St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Naperville IL rd Sunday Advent

Transcription

1 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Naperville IL rd Sunday Advent

2 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at (Religious Education) (Facsimilie) Parish Staff Rev. Joel Fortier Pastor, Rev. Rodolphe Arty, Associate Pastor, x 103, rarty@stapostle.org Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. Weekend Assistant Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. Deacon, x105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane Deacon, x220, chucklane2@juno.com Rev. Mr. Jim Breen Deacon, , jimb4853@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney Deacon, x225, lrkearney@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett Deacon, x220, meabarrett@att.net Liturgy Kate Cuddy Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, kcuddy@stapostle.org Lori Culberson Liturgy Coordinator, x120, lculberson@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle Liturgy Office Assistant, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Benjamin Horvat* Asst. Director of Music, x 111, bhorvat@stapostle.org Jessi Allured* Asst. Director of Music, x111, jallured@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga* Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Chari Rosales Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, crosales@stapostle.org Kevin Pranaitis Director of High School Youth Ministry, x123, ym@stapostle.org Brett Adams Coordinator of Middle School Faith Formation, x117, Patti Dougherty Director of Religious Education, x109, pdougherty@stapostle.org Nancy Cirmo Religious Education Assistant, x118, ncirmo@stapostle.org Marge Coronado Religious Education Assistant, x219, mcoronado@stapostle.org Anne Schultz Adult Faith Formation Assistant, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Lynne Vehlewald* Librarian, x125, library@stapostle.org Outreach and Social Justice Michael Ryder Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, mryder@stapostle.org Anne Schultz OSJ Partner, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Sally Meno* OSJ Financial, smeno@stapostle.org Pastoral Care Jan Olah Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. Faith Community Nurse, x104, flawlor@stapostle.org Rose Grumbine*, R.N., Faith Community Nurse, x104, rgrumbine@stapostle.org Administration Janet Simmons Finance/Business Officer, x106, jsimmons@stapostle.org Diane McQueen Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Kathy Ferguson Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Marilyn DeMeo* Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Pat Berkhout Evening/Saturday Receptionist, x119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle Bulletin Editor, Graphic Design, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Susan Francesconi* Communications Coordinator, x108, sfrancesconi@stapostle.org Ted McKeown* Facility Coordinator, x133, facility@stapostle.org Jorge Gonzalez* Custodian Pastoral Leadership Community John Ball Christine Berta Julee Gard Steven Grumbine Commission Facilitators John Lawlor Dan O Grady Worship Josh Goralski Parish Life Faith Formation Chris Baker Elaine Scutti Administration Dave Otto Service Carol Healy Sacrament of Reconciliation Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel is 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 2-3 Sundays each month at a 12:30 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend an awareness and renewal evening 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 (walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office. Liturgy Schedule Daily (Monday Friday) Communion Service 6:30 a.m. Rosary 8:10 a.m. Mass 8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Communion Service 8:30 a.m. Weekend Saturday Vigil 4:30 p.m. Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday, 9:00 9:30 a.m. *indicates part-time staff

3 Dear Friends, It s about waiting! This whole Advent thing, in fact I believe the whole process of life is about waiting. We have been so conditioned by our culture that we don t much like or appreciate waiting, but per force of our economy and other things which have slowed us down, we are forced to wait. Waiting can produce the divine virtue of Patience. There is an ancient proverb, Patientia est mater virtuorum. Patience is the mother of all virtue. Think about it! Isn t expectation half the fun of it when you re looking forward Say yes to the Good News! to some really neat experience or connecting with someone in love? I think so. So we need to learn how to wait. The people asked John the Baptist what should we do? as they were waiting for the Messiah. John told them some secrets of active waiting; things which would hasten the coming of the Kingdom of God. They were pretty simple, direct things: Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none...and likewise with food. Tax collectors asked the same question, the answer: Stop collecting more than what is prescribed. Soldiers asked the same question - the answer: Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages. They were filled with expectation as they waited for the Christ. John told them the promised one will exceed your expectations, that he was in their midst already and was mightier than he, that He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. John exhorted them in many other ways and preached good news to the people. I don t know about you, but I don t want to hear any more bad news! I want to hear good news and to experience the passion and the power of the Holy Spirit, and the fire of God s love in my heart and life. We can all say YES to that! With joyful hope and expectation it can be our experience. All God needs is our Yes to the possibility of it. To live in love, that is my goal, hope, and expectation for Advent and Christmas this year. So what do we need to do to get ready for that love? The same things John told the people of his time. Keep it simple, say yes to the good news of where and how we find Christ. Let the fires be ignited! Come Lord Jesus, Come! Happy Advent! Love, Third Sunday of Advent December 13, 2009 The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. Zephaniah 3:15b Welcome Guests and Visitors! We re so glad you re here and invite you to walk the path to faith with us. The community of St. Thomas strives to grow closer to Christ in all that we do. We care for one another and together with Christ, we are Companions on the Journey. Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us at Welcome Sunday after the following Masses: Sunday, January 10, 7:30, 9:00 and 10:45am in the gym with Donuts This weekend we will hear a message from Bishop Peter Sartain about "Catholics Come Home," an exciting project being sponsored by the Diocese of Joliet, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and the Diocese of Rockford. Beautiful television ads will begin to appear this week about the Catholic Church inviting people to return to the Church if they have stepped away for any reason. In his message, the bishop mentions a special website that has been designed You may want to look at it yourself: This website contains links to the TV spots which will be aired as well as other helpful reflections and resources. Most especially, please pray for the success of "Catholics Come Home!"

4 Worship Commission Thank YOU! To those who decorated the Church, put up the trees and brought Advent to our Worship THANK YOU! It is beautiful! Lighting of the Advent Wreath Please sign up to light the Advent Wreath. There is a sign up available in the Narthex. At Home with the Word Books Some At Home with the Word books are available for purchase in the main office. The cost is $6. This book is a great tool for breaking open the Sunday scriptures at home to reflect further on God s word and prepare to celebrate the Sunday liturgy. Philippine Traditional Advent Mass St. Thomas will host one of the Filipino traditional Simbang Gabe Masses Saturday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m. These Masses are held nine days before Christmas at churches throughout the Diocese. Pregnancy Blessing A blessing for all expectant mothers and their families will be offered near the Mary shrine after each mass next weekend December 19 and 20 (4 th Sunday of Advent). A blessing for parents and families who have recently adopted a child or who are in the process of adopting will be offered after masses on the weekend of December 26 and 27 (the Feast of the Holy Family). Presider s Schedule Dec 19/20 4:30 - Fr. Pat Brennan 7:30 - Fr. Rodolphe Arty, Deacon Chuck Lane 9:00 - Fr. Rodolphe Arty, Deacon Jim Breen 10:45 - Fr. Joel Fortier, Deacon Larry Kearney 6:30 - Fr. Bob Colaresi Occasionally schedules may change. There will be NO 6:30 Liturgy on DECEMBER 27. December 13, 2009 Page 4 Gift Giving Gift giving at Christmas is meant to be an expression of our joy and exuberance over the gift of God to us: Jesus. The name Emanuel means God-with-us and every created thing has something of God in it. Julian of Norwich said it this way: God is everything that is good. And the goodness in things is God. Certainly the very holiness of gift giving also makes it a gesture vulnerable to all that is unholy! How many resentments do we harbor around the gifts we gave, received, or failed to receive? And how vulnerable we are to the tempest the world whips up so that we might spend our money rather than our time or creativity? Cut back your gift giving to a manageable size. Infuse your gift preparations with joy and imagination. Consider making your gifts. To make gifts for one another allows our creativity to join in the Creator s. Children need parental help in preparing their presents for the family. Give each child an evening a week with one parent so that they can plan and make their gifts in secret. Remember there are at least twelve days of Christmas: from December 24 until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. All the days of Christmas are appropriate for giving and receiving gifts. We don t have to be in a hurry to get it all done by December 24. We can spread out our joy and celebration of the season by spreading out giving of gifts Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL Text and art by Gertrud Mueller Nelson. All rights reserved. The Season of Advent All the Old Testament readings for the season of Advent are messages of hope and promise. They come from prophets whose mission was to remind God's people that they were indeed "called by a promise of peace and justice." Perhaps questions we might ask ourselves are: "How do I say yes to the Lord's invitation?" "How do I put into daily practice what I hear God's Word saying?" "Which actions of mine flow from charity and which from justice?" The prophets remind us of a kingdom that is yet to come: a kingdom where there will be peace and justice for all. In some of the most beautiful poetry of the Bible, the prophets speak of that peace and justice that is the birthright of every person. The hopes and visions that God has for us, his chosen ones, is what we wait for. Each week, after the Our Father, the Presider prays, "... keep us free from anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ." FROM: Liturgical Bits and Bites

5 Pray For Our Parish Third Sunday in Advent O God, the fountain of life and rejoicing, renew us in your love and baptize us with the fire of your Holy Spirit, that we may proclaim to all people the good news of your presence in our midst. May we delight to share them your peace, which surpasses all understanding. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications. Mass Intentions Monday, December 14, :30 Lourdes DeGuzman, by Annaliza Monti Tuesday, December 15, :30 Gregory Hoctor, by Family God Bless & Save the Unborn Wednesday, December 16, :30 Special Intention for the Szarek Family, by The Brancato Family Thursday, December 17, :30 Special Intention for Lisa Anco, by The Brancato Family God Bless & Save the Unborn Friday, December 18, :30 Irene Sochacki, by The Larsen Family Robert Nagel, by Judy Conley Saturday, December 19, :30 Anthony DeChiara Sunday, December 20, :30 Deceased Members of 50+ Holding, by 50+ Holding Rose Cuga, by Helen & Tim Swanson 9:00 Dorothy Kania, by Margie & Joe Galvin Donald M. Sauter, by Kevin Pranaitis 10:45 Elizabeth Betty Plaszczewski, by Frank Cuneo & Pat Peterson The Fitzmaurice & Stramaglia Families 6:30 Tony Mendez, by Daughter & Family for the sick Matthew Furibondo, grandson of Nick & Fran Heather Fumo, daughter of Joe & Sue Harold Poll, husband of Ann Marie Fr. Jerry Rogers, brother of Joe Steve Burns, husband of Teri Dena Coe Adranne Grajeck Dick Bradley, friend of Mary Jo & Jim Breen Stafine Kozlowski, mother of Elizabeth Wyngowski Glen Heywood, husband of Carol for the deceased... Mary Jane Meuleman, mother of Ann Jendryk Maria Herlinda Santellano, mother of Joe & Dana Dr. Robert Lechowski, friend of the Cuzzone Family Celebrating 40 years of marriage... Ellen & Michael Juenger Today s Readings First Reading Your God will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals (Zephaniah 3:14-18a). Psalm Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 12:6). Second Reading Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! (Philippians 4:4-7). Gospel Whoever who has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. Whoever who has food should do likewise (Luke 3:10-18). Readings for the Week Mon: Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1:18-25 Tues: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25 Wed: Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38 Thurs: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45 Fri: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 Sat: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66 Sun: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45 Page 5 December 13, 2009

6 Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Become a fan of St. Thomas! In our ongoing efforts to utilize technology to communicate with our parishioners and spread the Gospel message, St. Thomas has its own Facebook page. If you are on Facebook search for St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Naperville and become a fan. If you are not on Facebook, and would like to be, please visit to set up your page. There is no cost to use Facebook. It is a simple and fun way to communicate with friends, family and associates. If you need help setting up your page, or with any other aspect of using the site, refer to the comprehensive Help link located at the lower right side of the Facebook homepage. C.A.R.E. CORNER On this third Sunday in Advent, John the Baptist calls us to continued conversion in light of God s coming judgment. How are we morally compromised today? Have you read any of the tabloids lately? Our daily news is filled with stories of stealing, cheating, dishonesty, extortion, the spreading of false rumors, ruined reputations, and vengeance. But God created us with a conscience which gives us the ability to know the difference between right and wrong and which was intended to fuel our desire to be truly good. So in today s Gospel, John the Baptist gets specific with the people by telling them to live moderately, avoid greed, treat others fairly, be honest, be merciful and do the loving thing. Easy to do? No! But the right thing to do? Yes! The expectation of the coming of our Messiah is a call for renewed diligence in our moral life. But it is also a cause for great joy. We are reminded of that today as we are asked to rejoice on this Gaudette Sunday. Living a moral life is not supposed to be a joyless obligation. Moral conversion is supposed to help us become what God wants us to be more holy, godly people. The call to conversion is an invitation to lasting joy. Read Listen Reflect Respond These are simple steps to an effective reading and living of the Bible. Use the book At Home with the Word to begin praying in this way with the Readings used at Mass on Sunday. Books are available for $6 each and may be purchased through the liturgy office. Prayerfully consider if God is calling you to open your home during Lent Become a gathering point for a small-group experience of God s Word as a way of being Companions on the Journey. If you would like to be a host, please contact Chari Rosales at crosales@stapostle.org or ext 138, or Anne Schultz at aschultz@stapostle.org or ext 113 to be invited to an orientation session on January 6, at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to participate in a group, registration will begin in late January Small-group Gathering sessions will begin during the first week of Lent (Ash Wednesday is Feb 17) and last for six weeks. Allow Jesus to be a companion on your journey. Come into a Gatherings group and make biblical living part of your lived experience! December 13, 2009 Page 6

7 Ponder a While An Advent Meditation Feeling stressed trying to make Christmas happen? Take a break and rest in God s presence in the Chapel from 12 noon to 12:30 on the Tuesdays of Advent beginning December 1. We ll Ponder A While, as Mary did, about the coming of the Christ and what that means in our lives. School of Prayer The next installment of the St. Thomas School of Prayer is Monday, December 14 when we explore, Ignatian Spirituality: We Can Find God in All Things. St. Ignatius of Loyola said that all the things in the world are presented to us so that we can know God more easily and make a return of love more readily. We are called to be contemplatives in action as Ignatian spirituality places great emphasis on discerning God s presence in the every day activities of ordinary life. The session will be led by Fr. Fr. Mark Andrews, Acting Director of the Robert Bellarmine Retreat House ALPHA A New Beginning Feeling a need to explore, ask questions about, re-connect with, or expand your faith? ALPHA is THE place to meet and talk with others who feel just as you do! Each week during this 11-week experience, you will share a meal, a video, and lively conversation with your tablemates. ALPHA happens in the St. Thomas Lighthouse on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., beginning January 20. There is no charge for these sessions, and child care is available. To make your reservation (or for more info), contact Chari Rosales at x138 or crosales@stapostle.org. Communication from the Bishop Retired Religious Collection Dear Brother Priests, It is time, once again, for the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR). Please join me in heartfelt support of the 2009 appeal. Your efforts are vital to its success. As you consider this year s appeal, I ask you to reflect on the role of religious in your own life. Perhaps a religious nurtured your faith and your vocation to the priesthood. You likely have also witnessed the selfless dedication of religious serving in Catholic parishes, schools, and hospitals and in numerous other areas of ministry. Much of this work is done quietly and without recognition. I invite you to share with parishioners the contributions religious have made and continue to make to our parishes, diocese, and Church. Despite the unparalleled generosity of Catholics to the Retirement Fund for Religious, the needs of elder religious remain profound. Rising healthcare expenses, decreased income, and losses in savings and investments make it difficult for religious institutes to furnish adequate care for senior members. The RFR offers financial assistance and services that help religious institutes provide for aging members while continuing to focus on mission and ministry. I recognize that these are challenging economic times, but I ask you to urge parishioners to give what they can and to give from the heart. Above all, please join with me in praying for God s continued blessing on all women and men religious. Sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain Bishop of Joliet Page 7 December 13, 2009

8 Religious Education 4 th Grade Outreach Activity Deacon Chuck Lane spoke to St. Thomas 4 th graders at Religious Education classes (Dec. 5/8) about his call to ministry with the Warrenville Youth Correctional Center. This correctional facility is for girls, age 11 to 18. The families of 4 th graders (R.E. or All Saints) are invited to bake cookies for these girls and bring them to Church where they will be packaged for the Warrenville Youth Center s Christmas Party. Cookies must be dropped off at church by Noon on Wednesday, December 16. You are invited.. to the movies! Come and watch the story of the birth of our Lord. The Nativity Story Thursday, December 17 7:00 9:00 p.m. St. Thomas Ministry Center Elementary age Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own snack and drink. Rainbows Needs Help Rainbows, a program for grieving children, has a need for two additional adults to help on Saturday mornings from 10:00 until approximately 11:30 a.m. at church due to an increase of registered children. Training is provided on Saturday, January 23, from 9 3:00 p.m. The workshop, Protecting God s Children, along with a background check, is also required. Please consider helping our children process their grief. Call Patti Dougherty in the Religious Education Office, (630) or pdougherty@stapostle.org for more information. Families: Take some time to discuss and reflect on the readings of the week. Dec 13 Question of the Week... When are some times I felt God was near me?? RSVP helpful. Call Patti (630) ext. 109 or pdougherty@stapostle.org Calling all Angels and Drummers! You are invited to dress up and join in the pageant at the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Liturgy. You will be called forward during the Gospel so, be sure to listen! December 13, 2009 Page 8

9 High School Youth Ministry Update Wow! What an amazing November we had. Our sophomores went on retreat to La Salle Manor and had a fabulous time rating it 9.61 out of 10! We had a large group of teens at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Kansas City, where over 21,000 Catholic teens came to worship YES! I said Catholic teens! Harvest Sunday was a humbling success. I am so thankful for all the hard work that Brett Adams, Anne Schultz, Bud Hildebrand, Mike Ryder, Michelle Hunt, my Quest Leaders, the teens, and families put into making it happen. We collected 5,029 bags of food total. That s almost 2,000 MORE bags than last year and 500 more bags than our goal. Calendar: Christmas is time for a breath You may notice that the High School calendar is well empty during this time of year. That s because I firmly believe that the Christmas season is a time to focus more on your families, more on attending all the wonderful Liturgy events, more on simply being in Christ s presence. Our lives are too complicated already and I m sure all of you can use a break. So the homework from High School Youth Ministry is to relax, reflect, and enjoy this season. The only offering we have is the Bible Study at Caribou (off Route 59 & Brookdale) on Wednesday December 16 at 7:00 p.m. Confirmation Date: The Bishop just told us and it s January 22, 7:00 p.m. Rehearsal is January 17 after the 6:30 p.m. mass. A meeting for parents and sponsors is this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse. Quotes from the Sophomores on retreat: I learned that I m always loved no matter what happens and how lucky I really am I learned that God is always present and always in others so you shouldn t judge people I got closer to God, I learned to enjoy the simpler things in life and the more meaningful things that matter. I learned how to live more like Jesus NEWS from All Saints Catholic Academy Think of What All Saints Could do with $100,000! U.S. Cellular is Calling All Communities: vote for your school and help it be one of ten to win $100,000. This would be a great help to ASCA's future expansion plans. Go to any U.S. Cellular store until 1/15/10 and get a code to use online to vote for ASCA. Visit and click on the "Vote for Your School" button. Then, enter the code on your card. You must have a valid address to vote. When prompted, it will ask the school's zip code, type in You will see a drop down menu of all the Naperville schools within that Zip Code range. Find All Saints Catholic Academy and cast your vote - it is that simple! You may only vote one time for the duration of the contest. Encourage your friends and relatives to vote. Stores are located at: 612 S 59 Naperville 286 S Weber Bolingbrook 2365 N Farnsworth Aurora 1036 Maple Lisle If you have any questions, feel free to contact Carla Griffin, Carla_griffin@ipsd.org or Chris Gambs, teamgambs@sbcglobal.net. Thank you - together we can make this happen! Mission Trips: There will be trips to Haiti, Ecuador, and Mississippi (Habitat). Applications are available outside the Youth Ministry office. DUE JANUARY 14. Page 9 December 13, 2009

10 Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Cedrina s Story At the St. Thomas Thanksgiving Liturgy, Cedrina, the mother of one of our Transitional Housing families witnessed what she was thankful for. An excerpt of her talk follows. Eleven years ago I made one of the most difficult decisions in my life. I decided to become a mother to my two younger siblings. At the time I was 19 years old but I knew that it had to be done. Being thrust into motherhood at such a young age was a major dose of reality Parent teacher conferences, cooking dinner, homework, band, choir, track, senior celebrations, and bills on top of bills on top of bills. In the year 2002 I had a son whom God took home just after 3 hours of meeting him. In 2003 one of my first cousins was murdered by her boyfriend, which left my Godson motherless and fatherless. I survived two car accidents in Found out my aunt and grandmother both had breast cancer. Some of you may wonder how I have made it this far and I can only tell you that God would not put more on me than I can bear. Just when I thought that I was out for the count God sent Angels in my life. These angels have been Bridge Communities and St. Thomas. This program (Transitional Housing) has helped me and my family in many ways. I have learned to budget and learned the true meaning of debt. I have been able to pay off some of my debt and start saving for a home for my family. My sister is in her second year of college and my brother is a senior in high school. My family and I would first like to thank God for being so gracious and merciful without you, Lord, we are nothing. We would like to thank God for our case manager Ms. Danita Hines and the Bridge family, my mentors Dave Gruenewald and Jean Mertens (St. Thomas parishioners), and we would especially like to thank you the St. Thomas family. Thank you for your generosity, believing in us, and showing us love. Words can not express our sincerest gratitude. Cedrina, Shannon, Lathen, and Baby Layla The second collection at the Thanksgiving liturgy ($3,370) went to benefit our St. Thomas Transitional Housing Ministry. Thank you for your generosity! Christmas Ham and Turkey Collection Thanksgiving is no sooner over and Christmas is here. This weekend we are collecting hams and turkeys for families in need. We normally only collect hams for Christmas. Our collection is usually well below our Thanksgiving turkey collection (422 hams last year). We recognize that hams are more expensive than turkeys, so this year we are giving people an option in the hopes that our collection will be a bit larger. Our target this year is 550 hams & turkeys. If your family or a family you know could benefit from a Christmas food basket, please call Outreach and Social Justice (Anne ). Have a blessed Christmas! Creating Peace in a Diverse World: Getting Beyond Fear Toward Unity 5th Annual World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service Sunday, January 3, 2:30 pm First Congregational Church 25 East Benton Street, Naperville St. Thomas is a co-sponsor of the prayer service. Speaker: Franklin Lewis is Associate Professor of Persian in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago and President of the American Institute of Iranian Studies. His research interests are in Persian and Arabic philology, comparative literature, literary theory, translation, Sufism and Baha i Studies. He is book review editor for the International Journal of Middle East Studies, and a member of the editorial boards of the Journals Persica and Iranian Studies. December 13, 2009 Page 10

11 Haiti Gift Cards Over this holy and holiday season, the OSJ Office is asking special consideration for our Haiti Education Sponsor-a-Child program. We are committed to providing salary support for over 46 quality teachers that work in the four schools we support (2 elementary, one middle school, and one high school). We have met 70% of our goal. We need an additional $15,000 to complete the school year. Haiti Gift Cards (including a picture of a Duchity student) will be available throughout December. The front of the card is a Haitian Nativity scene. The inside indicates to the receiver of the card that a donation has been made in their name to sponsor education in Duchity, Haiti. The requested donation is $50, but whatever you can afford will be accepted with grateful thanks and blessings. We have a new gift card this year, designed by parishioner Janice Rachelle Hickey. Lakota Indians Winter Coat Collection Kyle, South Dakota (population 2,000) is in the center of the Pine Ridge Reservation. The reservation covers ~3,500 square miles and has a population of 40,000. The level of poverty in and around the area is significant. The winters in South Dakota are brutal. A friend of Father Joel s has asked for our help through the Lakota Circle organization. We are collecting winter weather gear. If you can help, please deliver new and gently used donations (winter coats, hats, gloves, boots) to the collection bin in the Gathering Area by January 17. Our experience on the reservation has enhanced the quality of our lives and has helped awaken something deep within. In some ways there are no words to describe the transformation. An elder in the community gave a Lakota term to assistance we have given to the community. He called it nagi oyuspa. It means to help the spirit of those suffering. LAKOTA CIRCLE Sisters of Notre Dame Baked Goods The Sisters of Notre Dame are here this weekend (December 12/13) after all Masses (including 6:30 PM) to sell their yummy pies, cakes, and tortes. The Sisters of Notre Dame minister to the poor in Chicago. They are the recipient of 40% of the food we collect on Harvest Sunday. Page 11 December 13, 2009

12 Pastoral Care Advent Healing Prayer Advent is a time of prayer and preparation for the celebration of the coming of our savior at Christmas. During Advent, Healing Prayer Ministers will be available after Sunday masses except 6:30 p.m. Prayer will be offered with anyone for any intention, be it healing of mind, body or soul, celebration or sorrow, for you or another. If you would like to pray with someone from the Healing Prayer Ministry, please come to the Blessed Mother statue after mass. Addiction is a Family Affair A Therapy Group for Parents of Teens Dealing with Addiction Mondays from 6:30 8:00 pm January 4, 2010 February 22, 2010 Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center 1819 Bay Scott Circle, Suite 109 Naperville $45 per session This group may be covered by your insurance. It is not our intention that anyone be excluded because of financial restraints. Fee subsidy may be arranged. *You are required to pay for all groups whether or not you attend. Addiction is a family disease because it affects the way everyone relates to one another physically, emotionally, financially, mentally, and spiritually. Nothing can make a parent feel more powerless that their child suffering from the devastating power and pull of addiction. This group is designed for parents with teens who are either abusing or addicted to alcohol and drugs. As parents it is both devastating and overwhelming to address this issue and there is little support provided to walk this healing path. Yet, parents live day to day with this issue and it only makes sense that they are trained to have the knowledge and tools to manage the situation. The focus of this group will be on providing concrete skills, tools, and education to navigate this path as well as to provide a safe place for processing and support. An eight week commitment is required. Group is limited to 12 members. As a group member you must agree to respect the privacy and confidences of other group members. To register or for additional information, please call Jaimee Huseman at x34 December 13, 2009 Page 12 Breaking the Chains of Codependency Presented by: Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center Fridays 11am-12:30pm January 8 March 26 (There will be no group on February 26 or March 5) Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center 1819 Bay Scott Circle #109, Naperville, IL $45 per session This group may be covered by your insurance. It is not our intent that anyone be excluded because of financial restraints. Fee subsidy may be arranged. *You are required to pay for all groups even if you do not attend. This group is designed for people who have a pattern of being involved in relationships with people who are dependent, needy and/or troubled; can be peoplepleasing oriented, and allow the behaviors of others to affect them; may have an over-developed sense of responsibility, and may tend to feel anxious when they are not in control. Codependency is when people operate as if they are okay only if they please the people around them. The purpose of this group is to help you become aware of your relationship patterns; to develop a clearer understanding of your family of origin patterns and the foundation for codependency; to develop healthier ways to manage relationships in your life; and to continue to grow a deeper and more meaningful relationship with yourself and others to create the life you want. A ten week commitment is required. Group is limited to 10 members. As a group member you must agree to respect the privacy and confidences of other group members. If you are not a current client at Samaritan Interfaith, an individual intake session will need to be scheduled. To register or for additional information, please call Jaimee Huseman at Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center at x34.

13 Make Year End Donations Before January 1 Parish families are reminded that since December 31 this year is on a Wednesday, all donations to St. Thomas must be received in the collection basket on the weekend, or be postmarked by December 30, 2009, in order to be acknowledged as tax-deductible for the current year. The Internal Revenue Service does not allow us to accept back-dated checks after December 31 as Year 2009 donations. The effective date of the gift is the date on which the donation is RECEIVED at St. Thomas, or the date on which it is postmarked by the postal service. So for your donation to be counted, please mail early enough or drop your gift into the collection basket over the Dec weekend. If you expect to be out of town, you may want to consider bringing your final Year 2008 donation to the general office before year end.. Thanks for understanding our compliance with IRS regulations. Jobs Ministry Thank You The following is excerpted from a letter sent to our St. Thomas Jobs Ministry. Enclosed is a small donation to assist the Jobs Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle. Dave, Jim, Ben, and all the volunteers there do such wonderful work for all of us in transition. I participated in all your offerings from the beginning of my job search until my landing. It was through networking at St. Thomas and LDS that I was able to land my job. Thank you for all your great efforts. I will never forget what your ministry provided to me and I look forward to volunteering as opportunities and time permit. Stewardship A Way of Life Last Weekend s stewardship of financial gifts... Weekly Sunday Offertory Dec 06, 2009 (week 23) 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 7/1/09 to date: Offertory Goal Year to Date Over/short of goal to date: Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year goal Diocesan Appeal Updated Results Parish Appeal Goal: Pledges Received: % of Goal pledged to date: Remaining amount to goal Number of Donors: $32,072 n/a $3,480 $35,552 $794,571 $34,547 $814,200 ($19,629) $1,840,800 $1,046,229 $146,500 $118, $24, This Christmas Be His Messenger Go to: and identify St. Thomas when you register as a user and 10% of your purchase will come directly back to our parish! Uploading your family photo is included in all custom card options. Did you pick up your copy of the St. Thomas pictorial directory? Sunday receptionists will distribute remaining directories until supplies are gone. Directories are also available during weekday business hours. Page 13 December 13, 2009

14 Administration Commission Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Lighthouse The December St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held on Wednesday evening December 16 at 7:00 pm in the Gym. The speaker will be Wendy McCormick, who has headed her own consulting firm for the last fifteen years. Wendy s firm acts as a professional problem solver to individuals, families, and corporations. Wendy is also a speaker, author and former radio host. Wendy, who specializes in getting people unstuck, will give her highly effective presentation titled Five Guiding Principles to Getting Unstuck. Wendy s presentation will help the Job Seeker get their life and their job search on track by focusing on her 5 Guiding Principles : Be 100 % Stand in who you are Discover your uniqueness We are all different for a reason There is a reason our lives unfold moment by moment Wendy is a certified graduate of Coach U and is a member of the International Coach Federation. She studied Psychology at both Loyola University and St Mary of the Woods College. Please plan to attend this very informative presentation by Wendy McCormick as she shares her thoughts on Getting Unstuck by using the FIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES. For more info please contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, Dec. 14 4:15 5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00 9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00 9:00 p.m. RCIA Christmas Party, Lighthouse 7:15 8:30 p.m. Middle School R. E. at All Saints Academy 7:30 9:00 p.m. School of Prayer, Youth Center Tuesday, Dec :00 11:00 a.m. Care Pantry, Lighthouse 12:00 12:30 p.m. Advent Noon Meditation, Chapel 4:30 5:45 p.m. R.E. Classes at Brookdale School 7:00 9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00 9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Cana 7:00 9:30 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church 7:30 9:30 p.m. Finance Committee, Judea Wednesday, Dec. 16 4:15 5:15 p.m. Joyful Jammers, Church 7:00 9:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym Thursday, Dec :00 11:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Cana 6:00 9:00 p.m. Teens with Character Pillar Mtg, Gym 6:00 7:15 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 6:30 8:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Cana 7:00 9:00 p.m. Movie: The Nativity Story, Lighthouse 7:30 9:30 p.m. Genesis Rehearsal, Church Friday, Dec. 18 Saturday, Dec. 19 8:30 11:00 a.m. Ensemble Rehearsal, Church 9:00 10:30 a.m. Men s Saturday Sharing, Senior Center West 9:30 11:30 a.m. Make a Christmas Rosary, Lighthouse Sunday, Dec. 20 9:00 11:40 a.m. Liturgy of the Word with Children, Ministry Center 10:00 11:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal, Lighthouse St Thomas the Apostle Church 1500 Brookdale Road Naperville, IL Friday meeting format include the speaker, followed by structured networking sessions. Bring business cards, handbills and resumes. Contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com for more info. Wed Dec 16, 7:00 pm: Wendy McCormick, speaker, author, Job Search professional and former radio show host, will be speaking about Wendy s Five Guiding Principles of Getting Unstuck. Wendy helps Job Seekers get their life and their job search on track by focusing on her 5 Guiding Principles. December 13, 2009 Page 14