Do not forget the diocesan mission taking place in our church Sunday through Wednesday evening (March 11-14) at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.

Transcription

1 Do not forget the diocesan mission taking place in our church Sunday through Wednesday evening (March 11-14) at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.

2 St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 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. Pastoral Staff Pastor... Reverend Michael J. Yadron; Ext. 312 myadron@stm-church.com Associate Pastor...Reverend Michael J. Hoffman; Ext. 314 mhoffman@stm-church.com 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...Jean Bados Eucharistic Ministers...Mr. Jerry Reach Hospitality Ministry...Jim D Orazio Lectors...Jo Ann Long Music Ministry... Miss Angie Lorandos , Ext. 338 Nursery... Kaaren A. Mashura St. Vincent depaul... Mrs. Sharon Marmalejo SVDP Youth Conference...Clare McCullough Vocations Committee... Mrs. Mary Kochis Pastoral Council Margot Blocher... David Kapala Cathy Delgado...Nancy Klawitter Wendy Depa...Kaaren A. Mashura, Council Chair Jim D Orazio...Paul Propson Patrick Feeney... Virgil Ramirez Lynn Tabion 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...Mr. Chet Nordyke; Ext. 322 Dir. of Religious Formation...Sr. Marilyn Hettinger, O.S.B.; Ext. 332 School Administrative Assistant...Mrs. Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328 School Reception & Office Associate..Mrs. Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 329 Dir. of Student Special Services...Mrs. Tina Boyle; Ext. 323 Home & School Association.... Mrs. Chris O Brien Parish & School Offices Associate... Mrs. 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. Parents must be registered parishioners and regularly attending at least six months before the baptism. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic. Pre Baptism Class...2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism. Marriage... Must be a registered, practicing member of the parish at least six months before beginning the six month preparation program for marriage. Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound: Call the 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... Mrs. Jean Thornton Peace & Social Justice... Mrs. Barbara Shaver Spirituality & Worship...Mrs. Joyce Stodola Stewardship...Diane Houser Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society...Ruth Banas Elizabeth Ministry...Kathy Dominguez Holy Name Society...Joe Adams Senior Citizens...Eleanor Schveiger Respect Life...Alice Wohler Knights of Columbus... Dave Blocher Blue Army...Rose Marie Malburg Finance... Barbara Shaver Planned Giving...Ken Krupinski Building Maintenance... Bob Ray Boy Scouts...Patrick Gorman Cub Scouts...Curt Anglin Girl Scouts...Cheryl Meyer Catering/Hall Rental...Kathleen Pagorek Mom s Group...Dawn Hein Ushers Club...Jim Marmalejo Youth Group... Pam Ratajack Page 2

3 Third Sunday of Lent March 11, 2007 CELEBRANTS Saturday, March 17 5:30 pm Father Michael Hoffman Sunday, March 18 6:30 am Father Michael Hoffman 8:00 am Father Michael Hoffman 10:00 am Father Mike Yadron 12:00 noon Father Mike Yadron Wednesday, March 14 ~ Lenten Mass/Parish Mission 7:00 pm H. Boyan, M. Boyd, G. Moya, R. McIntyre, B. Meyer Friday, March 16 ~ Stations 7:00 pm P. O Shea, D. Owens, B. Warner Saturday, March 17 8:30 am H. & T. Bolanowski 5:30 pm E. & K. Papesh, C. Speranza, C. Yothment, J. Zemkewicz Sunday, March 18 6:30 am K. Nadratowski, M. Szala, G.W. Childs 8:00 am E. & L. Rouse, C. Wadlow, S. Whelan, J. Beckman 10:00 am J. Surd, J. Ratajack, E. Anderson, A.J. Argamasilla, M. Beary 12:00 noon J. Krismanick, Ka. & M. O Brien Readings for the Week of March 11, 2007 Sunday: Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15/1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12/Lk 13:1-9 Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15b/Lk 4:24-30 Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43/Mt 18:21-35 Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9/Mt 5:17-19 Thursday: Jer 7:23-28/Lk 11:14-23 Friday: Hos 14:2-10/Mk 12:28-34 Saturday: Hos 6:1-6/Lk 18:9-14 Next Sunday: Jos 5:9a, 10-12/2 Cor 5:17-21/Lk 15:1-3, SUNDAY, March 11 ~ Third Sunday of Lent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family 8:00 am Rene Lippman by Ed & Clarice Bednarz 10:00 am Agnes Blocher (Ann.) by Family 12:00 noon Joseph Sharpe by Wife Jean MONDAY, March 12 6:30 am Intention of Val Rudakas 8:30 am Natalia Neverauskas (Ann.) by Joseph Neverauskas TUESDAY, March 13 6:30 am Ben Gainski by Daughter Pat Kurz 8:30 am Sally Pospychala (Ann.) by John & Claudia Pellar 10:00 am John Schneider by Mr. & Mrs. John Geary (MASS AT MED-INN CAFETERIA, Group 2) WEDNESDAY, March 14 6:30 am All Souls Day Intentions 8:30 am Intention of Ed & Gerry Lelito by Mark & Chris Michelin 7:00 pm For Our Parish Family THURSDAY, March 15 6:30 am Stephen Rousseau (Ann.) by Wife Susan 8:30 am Domenic Tessarolo by Tessarolo Family FRIDAY, March 16 6:30 am Ray & Bernadine Kukla by Granchildren 8:30 am Michael & Violet Kontol by Family SATURDAY, March 17 ~ St. Patrick of Ireland 8:30 am Ernest Kulakowski by Dan & Marie Karulski 5:30 pm John & Lottie Spudic by Carolyn & Ed Smiley SUNDAY, March 18 ~ Fourth Sunday of Lent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family 8:00 am Ralph Neiner (Ann.) by Family 10:00 am Swida Family 12:00 noon Anna & Eugene Schwartz by Ed & Jean Sidor Georgia Feltzer Kayla Emily Pastor Dante Chechi Page 3

4 Third Sunday of Lent The hurricanes of 2005 will be remembered as some of the most devastating of all time. Lives were lost and property was destroyed. In the aftermath, much discussion and heated debate was centered on who was responsible for providing help and how quickly that help arrived. But seemingly lost in the discussion was the reality that no one in the path of the terrible storms was spared at least some destruction; how each person prepared for the coming storm made the most difference. In today's Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree. A man had been waiting three years for the fig tree to bear fruit; when it seemed that the tree would never bloom, the man ordered it cut down. But his worker asked for an opportunity to try and help the tree with some attentive gardening. Each day, we are given a fresh opportunity to bloom, to bear witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Like a barren fig tree, God is waiting for us to bloom. He sent his only Son, the Suffering Servant, to proclaim his love for us. We also know suffering in our lives, whether it be an illness or a devastating storm. But if we are truly united as one with the Body of Christ, we all suffer when only one of us suffers (CCC 791). It is only when we have bloomed that we will be able to show true compassion for those in need. P lease pray for the sick of our parish... Santa Agnello Coleen Alexander Deborah Ancich Rudolph Asanovich Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio Irene Baker Maxine Bellamy Antonio Belmonte Tom Bernacki Michael Boston Stephany Burney Dorothy Campbell James Campbell Al Carollo Carol Carollo Kathleen Cecil Jacqueline Morrow Christian Frank Coman Vincent Corsello Mike Curtain Garrett De Vries Clarena Della Rocco Margaret Dubczak John Fetzko Sr. Beatrice Flahaven Elizabeth Follmer John Forde Phyllis Garber Andrea Garritano Joseph Gasiorek James Gaskey Dorothy Gillespie Marguerite Grothouse James Grunewald Rich Haak Virginia Hale Amy Hayes Eleanore Heggi Marie Henke Evelyn Hennes Theresa Hester Ray Humpfer Steve Izzo Elizabeth Jacob Feliciano Jimenez Jo Jusko Joseph Justynski Debbie Kaczka Robert Kalka Carol Keilman Josephine Knesek Janet Knight Ken Kors Helen Krull Julia Kukta Jerome Kula Lois Kus Irene Kwiecien Stefan Kwiecien Maria Lovell Horace Lyle Julia Lyle Gregory Mahoney Kathryn McBride Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Olga Mihalo Clarence Miller William Modrock Gerald Moran Robert Mudroncik Jean Narvid John Nelson Jr. Steven Nowaczyk Valerie O Donnell Audrey Ostroff Marciala Perez Gertrude Peters Johanna Petruch Elizabeth Pilones Julia Radde Irene Rompola Ted Rutkowski Bernice Rybicki Ann Sardella Mary Sarnowski George Sauer Jean Schultz Marie Schultz Zachery Scriff James Secviar Grace Sheridan Ed Sidor Wallace Skierge Joseph M. Smelko Carolyn Smiley Greta Standish Deborah Stareck Jean Strych Carolyn Sutley Georgianne Suto Rose Theis Gerardo Trevino Anthony Ubuane Madeleine Vranken Adele Wall Sally Walters Margaret Wegrzyn Annette Wilson Tammy Wollersheim Lucille Wonnell Bill Wyherek Cecilia Ziegler Page 4 SUNDAY, March 11 1:00 pm SVDP Youth Conference ~ Teachers Lounge 2:30 pm Padre Pio Cenacle ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Called by the Spirit to Mission ~ Church MONDAY, March 12 Market Day Pick-up ~ Gym ~ 5:00-6:00 pm 7:00 pm Called by the Spirit to Mission ~ Church TUESDAY, March 13 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 Called by the Spirit to Mission ~ Church WEDNESDAY, March 14 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 7:00 pm Called by the Spirit to Mission ~ Church THURSDAY, March 15 9:00 am Moms Group ~ Cornerstone FRIDAY, March 16 2:15 pm School Stations of the Cross ~ Church 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross ~ Church SATURDAY, March 17 SUNDAY, March 18 2:00 pm Queen of Peace Cenacle ~ Chapel 6:30 pm STMS Youth Group ~ Cornerstone St. Thomas More Church Elizabeth Ministry Meeting Schedule Elizabeth Ministry meets the third Wednesday of each month. Rosary prayed at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel, meetings to follow from 7:30 8:30 p.m. in the Teachers Lounge. Our schedule is as follows: March 21, 2007 ~ EM Retreat April 18, 2007 ~ Meeting All women welcome For more information, please call Kathy Dominguez at

5 The Pastor s Page THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT "Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down." The Gospel truly bears what can be frightening words to God s people this weekend. I tell you, if you do not repent, you all perish as they did, Jesus spoke to the crowds referring to the untimely death of some of the people at that time. None of us likes to think about untimely deaths. Let s face it, none of us likes to think of timely deaths. Yet that is one reality that each and every one of us will have to embrace: our own mortality. Well then, if we are to die, what lies beyond this life and this world? We have been raised to think about the joys and comforts and peace of heaven. We have been reminded over and over again that we are destined for a much better place. To get there, however, we have to be a certain kind of people. We must produce! The Gospel this weekend reminds us that we must bring forth the fruits of the Spirit. We must further the Kingdom of God. We must be people of peace, love, mercy, justice. Indeed, we must be as much like the Lord, Jesus Christ, as we can possibly become. And that, dear friends, takes a great deal of work and an even greater measure of grace. Lent provides us with the time to think about our lives and our often sinful ways. Lent reminds us that we have to change our lives, to leave sin behind. Lent makes us realize that we cannot make it on our own. And that is precisely why Jesus Christ came into our world and comes into our lives. He brings us the peace of mind that we need to focus on God s will. He offers us mercy and love and understanding. He provides us with a better way of living. Notice that I said better and not easier? I know that being a truly dedicated follower of Christ is a lot of work. It involves a lot of sacrifice on our part. It demands that we turn away from things that we may desire on this earth and turn to what God has to offer to us. It is not easy, but it is possible. And it is eminently and exceedingly rewarding. We may have become tired of some of our Lenten resolves. This weekend gives us the reason to continue. After all, we do not want to disappoint our Lord or be found wanting. Let us forge ahead! GOING TO CONFESSION NOW MORE COMFORTABLE! Thank you so much to the Garden Club for the work that they recently completed on the confessionals in the church. Wait a minute. Father, did you say Garden Club? Did you say in the church? How do those two go together?! You would be amazed at the talent and drive of the men in our Garden Club. During the spring, summer, and fall, they work like mad on the outside of our church: beautifying the grounds, grooming, mowing, watering, pruning, whatever it takes to make this place look nice. But they do not take the season of winter off. They continue working. Oftentimes they can be seen outside helping clear snow off of the sidewalks. At other times, they will be found indoors, working their magic on the interior of our properties. The past couple of years the men of the Garden Club have turned their attention to the four confessionals in our church. They have completely gutted them and then gave them brand new interiors. New walls and ceilings, better lighting, and the removal of a wall that blocked the penitent from going around and sitting down to go to confession face to face, will now greet the parishioner. Again, thank you Garden Club! And now for the shameless plug. The Garden Club is always looking for a few more members to share their talents in keeping our parish and its grounds looking so nice. Generally, they meet on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Their work is interspersed with fellowship as well as they break their time halfway through for their famous coffee break. Looking for someplace to share your talent? Can you help our a few hours a week? Consider joining the Garden Club. They and we would appreciate it! ON THE LIGHTER SIDE While transcribing medical audiotapes, an employee became very confused and told a co-worker about coming upon the following garbled diagnosis: "This man has pholenfrometry." Knowing nothing about that particular condition, she double-checked with the doctor. After listening to the tape, the doctor shook his head. "This man," he said, translating for her, "has fallen from a tree." 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: March 14: Rev. Thaddeus S. Plawecki (1967) Rev. Henry I. Krysinski (1987) March 16: Rev. Matthew G. Spebar (1979) Page 5

6 Stewardship in Action Who s bright and committed? Our own Michael Duffy, a recent Purdue Calumet graduate, pictured here speaking at his class commencement exercises last June. Mike is an Eagle Scout and has served as an Altar Master of Ceremonies. His deep, dedicated and imaginative efforts on the Vocation and Respect Life Committees are truly inspiring. Mike, thanks for sharing your time and considerable talents with our faith community. Are you a single Catholic woman between the ages of 19-35? Are you wondering if God is calling you to something more in your life? The Andrian Dominican Sisters invite you to join other women like yourself for a weekend of conversation, prayer and discernment at their Motherhouse in Michigan. For more information contact Sister Carleen Maly, O.P. at or vocations@adriandominicans.org. CONTINUING THE JOURNEY There I am In Ezekiel s valley One heap among many, Just another stack Of old dry bones. Some Mondays Feel this way And so they do. Here I sit with a leftover jelly donut from Sunday trying to come up with an idea to write. I do keep little bits of paper with great inspirations but today they all are just old dry bones. Nothing is coming. The words I opened with are from Joyce Rupp s book, May I have this Dance? Joyce writes about God s invitation to us to join with God in the dance of life. The book has a meditation for each month of the year. She gives a plan for the whole month. She opens each chapter with a poem and that is where I stop reading. The poems are enough for me. I can meditate on them all month. Joyce shows us that prayer is a dance with the Divine, a joyous and hope-filled experience, an inner dance in which God takes the lead, guiding us through the joys and sorrows of life. She writes so memorably that the words stay with me and I do dance with them in my mind and in my need. Dancing with them brings me in contact with God. Remember Christ is the Word and Joyce s words have me dancing with God. In my dryness I come to God. I hear the words of this poem and I dance with God and He fills me. When I was vacationing with family in San Antonio enjoying the warm sun and the fragrant flowers along the Riverwalk and in the parks, I danced with God. It is easy to come to God in our dryness but do we remember to come to Him when we are sated? When we are celebrating, do we remember to save a Dance with God? On the Riverwalk I saw families and individuals celebrating Madre Gras. Enjoying the floats with music sashaying between the banks of the canal, inviting me into the moment of fun. I found a quiet veranda a few blocks from the food courts and shops where I enjoyed some wine and food and good conversation. I danced with God. Sacrificial Offering for March 4, 2007 Adults $31, Loose $1, Children $19.91 TOTAL $32, Thank you for your generosity! Bishop Noll 1967 Reunion Committee is seeking our class mates for our 40th reunion which will be held on June 23rd Please call Anne (219) for more information. On the grounds of the Oblate Seminary, I spend two days reading, being quiet and dancing with God. Someone named God Comes to fragments and asks with a twinkling eye: May I have this dance? the One who s never stopped believing in me, and the dance begins. Page 6

7 March 11, 2007 SECOND QUARTER HONOR ROLL Congratulations to the following students who earned honor roll status for the 2nd quarter and to those students who received the Principal s Award (straight A s.) The students that earned the Presidents Award were treated to breakfast by the Principal, Mr. Chet Nordyke! All 4th through 8 grade students attended the awards ceremony. 4th G R A D E 5th G R A D E 6th G R A D E 7th G R A D E 8th G R A D E Alyssa Anglin, Brittany Barajas, Wilson Beckman, Jared Benson, Nicholas Bleza, Zachary Bobos, Jillian Bridgeman, Benjamin Davidson, Hannah Dempsey, Maureen Doherty, Bryan Dublak, Maatii Dungy, Austin Eiland, Victoria Foster, Kathleen Gonzales, Jeremy Gonzalez, Michael Hayes, Jacob Helmer, Allison Hemingway, Serena Huss, Lauren Jacobsen, Rachel Jacobsen, Rachel Jamrose, Alexis Jimenez, Lauren Kaszuba, Carly Kennedy, Daniel Kukla, Colleen Lusk, Marymargaret Maloney, Andrean McHenry, Allison Molitsky, Joshua Peters, Margaret Pozdzal, Nikola Pritza, Emma Prucha, Madeline Purcell, Grant Rademacher, Nicole Smith, Thomas Speranza, Madison Switalla, Conor Taylor, Stevan Trivunovic, Natalie Vellutini, Kathryn Walsh, Timothy Wiess, Nicholas Zaleski Emily Anderson, Nicholas Anglin, Alex Argamasilla, Caroline Beckman, Elizabeth Beckman, Mary Beth Blocher, Thomas Bolanowski, Cameron Bosak, Jesse Bruzan, Steven Caraher, Ryan Cloghessy, Sadie Conner, Alex Del Rio, Elizabeth Faso, James Foster, Carlos Gallegos, Demetrios Georgalas, Kelsey Gibson, Laura Gonzalez, Cody Grzybowski, Ryan Hamill, Brandon Hanusin, Spencer Hickey, Grace Huss, Roger Jachna, Vinay Kakkera, John Kapitan, Zachary Kennedy, Matthew Kish, Andrew Kremmidas, Peter Kurowski, Kailee Loughlin, Jessika Majszak, Patrick McCarthy, Michael McGrath, Emily McNicholas, Matthew O Brien, Megan O Brien, Chinyere Onyeukwu, Joseph Pillarella, Gabriela Rosales, Angel Ruiz, Daniel Straka, Zaria Suggs, Jacqueline Surd, Morgan Switalla, Matthew Szala, Annilee Taylor, Kevin Toney, Mia Torres, Samuel Toth, Timothy Wieser, Anthony Zaleski, John Zemkewicz. Anna Ackermann, Bridget Anderson, John Avila, Katlyn Bobos, Nicholas Davidson, Craig Dedelow, Jacqueline Dedelow, Lori Dileonarde, Russell Doctor, Jihan Dubose, Alyssa Heeter, Caleb Hinojosa, William Kasprzycki, Kristin Kennedy, Savannah Kinsella, Nicholas Loughlin, Erin Lusk, Zachary Lyons, Trisha Madura, Chad Mateja, Lauren Mitchell, Megan Mohica, James Moss, John Nauracy, Kevin O Brien, Dana Owens, Jonathan Pasyk, Andrea Paunicka, Michael Peters, Priscilla Powell, Jillian Rademacher, Erin Sandoval, Mariah Saucedo, Alex Sikora, Jacqueline Silverman, James Soria, David Trivunovic, Hannah Villaroman, Noah Villaroman, Patrick Walsh, Bridget Warner Dominic Albanese, Rebecca Andrews, Melissa Avila, Douglas Bickel, Matthew Blocher, Lauren Booth, Allison Boyle, Sarah Dedelow, Grant Doctor, Natalie Dublak, Alyson Eickleberry, Brooke Ellis, Ann Fagan, Hannah Fus, Jeremy Gawlinski, Luke Gonzalez, Melissa Hajduch, Michelle Higgins, Jessica Jancosek, Monica Lee, Nicholas Martell, Christine Matthews, Kathleen McGrath, Gregory Moya, Theodore Muta, Eileen O Neill, Patrick O Shea, Joel Page, Ashley Pradhan, Leslee Pritza, Stephanie Rarick, Angela Rokosz, Everett Senetar, Samuel Smith, Sean Smith, Chris Speranza, David Straka, Emma Young, James Zemkewicz William Ambry, Jessica Banaszak, Breanna Barajas, Melissa Beary, Kevin Behrens, Lyndia Bissell, Heather Boyan, Jeanette Dedelow, Nicholas Estes, Robert Fink, Anthony Galullo, Evan Gentile, Angela Gonzalez, Kaitlyn Hobbs, Katherine Klyczek, Luke Kurowski, Elisha Jachna, Christine Lissy, Cortney Lowry, Tiffany Madura, Colleen Majszak, Ashley Mangahas, Brianna Meyer, Jessica Monjaras, Payton Moore, Kate Novak, Nathaniel Novak, Kathleen O Brien, Sean O Sullivan, Kyle Papesh, Matthew Paunicka, Michael Potts, Samantha Salzeider, Shelby Sarnowski, Jacob Smith, Karly Taylor, Christopher Wadlow Catch the Wave to Our Spring Scholastic Book Fair! Mark your calendar for the Open House, Sunday, March 18th from 8:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m. in the School's Resource Center. Come and see the hundreds of books for all ages at the Fair!! Registration for the 2007/2008 school year has begun. For more information or to schedule a personal tour please call Page 7

8 On Sale Now! Just in time to get your chocolate bunnies for Easter! Forms for the St. Thomas More School Fannie May candy sale may be picked up at all church entrances, or at the church or school offices. Orders must be returned to the school office by Candy pick up date: in the gym from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Any questions, please call Chris O Brien at Run for Tomorrow 7th Annual - 5K Run/Walk Saturday, April 21, :30 am Race Time For more information and registration application requests: Call: or Go Online: Online Registration: All Junior and Senior High Students are welcome to come to Youth Group. We meet regularly on Sundays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Building, 8635 Calumet Ave. Next Meeting: March 18th, 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone Center. Mark Your Calendars: Source Summit at Andrean H.S. April 27, 28 and 29, 2007:. Available to Grades 7- College. Further information available at the parish office. CYX: Catholic Youth Experience, Diocesan Retreat. July MISSION TRIP TO BILOXI MISSISSIPPI JUNE 10th to 17th The STM Youth Ministry along with St. Mary s of Gostlin in Downer s Grove & St. Paul s in Joliet will spend June 10th to 17th helping those less fortunate that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Only High School Students are allowed to sign up for this trip. A $100 deposit is due with the forms by April 11th and the $100 balance is due by June 1st. Forms and information are available at the parish office. Eucharistic Ministers Needed!! We need additional Eucharistic Ministers for the Saturday 5:30 PM and the Sunday 6:30 AM Masses. We are in need for 8 additional ministers at 5:30 pm Mass and 3 for the 6:30 am Mass. If you are a regular attendee at one of these Masses, please give serious consideration about becoming a Eucharistic Minister and help support the ministries at the Mass you attend. As a Eucharistic Minister, you will be scheduled for about half of the Masses each month. A training program will be provided in March and you will begin the ministry in May. Please use the sign-up sheet below. Indicate your Name, Telephone Number and the Mass you wish to serve. Drop the slip in the collection basket or at the Parish Office by March 21. If you have questions or need further information call Jerry Reach at Name Phone Address I am willing to be a Eucharistic Minister at the 5:30 PM 6:30 AM Mass. Page 8

9 Religious Formation Dear God, you love us unconditionally although you may not love what we do. We sincerely repent and, in the name of your Son, Jesus, we will become fruitful in loving others. No Classes: There will be no classes on March 14/15 because of the Parish Mission. Joyce Trelinski will be recognized at the Diocese of Gary Catechetical and Liturgical Day on March 11 for her dedication to the ministry of religious education for 25 years. Joyce is a person of faith who witnesses in and out of the classroom. She teaches 2 nd grade on Wednesday and Thursday. Confirmation Date: Confirmation for the 8th grade students will be Saturday, March 31, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. There will be a practice for sponsors and candidates on Friday, March 30, 2007, at 6:45 p.m. Registration-2007/08: Registration Forms for 2007/08 went home with the students last week. Please complete one form for your family. Make sure you circle the class day of your choice. Return the registration form with a deposit of $25, which will be applied to your family s tuition, as soon as possible. Checks should be made payable to St. Thomas More. There will be a $10 late fee charged for registrations received after July 1. Registration forms are also available on Please be extremely careful in the parking lot before and after class. The safety of all children must be everyone s priority. Mark Your Calendar: Mar. 14/15 No Class Parish Mission Mar. 21/22 Class Mar. 28/29 No Class Spring Break March 31 Confirmation 10:30 a.m. April 4/5 No Class Holy Week April 11/12 Class April 18/19 Class April 25/26 Class Mrs. Trelinski and her Thursday 2nd Grade Class SERVICE ACTIVITY Are you a Catholic Youth, at least 13 years old? YOU CAN BE A VINCENTIAN TOO! DATE AND LOCATION Holy Innocence Sat. Mar. 24, 2006 Play Day 9:00 11:30 am, East Chicago Planning Meeting Sun. Mar. 25, 2007 Help Plan our Service Activities 1PM, Teacher s Lounge Nazareth Home Sat. Mar. 31, 2007 Cuddle the babies 11 am 1 pm, East Chicago Bunco Sat. Apr. 14, 2007 Play bunco with residents Permission slips available in the Parish Office and are required for any activity outside of Munster. Please drop your child off at the Buncos as noted on the schedule. For more information, please call President Clare McCullough or Adult Leader Joy McCullough at How are the readings for the Sundays of Lent chosen and structured? The Lenten season is powerfully significant. A meticulous overall plan was envisioned for the Sunday readings that would convey the rich variety of Lenten themes. The three readings, along with the psalm, were all chosen to correspond thematically. A common theme runs through all the readings on each Sunday of Lent. The Gospels for the first and second Sundays always cluster around the same Jesus events. The first Sunday highlights the temptation narrative of Jesus, while the second Sunday picks up the account of Jesus' transfiguration. Each liturgical year proclaims the account from the Gospel assigned to it: A to Matthew, B to Mark, and C to Luke. The Gospels for the third, fourth and fifth Sundays form another cluster highlighting various themes in each year. In year A, the Gospels are taken from John. Each narrative proclaims various aspects of the baptismal journey to Christ. In Year B, the Gospels are again all taken from John. The narratives zero in on the reality of the Paschal mystery -the call to follow Jesus in the challenging journey of dying and rising. In Year C, the third and fourth Sundays are from Luke, and the fifth Sunday is again from John. These narratives highlight the significant Lenten themes of penance and conversion. The Gospel for Passion (Palm) Sunday is the narrative from Matthew, Mark or Luke of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. Page 9

10 You are invited by the Religious Formation Commission to come and celebrate the Abbreviated Seder/Passover/Last Supper on Saturday, March 24 th at 6:30 P.M. in the Cafeteria. We will discover together and have a better understanding of our Mass the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. We will have the washing of the hands, participate with both word and song as we view the Lamb Shank Bone, eating the sprig of parsley/celery after dipping it in salt water, a hard boiled egg, Haroset (mixture of apples, nuts, wine and cinnamon) horseradish, and matzot. We will each be served four cups of wine/grape juice. After we celebrate the Seder, there will be a variety of foods to sample this will not equal a meal, so please plan to eat your dinner before or after attending the Seder Meal. We Christians share with the Jewish people a story and an experience: once we were bound in slavery, but the Lord with an outstretched arm brought us to freedom, to covenant, to a Promised Land. That is the one best reason why many Christians choose to celebrate the Passover meal, the Seder, each year. Through the centuries the ritual of this night has allowed each generation to make that story its own. Space is limited only the first 100 will be able to attend this year! If you are unable to attend this year know that you may attend next year! There is no admission fee, however donations would be greatly appreciated to help cover the cost of the booklets and food. Holy Name News Our next meeting will take place on Monday, March 19th in the Cafeteria. The meeting starts at 7:30 pm. Come early at 7:00 pm for the praying of the rosary. We will conclude the meeting with a short video by Father John Corapi followed by pizza and refreshments. Remember the $100 cash raffle! All new members are encouraged to attend! Also, please pay your dues! HOORAY!! The Baby has arrived!! Anne is a very cooperative child, she's born on her due date, at six pounds 11 ounces, 21 inches long. She has a respectable amount of reddish brown hair and her eyes are blue now, but will turn to hazel, nearly green, as she grows, from the Irish on her Dad's side. The hint of a dimple in her chin and upturned nose are from Mom. Her mouth is delicate and will be smiling most of the time. She is a very beautiful baby, a perfect piece in God's plan. IS OUR BABY SAFE FROM ABORTION? Yes, finally Yes!! She is home now, in a home where she is treasured. What a treat for her family! She is the center of excitement. She is accepting the adulation of her family as well as much grace as possible--it is very new to her. She will not know for years to come that this could have been denied to her. Enough of that for now, for despite the bleary eyes, sleepless nights and endless changes of clothes, and feedings, there is joy. With ups and downs in every family, nothing is perfect. Ann will love and be loved here. There are such homes for nearly every child, although not every child finds her way to that home. Some families have love in abundance, but could use some help with the more practical things. If we are to show our caring for all the Anns, there are things we can do to help every child have a loving family. But now is the time for celebration!! Ladies Save This Date Sunday, April 15, 2007 Altar & Rosary Society will be celebrating their 60th Anniversary at the 10:00 am Mass. Watch the Bulletin for more information! CONFIRMATION DATE Confirmation for the 8th grade students will be Saturday, March 31, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. There will be a practice for sponsors and candidates on Friday, March 30, 2007, at 6:45 p.m. Page 10