St. Louis de Montfort

Oak Lawn, Illinois

September 25, 2016 26th Sunday Ordinary Time

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How many times during this past week did you think about heaven? Most of us would probably say, not too many, and yet, that's where we want to go right? Yes Father! Very good! Let us continue. Heaven is our destination, as St Paul energetically reminds Timothy in today's Second Reading. If we were on a family vacation, traveling to some beautiful mountain resort, or to the Northwoods of Wisconsin Musky Fishing and cheering for the Green Bay Packers, wouldn't it be strange if we never spoke or thought about where we were going while we were on our way? Yes, very strange, and yet, often that's exactly what we do in relation to heaven. We hardly speak of Heaven and how to get there because the status quo in our culture is to keep God out from the pub-

lic life; which is very sad and wrong! This is extremely dangerous, because it makes us vulnerable to temptations. We more easily turn off the right road when we see an attractive billboard if we aren't thinking about our destina-tion.

This is very much the context of St Paul's advice to Timothy. Paul has just warned him about the dangers of money. In fact, the previous verses contain that famous phrase: "The desire for money is the root of all evil." The desire for money can distract us from our destination. Money is a means for achieving worldly success, stabil-ity, and pleasure, but all of those things will pass away. Therefore, St Paul exhorts his friend, and us today, to keep his sights set on heaven, to keep his destination in mind at all times. He encourages Timothy to "compete well for the faith" and "to keep the commandment without stain or reproach" until Christ comes again. If the rich man in today's Gospel passage had followed Paul's ad-vice, maybe he would have ended up in better shape, but instead, he forgot his destination. He "received what was good during his lifetime", in Abraham's words. In other words, he let wealth and pleasures distract him from his true mission in life: to love God and neighbor. Here is an example using the movie Schindler’s List.

In 1993, Steven Spielberg came out with a movie called Schindler's List. It's a true story of a rather mediocre Catholic businessman, Os-kar Schindler, who lived in Poland during World War II. When the war started, he saw it as an opportunity to make money. He made friends with some of the German officials and worked out a deal with them to use Jewish prisoners as free labor for his munitions factory. Since he didn't have to pay his workers, he was able to rake in a handsome profit, but little by little his eyes opened to the horrors of the Nazi re-gime. His heart changed, and he started using his factories and his connections with German officers to save his Jewish workers from the Holocaust. He used the money he had made during the early part of the war to buy more and more Jewish workers, just so he could save their lives. By the end of the war he was as broke as he had been at the beginning, but he had managed to save hundreds of Jews from being massacred. In the last scene of the movie, the Germans are fleeing as allied troops approach the town where the factory is located. We see Schindler sur-rounded by the workers whom he had saved, and they are thanking him, but then Schindler starts to cry. He looks around at the faces of the people he saved, and he tells them, "I could have done so much more." The question is, are we trying to do more today?

One way to avoid falling into the sin of omission is simply to purposely keep our eyes open for opportuni-ties to serve those around us. Even making the commitment to perform at least one voluntary, selfless, Christ-like act of service every day can help keep the passive, sin-of-omission mentality at bay. If the rich man in the parable had made that commitment, he would not have ignored Lazarus day after day, and that would have made all the dif-ference.

Today, God is asking us to make good use of this knowledge, to avoid the deadly sin-of-omission mentali-ty, to use every ounce of our lives on earth to build up the Kingdom of Heaven - not just to avoid inconveniences and seek comfort. Today, Jesus will give himself entirely to us in Holy Communion. If we respond by giving our-selves entirely to Him, by promising to put all we have and all we are at his service, there's one thing we can know for sure: when eternity rolls around, we will have absolutely no regrets.

I continue to thank all of you for your continued hospitality and warmth you are showing me and each other. Please spread the good word of our wonderful parish and it is very nice to see more and more people coming back to worship God. Many of us are still saying how great it is to see our parishioner families returning back.

St Louis de Montfort, pray for us! Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!

Have a great week and enjoy life with a great smile! Pray always!

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK!

Greetings!

All of the Catechists of St. Louis de Monfort Parish attended the 9:30 Mass last Sun-day and we received a blessing from Fr. Stan. I would like to take some time to write about the importance of catechesis and evangelization in our parish school.

Jesus has called us all to be evangelists and catechists. An evangelist is called to go and share the Good News. Then, Jesus calls us all to teach what he has commanded—that is catechesis. We are all cate-chists and evangelists. Thank you for being great examples of faith-filled people for our students to follow.

Pope Francis has been a true inspiration for schools during his papacy. He has said: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you” (Evangelii Gaudium, 164) This is the heart of the Gospel message. The teachers at St. Louis de Montfort are keeping this message in the forefront of our minds as we teach our students. We want our students to know that they are important and valued.

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Our school teachers are now certified in CPR and First Aid after attending an inservice on Friday, September 23rd. Congratulations to the first week winner of Football Mania. Unfortunately, we did not have any second week winners. Week 1 winner: Tom Stack $100 The School Advisory Board is getting our next fundraiser ready and details will be announced shortly. They are also working on the annual Halloween Fest, scheduled for October 22nd!

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs. Melissa Wilson

St. Louis de Montfort Religious Education There is still time to Register for the 2016-2017 Religious Education Program. You will find registration forms at the Parish Home and in the back of the

Church. Visit our parish website, sldmparish.org, if you would like to download a copy of the registration form. On the website, you will also find a link to the 2016-2017 Religious Education schedule . If your child is making a sacrament during the 2016-2017 school year you are required to provide a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate along with the registration form.

TEACHERS NEEDED FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM

St. Louis de Montfort Religious Education is looking for a few new teachers to assist us with our Saturday program. Our R.E. program is held twice a month. Class is 9:00 am – 11:00 am. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Cheryl Plesha 708-599-5781 ext. 18 or email c.plesha@sldmparish.org.

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The 2017 Mass book is open and there are still masses available for 2016. If you would like to have a mass intention for a friend or loved one, living or deceased, or a private intention, please call or visit the Parish Home to make arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE….in the Oktoberfest posting, the phone number is incorrect. For infor-mation the correct contact number is 708.599.7845.

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In the weeks following the devastating flooding in southern Louisiana, recovery and rebuilding efforts have moved to the forefront. Thanks to the generosity of people like you, the Knights of Columbus has collected more than half a million dol-lars to support those affected by the flooding. These funds have been used to provide for immediate needs such as food and cleanup supplies, as well as rebuild-ing materials and other items. Although the media no longer prominently features the devastation, the people of Louisiana have a long road ahead. Much needs to be done to rebuild homes and lives. Please do not let these victims be forgotten and consider donating what you can to help. You can go to the Knights of Columbus website, www.kofc.org, to support the relief efforts. Thank you for your continued financial and prayerful support.

Beginning the weekend of October 8-9th, as in years past, St. Louis de Montfort will be participating in The Baby Bottle Project benefiting The Women’s Centers of Greater Chicagoland. This non-profit organization directly assists mothers and families experiencing crisis pregnancies by offering emo-tional, financial, material, and spiritual support through counseling, clothing & monetary provisions,

prayer, and other aid. Each year the three locations together have over 5,000 appointments with expecting mothers. By God’s Grace, The Women’s Centers have saved over 40,000 babies—and their mothers—from abortion since opening in 1984. Please take a Baby Bottle home with you from church on October 8-9th, fill it with your spare change, and return it the weekend of November 5-6th. This is a simple, but crucial fundraising effort for The Women’s Centers. Please note the Baby Bottles cost almost $1.00 per bottle and are recycled afterwards so please return upon completion of the project. Thank you for helping defend life, and we ask the you always remember to keep all pro-life undertakings in your prayers.

KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS WOMEN’S AUXILIARY Council #14553

On behalf of all of the children who received your generous gifts of new socks and underwear, thank you for your generos-ity. Please continue to support by keeping them and their families in your prayers.

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Jackie Adomovicz Jesse Anderer Barbara Augle George Badke

Jim Ball Erik Baranowski Irene Baranowski

Lillian Berenis Sr. Bernardine Mikey Bevan Joyce Bitinas

Jesselyn Brucki Donna Chlebek

Diane Chrapkiewicz Pat Chudy

Betty Connolly Donna Dong

Mary Dragozetic Rita Duchowicz

John Furmaniak Sr. Dave Gallagher Sandra Gilbert Lorraine Grams Dolores Grisko

Dorothy Hayden Janis Hayden Mary Hinchey

Mary Jane Kirchner Daniel Kosiek Theresa Iser Kurt Kutschke

Marilyn Jones Josie Maracic Agnes Mark Rita Mazur

Mary Ann & Bill Meskowski

Rosemary Mihelic Barbara Minster

Judy Mitchell Vencia Munis

Christopher Murphy Teresa Myczek Michael Nolan

Sr. Therese O’Donnell Debbie Ornat Kari Raspanti

Kelly Robertson John Rosinski

Frances Schmidt Bridget Schroeder Ruth Ann Smith

Jim Staros Mercedita Suclan

Terry Swierk Jay Tarczon

Dorothy Tinman Diane Uryasz Irene Valuckis Mary Wantuck

Cathy Jo Werner Robert & Carol Zucas

We pray for those among us who are suffering from illnesses

REST IN PEACE We pray for our family and friends

that have recently died.

Thelma LaSalvia James Foley

David Kackert Sr. Please keep them and their families

in your prayers.

Oct. 1 5:00PM Oct. 2 7:30 AM Oct. 2 9:30 AM Oct. 2 11:30 AM T. Lechert K. Delmagori M. Murphy M. Farrell C. Beyer I. Ramirez M. Hurley M. Gal J. Miller M. Uryasz D. Sichelski D. Ott

Extraordinary M. Navedo M. Kocher S. Kozak G. Pierzynski Ministers of Communion C. Sorensen M. Gilbert D. Widmer N. Rodl

J. Werner L. Gilbert J. Mitchell C. Karnoski J. Kocher B. Gilbert D. Gajda C. Gotto

Commentator L. Trail M. Gilbert R. Trusk C. Karnoski Lector M. Leffers E. Tierney D. Sichelski C. Gotto

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 Doors open 12:30 PM Games begin 1:30 PM

Food and beverage available for purchase $20 admission covers all regular games

PULL TABS, DOOR PRIZES AND MUCH MORE!

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Weekly Activities at St. Louis

Saturday, September 24 9:00 AM—Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM Adoration Sunday, September 25 1:00 PM—Baptism Monday, September 26 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Tuesday, September 27 9:00 AM—Rosary (CH) 7:00 PM — Needleworkers (QH) Wednesday, September 28 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Thursday, September 29 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Friday, September 30 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 9:00 AM—10:00 AM—Parish Pantry Saturday, October 1 9:00 AM — Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM— Adoration Sunday, October 2

Weekly Mass Intentions

Saturday, September 24 5:00 PM - +Joseph Zalapi +Judith Videnich +Mario Grela—10 yr anniversary +Corrine Roy Sunday, September 25, 26th Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 AM — Corneluis Gallagher Christopher & Philip Bodey 9:30 AM — +Diane & Wolter Skupien +Waclaw Stepien +Alecia Coglianese 11:30 AM —+Florence Provencher Monday, September 26 8:30 AM— + Thelma LaSalvia Tuesday, September 27 8:30 AM — In Thanksgiving—Special Intention Wednesday, September 28 8:30 AM — Communion Service Thursday, September 29 8:30 AM — +James Foley Friday, September 30 8:30 AM — +David Kackert Saturday, October 1 8:30 AM — Communion Service 5:00 PM — +Patrick Quinn +Angeles B Avena +Corrine Roy Sunday, October 2, 27th Sunday Ordindary Time 7:30 AM — +Matthew D Bodey + John T Polek +Frank Bilo 9:30 AM — +Stefania Maksymilian Kocamda +Andrew & Mary Remijas +Thelma LaSalvia 11:30 AM —People of the Parish

Sunday Readings for September 25

First reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 Second reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Sunday Readings for October 2

First reading: Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4 Second reading: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 Gospel: Luke 17:5-10

WEEKLY OFFERING

Week of September 17/18 $5,144.00 Give Central $ 190.00 Goal $9,200.00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9th TIME: 11:30 MASS Please join Fr. Stan, his family and friends and your fellow parishioners as we celebrate Fr. Stanley Stuglik’s Installation Mass as pastor of St. Louis de Montfort Parish. Following mass, a reception will be held in Quinn Hall. This is a memorable day not only for Fr. Stan and his family, but for all of the parish members.

Fr. Stanley Stuglik, Pastor Mr. Bill Sullivan: Deacon Fr. Mark Canavan: Pastor Emeritus Mr. Steve McEllin: Director Parish Operations Ms. Jan Podolak: Parish Secretary Mrs. Karen Deegan: Director of Music Parish Home: 8808 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL Phone: 708-599-5300 Fax: 708-599-2678 Email: parish.office@sldm.org Parish Website: www.sldmparish.org Parish Home Office Hours: 9:00 AM— 2:30 PM Monday—Friday Mrs. Melissa Wilson: School Principal Mrs. Cheryl Plesha: Director of Religious Education School Address: 8840 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL School Phone: 708-599-5781

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM Weekdays 8:30 AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri) 8:30 AM Communion Service (Wed) Saturday 8:30 AM Communion Service Confessions: Saturday 4:00 to 4:30 PM Baptisms: 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month Pre-Baptismal Program: The 1st Tuesday every other month. Arrangements can be made by calling the Rectory. Weddings: Couples should contact the parish priest at least six months in advance of wedding date.

Welcome to St. Louis de Montfort Parish

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Louis De Montfort Church #000448 8808 S. Ridgeland Avenue Oak Lawn, IL 60453 TELEPHONE 708 599-5300 CONTACT PERSON Jan Podolak EMAIL: parish.office@sldmparish.org SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2013 Adobe Acrobat XI Windows 8 TRANSMISSION TIME Wednesday 11:00 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION September 25, 2016 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS