PAPA GOD FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

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2 Page Two July 25, 2004 FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR GOD IS OUR PAPA IN HEAVEN In this Gospel from St. Luke Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test. This version of the Lord s Prayer is different but similar than the one we use at, which is taken from the Gospel of St. Matthew, sixth chapter, versus 9 to 12. The difference is not too surprising. St. Luke was not present on the scene, so he received his information from someone else. St. Matthew was right there on the spot, so he wrote his version from his own memory. There are other reasons why the two versions differ slightly. For one thing the prayer is so important that we can safely assume that Jesus taught it on several occasions, and most likely not always in exactly the same words. Also the Gospels were written many years after the events. The prayer was recited by memory with slight variations until St. Luke and St. Matthew wrote down their versions that were in common use in their respective communities. All of this leads to an inescapable conclusion. What is special about the Our Father is not the exact words themselves. What is special is a brand new concept. It is the unique way in which God the Son addressed God the Father. He called upon the Lord, the almighty, the creator of heaven and earth, the judge of the living and the dead as Father. It was the way in which a little child with intimate love and pure familiarity addressed his parent. Of the many words of the Christ that are recorded in the Gospels, Father is one of the most sacred. The original word in the Aramaic language is Abba. In fact, the actual meaning of the word is more like our Daddy or Papa than Father. We also are invited to address God as Abba, our loving Father. The reason why we can do so is that God has given us new life in company with His only Son, the Anointed One, the Christ. God s life is the family life of the Blessed Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It is the life that we Catholics received in the sacrament of Baptism when we were made members of the Church, God s family here on earth. During the Lord s Prayer at every we must realize how blessed we are to address God the Father as God the Son did, to call Him Abba, our Papa in heaven. The first reading of this is taken from the Book of Genesis. Abraham had to bargain with God. Consider how different the prayer of Abraham is from the prayer of Jesus. Abraham, the earthly father of the Chosen People, dared to approach God to beg Him to spare the sinful people of Sodom and Gomorrah. That was really bold. But even Abraham did not have the gall to address God as Jesus did. He would never have said something like: Give me a break, Papa. Go easy on Sodom and Gomorrah. No one had ever addressed God as Abba until Jesus did. At today we can do what Abraham did not do but what Jesus did. We can address Our Father as Abba. We can do this by standing perfectly alert, sometimes by extending our arms just like the priest does, sometimes by raising our eyes toward heaven, sometimes by joining hands with a family member or with a friend or with a fellow worshipper. Whatever we do we must do it with a special attention, because it is the one prayer that all Christians have in common. The versions of St. Luke and St. Matthew are identical in one respect. They contain this phrase: Hallowed be your name. God Bless Our Parish FATHER ED GLEESON, Pastor TRAVEL MASS TIMES Wondering where to go to when you are on vacation or traveling? For traveling Catholics free information on the location of the nearest church and times of es on weekend and holy days can be found by calling , or access their web site at This service also includes languages of the service, wheelchair accessibility and if sign language is available.

3 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Three FLOWERS The two large bouquets adorning the main altar were made available through the kindness of the NELSON FAMILY. ST. JAMES AT SAG BRIDGE The collection for St. James on the weekend of July 18 th was $3, The number of July 18 th Offertory Envelopes handed in last weekend July 17 & July 18 was 179. The amount of money coming out of those envelopes was $2, which averages out to $14.81 per envelope. Our many thanks to the 179 contributing families. BLESS YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED AND HOLY HOUR TUESDAY, JULY 27TH, 7:00-8:00PM Eucharistic Adoraton Recitation of the Rosary Divine Mercy Chaplet Benediction Come spend one hour with Our Lord. God welcomes everyone! Remember to register for Religious Education classes. Mail-in registration only. Please send it to the rectory. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the rectory. Deadline for registration is TODAY- July 25 th. Any registration received after this date will be charged a late fee of $50.00 that will be enforced. If there is a financial problem, please let us know and we can make arrangements. Do not let that reason stop you from registering. White Pines and homeschool students who are making First Holy Communion and Confirmation are also required to register at this time. LETTER FROM A SERVICEMAN Hello People at the Church of St. James, Thank you ever so much for the kind words of support that you sent to me. It sure makes me feel good that there are fine Americans out there like you behind me and my soldiers. I am proud to serve you. My unit has been in Iraq for fourteen months now, we were extended three days before we were to move down to Kuwait on April 10 th for our trip back to the States. We have been fighting the Mahdi Militia in and around An Najaf and Al Kufa Iraq since then. We are now scheduled to return home by July 15 th. Getting mail from people like you makes all what we do worthwhile. Thank you so very much. SSG, Robert R. McBride Special Note KURT RUDOLPH has earned Second Honors in the fourth and final quarter of the Marist High School academic year. ELIZABETH WELCHKO has earned B Honors for the Second Semester of the school year at Nazareth Academy. Congratulations to Kurt & Elizabeth.

4 Page Four July 25, 2004 PRAYER TO SAINT ANNE Glorious Saint Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present affair which I recommend to you under your special protection. Vouchsafe to recommend it to your Daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face, that with you and Mary and all the Saints, I may praise and bless Him for all eternity. AMEN. St. Joachim & St. Anne FEASTDAY: JULY 26 By tradition Joachim and Anne are considered to be the names of the parents of Mary, the Mother of God. We have no historical evidence, however, of any elements of their lives, including their names. Any stories about Mary's father and mother come to us through legend and tradition. We get the oldest story from a document called the Gospel of James, though in no way should this document be trusted to be factual, historical, or the Word of God. The legend told in this document says that after years of childlessness, an angel appeared to tell Anne and Joachim that they would have a child. Anne promised to dedicate this child to God. For those who wonder what we can learn from people we know nothing about and how we can honor them, we must focus on why they are honored by the church. Whatever their names or the facts of their lives, the truth is that it was the parents of Mary who nurtured Mary, taught her, brought her up to be a worthy Mother of God. It was their teaching that led her to respond to God's request with faith, "Let it be done to me as you will." It was their example of parenting that Mary must have followed as she brought up her own son, Jesus. It was their faith that laid the foundation of courage and strength that allowed her to stand by the cross as her son was crucified and still believe. Weekly Reflection July 25th 17th Sunday Ordinary Time The Our Father is a prayer we say so often that we seldom stop to think about what we are saying. Take some time to say this prayer slowly out loud and reflect on each phrase. You may want to focus on one phrase at a time and take several days to go through the prayer. Notice what is asked for in the prayer: what is needed for today, forgiveness as we forgive others, avoiding temptation. Reflect on what you need for the day. Consider how you have forgiven someone who has offended you is this how you want to be forgiven? What are the temptations in your life? Do you take any active steps to avoid them? The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Thy steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Psalm 138:8 Since a majority of the American people believe that abortion is the taking of a human life, it is important now to dispel the myth that abortion is necessary for women. In fact, the legacy of abortion-ondemand in this country has been devastating to women physically, mentally, and socially profoundly affecting relationships and behavior. (Clarke D. Forsythe, Esg.) Suggested Prayer: That church communities may reach out in forgiveness and love to those who have been victimized by abortion, we pray.

5 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Five THE COVERED WAGON IS COMING TO FRANCISCAN VILLAGE IN LEMONT ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 15TH New this year: Free Covered Wagon Rides & Speed Pitching Contest. Have your fastball speed clocked with a radar gun! Win $100 if your pitch is clocked at 100mph! The ever popular, HUGE oneday white elephant tent returns. Franciscan Village residents and associates invite you to enjoy their tasty treats at the Bake Sale beginning at 10:30am. There are jar deals and pull-tabs (must be 21 or older to play). Enjoy the lively music of Eddie Korosa, Jr. playing C&W, Oldies and Polkas starting at 1:00pm. Bingo will be played from 12:30 to 4:30pm followed at 5:00pm by the Picnic Raffle drawing at the bandstand. Tours of Franciscan Village will be offered from the picnic grounds. Many volunteers are needed. If you can help, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Ann Reiter, at We hope you join us Sunday, August 15th! Picnic Hotline: PRO-LIFE FAMILY NIGHT AT KIDDIELAND IRLC announces it s 9th annual Pro-Life Family Night at Kiddieland Amusement Park, Friday, September 10. The Illinois Right to Life Committee has reserved Kiddieland Amusement Park from 5pm to 10pm. Kiddieland is located at 8400 W. North Avenue in Melrose Park. Tickets prices: 1-24, $17.00 each; 25 or more, $15.00 each; Tickets will be $20.00 each at the door (if available). Unlimited Free soft drinks included with each ticket purchase. Children 2 years old and under FREE. Call to purchase tickets by credit card. Mail check and number of tickets desired to: IRLC 65 West Wacker Place, Suite 800 Chicago, IL Phone: YOU ARE INVITED..St. Pius X Parish Community, Madison & Westmore-Meyers Rd., Lombard, cordially invites you to attend the 30th Anniversary in honor of the National Shrine of Mary Immaculate Queen of the Universe on Sunday, August 22, 2004, at 2pm. A reception will be held in the Social Center following the. All are welcome. Please join in to honor Our Lady and to pray especially for world peace. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sarah and Vince Giovenco at BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL STEPFAMILY Interfaith Stepfamily Conference sponsored by the Family Ministries of the Archdiocese of Chicago. This conference enriches stepfamilies so they may succeed as a new family. Every Christian stepfamily dreams of building a home where God is served and children grow in faithfulness. Yet, putting together the three dimensional pieces of the stepfamily puzzle can be quite a challenge. This practical seminar teaches adults how to build their stepfamily dream home and nurture a household of faith. Cost is $75.00 per couple. BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL STEPFAMILY Friday and Saturday July 30 & 31 St. Giles Hall 1045 N. Columbian Oak Park, Il Call for more information or to register. ST. RITA 100 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL AND PARISH BLOCK PARTY Tickets are on sale for the St. Rita High School and Parish 100 year Block Party to be held on Saturday, August 28, 2004 at St. Rita High School campus, 7740 S. Western, Chicago. Tickets are $25.00 in advance and include food, entertainment and keepsake. Cash bar. Tickets are $35 at the door. A special welcoming home all high school alumni and parish friends begins at 4 pm in the St. Rita chapel, followed by the 100 Year Block Party from 5pm until midnight. Must be 21 or over to attend. To order tickets call How Well Do You Know St. James? Where does this image appear on the parish grounds? Answer will appear in next weeks bulletin. Deacon John will be sharing with us some hidden treasures here at St. James.

6 August 2004 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 BAPTISMS First Friday 7 First Saturday Holy Name 11:30am St. Eusebius of Vercelli & St. Peter Julian Eymard St. John Vianney 8 9 St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross 10 St. Lawrence 11 Purgatorial Society 7:00pm St. Clare Ss. Pontian & Hippolytus 14 St. Maximillian Kolbe 15 ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 16 St. Stephen of Hungary Prayerful Wishes Society 7:00pm St. Jane Frances De Chantal 19 St. John Eudes 20 St. Bernard 21 St. Pius X St. Rose of Lima St. Bartholomew St. Louis of France & St. Joseph Calasanz St. Monica St. Augustine 29 Bishop Perry 11:30am Reception 1:00pm 30 31

7 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Page Seven A Guide to Catholic Chicago is the newest publication of New World Publications, the publishing arm of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and is being distributed to visitors' bureaus, airports and places of lodging in metropolitan Chicago. The 2004 edition emphasizes the rich Catholic traditions in architecture, shrines, places of learning and inspiration, and ethnic heritage that have contributed to Chicago's greatness. Visitors and residents alike look for connections to their faith, says Tom Sheridan, and they'll find them in A Guide to Catholic Chicago, whether it's the tombstones on graves of the Irish at the Illinois & Michigan Canal corridor or tombs of Chicago's cardinals, or the archdiocese's newest basilica, St. Hyacinth, in the Polish community. A Guide to Catholic Chicago will be published annually, and while this first edition concentrates on old history, future editions will highlight some of the more contemporary additions to Catholic life in Chicago. In addition to the places mentioned, the guides are available from New World Publications by calling Monday Tuesday Wednesday 7:00PM Thursday Friday July 26 Sts. Joachim & Anne Jerry Mogy July 27 Weekday Elizabeth Nelson July 28 Weekday Living & Deceased Parishioners July 29 St. Martha Neil Van Cleave July 30 St. Peter Chrysologus Father James Davitt Saturday July 31 Vigil: 18th Sunday Ordinary Time 5:15PM CONFESSIONS 5:30PM int. of Eleanor Pucilowski Sunday August 1 18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 8:30AM Living & Deceased Parishioners 10:00AM Josephine Toldness 11:30AM Marie Kolb July 31 & Aug. 1 5:30 PM 8:30AM 10:00 AM 11:30 AM Celebrant Father Gleeson Father Gleeson Father Gleeson Father Gleeson Altar Servers N. Calibraro A. Nowaczyk L. Nowaczyk S. Dillenburg J. Dillenburg JH. Dillenburg K. Janociak D. Lawler P. Lawler J. Haluska R. Rubinelli R. Rubinelli Lector N. Konieczny C. Stach-Pearman B. Woeslaw S. Hagen LEM E. Liczwek Deacon John Deacon John L. Backofen Ushers L. Weiner J. Hojdik D. Drong A. Paveza T. Lang F. Pearman D. Stanford H. Grutza I. Lewis C. Bartczak J. Newcomer J. Pajkos F. Coglianese B. Czaja N. Konieczny J. Neadly M. Fleckenstein