cibulka Florence Cizk Troy Conrad Marianne Crosson Christine Czaja Jessica Davy Robbie Dee Bill Dilla Joseph Downey Elaine Fergle Jerry Fitzpatrick Mary Ann Fitzsimmons Charlie Flory Harold Frederick Brian Fuller Dolores Fuller Jeanine Geringer Paul Grahn Florian Grusz Francine Gust Greg Hanley Sigmund Hill Jim Hruby John Jacobs Joan Janda Lorraine Jedrzejczyk Rich Jurevich Annamae Karmeres Elizabeth Klincewicz Susan Koehl Don Kubik Adolph Kubon, Jr. John Lany Margaret Limoncello Nick Lococo Art Luigio Tracy Markey Rose Meyer Nancy Michalek Ben Mollandin Noah Morales Suzanne Moreau John Morrissy Freida Morrone Judy Mortimer Kathleen Mulacek Daniel Noftz Ellen Noftz Norma Parenti Michael Perduto Helen Pezzette Ken Philip Penny Prokop Beth Rybarski Fran Saviano Peggy Scolaro Nicole Durczak Sheputis Pat Sherman Dolores Sniegowski Ron Speechley Anthony Mark Stompanato Adrian Stompanato Matthew Walendzewicz Ray Waver JoMae White Jean Wise Augie Zimmerman Jenny Hlavac WEEKDAY SERVERS MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY 8:00 THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 8:00 MAY THEY REST IN PEACE Mildred J. Musil Della Govas Robert W. Bond Joseph Hable (brother of Larry Hable) NEXT WEEKEND S MINISTERS CELEBRANT EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS LECTORS SERVERS SAT. 5:00 Fr. Joyce D. Thoms Teens W. Thoms SUN. 7:30 Fr. Joyce F. Brogan S. Laszkiewicz J. Ceplecha C. Schukies SUN. 9:30 Fr. Winikates M. Meyers L. D Andria J. Percival J. Klotter SUN. 11:30 Fr. Michael B Wiersema N. Mihel R. Carnagio S. Johnston

9 MONDAY, February 14 Happy Valentine s Day! Rel. Ed. Classes CR 7 pm Liturgy TUESDAY, February 15 CH 2:45 pm Chimes Ensemble WEDNESDAY, February 16 CH 4 pm Music Dept. LH 5:30 pm Market Day PR 7pm Baptismal Preparation Mtg. LH 7 pm Scouts THURSDAY, February 17 LH 7 pm Men s Club SATURDAY, February 19 LH/GYM 8 am Band Solo Contest SUNDAY, February 20 GYM 11 am Core Group MONDAY, February 21 No Rel. Ed. Classes TUESDAY, February 22 CH 2:45 pm Chimes Ensemble WEDNESDAY, February 23 CH 4 pm Music Dept. LH 7 pm Scouts GYM 6 pm Core Group THURSDAY, February 24 CH Confirmation Vigil FRIDAY, February 25 CH/LH CONFIRMATION SUNDAY, February 27 GYM 11 am Core Group READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 4:1-15, 25; Mk 8:11-13 Tuesday: Gn 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Mk 8:14-21 Wednesday: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22; Mk 8:22-26 Thursday: Gn 9:1-13; Mk 8:27-33 Friday: Gn 11:1-9; Mk 8:34 9:1 Saturday: Heb 11:1-7; Mk 9:2-13 Sunday: Lv 19:1-2, 17-18; Ps 103; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48 SUNDAY OFFERING - The Sunday collection for February 6, 2011 totaled $8, When you are away for a weekend, we hope you will remember your offering to Divine Infant. Thank you. PROTECTING CHILDREN At Divine Infant Jesus Parish and School, the protection of our children is of utmost importance, and we comply fully with the policies of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. To learn more, go to our website dnn.archchicago.org/divine infant and click on the tab Protecting Children at D.I. or visit archchicago.org and click on the button Protecting Children. If you do not have internet access and would like to learn more, please contact the rectory or call the Office for Protection of Children and Youth at WELCOME......to Divine Infant Jesus Church. If you are new to our church or just visiting, please stop and introduce yourself. We are pleased to have you share in this celebration of the Eucharist. If you do not have a church home, or your church is not a home to you, we invite you to become part of our parish family. Our church is open to anyone looking for a spiritual home. To register, please call the rectory at We are so glad you are here and hope you will come back again for Mass or to become a parishioner.

10 WHO WAS ST. VALENTINE? St. Valentine is the namesake of Valentine's Day, although most people aren't familiar with this priest and the beginning of the holiday. Unfortunately, there is some confusion over who St. Valentine is and how his history relates to Valentine's Day. The Three St. Valentines The feast of St. Valentine was first celebrated in 496 by Pope Gelasius I. This feast was created in reverence to St. Valentine, who was counted among many martyrs. However, not much was known about St. Valentine. In fact, the real St. Valentine could have been one of three different individuals: a priest in Rome, a bishop in Terni or a martyr in the Roman province of Africa. The official Catholic Church Web site lists three different St. Valentines. They were all mentioned as martyrs in official documents, but they lived in different times and in different areas. The Best-Known St. Valentine Story There was a St. Valentine that was documented in the Nuremberg Chronicle in 1493, and he has the most common story told about Valentine and the origins of the holiday. The document stated that he was a Roman priest who was killed during the reign of Claudius II. He was imprisoned and then later killed for marrying Christians, which was illegal at the time. He was either killed in 269, 270 or 273. He was first imprisoned for the marriages and helping Christians, but then was killed for trying to convert the Emperor to Christianity. In some retellings of this story, Valentine was helping soldiers become married, which was illegal at the time. This martyr was buried on the Flaminian Way. As for the other St. Valentines, the one who was the bishop in Terni was also buried on the Flaminian Way. The Flaminian Gate at Rome was later known as the Gate of St. Valentine, and a nearby church was named after the saint. There is no historical record of the St. Valentine martyr who died in Africa, other than his name and his burial place. Despite the lack of clarity on who St. Valentine was, it's obvious that his influence has lived on. Some scholars theorize that the story of the first St. Valentine was romanticized and publicized to help create a holiday to overshadow the pagan holiday of Lupercalia. Many modern holidays are celebrated on what once were pagan holidays, so there may be some truth to this theory. No matter what the origins of the St. Valentine's story, lovers, card makers, candy makers and children throughout many different countries appreciate his holiday every year.

11 DIVINE INFANT PARISH NEWCASTLE AND CANTERBURY AVENUES WESTCHESTER, ILLINOIS REV. MICHAEL WANDA, Pastor (ext. 203) REV. GERALD JOYCE, Pastor Emeritus (ext. 206) REV. THOMAS WINIKATES, Associate (ext. 204) MRS. RITA RAYSA, M.A.P.S., Pastoral Associate (ext. 208) MR. LEONARD GRAMAROSSA, School Principal SR. SUSAN MAJCEN, O.P., Director of Religious Education MR. JAMES SINACORE, Deacon Website: dnn.archchicago.org/divineinfant Rectory: 1601 Newcastle Avenue, Fax number: School: 1640 Newcastle Avenue, & Office of Religious Education: Minister of Care: Choir Director: Mrs. Janet Reif, Organist: Mrs. Judy Schindler, Business Manager: Mr. Leonard Weigel, (ext. 209) Rectory Secretary: Mrs. Toni Podock, (ext. 201) SUNDAY MASSES: 7:30, 9:30 & SATURDAY EVENING: 5:00 pm WEEKDAY MASSES: 8:00 am SATURDAY MORNING: 8:00 am HOLY DAY MASSES: 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 am and 7:00 pm SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: (Confession) Saturday: In the Reconciliation Room 4:00 to 4:45 pm or by appointment. BAPTISMS: Baptisms are celebrated on the 2nd & 3rd Sundays of the month at 12:45 pm. By Archdiocesan regulation and parish policy, parents are required to attend a Baptismal Preparation session before the Baptism of their child. These sessions will usually be held on the third Wednesday evening of the month. Call the secretary at the rectory ( ) to register for the session and schedule the Baptism. D.I.V.M. SERVICES: Communion to the sick, food shopping, necessary transportation, emergency meals, transportation to Mass. Resource information also available. If you need help from any of these services, please let us know as much in advance as possible so the chairpersons can make arrangements and the volunteers arrange their schedules. If you are able to volunteer to help provide these services to our parishioners, we can always use more help. Mrs. Rita Raysa, WEDDINGS: Couples should contact the rectory and speak to a priest shortly after the engagement, but no less than four months before the desired wedding day. No date should be set (especially in reserving a hall) for your wedding until you have spoken to a priest. In this way, you will not be disappointed if the church has been previously reserved for another ceremony. Please keep in mind the times that are available for weddings at Divine Infant: SATURDAYS 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm WEEKDAYS Any reasonable hour

12 CHURCH NAME & NUMBER Divine Infant #9216 ADDRESS 1601 Newcastle, Westchester, Il PHONE CONTACT PERSON Elsie Masterson (ext. 302) SOFTWARE Microsoft Publisher 2003 Windows XP Professional Adobe Acrobat 6.0 PRINTER HP Laserjet 5P NUMBER OF PAGES SENT Cover through 12 SUNDAY DATE OF BULLETIN February 13, 2011 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS