- St. Michael in Old Town

Our Mother of Perpetual Help
St. Michael in Old Town
Twelfth Sunday in
Ordinary Time
June 19, 2016
Peter proclaims Jesus as the Christ;
Jesus speaks of his
great suffering to come
(Luke 9:18-24).
This Week at St. Michael
For more information or to participate in any of the
activities listed below, please call the Parish Office at
(312) 642-2498.
Sunday, June 19
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
Mass
Church Tour
Mass
Baptism Service
Mass
Monday, June 20
8:00 a.m.
Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
6:30 p.m.
ACA Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Stillpoint/Contemplative Prayer
Tuesday, June 21
8:00 a.m.
Mass with Our Mother of
Perpetual Help Devotion
12:00 p.m. Mass with Our Mother of
Perpetual Help Devotion
8:00 p.m.
AA Meeting
Wednesday, June 22
8:00 a.m.
Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
6:00 p.m.
AA (Women Only)
Thursday, June 23
8:00 a.m.
Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
7:00 p.m.
Rosary
Friday, June 24
8:00 a.m.
Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
8:00 p.m.
AA Meeting
Saturday, June 25
8:00 a.m.
Mass
4:15 p.m.
Confessions
5:00 p.m.
Mass
Sunday, June 26
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
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Mass
Church Tour
Mass
Baptism Preparation Class
Mass
From the Pastor
Dear Parishioners,
One week from tomorrow, Monday, June 27 we will be celebrating the 150th
Anniversary of the Presentation of the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
to the Redemptorists. This beautiful Icon is also referred to as the Icon of
Love. As you will read in the reflection I am offering this week from Fr. Serafino Fiore, C.Ss.R., the Icon offers an opportunity for people to get to know
the Redemptorists and our understanding of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
After all is said and done, the thoughts we share with each other are the
thoughts we share with those we serve.
He writes, “The Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help has been an extraordinary gift that the Church – through the hands of Pope Pius IX – has given to
the sons of Saint Alphonsus. The Pope could not have imagined that in that
Icon would be the synthesis of the Redemptorist charism. There is the mystery of redemption, with the symbols of death and the colors of hope. There is
solidarity with those who suffer. There is the Gospel that Redemptorists are
called to proclaim.
The Icon has given a rhythm to our mission. The Redemptorists have introduced Our Mother of Perpetual Help in every area of the world we have been
called to serve. It has accompanied us, because this image has served as a
means of prayer and of catechesis, and to explain the role of Jesus and Mary
in the Christian life. Often the Icon has been a continuation of our mission,
remaining in a Church or parish for ongoing growth of the people’s devotion.
Our Icon is one of the best known in the world. We can say that we have
responded very well to Pope Pius IX’s mandate: “Make her known.” There
are places where the devotion draws extraordinary numbers of people, other
places where the Icon has been “adopted” by the people, becoming a statue, a
mosaic, or a subject of folklore. And yet, there is still much more to be done.
We do not always make the best use of the theological and spiritual potential
that the Icon brings with it. We need God’s grace to dedicate ourselves more
to this task, beginning with us Redemptorists.
All of this is not at the service of some misplaced pride, simply because it is
the Madonna of the Redemptorists, nor for a facile devotionalism. At the
core, there is a much more ambitious and demanding reason: that the Icon
help us announce the beautiful, good, and joyful life of the Gospel. Within
the Church, which only recently embarked on the third millennium, it is
urgent that by means of our missionary proclamation, the world discovers
that the Gospel is the way to build a future of justice. That apart from Jesus
Christ, and an intimate relationship with him, the risk of falsehood and
destruction become stronger. Only in the Gospel, do we find the vision of
hope that goes beyond death.
Particular attention should be given to the structures of sin that often are the
source of poverty, of desperation, and of exclusion. We must retrieve a prophetic voice. To denounce perverse and hidden tyranny which leaves even
more money in the hands of fewer people. To fight the idolatry of the marketplace, often a source of inequality that often engenders violence (Evangelii
Gaudium 59).
As Redemptorists, we recognize that the gaze of Mary and of Jesus in the
Icon remind us of the privileged recipients of our mission: the poor and the
abandoned, those “without hope”, those on the margins. Those who don’t
make the news or count for anything in the scheme of things in this world.
We must all try to recover a Church “that goes out”, a “field hospital”, whose
“doors are always open”. We need to increase our sensitivity each day to the
numbing effect of a culture of images and a society of appearances, which
run the risk of anesthetizing us.”
St. Michael in Old Town
From the Pastor
I hope this reflection has served as a means of helping you understand the
Redemptorists better and our love, rather our need, for Our Mother of
Perpetual Help. We hope to see you Monday, June 27th at 6:00 p.m. in St.
Michael’s Church. The whole schedule for the evening is listed below.
Well, Fathers’ Day is upon us. Let us be sure to offer a
special prayer today for all of our fathers; those we grew up
with and the other men who have served as examples and
guides in our lives. HAPPY FATHERS’ DAY!
In the Redeemer,
Fr. Ted Lawson, C.Ss.R.
Pastor
Spiritual Living Commission
Commission Head: Susan Cass
The Spiritual Living Commission offers programs that nurture living in the presence of God.
Catholic in its roots and ecumenical in its outreach, the Commission strives to assist all in
their desire for meaning, purpose, and community built on the foundation of God’s unconditional
love.
Ministries include: Adult Confirmation, Religious Education, RCIA, Young Adult Ministry,
Marriage, Single Life Development & Enrichment, Pathways/Stillpoint, Bible/Scripture studies.
Our Mother of Perpetual
Help
th
A Celebration of the 150 Anniversary
of the Presentation of the Icon to the Redemptorists
Monday, June 27, 2016 at St. Michael in Old Town
(1633 N. Cleveland Avenue)
Monday, June 27, 2016
Contemplative Prayer Group
3rd Floor Chapel in the Rectory
Monday from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Come experience the profound impact of silent
meditation in a group. If you'd like to learn how to
meditate, contact Fr. Ken Sedlak at 312-642-2498
or email [email protected].
It only takes 15 minutes to learn - and a lifetime to
complete.
Rosary Prayer Group
6:00 PM – Icon Novena Prayer Service in Honor of Our Mother of
Perpetual Help followed by a Procession with the Icon
7:00 PM – Gathering in the Parish Center to view the live-streaming of
the Redemptorist celebration in St. Louis
Online Giving
St. Michael’s offers everyone the opportunity to donate through our Online
Giving system. To access that system, go to st-mikes.org (St. Michael’s
home page), click the Online Giving logo in the bottom right row of the
front page. You can choose a one time donation or sign up and create a giving program that suits your situation. Donations can be designated to the
Outreach Fund, Maintenance Fund, or Sunday Giving, in addition to any of
the seasonal funds for projects or events currently taking place at St.
Michael’s.
Once you have a user name and password and have created a giving program, only you can change it! You will receive messages if your credit card
is ready to expire, or if the charge couldn’t be processed. The Parish Office
cannot change or access your giving program and has no ability to access
your credit card information. If you should get locked out of the systems,
we can get the system freed up and your password reset in this instance. If
you have any questions about this please call Pat Krier at 312-642-2498.
St. Michael in Old Town
Ancilla Domini Chapel
Saint Louis De Montfort writes in "The Secret of
the Rosary", "Somebody who says his Rosary
alone gains the merit of one Rosary, but if he says
it together with thirty other people he gains the
merit of thirty Rosaries. This is the law of public
prayer. How profitable, how advantageous this
is!"
Looking for a way to enrich your spiritual life?
Join in praying the Rosary weekly with your fellow parishioners. The group meets on Thursdays
at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel.
Roles in the Mass
We are seeking additional lectors, servers, and
Eucharistic ministers for all our masses To sign
up please call the Parish Office at 312-642-2498
or email [email protected].
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Mass Schedule
Mass in the Church
Saturday: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m.; 6:00 p.m.
Daily Mass in the Ancilla Domini Chapel:
Monday through Saturday: 8:00 a.m.
Monday through Friday: 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Devotions:
Tuesdays after the 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
masses.
For all chapel masses please enter through the east
door when possible.
Confessions
In the Church: Saturdays 4:15 - 4:50 p.m.
At the Rectory: When a priest is available or by
appointment.
Baptisms
First and third Sundays of each month at
1:00 p.m. except during Lent
Parent preparation sessions are normally held on
the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. or
the fourth Sunday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Holiday weekends are the exception. To schedule a
baptism and/or register for a parent preparation
session, please contact the Parish Office at
(312) 642-2498 or see our website for information.
Weddings
Fridays: 3:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Other wedding times are possible when mutually
agreed upon with the pastor.
Arrangements should be made a minimum of four
months in advance of a wedding date. Please
contact the Parish Office at (312) 642-2498 and
ask for Christine Kordiuk to receive additional
information.
Anointing of the Sick
Please call the church office at (312) 642-2498 if
you have a family member or friend who is homebound, in a nursing home, or in the hospital who
would like to receive the Anointing of the Sick or
other sacraments.
Parish Directory
Pastor/Rector
Church Tours
Rev. Ted Lawson, C.Ss.R.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Associate Pastors
Council Chair Pro Tem: Doug Macleod
Rev. Ramon Dompke, C.Ss.R.
[email protected]
Rev. Joseph Morin, C.Ss.R.
[email protected]
Rev. Ken Sedlak, C.Ss.R.
[email protected]
Redemptorists in Residence
Rev. John Paul Andree, C.Ss.R.
Rev. Tom Donaldson, C.Ss.R.
Rev. Tat Hoang, C.Ss.R.
Rev. Jim Keena, C.Ss.R.
Rev. John Phelps, C.Ss.R.
Rev. Gregory Schmitt, C.Ss.R
Business Office/Parish Manager
Finance Council
Parish Pastoral Council
Council Chair: Annie Pecoraro
Communications and Special Events
Commission
Commission Head: Jean Cocozza
Spiritual Living Commission
Commission Head: Susan Cass
Human Concerns and Needs
Commission
Co-Commission Heads:
Barbara Pope and Jeanne Sanna
Monthly Meetings: 2nd Wednesday
7:00 p.m., Parish Center
Pat Krier
(312) 642-2498, ext. 215
[email protected]
Parish Life Commission
Administrative Assistant
Respect Life Commission
Barbara Giannoni
(312) 642-2498, ext. 210
[email protected]
Events/Communication
Toni Dunning
(312) 642-2498, ext. 211
[email protected]
Wedding Co-ord./Parish Center Mgr
Christine Kordiuk
(312) 642-2498 ext. 301
[email protected]
Music Ministry
Fr. Ted Lawson, C.Ss.R.
(312) 642-2498, ext. 216
Coordinator of Religious Education
Elizabeth Kabacinski
(312) 642-2498, ext. 303
[email protected]
Sacristy/Office
Ray Perpignani
(312) 642-2498, ext. 239
[email protected]
Commission Head:
Commission Head: Del Ramirez
Worship Commission
Commission Head:
Diane Kelley-Thompson
Stillpoint/Contemplative Prayer
Director: Fr. Ken Sedlak, C.Ss.R.
[email protected]
Weekly Gatherings: Monday
7:00 p.m., Rectory Chapel
Gala
Diane Kelley-Thompson
[email protected]
Social Media Sites - Check us out!
Facebook:
St. Michael’s Moms Group
St. Michael in Old Town
Oktoberfest 5K Run
Young Adults of St. Michael in Old
Town (Public group)
St. Michael in Old Town Young Adults
Rectory Hours
Sacristy/Office
Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday and Holidays: Closed
Websites:
St-mikes.org
Oktoberfest5krun.com
Breakfast With Santa
(sites.google.com/site/stmichaelsbws/)
Spring Fling Gala
(sites.google.com/site/stmikesgala/)
Maintenance and Housekeeping
Twitter:
@StMichaelOT
Visit our website at www.st-mikes.org
Join our “St. Michael in Old Town”
Page!
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John Steigerwald
(312) 642-2498, ext. 210
[email protected]
Kendra Koldan
Victoria Reyes
Roxana Vieira
Evalds Zemmers
Instagram:
St Michael in Old Town
Pinterest:
St. Michael in Old Town
St. Michael in Old Town
Saint of the Day
and
Mass Intention
Ministry Schedule
Date
Celebrant
Homilist
Monday, June 20
8:00 a.m. Mass
10:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m. Mass
Fr. Dompke Fr. Dompke
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Tuesday, June 21
8:00 a.m. Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
Fr. Dompke Fr. Dompke
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Wednesday, June 22
8:00 a.m. Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
Fr. Dompke Fr. Dompke
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Thursday, June 23
8:00 a.m. Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
Fr. Dompke Fr. Dompke
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Friday, June 24
8:00 a.m. Mass
12:00 p.m. Mass
Fr. Dompke Fr. Dompke
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Saturday, June 25
8:00 a.m. Mass
1:00 p.m. Wedding
3:00 p.m. Wedding
4:15 p.m. Confession
Fr. Dompke Fr. Dompke
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Fr. Morin
Fr. Dompke
Date
Saturday, June 25
5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 26
9:00 a.m. Mass
Celebrant
Homilist
Fr. Dompke Fr. Dompke
Fr. Lawson
11:00 a.m. Mass
Fr. Lawson
2:00 p.m. Baptism
Preparation Class
Fr. Lawson
6:00 p.m. Mass
Fr. Lawson
Fr. Lawson
Fr. Lawson
Sunday, June 19
St. Romuald
9:00 a.m. † Jo Leiting
11:00 a.m. † Anthony Zagar
6:00 p.m. † Emmett Steele
Monday, June 20
8:00 a.m. Victims of violence
12:00 p.m. Redemptorist Vocations
Tuesday, June 21
St. Aloysius Gonzaga
8:00 a.m. Special Intention
12:00 p.m St. Michael’s Foundation Members
Wednesday, June 22
St. Thomas More
8:00 a.m. † John and Marie Reiff
12:00 p.m. † William and Angela O’Connell
Lectors/
Servers
Eucharistic
Ministers
L. Scannicchio
C. Jaccarino*
J. Cheng
S. Keenan
R. Perpignani
W. Karas
B. Karr
T. Dunning*
D. Dunning
T. Malec
L. Schreiber
V. Classen
A. Vancheri
R. Dump*
B. Gorski
D. Kelley
G. Palis
Friday, June 24
Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist
8:00 a.m. Families of Orlando club massacre
12:00 p.m. † D’Arcy Orde
Saturday, June 25
8:00 a.m. † Jo Leiting
5:00 p.m. † Thomas Herres
Sunday, June 26
St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer
9:00 a.m. Parishioners of St. Michael’s
11:00 a.m. † Thomas Herres
6:00 p.m. Redemptorists of St. Michael’s

This Week’s Readings
Fr. Lawson
NA -
—
*Minister to prepare host/wine and assignments
Father's Day Mass Enrollment Cards
St. Michael's offers an opportunity for parishioners to remember their
beloved fathers, living or deceased, or some other significant man in your life
in a spiritual way on Father's Day. Your father will be remembered in a
monthly Mass throughout the coming year. Mass enrollment cards are available at the back of the church. Simply fill out the card, enclose your donation,
and drop it in the collection basket.
St. Michael in Old Town
Thursday, June 23
St. Joseph Cafasso
8:00 a.m. † Ida Tedesco
12:00 p.m. † Margaret Gillespie

Monday:
2 Kgs 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18;
Ps 60:3-5, 12-13; Mt 7:1-5
Tuesday:
2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36;
Ps 48:2-4, 10-11; Mt 7:6, 12-14
Wednesday: 2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3;
Ps 119:33-37, 40; Mt 7:15-20
Thursday: 2 Kgs 24:8-17; Ps 106:1b-5;
Mt 7:21-29
Friday:
Vigil: Jer 1:4-10; Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17;
1 Pt 1:8-12; Lk 1:5-17
Day: Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15;
Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80
Saturday:
Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19;
Ps 74:1b-7, 20-21; Mt 8:15-17
Sunday:
1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21; Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7
-11; Gal 5:1, 13-18; Lk 9:51-62
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Human Concerns & Needs
Commission
News & Announcements
Co-Commission Heads:
Barbara Pope and Jeanne Sanna
Pastor’s Representative: Fr. Joe Morin, C.Ss.R.
Monthly Meetings: 2nd Thurs., 7:00 p.m., Parish Center
Remember in Your Prayers
Current Projects where your help makes a big
difference:
Ongoing Collections
• Toiletries for Marquard Center, non-perishable
food for Catholic Charities, Boxtops for Education and Campbell’s labels for Manierre School
Food Service
• Marquard Center—bake, cook, and serve a
meal monthly on Saturday. Contact R. Yanku
([email protected])
Contact Mary McCarthy for the following volunteer
opportunities ([email protected])
• Catholic Charities—serve dinner one Tuesday
of each quarter
• Deborah’s Place—serve dinner the fourth
Wednesday of the month
For health and healing:
Rev. John Paul Andree, C.Ss.R., Bernice Baumgarten,
Mamie Colacino, Addie Gallagher, Michael James and Lauren
Hohler, Therese and Paul Kunach, Mary Jane Liang, Dorothy
Meyers, Carl, Diane, and Lyla Neubek, Rev. Ken Sedlak, C.Ss.R.,
Marie Sineni, Robert Taylor, Drew Michael Williams, Ted and
MaryAnn Wiszowaty, Lawrence Worobec, Frances Zuvich
To place or keep a name on our sick list,
please call the rectory every 3 weeks to let us know that you,
a loved one, or friend are still in need of prayers.
Upcoming Weddings
III—June 25 2016
Ms. Courtney Darlington
&
Mr. Ryan Lavorgna
III—June 25, 2016
Ms. Kala Tiongson
&
Mr. Cristian Barrero
II—July 1 2016
Ms. Stephanie Small
&
Mr. Jon Lind III
II—July 2 2016
Ms. Dana Ferm
&
Mr. Panit Hompluem
II—July 2 2016
Ms. Kristin Deitos
&
Mr. Alec Bernstein
II—July 3, 2016
Ms. Kristy Scifo
&
Mr. Christopher Hynes
Finance Council
Commission Head: Pro Tem: Doug Macleod
Pastor’s representative: Fr. Ted Lawson C.Ss.R.
The Finance Council advises the pastor on the
tangible assets of the parish community including
financial resources, buildings, and the church’s
grounds and provides financial oversight for all
parish events. The Council consists of parishioners with skills in finance, accounting, legal,
construction and architecture.
Membership is by invitation of the pastor, Fr. Ted
Lawson, C.Ss.R..
Sunday Collection through June 12, 2016
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I—July 9, 2016
Ms. Anne Zakaras
&
Mr. Christopher Walters
Rite of Christian
Initiation for Adults
Begins in September!
Religion for Adults
An Introduction to the Catholic Faith
For: Anyone who is interested in becoming a Catholic
For: Catholics who want to understand their faith more fully.
Financial Report as of
June 13, 2016
Envelopes and Checks $
3,349
Electronic Giving $
2,318
Cash $
932
Total through June 12, 2016 $
6,599
Total through June 14, 2016 $
I—July 9, 2016
Ms. Sara Castro
&
Mr. Alexander Loch
17,580

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

What do Catholics believe? The beliefs that shape our faith.
Learn from Jesus how our beliefs give meaning and purpose to our life.
Learn to feel at home at Mass
Become part of God’s family, Heaven on Earth.
Meetings are held most every Sunday
after the 11:00 a.m. Mass
Contact: Fr. Ken Sedlak or
Christine Kordiuk at 312-642-2498
Or email: Fr. Ken: [email protected] or
Christine: [email protected]
St. Michael in Old Town
News & Announcements
Religious Education Registration Information
Stillpoint
St. Michael’s Spirituality Resource
Director: Fr. Ken Sedlak, C.Ss.R.,
Contemplative Prayer Gathering:
Mondays, 7:00 p.m. Parish Rectory
2nd Floor Chapel
Registration for the 2016/17 Religious Education Program has begun! Register now to receive your early submission discount! In formation can be found
on our website under the Religious Education tab st-mikes.org, under the
Inner Views
Parish Life tab to download and print the appropriate paperwork. You can
Prayer
also stop by or call the Parish Office (312-642-2498) for a printed copy of the
registration forms. Our new CRE, Elizabeth Kabacinski, has many exciting
I’d like to share an image of prayer that describes
plans for next fall!
what I am experiencing in my prayer at this time in
my life. I don’t expect it to be a model image for
you. God guides each of us to prayer according to
Religious Education Catechists Needed
our unique personality and spiritual path. I just hope
to help you trust where God is leading your prayer
The Religious Education Program and Children’s Liturgy of the Word is
looking for adult catechists and high school student assistants for the 2016/17 life.
school year! No experience necessary, just an enthusiasm for the Christian
For years I’ve started my prayer with a traditional
faith! Please contact Elizabeth Kabacinski, CRE, if you are interested, email
formula that we used to begin our prayer time in the
[email protected] or call 312-642-2498 x - 303.
seminary; “O God come to my assistance. Lord
make haste to help me.” This is a recognition that
prayer is a grace, a gift of God working within us.
Knights of Columbus
But it also imagines prayer as reaching out to God
across a distance that separates us. We need to imCourtyard Coffee & Donuts
plore God to come to us. Yet from Jesus’ perspective
Beginning next week, the Knights will be offering complimentary Coffee &
there is no distance. Jesus clearly teaches us a much
Donuts in the Courtyard after the Sunday morning masses. Everyone is wel- more intimate relationship to our Father.
come to stop by for a cup of joe and some friendly conversation with your
Here’s the development in which God is leading my
fellow parishioners. We look forward to seeing you. If you are interested in
prayer. It has come more as a grace that has spontathe Knights of Columbus please contact Tim Bracken at 312-953-4176 or
neously changed my approach to God rather than as
[email protected].
a new idea that I have chosen to implement.
Recently I’ve come to imagine God’s presence, our
Volunteers Needed!
Loving Creator, as an immense and calm lake in
On July 9th (and every second Saturday of the month) our Human Concerns which I am always floating. I begin prayer by recogand Needs Commission will be preparing and serving a meal at the Marquard nizing that I’m in this Divine Presence which is
Center, a Franciscan outreach soup kitchen at 1645 W Le Moyne St, Chicago, praying us and I choose to drop myself like a pebble
into this Divine Lake and let the Divine praying take
to over 100 homeless persons. Volunteers from St. Michael’s shop, bake
me. This immediately makes ripples which expand
cookies or brownies, prepare, cook and serve the meal each month. It takes
many volunteers to keep this going and we could use YOU! If you can donate out in concentric circles. Prayer has become a moment when God is receiving me and immediately
any time for this outreach program, please email
[email protected]. You can sign up for a specific month expanding my awareness.
that fits into your schedule or every month! The Human Concerns Commission And I experience myself change as I drop into the
appreciates every minute you can spare!
Lake, I am moved to let go and trust myself to God. I
Upcoming dates are August 13th, September 10th, and October 8th. Save the change from a pebble to something more like an
Alka Seltzer. I begin to dissolve into the Divine
date and join in. This is a fun day to be a part of.
Lake, slowly becoming one with Divine Presence.
I feel comforted and received, immersed in silent
Presence. It also strikes me that Alka Seltzer is
St. Michael Book Club
something I take to heal – and this healing is happenThe next meeting of the St. Mike's Book Club is Thursday, June 23 at
ing as I am received in and dissolved in Love.
7:00 pm in the Parish Center; we will be discussing, The Little Paris
Prayer is a conversation in which God responds with
Bookshop written by Nina George.
grace to expand our hearts. We need a conversation
As per the review by Amazon,
partner who loves us for who we are and who sees
“Monsieur Perdu can prescribe the perfect book for a broken heart. But the self-destructive things we do. We need someone
to give us perspective because we are so used to our
can he fix his own?
point of view that we aren’t aware that it’s just that,
… Internationally bestselling and filled with warmth and adventure, The Lit- a point. We grow spiritually by expanding our pertle Paris Bookshop is a love letter to books, meant for anyone who believes in spective to include love for more and more of our
the power of stories to shape people's lives.”
personality, other personalities and God’s creation.
Everyone is welcome to join us for snacks and a lively discussion of our next Like all true conversations this demands that we are
fascinating book selection. If you would like more information, contact Toni vulnerable, open to perspectives besides our own.
Without this our conversation is reduced to a one
Dunning at 312-642-2498 or email [email protected].
St. Michael in Old Town
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sided monologue, a lecture from our limited point of
view or a desire that God will supply for us what we
want and need. However God may have a different
perspective.
In our conversations with God we notice that God is
silent. Real love must come from freely chosen intentions on our part. God does not coerce us but
graciously inspires us in silent Presence full of
grace.
Prayer is a conversation with our Silent God in our
Divine depths that helps us open our lives to a more
inclusive vision of our place in Creation. We begin
to realize that we are not able to control or guide our
conversion and its transformation. When we try to
control our self we just become more self-centered
and continue our limited perspective, but this time
we bury it even more deeply in our unconscious. We
are becoming more engulfed in our self and less able
to relate to God as God. We are trying to turn God
into our puppet. Prayer, on the other hand, opens our
heart to God.
By “open heart” I don’t mean a romantic gushing of
emotion. Opening our heart is growing in our soul’s
capacity to receive another person into our life, free
of our self-protective defenses. We can do our part
by taking time to experience our innate sense of
wonder; learning to be vulnerable in our relationships; and relating to nature or another person as a
“thou” rather than an “it,” – living in an ensouled
world, rather than the inanimate, mechanical or
purely physical one.
What I’m finding is that prayer is leading me to a
humbler, more patience and trusting relationship.
These are not qualities that I’ve chosen for myself.
Desire, plotting and striving feed the ego. Trust,
humility and love feed the soul. We can choose
which of these to set as our intention realizing that
trust, humility and love will become real because of
Divine grace. In prayer we humbly set aside time to
let God be the center of our lives. And then we patiently learn to wait while God responds from our
silent depths. Humility means letting go of my illusion of being able to control my life. As Jesus pointed out “Don’t even try to pull out the weeds, because you will pull out the wheat along with
it” (Matthew 13:29). Instead we need to let God
reveal and heal our deep woundedness (Original
Sin).
The depth and stillness of Divine Presence lies hidden beneath the stormy waves on its surface, so the
power of our essential nature lies concealed behind
all our turbulent feelings. Struggling against our
feelings only keeps us tossing around on the stormy
surface of our self, disconnected from our larger
being. Tossing on the waves keeps us from going
beneath them and accessing the power, warmth, and
openness of the heart. We struggle because of our
fear, the self-defensiveness that comes from our
illusion of our loss of connection with Divine Presence.
(cont’d in column to the right)
8
News & Announcements
Yoga of 12 Step Recovery at St. Mikes
The Yoga of 12 Step Recovery (Y12SR) combines the practical tools of a 12
step program with yoga, addressing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects
of addiction. Modeled from the meetings of 12-step programs, Y12SR is a
group sharing circle coupled with an intentional, themed trauma-informed
yoga practice. Y12SR meetings are open for anyone dealing with their own
addictive behaviors or affected by those behaviors in others. Y12SR deepens
any work participants may be currently doing or jumpstart the journey of self
–discovery. Meetings are free, donations optional. Please wear comfortable
clothes. More information available at www.Y12SR.com or email Christine
Kordiuk, [email protected] or call 312-642-2498, ext. 301. This class
will be meeting every other Tuesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the
Parish Center, 3rd floor. Our next session is on June 29th. Please enter at
1711 N. Cleveland Ave door.
Social Action Summer Institute
Join in the 30th annual Social Action Summer Institute July 17-21 at St. Xavier University for “Who is my Neighbor? Discipleship in the Year of Mercy.”
They will examine issues facing our neighbors including racism, violence,
and poverty. Participants will come away with resources and tools for use at
the parish level as well as within other aspects of public life. You may register for single days or for the full conference. There will be workshops, keynote sessions, liturgies and one full day for field trips to visit organizations
funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Financial assistance is available, and registration ends July 7. Go to
www.CatholicPeaceandJustice.org/SASI for more information.
Inner Views
(cont’d from column to the left)
This fear reveals itself in the pain of powerlessness and not belonging. We
want to belong; we want to love but can’t get passed our obsession with being unlovable and unloving; we feel defective, intrinsically flawed and ugly
inside. And we try to span the separation from Divine Love with any number
of attempts at self-medication. The pain is internal, inside us and not caused
by anything external to ourselves. But we spend much of our lives trying to
manipulate and control this pain though external remedies. Whether we use
alcohol, drugs, sex, admiration, success, a social role, greed or any kind of
external remedy we are avoiding the true need. This is addiction.
All addictions are the same. They are the craving and the frustrating pain of
not being able to fill this hunger which is generated by a feeling of distance
from our Divine Source. And yet it’s good to remember that when we try to
satiate this emptiness we’re reaching for our highest goal. We’re trying to
return to our connection to Divine Presence. Prayer is turning inside to let
Divine Presence guide us home and open our hearts to the Love that is keeping us in existence at every moment. We can’t do this for our self. Trying
just gives us a helping of our self. Only God is big enough for us and God is
always here for us.
Ken Sedlak C.Ss.R., PATHWAYS / STILLPOINT
@Kencssr
St. Michael in Old Town
News & Announcements
THE SPIRIT OF WELLNESS
by Coach Joe Cullen
Consuming Fluids, avoid Dehydrated (part 2 of 2)
Well, in 24 hours, summer is officially here, so lets’ all get
into gear with healthier eating and exercising. In the June
6th Sunday bulletin, I highlighted the causes of dehydration,
along with some of the signs and symptoms. In part 2 of 2
here, I’d like to talk about; who’s more at risk and how to
treat dehydration at home.
Although dehydration can occur in everyone and all year
around, those mostly at risk are babies, small children and
senior citizens. Dehydration can cause problems and sometimes can be severe
so drink plenty of water, milk or Gatorade and minimize alcohol. Food intake
is important, but drinking fluids is even more important. Health is Wealth
everyone!
Babies and Small Children – are to be watched closely for dehydration, due
to:
* A larger portion of their young bodies are made of water * A child’s kidneys just don’t conserve water as well as an adult * When a child is ill,
they’ll actually avoid fluids and food. They rely more on their parents and
caregivers to give them water and food * Children have a high metabolic
rate, so their bodies need more water.
Senior Adults – are also more likely to become dehydrated, due to: * Limited
fluid intake due to the inability to control the bladders * Seniors don’t feel
thirsty like younger adults *Taking medications that increase urine output
which can lead to dehydration * Some older adults have physical challenges
which make it difficult to hold a glass.
Treating mild-dehydration for children and older adults: Try these self-care
methods at home to: * Sip small amounts of water all day * Suck on ice chips
or popsicles made from low sugar juices * Drink electrolyte/carbohydrate
containing sports drinks such as Gatorade or prepared replacement solutions
suggested by a physician or pharmacist.
Questions or Suggested Future Topics? You’re invited to contact me anytime. My office number is 773-857-7027 or my cell is 312-972-2828.
E-mail: [email protected].
Web site: www.CertifiedHealthFitness.com
Tip of the Month:
Your Pharmacist and Doctor should be consulted for serious Dehydration and
for excessive heat exposure / high body temperatures. The information above,
and in all my columns are based on my experiences, and my research with
WEBMD, the American Council on Exercise, The New England Journal of
Medicine and other professional publications.
Parish Pastoral Council
Council Chair: Annie Pecoraro
2016 Parish Pastoral Council Members
CHAIR: Annie Pecoraro
VICE-CHAIR: Alice Huff
SECRETARY: Jean Cocozza
Member-at-large:
Member-at-large: Joe Tully
Member-at-large: Annie Pecoraro
Member-at-large: Alice Huff
Member-at-large: Jim Theisen
Commission Representatives
Communications/
Special Events: Jean Cocozza
Spiritual Living: Susan Cass
Human Concerns: Jeanne Sanna
Parish Life:
Worship:
Diane Kelley-Thompson
Pastor:
Fr. Ted Lawson, C.Ss.R.
Parish Staff
Representatives: Fr. Joe Morin, C.Ss.R.
Christine Kordiuk,
Toni Dunning
Music Ministry
Pastor’s Representative: Fr. Ted Lawson C.Ss.R.
Membership to the Schola Cantorum or the
Contemporary Choir is open to all high school,
college and adult parishioners. If you would like to
learn more about our parish choirs please contact
Scott to schedule an time to visit.
Parish Life Commission
Commission Head:
The Parish Life Commission provides a wide
variety of programs that enhance the social
experience and sense of community for all
Parishioners. Its various activities include: Young
Adults group, Docents of St. Michael’s, Mom’s
Groups, New Parishioner Welcome Events, Gardening Group, Book Club
Church Tours
Tours of the church are held most Sundays after
the 11:00 a.m. Mass in winter and after the 9:00
a.m. Mass in summer. All are welcome. Please
meet by the Offering Kiosk on the east side of the
Oktoberfest 5K Run and Walk
church. Tours for groups can be scheduled by eIn the Park
mailing [email protected].
St. Michael’s 6th Annual Oktoberfest 5K Run/Walk in Tours: June 19, 26 at 10:00 a.m.
the Park is on September 15th! Early registration has
begun so sign up NOW! Sign up 10 or more and addi- Mom’s Group
tional discounts will apply!
Join our welcoming group of new moms monthly
at the Parish Center. They meet the first WednesSponsorships are being solicited, monetary and in-kind, so keep the 5K in
mind when looking for space to advertise your business or service. You have day of the month for a playgroup, snack and craft
access to over 700 participants. Contact Toni Dunning for more information from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Please contact Toni
at 312-642-2498 or email [email protected]. This is a great event to be Dunning at [email protected] for more
information.
involved in!
St. Michael in Old Town
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Support St. Michael’s
Giving Options at St. Michael’s!
We Need YOU!
Here at St. Michael we strive to make giving convenient and stay current with modern technology
choices and online giving. As you travel this summer, consider setting your donation up online so
even though you are gone, your donation won’t be!
Below you will find options for you when you find
yourself wanting to donate, If we can address your
needs in another manner feel free to email
[email protected] with details.
1. Giving Kiosk
On the east side of the church is a kiosk designed
for accepting donations. On the front of the kiosk
you can insert cash, checks or swipe a credit card
for “Quick” gives. No login is required. OR—if you
choose, our kiosk is linked directly to our website.
From the St. Michael’s home page, you can view
our website for information, click on any link on
our site, and gain access to our Online Giving System by clicking the Online Giving logo on the
front page, bottom right corner. Donations can be
designated to the Outreach Fund, Maintenance
Fund, or Sunday Giving, in addition to any of the
seasonal funds for projects and events currently
taking place at St. Michael’s.
2. Quick Read Code
With you smart phone you can now scan our code
with your phone and you will be linked automatically to our Online Giving system login page.
3. From any computer you can access our website
(www.st-mikes.org) and enter into our Online Giving System .
4. We accept donations of cash or checks mailed to
us (1633 N Cleveland Ave., Chicago, IL 60614),
delivered to the office or in the Offertory at mass.
5. If you would like to create a regular donation
plan and are unable to use a computer, find the systems confusing or just need help, please call Pat
Krier or Toni Dunning in the office for assistance.
(312-642-2498)
6. If you wish to purchase items online in support
of any event (Christmas Gift Drive, Outreach, Hunger Relief Drive, for example) you can have your
donation shipped directly to St. Michael’s, attn.
Toni Dunning, 1633 N Cleveland Ave., Chicago, IL
60614. In the comment section when ordering indicate the event the donation is in support of or email
[email protected] with your donation information.
It is our goal to make giving simple, convenient to
your way of life, and uncomplicated for you. We
appreciate each donation no matter the method, frequency or amount. Each gift allows St. Michael’s to
continue its mission and continue to be a place of
prayerful respite when needed.
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“A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” —Anonymous