St. Luke Parish R I V E R F O R E S T I L L I N O I S Pastoral Staff PASTOR Reverend Kenneth J. Fischer ASSOCIATE PASTOR Reverend Leroy A. Wickowski Parish Info RECTORY Phone: 708-771-8250 528 Lathrop, River Forest 60305-1835 Sue Gamache, Office Mgr., ext. 8912 SCHOOL Barbara Rasinski, Principal Phone: 708-366-8587 519 Ashland, River Forest 60305-1824 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Debi DeMario: 708-771-5959 519 Ashland, River Forest 60305-1824 MUSIC DIRECTOR Arlene Michna: 708-771-8250 ext. 8926 ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR Sr. Maureen Sauer: 708-771-8250 ext. 8914 CONTEMPORARY CHOIR DIRECTOR Lornetta Hooks: 708-771-8250 ext. 8926 YOUTH MINISTRY Amanda Collins: 708-771-8250 ext. 8922 PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER Glenn Wagner: 708-771-8250 ext. 8921 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time January 18, 2009 Masses SATURDAY 5:30 pm SUNDAY 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 am & 12:00 Noon WEEKDAYS Monday-Friday 6:30 and 8:00 am Saturday 8:00 am Reconciliation MONDAY-FRIDAY After 6:30 & 8:00 am Masses SATURDAY After 8:00 am Mass, and by appointment Parish Website www.stlukeparish.org
This Week s Gatherings Mass Intentions Monday, January 19, 2009 Nancy Feeley Nelson 8:00 am Elaine Mary & Adolp Jarosz Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:00 am Geri Toolan Wednesday, January 21, 2009 8:00 am The Blessed Sacrament Ministries Thursday, January 22, 2009 8:00 am Margaret H. McDonald Friday, January 23, 2009 8:00 am Bill & Hazel Birmingham Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:00 am Altar Servers Monday - Friday, January 19-23 8:00 am Mon: Adult Servers 8:00 am Tue-Fri: J Walsh, A Brennan Weekend Liturgies Saturday, January 24, 2009 5:30 - Mass Intention: Lillian Ibe Servers P Yerkes, D Young; Cross Bearer: Readers Joe Bobak, Laura Hogan Euch Min Y Bobak, M Bresnahan, M Burns, B Coleman, M Coleman, J Hopkinson, M Shalloo* Sunday, January 25, 2009 7:30 - Mass Intention: The People of St. Luke Parish Servers L Frank, S Piper; Cross Bearer: Readers Pat Deady, John Lynch Euch Min C Sloan, J Sullivan, M Sullivan* 9:00 - Mass Intention: The Crowley & Cusack Family Servers C Montroy, M Pace; Cross Bearer: Readers Ann O Connell Euch Min L Froelich, S Krusinski, M Martinez, P Romano, R Romano, C Saunders, H Slowik* 9:00 School Mass in Gym Servers A Kelly, G Zito; Cross Bearer: L Irvin 10:30 - Mass Intention: Jack Kelty Servers S Huston, K Moore; Cross Bearer: Readers Bob Miller, Danielle Dubois Euch Min C Downs, S Dubois, B Elwood, M Klein, K Klein, C McQuade, J Stanton* 12:00 - Mass Intention: Wilfredo Deleon Servers A Donlin, K Donlin; Cross Bearer: Readers Gene Lawrence, Bob Samko Euch Min K Callahan, E Dieschbourg, S Hardin, D Slepicka, A Valenti* 2 Readings Readings for the Week of January 18, 2009 Sunday: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19/ 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20/Jn 1:35-42 Monday: Heb 5:1-10/Mk 2:18-22 Tuesday: Heb 6:10-20/Mk 2:23-28 Wednesday: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17/Mk 3:1-6 Thursday: Heb 7:25---8:6/Mk 3:7-12 Friday: Heb 8:6-13/Mk 3:13-19 Saturday: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14/Mk 3:20-21 Next Sunday: Acts 22:3-16 /1 Cor 7:29-31/Mk 16:15-18 Please Pray for Our Sick: Robert Bachner, Elizabeth Beckman, Cindy Berg, Michaela Brothman, Donna Campbell, Pat Carey, Kevin Connolly, Carol Cox, Joseph Dahlstrom, Joseph Dooley, Joseph Hennessy, Jr., Janet Hunter, Michael Kinnare, Kathleen O Bryan Kurrle, Maureen Martin, Stephen McCardell, Rosemary McGrail, Baby John Mear, Angie Montroy, Fr. Kevin O Rourke, Steve Possley, Julia Radde, Miriam Reedy, Gianna Romano, Melissa Romano, Eric Skala, John Sutton, Cheri Wahlen and Baby Cora Rose Welker and for Our Deceased. 500 Club The St. Luke Athletic Committee would like to congratulate the following winner of the 500 Club drawing: January 11, 2009 The Connelly Family Thank you to all who have purchased memberships in the club, the proceeds of which go directly to fund the school s athletic programs. 2nd Sunday in OrdinaryTime Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, What are you looking for? John 1:38 What are you looking for? That is a question Jesus asks each of us. It has been said there is a God-shaped hole in every soul that only God can fill. Instead of spending time with God, though, we fill our days working for things that do not satisfy us but that society says we need to impress one another. Stewardship From the weekend of January 11, 2009 Weekly Collection Goal... $17,100.00 Actual Weekly Collection...15,584.00 2008-2009 Fiscal Year to Date Weekly Collection Goal... 478,800.00 Actual Weekly Collection... 447,682.00 Deficit to Date... $31,118.00.
Gather in Prayer and Service A Prayer for Our Nation This Tuesday our nation will inaugurate a new President. It will be a particularly historic day as Barack Obama becomes our first African American President. He and our other elected leaders face issues of unprecedented magnitude. Let us offer our prayers for them and for ourselves as we experience this change of administrations. Gracious and loving God, we come to you in humble prayer for the United States of America. Bless our President. Give him wisdom and strength to serve the American people and lead our country in ways that are pleasing to you. Bless our Congress. Instill in them knowledge and understanding to enact laws that protect the sanctity of life from the unborn to the elderly; and promote the good of all people. Bless the people of the United States. Make us aware of our responsibility as citizens to uphold the principles of life, liberty, justice, and equality. Send your Holy Spirit upon our beloved country. Make us people of faith in time of uncertainty. Make us people of hope in times of trouble. Make us people of compassion with those who are less fortunate. Make us people of peace in our homes, our communities, our country, and our world. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen. Children s Homily Next Sunday at 9:00 AM Next Sunday will be the day for our monthly Children s Homily at the altar steps at the 9:00 AM Family Mass. All families with young children are especially invited to attend. St. Luke Serves Catholic Charities Cardinal Francis George recently reappointed five St. Luke parishioners to another 3-year term on the Board of Advisors of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. We congratulate and thank the following men and women for this generous service: John P. Goedert, Mary Ann Hagerty, John E. O Neill, Dr. R. Andrew Rauh, and James S. Watts. January 22 - Day of Penance and Prayer The Bishops of the United States have designated January 22 as a Day of Penance for the violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. Both the 6:30 and 8:00 AM Masses on this day will be offered for this intention. For those interested in praying a rosary for the unborn, please join us in church after the 8:00 AM Mass. Baptized in Christ We joyfully welcome into the family of the Church the following child who was recently baptized: Richard Cesar Chirinos son of Cesar & Julie Susan (Bravieri) Chirinos 3
Gatherings from the Parish and the Community What Is Needed to Feed the Hungry? From the list below, please select an item to bring to St. Luke next Sunday. Donations can be left in the back of Church: Feed the Hungry Canned meals ~ Chicken ~ Stews ~ Pasta with Meat ~ Tuna ~ Canned Soups/Crackers ~ Peanut Butter/Jelly ~ Pancake Mix/Syrup ~ Spaghetti/Spaghetti Sauce ~ Rice ~ Beans ~ Canned Vegetables/Fruits ~ Coffee ~ Tea ~ Cocoa Mix ~ Canned/Powdered Milk ~ Cereals: Hot (mix) or Cold ~ Juices: Canned or Box Your thoughtfulness does make a real difference to those who would otherwise remain hungry. Thank you. Needy Persons Fund Please be aware that the parish has a fund for parishioners in need. If you are, or you know of someone who is experiencing financial hardship, please contact Fr. Ken Fischer (771-8250) or Deacon Paul Faherty (771-5986). The Adventure Continues... The Great Adventure: A Journey Through the Bible continues this Wednesday, January 21, at 7:00 PM in Waldron Hall. Please bring your study materials and prepare Divided Kingdom Part 1 for this week s gathering. Respect Life Dr. Alveda C. King Due to Dr. King s teaching schedule, we regret that she will be unable to join us on January 31, 2009. We encourage those looking forward to hearing her incredible testimony to join us at SpeakOut Illinois 2009. SpeakOut Illinois 2009 The largest annual pro-life convention in the state, Rekindle the Fire, will be held at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center on January 31, 2009, and feature inspiring speakers: Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, Dr. Alveda King and Phyllis Schlafly. In addition to a special program for teens, the leading pro-life organizations will help you become more informed and active on the critical life issues of our day. Cost for registration by January 19 is $50. For directions, registration and more information, visit www.speakoutillinois.org. 2009 Mass Intention Book At this time we have weekday and weekend Mass intentions available in January and February. You may arrange for Masses by calling the rectory or coming in to the rectory office (528 Lathrop) during business hours (9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday thru Friday). 4
Gatherings from the Parish and the Community Prime Timers We are busy planning our Valentine Tea which will be on Friday, February 13. It will be in the Convent from 2:00-4:00 PM. There will be a variety of goodies including scones with clotted cream, finger sandwiches and fruit tarts. The cost is $15 per person. Seating is limited so reserve early. Please call Beth McBride at 708-366-7063 by February 7. Solidarity and Hope at Ascension As the economic news of our nation and community grows bleaker by the day, our Church steadies and sustains us through these difficult times. St. Luke parishioners are invited to attend a Celebration of Solidarity and Hope at Ascension Catholic Church on Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King Day, at 7:30 PM. The service will affirm the enduring Catholic vision of social justice in scripture, prayer, reflection and song. Ascension is located at the corner of East Avenue and Van Buren in Oak Park. Loyola Offers Grief Support Groups For adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one, Loyola University Medical Center offers a Journey Towards Healing on six consecutive Thursdays, January 22-February 26, from 7:00-8:30 PM. There are no fees, but donations are accepted. Advance registration is necessary. For more information or to register, call Nancy Kiel at 708-216-1646. Insearch John the Baptist speaks the truth, and pointed the way to Christ. Is God calling you to do the same? Join INSEARCH, a discernment group for college-age or older men who want to know more about the priesthood. For more information about the priesthood, go to www.chicagopriest.com or contact Fr. Joe Noonan at 312-534-8298 or at jnoonan@archchicago.org. For more information about the religious life, contact Sr.Elyse Ramirez, OP at 312-534-5245 or at eramirez@archchicago.org. Youth We have some snacks, say hello to old and new friends, and start with some games. You could be digging through cold alphabet soup looking for answers or running across the parking-lot after a glowing worm. Ministry Do you ever wonder what happens at SLYME? Of course we close in prayer. SLYME is a community to come home to every Sunday night. It is a place to laugh and share with your friends (even the ones you did not know you had yet). It is a time to grow in your relationship with God. Someone from the group tells their story, and we could be discussing: "Why DO Catholics Do That", discussing "Everyday Saints", or wondering "How Can We Make a Difference?" But this is not a classroom, and we are not looking for the "right answer": this is your time to share your thoughts and our time to learn from one another. The best way to find out about SLYME is to join us this Sunday, January 18, at 7:00-8:30 pm in the Convent. All high school-age teens are welcome. KAIROS REGISTRATIONS DUE THIS FRIDAY This year s Kairos retreat is March 6-8. All juniors and seniors are invited. Come explore why no one leaves Kairos unchanged. Forms on website and at rectory. 5
Gatherings from the Next Generation St. Luke Religious Education news St. Luke School Open House Sunday, January 25, 2009 All are Welcome! 9:00 AM: All-School Mass will be celebrated in the School Gym. 9:00 AM 11:00 AM: Open House Tours Come see what makes St. Luke School so special! Take a tour of the school. Meet our teachers and students and see some of their recent projects. Coffee and refreshments will be served in Waldron Hall. Sister s Christmas Catechism The Religious Education Program hosted Sister s Christmas Catechism at St. Luke Parish on December 6, 2008. After the performance a collection totalling $334.00 was taken for the retired Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. Thank you for your generosity. Mark Your Calendars Please watch the bulletin for information on the sale of tickets for the second annual Madri Gras Brunch, to be held Sunday, February 22, 2009, in Waldron Hall, from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM. First Graders Explore Quilting Family Movie Night There will be a Family Movie Night on Friday, January 23, at 6:30 PM. The event will be held in the gym. Please come and enjoy a good movie and great company. Mrs. Malek and the First Graders have been working on literacy activities involving quilting. They also hope to have a quilter visit the classes before the end of January. Mrs. Ryan and Mrs. Martin will be connected to this theme with their Hawaiian Quilt Project. More information will be sent home with the students. We hope to see you all there. 2009 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Each year, from January 18 to January 25 (Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul), Christians of all denominations earnestly pray for increased unity among all those who follow Jesus. We invite you to offer this prayer each day from January 18-25. Prayer for Christian Unity Oh God, holy and eternal Trinity we pray for your church in the world. Sanctify its life; renew its worship; empower its witness; heal it divisions; make visible its unity. Lead us, with all our brothers and sisters, toward communion in faith, life and witness so that, united in one body by the one Spirit, we may together witness to the perfect unity of your love. Amen. The Prayer of the Fifth World Conference on Faith and Order World Council of Churches 6
Gatherings from the Community The Two Disciples Heard What He Said and Followed Jesus. Do we have the faith to follow Jesus and listen to His words about marriage? Come to a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: February 27-March 1, May 1-3, June 5-7, September 11-13, November 6-8, or December 4-6. For more information, visit our website at: www.wwmechicago-gary.org or contact Kris and Jim at 800-442-3554. For weekends in Spanish, contact Hugo & Gaby at 630-690-2094. Worth Seeing/Hearing The Siena Center of Dominican University presents Caritas et Veritas Lecture Discipleship and Transformation: A Dominican Perspective on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at 5:00 PM. Colleen Mary Mallon, OP, will take us into a conversation about change within the church and larger society. In what way is Dominican University s motto, Caritas et Veritas, a call to discipleship? How can we be faithful to the service of truth? Mallon is a Mission San Jose Dominican sister and theologian who specializes in the work of Yves Congar, OP, a Dominican friar whose vision of Church was foundational to the Second Vatican Council. The event will be held at the Eloise Martin Recital Hall at Dominican University s Main Campus, 7900 Division Street, River Forest. Admission is free to all. For more information, call the Siena Center at 708-714-9105 or go to our website at www.siena.dom.edu.