Saint Robert Bellarmine

Saint Robert Bellarmine Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Mission Statement We are a diverse Catholic community of generations, experiencing the living God and reflecting our faith in action with one another. 6th Sunday of Easter May 13, 2012

Page 2 May 13, 2012 Mass Intentions MON. May 14, St. Matthias 8:30 a.m. Betty Grote, Michael and Raymond Sullivan TUES. May 15, St. Isidore 8:30 a.m. June E. Grieashamer, Ann Colman WED. May 16, Easter Weekday 8:30 a.m. Margaret Rybicki, Kurvilla Chandy THURS. May 17, Easter Weekday 8:30 a.m. Robert La Plume, Mary and Walter Sullivan FRI. May 18, St. John I 8:30 a.m. Leo Puralewski Jr.,Walter Smoluch SAT. May 19, Easter Weekday 8:30 a.m. Lourdes Tagnipez, Marco Acosta 5:00 p.m. Bernice & Eugene Gaskin, Marie Stecker, Helen & Charles Wolf Cortese Grandkids (for good health) SUN. May 20, Ascension of the Lord 8:00 a.m. Anne Kowalski, Frank Mashechko, deceased members of the Kopala Family 10:00 a.m. John Detlaff, Douglas Flores, Gerard McKinley, Dorothy Delke 12:00 p.m. People of St. Robert Bellarmine SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Weekly Collections April 29, 2012 Sunday Offertory $ 7,042 Sharing $ 55 Easter $ 100 Thank you for your generosity! Please remember St. Robert s in your will. Thank you. Happy Mother s Day! Don t forget to buy your Mother flowers available in the vestibule after mass today! In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, God surprises everyone by revealing that his salvation is open not only to the Jewish people, but to everyone. St. Peter is told, through a vision, to go to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. When Peter enters the home and Cornelius falls at his feet, Peter understands the vision that God had sent him to slaughter and eat animals he previously thought unclean. Now no one is unclean: St. Peter exclaims, In truth, I see God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. The first Letter of John contains the simplest, but most stirring description of God for us: God is love.. We come to know God through our love for others. The gospel of John today is also simple and straightforward. As Jesus kept his Father s commandments and remains in him; so must we keep Jesus commandments in order to keep his divine life alive within us. His commandment is to love one another, even to the point of laying down one s life for one s friends. Jesus tells us these things so that his joy may be in us and our joy might be complete. Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48 1 John 4: 7-10 John 15: 9-17 MARY AND MOTHER S DAY In the month of May we honor the Blessed Mother and in a special way make extra time and prayer for our devotional life. These devotions remind us of Mary s yes to God that made possible the birth of Christ in our human nature. The motherhood of Mary confirms the full humanity of Christ in the Incarnation, sanctifying our human family. In his wonderful encyclical Marialis Cultus Pope Paul VI puts forth a beautiful understanding of our teachings about Mary and her role in the lives of the faithful. Pope Paul reminds us that we venerate and honor Mary for her role in salvation and for the love that she had for God. It was God s will that she become the Mother of his only Son and that she nurture and support him throughout his earthly life. Therefore it is only right that she be honored above all others. Mary continues to intercede for all her children and be our guardian and protectress. A mother s work is never done! So today we also honor our mothers for all they have done for us in imitation of Christ and Mary. No matter how old we get, mom is still mom. Their love and sacrifice for us throughout our lives, their generosity and care, often get taken for granted. Today we want to recognize them and to say what often goes unsaid: Thanks, Mom!

6th Sunday of Easter Page 3 From the Pastor s Desk Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The scriptures not only remind us of God s love for us; but also tell us how this love ignites and transforms us. In the gospel Jesus tells the apostles that he loves them with the same love that the Father has for him. This love is nothing less than sharing in the fullness of God s own divine life. In order to remain in that love the disciples are told that they must obey his commandments and love one another. Jesus tells them that there is no greater love than to lay down one s life for one s friends. He is telling them this as he prepares to go to the Cross to lay down his own life for all of us. If we want a share in God s kingdom then we must be willing to imitate Christ s sacrifice as well. Jesus tells the apostles that he has chosen them and appointed them to bear fruit that will remain. Jesus is referring to the building of his body (the community of faith) by living in imitation of Christ himself. By our demonstration of unselfish love, living the virtue of charity, we show to others the face of God s love. St. John tells us to love one another because love is of God; and if we love, then we will know God. Not that we have loved God, but that he has loved us and sent his Son as an expiation of our sins. God loved us first. God has given us the possibility of sharing in his life through the blood of Christ. If we want to accept God s forgiveness (the choice is ours alone), then we must reciprocate in loving God by loving one another. Can we love others first; acting in charity and forgiveness before they deserve it? Paraphrasing St. John; in this is love; not that they have loved us, but that we have loved them and have ourselves been an expiation for their sins by sacrificing ourselves for their good. Happy Mother s Day and God s Blessings to all the wonderful women who have meant so much to us. I am truly blessed that my mother is active and healthy. Let s take time to show our love and gratitude to our moms, grandmothers and step-mothers. In this month when we honor Mary we are reminded of the special place that mothers have in our hearts. My sympathies go out to all who have lost their mother and for whom this day brings only a reminder of that loss. May God grant you peace and consolation as you remember the great gift of your mother s love. We will have a special Mother s Day blessing at all the masses today. Mothers Day Flowers are on sale today after all the masses. These beautiful flowers make a wonderful gift. All proceeds will go to support the work of the Women s Center to help families in crisis pregnancy and promote the dignity of all human life. Our second collection today is for Catholic Charities to help needy families throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. Thank you all for your continued generosity. Thank you to Ed Stecker and the members of the Welcome Wagon for hosting the New Parishioner Dinner this past Monday. We had over forty people, coming together to share a meal and to celebrate our faith community. The crowd was so large that we had to move into the Parish Hall for the first time. Our parish is truly a wonderfully warm and hospitable community. May Crowning was celebrated this past Friday. I always enjoy this wonderful devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It contains so many traditions of the living faith of our people Scripture, rosary, Benediction, processions and hymns. I really love to see the children learn the richness of our tradition and come to appreciate our Blessed Mother in her unique personal relationship with Christ and with each of us. Fr. Mike will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the priesthood next Saturday, May 19, at the 5 p.m. mass at St. Bartholomew. I am grateful to Fr. Pawel Zemzcak, the associate at St Pascal, who has graciously volunteered to celebrate our evening mass so that I can join Fr. Mike for this special occasion. All parishioners are invited. Also on Saturday, the Sports Association will host the annual Comedy Nite, featuring entertainment by Global Giggles and food from Smokey s Barbecue. Doors open at 6 p.m. This event is always a lot of fun. Details are on page seven. Next Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. This Holy Day commemorates Christ s triumphant return to his heavenly throne, opening the gates of paradise to all his faithful people. The Girl Scouts will be hosting Coffee and Donuts after all the masses. Have a great week. Sincerely, Fr. Neil

Page 4 May 13, 2012 The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, Septeber 23, 2012 2:30 pm - Holy Name Cathedral. II Katie Dulles and Brett Schnoebelen Isabella Marie Castro Daughter of Luis Castro and Lisa Woelke Delilah Michelle Hohmeier Daughter of Philip and Jennifer Hohmeier Jr. Heather Ann Lewandowski Daughter of Anthony and Laurie Lewandowski A Warm Welcome to Our New Parishioners John & Shelly Rodriguez Jaime & Tiffany Garrison family Ms. Gina Mercado The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2012 2:30 pm - Holy Name Cathedral. Couples married in 1962 interested in attending this celebration should contact the rectory office to register. Call no later than Friday, June 8, 2012. Did You Know that less than 4% of those under 30 write checks. Less than 12% of those under 50 write checks. 40% of our population over 65 prefers to pay electronically. GiveCentral is a tool we have made available to make it easier for you to give. You can go online through our parish website (srb-chicago.org) and click on the Donate Now button for GiveCentral. The tool is safe and secure, but most importantly it is a response to parishioners requests to make it easier to give. We still welcome any gift in any form but we know that for many of you this is the easiest way to give. The tool can also help our parish leadership as well. It makes it easier to budget knowing what funds will be available. It makes our accounting easier and eases any security concerns regarding the transport of cash and checks. But most importantly it makes it easier for you and by enrolling in GiveCentral, you ensure that your generosity and kindness are recognized and appreciated on a continual basis.

6th Sunday of Easter Page 5 COMMUNITY SPIRIT GARDEN UPDATE Our Community Spirit Garden project is underway. The city has approved funds to have the land made fit for gardening and the construction of a new fence. Planning meetings will be held in Kernaghan Hall on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Our next meeting will be May 21st. Join us in our "growing endeavor" as we start the design process. Now that the weather is warming up and you are looking at changing your landscape, cleaning out the garage or shed, please consider recycling your tools, stone and garden supplies. We will except donations! For more information on how to become involved call 773.960.8665 or join us on the May 21st! For current updates and other gardening tips join us on Facebook! RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS Religious Education Registration has begun for the students returning for classes in September. Please return your forms and fees as soon as possible by mail, in the Sunday collection basket or on Sunday, May 20 in the vestibule before and after the 10 a.m. Family mass. Religious Education Director, Debi DeMario, will be available to meet you and answer any questions you might have and to help with registration after the Family Mass on Sunday, May 20. She will be in the vestibule of the church before and after mass and would like to get to know you. LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I LOVE YOU. Helping others by donating to Catholic Charities has become an important part of the Mother s Day celebration at this parish. Contributions can still be made online at www.catholiccharities.net/donate or mailed to 721 N. LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654. Thank you. Mother s Day Flowers Help Moms in Need Flowers are a Mother s favorite! On Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13 the Respect Life Committee will sell beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers after all Masses. You ll find the perfect gift from an array of flowers. Roses $13 each or 2/$25; Carnations $8 each or 2/$15; Mixed floral arrangements $10; Gerber Daisies $20. Each bouquet is wrapped in tissue and ready to present to your Mother, Stepmother Mother-in-law or Grandmother. Proceeds from your purchase will be used to help teen girls and young women who are in a crisis pregnancy situation and need assistance. Please support this life-saving work of The Women s Centers of Greater Chicagoland. Last year, The Women s Centers of Greater Chicagoland provided compassionate counseling, social services referrals and material goods assistance to over 5,000 women who were facing crisis pregnancies. Since its founding in 1984, The Women s Centers have helped save more than 35,000 babies - and their mothers - from the tragedy of abortion. For more information, please visit their website at www.womens-center.org. Thank you for your generous support.

Page 6 May 13, 2012 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION HE IS PHYSICALLY WITH US When Jesus told the apostles that He would be with the Church even to the end of time, He not only meant this in a spiritual sense but also in a physical sense. Jesus knew man and his weaknesses. He knew that without His close physical association with man, we would falter and stray. The institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper was not for just the moment but it was His gift to us by staying with us physically through time. The Council of Trent in 1545 confirmed that not only was the Holy Eucharist to be received, it was also to be worshipped and adored. This document also stated that the Blessed Sacrament should also be reserved in churches and carried to the sick. In other words, Jesus was to be with us at all times-----in the Churches, at the Masses, and even in our homes or hospitals when we are sick. Conversely, Jesus has given us an opportunity to be with Him at all times. On Wednesday s the Church is open for Adoration from 9 am - 5 pm. Jesus is there in The Real Presence, exposed to us, not in His glory, but in a quiet way, ready to listen to us and to spread His Blessings upon us. He is willing to be with us as He promised. Are we willing to be with Him or are we too busy? There, now, I have found the whole secret of it: the unconditional self to Our Lord. (St. Peter Julian Eymard) ARE YOU HOMEBOUND, ILL OR RECOVERING FROM A HOSPITAL STAY? St. Robert Bellarmine Ministers of Care are dedicated volunteers who serve the hospitalized and homebound of our parish. If you or a family member wishes to receive communion from a Minister of Care, please call the rectory at 773 777-2666 with your name, address and phone number. A Minister of Care return your call as soon as possible. Pancake Breakfast @ St. Mary of Providence May 20th 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adults $6 Children $4 Raffle & Prizes! DUFF S DOGS SRB Fundraiser Only 2 Mondays left! Monday, May 14th Monday, May 21st 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Mention St. Robert Bellarmine School and Duff s will generously donate 20% of your food tab to SRBPA. 4835 N Austin Ave. (773) 628-7454 JOE S PIZZA SUPPORTS SRB Cater your special celebrations with Joe s Pizza and Joe s will give SRB families a 10% discount. In addition, Joe s will donate 5% of your catering order to SRB. Pizza - pasta, chicken and more! Check it out at www.joesonhiggins.com Joe s Pizza 5747 W. Higgins Ave 773-685-2301

6th Sunday of Easter Page 7 TICKETS ON SALE AFTER ALL MASSES THIS WEEKEND TICKETS ON SALE AFTER ALL MASSES THIS WEEKEND

Page 8 May 13, 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) Corp. Armando Bolivar (Marines) Sgt. Scott Pekar (Marines) Capt. Albert Eiffes (Air Force) Sgt. Joseph Konieczny (Army Specialist Samuel Stanciel (Army) Specialist Sean Cheker (Army) Weekly Schedule Daily Scripture Readings Monday, May 14 3:15 p. m. Choir (C) 7 p.m. Sports Board Meeting (KH) Tuesday, May 15 7 p.m. Novena (C) Wednesday, May 16 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Adoration (C) 5 p.m. Benediction (C) 6 p.m. SPRED (KH) 7 p.m. Contemporary Ensemble (C) Thursday, May 17 7 p.m. RCIA (R) 7 p.m. Choir (MR) Friday, May 18 Saturday, May 19 6 p.m. Comedy Nite (KH) Sunday, May 20 Coffee and 10 a.m. Family Mass Monday Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 / John 15:9-17 Tuesday Acts 16:22-34 / John 16:5-11 Wednesday Acts 17:15, 22 18:1 / John 16:12-15 Thursday Acts 18:1-8 / John 16:16-20 Friday Acts 18:9-18 / John 16:20-23 Saturday Acts 18:23-28 / John 16:23b-28 Sunday Acts 1:1-11 / Ephesians 4:1-13 / Mark 16:15-20 May 19 / 20, 2012 Mass Presider Servers Lector Auxiliary Ministers 5:00 PM Fr. Zemczak 8:00 AM Fr. Donahue 10:00 AM Fr. Donahue 12:00 PM Fr. Fackler M. Griggs, J. Griggs C. Bell S. Cave, M. Loch, A. Porretta E. Zaker, J. Zaker M. Semtner J. Walsh, M. Camacho L. Camacho E. Stecker T. Psioda-Moskal Family Mass C. Bell P. Fergus, K. Fergus, J. Ryan, B. Frere L. Samansky, G. Ignarski, W. Felckowski M. Furphy, N. Hester, E. Clarke, A. Ouper, J. Ouper, D. Thurber, S. Thurber R. Borgi, N. Connelly, A. Radcliffe, D. Kehoe, N. Kriescher, J. Pandocchi, D. Porretta J. Jakobsze, M. Lindahl, A. Smolen, J. Hearrin, S. Spooner, K. Caminiti, M. Delgado

Saint Robert Bellarmine Church Mass Schedule Weekdays - Monday - Friday at 8:30 a.m. Weekends - Saturday Morning at 8:30 a.m. 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.