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Be fueled to proclaim God’s praises to the ends of the earth as a trumpeter who blares his horn!
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Be fueled to proclaim God’s praises to the ends of the earth as a trumpeter who blares his horn!
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Mission Statement : The Roman Catholic Saint Thomas More Parish Family welcomes and invites every person to join us on our journey in faith and celebration. With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all, especially in loving service to those in need.
As part of the Universal Church, we affirm the dignity of every person. All this we do to give glory and honor to God.
Pastoral Staff Pastor ........................ Reverend Michael J. Yadron, KCHS; Ext. 2312 [email protected] Priest In Residence ................ Reverend Andrew J. Corona; Ext. 2314 [email protected] Senior Deacon............................................ Dr. Napoleon Tabion, OFS Senior Deacon.................................................. Daniel Zurawski, KHS Deacons ................................................................ David Kapala, KHS ............................................................................ Joseph Stodola, KHS Director of Finance ...................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 2330 Pastoral Care Coordinator .......Deacon David Kapala, KHS; Ext. 2315 Director of Music ....................................... Angie Lorandos; Ext. 2338 Director of Religious Education .................. Emily Hackett; Ext. 2232
St. Thomas More Religious Education Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Friday — 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday — 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Religious Education Phone ............................................................ 836-8610 Director ............................................................... Emily Hackett; Ext. 2232 Administrative Assistant ............................... Rosemary Strimbu; Ext. 2236
Grades K through 8 • Wednesday or Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education .............................................................. Allen Blocher Parish Life ......................................................................... Elaine Herrmann Peace & Social Justice ................................................................ Mari Casas Spirituality & Worship ....................................................... Kaaren Mashura Stewardship .......................................................................... Paul Liszewski
Parish Organizations
Altar & Rosary Society ....................................... Cindy Keilman 923-9862 Boy Scouts......................................................... PJ Caraher (219) 838-2943 Career Networking Group…………………… Jim Kaczka (219) 201-0335 Circle of Prayer…………………………………..Carolyn Cenko 741-2509 [email protected] Cub Scouts ……………………...Kevin Ranos [email protected] Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Gabriel Project………………………………... Marilyn Glennon 801-6586 Garden Club ............................................................ Paul Mazerik 644-8409 Gifts of Love & Warmth……………………..Bernadine Nemeth 513-6544 Girl Scouts ............................................................. Renee Whelan 796-6809 Holy Name Society ..................................................... Bill Burke 322-6462 Knights of Columbus ...................................... Joe Janostak (219) 923-3699 Oblates………………………………………...Denise Gard (219)201-4103 Respect Life .................................................. Leslie Dernulc (219)741-3739 Senior Citizens .................................................... Bob O’Donnell 877-5050 Ushers Club ..................................................... ….Jim Marmalejo 836-1463 Venture Crew……………………………………....Fr. Ben Ross 322-4505
St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321
Sacramental Information Confessions Saturdays ............................................................ 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. First Friday ............ …………..1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. Mass Baptisms .............................. First and Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m.
Parents must be registered parishioners and regularly attending at least six months before the Baptism. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic.
Pre-Baptism Class ..................................... 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism. Marriage .............. Must be a registered, practicing member of the parish at least six months before beginning the six month preparation program for marriage.
Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound: Call the Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.
New Parishioner Registration Welcome to the St. Thomas More parish family!
To make it as convenient as possible for you, new parishioners may register at any time in the
Parish Office.
St. Thomas More Parish Website: www.stm-church.com
Parish Office Staff
Hours: Mon-Friday 8:00 am-8:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am-2:00 pm Email address .................................. [email protected] Email address for bulletin ...................... [email protected] Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax ................... 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ................................................... Pam Pasyk; Ext. 2309 Daytime Receptionist ...................................... Susan Strain; Ext. 2300 Evening Receptionist ........................................................... .Ext. 2330 Building Maintenance…………..Mike Popovich 836-8610, Ext. 2313 Custodial Supervisor…………….Karla Baldwin 836-8610, Ext. 2331
Pastoral Ministries Environment & Art ...................................... Susan Gryfakis 688-8209 Eucharistic Ministers ........................ Deacon Dan Zurawski 742-6005 Hospitality/Greeters ................................... Chris Shearman 923-1419 Lectors ..................................................... William McDunn 922-9459 Nursery ................................................. Kaaren A. Mashura 836-5079 St. Vincent de Paul .................................. Michael Martinelli 836-8610 Vocations Committee....................................... Mary Kochis 322-7262
2018-2019 Pastoral Council Members Thomas Alexander ................................................... Bernadine Barrett Carolyn Cenko ............................................................... Diane DeSoto Deborah Jarvis ................................................................... Tim Jevyak Jim Kaspar .................................................................. Christi Kordeck Paul Liszewski .................................................................... Eric Miller Dwight Reed ................................................. Jim Secviar, Chairperson
St. Thomas More School Pre-School through 8th Grade
Office Hours: Monday– Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Website ............................................................ www.stm-school.com School Phone ......... 836-9151 School Fax ......................... 836-0982 President ...................................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 2330 Principal ............................................ Dr. Samantha Francis; Ext. 2258 School Administrative Assistant………..Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 2200 School Reception & Office Associate……Nereida Harretos; Ext. 2201 School Parent Association………...Shannon Pischner; (219) 306-7551 Parish & School Offices Associate………...Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 2311 School Admission……………………………... Pam Pasyk; Ext. 2309 Director of Development………………….…Karen Leluga; Ext. 2307 Business Manager………………………Mike Gutchewsky; Ext. 2339
Weis Center — Preschool & Pre-K 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN 46321
Phone .................................................................................... 836-2660 Fax ........................................................................................ 836-2655
Please remember St. Thomas More in your Will and Estate Planning
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Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 3, 2019
Saturday, February 9 5:30 p.m. Fr. Mike Yadron
Sunday, February 10 6:30 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 8:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 10:00 a.m. Fr. Andrew Corona 12:00 Noon Fr. Andrew Corona
SUNDAY, February 3 — Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Cletus O’Drobinak (Ann.) by Wife Mary 10:00 am Ed & Jean Hreha by Children 12:00 pm Elvira Ferrara (Ann.) by Daughters Tina & Maria
MONDAY, February 4 6:30 am Shirley O’Donnell (Ann.) by Family 8:30 am Carmen Garcia by Serrano Family
TUESDAY, February 5 — St. Agatha 6:30 am Nancy Bossi by Jim & Jackie Pietraszak 8:30 am Patrick Quinn (Ann.) by Wife Lois 10:00 am Cliff Huber by STM Holy Name Society (MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 2)
WEDNESDAY, February 6 — St. Paul Miki & Companions 6:30 am Rosemary Balka by Rose Yothment 8:30 am Joseph Oblon (Ann.) by Virginia & Robert Gauger
THURSDAY, February 7 6:30 am Rosemary Balka by Rose Yothment 9:00 am Amanda L. Serrano (Ann.) by Serrano Family
FRIDAY, February 8 — St. Jerome Emiliani 6:30 am Fr. Robert Evers by Bernarte Family 8:30 am Richard Monak by Bill Szumelda
SATURDAY, February 9 8:30 am Thomas Cak by Darlene & Paul Metten 5:30 pm Rufino Aquino Sr. (Ann.) by Aquino Family
SUNDAY, February 10 — Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Francisco Valencia by Rosita Farina 10:00 am Stanley Marczak (Ann.) by Slough Family 12:00 pm Bernie Mashura by Tom, Holly & Mike Duffy
SATURDAY, February 9 8:30 am J. & M. Connelly 5:30 pm H. Hamer, T. Pappas, P. Schwemlien MC ~ Jacob C. SUNDAY, February 10 6:30 am T. O’Brien, K. & S. Cunningham 8:00 am P. Wujek, D. Kenning, D. Nahnsen MC ~ Alyssa 10:00 am Boy Scouts/ MC ~ Patrick 12:00 pm E. & J. Korwek, D. O’Brien/MC ~ Tim
Pastoral Care Ministry If you or a family member is a hospitalized or homebound STM parishioner, contact Deacon Dave Kapala at (219) 836-8610, #
315 or [email protected] to arrange a Communion visit.
Sacrificial Offerings
January 27, 2019
Adult $ 17,362.00 Loose $ 2,211.00 Automated $ 3,139.00 Children $ 196.15
TOTAL $ 22,908.15
Thank you for sharing your gift of treasure with our parish!
Angela Montenegro
Marian Gunia • Patricia Phipps • Mary Anhalt
REFLECTION Stewardship
“Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous.” 1Corinthians 13:4
Do you get jealous? Do you focus more on the things that other people have than on the gifts that God has given to you? Are you pompous? Do you acquire more possessions to impress
others? At times we are all guilty of these things. Pray for more humility. Pray to become less “self-centered”
and become more “God-centered”.
Launderer Needed Our parish is in need of another
launderer for parish linens. This easy task is required only twice a year and entails ironing linens to adorn
our church altar. Won’t you please help?
Call the Parish Office to learn more or to volunteer: (219) 836-8610
Thank you in advance for your help!
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lease pray for the sick of our parish... P Joshua Alvarez
Margaret Amatulli Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio
Antonio Belmonte Mary Berry
Michael Berry Michael Billedo
Michael Blazevich Laverne Blumka
Diane Bochnowski Cheryl Bostrom
Arthur M. Branco Linda Braun
Stephany Burney Kathleen Burns
Paul Burns Dorothy Campbell James Campbell
Al Carollo Peter Castro
Janet Cattanach Jacqueline Morrow
Christian Willie Colby
Vincent Corsello Mike Curtain
Eleuterio Del Real Irene Dettmer
Jeanine Doescher Patrick Doran Alex Eiland
Sherlon Evans John Forde
Bonnie Gabrione Ed Gage
Phyllis Garber Andrea Garritano Margaret Geary Emily Gibson
Dorothy Gillespie Margaret Good
Monica Gonzalez Howard Gralewski
Margaret Gray Susan Graff
James Grunewald Mary Ellen Gullicks
Amy Hayes
Marie Henke Marisol Hernandez
Robert Hesek Becky Hill
Charlotte Hunt Betty Ingbretson Joseph S. Iwan
Steve Izzo Elizabeth Jacob Barbara Jamrose Stanley Jayjack Robert Kalka
Carol Keilman Kelly Jean
Mark Kenney Irene Kerps Jean Kibler
James Klein, Sr. Janet Knight
Susan Kolodziej Richard Komyatte
Paul Kostalik Edward Kritzer Crystal Kurek Isabella Lappo
Annika LeMonier Chris LeMonier
Debbie LeMonier Nicklas LeMonier
Mike Lewis Kris Lisikiewicz Jo Lisiniewicz
Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz
Maria Lovell Marilyn Madsen
Brady Martin Larkin McKenzie Jenny Mendoza
Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Erin Meyer
Ann Miskovich Andrew Moll
Genevieve Mrvan Donna Nichols
Jim Nolan Steven Nowaczyk
Clare O’Brien
Donna O’Connor Kevin O’Neill Danny Ogren
James Pancheri Marty Pavovic
Johanna Petruch Andrew Pieczyrak Elizabeth Pilones
Ron Plewniak Sylvester Porras Dennis Powell Ronald Prus Jerry Reach
Timothy Ribble Jackie Roach Ann Sardella George Sauer Marie Schultz
Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz
Zachery Scriff James Secviar
Jim Seul Renee Shehan Nick Skinner Laurie Slazyk
Carolyn Smiley Deborah Stareck Georgianne Suto Florence Stevens
Rose Theis Gerardo Trevino Kathie Trudgian Anthony Ubuane
Phyllis Unkuri Tony Vanden Heuvel Raymond Vanderbok
Julia Vrbanich James Wachel Kathy Wachel
Marilyn (Vrabel) Warda Mark Wein
Anne Wisniewski Don Woszczynski Josephine Zagrocki
Cecilia Ziegler Cody Ziemkowski
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Gospel is one of tension and contradiction. We enter the scene at the local synagogue. It is near the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry,
and he has returned home to Nazareth for a short while. There, in the midst of the men who watched him grow up and who played with him as a boy in the dusty streets, Jesus proclaims that he is the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah. The response is understandably mixed. "All spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, 'Isn't this the son of Joseph?'" Jesus reminds them - none too gently - of the Israelites' rejection of the prophets throughout history. Not only did the people ignore Elijah and
Elisha, but they worked miracles among the pagans instead. Then comes the rage. "They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down
headlong." No one likes to be reminded of their own faults. In the deeply religious Jewish society, nobody wanted to be the unfaithful one. Jesus exposes the sins of the community, and it drives them not to conversion, but to
rage. We can consider our own time. How often, when someone is contracted, do they quickly resort to anger, name-calling, and
undermining the reputation of the other? How quickly we want to destroy! This Sunday, we ought to consider our own lives.
Do we listen to the prophetic voices around us, even when they threaten to upturn our expectations? If we hear something difficult, something
that reminds us of our own sin, do we accept the opportunity to prayerfully ponder? If we allow ourselves to be open to the prophetic
voices in our own lives, we'll notice that God speaks through the unexpected, if we have ears to hear it.
SUNDAY, February 3 10:00 am St. Thomas More School Honorees at Mass
MONDAY, February 4 6:30 pm Marian Rosary ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Schola Choir ~ Church 7:00 pm Parish Life ~ Solar Room
TUESDAY, February 5 9:15 am Eucharistic Adoration (until 6:30 p.m.) ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel 7:00 pm RCIA ~ Conference Room
WEDNESDAY, February 6 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.) 4:30 pm RCIC (until 6:00 p.m.) ~ Conference Room 6:30 pm Handbell Practice (until 7:45 pm) ~ Church 7:00 pm Catholics Coming Home ~ Solar Room
THURSDAY, February 7 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.) 6:30 pm Scripture Study ~ Conference Room 6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church FRIDAY, February 8 9:00 am Gifts of Love & Warmth ~ Conference Room 5:00 pm EagleFest Family Fun Fair ~ Gym (til 9:00 p.m.) SATURDAY, February 9 9:00 am Live Christ/Share Christ ~ Weis Center 10:00 am Oblates ~ Conference Room
SUNDAY, February 10 10:00 am Mass with Your Class ~ Grades 1 & 2 10:00 am Boy Scout Sunday Mass
Readings for Week of February 3 Sunday: Jer 1:4-5, 17-19/Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17 [cf. 15ab]/1 Cor 12:31—13:13 or 13:4-13/Lk 4:21-30 Monday: Heb 11:32-40/Ps 31:20, 21, 23, 24 [25]/Mk 5:1-20 Tuesday: Heb 12:1-4/Ps 22:26b-27, 28 and 30, 31-32 [cf. 27b]/Mk 5:21-43 Wednesday: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15/Ps 103:1- 2, 13-14, 17-18a [cf. 17]/Mk 6:1-6 Thursday: Heb 12:18-19, 21-24/Ps 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 9, 10-11 [cf. 10]/Mk 6:7-13 Friday: Heb 13:1-8/Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc [1a]/Mk 6:14-29 Saturday: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21/Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 [1]/Mk 6:30-34 Next Sunday: Is 6:1-2a, 3-8/Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8 [1c]/1 Cor 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11/Lk 5:1-11
Vocations Committee Everyone should be concerned about the current shortage of
priests! And pray for those who are already priests, too. Please add prayers for more priests to your New Years list of
daily prayers. And join us on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel.
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The Pastor’s Page
PLEASE REMEMBER THEM Please pray for the priests and deacons who have served the Diocese of Gary so faithfully and whose anniversaries of death are this week:
February 3: Msgr. Francis A. Rego (1987) February 4: Rev. Stephen J. Vrabely (1994) Reverend John Beckmann (1996) February 5: Rev. Vincent E. Eckert (1978) February 6: Deacon Alexander Saims (2008) February 8: Msgr. Frederick J. Westendorf (1963) Rev. Robert E. Emmons (1965)
LET YOUR TRUMPET BLAST
“Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
There are so many times that people are careful about picking favorites. Teachers-in-training are often admonished not to play favorites. Parents are told the danger of letting their children know that one is favored. When a favorite is declared, others can feel inferior, angry, put out, et cetera.
Just because we don’t play favorites doesn’t mean that we don’t have favorites, however. That takes place in all sorts of areas of our lives: relationships, duty preferences, jobs, and the like. It even takes place in our faith.
As faithful people, we are all called to follow in the Lord as completely as possible. Yet, we all go about it different ways. Some are inspired by favorite hymns. Others are inspired by spiritual authors. Still others have favorite scripture passages.
It is all right to have favorites, as long as we do not play favorites. There are some people who quote pieces of scripture without even understanding the context of the passage. They just like how it sounds or what it says or what a particular person accomplished. We need to have a deep appreciation of all scripture. At the same time, we can allow ourselves to be inspired by individual passages.
Ralph Waldo Emerson knew that and shares that thought with us today. He encourages us to gather our favorites into a book of sorts so that we can refer to them over and over again. Just as people have a prayer book filled with their favorite prayer cards and other inspirational tracts, we can have a collection of favorite scripture passages to keep us on the straight and narrow.
“Whatever works”. That is a phrase that we hear often in our lives. Do whatever works to keep us on track, to make us better, to get us in school, to get a promotion, et cetera. In our faith life, we need to do whatever it takes so that we remain on the straight and narrow. Do you have favorites in your faith? Collect them. Put them together in one place. Refer to them often.
Referring to them, you will be fueled to proclaim God’s praises to the ends of the earth as a trumpeter who blares his horn!
FAITH ACTION: Think about what inspires you to live your faith and, if it would help, make a collection that you can keep at hand and refer to often.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE A man and his wife were making their first doctor visit prior to the birth of their first child. After everything checked out, the doctor took a small stamp and stamped the wife’s stomach with indelible ink. The couple was curious about what the stamp was for, so when they got home, the husband dug out his magnifying glass to try to see what it was. In very tiny letters, the stamp said, “When you can read this, come back and see me.”
MANY THANKS! Even though it was a cold and slushy Sunday, there are a lot of people who turned out for the School Open House as well as for the Ushers’ Club Pancake Breakfast. Thank you to all who helped to set up or take down for these events, to all the teachers and students who turned out to make such a good impression on our visitors, and to the parishioners who took the time to support our school by attending the breakfast or touring the school. We are all in this together. Thank you for making our parish and school community so vibrant and welcoming!
OPPORTUNITIES No matter how much grousing, grumbling, groaning or complaining that we do — and, believe me, I have also done my fair share — we have no control over the weather. What we do have control over, however, is how we act during the weather. The bad weather has given us plenty of opportunities to come to the assistance of others. There may have been people who lost control of their cars and have gone off the road. It is nice to be able to lend them a hand. There are others who cannot clear their own walks and driveways. You may have been able to come to their aid. There are still others who have no respite from the cold. You can provide for shelters or volunteer at them in order to give someone a place of safety from the elements. We might not be able to control the elements; but, we can do all that is possible to care for one another. Doing so, I can’t help but think, God would be happy with us because we have learned our lesson from His Son and put His words into practice in our lives.
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Religious Education
February Schedule 6/7 Class 13/14 Class 20/21 Class 27/28 Class
March Schedule 3 Family Formation — 1:00-2:00 p.m. in Gym 6/7 No Class — Ash Wednesday 13/14 Class 16 First Penance at 10:00 a.m. — Church 20/21 Class 27/28 No Class — Spring Break
April Schedule 3/4 Class 6 First Communion Retreat 9:00 a.m. in the STM Gym 10/11 Class 12 Confirmation Practice at 5:30 p.m. 13 Confirmation at 10:30 a.m. 17/18 No Class — Holy Week 24/25 Last Class (except for 3rd Grade/1st Communicants)
Religious Education
From Your Parish Synod Committee Evangelization Has Its Rewards!
“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.” To be pure of heart means to be free of all selfish intentions.
This week, help someone by performing an act that is perfectly free of any personal gain. Such an act is pure love and is a good
example of evangelization.
How will you share your faith this week? The subject of evangelization makes many
people uncomfortable and many Catholics feel they don’t know enough about their faith
to talk to others about it. Others are willing, but aren’t sure what they should do, so they
avoid it. Find easy ways to evangelize above. Help strengthen your own faith while bringing others to the
Church, or back to the Church.
Lectors for the Week
Saturday, February 9 5:30 pm Mass
Julie Blanford & Louise Younkers
Sunday, February 10 6:30 am Mass
Angela Kvasnica & Virgil Ramirez
8:00 am Mass John Kovach &
Michael D. Madura
10:00 am Mass Boy Scouts
12:00 Noon Mass Teresa Brazzale & Maryanne Topor
Saturday, February 9 5:30 pm Mass
Main: Bill & JoAnn Karr
Chapel: Rob & Dorothy Mangus
Sunday, February 10 6:30 am Mass
Chapel: Lyle & Shirley Fralich Choir: Tim & Karen Rutz
8:00 am Mass Main: Paul & Jan Liszewski
Chapel: Mary Silvasi
10:00 am Mass Main: Szorc/Rusnak Family
Chapel: Diane Adley & Joan Mucha Choir: Tim & Amy Jevyak
12:00 Noon Mass Chapel: Dominique Mercier
Choir: Pat Batchelder
Catholics Coming Home Catholics leave the church or drift away for a variety of reasons, some due to unhappiness about Church teachings or anger with a member or members of the clergy. Others never really intended
to break with the Church, but simply got into the bad habit of not going and wake up one day to discover it has been years. Those
of us who are active in our faith need to make a concerted personal effort to welcome these individuals back into being
active members of the Catholic Church again.
Catholics Coming Home A six-week series Rescheduled start date:
Wednesday, February 6 to March 6, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Info: Parish Office: (219) 836-8610. Bring a friend or relative!
February Nursery The Nursery is located in the Bride’s Room, near the main
church entrance and offered during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. All children, infant to age 5, are welcome to join us.
Sunday, February 10 Kim, Addison & Andrew Cipowski
Allison Rusnak
Sunday, February 17 Mary Karl • Lisa Jorsch
Jennifer Boswell
Sunday, February 24 Jennifer Anderson • Susie Kinsella
Michelle Wendlinger
Oblates of St. Benedict Join us for our next Oblates meeting on
Saturday, February 9, 2019 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 Noon Parish Conference Room
All are welcome and invited to attend. Join us in praying Lectio Divina and discussion on Benedictine Values.
Bulletin Deadlines
Please be sure to submit all bulletin articles at least two (2) weeks in advance to [email protected]. Thank you!
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St. Thomas More School February 3, 2019
Creativity at Work Congratulations to STMS 6th grade student,
Ayana Grove, whose winning design has been chosen for this year’s EagleFest logo.
The EagleFest Committee found it a challenging endeavor to narrow the field of entries down to
three finalists, as they were overwhelmed by the ingenuity of the student designs.
But once the three finalists were chosen, they were turned over to the student body for a vote and
Ayana’s “Fly in for Some Fun” design was selected to be the 2019 EagleFest t-shirt logo, which will
appear on pre-ordered tie-dyed shirts for the event, to be held on Friday, February 8th in the St. Thomas
More Gym. All are invited to attend. Our thanks to the student participants and
to all who voted!
STEM Curriculum at Work A STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics) curriculum is being adopted at
St. Thomas More School and our students, from young to old, are participating in activities to increase the STEM way of thinking and doing. And best of all, our
students are having a great time doing it! Recently, students in the Pre-K
classes were working on building “rocket ships”, utilizing simple
building units to create a simulated rocket. Part of the activity was a discussion about why rockets are shaped like a pointed cone, why
engines are needed and where they would be located. This free-choice
STEM activity yielded better “rockets” with each passing day and the students loved this fun learning
experience. 6th grade students utilized a different kind of STEM thinking as they designed and built
bridges. Taking the weight of vehicles, the amount of
traffic and the span into consideration, students then constructed bridges accordingly. We have a budding group of engineers at STMS!
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Lots of Games for Kids of All Ages:
Friday, February 8 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
St. Thomas More School Gym
Family Fun Fair Bring the Kids • Bring the Grandkids
EagleFest Logo 2019 Design by STMS
6th Grade Student Ayana Grove
Yummy Food: Hot Dogs
Walking Tacos Popcorn
Cotton Candy Sno-Cones and
More!
New Addition: EagleFest
Candy Shop! Use tickets to
purchase (no cash).
3 Great Inflatables:
65-Foot Obstacle Course Pirate Ship
Bungee Run Use your wristband for
unlimited use.
Ring Toss Mini All-Star
Fat Cats
Duck Pond Frog Flinger
Shuffle Bowling
Golf Hole Waffle Ball
Ping Pong Toss
Preschool & Pre-K Room, Too!
Tickets at the Door: Game & Food Tickets:
$.50/each Wristbands:
$15 (inflatables)
All-Tyed-Up Tie-dye a shirt &
wear on Spirit Day February 11th
Cake Walk Win a delicious
cake or cupcakes
Raffle Win a fabulous
prize to take home for your family
Donations still being accepted!
To donate any of the following items, please drop off at the school
office by 2/4/19. For info contact Renee:
[email protected] or text/call (219)796-6809.
Items Needed: • Tickets to Sporting
Events, Special Events or Concerts
Electronics • Sports Equipment • Business Services
Gift Certificates to: • Restaurants, stores,
salons, family fun centers & movies, etc.
Redeem winning tickets at our Prize Booth!
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Live Christ, Share Christ Movement
All are invited to join us!
Join us for our next gathering on
Saturday, February 9 at 9:00 a.m. St. Thomas More Weis Center
Guest Speaker: Fr. Mike Yadron
The Live Christ, Share Christ Movement is now active in our Diocese, with the endorsements of Pope Benedict, our own Bishop Hying & Fr. Mike, and has been
effective in other countries around the world. The Live Christ, Share Christ Movement was designed to help
rekindle and strengthen our faith through the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we may know Christ and
love him more deeply. In response to God’s love, we can share our faith and love by
the way we live as an example to family and friends.
Live Christ, Share Christ Testimonial I first experienced the Live Christ Share Christ movement
at their seminar in January of this year. It was a great blessing to me. The wonderful speakers and
musicians truly inspired me. I hope and pray that this movement will spread in our parish and become a blessing
to many others, too. Cindy Keilman
Senior Citizens All senior citizens of our parish are invited to join us to
hear informative speakers, have fun and enjoy the companionship of fellow parishioners.
Meetings are held at 1:00 p.m. at Kish Funeral Community Room, 10000 Calumet Avenue, September to July.
Wednesday, February 6th
Business Meeting
Review of Senior Citizen By-laws
Saturday, February 16th
Pizza Party
12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Solar Room
Wednesday, March 6th
Business Meeting
Guest Speaker: To Be Announced
Saturday, March 16th
Pot Luck Luncheon
12:00 Noon — 4:00 p.m. in the Solar Room
Sunday, March 31st
8:00 a.m. Mass & Breakfast Honoring Our Deceased Members Breakfast to follow. Reservations required.
Wednesday, April 10th
Business Meeting
Election of Officers for the 2019/2020 Year
Religious Education/Formation All are welcome to join us for our next meeting
in the Parish Conference Room on Monday, January 25, 2019.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
Holy Name Society All men of the parish are invited to join us for the next Holy
Name Society meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Solar Room on Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Note: Date change! The Rosary will begin our meeting, followed by a Stephen Ray video. We’ll conclude the evening with pizza and beverages.
New members are always encouraged and welcome. Save the Date: Annual Fish Fry on Friday, March 15th.
STMS T.R.I.P. News Make Your Shopping & Gift-Giving a Breeze!
Everyone is welcome to use this easy and convenient service provided by our school.
Just sign-up, place your order for gift cards from a host of many, many vendors (from gas stations, department and grocery
stores to services & vacation destinations) and pick-up in the Parish Office later in the week. It couldn’t get any easier!
Submit all payments and a printed receipt with your order on processing days no later than 8:30 a.m.
Processing dates are on the following Mondays: February 4 & 19(Tuesday) • March 4 & 18 • April 1, 15 & 29
May 13 & 20 Learn more by emailing: [email protected].
Save the Date Now! An Evening of Reflection
with guest speaker:
Fr. Gerald Schweitzer Tuesday, March 19, 2019 7:00 p.m. in the Solar Room
Theme: “From Agony to Ecstasy-
From Death to Life” Reflection upon the Easter Vigil
All are invited and encouraged to join us!
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STM Career
Networking Group
80% of Jobs are Unadvertised 82% of Jobs are Found Through Networking
15% Found Want Ads 4% Create Their Own Jobs • 2% Blindly Send Resumes
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Returning to the Job Search
After Decades Away Thoughts from someone who has been there!
Presented by:
Teresa Tratar Retired Teacher & Job Search Survivor
Regular Meetings are Free! Open to All! For those who are unemployed (in transition), new to the job
market, employed but changing careers or those who can offer employment opportunities through their current professional
connections. Have your cover letter, resume or thank you critiqued.
Where: STM Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster When: The 2nd Wednesday of Every Month Time: 7:00 p.m.– 8:30 p.m. Email: [email protected]
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry The holiday season has passed and memories have been made. We carefully prepared for Thanksgiving and joined our loved
ones in saying thanks to the Lord for the gifts he bestowed, and the spiritual support he provided!
Advent came, when we anticipated and prepared for the birth of Christ. We celebrated this joyous event at Christmas, thanking
the Lord for sending his Son. You, the parishioners and many groups at St. Thomas More took it one step further!
Through your generous support, you enabled the St. Vincent de Paul Society to provide holiday baskets to 55 families at
Thanksgiving and 62 families at Christmas! Additionally, enough gifts were donated by the children of St.
Thomas More School and others to provide gifts for 75 children! Once again, the parishioners at St. Thomas More showed true Christian spirit by providing for the less fortunate. We, of the
St. Vincent de Paul Society, would like to thank all of our supporters for your generous donations that brought sparkles to
eyes and smiles to faces of those served over the holidays! Thanks to all of you for your ongoing generous support in
helping us to provide help to others!
Items in Need at the SVDP Food Pantry:
Boxed Mashed Potatoes
Pancake Mix Syrup
Meal Helpers Rice Helpers/Sides
Potato Helpers/Sides Cake Mixes
Frosting Tuna
Canned Meats Canned Fruit Jiffy Mixes
Soup Cereal
Toilet Paper Dish Soap Shampoo Bar Soap
Laundry Detergent
To volunteer or learn more about the SVDP Society, please contact SVDP President Mike Martinelli at (219) 836-8610.
Parish Choirs Need You! Our many parish choirs are in need of more individuals to share
their love of music and gift of song with the Lord & fellow parishioners.
Youth Chorale Practices: 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel on the days we sing.
The parish Youth Chorale welcomes students in Grades 2 to 8 and sings twice a month at the
Saturday 5:30 p.m. Mass. Learn more: Laura Javorka at [email protected].
All Seasons Chorale
Practices: Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Chorale is an SATB choral
ensemble that leads songs at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, other
solemnities & holy days. The ability to read music is helpful,
but not required.
Schola Cantorum Practices: Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Schola is a chamber group focused on singing sacred music for the Liturgy. Members are chosen by
audition. Open to high school age & older and sings at the Noon Mass.
Learn more about our adult choirs by contacting Angie Lorandos: (219) 836-8610 x2338 or
Made for More Queen of All Saints, Michigan City
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 • 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Join nationally-recognized Catholics Christopher West and Mike Mangione as they creatively weave together dynamic,
multi-media presentations for an evening of beauty and reflection on the meaning of life, love, and human destiny.
It will answer your questions: “Who am I” & “Where am I going?”
Leave with a faith-filled vision of hope & joy. Perfect for men and women, high school age and older.
$20 tickets are on sale at QAS Parish Office or at http://corproject.com/michigancity/
Feel free to contact Rosanne Kouris at [email protected] or (219) 769-9292, ext. 259 to learn more.
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Respect Life News
Teen's for Life & Students for Life Coming in 2019 This year we are hoping to host “Teens for Life” with Lake County Right to Life and “Students for Life” at Purdue NW.
LCRTL looks to begin training to support volunteers who would like to reach teens and young adults as mentors, overseers and
supporters. Contact LCRTL to volunteer or learn more.
Pro-Life Volunteers Needed In 2019, Lake County Right to Life needs help with
upcoming community events, fundraisers, educational programs and our Banquet.
Volunteers are the driving force of our efforts in Lake County. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us!
Save the Date for Our Banquet LCRTL Banquet Set for April 5th, 2019
Join us to hear guest speaker, Ann McElhinney, Author & Pro-ducer of Gosnell.
The Gosnell movie is out of the theaters but the story remains the same. Hear about it first hand at the banquet on April 5th!
Contact Lake County Right to Life Call or email: 219-838-1138 • www.lakecortl.org
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Plan to attend an enrichment for married couples and religious
February 8-10, 2019 Wyndham Garden Hotel in Elk Grove Village, IL.
Begin with a private weekend experience with practical tools for growing in loving relationships. Ongoing enrichments continue
after the weekend ends from the WWME community. For info or an application: wwme-chicagoland.org and
say “yes” today to God’s call to love one another!
Andrean High School
Family Information Nights Andrean High School invites families to our Family Information
Night in Andrean’s Cafeteria. Families will have the opportunity to meet with
Andrean students, parents and faculty. We look forward to meeting you!
Wednesday, February 20 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Entrance Exams Andrean High School invites prospective students to our
Entrance Exam. Students are asked to check in by 12:45 p.m. and enter through Door M. Parents are invited to join us for refreshments and a presentation on the admissions process.
Saturday, February 9 — 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9 — 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13 — 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Families can pre-register for events at: andreanhs.org/rsvp Andrean's online Admissions Application is now open.
Families can begin applying at andreanhs.org/apply. Andrean High School • 219-887-5959 • andreanhs.org
Or register for any of the above events: andreanhs.org/rsvp
Harlem Wizards Come to BNI St. Thomas More students & their families and all
STM parishioners are invited to attend a fun-filled night of impressive basketball trickery and antics as the Harlem Wizards wow audience members in the
Bishop Noll Fieldhouse Monday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at
harlemwizards.thundertix.com. Come see St. Tom's alumni, who are now
successful Bishop Noll scholars as they work the event or play on the court.
All St. Tom's sports teams are invited to attend with their coach. Teams will receive a special group outing price, which includes
reserved seating and a free BNI athletics t-shirt. To make arrangements for your team or to get more information,
contact Brandi Krolak at [email protected]. Visit Bishop Noll Institute's FB page for more information!
Catholic Women's Conference
The Diocese of Gary is happy to announce its second annual NWI Catholic Women's Conference
Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT
Queen of All Saints Catholic Legacy Center 1719 Barker Avenue • Michigan City, IN 46360
Come be inspired and uplifted!
Guest Speakers: Sr. Miriam James Speaker & Author
Dr. Angela Franks, Ph.D. Theologian, Author, Mother of 6
Kevin Matthews Radio Personality
Cost: $30 for adults • $20 for college & high school students This conference is open to all women, of all ages. For more information or questions, please contact
Rosanne Kouris at (219) 769-9292, ext. 259 or [email protected].
Sharing the Joy of Our Faith "My spirit rejoices in God my savior" Luke 1:47
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Pierogi Sales Order delicious pierogi from St. Josaphat Church in Munster by
calling (219) 383-9811. Order no later than 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. Pick-up between Noon and 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Choose from kraut, potato, cheese or prune. 1 Dozen: $10/Half-dozen: $5.
Spred Information Meeting We are happy to report that St. Mary in Griffith has three Spred
volunteers to begin the religious education program for individuals with developmental, intellectual and learning disabilities. This will be the first of its kind in the Gary diocese and we are excited, but
there is still more work needed to get started. If you know of a family who could benefit from the Spred ministry, or if you are
interested in becoming involved in this program, please join us at our next Spred Information Gathering on Wednesday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. We will meet in the church of St. Mary, 525 N. Broad
Street in Griffith. Adult volunteers do not need previous experience, just an openness to this unique ministry.
Wild for Bunco The Munster Junior Woman’s Club is hosting a Wild for Bunco fundraiser on Friday, February 8 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Casa Maria Banquet Hall, 500 Northgate in Dyer. Wear animal print or faux fur to
be entered into a special raffle. Bring an item to support Humane Indiana (dog or cat toy, bleach, paper towels, pet store gift cards, etc.) for a free raffle ticket.
Event tickets are only $41 and includes dinner buffet, cocktails, door prizes, raffles 50/50 and silent auction. Get tickets from a MJWC member or at EventBrite or their Facebook page.
Paczki Ball Dinner-Dance Knights of Columbus Council 8082 in Dyer is hosting its 9th Annual Paczki Ball Fundraiser on Saturday, February 9th from 6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. at Casa Maria Hall on the grounds of St. Maria Goretti Church, 500 Northgate Drive in Dyer.
Cash bar and family style Polish dinner followed by dancing featuring the Jimmy Kilian Polka Band. Tickets are $30/person.
For tickets or info, contact Bob Block at (219) 671-0287 or email: [email protected].
Pick 7 Outreach at St. Matthias St. Matthias in Crown Point is hosting a Pick 7 Outreach
Opportunity on Saturday, February 9 and Saturday, March 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on both days. If you know of someone who could use a helping hand with food or household supplies, please invite them to this event. No questions asked, just joyful
giving. Call (219) 663-2201 for more information.
30 Scholarships in 30 Days All are invited to “30 Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH,
Spanish for "Our Little Brothers and Sisters") Sponsorships in 30 Days” featuring the Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks, Auxiliary
Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago on Saturday, February 16. Mass at 5:00 p.m. in the St. John the Evangelist Church, followed by a Taco Dinner at 6:30 p.m. at SJE School. Remarks by Hicks at
7:30 pm. Testimonies from former NPH children and SJE parishioners who have traveled to the Dominican Republic will follow. Cost: $10/Adults & $8/Children. Volunteers are needed! Contact Ron Rado (219) 433-9812. NPH USA supports raising more than 3,100 orphaned, abandoned, and disadvantaged boys
and girls in Central & South America. An additional 3,100 children who live outside the homes receive scholarships, meals and healthcare. Consider supporting NPH by sponsoring a child for $50/month, providing food, shelter and other basic needs, as well as a safe home environment, education and healthcare. Or,
donate to support various NPH and SJE efforts.
Chorale Concert at SS. Peter & Paul SS. Peter & Paul Parish, 5885 Harrison Street in Merrillville presents a final Choral Concert under the direction of Laura
Monteen on Sunday, February 24 at 3:00 pm. Mrs. Monteen, the parish’s Liturgy & Music Coordinator, will be retiring this
summer after 28 years of service to this parish. She also assists STMS with the fall musical each year. This concert will include choirs and musicians who have performed at SS. Peter & Paul
throughout the years. Free and open to the public; everyone from the Diocese is invited. Refreshments will be served following the concert. For information, contact Liz Bushemi at (219) 793-1375.
St. Florian Mardi Gras Party Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 5:30 –10:00 p.m. in the Gym,
located at 13145 S. Houston Avenue in Chicago (Hegewisch). Tickets per person: $25/Adult or
$13/14 years & under. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Rectory Office. Includes a full buffet dinner, live music & entertainment, 50/50
raffle, parade, kids’ prizes, cash bar & more. (773) 646-4877.
Hoops, Habits & Brackets Join St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home for an evening of NCAA discussions with
basketball professionals. Monday March 18, 2019 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Halls of St. George, 905 East Joliet Street in Schererville. Stadium dining
and open bar. Casual dress & basketball jerseys encouraged! Select your bracket picks to win it all! For more information, call all 312-392-4197. All proceeds to meet the needs of the children.
Camp Sharing Meadows Camp Sharing Meadows is recruiting Counselors, Cooks and
Nurses for our Spring 2018 Mini-Camps which provide weekend camp for developmentally and intellectually disabled adults, or “ other-abled” friends where campers can participate in communal
activities with their counselors, while growing in their relationship with God through fun activities and value sessions. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please contact Emily
Barsic at (219) 778-2585 [email protected]. Mini-Camps: Feb 22-24•March 22-24•April 12-14•May 17-19
Wounded Healers Wounded Healers will begin again soon. Join one of our groups to help you manage your grief due to the loss of a loved one or
friend (separate groups for those grieving the loss of a spouse or partner, child or grandchild, parent, sibling or friend; beginner and advanced groups). Contact Wounded Healers at (219) 924-
5577 or www.woundedhealers-nwi.com to learn more.
Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide If you are coping with the loss of a loved one due to suicide,
contact LOSS and begin the healing process. Please call (312) 655-7284 for meeting schedule and locations. This group
offers help for adults in a nonjudgmental environment.
