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FEBRUARY 21, 2021 — FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
FEBRUARY 21, 2021 — FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Parish StaffPriests in ResidenceRev. Philip Danaher, Pastor, x102, [email protected]. Joseph Kappilumakkal, CMI, Parochial Vicar, x103, [email protected]
Priests Assisting on WeekendsRev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm., Weekend Associate, [email protected]. Matt Lorenz, Senior Vicar, Archdiocese of Chicago
Permanent DeaconsMichael (Kathryn) Barrett — 630.355.8980, x145, [email protected] (Mary Jo) Breen — 630.486.3133, [email protected] (Carolyn) Cuzzone — 630.355.8980, x224, [email protected] (Susan) Kearney — 630.355.8980, x225, [email protected] (Sue) Lane — 630.355.8980, x223, [email protected] (Mary Jo) Lennon — 630.901.3223, [email protected]
Liturgy and MusicJim Clauer, Director of Liturgy and Music, x111, [email protected] Delke, Associate Director of Liturgy and Music, x120, [email protected]
Faith FormationMargie Marshall, Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy, 630.961.6125Lorraine Katz, Director of Religious Education, x109, [email protected] Goralski, Director of Middle School Faith Formation, x123, [email protected] Grantham, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry, x117, [email protected] Rosales, Director of Adult Education and RCIA, x138, [email protected] Kennedy,* Faith Formation Administrative Assistant, x118,[email protected]
Outreach and Social JusticeMichael Ryder, Director of Outreach and Social Justice, x121, [email protected] Schultz, OSJ Partner, x113, [email protected] Meno, OSJ Associate, x137, [email protected]
Pastoral CareJan Olah, Director of Pastoral Care, x124Felicia Lawlor,* Faith Community Nurse, x104, [email protected]
AdministrationJanet Simmons, Finance/Business Officer, x106, [email protected] McQueen, Gen Office Administrative Asst., x101, [email protected] Ferguson, Gen Office Administrative Asst., x100, [email protected] Braun,* Communications Coordinator, x110, [email protected] Ridge,* Evening/Saturday ReceptionistMary Wright,* Evening/Saturday ReceptionistMary Derwinski,* Administration Asst., x143, [email protected] Sportiello,* Financial Asst., x143, [email protected] Hartmann,* Facility Manager, x133, [email protected]
Parish Pastoral CouncilBarbara Mambu, Chair Alison OhlMike McCormick Brittany Tres
Commission RepresentativesCarrie Wujek, Faith & Spiritual Formation Linda Bailey, ServiceSusan Wood O’Leary, Finance Barbara Mambu, StewardshipDeb Scheckel, Parish Life Jeff Balsewicz, WorshipEx-OfficioFr. Philip Danaher, Pastor Rev. Joseph Kappilumakkal, Parochial VicarJanet Simmons. Recording Secretary*indicates part-time staff
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 | 630.355.8980 (Main Office) | 630.305.6318 (Religious Education) | 630.355.0521 (Fax)
Office Hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday–Friday; 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday; evenings vary according to needsemail to [email protected] or visit us at www.stapostle.org
Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois • Most Rev. Ronald A. Hicks, Bishop
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 pm, in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Our priests are available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally during the year.
In the Hospital or Home Bound: Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care.
Baptism: Baptisms are usually celebrated two to three Sundays each month at a 2:00 pm service (will move to 1:00 pm in 2021). On selected dates, baptisms are celebrated during weekend Mass. Parents are required to attend a Baptismal awareness and renewal session prior to the Baptism. Call Kathy Ferguson in the Church Office a few months in advance to make arrangements.
Matrimony: A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas should contact the church six months in advance. One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or their parents, must be a registered parishioner at least three months before setting a date. Call Diane McQueen to schedule.
Religious Education: Call 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.
Counseling Service: Contact Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 630.355.8980, x124.
Sunday Nursery: Nursery care is available for your child age one (walking) to four at the 9:30 and 11:15 am Masses. For more information call the church office.
Our Outreach Twinning Parishes:St. Thomas the Apostle has an ongoing twinning relationship with the following parishes:
St. Marie Madeleine in Duchity, HaitiSt. Agnes on the Lakota Indian Reservation, Manderson, South DakotaSt. Nicholas in Aurora, Illinois
Our Parish School:All Saints Catholic Academy1155 Aurora AveNaperville, IL 60540630.961.6125
2 | February 21, 2021 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Liturgy ScheduleDailyMass: 8:30 am, Monday – FridayIn addition, the St. Thomas Deacons record a Daily Prayer Service that is available to watch on demand at www.stapostle.org
Weekend — Must sign up online to attendSaturday Mass of Anticipation: 4:30 pmSunday: 9:30 am
Both weekend Masses will also be livestreamed and available to watch on demand at www.stapostle.org
Reconciliation St. Thomas offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the Saturday 4:30 pm Mass. Reconciliation will be from 3:30–4:15 pm in the Galilee Room. Please check the website for full details.
Welcome Guests and Visitors!We’re so glad you’re here and invite you to walk the path of faith with us. St. Thomas strives to provide a spiritual home where all are welcome, where the healing, reconciling, liberating love of God is shared by all. Join us!
Would you like to become a parishioner?Call Kathy Ferguson in the General Office at 630.355.8980, x100.
Church Office Hours9:00 am–3:00 pm Monday–Friday9:00 am–1:00 pm Saturdays
Evenings will vary according to needs. You can call to check on times before coming. Please enter through Door A.
Dear Parish Family,
The last person we would expect to make a grammatical error — or any kind of error for that matter — is God. Yet, there it is in today’s first reading from Genesis when God said to Noah, “This is the sign that I am giving for all ages to come, of the covenant between me and you and every living creature with you...”
There was a reason why God spoke that way about His covenant, His sacred promise of love with all living creatures. God saw Himself as the driving force, as the One who initiated this covenant. God should go first because God loved us first. All of creation, along with the sending of His Son to live with us, was done without us even asking. It was all God’s initiative.
How we respond to that love, how we acknowledge to God that He is our way, could be something to think about during Lent.
In the Word,
with fr danaher
First Sunday of LentFebruary 21, 2021Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths.— Psalm 25:4
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church February 21, 2021 | 3
Change to Sunday Mass Schedule Coming in MarchEffective Sunday, March 7, St. Thomas is adding a Sunday Mass so that there will be three in-person options each weekend. There will be a 4:30 pm Mass Saturday and then a 9:00 am and 10:45 am Mass Sunday. Please note the change in time for the Sunday Masses.
Sign-up will continue to be necessary and available on the St. Thomas website. All Masses will be streamed live with an outdoor communion option.
Readings for TodayFirst Reading — I will set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth (Genesis 9:8-15).
Psalm — Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant (Psalm 25).
Second Reading — The water of the flood prefigured baptism, which saves you now (1 Peter 3:18-22).
Gospel — Jesus was tempted by Satan, and the angels ministered to him (Mark 1:12-15).
The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.
Readings for the WeekMonday: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-3a, 4-6; Mt 16:13-19
Tuesday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15
Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Lk 11:29-32
Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; Mt 7:7-12
Friday: Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26
Saturday: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48
Sunday: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 116:10, 15-19; Rom 8:31b-34; Mk 9:2-10
Worship Commission — Liturgy and Music
Liturgy Schedule and Mass IntentionsPlease note, because we currently only have two weekend Masses, all the weekend intentions will be read at both Masses.
Monday, February 22, 20218:30 am †William Raef, by The Battisto Family
Tuesday, February 23, 20218:30 am †Gail Ruhnke
Wednesday, February 24, 20218:30 am Mass
Thursday, February 25, 20218:30 am Mass
Friday, February 26, 20218:30 am †Bill Feder, by Family
Saturday, February 27, 20214:30 pm Mass of Anticipation †Paul Lankisch by Family
Sunday, February 28, 2021First Sunday of Lent9:30 am Healing for Maria and Jose Cortes, by Family
Repent and Believe in the GospelLent is the time of year we devote to scrutinizing our lives in the light of our baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus. Today’s readings are a nice shorthand catechism of what our baptized lives mean. As Noah passed through the waters of the flood to a covenant with God, so did we enter into a covenant, a promised relationship with God through our baptism.
Peter’s letter gives an explicit explanation of what our baptism means: it is an appeal we make to God for a clear conscience. How do we obtain this clear conscience? The words proclaimed by Jesus immediately following his temptation show us the way: “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). It might be a good spiritual exercise to keep these readings before us throughout the entire season of Lent, a means to help us return to a life lived by our baptismal promises.
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
Presider Schedule February 27–28Saturday, February 274:30 pm – Fr. Joseph Kappilumakkal
Sunday, February 289:30 am – Fr. Philip Danaher with Deacon Larry Kearney
Presider schedule is subject to change.
4 | February 21, 2021 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Stations of the CrossFridays of Lent 7:00 pm in the Church
The Way of the Cross has always been a powerful and popular part of the faith tradition and devotional life for Catholics throughout the ages. The early practice of Christians attempting to retrace and walk the path of Jesus has always been a treasured way to commemorate the Passion and Death of Christ.
To maintain safety guidelines for our community members, Stations of the Cross will take on a different form this year. While all are invited to pray in the church space, there will not be a procession to each station. All gathered will remain socially distanced in their pew, with projections assisting the faithful in going through each station and providing verbal responses. Music will not be included.
Preregistration is not required but you will need to fill out a contract tracing form. You may fill it out upon arrival at St. Thomas or save time and download it from our website at www.stapostle.org and bring it with you. Maximum occupancy is 125.
February 26, March 12, March 26The Scriptural Stations of the Cross are based on those celebrated by Saint Pope John Paul II on Good Friday in 1991. They are an alternative to the traditional stations as a way of more deeply reflecting on the Scriptural accounts of Christ’ Passion.
March 5, March 19Through the simple, intimate, yet powerful words of Everyone’s Way of the Cross, those on the journey are invited to grow closer to Christ by embracing the mystery of suffering in the world.
For information and a schedule of all activities and
services during Lent from Ash Wednesday through
Easter Sunday at St. Thomas, please check the St. Thomas
website for the Season of Lent 2021 brochure.
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First Sunday of Lent: It is all about BaptismThe story of Noah and the flood is all about being saved in the water. Saint Peter is absolutely clear in saying that it points to Baptism. In these Christian waters, we repented and believed. In these Forty Days, we cherish the elect awaiting Baptism. Throughout this Lent, we recall our own being made new in the font and urgent desire to be new again.
• What will I do this Lent to repent and believe in Good News? • How can my behavior imitate baptismal purity? • How will I keep in thought and prayer the elect who will plunge into the font this Easter Vigil and enter the fullness of our sacramental life with the
Dead and Risen Christ?
Faith and Formation Commission — AdultC.A.R.E.CORNER
Typically found among the first Christians were the poor, the uneducated, foreigners, women, widows, orphans and slaves. All of these groups of people were among the excluded, the marginalized, the oppressed and the mistreated by the ruling powers of society. But in the Church, the Body of Christ, they found
inclusion, community, help with basic daily needs, a sense of worth and their higher purpose.
Our Church has always been very inclusive and very compassionate. That’s what attracted so many to it at its start-up and over the past 20 centuries. It was members of our Church who collected the remains of the martyrs and gave them a proper burial. It was members of our Church who went into areas stricken with plague and cared for the sick and dying. Over the centuries, our Church set up places of hospitality for weary travelers, hospitals for those with injuries and illness, schools to educate the ignorant and churches as places of worship and respite. We have this extensive history of compassionate care, shown through tangible acts of love for others.
A Lent podcast: “The Word”A Lent podcast “The Word” is being offered by Fr. James Martin, S.J. and the staff of America magazine. A new reflection will be available every other day starting Ash Wednesday, February 17.
Subscribe to “The Word” on Apple, Spotify, Google or Americamagazine.org/podcasts.
Lenten reflections are also available through mayslakeministries.org and loyolapress.org.
These opportunities are offered to aid in deepening and enriching your faith life during the season of Lent and beyond.
How to be Married and Stay Engaged
The Inter-parish Marriage Enrichment Team presents its 13th Annual Event: How to be Married and Stay Engaged, Back to Back, Face to Face and Shoulder to Shoulder.
• Deepen your friendship and commitment• Remember God’s place in your marriage• Enjoy a relaxing time together reconnecting
Live virtual presentation by Dr. Jim Healy Saturday, March 20, 2021, from 10:00 am–1:30 pm (includes lunch break) in the comfort of your own home.
For more information and to register visit www.imetevents.org.
Almighty and ever-living God,
You invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent.
May this time be one of outward focus;
seeking you in those we often ignore.
Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter.
Give us hearts hungry to serve you and those who need what we have to give.
— Author unknown
6 | February 21, 2021 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Join St. Thomas Reads: Just Mercy presented by the Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission
• Groups will read and discuss the book by Bryan Stevenson that examines the death penalty and the justice system.
• This is a 6-session commitment over 12 weeks.
• Discussions will be held on Zoom.
• A general sign-up will take place online the weekend of February 27–28 and groups will form after that.
“We are all more than the worst thing we have ever done.”
— Bryan Stevenson, Author of Just Mercy
If you are interested in participating, please contact Peggy Goralski at [email protected] or 630.355.8980, x123.
Yourself this Lent
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church February 21, 2021 | 7
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Celebrates Black History MonthWorship Commission and Racial Justice Committee
Starting in September 2020, the St. Thomas the Apostle community has undergone initiatives to bring forth the theme of Racial Justice to our parish. Following the cultural and political events of the past year, we felt it necessary to address this systemic problem from the lens of faith – as shown through our Mission Statement:
St. Thomas the Apostle unites with the Universal Church in ensuring that all who love God, also love their brothers and sisters (1 Jn 4:21). Through a purposeful focus on racial justice, we are challenged to discern ways in which we,
individually and as community, can grow into and act upon our calling to be disciples of Christ and the gospel mission.
Throughout the month of February, St. Thomas the Apostle has traditionally celebrated Black History Month. We will continue to do so through Worship Commission and Racial Justice Committee Initiatives. Each week of February, the parish bulletin will highlight the life of a Black individual who has lived the life of Christ and has made a mark of the fight for racial justice.
Also through the publishing of articles detailing “10 Ways to Fight Hate,” and encountering our White Fragility, we hope to take the time during the Season of Lent to EDUCATE ourselves about Black History and our own involvement with the sin of racism and the fight for Racial Justice.We have reflected. We have prayed. And now, with changed hearts, let us move our feet into action.
John LewisJohn Lewis (1940-2020) got into a lot of good trouble. That is what he called his more than 40 arrests in the 1960s while fighting for Racial Justice and Civil Rights. He would continue to peacefully protest and cause “good trouble” throughout his career as a representative from Georgia; being regarded as the ‘Conscience of Congress.’
Born and raised in rural Alabama, Lewis was the third of ten children to a sharecropper family. His chore was to feed and care for the chickens — a task he believed included evangelization as he would baptize, preach and provide funerals to his flock. Being that the only strong, Black leaders he saw in Alabama were through the Church, Lewis emulated them in his youth and attended Seminary after high school. It was there that he learned the concepts of non-violent protest, was exposed to the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and understood the stories of Christ as a call to activism and justice.
Lewis became involved with the civil rights movement throughout the 1960s. From organizing sit-ins in Tennessee, leading the Selma march for voting rights and being Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (which gave him the platform to speak at the March on Washington with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) — Lewis was just beginning his lifelong fight for the fair and equal treatment of all children of God. Throughout his decades in Congress, Lewis opposed legislation that would support war efforts or harm to any group of persons; even when that vote split from the larger view held by his political party. In anticipation for his funeral held at the renowned Ebenezer Baptist Church, Rev. Raphael Warnock said of Lewis: “When you take stock of his courage, it’s a courage that is rooted in his faith. He’s always been a church boy. He wrestled with a call to ministry early in life. But instead of preaching sermons, he became one. That is his legacy.” John Lewis leaves a legacy of getting into good trouble through his activism for justice.
As St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church continues to work for Racial Justice through our parish wide initiative, we reflect on the life of John Lewis. He was a suffering servant, advocate for the mistreated and disciple of the Gospel. John Lewis was a face of Christ.
“In my estimation, the civil rights movement was a religious phenomenon. When we’d go out to sit in or go out to march, I felt, and I really believe, there was a force in front of us and a force behind us, ’cause sometimes you didn’t know what to do. You didn’t know what to say, you didn’t know how you were going to make it through the day or through the night. But somehow and some way, you believed — you had faith — that it all was going to be all right,”
— John Lewis, 2004.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/mlk-john-lewis-ebenezer-baptist-church-has-been-haven-civil-n1235248https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/religious-faith-lifelong-constant-rep-john-lewis-71858329https://religionunplugged.com/news/2020/7/20/remembering-rep-john-lewis-as-a-man-of-faith-who-inspired-others
March First Communion Prayer ServiceThe March First Communion Prayer Service is “It’s About Celebrating In the Breaking of the Bread.” The prayer services are Thursday, March 4 or 11 at 7:00 pm. Please pick only one. Sign-ups are closed 24 hours before the prayer service. If three people are coming, please sign up three for three seats. Please bring your “My Mass Booklet” to the prayer service.
First Reconciliation Services InformationFirst Reconciliation services for fourth and fifth graders are at the church on Saturday March 13, 20 and 27 at 1:00 pm. Due to safety issues, only two parents and the child(ren) receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation may attend. Online reservations for the date of your Reconciliation service are requested. Please contact the Faith Formation Office or Lorraine Katz at [email protected] or 630.355.8980, x109, if you have any questions with reserving your date.
Please pray for these children and their families that they may always know the love and forgiveness that God offers through this sacrament. May we too, know the joy of forgiveness that comes with this sacrament. Please contact the Faith Formation Office for more information about the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Scouting Day of RecollectionThe Joliet Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting (JDCCS) invites you to their annual Day of Recollection “Help People At All Times.” It is open to all registered American Heritage Girls, all levels of Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Youth, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and Venturers. It will be on Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 9:00 am–1:00 pm virtual or in person in Darien.
For further information go to www.dioceseofjoliet.org/scouting then click on the Day of Recollection banner for more information and to register.
Scouting MedalsGirl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, Campfire Youth. Now is the time to earn your religious medal. Please contact Lorraine Katz at [email protected] or 630-355-8980 ext. 109 for more information.
St. Thomas the Apostle
Faith and Formation Commission — Youth
Important Dates for Elementary RE
SaturdayMarch 6 — RE Classes meet
TuesdayMarch 2 — RE Classes meet
??Question of the week ...It is the first weekend in Lent, do you have a Lenten promise yet?
8 | February 21, 2021 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Save the date for Scripture Safari
coming this summer June 21–25, 2021.
Middle School Summer Service TripPlans are underway for the 2021 Just5Days middle school mission trip. This year, the St. Thomas Just5Days group will be staying and ministering in Chicago from July 12–16. The cost for the week is $340. Registration forms are available on the St. Thomas website and outside Peggy Goralski’s office. If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Peggy at 630.355.8980, x123 or [email protected].
Just5Days is a 5-day experience of service, hands-on learning activities, prayer and liturgy, and community building designed for groups of middle school youth. The Just5Days experience immerses middle schoolers in hands-on service to those in need as they learn about justice in engaging and exciting ways. To learn more about the Just5Days program, visit www.just5days.org.
Important Dates for Middle School Religious Education
Teens with CharacterMiddle school students … Teens with Character will meet on Sunday, February 28, 2021, from 4:30–6:00 pm, at St. Thomas. Bring your facemask and join us. Games, faith sharing, checking in with each other are all part of the Teens with Character experience. We would love to see you!
Volunteers Needed for Living Stations of the CrossMiddle school students are invited to be part of the Living Stations of the Cross Service. This year the Living Stations prayer service will be recorded ahead of time and available online on Good Friday, April 2. The Stations are ‘acted out’ with still-poses (no speaking required!) and combined with beautiful song and reflection. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to come to a deeper understanding of the depth of God’s love for us. If you are interested or would like more information, contact Peggy Goralski at [email protected] or 630.355.8980, x123.
February 22, March 8, 15, 22 — Monday middle school RE classes meet
March 6, 13, 20 — Saturday middle school RE classes meet
Note: The February 22 class will be held in the worship space at St. Thomas.
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Service via ZoomIn a recent Zoom class, Chris Baker’s 7th grade RE class made no-sew blankets to donate to Ronald McDonald House. In addition, they also collected items on the Ronald McDonald House wish list. Thanks so much to Chris and her class for, together, finding a way to be the hands and feel of Christ, even while socially distant.
Middle School RE Welcomes Terry Nelson Johnson!On February 20 and 22, Terry Nelson Johnson will share with middle school RE classes (in-person, Zoom, and home school students). His presentation is entitled ‘Running the Paschal Mystery.’ Parents are also welcome to attend Terry’s presentation which will take place during the regular RE (in-person) class times (8:30–9:45 am on February 20 and 7:15–8:30 pm on February 22). To allow ample room for social distancing, this presentation will take place in church.
Middle School MassMiddle school students are invited to celebrate with a special Mass on Sunday, March 7, at 3:00 pm. Fr. Bill Etheredge will be the presider and homilist for the liturgy. Because there are restrictions on the number of people that can safely gather for Mass, preregistration (on the St. Thomas website) is strongly encouraged. Come, celebrate and worship together.
Blood DriveDuring the month of March, we celebrate Dr. Seuss Day, Oreo Cookie Day and World Storytelling Day. What about adding Save a Life Day?
While reading books, eating cookies and telling stories are good things, saving a life is a great thing!
So let’s declare Saturday, March 13, Save a Life Day!
Go to https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5579309 to reserve a time to donate blood. The link is also available on the St. Thomas website at www.stapostle.org. Remember, saving a life is a great thing!
You are eligible to donate if you received either COVID-19 vaccine on or before March 10. It doesn’t matter which company’s vaccine you received and it doesn’t matter if it was the first or second dose of the vaccine.
Blood DriveMarch 13, 20219:00 am–2:00 pm
New LocationFort Hill Activity Center20 Fort Hill Dr., NapervilleIn the Multi-Purpose Room
If you have any questions, contact Diane McQueen at [email protected] or 630.355.8980, x101.
Service Commission — Pastoral Care
New Year, New Hope: Mental Health is Just as Important as Physical Health
We have just finished a very difficult year — restrictions and fears related to the coronavirus pandemic, many different losses, the most unusual holiday season ever and
a challenging winter. Some people are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Others seem to be doing okay. What are ways we can improve our mental health? What might be signs for concern? What are resources to help restore mental health, and how does someone take that first step?
Join us to learn how to help yourself or someone you care about begin the new year with renewed hope and energy.
Paula Kosin is a member of the Behavioral Health Ministry Team at St. Thomas where she facilitates grief support groups. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a consultant, career coach, writer and speaker, as well as a hospice vigil volunteer.
When:Wednesday, February 24, 20217:00–8:00 pm
Sponsored by: Pastoral Care, Behavioral Health Ministry
For more information and to register call Susan Kearney at 630.355.8980, x108 or email [email protected].
10 | February 21, 2021 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
To All VeteransWe urge all of you to get word to any veterans you may know to call their scheduling center for a COVID-19 vaccination appointment. The more people we get immunized, the better it will be for the entire population.
Most registered vets need to know how to contact their local VA. Here in the Chicago area it is Hines VA and their Call Center can be reached at 708.202.2707. Good luck to all. Be safe and healthy.
Catholic Charities Downers Grove Counseling ServicesCounseling services provided by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet at their Downers Grove office are immediately available for clients with Medicaid. The office is located at 3130 Finley Road (Suite 520) in Downers Grove and appointment hours include evenings and weekends.
Catholic Charities Counseling Services provides outpatient counseling, individual, group, family, and couples therapy are offered. In addition to specialized services such as anger management groups and preventative education programs. To make an appointment, call 815.239.6930.
Pastoral Care ResourcesFor Spiritual Support and Prayer,
please contact the following individuals if you are in need of assistance:
Counseling Jan, Pastoral Care Office630.355.8980, x124Diane, General Office630.355.8980, x101
Health ResourceParish NursesFelicia, 630.355.8980, x104Jan, 630.355.8980, x124
Hospital/Pastoral Care InfoEdward Hospital has a pastoral care department with a Catholic Chaplain for an emergency anointing or a Eucharistic visit.
St. Thomas Pastoral Care visitJan, Pastoral Care Office630.355.8980, x124Diane, General Office630.355.8980, x101
Please Continue Giving to St. ThomasWe continue to follow the guidelines set by the CDC and Diocese of Joliet. We are still limited to the number of worshipers and understand that many are unable to join us as they are in the at risk population or they simply aren’t comfortable yet. There are two easy to use options to continue giving so you can support St. Thomas during this time:
Option 1: Sign Up For Online GivingTHE EASIEST AND BEST OPTION! St. Thomas partners with Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) which gives an online interface where you can create a secure account to enter your credit card number and manage your giving.
Option 2: Mail Your EnvelopesYou can also mail your donation using one of the postage paid return envelopes in your envelope packet. Please note that St. Thomas continues to receive and check mail daily. The parish address is: St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563.
St. Thomas Is Grateful For YouWe are very grateful for your continuing support, especially through this health crisis, to be the vibrant and engaging faith home you come to for spiritual nourishment. We continue to pray you are healthy and remain so until we can ALL joyfully celebrate Mass together again.
From the Behavioral Health MinistryWinter Blues May Be DepressionThe season can trigger depression for a number a reasons. Perhaps you were unable to make it home for the holidays, or you might be in a rough financial situation. Seasonal depression is more common than you may think. Approximately 14 percent of Americans experience the “winter blues.”
These blues can be especially overwhelming during a time of change. If you’re dealing with feelings of stress or depression, know that you aren’t alone.
The most common symptom of the winter blues is amplified depression. You may be experiencing a bout of seasonal depression if you feel like simple activities are more difficult than normal. This includes getting out of bed, making dinner and taking a walk.
Other symptoms of the blues include:• feeling more tired than usual• losing interest in things that used to bring you joy• having trouble concentrating
Here are some ways to deal with the winter blues:
Limit alcohol — Drinking to excess can affect your mood and amplify any negative feelings that you may have.
Learn to say “no” — Over-scheduling can lead to emotional breakdowns, make time for yourself.
Get support when mourning a loved one — If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, it can be beneficial to spend time with your friends and family. Although it can be tempting to isolate yourself and grieve, your loved ones can support you.
The winter blues are real and can disrupt your life in a serious manner. You may be able to ease your symptoms by making a few lifestyle changes as mentioned above. If lifestyle changes aren’t relieving your symptoms, and if you’re still feeling depressed long after the holidays, you may be dealing with more than just a case of the winter blues. You should speak with your doctor about your symptoms.
Source: healthline, healthline.com
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church February 21, 2021 | 11
Service Commission — Outreach and Social Justice
12 | February 21, 2021 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
St. Vincent DePaul (SVDP) Needs Your Help!Please Check Out These Options!SVDP needs your help! COVID making you feel stuck? Check out these roles! Please remember our friends and volunteers in your prayers, as we continue in this pandemic environment.
Our SVDP Conference is here to help. St. Vincent DePaul is a lay Catholic organization which seeks to relieve suffering through person-to-person involvement of its members. Vincentians make virtual visits to families who ask for help, assess their needs and assist in meeting those needs. The people we help can be parishioners or anyone asking for help within our parish boundaries (Naperville is split up among the six parishes) or Warrenville. The Society serves those in need in the name of the Church.
Many things have changed here at St. Thomas … SVDP has adapted to our virtual world and continues to help people needing temporary assistance with rent, mortgage payments, condo association fees and utilities. Volunteering is easy. Here are some options to consider.
• Check the SVDP message line for requests daily. Weekly sign-ups. Assigned teams will follow up. If you are good at taking messages right from your home, this is perfect for you! Days and evenings possible.
• Good listener? Like to help people at a tough time for them? Our volunteers sign up weekly to work in pairs to understand the situation and financial need and to work on a solution. The focus is in providing prayer support and giving financial support from our donated funds. All “visits” are handled virtually by phone and email. No private phone numbers or emails are used! Can you spare a week every 2 ½ to 3 months to commit to handling requests? Mentors will help you learn our process.
• Care to be a donor? Funds are needed year-round. If you donate even $50 a month, your entire donation goes to helping someone in our area pay a bill. If you do not need the stimulus funds, please consider sharing with people who do. Your donations matter.
• Looking for a bigger one-time project to update our databases? Need a project to manage or know how to work with Access, we need you!
• Love to run events? We need to start planning for the Annual Walk in September and we need new ideas to increase our funds.
• We need someone tapped into social media to talk about our mission. If you live on Facebook, you might find this a great opportunity to get a following going.
• Enjoy writing stories about some of the situations and outcomes for our friends with temporary challenges? The online bulletin gives a bigger opportunity to talk about the work we do. A new volunteer rightfully called us the invisible hands. Help us be seen!
• Are you good at saying thank you? We would love your help in offering sincere thanks to our regular donors in a timely manner.
• Like to help at a clothing truck drive? We need people able to carry some heavier items and to get them into a truck. We are hoping to have a drive in the summer or fall of 2021.
• Ready to give up a car? We have families who have no vehicle. You can donate your vehicle if it is in good repair. Contact Mike Ryder at 630.355.8980, x121.
• Having trouble paying your mortgage, your condo association fees, rent or a utility bill or know someone who is struggling? Call our voicemail at 630.355.8980, x250. Volunteers will contact you usually within 48 hours. We help people in our area even if they are not parishioners.
If any of these roles look appealing to you, please contact SVDP Volunteer Paulette at 630.637.8258 or [email protected]. Thanks for considering these options.
A Mosque in Our Backyard?St. Thomas is a founding member of DuPage United (DU), a non-partisan organization of DuPage County churches, mosques, synagogues and other non-profit institutions. For more information go to www.DuPageUnited.org. The following white paper was written by DU organizer Amanda Reilly-Sokoli. We will keep you informed of the status of the mosque project in Naperville. For further information, contact Mike Ryder in the OSJ Office at [email protected] or 630.355.8980, x121.
Does your institution in Naperville have the right to an opinion?What is your opinion?
As members of an existing institution in Naperville, it is important to ask yourself two questions. Does your institution have the right to an opinion about a new religious institution being built in your community? And if so, what is your opinion of the new mosque being proposed for Naperville?
When answering this question, keep in mind that all people belong to institutions. Sometimes those institutions are a book club, a day-care center, a Zoom family chat, a weekly dinner with friends, a community center or YMCA, a business, a school board, a PTA, a university … and sometimes they are religious institutions. In the United States of America, religious institutions enjoy the ability to engage with all kinds of groups and have the freedom to do so.
As residents of a country that was founded on the principles of individual freedoms, however, we must ask ourselves if our institutions have the right to speak in support of or in opposition to issues that help determine the kind of communities we live or worship in. If the answer is yes, then we have not only a right but a duty to let others, including our public officials, know how we stand — not only as individuals but also as institutions.
The Islamic Center of Naperville (ICN), a member of DuPage United, is applying to the city of Naperville to build a mosque, a school and other buildings that include a banquet hall and a gymnasium for their own worshiping community. As with any group of people, ICN wishes to be able to have the freedom to practice their religion, to educate their members in their faith and to celebrate life’s important moments — including birthdays, weddings, religious holidays and other occasions. DuPage United supports ICN in their effort to move forward with their plans to build their mosque and additional religious and educational facilities on the 10-acre land site they purchased over 10 years ago, which has since been incorporated into the city limits of Naperville.
Their plans, which have already been reviewed by the Naperville Planning and Zoning Committee (PZC), are in accordance with the zoning laws of Naperville, with two minor variances requested to allow for the best possible plan and appearance to blend in with the surrounding community. (These amendments include not putting up a fence on the north side of the property — which is usually required — and to reduce the physical space required on one side of the property between the street and ICN’s parking, which will be offset by additional landscaping and open space.)
As DuPage United stands with ICN in their efforts, we believe that institutions and their members in Naperville will want to welcome this new mosque into the Naperville community. We feel it will help celebrate diversity, expand mindsets and support a culture of acceptance and respect. On behalf of DuPage United leaders and the Islamic Center of Naperville, we thank you in advance for the time and consideration you are willing to give to this issue. We welcome your feedback and support during this endeavor.
Thank you for your consideration. For further information, please contact Rabbi Ricky Kamil at 630.432.2305 or [email protected] or Amanda Reilly-Sokoli at 484.513.6337 or [email protected].
Amanda M. Reilly-Sokoli, DuPage United Organizer on behalf of the Islamic Center of Naperville and DuPage United leaders and their institutions.
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church February 21, 2021 | 13
2021 Lenten ProjectUnlocking Communities
Share your bread with the hungryShelter the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothe the naked when you see them,And do not turn your back on your own.
— Isiah 58:7
And who is “your own”? It is all of us born in the image and likeness of God.
Lent is a time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is our St. Thomas tradition to offer a worthy project each Lent as an almsgiving opportunity. Considerations in selecting a project include a need assessment, as well as an understanding that our donations will make a difference. This year the Lenten project will benefit Unlocking Communities and more specifically, their African initiative.
Unlocking Communities was founded and is directed by one of our own — Josh Goralski. Josh grew up at St. Thomas. He was inspired by his Haiti Twinning trips to Duchity. The lessons learned there in our efforts to introduce clean water filters lead him to find a better way.
Unlocking Communities works in poor third world villages. They train people (mostly women) in smaller villages to be entrepreneurs (providing clean water filters and clean burning stoves for families) — providing self-sustaining economic, health and environmental impacts in communities. Stay tuned for more information during Lent.
Care Pantry Drive-Thru DonationsCare Pantry volunteers accepted drive-thru donations on Tuesday, February 9. The cold weather did not dampen the response — 308 bags of food were collected! Thank you to all who were able to donate. The next Drive-Thru donations date is Tuesday, March 9, 2021, from 9:00–11:00 am and 4:00–5:00 pm. Check the website and the weekly and Lenten bulletins closer to the date for a list of needed items.
Stewardship and AdministrationLast weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts
Weekly Sunday Offertory
February 7, 2021
Sunday Collection Offering* $16,128
Credit Card Online Giving none this week
Automatic Direct Debit $22,282 (5th and 20th each month)
Mailed in and stock donations $7,436
Total for the week $45,846 *Based on Collection Counters Reports prior to bank confirmation
Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) $1,151,990
Weekly Average 7/1/2019 to date $36,000
Offertory Goal Year to date $1,078,051
Over/short of goal to date $73,939
Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 $1,751,833
Percent of Annual Sunday Offertory Goal 66%
Remaining for Fiscal Year goal $599,843
This week, the Sunday collection is $73,939 ahead of goal so far this year. Capital needs restricted gifts were $837 this past week. We are grateful to those who recognize the need and responded.
In his address on December 30, 2020, Pope Francis said, “Above all, let us not forget to thank: if we are bearers of gratitude, the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope.”
We, at St. Thomas are bearers of gratitude. As of March 7, we are able to add a weekend Mass because of the parishioners who volunteered to assist as greeters, ushers, lectors, sacristans, musicians and Eucharistic ministers. We thank you.
We at St. Thomas are grateful for all who remember to support the parish every week with their contributions. With your monetary help, our parish is able to continue to operate. We will be here when there is an end to the pandemic. We thank you.
And we at St. Thomas and the Diocese of Joliet are grateful for your pledges to the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal. With your help, Catholic Charities, our Catholic schools, and our seminarians (to name a few of the 30 something ministries) will be able to continue to their important work. We thank you.
Pope Francis continued his address with this thought: “The world needs hope. And with gratitude, with this habit of saying thank you, we transmit a bit of hope.”
The Week AheadMonday, February 227:00–8:30 pm Journey 1 Class, Ministry Center7:15–8:30 pm RE Middle School Speaker, Church
Tuesday, February 237:00–9:00 pm RE Elementary Catechists, Ministry Center7:00–9:00 pm INSIGHT, Zoom
Wednesday, February 249:15–11:15 am Wednesday Bible Study, Zoom7:00–8:00 pm New Year, New Hope, Zoom
Thursday, February 259:15–11:15 am Thursday AM Bible Study, Senior Center7:30–9:00 pm Thursday PM Bible Study, Zoom
Friday, February 267:00–8:00 pm Stations of the Cross, Church
Saturday, February 273:30–4:15 p.m Reconciliation, Galilee
Sunday, February 289:00am–12:00 pm RCIA, Senior Center4:30–6:00 pm Teens with Character, Gym
Please take the time to read the ads which make this bulletin possible. Help support these businesses, especially during
this time, as they support St. Thomas the Apostle. Mention the bulletin when you patronize their establishments.
Let them know they are appreciated!
thank you
Smart Moves in Giving to St. ThomasSome parishioners receive tax benefits from gifts to St. Thomas by donating stock or directing their IRA distributions to St. Thomas. Consult your tax adviser or broker/agent to see if these smart moves are right for you. We appreciate your support!
14 | February 21, 2021 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
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