The LORD, the God of your fathers, will give you a land flowing with milk and honey

Transcription

1 Thirty first Sunday in Ordinary Time The LORD, the God of your fathers, will give you a land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 6:2-6).

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 volunteer, ext 104, Felicia Lawlor, M.S., R.N.,Parish Nurse volunteer, 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 3 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, Today the Lord continues to expand our vision with a world view that sees all people as our neighbors. How can we live out the great commandment of Jesus today, to love God with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, unless we see Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and all others as our [We can} expand our vision of community to include all people as our neighbors, our brothers and sisters. neighbors, in this world which gets smaller and smaller. To love our neighbors as ourselves with the wholehearted love of God is the vision and commandment Jesus gives us today. Does God love others less? How could we ever think such a thing? How could we be so blind? We continue, with the blind man from last weeks gospel, to say, Lord we want to see! Help us to see as you see, to hear as you hear, to love as you love. All people come from God and are God s People, our brothers and sisters. We must see that if we are to live out the great commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. Part of the problem is that we all have such negative self-image issues about ourselves, that it is hard to love our neighbors as ourselves. How do we get over our negative self-image issues? We help each other. That s the value of a community where we love each other as God loves us, of living out that great commandment. Again, how can we get to that point? I believe it is what we can do for each other in community. I love it when kids come up to me and throw their arms around me with a big hug. It tells me and lets me know that I am loved and cherished. We do that for each other in community, and in such ways we come to know that we are loved by God and we can love our neighbors in the wholehearted way Jesus is talking about today. Then we can begin, really begin, to see enough so that we can love our neighbors as ourselves, to expand our horizons and vision of community to include all people as our neighbors, our brothers and sisters. Then the Kingdom of God which we pray for every time we say the Lord s Prayer can become a reality. We live out of that vision. When the man who asked Jesus the question about which is the greatest commandment understood what Jesus was saying as more important than anything Jesus told him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. How far are we from the kingdom of God, how well do we see and understand Jesus teaching? What are you looking for? In Christ s love, Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time November 5, 2006 You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

4 Worship Commission Book of Life & Memory Board Each November we put out a special Book of Life which lists the names of deceased parishioners, family members, and friends since the beginning of our parish. Anyone is welcome to make an entry in this book which will be displayed in the Narthex throughout the month. Next to this book is a memory board listing the names of all those whose funerals were celebrated at St. Thomas this past year. We pray that the souls of all our beloved departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Veterans Day Prayer November 11 is Veterans Day. This eleventh day of the eleventh month was chosen for the armistice that ended World War I. Most European nations as well as Canada observe the day as Memorial Day for those killed in war, an extension of All Souls Day, very much within the Catholic keeping of November. Heavenly God, we thank you for the selfless service of those who gave their lives to protect our nation, preserve our freedoms, and restore peace in the face of aggression and injustice. Grant relief to those who continue to experience emotional or physical agony from their days of combat. Give us a sense of responsibility for their welfare. Comfort those who mourn for loved ones who were crippled or who died in war. Establish your reign of peace so that others may not suffer from the sins of injustice, violence, and aggression. Amen Adapted from a prayer at: John Angotti Dates at St. Thomas There is a posting on our web site listing all of the dates that John Angotti will be at St. Thomas through May of Go to then select News & Information and Worship Commission News. The next dates that John will be with us are Wednesday, November 8 for our upcoming St. Thomas Prays/ Praise Event and Sunday, November 12 at the 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Masses. John Angotti CDs A few of John s CDs are for sale in the Liturgy Office for $15 each. You can also purchase them through World Library Publications, , Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time STATUTES AND COMMANDMENTS In the Book of Deuteronomy we are given civil laws and religious laws. Specifically, today we hear about laws that help us to love God and show us how to live as God s people. The word fear in this context does not mean being afraid, but is used in the sense of obedient children deferring to a loving parent. Jesus came to help lead us to God. Like a priest, he mediates between God and the human race. In Mark s Gospel today, it is in this character that Jesus clarifies God s laws of living. In an effort to know what was really important to Jesus, a scribe asked him what was the greatest law. Jesus responded with the words of Deuteronomy, teaching that it was most important to love God. But he quickly added the second most important law: to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves. Jesus told the scribe that if he understood and lived the words he had just heard, he was close to the Kingdom of God. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR Jesus wasn t very specific about who our neighbors were, but he probably did not confine his definition to just the person next door. In order to show our love for God, we must first show that love in the way we take care of our neighbors, especially those in vulnerable situations. It is good that we call ourselves Christians because we diligently obey God s commandments, attend church regularly, and live moral lives. But deep down in our hearts, we know we need to do more. If we look at how Jesus loved his neighbors, how he took time to listen to them, care for them, and heal them in their brokenness, then we see how we are to love one another. Our actions today need to be modeled on those of Jesus. Copyright 2005, World Library Publications. All rights reserved. Today s Readings First Reading The LORD, the God of your fathers, will give you a land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 6:2-6). Psalm I love you, Lord, my strength (Psalm 18). Second Reading Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him (Hebrews 7:23-28). Gospel To love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mark 12:28b-34). November 5, 2006 Page 4

5 Pray For Our Parish 31 st Sunday in Ordinary Time You are the one God, O Lord. and beside you there is no other. you alone are we to love with all your heart with all our soul, with all our strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Focus our vision, and sharpen our ears to hear this great commandment. arouse our hearts to offer this twofold love. We ask this through the Christ who was, who is and who is to come; your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications. Muslim - Jewish - Christian Prayer for Peace O God, you are the source of life and peace. Praised be your name forever. We know it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace. Hear our prayer in this time of war. Your power changes hearts. Muslims, Christians, and Jews remember, and profoundly affirm, that they are followers of the one God, children of Abraham, brothers and sisters; enemies begin to speak to one another; those who were estranged join hands in friendship; nations seek the way of peace together. Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these truths by the way we live. Give to us: Understanding that puts an end to strife; Mercy that quenches hatred, and Forgiveness that overcomes vengeance. Empower all people to live in your law of love. Amen. From Pax Christi USA Readings for the Week Mon: Phil 2:1-4; Lk 14:12-14 Tues: Phil 2:5-11; Lk 14:15-24 Wed: Phil 2:12-18; Lk 14:25-33 Thurs: Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2:13-22 Fri: Phil 3:17 4:1; Lk 16:1-8 Sat: Phil 4:10-19; Lk 16:9-15 Sun: 1 Kgs 17:10-16; Ps 146; Heb 9:24-28; Mk 12:38-44 [41-44] For the sick Donna Bibetich, sister of Dee Welsh Helen Lukachick, aunt of Eva Thurman-Keup David Edberg, brother-in-law of Susan Dena Coe Judy Meccia, friend of Ann Angie Rickertson, firend of Betty & Jerry Sinco Jim Becker, husband of Ruth David & Theresa Uffner s grandparents; For the deceased Erin Elise & Faith Marie Cunningham, infant twins of Doug & Theresa Norbert Oliver, husband of Dawn Katheryn Angelotti, mother of Ron & Carol Mass Intentions Monday, November 6, :30 Andy Mravca, by Joan Mravca Tuesday, November 7, :30 Agnes Stoffregen, by Jim Stoffregen & Family Daniel Fitzmaurice, by Frank & Marianne Wednesday, November 8, :30 Jack Ryan, by John & Eleanor McNicholas Thursday, November 9, :30 Tim Augustine, by Cathy Disciarro Friday, November 10, :30 Jeanne Crawford, by Harry & Lorraine Brozynski Al Naveja, by Carol Naveja Saturday, November 11, :30 Aurelio Lopez, by Amy Deguzman 4:30 Corinne Karges, by Chuck & Sally Melka John Henry, by Donna McNamara Sunday, November 12, :30 John Easton, by Audrey Easton Deceased Members of 50+ Holding, by 50+ Holding 9:00 Rosa De Rosa, by Deborah, Paul & Isabella De Rosa Sgt. David Caruso, by Family 10:45 Anna Furibondo, by Ted & Joan McKeown Marilyn Kane, by Ed Kane 12:15 For the People of St. Thomas Page 5 November 5, 2006

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Soul Searchers St. Thomas Soul Searchers will meet once a month to read, explore, experience, and discover the fathers and a few mothers of the Christian Church from the second to the seventh centuries A.D. as compiled in The Roots of Christian Mysticism by Olivier Clement. In his introduction, Clement states, I have tried to allow the chief witnesses of the undivided Church to speak for themselves Many lived in times of persecution, when society veered between skepticism on one hand and various forms of gnosis on the other. The recent book and movie, The Da Vinci Code, exposes a great void of contemporary knowledge of the mystical and spiritual roots of our Church and our faith. These readings will mine the heart and soul of those who held, and were held by something so amazing and extraordinary that the world was changed by it. This month s reading (pp ) covers Chapters 2-3 of The Roots of Christian Mysticism. The text is available at Borders and Barnes and Noble. Handouts are available in the pick-up drawer under S. The next meeting of Soul Searchers will be Saturday, November 11 from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. in the Rectory Basement. All are welcome to attend this monthly discussion group. Join us whenever your schedule allows and enjoy a wonderful experience. Dinner Provided for Alpha by Young Adults in APEX Many thanks to a spirited group of young adults APEX for providing food for the ALPHA Holy Spirit Retreat. You really are tops in our book! On a Faith Journey? The road doesn't need to be bumpy. We all have questions. And with every step we always seek the infinite truth. Visit Seeking Faith on the parish website where you'll find intriguing articles, useful links and details on current and upcoming opportunities designed to help guide your journey. visit and click on Seeking Faith C.A.R.E. CORNER Catholics are very familiar with the communion of saints which we profess belief in when we recite the Apostles Creed. We often make prayer requests to a saint, asking for intercession on our behalf. But others wonder why we bother with humans who have died when we could just take our prayer requests right to God. First of all, we can learn a lot from the lives of those who have gone before us. Our history books are full of the accomplishments as well as the struggles of our ancestors. We all need good role models. And in our communion of saints, we find numerous examples of lives turned around, lives of servitude, models of fervent prayer and methods for getting closer to God. We can learn a lot from dead people. Who among us has never asked someone else to pray for us? Others prayers for us connect us to them and bring us the comfort of knowing someone cares. As members of the Body of Christ, we are all connected anyway. As children of God, we are all one family. And family is supposed to take care of family. November 5, 2006 Page 6

7 Come One, Come All! Monday, November 13, is the date planned for the Fall All-Gatherings Event. Please meet from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Lighthouse to welcome Jill Bates, D.Min., who will speak on Relationships: Key to Christian Life. Jill was instrumental in fostering Gatherings Small Christian Communities during her time on staff at St. Thomas. All current and former Gatherings participants are warmly invited to attend to strengthen the bond of community. Everyone interested in or just curious about what a Gatherings group is like and what it s for is most welcome, too. If you plan to attend, please respond to Chari Rosales ( x138) or Anne Schultz (x 113) by Nov. 10. Fall Men s Night Tickets on Sale Now! The Men s Christian Fellowship Group will host the Fall Men s Night on November 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lighthouse. The guest speaker will be Naperville police captain, Kevin Kirk. Kevin will talk about the Police Investigations Division. All men of the parish are invited. A small meal will be provided. Fellowship and socializing will follow the presentation. Tickets are on sale after each mass for $5. Questions? Call Monte Anderson (parishioner). Christmas Card Project A simple way to make a big difference! Naperville Church Women United will again be assisting Companions Journeying Together, collecting Christmas cards to be sent to prisoners in the Chicago area. This is a prison ministry that offers encouragement to men and women who are incarcerated. Here s what you can do 1. Sign one or more Christmas cards with a first name only you can add a message but do not be preachy. 2. Do not put a return address and do not seal the envelope! 3. Do not put stickers, glue, paste or tape on the cards/envelopes. 4. Do not enclose anything. 5. Please be sensitive to the fact that many of the cards will be sent to people of color. Please choose cards which do not have a white Madonna or white people on them. 6. Place a first class stamp on each envelope. If you would like to donate additional stamps, please put them in a separate bag. There will be a decorated box in both the Narthex area and the Gathering area to collect these items all through November! These cards are a simple way to make a big difference. Thank You Again! Page 7 November 5, 2006

8 Religious Education First Communion Parent Sessions Parent Enrichment Sessions for 1 st Eucharist have been scheduled. These sessions are for adults only and attendance is expected at both sessions for parents who desire to have a child receive their First Communion in the spring of If you missed Session 1, please contact the Religious Education Office at Session 2, Preparation for Eucharist in the Home, will be presented by Patti Dougherty on Saturday morning, November 4 at 8:30 9:45 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Academy and again Monday evening November 6 at 7:15 8:30 p.m. in the St. Thomas Ministry Center. Parents may attend either time. Moving and Grooving with Mother Mary Liturgical movement has long been a tradition in the Catholic Church. It is a beautiful visual prayer form that youth naturally model and enjoy. On November 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. the high school and junior high youth, ladies and gentleman, are warmly invited to participate in a liturgical movement workshop which is being directed by Ms. Madonna Phelan from Dominican University. Youth will meet two more times together after this date to compose a movement for the December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass which is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. The evening offers a joyful reflection to the strength and power of Mary. Please contact the Religious Education office to register for the workshop. Trec High School Ministry It s almost Thanksgiving Time! What a great holiday. Eating, watching football, eating, playing Turkey Bowl, eating, hanging out with family and eating it s a wonderful day. Unfortunately, some people miss out on a big chunk of that because they don t have enough food to eat. You can help this holiday. Please contribute to our Harvest Sunday food collection on November 12 and Turkey Collection fund raiser after the Sunday, 8 p.m. Mass each week. Today, Harvest Sunday flyers will be passed out at wherever and whenever the Quest leader has determined. Mass is also tonight at 8:00. On Wednesday, APEX is in the Cabin at 7:30. Also, Summer Mission Brochures are out. Contact Jim if you want one or go to the website. We ll start our first fundraiser, selling wreaths, right now. They will be available after Mass on November 4 and 5. Finally, high school hoops begins on November 28. Get your team together and call Jim or check out the website for the registration packet. For all other information, or for the yearly calendar, check out And don t forget the high school hotline, call Jim anytime. Please pray for all of our students as we being our ministry season. All Saints Catholic Academy Tours and Open Houses All Saints Catholic Academy will be conducting school tours for new families every Tuesday in November and December. The tours will take place at 4 p.m. and last approximately 30 minutes. Contact Peggy Kobe, , to reserve a spot. Two Open Houses are planned for January. The first one will take place on Sunday, January 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. The second one is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Priority registration for new families who are members of the founding and supporting parishes will take place from Monday, January 22 through Thursday, January 25. Open registration will continue until February 9. November 5, 2006 Page 8

9 ST THOMAS PRAISE Prays A Whole Community Faith Event with John Angotti Come and enjoy an evening of spirited music, worship, and faith enrichment for your entire household. These midweek events are for everyone. Wednesday, Nov 8 7:00 8:15 p.m. In this third session of our series, we ll look at... What gets in the way of your relationship with God? Future St. Thomas Praise / Prays dates are: Dec 6, Feb 21, and Mar 14. Call the Religious Education Office by Mon, Nov 6, 9 a.m. to reserve childcare ($3 per child) Watch the bulletin and our parish website for information on future sessions. Page 9 November 5, 2006

10 Service Commission Outreach Care Pantry Needs Food Please Support Harvest Sunday This Sunday, November 5, the teens will be distributing Harvest Sunday fliers in the neighborhoods. Food will be collected next Sunday, November 12. The St. Thomas Food Pantry is running a bit low on food at this time. If you are able, please support Harvest Sunday. One third of the food stays in the St. Thomas pantry. Jubilee USA --- Coming Next Weekend Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of 75 religious denominations and faith communities, human rights, environmental, labor, and community groups working for the definitive cancellation of crushing debts to fight poverty and injustice in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. At all the Sunday morning liturgies on November 12, Charity Musamba from Zambia will speak on the debt cancellation issue. It has made a huge difference in Zambia and could make a huge difference in Haiti. Time to Clean Out the Clothes Closets! St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Drive Nov Last year the St. Vincent de Paul Store gave away $225,000 in free clothes, furniture, and household items to the poor. Some of the items donated are sold. All profits go to the poor. St. Thomas was reimbursed $30,000 from the profits which were distributed for emergency rent and utility payments. Seventeen seniors live in low income apartments built and maintained by the Joliet Diocese s St. Vincent de Paul Conferences. The work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is funded by your gifts, both monetary directly to the St. Thomas conference and by your donations to the store. Please go through your closets and set aside some of your very good items to share with those less fortunate. Work of Human Hands Coming December 2 and 3 Plan to do your Christmas gift shopping while supporting individuals in developing countries and in the US who are working to sustain themselves. On Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 the Justice and Peace Ministry in cooperation with Catholic Relief Services will sponsor a Work of Human Hands sale after all liturgies. A large variety of Fair Trade products representing the work of artisans and producers around the world including home décor, Christmas items, jewelry, toys, novelties, coffee, tea, and chocolate will be available for purchase. Feed My Starving Children Update The following was published by the Feed My Starving Children Organization. Did you miss the mobile packing at St. Thomas in Naperville? It was a HUGE success 745 volunteers packed 210,600 meals during the four short days we set up shop there. It was amazing. You had to be there But if you couldn't, come and join Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1310 Shepherd Drive in Naperville ( ) November 8 through 11. Call to book your volunteer session now! November 5, 2006 Page 10 Holiday Pie Sale Benefit Transitional Housing, Care Pantry, and your Sweet Tooth! Order a pie or cheesecake just in time for the holidays. Selling 500 pies will provide $1,875 for the St. Thomas Transitional Housing ministry. Better yet, buy a pie for your family and one for our Care Pantry (to be used in the Thanksgiving food baskets). Order forms were in last week s bulletin and are available in the Gathering Area. Make checks payable to St. Thomas THM (please include with your order). Orders are due by end of day Sunday, November 12. Place orders and checks in the box in the Gathering Area. Pie pick-up will be Sunday morning, November 19 in the Gathering Area. Extra pies will be available for sale during pick-up. Your support is truly appreciated!

11 Pastoral Care Elizabeth Ministry Sunday, November 5 at 3 pm is the Tree of Lights Mass at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville. This mass remembers children who have passed away and babies lost in miscarriages and stillbirths. The Diocese is looking for volunteers to help with this mass (greeters, helpers, readers, etc.) Please contact Amy Folliard if you are interested in learning more about Elizabeth Ministry. Phone November Honors National Family Caregivers November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time set aside each year to acknowledge and honor the important role of family caregivers. There are over 1 million family caregivers in Illinois who routinely assist an older adult with shopping, meal planning, running errands, cleaning and paying bills. Many family caregivers experience stress as they try to balance the demands of caring for the loved one with their careers and other family and personal obligations. In celebration of National Family Caregivers Month, Metropolitan Family Services DuPage, a not-forprofit family service agency, if offering a free lecture on caregiver stress on Wednesday, November 1 from 6:30-7:30 pm. The lecture will be held at DuPage Convalescent Center, 400 N. County Farm Rd. in Wheaton. The program is provided in partnership with the DuPage Convalescent Center Foundation and is supported by the Northeastern Illinois area agency on aging and the United Way. For more information, or to register for this program call Kristie Lecaros at In the hospital? Call the parish office and one of our parish nurses or ministers of care will visit, bring Eucharist or assist you with your needs! Life Screening at Word of Life Word of Life Lutheran Church is hosting a health screening for the Naperville community on Thursday, November 9. The location is 879 Tudor Drive. Life Line Screening will be offering ultrasound screenings for the prevention of stroke and vascular disease. The screenings are sponsored by Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. Life Line Screening includes an ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the neck to determine if you are at risk for stroke. Up to 75% of all strokes are linked to carotid artery blockage. Screening for the arteries of the legs are offered to check for peripheral artery disease, which is linked to heart disease. A third test is performed for aneurysms in the aortic vessel of the abdomen. Life Line also offers a bone density screening to test for early detection of osteoporosis. All tests are read by a board certified vascular physicians or radiologists. These non-invasive, completely painless, ultrasound screenings take about 10 minutes each. Each of the 3 vascular tests are offered for $45 each, Osteoporosis for $35. Complete vascular screening (3 tests) for $109 or all 4 tests for $129. Preregistration is required. Appointment times fill quickly so please call for your appointment or for more information. Pregnant? Confused? Need Help? Please call us: Page 11 November 5, 2006

12 Stewardship Commission Stewardship A Way of Life Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Thank you for the generous response to our first turn-in for stewardship renewal. Commitment cards may be turned in today or mailed directly to the parish. Together, as a parish, we educate, minister, feed, celebrate, console and love each other. We bring the Lord to each other as God intended the good steward to do. Weekly Sunday Offertory (week 18) Envelopes 23,373 Loose 3,599 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 $26,972 $0 $3,100 $30,072 $598,633 $33,257 $612,000 $1,768,000 $1,169,367 Q: Which traditional Christmas activity supports both St. Thomas the Apostle and Seminarians? A: Sending Christmas Cards and gifts purchased through the Printery House affiliate fundraiser program! Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through Christian greeting cards and religious gifts this Advent and Christmas and throughout the year. The Printery House is a department of Conception Abbey in Missouri that manufactures and sells Christian greeting cards and gifts. In addition to high-quality Christmas and everyday greeting cards, you'll find plenty of beautiful items such as Advent calendars, Advent wreaths, Bibles, devotional books and journals, ornaments, Nativity sets, figurines, rosaries, wall art, garden art, toys, CDs, icons and more! Your purchase helps to support the many ministries at St. Thomas we will receive a donation equal to 7% of your total before tax and shipping. Also, proceeds from your purchase will assist the apostolates of Conception Abbey, including Conception Seminary College, where young men receive an accredited college education as they study in preparation for priesthood. It is one of the seminaries used by our diocese, Fr. Joel finished his college seminary days there before graduate school. Visit the St. Thomas the Apostle parish website at and look for the headline "Buy Christmas Cards, Support St. Thomas, and Sponsor Seminarians" under General News on the"news and Information" page. Follow the link to The Printery House website. You may also request a catalogue by calling , but for faster service, online orders are recommended. Whichever method you prefer, please be sure to use our special promotion code AF1275 for all your purchases. November 5, 2006 Page 12

13 Parish Life Commission 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: Nov. 15 7:00 PM Monthly Meeting/Sip n Tell (This is Your Life) Dec. 6 1:30 PM Lunch at Gigi s (southeast corner of Rte. 59 and 111 th Street). Please call Eleanor at (parishioner) by December 4 if you plan to attend. Dec. 13 Christmas Dinner at Long Island Sound Jan. 17 (Afternoon meeting) Movie with Popcorn and Soda NOTE: Shirley Mann has agreed to serve as "Sunshine Lady" for the club. Please give Shirley a call if you know of a member who is ill, in the hospital, or in need of some encouragement. There s no better time than NOW to join 50 and Holding. If interested, call Bill Huff (parishioner). Hope to see you! 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. Sun, Nov 19 afternoon (tba), Tour Hesed House in Aurora to find out what they're all about followed by dinner at an Italian restaurant. For details contact: Yolanda Battisto (parishioner). Catholic Daughters Fashion Show Catholic Daughters Court 756 will host a holiday fashion and luncheon on Saturday, December 9, at the Holiday Inn Select on the corner of Naper Blvd. and Diehl Rd. Tickets are $30.00 each. Doors will open at 10:30 am, featuring raffle and door prizes. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by the fashion show presented by The Dress Barn. Proceeds to go to local charities. For tickets please call Kris Dulski at Pardon Our Renovation! Please pardon us for any inconvenience you may encounter as we begin work on November 6 (through the Nov 17) in replacing the worn and dingy carpet in the Gathering Area with an exciting new flooring, designed by Newman Architecture. When this work is completed, we anticipate that the room will become a dynamic entryway to the parish facility, as the Ministry Center doors are the main entrance to the building weekdays as well as weekends. As we don t know the precise daily activities of the workers in making this change, we ask that you remain flexible regarding the passages to meeting rooms, as they are likely to change from day to day. During this work, the Gathering Place Café will be closed for renovation! Page 13 November 5, 2006

14 Administration Commission Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Lighthouse The November St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held on Thursday evening November 16, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse. Conor Cunneen, will present his much acclaimed SHEIFGAB the world program. The presentation has been referenced as the best presentation I have seen while in job transition. Mr. Cunneen is an acclaimed award winning speaker whose international engagements include engagements in Spain, Finland, Scotland Canada, England and Ireland. He has a true passion for working with those in job transition as evidenced by his service on the board of The Community Career Center and regular cohost of Job Talk on 1530 AM radio. Conor Cunneen is the author of the much admired Why Ireland Never Invaded America, described as probably the most humorous, insightful book on business strategy you will ever read, and is a winner of the coveted Chicago Toastmasters Humorous Speaker of the Year Award. Please plan to attend this very informative meeting on Thursday evening November 16, 2006 at 7:00 pm. Contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com for more information. Sts. Peter and Paul Moms Group Hosts Speaker Are you raising children who are grateful for what they have, who are aware of poverty and injustice in the world, and who are growing up with healthy expectations? The Meeting Other Mothers (MOMs) Group of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville invites you to come and hear Martie Lukanich, Psy.D., popular Parents As Teachers speaker. Dr. Lukanich brings a unique perspective, as a Catholic and a mother of six boys, to the topic of The Over-indulged Child. She ll speak at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 7, in the SSPP Ministry Center Social Hall. To attend, please RSVP by November 5 to Maureen Overman at or maureenoverman@yahoo.com. Refreshments will be served. The suggested donation for the evening is $5.00 per person plus a canned good. THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, Nov 6 4:15 5:15 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, Church 7:00 9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00 9:00 p.m. Opening Up Vatican II, Senior Center 7:00 9:30 p.m. Just Faith, Resource Center 7:00 9:00 p.m. Jr. High Catechist Meeting, Lighthouse 7:00 9:00 p.m. Katrina Response Team, Meeting Room 4 7:00 9:00 p.m. Pax Christi, Meeting Room 2 7:15 8:30 p.m. 1st Communion Parent Mtg, Chapel 7:15 9:00 p.m. Healing the Soul, Rectory Basement 7:30 9:00 p.m. Meditation, St. Patrick s Chapel Tuesday, Nov 7 8:00 8:40 a.m. Wholistic Practices, Gym 10:00 11:00 a.m. Care Pantry, Lighthouse 4:30 5:45 p.m. R.E. Classes at Brookdale School 7:00 9:30 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00 8:30 p.m. Care With God s Creation, Resource Center 7:30 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer, Lounge 7:30 9:30 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal, Church 7:30 9:00 p.m. Marriage Enrichment Team, Lighthouse 7:30 9:00 p.m. Small Group Baptism Mtg, Senior Center Wednesday, Nov 8 9:00 11:30 a.m. Bible Study, Senior Center 9:30 11:00 a.m. Moms Ministry, Gym 4:15 5:30 p.m. Joyful Jammers, Church & Senior Center 6:00 10:00 p.m. ALPHA Course, Lighthouse 7:00 9:00 p.m. Apex, Youth Center 7:00 10:00 p.m. Current Speaker Series, Rectory Basement 7:00 9:15 p.m. Leadership Night, Ministry Center 7:00 8:30 p.m. St. Thomas Praise, Church 7:30 9:00 p.m. Large Group Baptism Meeting, Gym Thursday, Nov. 9 6:00 7:30 p.m. Trec Rehearsal, Church 6:00 9:00 p.m. Dance/Liturgical Movement, Lighthouse 6:00 9:00 p.m. Emmaus Meeting, Youth Center 7:00 9:00 p.m. Men s Retreat Planning, Rectory Basement 7:30 9:30 p.m. Angotti Scola Rehearsal, Church 7:30 9:15 p.m. Marketing Communications, Resource Center Friday, Nov 10 9:30 11:30 a.m. Jobs Ministry, Lighthouse 7:00 10:00 p.m. Men s Group Lecture, Lighthouse Saturday, Nov 11 8:00-am-4:30 p.m. Six Sigma Training, Lighthouse 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Christian Fellowship, Resource Center 9:15 10:30 a.m. Soul Searchers, Rectory Basement 10:00 10:20 a.m. Grandparent Program, Narthex 2:00 5:00 p.m. Asian Ministry, Gym 2:00 4:15 p.m. Library Hours, Resource Center Sunday, Nov 12 9:00am-12:00 p.m. L.O.W. with Children, Ministry Center 9:00am-1:00 p.m. Welcome Sunday, Lighthouse 10:45am-1:30 p.m. RCIA, Resource Center 1:00 4:00 p.m. Harvest Sunday, Gym & Senior Center 1:45 2:45 p.m. Baptisms, Church 4:00 5:00 p.m. Trec Mass, Church (note different time) November 5, 2006 Page 14