Just a Closer Walk With Thee - St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic

St. Thomas
Parish Mission
March 11-15
Just a Closer
Walk With
Thee
Welcome Fr. James Marchionda, OP and Sr. Ann Willits, OP
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish
1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 e-mail: [email protected]
630 355-8980 (Main Office)
Visit us on the internet at www.stapostle.org
630 305-6318 (Religious Education)
630 355-0521 (Facsimilie)
Pastoral Staff — Full Time
Rev. Joel Fortier – Pastor, [email protected]
Rev. Mark Cote – Associate Pastor, [email protected]
Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Assistant
Rev. Charles Gemskie, in residence
Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. – Deacon, ext. 105
Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane – Deacon, ext. 220, [email protected]
Rev. Mr. Jim Breen – Deacon, 630-357-4853, [email protected]
Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney Deacon, [email protected]
Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA ext. 138,
[email protected]
Gerry Czerak – Business Manager, ext. 106, [email protected]
Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education,
ext. 109, [email protected]
Julie Frazier – Liturgy and Music, ext. 111, [email protected]
Robert Frazier – Liturgy and Music, ext. 112, [email protected]
Ginny Lucado – Director of Outreach, ext. 121, [email protected]
Jim Melton – Director of High School Ministry,
ext. 123, [email protected]
Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, ext. 124
Pauline Vandy – Director of Junior High Youth Ministry,
ext. 117, [email protected]
Pastoral Care Staff — Part Time
Audrey Casey, BSN, Parish Nurse volunteer, ext 104, [email protected]
Susan Kearney, Pastoral Care Assistant volunteer, ext. 124
Felicia Lawlor, M.S., R.N.,Parish Nurse volunteer, ext 104, [email protected]
Support Staff — Full Time
Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, ext. 118, [email protected]
Lori Culberson – Liturgical Assistant, ext. 120, [email protected]
Kathy Ferguson - Receptionist, ext. 100, [email protected]
Diane McQueen – Parish Assistant, ext. 101, [email protected]
Anne Schultz – Outreach & Adult Faith Formation Assistant, ext. 113,
[email protected]
Angela Tuttle – Liturgy Assistant & Communications Coordinator,
ext. 110, [email protected]
Support Staff — Part Time
Pat Berkhout – Evening/Saturday Receptionist, ext. 119, [email protected]
Marge Coronado – Evening Receptionist, ext. 119, [email protected]
Marilyn DeMeo – Database Coordinator (T/Th), ext. 107, [email protected]
Jorge Gonzalez – Custodian
Louise Leonard - Care Pantry Coordinator, [email protected]
Sue Sportiello – Accounts Payable (M/W), ext. 107, [email protected]
Ted McKeown - Facility Coordinator, ext. 133, [email protected]
Theresa Sheliga – Sacristan Coordinator, ext. 116
Lynne Vehlewald – Librarian, ext. 125, [email protected]
Pastoral Leadership Community
Bob Bohanek 236-4689
Ivan Deatsch 236-6877
Pam Foster 585-8746
Guy Francesconi 778-8771
Julee Gard 898-8191
Mary Johnson 983-1683
Rosemary Krol 369-3784
Carolyn Lowrie 236-1336
Ray Vogt 369-1692
Glenn Weir 554-5405
Commission Facilitators
Worship
Parish Life
Faith Formation
Administration
Service
Stewardship
Gwen Wells
Pam Foster
Susan Cornell-Ohl
Dave Otto
Phil Meno
Steve Obendorf
Doug & Maureen Johnson
692-0636
585-8746
585-5839
717-6635
778-0981
815 577-6367
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday reconciliation is available after 8:30 a.m.
Mass, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass
in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel
and Fr. Mark are available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held
occasionally throughout the year.
Sick and Home Bound
Call the Church Office to receive prayer and Eucharist from one of the priests or deacons or a Minister
of Care.
Baptism
Baptisms are usually celebrated two Sundays each
month at a 1:45 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are
required to attend a two-part awareness and renewal
program prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office
a few months in advance to make arrangements.
Matrimony
A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas
should contact the church six months in advance.
One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or
their parents, must be a registered parishioner for at
least three months prior to calling to set a date.
Religious Education
Call the 305-6318 to register.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic
Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call
the church at 355-8980.
Counseling Service
Call Samarian Interfaith 357-2456 or Jan Olah,
Pastoral Care 355-8980 x 124.
Sunday Nursery
Nursery care is available for your child age one
(must be walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass.
For more information call the church office.
Liturgy Schedule
Daily
(Monday — Friday)
Rosary — 8:10 a.m.
Mass — 6:30 & 8:30 a.m.
(Saturday)
Mass — 8:30 a.m.
Weekend
Saturday Vigil — 4:30 p.m.
Sunday — 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m.,
& 12:15 p.m.
6:30 p.m. Liturgy at All Saints Academy
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every
first Friday of the month 9 a.m. — Noon.
Dear Friends,
We begin our Parish Mission with the gospel story
of the Transfiguration. Jesus appears at first with
Moses and Elijah, symbols of the old covenant and the
law. They were great and powerful warrior leaders. As
God speaks, they fade away. Jesus appears, not with his
face transformed as when the faces of Moses and Elijah
glowed after their ancient divine encounters. With
Jesus the glory and light of God emits from within him,
“and his clothes became dazzling white.” The voice of
God reveals that Jesus is God’s
beloved Son, and we are told,
“We need to
“Listen to him.”
Something powerful and new
‘Listen to him’
is being offered here, a new way to
in these days
be taught and revealed in Jesus.
more than ever.“ Not as a warrior King does Jesus
come to us, but as one who will, as
he tells Peter, James and John, be
put to death and rise again. It is
indeed a new way.
The transfiguration of Jesus, in anticipation of the
resurrection, is a revelation of the power and glory of
God that cannot be understood except in light of the
way of Jesus, the way of the cross. It is indeed a whole
new way of power and the road to glory. We need to
“Listen to him,” in these days more than ever.
The road and way to glory is the way of Abraham
who surrenders to the transforming power of God. In
the surrender of our own power and will, to the will of
God, we find the way — the new and different way of
Jesus. It is not the world’s way to be sure. We know
and witness everyday the power plays and moves that
do not bring life.
We remember what we have learned about Jesus
and his way, that God is for us and did not spare
himself, but gave himself over to us for our sake, not
condemning us, but acquitting us, who raises us up and
who intercedes for us. That is the really good news,
that God is for us, has given his life for us and shown
us the Way. We are on the road together. The sign
posts are pretty clear.
Let this time of our Parish Mission be a time to
remember, learn, and to “Listen to Him.”
In Christ’s love,
Second Sunday
of Lent
March 12, 2006
If God is for us,
who can be against us?
— Romans 8:31b
Worship Commission
Lent Gathering Rites
During Lent, at the beginning of each Sunday liturgy, the presider will call the assembly to a period of
reflective silence. The purpose of this silence is to help
us center ourselves and become more mindful of the
presence of God in us and among us. A gong will be
struck to signal the beginning of this silence and, during the pause, the image of a rainbow (symbolizing
covenant) that will be projected on the marble wall behind the Altar will become more apparent. Next, the
presider will invite us to recite together the prayer of
confession which begins, “I confess to almighty God,
and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned
through my own fault...” This prayer is sometimes referred to by it’s Latin title, the Confiteor. For your reference, this prayer appears in our Gather Comprehensive hymnal. It is #155. After the Confiteor we will
sing a simple setting of Kyrie eleison (Lord, have
mercy in Greek) and then have the opening prayer,
When the presider says, “Let us pray.” it is an invitation for each one of us to pray silently. The presider
then “collects” all our prayers into one and offers them
to God. That is why this prayer is sometimes called the
Opening Collect of the Mass. The hope of our Worship
Planning Team is that these seasonal gathering rites
will help us to become more aware of the real presence
of Jesus as we worship and journey through Lent.
Stations of the Cross
Come pray the Stations of the Cross any Friday
during Lent at 7:30 p.m. in the Church. This traditional
form of prayer will include procession and music.
Wedding Workshop
The next music and liturgy workshop to help couples prepare their wedding mass or ceremony will be
held Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon in
the Church. All couples who will be wed at St. Thomas
must attend one of these workshops which are held
several times throughout the year. This workshop
should not be confused with the Wedding Retreat Day,
which couples must also attend. After March 25 the
next workshops are scheduled for September 9, 2006
and Jan. 6, 2007. Call Diane in the Main Office at 630
355-8980, ext. 101 to register.
Lent Bulletins
Lent bulletins were mailed to the homes of all parishioners. If you did not receive one or would like another copy, extras are available in the Narthex. See this
bulletin for all the seasonal offerings and opportunities.
March 12, 2006 — Page 4
Covenant and Sacrifice
The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
defines Covenant as: A bond entered into voluntarily
by which each pledges himself or herself to do something for the other. The idea of the covenant between
the God of Israel and God’s people is central to the
religion of the Hebrew Scriptures. This idea of covenant is played out in today’s first reading when Abraham obeys God and is willing to sacrifice his only
son. God, in response to Abraham’s faith and trust,
promises that his lineage will not end, but that his
decedents, through Isaac, will endure forever. We are
all heirs of Abraham faithfulness in covenant relationship with God. The church has also seen Isaac as
a prophetic figure of Christ and puts forth one aspect
of the Eucharist as the sacrifice of the Mass. Eucharistic Prayer I places side by side the sacrifice of
Abraham and the offering of the Eucharist when the
priest prays: Look with favor on these offerings and
accept them as once you accepted the sacrifice of
Abraham, our father in faith…
Today’s Readings
First Reading — I will bless you abundantly and
make your descendants as countless as the stars of the
sky (Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18).
Psalm — I will walk before the Lord, in the land of
the living (Psalm 116).
Second Reading — If God is for us, who can be
against us? It is God who acquits us, who will condemn? (Romans 8:31b-34).
Gospel — This is my beloved Son. Listen to him
(Mark 9:2-10).
Pray For Our Parish
For the Second Sunday of Lent
God of all goodness,
you did not spare your only begotten son
but gave him up for the sake of us sinners.
Strengthen within us the gift of obedient faith,
that, in all things,
we may follow faithfully in Christ’s footsteps,
and, with him, be transfigured
into the light of your glory.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Beloved Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications.
For the Feast of St. Patrick (March 17)
God of all nations and All Peoples
we rejoice today
in a special servant of yours, St. Patrick.
Irish or not, we all dance a gleeful jig
on his joyous feast day.
We thank you for sprinkling saints among us
like holy Patrick, Bishop of Ireland.
His green feast day gives us all a chance
to wear the spring of green and life.
Three days from now our old friend winter
will loose his lease on life.
Packing up his ice and snow,
his chilly winds and frosty breath,
he’ll soon be gone.
The green of this day
foretells the rich vegetation
soon to grace our countryside;
proclaiming fresh and new
to the tired and weary;
announces to one and all
that Spring is on her way!
St. Patrick sent snakes slithering out of Ireland
by your blessed touch,
may we, each, through his pastoral intercession,
be freed of any evil in our lives.
Lord of All Seasons,
winter is on his deathbed,
but song and mirth are greening all around us.
Blessed be St. Patrick, bishop and man of prayer.
Blessed be all saints,
and the wee folk as well. Amen.
Adapted from Prayers for the Domestic Church
by Edward Hays, Forest of Peace Publications.
For the sick…
Lillian Lasiewicz, mother of Mary Ann Manderscheid
Kathy Vezina, mother of
Carrie Palagi & Colleen Misdom
Jack Gillen, friend of Jan & Ed Olah
Fr. Peter Campbell, friend of Ray & Pat Kammer
Ethan Borigadis, son of Laura & Paul
Livio Arquilla, father of Carmela Martino
Alan Malavolti, friend of the Weir family
Jeanne Crawford, husband of Ed
Brian & Mary & Baby Gus
Georginna Sexton, friend of Bob & Agnes Flynn
For the deceased…
JoAnne Myers, sister of Susan Alessi
Sarah Guentner, mother of Sarah Rendall
Mass Intentions
Monday, March 13
8:30 †Ron Ziolkowski,
by Mr. & Mrs. William Condon
Tuesday, March 14
8:30 †Joseph Trumfio, by The Poydence Family
Friday, March 17
8:30 †Brian Martin, by Frank & Pat Haynes
†Ann McNamara, by Donna McNamara
Saturday, March 18
4:30 For the People of St. Thomas
Sunday, March 19
7:30 †Deceased Members of 50+ Holding, by 50+
†Donald LaRocco, by Wife, Rosalie
9:00 †Lenore & Charles McCulley,
by The Deneen Family
†Marilyn Kane, by Ed Kane
10:45 †Ann DiMonte, by The DiM onte Family
†Richard McCarthy, by Pat Clawson
12:15 †Steven Winokur, by Maria Long
Readings for the Week
Monday:
Dn 9:4b-10; Lk 6:36-38
Tuesday:
Is 1:10, 16-20; Mt 23:1-12
Wednesday: Jer 18:18-20; Mt 20:17-28
Thursday: Jer 17:5-10; Lk 16:19-31
Friday:
Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a; 17b-28a;
Mt 21:33-43, 45-46
Saturday: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Sunday:
Ex 20:1-17 [1-3, 7-8, 12-17]; Ps 19;
1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25
Alternate readings (Year A):
Ex 17:3-7; Ps 95; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8;
Jn 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42]
Page 5 — March 12, 2006
Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission
Splendors of the Vatican
Come feast your eyes on Tuesday, March 21, in
the Lighthouse from 7:30 to 9 p.m., as St. Thomas’
Celebration of the Arts Ministry presents a slide lecture by Dr. Michelle Paluch-Mishur, “Splendors of
the Vatican,” focusing on selections from the exhibit
“St. Peter & the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes.”
Art Excursions, Inc., of which Dr. Palush-Mishur
is a co-owner, will be leading a daylong bus tour,
sponsored by the COA, to the Milwaukee Public Museum on April 8 to see this exhibit. Information on
the tour will be available at the lecture.
C.A.R.E. CORNER
Have you ever wondered why Jesus went
through the motions of being baptized? Although
rituals of purification were well ingrained in Jewish tradition, baptism as we know it was not a
common practice. We are introduced to baptism
by John the Baptist. Mark’s gospel (1:4) tells us
that John was preaching, saying “Turn away from
your sins and be baptized.” People gathered to
hear John. “They confessed their sins, and he
baptized them in the Jordan River (Mark 1:5)
So along came Jesus. Did Jesus have sins
that needed forgiving? We can be sure the answer was “no.” Perhaps Matthew’s gospel can
shed a little light on the “why.” John tried to stop
Jesus from being baptized (Matthew 3:13-17).
But Jesus insisted on doing what was right -what God required. And so Jesus was baptized.
It is a tradition which is followed to this day.
So, over the remaining weeks of Lent, we will
explore the significance of Jesus’ baptism for all
of us.
March 12, 2006 — Page 6
Adult Faith Formation
Lenten Scrutinies
During Lent, the time of Purification and
Enlightenment, our RCIA Elect (those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil) examine their lives in the
light of God’s word and ask the entire Christian
community to pray that whatever is weak and sinful
in them be eliminated and whatever is good and
holy be affirmed. In the Scrutinies on the Third,
Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent we do pray – for
them and for ourselves. Our ministers lay hands on
them in the ancient sign of forgiveness, healing and
empowerment.
Because all of us will renounce Satan and renew
our baptismal promises at Easter, we look to our
Elect to lead us, too, to examine our lives in the light
of God’s Word. Please pray for Kristopher Pasterick, Mimi Rajab, Hannah Rajab, and David
Young as they experience the Scrutinies at the following Masses:
1st Scrutiny – March 19: 7:30 Mass
2nd Scrutiny – March 26: 9:00 Mass
3rd Scrutiny – April 2: 10:45 Mass
Carmelite Center Offers
Lenten Spiritual Opportunities
Join Fr. Kevin Shanley, O. Carm., at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien on Saturday, March
18 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Easter Is Resurrection: The Lord’s and Our Own, a day of prayer
and reflection in preparation for the greatest of our
Christian feasts, Easter. Cost s $40 and includes
lunch. Call the Center to pre-register by March 10
969-4141.
Join Fr. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm., at the Carmelite Spiritual Center on Monday, March 27 from
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for Walking With Jesus:
Lenten Day of Renewal. Fr. Bob’s pilgrimages to
the Holy Land provide the background for this exceptional Lenten day of reflection. Walk with Jesus
through his experience at the Last Supper. Be present to his suffering in the garden at Gethsemani, the
Crucifixion and the Death and Burial. Scripture, music, slides, private reflection and Eucharist offer a
powerful Lenten experience. Cost is $40 and includes lunch. Call the center to register 969-4141.
The Lector Ministry of
St. Thomas the Apostle
St. Thomas
St. Joseph’s Table
Sunday, March 19
Auditorium
Presents the 13th Annual
Enjoy great food
and help the poor!
1:15
1:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
Table Blessing
First Dinner Seating
Second Dinner Seating
Share a wide variety of delicious meatless
Italian foods — that is only a foretaste of
God’s heavenly banquet. Envelopes for a
free-will offering for the poor are available.
Let’s celebrate the “Abba” of Jesus and
the Patron Saint of God’s family. We are
working for justice as Joseph taught Jesus
to be generous to the poor. And we enjoy
special festive foods which will delight
body and soul.
Questions?
Contact Pauline Vandy 305-6318
Wednesday, March 22
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
St. Thomas the Apostle Gym
Bring the family for a simple
Lenten meal to benefit the
St. Thomas the Apostle
Care Pantry and the
St. Vincent DePaul Society.
[Soup Served - 6:45 p.m.
Prayer Service - 7:30 p.m.]
Non-perishable food items or a
freewill offering will be
gratefully accepted.
Page 7 — March 12, 2006
Religious Education
Scripture Safari Registration
TREC - High School Youth Ministry
Registrations for Scripture Safari, the St. Thomas
Vacation Bible School from June 19 -23, will be
available in the Gathering Area during the month of
April. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first
come, first serve basis. Forms will also be available
in the Religious Education Office until May 15 if
there are still openings. Scripture Safari is for children entering Kindergarten through 4th grade. Youth
entering 5th grade or older may sign up to be helpers
at Scripture Safari, also on a first come, first serve
basis. Contact the R.E. Office with questions,
305-6318.
I am a high school student…can I go to the Parish Mission? That depends. Are you interested in getting closer to God this Lent? Heck ya! This is a big
week at St. Thomas. As a parish we hope to grow
and you are a huge part of what we do here. Spend
some time this week at St. Thomas at 7:00 on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. We have some of the
most spiritual high school students anywhere. We
need that Spirit at everything we do at St. Thomas,
especially the Mission.
The mission starts tonight at the Sunday Night
Mass at 6:30. All other activities will be cancelled
through Wednesday (yep, no APEX). There is no
Quest until March 19. Also, Slurpee Mission forms
are out. Pick one up after Mass. If you need more
information or just want to check out the best website
in youth ministry, go to www.trecministries.org.
First Communion Masses Scheduled
First Eucharist Masses will be on April 29 at
4:30 and April 30 at the 9:00 and 12:15 liturgies and
the following weekend on May 6 at 1:00 and 4:30
and May 7 at the 12:15 liturgy. Parents of children
making their 1st Eucharist should return the form indicating their preference of mass choice as soon as
possible.
Family Prayer Service for 1st Eucharist
The next Family Prayer Service for families of
First Communicants is Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m.
in the church. This bread service, It’s About Celebrating, will last approximately 35 minutes. Please
continue to pray for these children as they prepare to
receive Jesus in the Eucharist, an event of great joy
for them, their families and our faith community.
Sacrament of Reconciliation for Youth
Many Fourth Graders and their families will be
receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday, March 11 or on March 18 at 1:00 p.m. in church.
Middle School Youth will celebrate this sacrament at the church on April 3 during class time.
Please pray for these youth as they receive this
sacrament, may they always know the love of our
Forgiving God and the joy that forgiveness brings.
March 12, 2006 — Page 8
You are invited!
Please come to a “Visioning” session at
All Saints Catholic Academy
Thursday, March 16 at 7:00pm
in the ASCA gymnasium
The session will be a town hall format.
We will present an overview of our
plans for the future of the school, and
would greatly appreciate your input.
We look forward to hearing your ideas
and suggestions!
Page 9 — March 12, 2006
Service Commission
Outreach
Electronic Recycling
Care with God's Creation is supporting the Earth
Day Recycling Extravaganza on April 22 and 29.
Watch the bulletin every week for information on recycling household hazardous waste. Plan to spend a
couple hours dropping off items at the various recycling centers as your family Earth Day Ritual. Start
now by gathering up all those old electronics.
Electronics Recycling
Saturday, April 22, 8-2:00 pm
United Recycling Industries
1600 Harvester, West Chicago
For more information contact (630) 231-6060
Items Accepted: Old computers, televisions, scrap
metal, telephones, VCR's, fax machines, scanners, answering machines, printers, electronic games
Peace Rally and March
Pax Christi St. Thomas invites anyone who is interested to participate in a Peace Rally and Peace
March on March 18. There is a short Peace Rally at
noon at the Metra station in Downers Grove before the
Peace train leaves for Chicago at 12:45. The large
rally will be held at 3 p.m. in Union Park at Lake and
Ashland. The participants will then gather at Walton
and State at 6 p.m. for a march down Michigan Avenue at 7 p.m. For more information call ChicagoActions.org at 773-536-0098 or visit their website
[email protected]
Mother’s Day Project
for Female & Juvenile Prisoners
Help imprisoned women and youth communicate with their families before Mother’s Day by providing any of the following:
Pretty stationary, note cards,
thinking of you or thank you notes cards
Postage stamps
Gallon sized zip lock bags
Packets will be made up using these materials
and distributed to those confined at 16 prisons and
jails in Illinois. These gifts carry a powerful message
of God’s love and allow the prisoners to have something pretty to send to their loved ones.
A box will be in the gathering area the weekends of March18-19, 25-26 and April 1-2. For more
information call: Jana Minor 630-761-3524.
Calling All Cooks
We are calling on all people who like to cook. Young, old, women, men, girls & boys. We need you to pull
out your favorite recipes.
We are going to be collecting the recipes, to be published in a cookbook. The cookbook is going to be
called “Recipes for Relief”, and will be used as a fundraiser for our friends at St Thomas the Apostle in Long
Beach, Mississippi. St Thomas in Long Beach has been approved to rebuild their church, and as we are not the
only parishes assisting St Thomas, we would like to help in a big way!!
This cookbook will be a combined effort! Recipes will be collected from St Thomas in Naperville, our
brothers and sisters at St Elizabeth Seton in Naperville, and our partner parish, St Thomas in Long Beach. We
are also inviting chefs from local restaurants here in Naperville to submit any favorite recipes they are willing to
share.
We will be collecting recipes for the month of March. Please be sure to put your name on the recipe. The
recipes can be dropped in the designated box found at the receptionist desk in the gathering area. They can also
be mailed or e-mailed to Brad Tangeman, at Brad Tangeman, 5So412 Scots Dr., Naperville, IL, 60563, or [email protected].
While we wait for the cookbooks to be printed, we will have a presale for the books, where you will be able
to place advance orders at a discounted price.
Thank You all in advance for your participation and help in raising funds to help our friends in Mississippi
rebuild their church!!
March 12, 2006 — Page 10
Pastoral Care
Samaritan Interfaith Counseling
A Place for Healing and Hope
Samaritan Interfaith is a not-for-profit pastoral
counseling center composed of licensed professionals
who represent various disciplines, e.g. psychology,
clinical social work, marriage and family therapy,
pastoral counseling, etc. Samaritan Interfaith, however, goes beyond the traditional requirements of
secular mental health agencies. Staff counselors have
expertise in theology and are attentive to spiritual
issues. They are active in their religion and are able
to help clients build upon the context of their own
faith in the healing process. While Samaritan counselors do not impose their personal theological beliefs upon clients, they understand the importance of
faith and can incorporate this strength into the counseling process when appropriate.
Samaritan Interfaith has a staff of counselors that
can work with young children, adolescents and
adults. The kinds of problems that people bring to
Samaritan can be any of the following:
Anxiety and depression
School related issues with children and
adolescents
Dilemmas of parenting, growing up or aging
Marriage and family conflicts
Stress related to job, unemployment, or other
life transitions
A sense of failure or lack of fulfillment
Concerns about chemical use and the effects
on family life
Issues related to divorce, remarriage and
step-family life
Emotional problems associated with physical
illness or accident
Coping with loss or grief
The demands of career, personal relationships,
family situations, and various crises of life can contribute to anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional hurdles. It is a privilege for each of the staff at
Samaritan Interfaith to be a part of a counseling center that holds firm to a valuing of faith and spirituality as a key component to health and wholeness in a
world that so often can forget that wholeness in life is
rooted in a connection to God through faith.
For more information about Samaritan Interfaith,
visit www.samaritancenter.org. The website also has
a confidential depression screener if you would like
to be screened for depression. To make an appointment call 630-357-2456 or if you have any questions
or concerns, please call Jan Olah in the Pastoral Care
Office 355-8980 x124.
In the hospital?
Call the parish office 355-8980 and
one of our parish nurses or ministers
of care will visit, bring Eucharist or
assist you with your needs!
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Knits People Together With Love
The talented, prayerful women of the prayer
shawl ministry have, as of this writing, donated
91 prayer shawls to the people of St. Thomas
and others (Mississippi) in need.
Ministers of Care, Deacons, Nurses,
Pastoral and Outreach Staff have delivered 81
shawls to those individuals who need the
warmth and comfort of God’s love and healing
around their shoulders during a “crisis” time
in their lives.
The response to these gifts of care and
love has been wholeheartedly received, with
tears, hugs, joy, and written thanks. One
recipient remarked that he actually felt a
touching of prayerful hands when wearing
the shawl.
The ministry has been blessed with
donations of yarn and needles as well as
persons who volunteer their time knitting,
crocheting and weaving.
Please pray for the ministry and its
members and feel free to call the parish nurse
office (x104) with name(s) of individual(s)
who would benefit from the gift of a prayer
shawl. Perhaps you already know of a
homebound/ill child or adult who might
benefit with a tangible gift of prayer and
comfort. Call Audrey or Felicia at
355-8980 x104.
Page 11 — March 12, 2006
Stewardship Commission
Dear Friends,
St. Thomas the Apostle is facing a critical challenge over the next four months. At a time when the need
for loving concern for our fellow humans and our personal spiritual care and development are at a seasonal high, financial support for our ministries, facilities and services has not been keeping pace with the
parish needs.
We have been dealing with the multiple impacts of higher energy costs for natural gas and electricity,
major increases in the costs of insurance, and the temporary need to make interest payments until our
school capital campaign goals are realized, along with other lesser increases in expenses. As a result, we
had prepared a scaled-down expense budget that still anticipated an increase in our Sunday collections by
$1,000 per week, on average, about the same weekly increase as in past years. Perhaps because it fell on a
Sunday, our Christmas collection also fell about $10,000 less than budgeted.
We have not as yet been achieving that average of $34,000 per Sunday that we had anticipated, and
there are only 16 Sundays remaining to close that gap in the fiscal year that ends June 30. As a result, some
of the parish’s most critical work may need to be cut back, such as:
Efforts to engage our youth – the future generation – in the life of the church.
Activities in the sphere of advancing peace and social justice.
Outreach to those in need through the Bread of Life program, which receives a stipend from
your Sunday offerings.
Programs in the education and faith formation of adults and children.
Potential cuts at every level of parish programming and liturgy.
Some savings for the future to cover any urgent replacement of major equipment or systems
as our facilities age and begin to wear out.
Because of your past active support of our parish ministries, surely what I have just shared causes you
some concern. It certainly concerns me, as we on staff have already tightened our belts once this year. That
is why I am writing to invite you to review your level of stewardship and support for St. Thomas the Apostle
Parish, and consider increasing your stewardship of treasure to advance the work of this great parish, between now and Pentecost Sunday on June 4.
Stewardship is not based on need, but because it is the right thing to do. If we all did the right thing
proportionate to our ability, we would have more than enough for our need. The need and the time is real
for us all to do the right thing as stewards of all God’s gifts.
This support is vital to our parish’s ability to maintain the excellence for which we are known and
respected, without having to eat into our savings to avoid
going into the red this year. In a very real sense, contributing members help secure the parish future – people who
Stewardship… A Way of Life
take pride in this great parish and are willing to make a
Last Weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts...
personal commitment to ensure its continued success, as
$32,324
Weekly Sunday Offertory (week 36)
many have in the past 20 years.
Envelopes
28,352
I look forward to and pray for your positive response.
Loose
3,972
Sincerely in Faith,
Fr. Joel
P.S. I have taken steps to increase my own stewardship offering beginning this month. I hope and pray you will consider joining me, thanking God for all we have received by
sharing a portion of our blessings.
March 12, 2006 — Page 12
Automatic Direct Debit
Mailed in & stock donations
Total for week
$0
$3,338
$35,662
*Based on Collection Counters Reports
Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) to date:
Weekly Average 7/1/05 to date:
% of Annual Sunday Offertory Goal
Sunday Offertory Goal for YTD
Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30
$1,179,927
$32,776
66.7%
$1,224,000
$1,768,000
Parish Life Commission
If you are 50 or over, you are cordially invited to
join our group. We always welcome fresh ideas and
new friends. Couples and singles are welcome.
Upcoming meetings and activities include:
Sun, Mar 19, 7:30 a.m. Mass for Deceased Members
Mar 19, St. Joseph Celebration—Parish Event--TBA
Wed, Apr 5, 1 p.m., Lunch at House of Emperor
(75th and Naper Blvd.). Call Ann 630.637-1925 by
Monday, April 3 if you plan to attend.
Wed, Apr 19, 7 p.m., Monthly Meeting in the Lighthouse. Topic: How to Avoid Identity Theft.
Sun, Apr 23, 7:30 a.m. Mass for Deceased Members
There’s no better time than NOW to join 50 and
Holding. If interested, call Bill Huff at 983-6103.
Hope to see you!
Current — Young Adult Ministry
We’re looking to expand our Leadership Team!
If you are interested in becoming a core member of
the largest young adult ministry in the Joliet Diocese
and attending our Core Team meeting on Wednesday
at St. Thomas at 7:00, contact Jim Melton at 355-8980
X123. This week we have the Y.A.C.H.T club meeting with speakers Kate DeVries and Sandy Downs.
Contact Dawna for information at
[email protected]. Also, there is a
Saturday Night Sor’ee at Features Bar and Grill on
March 18. Contact Janet at 728.0962 for details.
If you want information on these or any of the
other things going on in Current, check out
www.currentministry.com or call Jim at 355-8980
X123 and he’d love to send you a brochure.
S.A.M. - Single Adult Ministry is a community for
all Christian single adults 45 and over. The ministry
promotes balance in single life through spiritual, service and social functions. It offers singles an opportunity to celebrate life.
Fri, Apr 28, 6 p.m. Get together for dinner at the
Grand Mandarin, 3099 Ogden, Lisle. Call Jack
Sun, May 7, 3 p.m. Chinese acrobats at the Paramount
in Aurora. Tickets $25. Call Betty
Mon, May 29, 3 p.m., Memorial Day picnic at Betty
Kost’s. Our group will join with the Community Singles. Call Betty
Lenten Fish Frys
March 3, Elmer'sDog House; 1250 S. Broadway Ave.
Montgomery; Call Betty
March 10, Catch 35; 35 S. Washington, Naperville;
Call Jack
March 17, DuPage Inn; 2410 Ogden, Downers Grove;
Call Betty
March 24, Satisfied Frog; 29W012 Butterfield Rd.,
Warrenville; Call Jo
March 31, Rayme's; 4801 Rt. 53, Lisle;
Call Jack
April 7, Hugo's Frog House; 55 S. Main, Naperville;
Call Ann
Did You Know?
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA)
was founded in Utica, New York in 1903 by John
Carberry and several other Knights of Columbus as a
charitable, benevolent and patriotic sorority for
Catholic ladies. It was originally called the National
order of Daughters of Isabella and is dedicated to the
principles of "Unity and Charity", the order's
motto. Naperville Court #756 was established July 9,
1922 and meets the third Thursday of each month at
the Naperville Municipal Center from 7 to 9 p.m. The
next meeting is March 15. All are welcome to come.
For more information please call Mary Jane Springborn at 355-1126 or Posey Young at 355-2030.
Page 13 — March 12, 2006
Administration Commission
Jobs Ministry Weekly
Networking Meeting
Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m.
(after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy)
Lighthouse
The March St. Thomas Jobs Ministry will be held
on Thursday evening March 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Lighthouse. The speaker will be Bob Ward, Principal
of the firm Ward and Associates. Mr. Ward is an established professional with more than twenty years of
executive search experience.
Bob’s presentation is titled The Job Search Process—What is going on in today’s Jobs Market Place
and what does it take to land a job in that
environment? Bob will share his more than twenty
years experience in the executive search business and
what it takes to land a job in today’s world.
Bob Ward earned his Accounting degree at the
University of Notre Dame and began his career as an
auditor at Coopers and Lybrand in Chicago. He is a
CPA and maintains many associations with the accounting profession and the wider Chicago business
community. Bob’s firm focus includes operations,
human resources, finance and management positions.
Please plan to intend this very informative and
exciting presentation by Bob Ward as he shares his
experiences about how to find meaningful
employment in today’s ever changing market place.
March 12, 2006 — Page 14
THE WEEK AHEAD...
Monday, Mar 13
8:30 —10:30 a.m.
4:15—5:15 p.m.
7:00—9:30 p.m.
7:00—8:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
Parish Mission, Gym
Youth Choir, Church
New Wine Course, Senior Center
RCIA, Youth Center
Parish Mission, Church
Tuesday, Mar 14
8:30—10:30 a.m.
10:00—11:00 a.m.
4:30—5:45 p.m.
4:30—5:45 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
Parish Mission, Gym
Care Pantry, Lighthouse
R.E. Classes at Brookdale School
Seekers, Youth Center
Parish Mission, Church
Wednesday, Mar. 15
8:30—10:30 a.m.
Parish Mission, Gym
4:15-5:30 p.m.
Joyful Jammers, Church & Senior Center
7:15 p.m.
Parish Mission, Church
7:30—9:30 p.m.
Grief Support, Rectory Basement
Thursday, Mar. 16
8:30am-12:30 p.m.
10:00am-12:00 p.m.
6:30—8:30 p.m.
7:00—8:00 p.m.
7:00—9:00 p.m.
7:15—9:00 p.m.
7:30—9:30 p.m.
Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area
Prayer Shawl Ministry, Meeting Room 1
Prayer Shawl Ministry, Meeting Room 1
1st Communion Family Prayer, Church
DuPage United, Meeting Room 4
Racial Justice, Meeting Room 2
Genesis Rehearsal, Lighthouse
Friday, Mar. 17
8:30am--12:30 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area
9:30—11:30 a.m.
Job Ministry, Lighthouse
7:30-8:15 p.m.
Stations of the Cross, Church
Saturday, Mar. 18
8:00am-4:00 p.m.
8:30—11:45 a.m.
9:00—10:30 a.m.
10:00am-12:30 p.m.
1:00—4:00 p.m.
2:00—4:15 p.m.
Six Sigma Course, Senior Center
R.E. Classes at All Saints Academy
Men’s Christian Fellowship, Resource Center
Rainbows, Ministry Center
4th Grade Reconciliation, Church
Library Hours, Resource Center
Sunday, Mar. 19
7:15—9:15 a.m.
9:00am-12:00 p.m.
12:00—1:00 p.m.
12:15—4:30 p.m.
RCIA, Senior Center
L.O.W. for children, Ministry Center
Quest Choir, Senior Center
Mass of St. Joseph & St. Joseph Table, Gym
CHURCH NAME & ADDRESS
St. Thomas the Apostle Church #512069
1500 Brookdale Road
Naperville, IL 60563
PHONE
630 355-8980 Ext. 110
CONTACT PERSON
Angie Tuttle
SOFTWARE
MS Publisher 2003
Adobe Acrobat 5.0
Windows 98
PRINTER
Hewlett Packard 2500C+
NUMBER OF PAGES SENT
Cover through Page 15
SUNDAY DATE OF BULLETIN
Mar 12, 2005
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Page 15 — March 12, 2006