Saint Robert Bellarmine 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. Confirma on Class of 2012 Christian Aggari Carlo Fontaine Antonio Padilla Jessica Andras Orion Heinosch Jessica Paredes Frankie Annunzio Jessica Hernandez Melanie Persangi Carly Barajas Grace Hobaugh Jacob Plucinski Mark Bator Nicholas Jantke Jessica Plaud Erin Birt Victoria Jegen Ana Rivas James Brosnan Colm Keane Melissa Rivas Rebecca Byrne Annie Kosiek Ronell Rulloda Jennifer Buske Sarah Lopez Michael Silva Samantha Cave Patrick Luczak Isabel Vallejo Mark Clinard Alec Matheus/Pingad Robert Van Houghton Juliana Conway Delia Matos Danielle Walsh Hannah Cooke Owen Meade Megan Walsh Oliver Eugenio Jonathan Morales Jillian Ward 2nd Sunday of Easter April 15, 2012 Brittany Wasik
Page Two 2nd Sunday of Easter April 15, 2012 MON. April 16, Easter Weekday 8:30 a.m. Margaret Rybicki, Robert LaPlume TUES. April 17, Easter Weekday 8:30 a.m. Edward and Margaret Buckley, Anna Koestner WED. April 18, Easter Weekday 8:30 a.m. Leo Puralewski Jr., Laurence Clarke THURS. April 19, Easter Weekday 8:30 a.m. Walter Orzechowski, William Paprocki, Dennis Kroll, Miland Sanfilippo FRI. April 20, Easter Weekday 8:30 a.m. Special Intentions, Joseph and Nettie Waitas SAT. April 21, St. Anselm 8:30 a.m. Lawrence and Dolores Hart, Ann Arkus 5:00 p.m. Chester Zabawski, Robert Gobat, Pat Mion, Paul Calandrino SUN. April 22, Third Sunday of Easter 8:00 a.m. Frank Mashechko, Aloysius Stankiewicz, Lillian Papada 10:00 a.m. Helmer (Kurt) Kurtti, John R. Galluzzi, Hugh Doherty, Donald Mertes, Rose Tew 12:00 p.m. People of St. Robert Bellarmine Financial Stewardship 4/1/12 Sunday Offertory $10,951 Lenten Almsgiving $ 4,623 Flowers $ 595 Sharing $ 162 Thank you for your generosity! Be sure to check out our new Automated Giving program on page 5. BAPTIZED INTO THE FAITH Emily Anna Jenness Daughter of James and Stephanie Jenness Our Sympathy and Prayers for all who have passed away. We pray for our recently deceased Dorothy Greinke SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER The reading from Acts shows a confident community gathered around the Apostles. The believers were of one heart and mind and shared all their possessions, such that there was no needy person among them. The first Letter of St. John describes a follower of Jesus as one who believes that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is begotten by God and called a child of God. St. John goes on to say that a believer is someone who reflects God s love by loving others. This love of others happens through one s obedience to God s commandments, accomplished through faith that Jesus is the Son of God. Today s Gospel according to John describes one of the post-resurrection encounters. Jesus had first appeared to the disciples when Thomas was not with them. Thomas declared he will not believe that the Lord has risen without first touching his wounds. Jesus comes to the disciples a second time, instructing Thomas to touch his wounds. Thomas does so, and declares Jesus to be his Lord and God. Acts 4: 32-35 1 John 5: 1-6 John 20: 19-31 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY Sister Mary Faustina Kowalski (1905-1938) was a Polish nun of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. In her diary is recorded her mission from God to reveal to the world God s merciful love towards all people. All must have a child-like trust in God and imitate God s merciful love towards their neighbor. Jesus first appeared to St. Faustina in 1931 and He told her that she was to prepare the world for His return. He told her that before He comes again, He would pour out His mercy. In that vision Jesus was dressed in a white garment and had two brilliant rays of light coming from His Heart, one red as blood, the other clear as water. He asked her to paint an image of Him just as she had seen Him and to sign it "Jesus, I Trust In You." She was also to work on establishing a Feast of Mercy in the Church and to have the painted image venerated throughout the world. On May 5th, 2000 the Vatican issued a decree establishing this feast called "Divine Mercy Sunday" placing the celebration on the Second Sunday of Easter.
April 15, 2012 2nd Sunday of Easter Page Three From the Pastor s Desk Today, the Second Sunday of Easter, we hear the gospel that gives us the expression Doubting Thomas because of the apostle s declaration that he won t believe unless he actually sees the nail marks on Jesus hands and puts his hand into Jesus side. Jesus calls Thomas to believe in the evidence of things not seen. The empty tomb without the eyes of faith is just an empty tomb. We are called to believe without having seen the risen Christ ourselves. We depend on the witness of the apostles and the early Church. We all have doubts. If we have never had doubts, it is unlikely that we have really appropriated the faith in any deep personal way. The question of faith is not whether we doubt but what we do with our doubts. Thomas personal witness of the risen Christ confirmed his faith. John concludes the gospel passage with the explanation that the signs performed by the risen Christ are written down so that we may come to believe, and through this belief that we may have life in his name. John also tells us that the Risen Christ is testified to by the water, the blood and the Spirit. The water from Jesus side is the water of baptism; the blood shed on the Cross is the blood of the new and everlasting covenant, and the Spirit is the Spirit of truth. We have all these witnesses. Though our faith is often learned first from family or teachers, we each must make a decision as to whether or not we will believe. John tells us that if we do believe we will conquer the world as Jesus himself did. And he goes on to tell us that the proof of our faith is in our obedience to his commandments. Faith comes down to the willingness to unite ourselves to Christ by our trust. Do we live and act on God s Word, trusting in his promise? Or do we give in to our doubts in order to conform to life in this world? We are given the witness of the apostles to strengthen our faith. We hear the stories of the saints, and of those saints in our lives, who have modeled (witnessed to) the faith. And we have received the Holy Spirit in baptism (in the gospel Jesus breathed on the apostles, giving them the gift of the Holy Spirit). We are called to take these gifts of the Risen Christ to rise above our doubts so as to live in the joy of Easter. Congratulations to Jessica Kurek and Jeanene O Brien, our RCIA Elect who received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil and are now fully initiated members of our faith community. This morning at the 10 a.m. family mass we have a special liturgy. Three of our children will celebrate the Sacrament of their First Holy Communion. Congratulations to Selene Carmona, Holly Lewandowski and Katelyn Sunstaire. Yesterday was the last day of classes in our Religious Education Program. I want to thank all of our catechists and volunteers who have spent so much time and energy to share our faith. The parish hosted an appreciation luncheon for them after class. It was a very nice time, a chance to socialize and reflect on the past year. It is really wonderful to see just how much these dedicated folks give to our families. Bishop Wypych will be with us this Friday, April 20th, to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. There will be forty-three young people receiving the sacrament. And on Saturday, May 5th, we will celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion with our second graders. Please continue to keep all of those who have received, or are soon to receive, these sacraments, as well as their families in your prayers. Finally, I would like to thank all the people who made our Holy Week and Easter celebrations such wonderful and moving events. So many people were involved who shared their time and talents: the musicians and singers, the lectors, the Eucharistic ministers, the servers, the ushers, the liturgy board, the Art & Environment committee who decorated our church so beautifully, the staff and volunteers who spent countless hours coordinating all the details, the Girl Scouts who took care of the fire for the Easter Vigil. I apologize if I ve left anyone out. I also want to thank all of our parishioners who joined us for the celebrations and those whose financial contributions and support throughout the year keep our parish a vibrant family community. God bless you all. Have a great week. Sincerely, Fr. Neil
Page Four 2nd Sunday of Easter April 15, 2012 DO YOU HAVE AN HOUR TO SPEND WITH OUR LORD? Join us for Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesday April 18th. The Church will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Benediction at 5 p.m. If interested, please sign up at the rectory as to which hour you would like to stop by. Adoration is usually the 3rd Wednesday of the Month. Please check the bulletin in case of changes. Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the "King of Glory," respectful silence in the presence of the "ever greater" God... Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2628 Adoration draws up more deeply into the joy of our relationship with the living God. WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DO WE HAVE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS? JOIN US MAY 3RD AT 7PM IN THE CHURCH Do you know what our faith teaches about Justice in our world? Throughout our history, and specifically in the last 100 years, the Catholic Church has taken a stand for the poor and vulnerable in society. Our church, through Catholic Social Teaching, has influenced many things from unions and the 40 hour work week to schools and hospitals that are open to anyone, to the way we care for God s creation; but so few people realize that this is an integral part of what it means to be Catholic. Come find out more about what many people say is the church s best kept secret and join the conversation about how to make it an important reality today. Volunteers will read stories to kids in the cry room! Living Sta ons of the Cross presented by the SRB Teen Group Teen Group Meghan Tynan Sean Conway March 30, 2012 Heather Vasquez Nicole Connelly
April 15, 2012 2nd Sunday of Easter Page Five AUTOMATED GIVING To strengthen our stewardship of treasure at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, we invite you to consider using a new and easier way to support our parish, namely, automated giving through Give Central. What is Automated Giving? It s an alternate means of support for St. Robert Bellarmine Parish. In lieu of placing your gift in the weekly collection, GiveCentral will collect weekly, monthly or yearly contributions from your checking, saving, or credit card account. There is NO cost to you to participate in the program. What are the benefits to me? Automated Giving through GiveCentral allows you to plan your giving in the same way you budget your other financial commitments. You no longer have to be concerned about making up missed offertory donations when you are out of town, on vacation, ill, etc. You can easily adjust the amount of your automated contribution (up or down). You no longer need to write a check every week. How does it relate to the use of the weekly envelopes? If you choose to participate in the Automated Giving Program, this will replace putting your check or cash into your weekly envelopes. You can download a receipt from our website that says I gave my donation online if you would like to have something to put in the collection basket. What about Special Collections? You can specify your giving level for Special Collections and special celebration dates (for example, Christmas, Easter, etc.) when you join the Automated Giving Program, or anytime thereafter. What about a ONE TIME gift to St. Robert Bellarmine? You can also make a one time gift to St. Robert Bellarmine through GiveCentral. How do I use GiveCentral? Simply go to our website: www.srb-chicago.org, click on Church Website then click on Donate, and follow the easy instructions. Thank you! How can I change my information, such as the amount of my donation, bank account number or mailing address after I enroll? You can visit our website at www.srb-chicago.org, click on Church Website. Then click on Donate and access and edit your information using your login ID and password. TICKETS ON SALE FOR SPECIAL CONCERT HONORING POPE JOHN PAUL II Lyric On Monday, April 23, at 8 p.m., a concert in honor of the first anniversary of the Beatification of Pope John Paul II, PEACE THROUGH MUSIC-IN THE SPIRIT OF JOHN PAUL II CHICAGO 2012, will take place in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center. The Opera of Chicago Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Chorus and world-renowned vocalists will perform under the direction of the "Pope's Maestro", Sir Gilbert Levine. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS through the Symphony Center box office, online at www.cso.org, or by calling 312-294-3000.
Page Six 2nd Sunday of Easter April 15, 2012 PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE APRIL 28 As a result of growing enrollment, new Pre-K 4 and Kindergarten classes are being added for Fall 2012. The St. Robert Bellarmine school board and parent ambassadors will host a Saturday morning Preschool and Kindergarten Open House on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Families can learn about our programs and teachers will give brief presentations in their classrooms. Children are welcome. If you would like to attend, please contact the school office at 773-725-5133 or strbellarmine@yahoo.com. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON OUR SCHOOL BOARD? We are currently looking for new members to join the board in Fall 2012. If you have expertise that you would like to share to help serve our school and our students - such as development, marketing, planning, grant writing, law, budgeting, information technology, or other talents - please consider applying. See the School Board application (PDF) for details about composition of the board, eligibility, timeline and more. Applications need to be returned to our principal, Mrs. Carrie Mijal, by April 19th. http://srbschoolchicago.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/srb-school-board-application.pdf SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION Registration for the 2012 Summer Program is now open. The 10-week program will begin on Monday, June 11 and will run through Friday, August 17. The program is open to current and incoming students. Details and registration forms are available on the "Summer Program" page of the school website, srb-chicago.org, or from the school office, 773-725-5133. Congratulations to the following St. Robert Bellarmine parishioners who made Saint Patrick High School's Quarter Three Honor Roll! First Honors: seniors David Karson; junior Michael Glynn; sophomores Nathan Lorenzo and Jason Persangi; freshman William Calcagno. Second Honors: senior Joseph Borghi, James Ganshirt and Benjamin Plomin; juniors Joseph Casey and Liam Keane; sophomore Richard Buske, Kevin Cummens, Nicholas Ganshirt, Daniel Kosacz, Nicholas Pozo, Alexander Smolen and Zachary Stefanski; freshman Brendan Cleary. SRB COMEDY NIGHT MAY 19TH Our 3rd annual Global Giggles Comedy Night will take place on Saturday, May 19 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Kernaghan Hall. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for cocktails and pre-ordered BBQ sandwiches from Smokey s BBQ. Dancing will follow the comedy show and there will be plenty of chances to win some of the great raffle prizes. Tickets are $25.00 in advance, include 1 drink and a chance to win an amazing door prize. Tickets will be available for purchase after all weekend masses starting April 28th thru May 13th. There will also be tickets sold for our grand raffle which include 5 cash prizes. These raffle tickets are $10.00 each. Our goal is to raise enough money to purchase and install a new gym floor.
April 15, 2012 2nd Sunday of Easter Page Seven ALL HIGH SCHOOL TEENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BE A PART OF THE SRB TEEN GROUP. Our next gathering is Sunday, April 22nd from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. for Open Gym. JOIN IN THE SRB TEEN GROUP OVERNIGHT LOCK IN. Decisions and Discernment How we make choices that reflect our faith Saturday May 5th 5 p.m. through Sunday, May 6th 11 a.m. The evening will be filled with games, community building, discussion groups, plus pizza and s mores. The cost is $5 per teen. If you are a High School Student and want to be a part of this overnight retreat, please stop by the Rectory to register. SPRED SPRED is Special Religious Education for the developmentally disabled that covers age groups starting at six through the end of life with the hope of helping the disabled to achieve the celebration of the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. The SPRED program at St. Robert Bellarmine is for the 17-21 age group. Meetings are held two or three Wednesdays each month from 7 pm - 9 pm in Kernaghan Hall from September through May. If you are interested in SPRED for a disabled family member or a friend, or to volunteer, please call the rectory and we will pass your information along. Below are pictures that were taken during December when we had a mass for SPRED. Everyone had a wonderful time as you can see. They are so proud of their Catholic teachings.
Page Eight 2nd Sunday of Easter April 15, 2012 PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY Edward Bell (Army) Gy. Sgt. Timothy R. Hogan (Marines) Raymond Weernink (Navy) Brig. Gen. Tau aika Uta atu (Tongan Defense) Captain Dan Allen (Army) Ln. Corporal Kurt Williams (Marines) Mike Janson (Navy) First Lieutenant Brian G. Lutz (Army) Bernard Brennan, (Marines) Pvt. 2 Michael Rosenthal (Army) Martin Durcan (Navy) Pvt. Colleen McDonald (Army) Ewa Dabrowski (Navy) Capt. Kevin P. O Grady (Air Force) Capt. Daniel C. Ouper (Air Force) Airman Daniel Roger Cimon (Air Force) EM3 Abraham Ubi (Navy) Pvt. 1 Michael Barry (Army) Capt. Patrick J. Collins (Army) Specialist Samuel Stanciel (Army) Sgt. Scott Pekar (Marines) Corp. Armando Bolivar (Marines) Sgt. Joseph Konieczny (Army Capt. Albert Eiffes (Air Force) Specialist Sean Cheker (Army) Weekly Schedule Monday, April 16 3 pm - 4:15 pm Confirmation Practice (C) 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm Choir (MR) 4 pm - 6:30 pm Spring Sports Pictures (KH) 7 pm - 9 pm Garden Meeting (KH) Tuesday, April 17 7 pm Liturgy Board Meeting (MR) 7 pm Novena (C) 7 pm - 9 pm Sports Board Meeting (KH) 7:30 pm Closed PA Board (SMR) Wednesday, April 18 9 am - 5 pm Adoration (C) 5 pm Benediction (C) 6 pm - 10 pm SPRED (KH) 7 pm - 9 pm Contemporary Ensemble (C) Thursday, April 19 7 pm - 9 pm Choir (C) Friday, April 20 No School 7 pm Confirmation (C) Reception to follow (KH) Saturday, April 21 Day of Rest Sunday, April 22 10 am Mass Sports Blessing 4 pm - 7 pm Teen Group (G) Daily Scripture Readings Monday Acts 4:23-31 / Jn 3:1-8 Tuesday Acts 4:32-37 / Jn 3:7b-15 Wednesday Acts 5:17-26 / Jn 3:16-21 Thursday Acts 5:27-33 / Jn 3:31-36 Friday Acts 5:34-42 / Jn 6:1-15 Saturday Acts 6:1-7 / Jn 6:16-21 Sunday Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 / 1 Jn 2:1-5a / Lk 24:35-48 April 21 / 22, 2012 Mass Presider Servers Lector Auxiliary Ministers 5:00 p.m. Fr. Stone 8:00 a.m. Fr. Goergen 10:00 a.m. Fr. Stone 12:00 p.m. Fr. Kalas C. Jose, L. Kalayil, L. Kalayil C. Bell, M. Loch, D. Walsh J. Griggs, M. Griggs, G. Soriano J. Annunzio, E. Kadus, M. Persangi C. Bell B. Frere, K. Nelson, L. Samansky M. Delgado Sr. Ann, Sr. Mary Lou, P. Harrison M. Loudon T. Psioda-Moskal J. Hearrin, S. Spooner, M. Zaker, P. Zyburt, G. Ignarski, D. Gandor, P. Gandor J. Jakobsze, M. Lindahl, A. Smolen, S. Calcagno, T. Calcagno, W. Calcagno, M. Calcagno
Mass Schedule Weekdays - Monday - Friday at 8:30 a.m. Weekends - Saturday Morning at 8:30 a.m. S Saturday Evening at 5:00 p.m., Sundays at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 noon Holy Days - 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Parish Office & Rectory Rev. Neil E. Fackler, Pastor Rev. Scott Donahue, Resident Rev. Michael A. Goergen, Pastor Emeritus Tony Delgado, Deacon James Schiltz, Deacon Virginia Underwood, Secretary Christina Zaker, Adult Education Kathy Goetz, Business Manager 4646 North Austin Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60630 Tel. 773/777-2666 Fax 773/777-2770 Website: www.srb-chicago.org Religious Education Office Debi DeMario, Director debidre@ameritech.net Joyce Schoenecker, Admin. Asst. 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/286-0956 St. Robert Bellarmine School Carrie Mijal, Principal Chris Wilson, Secretary 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/725-5133 Office of Music Director Jean Tuohy 6036 West Eastwood Avenue Tel. 773/286-0956 Bulletin Deadline: Thursday 12 Noon 10 days in advance Submit articles in person at the rectory, fax 773 777-2770 or email at srbbulletineditor@hotmail.com Pulpit Announcement Deadline Friday by 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. Rectory Office Hours Monday - Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Closed from 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 or deacon 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. Please note: there are no baptisms scheduled during the season of Lent. Preparation Class is on the last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. 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. New Parishioners Welcome to Saint Robert s! Please register at the rectory office. Novena Mother of Perpetual Help Novena is offered on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Recitation of the Rosary Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m.