Parish Mission Statement We are a diverse Catholic community of genera ons, experiencing the living God and reflec ng our faith in ac on with one

Transcription

1 Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Mission Statement We are a diverse Catholic community of genera ons, experiencing the living God and reflec ng our faith in ac on with one another. 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 8, 2013

2 Page 2 September 8, 2013 Mass Intentions MON. September 9, St. Peter Claver 8:30 am Paul Calandrino, Glen Czech TUES. September 10, Weekday 8:30 am Edward Mitchell WED. September 11, Weekday 8:30 am Raymond and Michael Sullivan THURS. September 12, The Most Holy Name of Mary 8:30 am Joseph White, Edward Galluzzi FRI. September 13, St. John Chrysostom 8:30 am Joseph Samansky SAT. September 14, The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 8:30 am Cardinal George 50th Anniversary 5:00 pm Leonard Gorski, Wanda Placek, Special Intention, Barbara Jean Hoffelt SUN. September 15, 24 th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00 am The People of St. Robert Bellarmine 10:00 am Bridie Godley, Maureen Bordes, Kenneth Kolasinski 12:00 pm Susan & Otto Seiler, Maryjane Vollmer Weekly Collections August 25, 2013 Sunday Offertory $ 7,392 Thank you for your generosity. DON'T MISS OUT THE THIRD ANNUAL HARVEST GALA will take place Saturday, Oct. 26, from 6:30-midnight in the school gymnasium. This year's event will feature food from Gale Street Inn, a cash bar, music from the Lane Tech High School jazz band, a DJ and dancing. Also included on the evening will be a silent auction with wine wall, live auctions, a split-the-pot raffle and the presentation of the 2013 Guardian Angel award. For tickets and more information please visit srbharvestgala.wordpress.com. Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time The author of the Book of Wisdom tells us that the mind of God is beyond that of mere mortals. Since the things on earth are difficult and the minds of men and women are weighed down with many concerns, who can search out the things of heaven? But the Lord sent his holy spirit from on high and thus were the paths of those on earth made straight. St. Paul writes to Philemon on behalf of his slave Onesimus, whom Philemon has sent to aid Paul in prison. Because of Onesimus many kindnesses, Paul entreats Philemon to treat him no longer as a slave, but to welcome him back as brother and to treat him as he would treat Paul himself. In the gospel Jesus addresses the crowds, telling them that anyone who does not take up his cross and follow him cannot be his disciple. He asks who sets out to build a tower without first counting the cost, lest he be unable to finish his work and become a laughing stock. Or what king with 10,000 troops could successfully oppose another king with 20,000 troops? In the same way, anyone who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be his disciple. Wisdom 9:13-18b Philemon 9-10, Luke 14:25-33 On the Dignity of the Human Person The Cardinal has asked that we preach this weekend about the dignity of our brothers and sisters who are immigrants in this country, both legal and illegal. My father s ancestors came to America from Germany in the 17th century as immigrants to make a new life. Throughout the years others continue to find their way to our shores. The Cardinal points out that our system is broken and needs to be fixed to safeguard the dignity of families, while at the same time respecting the rights of citizens (please read his letter on page five). We all benefit from lower prices for goods and services provided by those here illegally, yet we seem indifferent to the inhumane conditions in which they work, usually at jobs most of us will not take. It is also illegal to hire undocumented immigrants, yet they are the ones deported, while those who hire them at substandard wages and working conditions are not generally held accountable. In short, we take advantage of these immigrants. While not having all the answers, there are Catholic principles which we should all follow in working with our legislators to solve this complex problem. God commands us in the Bible not to oppress the resident alien in the land because we were once sojourners ourselves. We should work to make our laws just, in conformance with what we believe God asks of us, recognizing that all people are God s children, created in his divine image. Fr. Neil

3 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Page 3 From the Pastor s Desk Today s scriptures remind us that following the Lord is not easy. It takes effort to discern God s will for us. It takes humility to accept God s will. It takes courage to follow God s will. And it takes humility to accept the sacrifices that will be the result of carrying out God s will. Yet if we are willing to seek him, God will give us the wisdom and the grace we need. The beautiful poetry of the Book of Wisdom stands in awe of the mind of God, marveling at the ways of heaven. Who can conceive what the Lord intends? And scarce do we guess the things on earth, but when things are in heaven who can search them out? The author exemplifies the virtue of humility, letting God be God and seeking to have the Lord reveal his will. Only those to whom the Lord has given wisdom through his holy spirit can know the will of God. Only then are the paths of those on earth made straight. Isaiah uses this language in foretelling the coming of the Messiah. And John the Baptist quotes Isaiah when he declares that Jesus is the Christ, calling the people to conversion, "making straight the paths of the Lord". The call of the disciple is to seek to know God s will and then to act on it. Acting on God s will requires sacrifices. Jesus makes the startling statement that no one can follow him unless he hates his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, even his very life. Clearly Jesus is speaking figuratively. Since he calls us to love everyone, we are not meant to take this statement literally. But it does mean that nothing should be more important in our lives than following the will of God. Even our closest and most loving family members can distract us from following God s will if they lead us to focus solely on the material and emotional goods of this life. Or if fear of consequences prevents us from standing up for what is right. We take the easy way out. The parable of the builder of the tower reminds us that there will be a cost and we need to be prepared to pay it. We work hard and make sacrifices for those we love and to achieve worldly success. Jesus demands that we do the same for him. The parable of the king going into combat calls to mind the need to be prepared. When Jesus says that a disciple of his must renounce all his possessions, he is calling us to get rid of all worldly attachments that get in the way of our commitment to God. St. Paul asks Philemon to give up ownership of a very valuable slave. In the culture of the time that would have been a very costly thing to do. God asks us to be good stewards of his gifts, responding generously to the needs physical, material, emotional and spiritual of those around us. There is a cost to discipleship. Only if we are willing to pay the cost can we follow Jesus and enter into his heavenly kingdom. Many thanks to the Parish Pastoral Council and all the volunteers who did such a wonderful job on the Parish Picnic. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a perfect day. Over 350 people joined us to celebrate the vibrant and caring community that is St. Robert Bellarmine parish. Some fun pictures can be found on pages six and seven. Building Repairs Update: The city has approved the recently completed installation of the new fire alarm system in the school. The outside call box still needs to be moved into the school. The old system was 25 years old and no parts are available in the state should it need repairs. Rather than have an emergency if the system should fail, necessitating the closing of school for a couple weeks, we elected to put in a brand new state of the art system over the summer. The total cost is about $75,000. The Archdiocese has also asked that we replace the school boiler. We had some minor repairs done this summer of about $8,000 that are guaranteed for a year, but we will probably have to replace it next summer. This is the original boiler installed over 80 years ago. A new, more efficient system will cost about $200,000. The Finance Committee also approved a proposal from the Archdiocese to install a boiler and water heater in the convent, which currently are supplied from the school. This will be much more energy and cost efficient, but will cost about $40,000. Due to the violent storm last Friday, the parish sustained some minor damage to the church roof and skylight as well as to a few trees that will need to be removed. Most of these costs should be covered by insurance. In short, we are spending a lot of money that is not in the budget but is required for the safety and well-being of the school and parish community. The Finance Committee will meet this week to discuss the financing of these major expenses. Their will be a Ministry Fair and kick-off of the Parish Census next weekend as part of the Parish Inspiration Plan to help us understand the needs of our community and how we can grow to meet those needs. Next Sunday we will also celebrate the Feast of St. Robert Bellarmine as well as Catechetical Sunday, honoring our Religious Education catechists and volunteers. Coffee and Donuts will be hosted in Kernaghan Hall during the Ministry Fair. Have a great week. Sincerely, Fr. Neil

4 Page 4 September 8, 2013 Daniel Ryszka and Beata Lzycka Please pray for the repose of the souls of II Virginia sparks, Nephew of Tony Edward Joseph Mosinski, Step-father of Robert and for their family and friends. Congratulations on your Wedding Eric and Jessica (Gibson) Propst September 1, 2013 Back to school, Market Day is back too! Pick up Market Day order forms in the back to church, or in the school office. Great food and you help St. Robert School, too! Orders due to school office or back of church by September 10th or online by September 11th. For more information call Kathy Ernst The Journey of Faith begins with your questions What is faith? How does it grow? What do Catholics believe? How can I live out my faith in today s world? If you have ever thought of becoming Catholic or are already Baptized but haven t had the chance to make your First Communion and Confirmation then now is the perfect time to explore if your heart is taking you in a new direction RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Each year St. Robert Bellarmine gathers together people just like you who Journey together to learn what it means to be an adult Catholic. They meet regularly throughout the year and receive their sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass in April. If this sounds like it might be for you, there is an information session being held on September 11th at 7pm in the rectory. You are welcome to stop in to see what RCIA is all about. The information session is an opportunity for you to ask some questions and find out if you would like to be a part of this year s RCIA community. If you can t make the information session but would like to discuss RCIA with someone, please call either Fr. Neil or Chrissy Zaker (RCIA Coordinator) at Already Catholic? RCIA is for the whole parish. Throughout the year several sessions will be open to all parishioners. Topics such as Reading Scriptures, Prayer and Spirituality, and Catholic Social Teaching will give everyone a chance to learn a little more about their faith. We will invite the whole parish to witness and pray for our candidates, and there are also opportunities for you to get more involved with the candidates themselves. If you love your faith and would like to help mentor someone on their journey, please sign up to become a sponsor or join the RCIA team by contacting Chrissy Zaker at

5 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Page 5 REFORMING IMMIGRATION LAWS CARDINAL FRANCIS GEORGE, OMI For several decades, our country failed to enforce its own laws. Farm workers and others regularly crossed back and forth across our borders as they were needed. As their families and children became woven into the fabric of civil life here, their numbers increased to the eleven million undocumented people whose illegal status keeps them in the shadows of public life. They are both here and not here; and that is the tragedy, for them and for us. Every Sunday morning, tens of thousands of friends and neighbors in pews of many churches across Illinois and the country pray in Spanish, Polish, English and languages from across the globe that they will not be torn from their brothers and sisters, wives and husbands and children. Social policy that systematically destroys families makes no sense when illegal immigration has been at net zero for nearly five years in the United States. And yet, every day, eleven hundred individuals who pray, work and live with us are seized from their communities and families and deported. The number of deportations and the disruption of family life they cause have steadily increased under the present administration. There is good reason to hope. In June, a truly bipartisan effort in the Senate produced sound legislation that, if passed, would bless our nation with a far more humane system. It includes a tough, but fair, path to earned citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Hope wanes when the leadership in the House of Representatives reject this legislation without releasing a plan themselves that would lead to just, humane and timely immigration reform. House Speaker John Boehner and his leadership team have said they will not allow a vote on any legislation that does not have the support of a majority of Republican house members. This makes political sense, but it sacrifices the common good of society to party unity. The Senate legislation has the backing of an unprecedented coalition of religious, business, labor, community and immigrant organizations. I hope that Speaker Boehner and the House leadership can find a path to address this human tragedy fairly, either by taking up the Senate bill for a vote in the House or releasing their own comprehensive legislation that includes an earned path to citizenship for the millions of immigrants who are illegally here but who are a part of our common life.

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8 Page 8 September 8, 2013 HOW ARE YOU INSPIRED BY COMMUNITY? How are you Inspired by our St. Robert Bellarmine Community? How do you help to build a community that inspires others? As a parish we celebrate community in a number of ways. The parish picnic, the Harvest Gala, our festive St. Patrick s Party and Comedy Nights are all big ways of celebrating and building community. But in small, countless ways every day the people of St. Robert Bellarmine build community that inspires us to be all God has called us to be. Next Weekend after all the masses, come down to Kernaghan hall to enjoy a little hospitality, and a chance to learn about all the different parish organizations and ministries. Find out how you might be able to lend an hour or two a month. Whether you like to Garden, coach, tutor, or work on a computer your dedication is important! We are also starting our Parish Census. You will have a chance to look at the information we have for you on file and update addresses, s, etc. Not only will this help us update our records, but it will also give us a chance to find out how we can better serve the needs of the community. Plan on coming down to Kernaghan Hall after all masses September 14 and 15 th. Enjoy some Coffee and Donuts, update your records, and see how you might be able to help build community. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES begin on Saturday, September 14, 9:30 am til Noon in the school building. Please park in the parking lot or drop off your child on Eastwood. Please do not double park; it is a safety issue. Please call or if you have any questions: or srbre1@yahoo.com Thank you. Blessings, Debi DeMario V.I.P. AUGUST WINNERS Ticket # Prize Name 0070 $500 Joshua Elliott 0653 $200 Schell family 1414 $100 Sr. Sheila Nicholson 1460 $100 William Dembinski 0837 $50 Lisa Cortese 1208 $50 Jerry & Marilyn Tokarski 1219 $30 Jeff Kenny 0540 $30 Guzman family 1440 $30 Joni Markfull 0994 $30 Nora Renner 1105 $30 Mrs. Jerry Kurtti 1520 $30 Carol Ann Bauer 0634 $30 Pallasch family 1586 $30 Ta family 0484 $30 Clinard family 0727 $30 Tom & Mary Fuller 0002 $30 Martita DeJesus 1363 $30 Andrew T. Anastos 1083 $30 Elizabeth LaBant 0998 $30 Joan A. Harlstrom 1204 $30 Loretta Swiatek

9 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Page 9 CALLING ALL LITTLE ONES The Fall "Tiny Tots" session for 2-year-olds star ng Sept. 12 through Nov. 21 (No class Oct. 17) 10 a.m a.m. Content of this program is directed at the parent/child unit and the interaction between the two. Cost is $60 and due at time of registration. Please return a registration form with payment to the school office. Class size is limited. For more information about this program or to download or print a registration form, please visit srbchicago.org. FOOTBALL FRENZY The St. Robert Bellarmine Sports Association is selling "Footballmania" sweepstakes tickets for $20. Good for the entire football season, each ticket has a music download and chance to share more than $17,000 in prizes. For more information please contact Brian Augello at (773) , srbsportsassoc@gmail.com or visit: A32BE LITTLE BRUINS IS BACK... AND WITH A NEW LOOK!! A fun, athletic program designed for St. Robert Bellarmine School children in Kindergarten-3rd grade, students will have the opportunity to play basketball, volleyball, kickball, soccer and baseball (to name just a few). Coordinated by longtime St. Robert's volleyball, basketball and softball coach Becky Annunzio, children will learn agility, motor skills, teamwork and strategy. The 11-week program begins the week of Sept. 9. For more information contact Becky at bcb1023@sbcglobal.net for forms, questions or more information.

10 Page 10 September 8, 2013 PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY Edwards Bell (Army) GySgt Timothy R. Hogan (Marines) CPT Patrick J. Collins (Army) Raymond Weernink (Navy) BG Tau aika Uta atu (TDS) Sgt Scott Pekar (Marines) CPT Dan Allen (Army) LCpl Kurt Williams (Marines) SGT Joseph Konieczny (Army) Mike Janson (Navy) 1LT Brian G. Lutz (Army) SPC Sean Cheker (Army) Bernard Brennan (Marines) PV2 Michael Rosenthal (Army) Cpl Joseph VonMoser (Marines) Martin Durcan (Navy) PVT Colleen McDonald (Army) Cpl Armando Bolivar (Marines) Ewa Dabrowski (Navy) Capt Kevin P. O Grady (Air Force) Capt Albert Eiffes (Air Force) Capt Daniel C. Ouper (Air Force) Amn Daniel Roger Cimon (Air Force) SPC Samuel Stanciel (Army) EM3 Abraham Ubi (Navy) PVT Michael Barry (Army) SPC David A. Torres (Army) Weekly Schedule Monday, September 9 7 pm Deacon Meeting (MR) 7 pm Finance meeting (R) 7:30 pm Sports Board Meeting (KH) Tuesday, September 10 6:30 pm Novena (C) 7 pm Liturgy Board Meeting (MR) 7 pm PA Meeting (KH) Wednesday, September 11 2:55 pm - 3:55 pm School Sports (KH) 4 pm 10 pm Joe s Pizza Night 7 pm 9 pm RCIA (R) Thursday, September 12 Friday, September 13 3:05pm 4:05pm School Sports (KH) Saturday, September 14 9:30 am 12 noon Religious Education (S) 12:30 pm 1:30 pm Market Day (LR) Census kick-off after 5 pm Mass (V) Sunday, September 15 Census Kick off after all Masses (V) Coffee and after all Masses 10 am Mass Catechetical Sunday (C) 4 pm Contemporary Mass Choir Practice (C) 6:30 pm 8 pm Teen Club (KH) Daily Scripture Readings Monday Col 1:24 2:3 / Lk 6:6-11 Tuesday Col 2:6-15 / Lk 6:12-19 Wednesday Col 3:1-11 / Lk 6:20-26 Thursday Col 3:12-17 / Lk 6:27-38 Friday 1 Tm 1:1-2, / Lk 6:39-42 Saturday Nm 21:4b-9 / Phil 2:6-11 / Jn 3:13-17 Sunday Ex 32:7-11, / 1 Tm 1:12-17 / JOIN US AT THE 33rd ANNUAL MISERICORDIA FAMILY FEST Sunday, Sept. 8, from 11 to 6 Misericordia s Campus at Ridge & Devon in Chicago A Community of Believers Live Entertainment Free Parking Children s Games Auctions & Raffles Kiddie Rides Food & Drinks All proceeds support Misericordia s programs for 600 children & adults with developmental disabilities. For info & tickets, call September 14 / 15, 2013 Mass Presider Servers Lectors Auxiliary Ministers 5:00 PM Fr. James P. Fergus, K. Fergus, G. Kurtti, J. Ryan, M. Griggs, E. Kadus, M. Silva K. Caminiti O Brien P. Harrison, A. Smolen, S. Spooner 8:00 AM Fr. Neil K. Cummens, L. Meyering, J. Bogusz, Sr. Ann, Sr. Mary Lou, N. Hester, B. Meyering Fackler R. Sarau-Young M. Kmiec, D. Thurber, S. Thurber 10:00 AM Fr. Neil N. Brennan, C. Brennan, N. Kriescher, D. Mancuso, L. Samansky, K. Nigro Fackler R. Piagentini R. Borghi, J. Markfull, P. Gandor, D. Gandor Fr. Scott L. Camacho, M. Camacho, 12:00 PM Donahue N. Keathley M. Plaska B. Davis, M. Glowacz, E. Radcliffe Fr. Robert T. Psioda- 5:30 PM M. Semtner, J. Zaker, J. Zaker Fedek Moskal J. Conway, J. Sabbath, M. Zaker

11 Saint Robert Bellarmine Church Parish Office & Rectory 4646 North Austin Avenue Chicago, Illinois Tel Fax Website: Rev. Neil E. Fackler, Pastor Rev. Scott Donahue, Resident Tony Delgado, Deacon Kathy Goetz, Business Manager Virginia Underwood, Adm. Assist/Office Mgr Dr. Christina Zaker, Adult Education Beth Farias, Youth Minister Religious Education Office 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel Debi DeMario, Director St. Robert Bellarmine School 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel Carrie Mijal, Principal Chris Wilson, Secretary Office of Music Director 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel Jean Tuohy, Music Director Bulletin Deadline: Thursday 12 Noon 10 days in advance Submit articles via in person at the rectory or fax Pulpit Announcement Deadline Friday by 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. Mass Schedule Weekdays - Monday - Friday at 8:30 a.m. Weekends - Saturday Morning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday Evening at 5:00 p.m., Sundays at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Holy Days - 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Rectory Office Hours Monday - Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Closed 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for lunch) Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday - 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Weddings Arrangements to be made with a priest at least six months in advance. Please contact the rectory for date and time availability before making other arrangements. Baptisms Celebrated the second and fourth Sunday at 1:15 p.m. Parents need to register at the rectory office. Baptismal preparation class for first time Parents and Godparents is offered on the last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. Please note: there are no baptisms scheduled during the season of Lent. Confessions/Reconciliations Saturdays 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. or by appointment. Anointing of the Sick 1st Saturday of the month after the 8:30 a.m. mass. Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction Third Wednesday of every month. Adoration begins after 8:30 a.m. mass. Benediction at 5 p.m. Please sign up at the rectory office. Novena Mother of Perpetual Help Novena is offered on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the church. Recitation of the Rosary Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m. New Parishioners Welcome to Saint Robert s! Please register at the rectory office.