Roman Catholic Church Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God January 1, 2006

Transcription

1 SAINT THOMAS MORE Roman Catholic Church Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God January 1, 2006 Mission Statement: With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, the Saint Thomas More Parish Family welcomes all to join us on our journey in faith and celebration as we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially in loving service to those in need. As part of the Universal Church, we witness to the dignity of every person. All this we do to give glory and honor to God. WELCOME HOME! On a board in the church foyer are pictures and names of parish sons and daughters serving in the military. We pray each weekend at all the Masses for their safety. We have received word that one of our parishioners, Jim Grauvogl, has returned home from the war in Iraq. We are very happy to have you back safe and sound, Jim!

2 St. Thomas More Parish Munster, Indiana Welcome to St. Thomas More Parish... Pastoral Staff Pastor... Reverend Michael J. Yadron; Ext. 312 Associate Pastor...Reverend Michael J. Hoffman; Ext. 314 Pastoral Associate... Mr. Mark T. Kurowski; Ext. 313 Deacons... Mr. Joseph Stodola...Dr. Napoleon Tabion Director of Development... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Pastoral Care...Deacon Napoleon Tabion; Ext. 315 Dir. Religious Formation... Sister Marilyn Hettinger, O.S.B.; Ext. 332 Parish Office Staff Office Hours:M-F 8:00 ~ 8:00 / Sat. 8:00 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. Web Site address is: parish.office@stm-church.com Office Phone Office Fax Bulletin Editor... Mrs. Candy Ally; Ext address for bulletin is: bulletin@stm-church.com Bookkeeper...Mrs. Barbara Gondeck Ext. 307 Daytime Receptionist...Mrs. Susan Strain; Ext. 310 Evening Receptionist...Ms. Veronica Brtos; Ext. 310 Pastoral Ministries Circle of Prayer...Mary Jo Humpfer Environment & Art...Jo Ann Long Eucharistic Ministers...Mr. Jerry Reach Hospitality Ministry...Jim D Orazio Lectors...Paulette Paquette Music Ministry...Ms. Angie Lorandos , Ext. 338 Nursery... Kaaren A. Mashura St. Vincent depaul... Mrs. Sharon Marmalejo SVDP Youth Conference... Lisa Krismanick Vocations Committee... Mrs. Mary Kochis Pastoral Council Allen Blocher...Nancy Klawitter Wendy Depa...Kaaren A. Mashura Jim D Orazio... Marilyn J. Pajor, Council Chair Patrick Feeney... Lynn Tabion Jorge Fernandez...Jane Teller David Kapala St. Thomas More School Pre-School through 8th Grade Office Hours: M-F 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. School web site ~ School Phone School Fax Principal... Mrs. Stacey Atwood; Ext. 322 Dir. of Religious Formation...Sr. Marilyn Hettinger, O.S.B.; Ext. 332 School Administrative Assistant... Ms. Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328 School Reception & Office Associate...Ms. Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 329 Dir. of Student Special Services... Ms. Tina Boyle; Ext. 323 Home & School Association....Jane Surd Parish & School Offices Associate...Ms. Pam Wadycki; Ext. 339 Cornerstone Center 8635 Calumet Avenue ~ Munster, IN Phone Fax Sacramental Information Confessions Saturdays... 3:30-5:00 p.m. First Friday...1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. Mass Baptisms... First and Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Pre Baptism Class...2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism. Marriage... Contact a priest at least six months in advance Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound. Call Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home. New Parishioner Registration To make it as convenient as possible for you, new parishioners may register at any time in the Parish Office. New Parishioner Orientation New parishioners are invited to attend a New Parishioner Orientation at 9:00 a.m. in the Solar Room on the last Sunday of every month. If you have not yet registered and want more information about our parish, you are welcome to attend the orientation. St. Thomas More Religious Formation Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade Office Hours:M-F 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Formation Phone Director...Sister Marilyn Hettinger, O.S.B.; Ext. 332 Administrative Assistant...Mrs. Audrey Frigo; Ext. 336 Grades K through 8 ~ Wed. & Thurs. 4:30 ~ 6:00 p.m. Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education...Sister Marilyn Hettinger, O.S.B.; Ext 332 Parish Life... Ms. Jean Thornton Peace & Social Justice...Ms. Barbara Shaver Spirituality & Worship... Ms. Joyce Stodola Stewardship...Mr. Cal Bellamy Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society...Ruth Banas Elizabeth Ministry...Kathy Dominguez Holy Name Society...Kevin Cloghessy Senior Citizens...Eleanor Schveiger Respect Life...Alice Wohler Knights of Columbus... Hal Lusk Blue Army...Rose Marie Malburg Finance... Barbara Shaver Planned Giving...Ken Krupinski Building Maintenance... Bob Ray Boy Scouts... Paul Taylor Cub Scouts...Curt Anglin Girl Scouts...Cheryl Meyer Catering/Hall Rental...Kathleen Pagorek Mom s Group...Deanna Mc Dunn Ushers Club...Jim Marmalejo Youth Group... Pam Ratajack Page 2

3 Mary, the Mother of God January 1, 2006 CELEBRANTS Saturday, January 7 5:30 pm Father Mike Yadron Sunday, January 8 6:30 am Father Mike Yadron 8:00 am Father Mike Yadron 10:00 am Father Michael Hoffman 12:00 noon Father Michael Hoffman Monday, January 2 8:30 am A. Coyle, N. Cossyleon Tuesday, January 3 8:30 am L. Grunewald, M. Hajduch Devotions 6:30 pm R. & S. Gorman, J. Krismanick Wednesday, January 4 8:30 am E. Hasse, R. Hauer Friday, January 6 ~ First Friday Holy Hour 7:00 pm J. & M. Matz Saturday, January 7 8:30 am J. Mulesa, N. Loughlin 5:30 pm C. Yothment, G. W. Childs, A. & M. Flores, A. Gianopolus Sunday, January 8 6:30 am A. Gonzalez, E. Jachna, T. Klawitter 8:00 am B. Burke, C. Hinojosa, M. & M. Pukoszek, J. Ratajach 10:00 am P. & C. Kukla, M. Lee, C. Lowry, E. Lusk 12:00 noon B., R. & P. Heuer SUNDAY, January 1 ~ Mary, the Mother of God 6:30 am Matt Desantic (Ann.) by Miriana & Burt Robinson 8:00 am Virgil Slivka (Ann.) by Family 10:00 am For Our Parish Family 12:00 pm Teofila Wytrzyszczewski by Family MONDAY, January 2 ~ St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory Nazianzen 6:30 am Emma Raasch by Mary Wilson 8:30 am Anne Jay by Barbeau Family TUESDAY, January 3 ~ Most Holy Name of Jesus 6:30 am Michael Hodor by Bob & Kathy Vidimos 8:30 am Josephine Weis (Ann.) by Joe & Genevieve Biegel 10:00 am Eileen Painter by Dan & Mary Lou Zurawski (Mass at Med-Inn Cafeteria, Group 2) WEDNESDAY, January 4 ~ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 6:30 am Intention of Margery Gallagher by Patti Norman & Teri Hall 8:30 am Lori Ann Walsh (Ann.) by Rouse Family THURSDAY, January 5 ~ St. John Neumann 6:30 am Ronald O Brien by Mr. & Mrs. George Pluard 8:30 am Tom Sidor (Ann.) by Ed & Jean Sidor FRIDAY, January 6 ~ Blessed Andre Bessette ~ First Friday 6:30 am Eugene Walczak by Jim & Arlene Kender 8:30 am Rosalie Sandrick by Ed Sandrick SATURDAY, January 7 ~ St. Raymond of Pennafort ~ First Saturday 8:30 am Amelia Mercier by Robert Mercier & Family 5:30 pm Frank B. Gajewski (Ann.) by Eugene & Geraldine Lesko & Family SUNDAY, January 8 ~ Epiphany of the Lord 6:30 am For Our Parish Family 8:00 am James Koufos by Family Choir 10:00 am John Oczkowski by All Seasons Chorale 12:00 pm Lauren Zmucki by Tom & Kathy Bassetto Lauretta Bulfer Page 3

4 St. Thomas More Parish Munster, Indiana Blessed Virgin Mary For many, New Year s Day brings the hope and promise of a new beginning. Depending on what we have done in the past year, we fill our thoughts with resolutions of things to do or not to do, habits to start or break. Many will stand before family and friends and pronounce their resolutions as a way of ensuring that their loved ones will support them in their efforts. Luke tells us today of the story of Mary and Joseph taking the baby Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord. There they met Simeon, a man who had learned through the Holy Spirit that he would see the Savior before he died. Upon holding Jesus, Simeon proclaimed his own resolution, that Jesus would provide salvation for all. Simeon witnessed the new beginning, the opportunity for redemption. Redemption, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us, is a mystery which defines Christ s entire life. We are not only redeemed by his blood on the cross, but we are enriched by his birth into poverty, his word which purifies all who hear it, his healings in which he takes our diseases, and his Resurrection by which he justifies us. (CCC 517) Today, we remember Jesus first visit to the temple, an occasion of resolution for Simeon and confirmation of redemption for us all. Let s resolve to remember Jesus Christ s saving grace today and every day. SUNDAY, January 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! ~ MASSES 6:30, 8:00 & 10:00 AM & 12:00 NOON MONDAY, January 2 PARISH OFFICE CLOSED TUESDAY, January 3 9:15 am - 6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Video Bible ~ Conference WEDNESDAY, January 4 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 1:00 pm Senior Citizens ~ Solar Room 7:00 pm Men s Prayer Group ~ Church NO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION THURSDAY, January 5 STMS Resumes 9:00 am Moms Group ~ Solar Room 7:00 pm Mardi Gras ~ Solar Room NO RELIGIOUS EDUCATION P lease pray for the sick of our parish... SATURDAY, January 7 FRIDAY, January 6 7:00 pm Holy Hour for Vocations ~ Church Santa Agnello Deborah Ancich Rudolph Asanovich Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio Irene Baker Maxine Bellamy Tom Bernacki Michael Boston Alvina Brazina Stephany Burney Mary Burosh Dorothy Campbell James Campbell Richard Carlson Al Carollo Carol Carollo Socarro Casas Mary Pat Casey Kathleen Cecil Jacqueline Morrow Christian Frank Coman Vincent Corsello Mike Curtain Marian Dale John Fetzko Elizabeth Follmer John Forde Phyllis Garber Andrea Garritano William Garzinski Joseph Gasiorek James Gaskey Dorothy Gillespie Marguerite Grothouse James Grunewald Virginia Hale Amy Hayes Marie Henke Evelyn Hennes Theresa Hester Ray Humpfer Phillip Imoisi Elizabeth Jacob Marian Johnson Jo Jusko Joseph Justynski Debbie Kaczka Robert Kalka Madeline Kent Peter Klobuchar Janet Knight Helen Krull Julia Kukta Jerome Kula Lois Kus Irene Kwiecien Janice Leuser Maria Lovell Horace Lyle Julia Lyle Dale Madsen Gregory Mahoney Kathryn McBride Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Olga Mihalo Clarence Miller William Modrock Gerald Moran Robert Mudroncik Emily Mysliwy Jean Narvid John Narvid Steven Nowaczyk Valerie O Donnell Kathy Orange Audrey Ostroff Marciala Perez Gertrude Peters Johanna Petruch Elizabeth Pilones Julia Radde Irene Rompola Helen Rutkowski Ted Rutkowski Bernice Rybicki Ann Sardella Mary Sarnowski Jean Schultz Mary Ann Sejda Grace Sheridan Grace Sicinski Ed Sidor Wallace Skierge Joseph M. Smelko Dorie Sperl Deborah Stareck Georgianne Suto Rose Theis Gerardo Trevino Anthony Ubuane Madeleine Vranken Adele Wall Sally Walters Annette Wilson Tammy Wollersheim Lucille Wonnell James Zabrecky Page 4 SUNDAY, January 8 1:00 pm SVDP Youth Conference ~ Teachers Lounge 2:30 pm Padre Pio Cenacle ~ Chapel Readings for the Week of January 1, 2005 Sunday: Nm 6:22-27/ Gal 4:4-7/ Lk 2:16-21 Monday: 1 Jn 2:22-28/ Jn 1:19-28 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:29-3:6/ Jn 1:29-34 Wednesday: 1 Jn 3:7-10/ Jn 1:35-42 Thursday: 1 Jn 3:11-21/ Jn 1:43-51 Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13/ Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38 or Lk 3:23, 31-34, 36, 38 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21/ Jn 2:1-11 Next Sunday: Is 60:1-6/ Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/ Mt 2:1-12

5 The Pastor s Page January 1, 2006 DONA NOBIS PACEM That beautiful Latin hymn, loosely translated Give us peace, is often sung throughout Advent and Christmas. We long for peace, do we not? Peace in our families. Peace in our workplaces. Peace in our schools. Peace in our Church. Peace in our country. Peace in our world. Peace in our selves. And yet, while we long for peace, it so often feels very far away. When we feel that peace is not readily available, we often fall into despair. Desperate, miserable people living meaningless lives. Do we really think that is what God wants for us? I think not. Neither does the Church. Which is why every year on January 1st, the Church encourages us to pray for peace. There is probably no more appropriate time since, after all, on January 1st we celebrate the Solemnity of The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. Last Sunday we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus IS the Prince of Peace. Mary gave birth to that Prince of Peace. So honoring Mary and praying for peace go hand in hand. But now comes the hard part. We cannot just pray for peace. If we are serious about wanting peace in our lives and in our world, we have to work for it. How can we be peacemakers? It begins with ourselves. We cannot be peacemakers unless we know God. That is the place to begin. We can come to a better knowledge of God by praying more regularly, reading sacred scripture as well as other religious books, attending Mass at least on Sundays if not more often and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After we become grounded in the Lord, the next step to becoming peacemakers is to live the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Notice I said live them, not just recite them. The above two steps can take a long time to perfect. There is no time like now to begin. How about making that a New Year s resolution this day. One that we intend to keep and not break in a week or two. I pray that God grant you a happy, healthy, blessed and peaceful New Year! Priests and deacons have served the Diocese of Gary for a number of years now. Others have served in the territory that is now the Diocese of Gary. Please pray for those men who have been called to God and whose anniversaries of death are this week: January 3: Msgr. John A. Sullivan (1972) January 4: Msgr. H. James Conway (1968) Rev. Richard R. Grunenburg (1969) Page 5 NOT SURPRISED BUT VERY GRATEFUL! When I take the occasion to tell some of my priest friends about what a generous parish community St. Thomas More is, they usually respond with surprise. After two and a half years here, though, your generosity does not surprise me anymore. But it still overwhelms me! If you remember, I sent a letter to all registered parishioners with the confession schedule as well as the Mass schedule for Christmas. In that letter, I also asked you to please be generous especially since Christmas fell on a Sunday this year, thus making it a bit anxious around here since we needed both a Sunday collection as well as the Christmas collection to meet our budget. You responded BIG TIME. Due to your generosity, over the Christmas weekend we deposited $92,652.70! Thank you so very much. God bless you! THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY Each year after all our Advent Penances and what-not as well as the hectic days of Christmas, I usually go down to Disney World in Florida for vacation. Every so often, I like to celebrate New Year s Eve there as well. Since New Years fell on a Sunday this year and I did not have to worry about Mass coverage for Sunday AND a Holy Day of Obligation later in the week, I decided that this was one of the years that I would spend New Years at Disney. From EPCOT, I wish you a most blessed and joyous New Year. May your best day of 2005 be the worst day of your 2006! See you next weekend! ON THE LIGHTER SIDE A young man at a New Year's party turned to his friend and asked for a cigarette. "I thought you made a New Year's resolution to quit smoking," his friend said. "I'm in the process of quitting," the man replied. "Right now, I am in the middle of phase one." "What's phase one?" his friend asked. "I've quit buying," was the prompt reply. Gospel Communications International Used By Permission

6 St. Thomas More Parish SIX MINUTES PER DAY TO GOD IN PRAYER A Loose Grip Professionals say that most golfers grip the club too tightly. You have to loosen your grip. What difference does the tightness of the grip make? Simple. It affects the rest of the body. The forearms will be stiff, and that tends to tighten the shoulders and the upper body, even the legs. A loose grip results in a fluid swing. And a fluid swing is a powerful swing. The analogy with stewardship is not subtle. To be tight-fisted with our time and skills and money tightens up everything else in our life. To loosen our grip by freely and regularly giving a portion off the top to the Lord brings a sense of freedom and peace. Taking the next step How does a person move from thinking about stewardship to living it? There s only one way. Do it. See how it affects your life. It s the experience that is convincing: ** Look at next week s schedule. Then build in some time that you will give in gratitude as a return to God. It may be only a small amount. Do it, and see what happens. ** Look at your income. Then decide to take some off the top next week and give it to the Lord. Off the top is the main thing. Decide on a percentage. The amount isn t as important as planned, consistent giving. Then do it, and see how if affects you. How it affects your belief in God. Stewardship is simply a matter of applying tried-and-true good sense to your time, talent, and treasure - it affects your whole life...it s best if you do it in a set way...doing it first in your planning has its advantages... the main thing is making it a priority, not something you try to squeeze in when you get a chance. Stewardship isn t all that complicated. Spend some quiet time with the Lord HAPPY NEW YEAR Munster, Indiana I have started this column many times. My resolution at first was not to reflect back but only to look forward. But during the ten days I have procrastinated writing I cannot skip over my seven months here at St. Thomas More without reflection. First thank you for your kind patience you have shown me as presider at liturgies. Your prayerful attendance has filled me and I pray that you see that I am joining you and you are joining me in praise to our Lord. You do inspire me, thank you. Your smiles, your words, your encouragement and your thanks have made my first months a very good experience. I have learned a lot from you, most importantly how to give back that precious gift of love that God has given us. Thank you. I would also like to thank Fr. Mike for his encouragement, his cheerful tutelage, and patience as I begin to learn the ropes. I am fortunate to have him as my mentor. Also all the staff has followed his lead and support me and encourage me. Deacons Joe and Napoleon are special gifts along with our Pastoral Associate Mark. Now let us look forward. What are we going to do in 2006 to make a difference in this world? I think we can take a lead from the men s prayer group. I have had the honor to be with them most nights when they intone the names of all our parishioners and ask God to bless them. It will take a while to sing all the names but that we will. We at home can take this lead and pray for others. Then in a quiet way let them know that we do care and we are praying for them. Quietly spread the word that our God does care for them. We are His church and we are doing His work. We are doing what St. Francis told us Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary use words. May our Lord smile upon you and the warmth of his smile fill you with joy. Please take the time to read and reflect upon the daily entries in The Little Burgundy Book that was sent to you. Reprinted with permission from The Little Burgundy Book by Bishop Ken Untener, Diocese of Saginaw If your son or daughter knew that you knelt before the Blessed Sacrament every Tuesday at 1:00 pm praying for more and holy priests and religious, you would have a truly blessed and happy home! Sacrificial Offering for December 25, 2005 Adults $87, Loose $4, Children $79.20 TOTAL $92, Thank you for your generosity! Page 6

7 January 1, th grade students at St. Thomas More School tried this fictional but realistic case in the Hammond City Courtroom on December 13th. As part of an interdisciplinary unit involving social studies, language arts, and religion, students assumed the roles of judges, lawyers, witnesses, juries, bailiffs, and reporters. The case was proposed in the social studies textbook materials and it involved an altercation between two students. The students prepared for the trial by watching famous scenes from movies such as To Kill a The State of Indiana For The Victim Michael Boren VS. Eddie Jankins Mockingbird and Twelve Angry Men. They also had the opportunity to meet with a practicing trial attorney, Mrs. Helen Mehok. The trial was professionally videotaped by Mr. John Ellis. Interdisciplinary units provide an opportunity for teachers and students to explore a topic from a variety of perspectives in order to provide a depth of learning not possible in r e g u l a r classroom procedures. Each unit is designed to be interactive, student-centered, and based on cooperative learning techniques. In this unit, students will actively understand the judicial system (social studies), use persuasive writing and speech (language arts), and incorporate ethical and moral decision making (religion) as they participate in the judiciary process. The students are currently preparing a newsletter with varying viewpoints on the trial as well as write a personal essay critiquing t h e i r involvement in the process. Calling All St. Thomas More School Alumni We are in the process of updating our alumni database. Please your current information Name, Maiden Name, Year Graduated, Home Address, Home Phone & address to: STMSAlumni@stm-school.com. Or contact Noreen Bickel at ext The following classes are planning reunions this year. Form more information, please contact the alumni listed below. Class of 1981 Ann Miller Patrich Phone: millerpatridge@yahoo.com Class of 1986 Tina Schmidt McNulty shoes029@yahoo.com COMPASSION & STEWARDSHIP 101 Wouldn t it be nice if you could take a class to learn how to be a compassionate person and a good steward of all of the gifts that God has given to us? Unfortunately, it is not that easy. You cannot teach these concepts out of a book these concepts are learned by living by having good examples and role models at home and at school. At St. Thomas More School we encourage every child to become a faith-filled, productive and generous adult by way of providing opportunities and examples. Over the past several months our students and families have been given many opportunities to help those less fortunate from collecting money and school supplies for Katrina victims to the Walk-A-Thon. Every time, our families have risen to the challenge. Since Thanksgiving our students and families have been extremely generous. Our families and students: Donated food and toys to the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Collected approximately 600 mittens for the four mitten trees. The mittens will be donated to the St. Vincent DePaul Society and to Catholic Charities. Sent cards and letters to our Senior Parish Members. Made snowmen lights for those individuals in nursing homes. Collected diapers, wipes and baby clothes for Birth Right. Page 7 In the last few days before break, our families were presented with an opportunity to participate in an angel tree project to benefit 16 children from 6 families that live in Biloxi, Mississippi (many of the families have lost everything due to Katrina.) Over 80 gifts and $800 was collected to help these families. 8th grade students wrapped and boxed the gifts for shipping and PostNet in Dyer and the UPS Store in Valparaiso donated the cost of shipping. Compassion and good stewardship can be contagious! Thank you to all of the students and families that participated.

8 St. Thomas More Parish Munster, Indiana Religious Formation New Year s Blessing Prayer for Clocks and Calendars Lord, You who live outside of time, and reside in the imperishable moment, we ask Your blessing this New Year s Day upon Your gift to us of time. Bless our clocks and watches, You who kindly direct us to observe the passing of minutes and hours. May they make us aware of the miracle of each second of life we experience. May these our ticking servants help us not to miss that which is important, while you keep us from machine-like routine. May we ever be free from being clock watchers and instead become time lovers. Bless our calendars, these ordered lists of days week and months, of holidays, holydays, fasts and feasts all our special days of remembering. May these servants, our calendars, once reserved for the royal few, for magi and pyramid priests, now grace our homes and our lives. May they remind us of birthdays and other gift-days, as they teach us the secret that all life is meant for celebration and contemplation. Bless, Lord, this new year, each of its 365 days and nights. Bless us with new moons and full moons. Bless us with happy seasons and a long life. Grant to us, Lord, the new year s gift of a year of love. Amen. STM - YOUTH MINISTRY C The Youth Ministry is open to ALL high school youth. Please join us at any meeting or event that you can or us at: STMyouth-owner@yahoogroups.com Upcoming Events Sunday, January 8th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone Center Come join us as we discuss the 4th commandment, "Honor thy mother and thy Father," just in time for the Feast of the Holy Family and our own holiday family traditions. Sunday, January 22nd, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone Center Explore prayer and spirituality with meditations from Sister Wendy. If you have any questions, please contact Pam Ratajack at Mardi Gras is set for Saturday February 25, 2006 The committee is looking for an auctioneer to run our half-hour live auction portion of the event. If you would be interested in serving as auctioneer or if you know a professional or retired auctioneer that might be interested please contact chairperson, Kathy Foster, at O R N E R -- Fr. Edward Hays Page 8

9 Mary, the Mother of God January 1, 2006 Thank You St. Thomas More Altar & Rosary would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the 2005 Bazaar a great success, especially the committee: Kaaren A. Mashura, Cindy Keilman, Therese Sons, Pat Dublak, Marion Alonzo, Joanne Sills, Kathy Pagorek, Mary Lou Zurawski, Dolores Fulte, John Spence, Jim Marmalejo, Carla Baldwin, Rita Viellieu, Candy Ally, Sister Marilyn, The Boy Scouts, and Ruth Banas. Thanks to all the parishioners, vendors and local merchants who donated food, merchandise, raffle tickets and printing, especially: Active Art Salon, Amerihost Inn, Another Unnecessary Extravagance, Bank Calumet, Boric Religious Supply, Bruno Christopher Shop, Brumm s Bloomin Barn, Burns-Kish Funeral Home, Bushwhackers, Calumet Harley Davidson, Candles by Crepeau, Coco s Boutique, Collision Revision, Curves, Citizens Financial Services, Dairy Queen, Fairmeadows Pharmacy, Gary Railcats, Heavenly Ham, Hodges Chiropractic, Kut Above Salon, Ladies Workout Express, Maria s Hallmark, McShanes, Munster Donut, Nikkon -Gail Magsaysay, Pepsi Corporation, Second Street Dance Studio, Shaklee Products -Mashura Promotions, Strack & VanTil, N. W. Indiana Symphony, Susan s School of Dance, Trimboli Chiropractic, and Restaurants: Commander, El Paisano, Buffa Louies, Casa Del Rio, Miner Dunn, Round the Clock, and Michaels. Money Raffle Winners: $500. Marsha Horak, $250. Corrine Nosich, $250. MaryKammerer. Gift Raffle Winners: Kathy Wadul, C. Cenko, M. Veldkamp, Dona Gerlach, Ella Haggins, Jo Knesek, Karen Benoit, Lynn Tabion, Kaaren Mashura, Pat Dublak, Liz Alonzo, Kim Radaszewski, Lori Mason, Brandi Leep, Connie Gau, Peggy Miller, Cindy Glower, Karen Nowick, Banach Family, A. Ferrara, Emily Solar, Jeannine Biel, Marsha Horak,Straka Family, Roy Longhauser, Renee Nolan, Cindy Keilman, Ceil Noworyta, Fred Baginski, John Lucas, Dolores Fulte, Brian Pagorek, Mary Lou Zurawski, Rose Marie Malburg, Wanda Marlowe, Yothment Family, D. Straka, Pam Kinley, Pat Batterson, Helen Kozlowski, Ann Radde, Joan Austgen, Barb Pliszka, Mary Beth Tepper, Lori Johnston, Kurt Popovich, Dawn Kovera, Judy VanDerAue, Kathy Wadul, Lois Mysliwy, Cheryl Steinhauer. Spirituality & Worship Commission Home Blessing Feast of the Epiphany Three mysteries mark this holy day; today the star leads the Magi to the infant Christ; today water is changed into wine for the wedding feast; today Christ wills to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to bring us to salvation. Obviously these three events did not occur on the same day. The point is that in all three events the divinity of Jesus was manifested to the world - what the word epiphany means. Traditionally this is the day when homes are blessed which you are encouraged to do. This weekend a prayer card, chalk and instructions will be available at all entrances of the church for our faith community to bless their own homes. Page 9

10 St. Thomas More Parish Munster, Indiana TREE OF ANGELS The 2005 St. Thomas More School Angel Tree Ornaments were purchased in honor or memory of the following individuals: Annie Jose Araujo, Sr. Donna Banas Ruth Banas Taurina Banda-Castro Pauline Behrens Mike & Gail Bickel Ron Bickel Family Marguerite Boutin Michael J. Buchalo Edward Campbell/ Farrell Francosco Castro Kathy Cecil Frank Cerven Patricia Churley Cindy Albert Diederich Frances Dudek Froida Family Merkelis Family Perz Family Stok Family The Wilson Family Tina Fory Barb Franzen Dan Fredley Family Ed Fultz Marguerite Gearman Jeanne Geisheimer Gina Rosemarie Godlewski Elizabeth Gomez Francisca Gomez Jesse Gomez Karmalita Gomez Valerie Good Leonard Hasiak Bridget Hennel Pat Hennel Mike Hennel Family Isabella Jennifer Mildred Johnson Frank Jones Cele Jubera Anne Kinser Susan Kissee Tom & Gerry Koch Suzan Kolodzies Helen Kornet Charlene & Tom Kuhn Mark Kunas Nathan Kunas Savannah Kunas Sonia Kunas Karen Labas Marlene Lange William & Roberta Last, II William C. Last, III John & Blanch Leary Kate Leto Procopio LoDuca Mike Mamon Matthew Jill Matucha Bill & Ada McCullum Everett Meier Cynthia Meneghini Mark Merkelis Jill Meyers Michael Beth-Ann Millies Margarita Mireles Betty Novosel Joseph Novosel, Sr. The William O'Brien Family Bernice Olszewski Allan & Inez O'Rourke Vera Paloma Steve & Cody Pawlowski Dennis Perz Jeffrey Perz Stephanie Perz Jerry & Pat Reppa Florence Revenew Jennie Robledo Mariann Roth Edward Rudakas The Sabatini Family Rose Sanders Margaret Nora Sandrick Marlen F. Shreibak Toni Sri Walter & Margaret Smolar Nancy Spasoff Ellie Stodola Lillian Stodola Michael Stodola Leo Sudinski Nancy Talabay Lydia Terrazas Susan Terrazas Aciando Torres Alejandrina Torres Jaime Turley Tracey Van Buskirk Larry & Karen Villeneuve Angela Vlahenich The Wadlow Family Clara Waszak Jan & Steve Watson & Family Tillie Wojdula Jackie Yerga Kayte Yerga Rose Yothment Victoria Zaleski St Vincent de Paul Youth St Vincent de Paul Youth Conference January Service Activities. Come join us in spreading Christ's love! Please call Joy or Clare McCullough at if you have any questions or want to join us. Nazareth Home Cuddling Sat., Jan 7, 2006 Cuddle with the babies TBD Planning Meeting Sun., Jan 8, 2006 Plan our Service Activities 1:00 PM, STM Teacher s Lounge A SPECIAL INVITATION Pope John Paul II said, I place much of my hope for the future in Marriage Encounter. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a fantastic gift of the Catholic Church. The next dates are February 17 19, April 28 30, or June 2-4, For more info, call Mark & Mary at or visit our website at www. wwmechicago-gary.org. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Lk 2:17-19 Page 10