St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church . Naperville . 33rd Sunday

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church . Naperville . 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time . November 13, 2011
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
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)
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Parish Staff
Rev. Joel Fortier – Pastor, [email protected]
Rev. Rodolphe Arty, Associate Pastor, x 103, [email protected]
Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Associate, [email protected]
Fr. Pat Brennan, Weekend Associate, [email protected]
Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. – Deacon, x105
Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane – Deacon, x220, [email protected]
Rev. Mr. Jim Breen – Deacon, 630.357.4853, [email protected]
Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney – Deacon, x225, [email protected]
Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett – Deacon , x220, [email protected]
Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.,
or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room
of the Chapel. Fr. Joel is available during the week by
appointment. Communal Penance services are held
occasionally throughout the year.
Liturgy
Baptisms are usually celebrated 2-3 Sundays each
month at a 12:30 p.m. service. On selected dates,
Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents
are required to attend an awareness and renewal
evening prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office
a few months in advance to make arrangements.
Kate Cuddy – Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, [email protected]
Jessi Allured – Asst. Director of Music and Liturgy, x111, [email protected]
Lori Culberson – Liturgy Coordinator, x120, [email protected]
Theresa Sheliga* – Sacristan Coordinator, x116
Faith Formation
Sick and Home Bound
Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist
from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care.
Baptism
Sandy Renehan, Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy 630.961.6125
Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, [email protected]
Kevin Pranaitis – Director of High School Youth Ministry, x123, [email protected]
Brett Adams – Coordinator of Middle School Faith Formation, x117,
badams @stapostle.org
Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, x109, [email protected]
Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, x118, [email protected]
Matrimony
Outreach and Social Justice
Call the 630.305.6318 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 630.355.8980.
Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, [email protected]
Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner, x113, [email protected]
Sally Meno* – OSJ Financial, x137, [email protected]
Pastoral Care
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
Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, x124
Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. – Faith Community Nurse, x104, [email protected]
Rose Grumbine*, R.N., – Faith Community Nurse, x104, [email protected]
Counseling Service
Administration
Sunday Nursery
Janet Simmons – Finance/Business Officer, x106, [email protected]
Diane McQueen – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, [email protected]
Kathy Ferguson – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, [email protected]
Marge Coronado - Administration and R.E. Asst, x219, [email protected]
Marilyn DeMeo* – Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, [email protected]
Pat Berkhout – Evening/Saturday Receptionist, x119, [email protected]
Angie Tuttle – Bulletin and Web Editor, Liturgy Asst, x110, [email protected]
Bob Hartmann Facility Manager, x133, [email protected]
Call Samaritan Interfaith 630.357.2456 or Jan Olah,
Pastoral Care 630.355.8980 x 124.
Nursery care is available for your child age one
(walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass.
For more information call the church office.
Liturgy Schedule
Daily
Pastoral Leadership Community
Christine Berta 579.4294
Pam Foster 699.3044
Charles Haydon 369.2262
Nick Furibondo 898.5224
Richard Strassburger 499.5676
Commission Facilitators
Worship
Parish Life
Faith Formation
Administration
Service
Kate Cuddy
355.8980
Chris Baker
Charles Haydon
Carol Healy
548.1733
369.2262
961.0942
(Monday — Friday)
Communion Service — 6:30 a.m.
Rosary — 8:10 a.m.
Mass — 8:30 a.m.
(Saturday)
Communion Service — 8:30 a.m.
Weekend
Saturday Vigil — 4:30 p.m.
Sunday — 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 a.m.
and 6:00 p.m.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
every first Friday, 9:00 — 9:30 a.m.
*indicates part-time staff
Dear Friends,
As we consider “end times”, harvest time, Fall and seasonal changes, the end of the liturgical year, and indeed how
time is a gift that has endings, the question we have to ask
ourselves, “What are you doing with what you’ve got?” of
our time, talent, and treasure.
Clearly the gospel asks that question of us today. What are
we doing with what we’ve got? It’s a time of taking stock and
of looking at what we’ve done with it all. Have we given ourselves over to the process of bearing fruit, of multiplying and
using God’s gifts for good?
The end of today’s gospel says, “For to everyone who has,
more will be given...but from the one who has not, even what
they have will be taken away.” So what have you got?
Before we can even take stock of what we’ve done with
what we’ve got, we have to ask the basic
“What are we question, “What have I got?” If you think
doing with you have something given to you by God,
what we’ve and appreciate that, then I think we have a
chance of bearing some fruit.
got?”
But if you don’t think or appreciate that
you’ve got anything given to you by God, then you’re dead
before you start. That’s the dilemma and the challenge of the
people presented in the gospel parable today.
Everybody was given something by the master according to
their ability. Some appreciated that and were willing to invest
the gifts entrusted to them is one way or another. The one
who didn’t appreciate the gift as given, buried it as not theirs
and didn’t use it in a co-creative, generative way as the others
did and as the master intended.
A more basic question is, “Why is a gift given?” the answer in some sense is to be used and appreciated, allowing
God’s glory to shine thru in the gift, to multiply the good, to
be co-creators with God, to participate in creation, and in the
process of Christ becoming all in all!
So if you don’t know what you’ve got that no one else has,
then now is the time to wake up and figure it out, as St. Paul
tells us in the second reading today: “You are not in darkness...you are children of the light, children of the day. We
are not of the night or darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as
the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.”
You are gift, and all you have and are from God, let the
glory of God shine in you! Be who you are, who God created
you to be, uniquely and wonderfully so. Awaken to the Gift!
To the Christ who wants to shine in you!
In Christ’s love ,
Thirty-third Sunday
in Ordinary Time
November 13, 2011
Blessed are you who fear the Lord.
— Psalm 128:1a
Welcome Guests
and Visitors!
We’re so glad you’re here and invite
you to walk the path of faith with us.
Our goal is to provide a spiritual
home where all are welcome, where
the healing, reconciling, liberating
love of God flows through us to all
people. We believe the church is the
sacrament of God’s saving presence
in the world.
Would you like to become a
Parishioner? Join us in the gym
for Welcome Sunday anytime
between 9:00 and 11:15 on:
Sunday, December 4
Worship Commission
Our Missal Tradition
Choir Trip Planned
for November 2012
The choir is embarking upon a trip to Italy in
November of 2012! It is a ten day trip that includes
four cities, and a Papal Mass.
If you are interested in the details, please see or
call Kate Cuddy or Jess Allured in the St. Thomas
Liturgy Office 630.355.8980 x 111 or 112.
Hello! Welcome! Bonjour!
Guten Tag! Hola!
Now that we’ve settled into the new
Mass times, if the 11:15 Mass has become your
“regular” Mass – please consider volunteering as
a Host Greeter.
Your help is REALLY needed!
Interested? Contact Lori Culberson
in the Liturgy Office.
We have received many requests for Missals.
Here at St. Thomas, we consciously do not use
Missals so that we can encourage parishioners to
study the Word before they come to Mass. We
study the word so that we are prepared to listen
and hear God’s word, rather than read God’s word
along with the lector.
To help you to study the word before coming to
Mass, At Home with the Word books will be available here at St.Thomas beginning next week, November 19th. These books have the weekend readings with reflections and questions to ponder with
your family. It is a great way to dive into Scripture, and pray about it so we can better understand
the Word of God. Listen for announcements regarding the selling of the At Home with the Word
books.
Roman Missal Changes
The text changes will happen November 26/27.
Beginning this week, there will be two handouts in
the Gather hymnals to reference the changes.
Please leave them in the books for all who attend Mass. Thank you to the Friday morning Bible Study group for inserting these in the Gather
books!
All of the text change information is on the
website, and can also be found at
www.usccb.org.
On a strong note…
Presider’s Schedule November 19/20
Saturday
4:30 pm, Fr. Dof Arty, Baptism Mass
Sunday
8:00 am, Fr. Joel Fortier
9:30 am, Fr. Dof Arty, Baptism Mass
11:15 am, Fr. Fr. Pat Brennan, Baptism Mass
6:00 pm, Fr. Bob Colaresi
Nov 13, 2011 — Page 4
Kate and Jess are so thankful and impressed by
the strong sung response last week for the new
Mass parts. It is such a pleasure and honor to
serve St. Thomas as your music ministers, and we
feel so blessed to have a congregation that is willing to worship in all ways, including with your
voices. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
Pray For Our Parish
for the sick…
Jerome DeLuco, husband of Gloria
Kyle Perrone, son of Melissa Kozlowski
Nikki Myles, daughter of Kathy
Richard Keehan, father of Bridget
Christopher Vacek, grandson of Bobbie DiSalvo
Kathleen Bursik, daughter of Lucille Panas
Helen Ferguson, wife of Jim
Meli Malacor, wife of Bud
God of the covenant,
Even when we fall into sin,
Your Spirit invites us to remember
That you chose us to be your servant people.
Awaken us to the power and gifts
You pour into us for the good of creation,
And grant that we may be
trustworthy in all things,
Producing abundantly as we
work to build your realm.
Amen.
Please Pray for our Men and Women
Serving in the Military
Our parish community would like to recognize and
remember the following individuals in prayer:
U.S. Air Force
Lt. Joseph Zito
Staff Sgt. Brooke Sica
Airman Maxwell Dempsey
U.S. Army
PFC Sam Parrillo
SPC James Abbott
Sgt. Edward Plourde
Richard Hill
Sgt. Aaron Simms
Cpt. Matthew Haselhorst
PFC Sean Wesley
U.S. Marine Corps
Lt. Kevin Martin
Lance Corporal Aaron Murphy
Brad Rothman
Cody Workowski
U.S. Navy
AT3 Amanda Schlarman
Ensign Jason Coons
U.S. Coast Guard
for the deceased…
John Wiedenski, father of Mary Szczap
Henry Fascone, uncle of Marya Wernecke
Jack Gleason, husband of Mary
Dick Fleming, uncle of Julee Gard
Mass Intentions
Monday, November 14, 2011
8:30 †Roberto Singson, by The Chew Family
†William Riordan
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
8:30 †Thomas Wiencek, Sr., by Harry & Lorraine
Brozynski
†Gisele Behna, by Nadia
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
8:30 †Isabelle Mazur, by Salvador & Emilia
Mallorca
†Romona Lopez, by Daugther, Viola Flores &
Grandchildren
Thursday, November 17, 2011
8:30 †William Riordan
Friday, November 18, 2011
8:30 †Anthony & Beatrix Ryder, by Mike & Nonie
†Rosa DeRosa, by Mike & Nonie
Saturday, November 19, 2011
8:30 †JoAnna Vesper, by Mark Vesper
†Wally Sabadazka, by The Chew Family
Sunday, November 20, 2011
8:00 †Isabelle Mazur, by Rich & Dorothy Jaracz
†Jack McLaughlin, by John & Eleanor
McNicholas
9:30 For the People of St. Thomas
11:15 †Michael Quigley, by Archambault Family
†John Gleason, by Frank & Lucy Pantaleon
If you would like to have a serviceman or woman
included in the Military prayer list in the bulletin,
call the parish office 630.355.8980.
Page 5 — Nov 13, 2011
Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission
Praying with Your Eyes
For over 1000 years, the
majority of Christians
were illiterate. They
learned to pray and
connect to the divine
by “reading” great
paintings, sculpture
and stained glass
windows. Come and
experience a different
dimension of prayer
through sacred art!
This School of Prayer gathering will
be on Monday, November 14, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
in the Senior Center, with Chari Rosales as your
Prayer Guide. Come, “try on” new ways to connect
with or deepen your spirituality.
Contemplative Prayer Opportunity
The regular monthly meeting of the Contemplative Prayer group will be in the Rectory Basement on
Monday, Nov. 21, at 7:30pm. All are welcome to
participate in an hour of quiet prayer in a peaceful
atmosphere.
C.A.R.E. CORNER
Our Catholic Church can help move us toward
holiness in multiple other ways as well. Our
Church provides teachings on morality and right
living to help us understand God’s expectations
and desires. It offers us many good role models
and examples of right living. It also provides opportunities for worship services and for prayer, in
order to bring us closer to God. We can partake
regularly of the repeatable sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist in order to receive the
grace they impart. Such graces are meant to
change us and transform us to more closely resemble our likeness to God. And our Church offers numerous opportunities to minister to others
through the use of our God-given talents and
gifts.
We are fortunate here at St. Thomas the Apostle to be very ministry and service oriented. We
don’t need to look far to find opportunities to
serve one another. We can do some of the things
Jesus did, such as be present to others, listen and
bring comfort. Or we can teach, heal, forgive and
pray for each other. We could also share our musical talents and our love for the Good News.
These are all works of charity and active ways
which can help to keep us directed on a path to
Today’s Readings
Readings for the Week
First Reading — The woman who fears the LORD
is to be praised (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31).
Psalm — Blessed are those who fear the Lord
(Psalm 128).
Second Reading — Brothers and sisters, you are
children of the light (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6).
Gospel — To all those who have, more will be given,
and they will have an abundance (Matthew 25:14-30
[14-15, 19-21]).
Mon:
Nov 13, 2011 — Page 6
1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63;
Lk 18:35-43
Tues: 2 Mc 6:18-31; Lk 19:1-10
Wed: 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31; Lk 19:11-28
Thurs: 1 Mc 2:15-29; Lk 19:41-44
Fri:
1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59; Lk 19:45-48 or (for
the memorial of the Dedication)
Acts 28:11-16, 30-31; Mt 14:22-23
Sat:
1 Mc 6:1-13; Lk 20:27-40
Sun: Ez 34:11-12, 15-17; Ps 23;
1 Cor 15:20-26, 28; Mt 25:31-46
Watch for Catholicism 201!
Inspired by and modeled after the ALPHA Course, Catholicism 201 expands on its last topic “What
About the Church?” Fr. James Mallon of Halifax, Nova Scotia – priest, pastor, ALPHA advisor, founder/
director of the John Paul II Media Institute - ranges in a series of video talks through the sacraments, Mary
and the saints, Christian morality, and thorny issues. Small group discussion for adult learning and faith formation is a primary feature of this experience.
The 8 week series will be offered at St. Thomas on Wednesdays from 7-9pm, from Jan. 11 thru Feb. 29.
Perfect for parents, catechists, teens – anyone interested in an adult understanding of our faith. Make your
first New Year’s resolution to exercise your spiritual muscles in a fun and painless way!
Signups will begin in December. Watch for your opportunity to snag a seat for this
St. Thomas Sleep Out Saturday
Last weekend at the St. Thomas 8th annual Sleep Out Saturday, 43 parishioners slept outside and raised
awareness and funds. The St. Thomas Transitional Housing Ministry currently supports two families. Funds
raised will help to support the families on their road from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Over $2,000 has
been raised thus far.
Very special thanks go to the teen planning committee Brittany Reynolds, Courtney Reynolds, Maddie
Reynolds, Paige Eber, and Hannah Micheau who planned and lead 3 hours of educational/experiential activities to build understanding on how families become homeless, the unique challenges they face, and what we
can do to help.
Thanks also to the adult volunteers that made this event possible: Tom Smat, Larry Drummond, Jean
Mertens, Lorna Perry, Patty Kelly, Marco Coronado, Dawn Eber, and parish staff members Brett Adams,
Anne Schultz, and Mike Ryder.
A full report about the Sleep Out (including observations of some of the sleepers) will be published in the
next few weeks. It’s not too late to donate. Simply give a check to the St. Thomas Outreach Office, payable
to “Bridge Communities”. Or you can donate on-line at www.sleepoutsaturday.org (enter “St. Thomas the
Apostle Catholic Church” in the participants name field and our Transitional Housing Ministry will receive a
portion of your donation.)
Page 7 — Nov 13, 2011
Religious Education
Liturgy of the Word Needs YOUR Help
Stay, Pray and Play!
There is a need for a few more adults to help walk
the children out for Liturgy of the Word and then
back in during the 11:15 mass. A leader for the four
year old group is also needed. Training is provided.
Two teams are formed so that when conflicts arise,
one can switch with opposite team. Please consider
helping. You are needed. Call Patti Dougherty at
church, 630.355.8980 ext. 109.
Calling all parents and caregivers! Stay, Pray and
Play will be resuming this November. Mark your
calendars for: Monday, November 14, 21, 28 and
December 5, 12. Participants meet in the St. Thomas
gym from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. for open gym play time,
family style!
Parents/caregivers can enjoy time to connect with
other adults while the children have a chance to run
off their energy during the cold-weather
months. Each program is closed with family prayer
time. Some toys and activities are provided, but participants are welcome to bring scooters, trikes, or
preschool-sized bikes for the kids to use as well.
Please bring a snack for your children.
This is a FREE program for adults
and children (infants and up!).
No sign up needed.
Contact Michelle Krzmarzick
([email protected]) or
the St. Thomas Faith Formation
Office with questions.
Angels Needed
Would you like to be a Tuition Angel for a family
attending Religious Education (RE) classes? The
economy has made it tough for some families to pay
their RE tuition. If you can help, the fees are: $120
for one child, $200 for two children or $260 for a
family of three or more. Checks are payable to
St. Thomas the Apostle. Please write “tuition gift” on
the memo line. Send to the Religious Education
Office to the attention of Patti Dougherty. Thanks for
being a Tuition Angel!
Advent Sale November 19 – 20
Families: Take some time to discuss
and reflect on the readings of the week.
Question
of the Week...
?
Give examples of using your gifts wisely.
Nov 13, 2011 — Page 8
Help your child prepare for the gift of Jesus with
an Advent Calendar or Advent Wreath. On November 19 and 20, after the masses, we will have an Advent / Christmas Sale in the Gathering Area. Items
will be for sale that will help your child prepare for
Christmas. Besides Advent calendars and wreaths,
we will have books and other various items for sale.
Don’t forget St. Nicholas Feast Day, celebrated on
December 6. Tradition holds that kids who leave
their shoes out by the door before they go to sleep
the night before will wake up to shoes filled with
small treats given by St. Nicholas! So stop by our
table and take a look!
Liturgy of the Word with Children
We have a need for a few more adults to help
walk the children out for their Liturgy of the Word
and then back in during the 11:15 mass. We also
need a leader for the 4 year old group. Training is
provided. We form two teams so that when conflicts arise, one can switch with opposite team.
Please consider helping. We need you. Call Patti
Dougherty at church, 355-8980 ext. 109.
Kevin’s Corner
High School Update
The Gospel this week from Matthew is a challenge. We must recognize the “talents” our God
has given us. We must cultivate the skills to use the
talents; and, then we are expected to show returns.
Honestly, I think creating the returns is the easiest
part – I think God takes care of that. The hard part,
perhaps the hardest, is recognizing what the talents
are. If you are like me, it’s quite easy for me to
overlook what God would probably say my true
talents are. Example? For that, I turned to the first
reading from Proverbs. “When one finds a worthy
wife, her value is far beyond pearls.” Oh yeah, being a good husband and father. That is the one
place – in their hearts – that I truly see exponential
returns. Every bit of love I “invest,” God does
wonders with.
It is a tension in my life, between what I think
“my” talents are (photography, youth ministry, etc)
and what God has called me to – relationships. It is
on that theme that I have some news. I’m sure the
rumors have started the last few weeks, but I am
being challenged by God to start paying more attention to the true treasures in my life. Sadly, that
means I must move on from my position as Director here at St. Thomas and go back to being a humble volunteer. Honestly, I’m not a “director” type
anyway; and, I very much look forward to continuing to serve the community of St. Thomas a bit less
visibly.
Don’t worry, I’ll continue to flip tasty pancakes!
I will work closely with Fr. Joel and the Faith Formation team to ensure that the High School Program suffers no glitches during this transition.
Religious Education: 4th graders and
Parents Come to St. Thomas
On Tuesday, November 15 / Saturday, November 19 during their regular R.E. class times, Fourth
graders in the Religious Education Program will
come to St. Thomas for class to tour the St. Thomas’ Care Pantry. Parents are invited to attend,
along with their students, to this tour and to make a
Family Advent Wreath. Please check with your
child’s catechist for more details or call the R.E.
Office at 630.305.6318.
I just know that God has amazing things in store
for this parish. I promise whoever follows me will
only improve, enrich, and broaden our ministry.
That you can count on. The Spirit just works that
way.
Thank you all for all your support and prayers
and I ask that you rally behind whoever fills my
role. May God bless you all! This transition will
take place in the coming months, as Spring is the
slowest time compared to Summer & Fall for High
School Ministry. Stay tuned for further updates!
High School Youth Ministry Updates:
Nov 13
Journey Night 4:15pm start time
(signups after)
Nov 17-20 NCYC
Dec 2-4
Confirmation LIFE Retreat
(La Salle Manor)
Confirmation Date
We received a letter from the Bishops’ Office
informing us of the date for our Confirmation. It
will be Thursday, April 19th at 7 p.m. The rehearsal
will therefore be the Sunday before, April 15th at
3:30 p.m.
Retreat Angels! We have a group of young people
who want to volunteer to run retreats, but they need
your help. Unfortunately, the retreat center charges
us whether they are on team or a participant
(obviously). I need about 12 retreat “angels” to
sponsor one teen who wants to serve. The retreat
fee is $160, so I’m hoping either you can sponsor a
whole teen or half-a-teen!
Page 9 — Nov 13, 2011
Service Commission
Outreach & Social Justice
Thanksgiving & Christmas
Holiday Pie Sale
For Your Family & Care Pantry Families
Deadline for purchase—Monday, Nov 14.
Purchase your holiday pies and support the St.
Thomas Care Pantry at the same time … a wonderful way to double the impact of your holiday pie
dollars. Pies donated to the Care Pantry will be included in Thanksgiving food baskets for Care Pantry families.
There are 14 varieties of pies. Order forms are
available in the Gathering Area. Order forms are
due (with pre-payment) in the box before noon on
Monday, November 14. (Checks to “St. Thomas
OSJ” with “Pies” in the memo.)
Pies can be picked up during and after all Sunday morning masses on November 20. Pie orders
must be pre-paid. There will also be a limited
amount of extra pies available for purchase that
day.
All Sunday morning masses
on November 21. Pie orders
must be pre-paid. There will
also be a limited number of extra
pies available for purchase that day
Waterleaf Thank You
The donations from our last quarterly diaper
drive were given to Waterleaf Women’s Center. Below is an excerpt from their thank you.
Thank you so much for your recent donation of
wipes and diapers! We were simply overwhelmed!
Your donations will be provided to the many young
women we see that are in need of the simple things
like diapers for their little ones. Please know that,
through your prayers and financial support, you are
directly saving lives. In fact, to date Waterleaf counselors have saved the lives of close to 40 unborn
children and have assisted more than 400 men and
women. We recently celebrated the birth of a baby
girl that was our first ultrasound save! The mother
joyously held her baby in her arms and thanked us
for convincing her not to make a hasty decision.
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble
Next weekend is the annual Thanksgiving turkey collection. 6:00 PM Mass goers BEWARE – The turkey
truck will not be at St. Thomas after the 6:00 Mass! The bulk of the turkeys need to be delivered on Sunday
afternoon to the Aurora distribution location, the Marie Wilkinson Pantry. So please drop off your turkeys at
the Saturday evening or Sunday morning Masses.
Turkeys collected at St. Thomas will also be provided to St. Patrick’s next door, Hesed House Soup
Kitchen, St. Nicholas Pantry, and St. Thomas Care Pantry families. The target this year is to provide 1,000 turkeys to the local agencies. When your family gathers this year, please remember in your Thanksgiving blessing those families you are helping … and those families still in need of help.
True St. Thomas Turkey Story
A little boy was helping gather turkeys from cars as they pulled up in front of the church. One gentleman
drove up in a very large Hummer. The little boy approached the car, and he was given one turkey. The little
boy took one look at the turkey and said to the driver, “That is the biggest car I have seen today … and this is
the smallest turkey I have seen today!” The man later returned with two more large turkeys!
Nov 13, 2011 — Page 10
Asian Youth Services & Shari Fenton
Parishioners Audrey and Dan Casey have been involved with Asian Youth Services (AYS) for many years.
Every year they take the remaining Christmas gifts from our Care Pantry Christmas party to AYS. Shari Fenton is the founder and is the only full time worker. Recently, Allen Lake, an AYS volunteer, published an AYS
article in a social services journal. Excerpts appear below. The full article can be found on the St. Thomas
website.
(Shari) Fenton knew early on that she wanted to help children "to give them a fighting chance." After working with another non-profit engaging refugee families in Uptown and not liking what she saw, she struck out
on her own. It's been 20 years of six-to-seven day work weeks with no vacations. When Uptown began to gentrify due to condo conversions, many of her charges moved to Albany Park. AYS followed and is now serving
a second generation of clientele: former students who are grown and are now sending their children to her program. Why? Because they remember when they needed furniture or a winter coat or had to bomb their apartment for bed bugs, AYS was there. Most importantly, they need a safe, supervised place to keep their children
out of harm's way.
While the organization is struggling to make ends meet with individual donations and Fenton's credit cards,
the landlord is raising the rent claiming that the amount of garbage they generate is inordinate, while neighbors
complain about the noise 50 kids make. Four months behind in payments, their five computers have no Internet. That's because there are other bills that take precedence at the moment: With the new school year upon us,
school supplies alone cost upwards to $2,000. Fenton hasn't been paid in over a year and a half. "That probably
won't change soon" as she laughs and gets back to more important matters at hand.
A year and a half without pay would probably cause most to reconsider their calling, but Fenton is determined not to give up. Maybe her background in theology gives her a different perspective than most. She long
ago told me that she views this as her youth ministry. While many wouldn't mind volunteering a couple hours
a week, who would work for this length of time without pay? Leading by example, her ethics are impressive
enough to keep volunteers coming back.
It is being authentically humble to embrace the
fact that we humans are members of Earth’s
community of life with some special privileges
and many serious responsibilities and also that
we are called to live out these privileges and
responsibilities. Father John Surette, SJ
(excerpt from 10/30/11 homily, go to
www.csjthewell.org for entire homily.)
Page 11 — Nov 13, 2011
Pastoral Care
Fighting/Preventing the Flu
Prevention and Protection are more important than
ever. Flu shots are just the beginning. Experts offer
these additional tips:
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with
soap and hot water or carry and use an alcoholbased gel hand sanitizer.
Take good care of yourself. Protect your immune
system by eating right, getting enough sleep and
reducing stress.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of it immediately or use your arm at the elbow area when coughing or sneezing to control
spread.
Avoid hugs, shaking of hands and sharing of any
utensil or drink and refrain from receiving the cup
at Eucharist while ill
Encourage others to do the same.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when
you are in contact with anyone who appears ill.
Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently.
To all St. Thomas Visitors
and Parishioners:
Blood Pressure Screenings will be held TODAY in
the Deacon’s office.
Screenings are after the
4:30 Saturday Mass and the
8:00, 9:30 and 11:15 Sunday
Masses.
The Deacon’s office is in
the left wing, as you exit
Church. All are WELCOME.
*source: DuPage and Kane Counties
Joyful Again! A Widowed Ministry
at St. Charles Pastoral Center
JOYFUL AGAIN! is a two-day program for widows and widowers who want to resolve the grief they
feel inside and begin to live again after the death of
their spouse. The weekend employs a series of video
presentations, followed by facilitated small group
discussion and private reflection time. Through this
process, individuals gain new insights and receive
encouragement and support. Trained facilitators, who
have been widowed themselves, help with the weekend and the discussions.
The next weekend at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville will be on November 12 and 13.
For more information, to register, or for other dates
and locations, contact Charlotte Hrubes 708.354.7211
or check the web at www.joyfulagain.org
Does your family struggle with a mental illness? If
so, you are not alone! NAMI (National Alliance on
Mental Illness) of DuPage County has free courses
for family members starting in January and February
in Naperville and Wheaton. For more information or
to register, go to www.namidupage.org (click on
Education), or call 630.752.0066, ext. 210.
Counseling Service:
Call Samaritan Interfaith 357-2456 or
Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 355-8980 x 124
Nov 13, 2011 — Page 12
Stewardship Commission
Remembering Your Parish
The most practical way to make a significant gift to your parish is through your estate
plan.
This can take the form of designating St.
Thomas the Apostle in your will, living trust or
as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy or
retirement account.
Such gifts are wholly revocable while you
are alive and may save significant estate taxes
at your death.
If you are considering remembering St.
Thomas in your estate plans, please call Janet
Simmons at 630.355.8980 ext 106.
Last Weekend’s stewardship
of financial gifts...
Weekly Sunday Offertory
Nov 6, 2011
Automatic Direct Debit
Mailed in & stock donations
Total for week
$27,257
n/a
$3,764
$31,021
*Based on Collection Counters Reports
Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) to date:
Weekly Average 7/1/10 to date:
Offertory Goal Year to Date
Over/short of goal to date:
Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30
Remaining for Fiscal Year goal
Diocesan Appeal Updated Results
Parish Appeal Goal:
Pledges Received:
% of Goal pledged to date:
Remaining amount to goal
Number of Appeal Donors:
$648,776
$34,146
$696,882
($48,106)
$1,870,587
$1,221,811
$131,623
$104,269
79.22
$27,354
572
NEWS from… All Saints Catholic Academy
Classroom Happenings — A. George Pradel, the honorable Mayor of Naperville, recently visited All
Saints Catholic Academy’s second grade classes. Second grade students, as a part of their Social Studies unit on
government, enjoyed the opportunity hear from Mayor Pradel about how local government works, and had a
chance to ask questions of the mayor to apply what they have learned in class.
Page 13 — Nov 13, 2011
Administration Commission
Jobs Ministry
Weekly Networking Meeting
First three Friday mornings of the month, 9:30 a.m.
(after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Gym
NOVEMBER KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Wednesday, Nov 16, at 7:00 pm:
Living the Law of Attraction Seminar/Workshop
A powerful force is at work in your life right now
called the Law of Attraction. It is a universal law
which brings you that which you give attention, energy, and focus to…both the positive and the negative. It is attracting people, situations, potential employers, relationships and things into your life. Are
you attracting what you DO want or too much of
what you DON’T want?
In this exciting, interactive, high-content training
program you will learn the three step process to deliberately activate your dreams and goals. To automatically raise your physical, emotional, and mental
energy and to clarify your purpose and the intentions
that drive your success.
Susan Reich will give you enough insight and understanding of this law to immediately become a Deliberate Attractor. To become consciously aware of
the words and phrases we use and how those words
could be sabotaging the manifestation of your desires. We, within ourselves, hold the resources to live
our lives by design instead of by default.
Susan Reich is an expert in facilitating
“Deliberate Law of Attraction Seminars,” a renowned training presentation devoted to helping individuals and organizations achieve greatness. For
more than three decades, Susan has applied and studied the correlation between managing positive forces
and bottom line results through attention, energy, and
focus as it relates to the Universal Law of Attraction.
Susan graduated as a life coach through CTI
(Coaches Training Institute). As a student of Michael
Losier’s Law of Attraction Certified Facilitator, she
was accredited by Michael himself. Many have conquered their inner power through Susan’s highcontent training seminars and classes by delivering
the message that every individual has the ability to
deliberately create positive results and overcome perceived negative challenges.
NO MORE MEETINGS the Rest of November due to the Thanksgiving Holidays.
Nov 13, 2011 — Page 14
THE WEEK AHEAD...
Monday, Nov. 14
3:30—5:00 p.m.
Stay, Pray, Play, Gym
4:00—5:30 p.m.
Youth Choir, Church
7:00—9:00 p.m.
Transitional Housing, Cana
7:00—9:00 p.m.
TWC Pillar, Gym & Youth Center
7:30—9:00 p.m.
School of Prayer, Senior Center
Tuesday, Nov. 15
4:30-5:45 p.m.
R.E. 4th Grade Care Pantry Visit, Gym
4:30—5:45 p.m.
R. E. Classes at Brookdale School
7:00—9:00 p.m.
Adult Basketball, Gym
7:00—9:00 p.m.
Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge
7:00—10:00 p.m.
Voices of Faith, Church
7:00—9:00 p.m.
Haiti Medical, Senior Center
7:00—8:30 p.m.
Puppet Ministry, Resource Center
Wednesday, Nov. 16
9:00—11:00 a.m.
ALPHA, Senior Center
6:30—8:30 p.m.
AuthenticLife, Lighthouse
7:00—9:00 p.m.
Jobs Ministry, Gym
7:00—9:30 p.m.
PLC, Cana
7:30—9:00 p.m.
Pro-Life, Resource Center
Thursday, Nov. 17
9:15—11:15 a.m.
Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center
10:00am-12:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry, Cana
4:15—5:30 p.m.
Jammers, Church
6:00—7:30 p.m.
Journey Praise, Lighthouse
6:30—8:00 p.m.
Prayer Shawl Ministry, Cana
7:30—9:00 p.m.
Dance Class, Gym
7:30—9:00 p.m.
Spread the Word Bible Study, Emmaus & Galilee
7:30—9:30 p.m.
Genesis Rehearsal, Church
Friday, Nov. 18
9:00—11:30 a.m.
Friday A.M. Bible Study, Senior Center
Saturday, Nov. 19
8:30—11:45 a.m.
R.E. 4th Grade Care Pantry Visit, Gym
8:30—11:45 a.m.
Middle School R. E. at All Saints Academy
8:30—11:45 a.m.
R. E. Classes at All Saints Academy
8:30—11:00 a.m.
Ensemble Rehearsal, Lighthouse
9:00—10:30 a.m.
Men’s Saturday Sharing, Senior Center
10:15—11:15 a.m. Rainbows, Ministry Center
4:30—6:00 p.m.
Family Advent Sale, Gathering Area
Sunday, Nov. 20
7:30am-12:45 p.m. Family Advent Sale, Gathering Area
8:00—9:15 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal, Lighthouse
8:00am-12:45 p.m. Pie Pick-Up, Gathering Area
9:00—11:45 a.m.
Liturgy of the Word for Children thru 5th grade,
Ministry Center
10:45am-1:45 p.m. RCIA, Senior Center
12:45—1:45 p.m.
Baptisms, Church
St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road,
Naperville, IL 60563 (630)355-8980. Friday meeting formats
include announcements, speaker presentation, and 2 rounds of networking. Prepare your elevator speech, and bring enough handbills to
pass out to 20 fellow networkers. Wednesday night is speaker only, no
formal networking. Contact Bob Hronek <[email protected]>; or
Ben Willingham <[email protected]>; for more info.