September 16, 2018 Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Transcription

1 September 16, 2018 Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time PASTORAL TEAM Rev. George Omwando, Pastor Ms. Gail Rohmann, Music Director Mrs. Christine Wedekind, Rel. Ed. Coord. Mrs. Sharon Leamy, Principal SUPPORT STAFF Ms. Patricia Pomykalski, Business Manager Mrs. Amanda Pomareda, Office Manager Mrs. Fannie Cooper, School Secretary CONTACTING THE PARISH Rectory: 38 N. Austin Blvd.; Oak Park, IL Telephone: Web: Hours: 8:30 AM-8:00 PM Monday, & Thursdays. Tuesday, Wednesday, & Fridays: 8:30 AM 4:30 PM Saturday 9:00 AM 4:30 PM; Sunday 8:30 AM 12:00 PM School - 27 Washington Blvd.; Oak Park, IL Telephone: WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE Weekday Masses: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday - 8:30am (Please enter the Church by Washington Blvd. 2nd door to the West) NO Thursday Communion Service until the Fall of 2018 Weekend Masses: Saturday Morning - 9:00 am Saturday Evening - 5:00 pm Sunday Morning - 8:30 & 10:30 am Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday at 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM; or by appointment. Baptisms Baptism of infants and young children is celebrated on the 2nd and 3rd weekends of the month. Parents are asked to attend a Baptism preparation session/class prior to the ceremony. Please call the rectory to register for the preparation and set a baptismal date. (cont d in pg.2)

2 Page 2 September 16, 2018 Thoughts From our Pastor Rev. George O. Omwando Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Summer is almost over and I am one of those people that normally feel sad knowing that the warm weather is not going to be with us for some time. However, we know that every season that God gives us grants us an opportunity to thank Him and appreciate the wonders of creation. Indeed, we are reminded to reflect on the love of God for us that He sent His only begotten Son to redeem us and restore us from our fallen nature. Jesus was sent to us by God to reveal who the Father is and to show us the love of that Father for us. Born in a simple family like many of us are, He was both God and man who never took advantages of being one with the Father in heaven. In our Gospel today, Jesus asks His Apostles to tell Him what people were thinking of Him. It seems to me funny for Jesus to ask such a question because He was truly a great person and more than a great person but God Himself. Many times in the Gospels, we have seen people come to Jesus and question Him, and Jesus never rejects or rebukes them but uses that moment to teach them. A wonderful l skill that He mastered and employed most often in His teachings. The questions we always ask enable us to understand more deeply that which we are asking because they open up a new reality. This reality then makes us learn most things that we want to know and believe. Imagine if we were living in a world where people do not ask questions. What do you think would happen? I guess it could be a boring world. Also in today s Gospel, Jesus wanted to know what the people and His Apostles were thinking of Him. Earlier, when Jesus was performing miracles, people were speculating on His identity and even came up with the belief that He was like one of the great men of the past like: John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the past Prophets. This was fine, though, because they were associating Jesus with some of the past great religious figures. But Jesus was more that. He was the Messiah as Peter proclaimed when answering the same question. The people had their own ideas about the Messiah, but Jesus did not fit into their description. For them, a Messiah was one like David or to be David s successor, one who would drive out the Roman garrison, re-establish Israel's glory, and usher in a golden age. To accomplish these goals, they expected the Messiah to use traditional power military or economic dominance. They expected the Messiah to be a super-man a man like other men except for his greater power. This was not the reason Jesus was sent by the Father. Instead, Jesus re-defined what they meant for power to mean: drawing people to Himself through love - far from the people s expectations and imaginations. His love was going to be to be expressed in self-denial and cross-bearing, which greatly confused them from what they previously had been anticipating and thinking. Brothers and sisters, we know who Jesus is and we have no problem of expressing Him. To be a follower of Jesus we need: (1) to deny ourselves, (2) to take up our crosses, and (3) to follow Him. Jesus does not call us to deny our value, because we are created in God's image. Neither does He call us to deny ourselves pleasure but He calls us to make God the center of our affections to subordinate our will to God's will. May God bless us as we continue to follow the Son of God who came to save us. Fr. George PARISH MISSION STATEMENT WE THE PARISHIONERS OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA-ST. LUCY PARISH, SEEK TO DEEPEN OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD AND TO CELEBRATE GOD S PRESENCE IN WORD AND SACRAMENT. BY ACCEPTING ALL INTO OUR FAMILY WE SEEK UNITY IN CHRIST AND SEEK TO PROCLAIM HIS GOOD NEWS IN THE DISCIPLESHIP OF OUR LIVES. PARISH ORGANIZATIONS: Parish Pastoral Council Madonna Sloan and Joyce Wade, Co-Chairs Parish Finance Council Juan Perez Spiritual Life Commission Faith & Fellowship: Connie Rakitan Liturgy Committee: Cantors: Gail Rohmann Celebration Choir: Gail Rohmann Praise Choir: Julius White Greeters & Ushers: Jim Lewis Ministers of the Eucharist: Jeanne Visteen Ministers of the Word: Jeanne Visteen Servers: Kathy Paoli Ministers of Care: Shelby Boblick Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): Fr. George O. Omwando Women s Ministry: Shelby Boblick Human Concerns Commission Peace & Justice Committee: Mary and Martin Senica Transportation Committee: Tom Farwell Education Commission Baptism Com.: Fr. G. Omwando Bible Study: Russ McCaughey Religious Education of Children: Christine Wedekind St. Catherine/St. Lucy School: School Board Chair: Natasha Lee Parish Development & Services Commission Collection Counters: Carol Kallok Facilities Committee: Kevin Kell, Amanda Pomareda Fundraising Committee: Pat Nelson / Cynthia Weaver (cont d from pg. 1) Weddings - Please contact a parish priest to set a wedding date. Allow at least 6 months for preparation. RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a sacramental process, celebrated in the midst of this Faith Community. This process assists adults, as well as children over the age of 7, in learning about the Catholic Faith. Through its witness, worship, service, and teaching our Faith Community offers the invitation and support necessary for initiation into the Catholic Church. Ministry to the Sick, Hospitalized and Shut Ins Please notify the Parish Office so that we can visit and minister to your confined loved-ones. Newcomers Please fill out a registration form after Mass, or come by the Rectory Office during the week.

3 Page 3 September 16, 2018 Faith & Fellowship This coming weekend (Sept 21-22), we will once again take to the streets! That is, at the intersection of Ridgeland and Madison we will be soliciting donations for the Knights of Columbus, which raises substantial funds for our parish's Faith & Fellowship program. We try to have the corner filled, but right now there are a lot of empty slots. Can you PLEASE give an hour or two? Contact Connie Rakitan, faith_fellowship@hotmail.com or MANY THANKS!! Next Weekend 2nd Collection is for the Archdiocesan Seminarian Education Next weekend of September 22, 23 we celebrate the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Chicago through our second collection. Contributions made to this collection alleviate monthly expenses such as tuition and fees room and board and health insurance for each seminarian and will be used solely for the formation of new priests for the Archdiocese of Chicago. You can contribute online thru our website at seminarianfund, or through the remittance envelopes provided to your parish. Starting TODAY Sunday, September 16th, we will begin preparation for Confirmation and those classes will be held from 11:30 a.m. (after 10:30 a.m. Mass), until 1:00 p.m. in the Rectory s Basement meeting room This year we are including the seventh graders for Confirmation next year. A letter - will be sent out to all families with all the dates and an explanation about Confirmation next year. If you have any questions about either of these you may contact Christine Wedekind at or Christine.wedekind@aol.com. Please do not send texts, thank you. Save-the-Date Sunday, September 30 Walkathon & Picnic - OS Saturday, October 13 Sunday, October 14 Fair Trade Sale - CH Sunday, October 7 Sunday, October 28 Baby Bottle Project Saturday, October 27 Sunday, October 28 All Hallows Eve Bake Sale Monday, September 17 9:30 AM - Bible Study - RRT 3-8:00PM - Voice Lessons - CH Tuesday, September 18 10:00 M - Fundraising Committee Mtg. - RD 10:00AM - 3:00PM - Voice Lessons - CH 7:30-9:00 PM - Praise Choir - MMR Wednesday, September 19 7:30-9:00 PM - Celebration Choir - CH Thursday, September 20 10:00AM-2:00PM - Quilting Ladies - RD 4:00-8:00 PM - Voice Lessons - CH 6:00-8:00 PM - A.A. Meeting - RD Friday, September 21 7:00AM-6:00PM - Tootsie Roll Drive - OS Saturday, September 22 8:00AM-2:00PM - Tootsie Roll Drive - OS Certificates are $25 each and will be included in every weekly drawing from October 28th, 2018 through October 20th, The prize each week is $25 except for three weeks when the prize is $500. Applications for certificates for the NEW SEASON, with drawings beginning October 28th, have been mailed and are being accepted now. There are extra forms available in the back of church and at the rectory. If we sell all 500 certificates, there will be a 4th drawing for $500. Purchase forms are available in the back of church and at the rectory. Thank you!!! ~ The Fundraising Committee 500 CLUB WINNER $ September 16, 2018 Kim and John McGuire, # 357

4 Page 4 September 16, 2018 Mon. September 17 8:30 Dorothy Zimmerman By: Evie Stockinger Tue. September 18 Aline Darang By: Michelle Darang-Coleman Wed. September 19 8:30 Sue Vanek By: Anton Vanek Fri. September 21 8:30 Rev. John Carolan By: Annette Varga Sat. September 22 9:00 Maureen Gamboney By: Tom and Pat Nelson 5:00 Bruce Kusenda By: Brenda Fojtik Sun. September 23 8:30 FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR PARISH 8:30 Andrea Edwards By: Louisa Newberry 10:30 Ernest Wade (1st year death Anniv.) By: Madonna Sloan Our Parish Stewardship St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church September 9, 2018 $ 5, On-Line GiveCentral $ Weekly Budget $ 7, D E F I C I T $ Online donations can be made to St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish at Thanks for your continued financial support! Today s Readings First Reading The Lord God is my help; who will prove me wrong? (Isaiah 50:5-9a). Psalm I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living (Psalm 116). Second Reading Faith, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:14-18). Gospel Jesus asked his disciples, Who do you say that I am? (Mark 8:27-35). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass. 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings for the Week Monday: 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33; Ps 40:7-10, 17; Lk 7:1-10 Tuesday: 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a; Ps 100:1-5; Lk 7:11-17 Wednesday: 1 Cor 12:31 13:13; Ps 33:2-5, 12, 22; Lk 7:31-35 Thursday: 1 Cor 15:1-11; Ps 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28; Lk 7:36-50 Friday: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Ps 19:2-5; Mt 9:9-13 Saturday: 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49; Ps 56:10c-14; Lk 8:4-15 Sunday: Wis 2:12, 17-20; Ps 54:3-8; Jas 3:16 4:3; Mk 9:30-37 LITURGICAL MINISTERS SEPTEMBER 23, :00 PM 8:30 AM 10:30 AM Altar Servers Mark Thomas Dan Brown Ministers of the Word Susan Kumler Paul Knight Kevin Morgan Shirley Jones Thom Schouten Ministers of the Eucharist Chemetha Baker Pat Koko Grace Bishop Brenda Fojtik Walter Washington Marge Massarello Claudia Zinanni Marjorie Fields Renee Smith-Quinn Esteban Perez Terry Sullivan Christine Diaz Shelby Boblick Bern Wheel Marie Wheel Pat Long Michelle Agbefe Pat Nelson

5 Page 5 September 16, st & 2nd Readings for the Upcoming Sunday are offered. Their sole purpose is to help us all of us receive and hear the word of God. SEPTEMBER 23, TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME First Reading: Wisdom 2:12, The book of Wisdom was written about 50 years before Christ, and was addressed to a group of Jews living in Alexandria, Egypt. In this pagan environment, some were tempted to abandon their religious beliefs and practices. In today s passage, an unidentified person, referred to as the just one, challenges them to remain faithful to their traditional values. Early Christians thought this person sounded a lot like Jesus. Second Reading: James 3:16-4:3 Today we continue a series of readings from the letter of James. This part of the letter deals with sins that threaten harmony in a Christin community. Bequests PLEASE consider remembering our parish in your will or trust. We have been blessed in the past by the generosity of so many parishioners and I am hopeful this will continue into the future. Father George Update Personal Info We are urging you to please update us with your cell phone number, e- mail address, or any other change of status. This is very important in order to have a current parish roster. Please call Amanda apomaredascsloffice@comcast.net Bible Study - Mondays 9:30 AM Our Bible Study group meets on Mondays ~ 9:30 11:00 AM in the Rectory. We use the New Collegeville Bible Commentary from Collegeville, Minnesota. We read the scriptures, weekly psalms, and the commentary. Then we discuss it. It is an enlightening experience and totally free. Communion & Anointing of the Sick Please call the Rectory at to let us know if you or a member of your family is in need of the sacrament of anointing of the sick or would like to have Holy Communion brought to your house or nursing home or both. Praying for the Sick In Our Parish Theresa Adcock, Coletta Ali, Jeanette Cannon, Lillian Czaplicki, Normantha and Larry Evans, Anita Evenson, Phillip Jones, Terrie Kalina, Paul Koko, Kate Kroker, Science Meles, Albert Parker, Jr., Raul Perez, Carlton Shanks, Nsanda S. Stumps, Kate Shoevlin, and Molly Dula-Weber The name of your close relative will remain on this list for four weeks. After that, you will have to call us again to reinstate it into the list. If you wish to include a name of a sick member of your family here, please call Amanda at the rectory during office hours. Thank you. 27 W. Washington Blvd. Oak Park, IL School News We had a successful Back to School Night last Thursday. We re off to a wonderful school year, full of learning, laughter, and love. Our 4th and 5th Grades have been selected once again to participate in SparkShop, a science program that brings hands-on engineering activities into the classrooms. Our School Board will have their first meeting on Wednesday, September 16, at 6:30pm, in the faculty room. There is no school on Friday, September 21. Teachers will be attending an in-service on personalized learning. Volunteers are always welcome at our school. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Mrs. Leamy at sleamy@catherinelucy.org. Pray For Our Deceased Luke Podraza May he rest in peace! We lift him up with our prayers while we embrace his parents Elaine and James and extended family in a prayerful embrace. May the angels lead him into Paradise Remember a Loved One 2019 Mass Book is here! We have weekday Masses available in our 2019 Mass Book. Please come to the Rectory for Masses. We also have plenty of weekday masses available for the rest of 2018 Mass book. Please contact Amanda at the Rectory or by apomaredascsloffice@comcast.net

6 Page 6 September 16, 2018 An invitation to leave the congregation...and join one of our choirs I did so a number of years ago and have no regrets about doing so. I have found the experience of singing to be very rewarding, fulfilling, enjoyable and satisfying. It is also a source of comfort to me when I need it. For me, this was particularly true during when Kate was sick--the choir supported us with prayers, hugs and many other kindnesses. As a member of the parish family, I have found it very gratifying to sing for our children when they receive the sacraments. The choirs' role is to encourage and enrich the congregational singing and, in my opinion, the choirs have succeeded in this. Our parish has a long tradition of congregational participation in the music. I truly enjoy hearing the congregation sing with us (yes, we can hear you!). Yes, there is commitment of time. The Celebration Choir (Gail Rohmann, director) sings at 10:30 mass on the first, third, and if there is one, the fifth Sundays of the month. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays 7:30 9:00 pm. This choir doesn t sing or rehearse in July or August. The Praise Choir (Julius White, director) sings at the 5pm mass on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays 7:30-9:00 pm. The Praise Choir also does not sing or rehearse in July and August. There are no auditions, requirements that you be able to read music, or have previous choral experience. Trust me when I say this--- you will be welcomed with open arms by the choir members. We are neither a clique nor an impenetrable wall. "The only thing better than singing is more singing." - Ella Fitzgerald Please consider this and see Gail or Julius if you are interested. Peace, Phil Kroker Food...Family...Friends...Fun!!!! The 15th Annual St. Catherine St. Lucy Walk & Picnic What: A 5k (6 laps) Walk & Picnic plus kids games Where: Taylor Park in Oak Park (Division & Ridgeland North side) When: Sunday, September 30, pm Cost: Donation packets will be available after each mass. If you do not wish to take a packet, please consider making a donation to someone who will walk. Raffle: There will be a raffle for a $75.00 Walgreens Gift Card. Tickets: Sold after Mass. Drawing on day of Walk. ~ EVERYONE IS WELCOME ~ There will be games and face painting for the kids as well as a balloon toss for ALL! Participants will be served BURGERS, DOGS, CHIPS, SODA / H20 & BROWNIES. The proceeds $$ will go directly to St. Catherine- St. Lucy Parish. Come & Support Our Parish!! Would you like to make a difference in YOUR community? Housing Forward (formerly PADS) is looking for individuals and/or groups or families to help with our regular shelter season beginning September 17th. You can volunteer in the following capacities: Shelter Site Captain (6:30pm- 10:30pm) First Shift Helper (6:30pm- 10:00pm) Overnight Shift Helper (10:30pm-5:00am) Morning Shift Helper (5:00am- 7:30am) Meal provider (times vary) For more information please contact our Volunteer Coordinator: ext volunteer@housingforward.org Online: Saints and Special Observances Sunday: Monday: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time; Catechetical Sunday St. Robert Bellarmine; Yom Kippur (Jewish day of atonement) begins at sunset Wednesday: St. Januarius Thursday: Ss. Andrew Kim Taegŏn and Paul Chŏng; Ha-sang and Companions Friday: Saturday: St. Matthew Blessed Virgin Mary Give Central allows our parish to provide its parishioners a safe and convenient way to make regular, automatic electronic contributions and can also be used be used for special events and other collections. We understand that most transactions today are done electronically. We want to provide you with that same convenient option at church. You can go directly to our website: to be able to find the link to GiveCentral

7 Page 7 September 16, 2018 Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Time: 11:00 am- 11:00 pm Lou Malnati's: Oak Park Location: 1038 Lake Street FOR QUESTIONS: DINE-IN CARRYOUT DELIVERY (within zone) *Excludes Online Ordering Please contact Jeanne Visteen jvisteen@yahoo.com Lou Malnati's will donate 20% of total sales to St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Church (20% based on pre-tax purchase, excluding alcohol) from every order received. Dine in, Carryout or Delivery (within zone) with this FLYER on Fundraiser/Flyer Must Be Mentioned At Time of Order Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers including but not limited to: Discounts, Deep Dish Dough rewards redemption or Malnati s Mail welcome coupon. Offer valid only at the date and location listed above. The women of St. Mary Parish of Buffalo Grove Are invited to gather this fall for reflection and conversation. We would also like to invite the women of St. Catherine- St. Lucy to this series. Shelby Boblick is facilitating the discussion, and using as a catalyst 4 women portrayed in Soul Sisters: Women in Scripture Speak to Women Today. This book features 12 magnificently painted portraits by Louis S. Glanzman of women who appear in the New Testament. Brief written reflections by Edwina Gateley accompany each painting. We ll discuss these women s lives and how they, in turn, call us to be the best of who we are. It matters not at all if you miss a week or two. You are most welcome to join us as your schedule permits. Drop -ins are encouraged! Bring your female friends, visitors, or relatives. All are welcome. Each session will begin at 7 pm in the Marian Room in the lower level of the Rectory. Sessions last no longer than 90 minutes. Thursday, September 27: Martha Thursday, October 11: The Woman with the Hemorrhage Thursday, October 18: Mary Magdalene Questions or concerns? Contact Teri Toenjes at or ttoenjes@stmarybg.org. Renowned African-American Theologian Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings to Speak Sept at Grace Episcopal Church, Oak Park, IL Church in the Public Square lecture series kicks off with a focus on racism in America and how the Church can help dismantle racism Grace Episcopal Church, in Oak Park, will host Rev. Dr. Willie James Jennings, the renowned African-American theologian from Yale Divinity School, on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30 as it kicks off its Church in the Public Square lecture series. The lecture, titled Race, Place & Discipleship, will focus on racism and the resurgence of the white supremacy movement in America and Northern Europe and the role that the Church can play in helping to dismantle racism. Grace Episcopal Church is located at 924 Lake St. in Oak Park. Tickets are $35 if purchased online, in advance, by visiting and clicking on Events. Tickets purchased at the door are $40 (cash and check only). Students with a valid student ID are $20. For more information, please call the church at