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ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHURCH ORLAND HILLS, IL
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHURCH ORLAND HILLS, IL
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Two March 4, 2018
CORCORAN’S CORNER The Lenten Cantata… On Palm Sunday, March 25, at 3:00 PM. we will have our Annual “Holy Week Treat”: our Parish Lenten Cantata. This music program is a wonderful way to enter the experience of Holy Week. The arts open our spirits to the movement of God, and our combined Adult and Teen choirs, Lectors, Liturgical Dancers, and Seton Symphony, allow the mystery of Holy Week to begin to unfold for us. There is no charge for this concert, but a free-will offering will be taken up at the performance.
Lenten Canned Food Drive… Next weekend, March 10-11 as well as March 24-25, we will be collecting canned goods for our local Orland Park and Tinley Park food pantries. We thank the Knights of Columbus for coordinating this drive for our parish community.
Parish Lenten Reconciliation Our Lenten Reconciliation Service will be held on Sunday, March 18, at 7:00 PM, in the church. All are welcome!
St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Day Party... Tickets to our St. Patrick’s -St. Joseph’s Day Party for Saturday, March 17, from 7:00 PM to Midnight, in the Mc Brady Center, are nearly all gone. We have about 80 tickets left of the 240 available. Tickets are $30 per person with a cash bar featuring wine, beer, and other light non-alcoholic refreshments. Dinner includes corned beef, baked mostaccioli, bacon cheddar potatoes, tossed salad, etc. We ask that everyone bring a dessert to the party as an offering to share at our St. Joseph’s Sweet Table. Musical entertainment will be provided by our wonderful local DJ and parishioner, Loren Gent of Fun, Fun, Fun DJs. This party is meant to be a fun night out, a “fun raiser” not a fundraiser, and a needed tonic to winter. To travel to the McBrady Center is a much shorter journey than a trip to Florida, and much cheaper than suffering a nervous breakdown. You can purchase tickets by stopping at the table in the church Narthex this weekend or call Anna Talley at 708-532-6731, to reserve a spot. Start gathering your tables now.
The “Pot of Gold” Raffle… We remind everyone to return your “Pot of Gold Raffle” ticket stubs as soon as possible. The winners of the raffle will be chosen at the St. Patrick’s–St. Joseph’s Day Party on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at about 10:00 PM. Winner need not be present.
The 2019 Mass Intentions Book… On Monday, March 5, at 9:00 AM, our parish office will open the 2019 Mass Intentions Book for those who want to offer a Mass during the 2019 calendar year.
Lenten Parish Mission… Thanks to all who attended our Lenten Mission last week. Thanks to our Director of Liturgy, Claudia Nolan, our Music Director, Linda McKeague, and our Lectors, for all they did to make the Mission “happen”. In November we had to change the plan for this year’s Mission, deleting its’ start on Sunday, and extending it to Wednesday. I had already made plans, so I could not attend the final night of the Mission. From Fr. Ken Simpson’s talk on both Monday and Tuesday, and reports that I received about Wednesday, it was a very spiritually fulfilling three days. Thank you, too, to our Social Action Ministry volunteers who hosted the reception following the last night of the mission.
Last Week’s Special Collection… Thanks to all who contributed to last week’s special collection, taken up to support this summer’s Teen Mission Trip to Kentucky. An amazing sum of $4,889.28, was donated by our parishioners. Your generosity enables our teen’s own generosity to happen on this Mission trip. The community clearly has “the back” of this Mission trip. Thanks.
What’s the Buzz… It was amazing to witness the buzz and excitement last week at Holy Name Cathedral as we brought our four R.C.I.A. Candidates down for the Rite of Election Ceremony. To be part of a filled cathedral with R.C.I.A. candidates from throughout parishes in both Cook and Lake Counties was amazing. There were five such ceremonies held over the past two weeks to accommodate all the candidates from throughout the Archdiocese.
Gone Fishing… I am away for a few days break prior to the March15-June 15 “end of the year” rush of celebrations [Holy Week, Confirmation, First Communion, Graduation, and the calendar and budget planning for 2018-2019]. While Fr. Zurek goes away for fourteen long days, I will only be gone for two short weeks.
Keep Smiling!
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Three March 4, 2018
Please bring a dessert to share for our St. Joseph Sweet Table
Saturday, March 17 7:00 pm-12 Midnight Parish Life Center
$10,000 GRAND PRIZE “POT OF GOLD” RAFFLE
SECOND PRIZE: $1,000 10-$200 PRIZES 10-$100 PRIZES
Raffle: $20 each/6-$100 Available in the Parish Office
DINNER! Corned Beef, Mostaccioli, Bacon
cheddar potatoes, salad, coffee/tea
DANCING & ENTERTAINMENT! Fun, Fun, Fun! DJ, Loren Gent
SHANNON ROVERS!
CASH BAR! No outside alcohol allowed.
1970’s prices: Beer/Wine only $2.00!
$30 per
person
Come on out for a great night of fun!
Dinner tickets Available by by calling Anna Talley at 708-532-6731.
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Four March 4, 2018
The purpose of the Shawl Ministry is to prayerfully create shawls for those in our Parish Family and community, as a gift for healing, protection, strength, courage, and celebration. Shawls are crafted, for example, for those undergoing medical treatment, grieving the loss of a loved one, in times of crisis or loneliness, celebrating joyous times, or at any time that a person is experiencing a physical, spiritual, or emotional need for the comfort, hope, peace, love, and prayerful remembrance that a shawl can bring. Each shawl maker begins to knit or crochet with a prayer for the recipient. Each time the work is taken up, the prayerful intention is renewed. Upon completion of the shawl, the group says a final prayer, then a priest or deacon
gives his formal blessing. The shawls are meant to symbolize God’s loving embrace. Shawl recipients continue to be prayed for at each of our meetings, and at the meetings of Prayer Shawl Ministries throughout the world. If you would like to pick up a shawl for yourself or someone you know, please visit our display in the Narthex after all the Masses today, March 3 and March 4. Please give us the first name of the eventual shawl recipient so we can inscribe it in our Prayer Intentions Book. There is no charge for the shawls, however, donations are gratefully accepted. Please continue to pray for our ministry, and thank you to all who are already praying for us!
St. Elizabeth Seton Church
Our ladies have been working very hard to provide shawls, so we have an abundance of them! Help us to distribute shawls to someone who may have
a need for them, whether yourself, or someone you know...
Stop by the Narthex after Masses —TODAY!
SATURDAY, MARCH 3 AND SUNDAY, MARCH 4
ONCE AGAIN… A PRAYER SHAWL DISPLAY/DISTRIBUTION!
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Five
Sat., March 3 (5pm) Carolyn Roy; Irene Stincic Sun., March 4 (7:15am) For All Parishioners; Michael T. Sullivan (8:30am) Dinka Rogovic; John Vitcovic (10am) Nora and William Corcoran; John Mastela (11:30am) Dominic Russo; Albert Pumfery Mon., March 5 (9am) Michael Kelliher; Daniel Fleming Tues., March 6 (9am) Salvatore Roti; Jeannette O’Sullivan Wednesday, March 7 (9am) Marge Thompson; Aurelio Bernabe Thurs., March 8 (9am) Edward L. Davis, Jr.; Salvatore Roti Fri., March 9 (9am) Eagney Family; Maria Roti Sat., March 10 (5pm) Margaret Kapala; Stephen O’Toole
Sun., March 11 (7:15am) Rosemary Bode; Michael T. Sullivan (8:30am) Anthony Pappalas; Norbert Gaisor (10am) Ralph Matul; Lindy Michelon (11:30am) Richard Prosser; For All Parishioners
March 4, 2018
We remember the sick, infirm, and those recommended to our prayers, that they may experience the healing power of Christ: Dennis Jeffrey Bob LaCosse David Chiappetti, Jr. Glenn Graham Sandie Graham Gloria Chehy Tom Brownley Avery Hawker Mary Pat Morajda Kathy Molnor Katie Zeman And for our deceased: Steve Hanson Frieda Swintek
“Heavenly Father, accept the prayers which we offer for them.”
PLEASE PRAY FOR
MASS INTENTIONS
STEWARDSHIP
COLLECTION FOR FEB. 25, 2018: $21,204.25
KIDS COLLECTION: $38.30
Thank you for your continued generosity.
Jason and Jacqueline Albright (Child: Quinn Albright)
WELCOME
Please pray for the following couple as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage: Meghan Patras and Joshua Buck; 4-7-18
WEDDINGS Reconciliation
Service Sunday, March 18 7:00 pm in the church
en
You are invited to donate a can(s) of food so that together we CAN help others.
Suggested items:
Canned Vegetables; Canned Ready-Made Pasta; Canned Juices; Vegetable Juices; Canned Meats; Canned Soup; Canned Bean Products; Canned Fruit; Canned Protein Shakes; Velveeta; Peanut Butter; Jelly and Jams; Hamburger Helper; Boxed Cereals; Pancake Mixes; Grits; Pasta; Boxed Mashed Potatoes; Dried Beans; Rice and Rice Mixes; Milk Products (canned, powder).
Drop off boxes located in the Narthex for your donation.
Knights of Columbus
CANS FOR LENT
COLLECTION ON MARCH 10/11 AND MARCH 24/25 [FOURTH SUNDAY
AND SIXTH SUNDAY OF LENT]
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Six March 4, 2018
OVERCOMING THE DIVISIONS THAT DIVIDE US By Rev. Ronald Rolheiser
W e live in a world of deep di-visions. Everywhere we see polarization, people bitterly
divided from each other by ideology, politics, economic theory, moral be-liefs, and theology. We tend to use over-simplistic categories within which to understand these divisions: the left and the right opposing each other, lib-erals and conservatives at odds, pro-life vying with pro-choice. Virtually every social and moral is-sue is a war-zone: the status of women, climate change, gender roles, sexuality, marriage and family as insti-tutions, the role of government, how the LGBTQ community is to be under-stood, among other issues. And our churches aren’t exempt; too often we cannot agree on anything. Civility has disappeared from public discourse even within our churches where there is now as much division and hostility within each denomination as there is between them. More and more, we cannot discuss openly any sensitive matter, even within our own families. Instead we discuss politics, religion, and values only within our own ideo-logical circles; and there, rather than challenging each other, we mostly end up feeding each other in our biases and indignations thus becoming even more intol-erant, bitter, and judgmental. Scripture calls this enmity, hatred, and indeed that’s its proper name.
We are becoming hate-filled people who both fuel and justify our hatred on religious and moral grounds.
We need only to watch the news on any night to see this. How’s this to be overcome? At the more macro level in politics and religion, it’s hard to see how these bitter divides will ever be bridged, especially when so much of our public discourse is feeding and widening the division. What’s needed is nothing short of religious con-version, a religious change of heart, and that’s contingent on the individual. The collective heart will change only when indi-vidual hearts first do. We help save the sanity of the world by first safeguarding our own sanity, but that’s no easy task.
It’s not as simple as everyone simply agreeing to think nicer thoughts.
Nor, it seems, will we find much common ground in our public dialogues. The dialogue that’s needed isn’t easily come by; certainly we haven’t come by it yet. Many groups are trying for it, but without much success. Generally what happens is that even the most-well intended dialogue quickly degenerates into an attempt by each side to score its own ideological points rather than in genuinely trying to understand each other. Where does that leave us?
T he real answer, I believe, lies in an understanding of how the cross and death of Jesus
brings about reconciliation. The author of the Letter to the Ephesians tells us that Jesus broke down the barrier of hostility that existed between communi-ties by creating one person where formerly there had been two—and he did this “by reconciling both [sides] in one body through his cross, which put that enmity to death.” (Ephesians 2:16)
How does the cross of Christ put enmity to death?
Not through some kind of magic. Jesus didn’t break down the divisions between us by mystically paying off some debt for our sins through his suffering, as if God needed to be appeased by blood to forgive us and open the gates of heaven. That image is simply the metaphor behind our icons and language about being washed clean of sin and saved by the blood of Christ. What happened in the cross and death of Jesus is something that asks for our imitation not simply our admiration. What happened in the
cross and death of Jesus is an example for us to imitate.
What are we to imitate?
W hat Jesus did in his passion and death was to transform bitterness and division rather than to re-transmit them and give them back in kind. In the
love which he showed in his passion and death Jesus did this: He took in hatred, held it inside himself, transformed it, and gave back love. He took in bitterness, held it, transformed it, and gave back graciousness. He took in curses, held them, transformed them, and gave back blessing. He took in para-noia, held it, transformed it, and gave back big-heartedness. He took in murder, held it, transformed it, and gave back forgiveness. And he took in enmity, bitter division, held it, transformed it, and through that revealed to us the deep secret for forming community, namely, we need to take away the hatred that divides us by absorbing and holding it within ourselves and thereby transforming it. We must be like a water purifier which holds within itself the toxins and the poisons and gives back only pure water.
We must hold within ourselves the toxins that poison community and give back only graciousness and open-ness to everyone. It’s the only key to overcome division.
We live in bitterly divisive times, paralyzed in terms of meeting amicably on virtually every sensitive issue of politics, economics, morality, and religion. That stalemate will remain until one by one, we each transform rather than enflame and retransmit the hatred that divides us.
“Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up.”
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT March 4, 2018 Page Seven
Seniors of Seton invite all to a LENTEN MORNING OF REFLECTIONLENTEN MORNING OF REFLECTIONLENTEN MORNING OF REFLECTION
Wednesday, March 14, McBrady Center Doors open at 9:30am (after 9:00 am Mass)
Sister Joyce will speak to us on prayer, focusing on God’s desire to be in a relationship with us and the way God keeps inviting us ever deeper into relationship. She will offer some refreshing and en-couraging thoughts about the many shapes prayer can take and will help us explore how God is inviting each of us to pray at this time in our lives.
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER Sister Joyce Diltz, PHJC comes to us from Hammond, Indiana where she sees individuals for ongoing spiritual direction and fa-cilitates several reflection groups. She has been a spiritual director for 43 years. For the past 25 years she was the director of Bethany Retreat House in East Chicago, IN where she accompanied individuals in silent individually directed retreats. Sister Joyce marvels at the wholeness of life and at God using all of creation and life experience to be in communion with us. In her work with individuals and with groups, she helps people discover God present in the dailiness of life, drawing from a variety of approaches to help people recognize and respond to God: scripture, fantasy, drawing, journaling, fairy tales, dance, clay, dream -work, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, and more. She holds a Masters degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University (1977) and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Direction from the Graduate Theological Foundation (1992). She is a graduate of the Haden Institute Dream Leader Training Program. She holds Membership in Spiritual Directors International and has three times co-chaired the Michiana Spiritual Directors Network. Previous ministry experiences include teaching junior and senior high school language arts and religion, vocation and formation ministry, and hospital chaplaincy. “The Many“The Many“The Many
Faces of Prayer:Faces of Prayer:Faces of Prayer: How is God Inviting How is God Inviting How is God Inviting
You to Pray?”You to Pray?”You to Pray?” withwithwith
Sr. Joyce Diltz, PHJCSr. Joyce Diltz, PHJCSr. Joyce Diltz, PHJC
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
LLENTENENTEN LLITURGYITURGY OFOF THETHE HHOURSOURS
Daily Morning Prayer in the church (Monday-Friday) beginning Thursday, February 15 at 8:30AM
February 19-23; February 26-March 2; March 5-9; March 12-16; March 19-23
March 26-March 30 (Holy Week)
Lenten Weekday Prayer Opportunity
What is the Liturgy of the Hours?
Not many people are thoroughly familiar with this form of communal prayer. Long ago, our ancestors in faith had ways for individuals and households to praise and thank God constantly, with the poetic richness of praying at morning and evening with hymns and psalms known by heart. As time went on we lost those forms of prayer. Along with the Lord’s Supper, fixed-hour prayer is considered the oldest form of Christian spirituality. The psalmist’s example to praise God seven times each day, were trying to follow St. Paul’s exhortation to “pray without ceasing.” The apostles too used psalms in their prayers, and the psalms remain the backbone of the Liturgy of the Hours today. Both the ending and the beginning of the day were, to the ancients, natural times for prayer. We learn to pray by praying, and we learn to pray the Mass through the many ways that ritual prayer enters our lives throughout the day and week. In liturgy as in life, one thing regularly leads to another: understanding leads to loving, loving to participation, participation to commitment and commitment to a transformed way of living. It seems so elementary. Morning prayer makes us rise and thank God for a restful night, for another day of life, and for the strength and courage to do God’s will. The spiritual practice of celebrating Morning Prayer is a way of consecrating the day to God.
What is the Evening Prayer?
EEVENINGVENING PPRAYERRAYER
EEVENINGVENING PPRAYERRAYER
Wednesdays, 7-7:30PM in the Church Beginning February 21
We all may have heard of priests and religious praying the “breviary,” which is another name for the Liturgy of the Hours. Although every Catholic knows that Eucharist is the official public prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours is considered the “other half” of our official public prayer — a half which most of us have rarely had an opportunity to experience. In the Liturgy of the Hours, the singing or reciting of the Psalms takes place at various hours around the clock. Praying the Psalms at differ-ent hours of the day and night is a traditional Catholic way of “sanctifying” every hour and moment of our lives with prayer and reflection. Evening Prayer is the “sunset” hour of the Liturgy of the Hours, and begins with a light ceremony in which lamps and candles are lit for the evening activities (originally at a time when there was no electricity). During the lighting of the lamps, we sing a hymn praising “Christ our Light.” Incense is burned as we sing and pray that all our prayers will rise to God just as the smoke and fragrance of the incense rises. Then, we sing from the Book of Psalms (the heart of prayer). We close the service with a hymn of thanks. This is a prayerful way to end our day and begin our evening activities.
March 4, 2018 Page Eight
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Nine March 4, 2018
fasting.
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Ten March 4, 2018
LIVING the
WORD
LIVING the
WORD
NEXT WEEK’S FOCUS: FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
The entire encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus takes place at night, yet Jesus is able to reveal light, and bring Nicodemus to the light.
FIRST READING The wrath and the mercy of the LORD are revealed in the exile and liberation of the Chosen People (2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23). The reason for the exile is made abundantly clear: be-cause the people and their leaders (princes and priests) refused to live in the ways of the LORD. God had sent them prophets to call them back to righteousness, but they stubbornly refused to change their ways. Therefore, the LORD gave them up into the hands of their enemies. No-tice how the author makes it absolutely clear that the de-feat of Judah and the exile was not God’s fault; it was en-tirely the people’s fault. Neither was the exile an accident of history. God had foretold what was going to happen through the mouth of his prophet Jeremiah. God, how-ever, would not abandon his people forever. He sent Cyrus, the emperor of the Persians and the conqueror of Babylon, to liberate his people from exile. It was Cyrus’ policy to send captive peoples back to their original homeland. Notice, though, that it is the LORD himself, and not Cyrus that is the instigator of this liberation. Cyrus was only an instrument in the hands of the LORD.
SECOND READING God, who is rich in mercy, brought us to life with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-10). God is so generous that, even though we do not in any way deserve it, he has saved us and called us into his glory. It was not our good works or pious practices that bought us this freedom; it was God’s gracious generosity
and loving care. Now that God has done this for us, we must respond with gratitude by doing good works and practicing generosity with those around us.
GOSPEL The Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life (John 3:14-21). We have all but killed ourselves through our sin, and now the only way we can be saved is by looking up at Jesus who died for us and having faith in him (believing in his love). This love is not something new. God never wanted to condemn us. That is the point of Jesus coming into the world: to reveal to us how much God truly loves us. Still, we have to choose to accept and live in that love. Those who do not accept that love have already c ondemned themselves (because now they will have to live outside of God’s love). Those who accept that love have already received their reward (the possibility of living in that love).
REFLECTION The popular Scripture verse “John 3:16,” can be found on many signs. But “John 3:17:” “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him,” has a deeper mes-sage today. After multiple infidelities, King Cyrus an-nounced God’s saving love: “Whoever, therefore, among you belongs to any part of his people, let him go up, and may his God be with him!” (2 Chronicles 36:23). Ephe-sians proclaims God’s lavish mercy that brought us to life “even when we were dead in our transgres-sions” (Ephesians 2:5). God loves us. Why do we fear bringing our darkness to light so that God’s love can transform us? There are many who have a poor image of God. Too many people picture God as a judge ready to condemn us if we are not the best we can be in the world. Jesus paints another picture. God is rich in mercy. God reaches out to us over and over again, even when we choose darkness rather than light. We try to hide. But God seeks us out when we hide. God wants to raise us up when we fall down. Being raised up requires admitting we’ve fallen down. Seeing the light requires naming our darkness. Becoming whole requires naming our broken-ness. In other words, we need to name our whole truth, for “Whoever lives the truth comes to the light” (John 3:21a). God meets us where we are, so invite God into your life as it is, whether in light or darkness. God hasn’t stopped reaching out. Remember, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through hm.” Make that your operative image of God.
March 11, 2018
Scripture Reflections for
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Monday, March 5 2 Kgs 5:1-15b
Lk 4:24-30
Tuesday, March 6 Dn 3:25, 34-43
Mt 18:21-35
Wednesday, March 7 Dt 4:1, 5-9 Mt 5:17-19
Thursday, March 8 Jer 7:23-28 Lk 11:14-23
Friday, March 9 Hos 14:2-10 Mk 12:28-34
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Eleven March 4, 2018
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS
RCIA PRAYER CARDS AT MASSES THIS WEEKEND, we are distributing RCIA prayer cards with the names and pictures of our ELECT. Please take it home and continue to pray for — and with — our Candi-dates as they seek God’s path for their lives.
Jennifer Balediata To complete Sacraments of
Eucharist and Confirmation
Kelly Cesario To be Baptized, Confirmed
and receive Eucharist
Alexandria Gray To complete Sacraments of
Eucharist and Confirmation
Noelle Wojtasik To be received
into the Catholic Church
An Important Note about Our RCIA
It is with great joy that we begin intro-ducing our four RCIA candidates this week. They are like all of us who have come together by the power of the Spirit to become members of our Catholic Church.
My Name is Jennifer Balediata… I was born in Berwyn, IL, and now reside in Tinley Park. I am married to my wonderful husband Mark, of 12 years. We have an awesome and energetic seven-year-old son. I am a cook for So-dexo and have been in the culinary field for over 23 years. I love to bake and cook for my family as much as possible. I was baptized Catholic, but did not have a lot of exposure to the Church. I have always been interested in the Catholic Faith. As my son is now going through Religious Education classes, I felt it was time to take the same journey with him so we can grow in faith to-gether. But, also, to set a positive influ-ence for him and help guide him in his religious beliefs.
Our RCIA candidates, their sponsors and members from our parish RCIA team, are all smiles as they joyfully celebrated the Rite of the Elect at Holy Name Cathedral last Sunday, Feb. 25, on a brisk, but beautiful day in Chicago!
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
LENTEN BOOK DISCUSSION “THE GOSPEL’S LEGACY” AND “BEING DISCIPLES”
We invite you to come Monday mornings at 10AM (thru March 19) or Monday evenings at 7:30PM (thru March 26)
Two books for discussion. Cost: $20 total Please pick up books in the Parish Office.
Join us Mondays in Lent Two session times: 10AM or 7:30PM Father William Gubbins Center for Faith Formation THE FORWARD — Bill Huebsch, January 18, 2016 — ”The Gospel’s Legacy” My dad died in 2003. He was accompanied that last morning by his children, and he was very comfortable and at peace. He had prayed the rosary, and as he finished he waved his arm as though in farewell. My brother asked him what he was doing. “I’m talkin’ with God,” he said. “Well, what’s God tellin’ you?” my brother asked. Dad answered with his usual wit, “He’s sayin’ ‘Come on home, Herman. Come on home.’” Half an hour later, he took one last breath and went home. I’ve always thought that those last words from my dad also summarized his whole life. He was a man of faith, and being with God was being at home. And home would have been how he thought about it since our home was such a focus and center of his life. He and Mom made our home a domestic church without even knowing they were doing so. To them it was just how we aligned ourselves with the loving divine presence around whom we were ordered in life. Likewise, the last words of Jesus contain with them the story and promise of his entire life. The author, Art Zannoni, unpacks them for us in this beautiful volume with faith and insight. Read these seven mediations slowly. Reread them as you would Scripture in Lectio Divina. Let the words sink into your heart and you will walk away from this encounter more deeply rooted in Divine love.
Page Twelve March 4, 2018
Prepare for the March 5, 10AM Discussion by reading the following:
“Being Disciples” Chapter 4
Pages 47-57
“The Gospel’s Legacy” Chapter 4
Pages 15-19
“Being Disciples” Chapter 3
Pages 37-46
“The Gospel’s Legacy” Chapter 3
Pages 11-14
Prepare for the March 5, 7:30 PM Discussion by reading the following:
Prepare for the March 12, 10AM Discussion by reading the following:
“Being Disciples” Chapter 5
Pages 58-75
“The Gospel’s Legacy” Chapters 5 & 6 Pages 21-30
“Being Disciples” Chapter 4
Pages 47-57
“The Gospel’s Legacy” Chapter 4
Pages 15-19
Prepare for the March 12, 7:30 PM Discussion by reading the following:
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT March 4, 2018 Page Thirteen
EASTER MEMORIALS The Art and Environment Team is asking for donations for flowers to decorate the church for Holy Week. If you use the Easter Flower enve-
lopes found in regular envelope packets be sure to include the name of your loved one(s) along with your donation or fill out this form below and drop in the collection basket or in the Parish Office. Names will be printed after Easter. Please PRINT legibly. Name(s):
_________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
_________________________________________
NOTES FOR OUR RCIA Candidates
Once again, we as the Catholic Parish Community of St. Elizabeth Seton, prepare to welcome four women who will celebrate their faith journey with us at the Easter Vigil Service:
—Kelly Cesario, will be Baptized and receive First Eucharist and Confirmation. —Noelle Wojtasik, having been baptized in other faiths, will make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church and receive Eucharist and Confirmation. —Jennifer Balediata and Alexandria Gray will now complete their sacraments of Initiation, receiving Eucha-rist and Confirmation.
We invite you to write a little card or note to each of these wonderful people to be given to them at the recep-tion following the Holy Saturday Vigil. As a parish com-munity we rejoice and welcome these people and cele-brate the work of the Spirit among us. We will collect them during Lent (Anytime you see me at church, but no later than Good Friday!), or drop them off in the parish office. We are grateful for your support and be assured of how much your support means to the candidates.
Claudia Nolan and the Seton Staff
— Upcoming Events at the Port —
Decluttering and Simplicity Monday, March 12 9am-12 Noon Fee: $25
Letting go of things can help us both physically and spiritu-ally. We can clear out possessions, surrendering what no longer serves us in order to find room in our home and heart for what really matters. Facilitators: Amanda Clark Reed CST and Janice Keenan, OSF.
Deepening Spirituality Saturday, March 17 9am-12 Noon Fee: $25
What is your desire to go deeper in your relationship with the sacred? Explore what captures your attention, gets in the way. Spiritual practices are invitations to seek the Holy. Facilitator: Linda Heying, PsyD, LMFT.
Awaken to Spring Monday, March 19 9am-12 Noon Fee: $25
Come for a morning honoring the rebirth of Spring. Awaken from your winter sleep with gently stretching, mindful breathing, guided meditation and reflection. Bathe yourself in the sonic vibrations of the Venus and Neptune gongs to wash away to dark of Winter. Use the seasonal energy to nurture your spirit and clarify your journey. Bring yoga mat, pillow, blanket for your comfort, Zero gravity chairs available (must request in advance). Facilitators: Karen Tiusty-Rissman and Cecily Hunt.
To register: Portiunicula Center for Prayer 9263 W. St. Francis Rd., Frankfort
815-464-3880 or portforprayer.org
My Lenten Sacrifice You are invited to give a monetary gift as a
Lenten sacrifice for families in our community. For your convenience, SVDP boxes are located at all the entrances of our church. We depend solely on the contributions that are placed in the donation boxes. All monies donated go directly to those in need. We service clients within our parish boundaries with emergency assistance for utilities, rent, security deposits, food, clothing, medical, dental, eye care, and occasionally
gasoline to get to a job site. These needs continue to grow during these stressful economic times and as government and program funds are reduced. As calls come throughout the year we look to your generosity and sense of sharing and justice to offer assistance. It is your goodness that makes our work possible.
The St. Elizabeth Seton St. Vincent de Paul Society
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Fourteen March 4, 2018
Thank you for supporting Catholic Relief Services this Lent through the RICE BOWL Campaign
CRS Rice Bowl are available on the counter in the Narthex. Please return your Rice Bowls by Palm Sunday, March 25.
To learn more about CRS Rice Bowl, visit crsricebowl.org.
WEEK THREE: Care For God’s Creation
Catholic social teaching inspires and guides how we are to live and work in the world. In this principle, Care for God's Creation, we remember that God created every plant, every mountaintop, every animal—everything. And God said that these things are good. We find God in these good things, and so we must take care of creation—for ourselves and for our entire human family.
STORIES OF HOPE: Encounter Safiata
The dry and dusty climate of Burkina Faso means farming can be difficult. It means water can be hard to come by. And it means Safiata and her family often face hunger. Even though she had two plots of land to farm, the many months each year without rain made feeding her 9 children and 16 grandchildren a real challenge. That’s why Catholic Relief Services is providing farmers like Safiata with more land to grow crops—like onions—that thrive in dry climates. And thanks to a CRS- sponsored irrigation system, she knows she’ll have access to water year-round. That means her crops will grow, and she’ll be able to sell some at the market. “I pay school fees thanks to sell-ing the vegetables. The vegetables help solve the problems my family faces,” Safiata says. Moreover, she can prepare for the future. Together with others, Safiata is putting a little of the income she earns from selling her crops at the market into a community savings pool. “If you face difficulties, the community will help you,” she says. Those who contribute can borrow money from the fund for emergen-cies, school fees for their children, or to build businesses.
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Fifteen March 4, 2018
Four Characteristics of a Vibrant Church St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 15050 S. Wolf Rd., Orland Park
Thursday, March 8, 7-9pm What factors mark a “vibrant parish”? There are about as many answers to that question as there are Catholic par-ishes! And most of the answers view the parish through a unique lens — Finances in the black? October count? Number of Baptisms/Weddings? Is that true vibrancy? Sr. Gael and Kathy will spend an evening viewing “parish vi-brancy” through the lens of what our Catholic faith has to offer the modern world — Hope, Giftedness, Awareness, and Relationship. Come to discuss ways your parish can be more alive and vibrant in Christ.
Care for the Caregiver Franciscan Village, 1270 Village Drive, Lemont
Wednesday, March 14, 5-8pm Being a caregiver for a loved one can be a very rewarding personal experience, but exhaustion, worry, inadequate resources, and care demands are enormously stressful. Only when we first help ourselves can we effectively help others. Caring for yourself is one of the most important, and one of the most often forgotten, things you can do as a caregiver. This “time out” will offer a brief respite of prayer, reflection, relaxation, and to get in touch with one’s own soul. Facilitator: Marge Gabarcz. Because a complimen-tary dinner is provided, registration is required one week prior to this event. Please register at 708-388-4004.
Evening of Reflection with Eric Goth St. Xavier University-McDonough Chapel,
3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago Thursday, March 15, 6:30-8:30pm
You are invited to an Evening of Reflection with Eric Groth, President/CEO of ODB Films and Executive Producer of Full Grace and the soon-to-be-released film on the Apostle Paul. Eric will share stories from production, scenes from the film, and reflections on the life of Paul and the beautiful reality that none of us are beyond the reach of God’s amazing grace. Please register at 708-388-4004.
Helpful Outreach for People seeking Employment (HOPE) Employment Ministry
NEXT MEETING: March 6, 7pm
LOCATION: St. Elizabeth Seton O’Mara Hall
(lower level of the Church)
SPEAKER: ROBERT GALKA TOPIC: REINVENTING YOURSELF Robert Galka is former corporate executive, author and current member of the faculty at DePaul University—his area of expertise is CRM, Marketing Strategy and Technology
The HOPE Employment Support Ministry is open to everyone. All of our services, to both job seekers and employers, are free of charge. Our monthly meetings consist of networking, resume review, guest speakers and open forums.
Need a resume tuned up? Send your resume to Lee Junkans at [email protected] and then come to the next meeting to receive feedback and discuss suggestions.
Employers and HOPE Alumni: We ask that you please share job openings with us. Send your staffing needs to [email protected], and they will be distributed to those who attend our monthly meetings.
B E C A U S E E V E R Y O N E C A N U S E A L I T T L E H O P E !
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT March 4, 2018 Page Sixteen
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT March 4, 2018 Page Seventeen
Suffering From The Loss Of A Loved One? Little Company of Mary Hospital, 2800 W. 95th St., Ever-green Park, offers two support programs for those grieving the loss of a loved one through death. FOR ADULTS: LIVING WHEN A LOVED ONE HAS DIED Six consecutive Wednesdays, beginning March 21, 2018, from 6-8pm. Support group formed specific to loss. Regis-tration is required with a one-time registration fee of $25. FOR CHILDREN: THE HEART CONNECTION Eight consecutive Mondays, beginning March 5, 2018, from 6-7:30pm. The program is for children ages 3-21 years old who have lost a loved one. Program includes dinner free of charge for parents and children. Early regis-tration is required with a one-time $25 registration fee. For information/registration call the 708-229-4299 (M-F, 9am-4pm) or visit www.LCMH.org.
Relevant Radio Has Moved! The Archdiocese of Chicago’s radio programming has moved from Relevant Radio to WNDZ 750-AM. Listeners will find Catholic Chicago radio programs on 750-AM, between WGN 720-AM and WBBM 780-AM during weekday mornings, from 8-9am. The switch is a result of Relevant Radio’s merger with Immaculate Heart Radio.
The Creation Care Team meets the second Monday each month. Our next meeting date and time is:
Monday March 12 7-8:30pm, in the Gubbins Center
(NE corner of 167th St. and 94th Ave.) All are invited!
February Stewardship Recommendation
Meat production accounts for about 15% of climate warming greenhouse gas emissions. During Lent we already have meatless Fridays [abstaining from meat]. Perhaps consider a year-round effort? A couple of facts to consider when selecting meat: chicken production generates only ¼ of the global warming emissions of beef and lamb production and is better for the environment. Pork production generates about ½ the emissions of red meat.
Questions? Please call Andy Panelli at 708-508-3111.
“Praise be to you my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us…” – St. Francis
Please Join Our Creation Care Team
CREATION CARE CORNER Taking action to protect God’s great gift to us
— Mother Earth.
Wednesday, March 14, 7pm Gubbins Center for Faith Formation
You are invited to join in an hour of quiet time and learn about Centering Prayer. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month in the Cornerstone building located on the NE corner of 167th St. and 94th Ave. Questions? Call Marge Quinn at 708-460-5357.
WIDOWED RETREAT/WORKSHOP The Joyful Again! Program brings understanding and hope on your new life’s journey. The next retreat/workshop is April 21-22, at Presence/Holy Family Medical Center (no overnight available). Contact 708-354-7211, or [email protected] or www.joyfulagain.org (video).
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Prices atPrices atPrices at---thethethe---door:door:door:
Adult Ticket:Adult Ticket:Adult Ticket: $12.00$12.00$12.00
Teen Ticket:Teen Ticket:Teen Ticket: (13 to 17 years)(13 to 17 years)(13 to 17 years)
$5.00$5.00$5.00
Kid Ticket:Kid Ticket:Kid Ticket: (12 and under)(12 and under)(12 and under)
$3.00$3.00$3.00
Friday, March 23Friday, March 23Friday, March 23 4:304:304:30---8:00 pm8:00 pm8:00 pm
St. Elizabeth Seton McBrady Center 9305 W. 167th St. Orland Hills
Menu includes your choice of Fried Cod, Fried Shrimp, Shrimp and Pasta, Pasta Marinara, Pizza, Soup, mixed veggies, salad, homemade coleslaw, roll, butter.
Save $2 on tickets when you buy in advance! Tickets sold after Masses on March 10/11, March 17/18, in the parish office or at-the-door.
SETON
MEN’S CLUB
Page Eighteen March 4, 2018
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Page Nineteen March 4, 2018
Seniors of Seton
SAINT OF THE WEEK
SAINT DAVID OF WALES
(d. March 1, 589)
Saint David of Wales was by legend the nephew of King Arthur and educated under the tutelage of St. Paulinus, whose sight he allegedly restored. He was known as the “Water Drinker,” as he drank only water, and was a vegetarian.
DAVID IS THE PATRON SAINT OF WALES AND PERHAPS THE MOST FAMOUS OF BRITISH SAINTS. Ironi-cally, we have little reliable information about him. It is known that he became a priest, engaged in missionary work, and founded many monasteries, in-cluding his principal abbey in southwestern Wales. Many stories and legends sprang up about David and his Welsh monks. Their austerity was extreme. They worked in silence without the help of animals to till the soil. Their food was limited to bread, vegetables and water. In about the year 550, David attended a synod where his eloquence impressed his fellow monks to such a degree that he was elected primate of the region. The episcopal See was moved to Mynyw, where he had his monastery, now called St. David’s. He ruled his diocese until he had reached a very old age. His last words to his monks and subjects were: “Be joyful, brothers and sisters. Keep your faith, and do the little things that you have seen and heard with me.” Saint David is pictured standing on a mound with a dove on his shoulder. The legend is that once while he was preaching a dove descended to his shoulder and the earth rose to lift him high above the people so that he could be heard. Over 50 churches in South Wales were dedicated to him in pre-Reformation days. He founded 12 monasteries of very strict observance. He lived over 100 years.
COMMENT Were we restricted to hard manual labor and a diet of bread, vegetables and water, most of us would find little reason to rejoice. Yet joy is what David urged on his brothers as he lay dying. Perhaps he could say that to them—and to us—because he lived in and nurtured a constant awareness of God’s nearness. For, as someone once said, “Joy is the infallible sign of God’s presence.” May his intercession bless us with the same awareness!
MEETING AND LUNCHEON MARCH 6—TUESDAY—10AM
Doors to the McBrady Center open at 9:30am. After the meeting, profes-sional magician, Tim Balster, will astound and amaze us with his show. Come see what tricks are up his sleeves! After the meeting and enter-tainment, we will enjoy a wonderful meal catered by Jack and Pat’s. No ticket sales day of the luncheon.
REMINDER
MARCH 7-GAELIC PARK MUSICAL LUNCHEON
Address: 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. ***Transportation on own. For those with reservations: Doors open at 12 Noon/luncheon served at 1pm. Questions call Ceil, 708-460-6004.
LAMB’S FARM – APRIL 18 – WEDNESDAY Trip includes a tour of the farm and time for shopping. Enjoy a wonderful lunch of salad, meatloaf, fried chicken, buttered egg noodles, and assorted desserts. There will be time for shopping at Sugar Maple Country Store. Made from scratch delicious cookies, chocolates, jams, breads, and more will be available for purchase. Cost is $55/person. Deadline for reservation: April 2. Bus departs west lot at 10 am for those with paid reservations.
(Flyer available at meetings and in the parish office.) For reservations or questions contact Anna at 708-532-
6731. Name/phone must be on all reservations. ****Reservations not accepted without payment.
SAVE THE DATE
LENTEN
MORNING OF REFLECTION MARCH 14—WEDNESDAY
MCBRADY CENTER FOLLOWING THE 9AM MASS
with Sr. Joyce Diltz, PHJC “The Many Faces of Prayer: How is God inviting You to
Pray?”
Sister Joyce will speak to us on prayer, focusing on God’s desire to be in a relationship with us and the way God keeps inviting us ever deeper into relationship. She will offer some refreshing and encouraging thoughts about the many shapes prayer can take and will help us explore how God is inviting each of us to pray at this time in our lives.
UPCOMING EVENTS
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
2018 Books — Now Only $10!
The 2018 Golden Opportunities Books make wonderful gifts! Give the gift that gives all year! Each book can
save thousands of dollars at a variety of favorite LOCAL merchants that include: dining pleasures, casual dining, entertainment, sports, retail, and more! Many are two for one or multiple use coupons.
Pick them up at the Seniors of Seton monthly meeting or in the parish office.
Now only $10!
March 4, 2018 Page Twenty
VFW ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH FRY VFW Post 2791 “All You Can Eat Fish Fry” through Good Friday. Cost: Adult-$13, Children (5-12 yrs.)-$5, Under age 5 yrs.-Free. Take advantage of the “Early Bird Special” from 4-5pm for only $11. Serving three kinds of fish (Chipotle-Lime Tilapia, Corona Battered Cod, Redhook Ale Battered Haddock). Breaded Shrimp ($5 extra), Chicken Tenders, Tater Tots, Soup, Famous Mac N’ Cheese, Salad Bar, bread and butter, desserts, coffee and tea. Cash or credit accepted. For “Take Out” call 708-532-2333 and your order will be ready when you arrive. Two full service cash bars available.
ANNUAL ST. JOSEPH DINNER St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Parish, 17500 S. 84th Ave., Tinley Park, will host its Annual St. Joseph Dinner on Sat-urday, March 24, 2018. Doors open at 5:30pm; dinner served at 6:15pm. The Dinner will feature food from Ath-ens Catering including: pasta and potato salad, stuffed shells, eggplant parmesan, fried chicken, Greek chicken, Italian sausage and peppers in red sauce, Greek potatoes, Polish sausage and sauerkraut, rolls and butter, coffee, water, and dessert. Pop sold for $1. You may bring your own bottles of wine. Basket and split-the-pot raffles. All are invited. Advanced tickets are required—no tickets will be sold at-the-door. Tickets: $15-Adult; $8-Child (ages 5-12); FREE: Children-age 4/under. Tickets avail-able in the St. Stephen parish office beginning Monday, March 12. Questions? Call 708-342-2400.
MISERICORDIA JELLY BELLY CANDY DAYS
Friday, April 27 Saturday, April 28
Misericordia Home for the Disabled Needs Your Help!
Volunteers who can give two hours of time on Friday, April
27 or Saturday, April 28, are needed to assist at various locations around town for donations at stores and intersections. Volunteers simply pass out candy and informational tags in exchange for donations. All proceeds benefit the special people who live and work at Misericordia Home for the Disabled. Service hours awarded. To volunteer or for more information contact Lisa Faber at [email protected].
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
ST. ELIZABETH SETON PRAYER/OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Social Action Ministry How we serve: Soup Kitchen in Joliet; Sharing Parish with St. Procopius Church; Pro Life Ministry: COURAGE Pro-gram, Mother’s Day Flowers For Life, Life Chain Sunday, Diaper Drive; Respond Now Outreach; SWIFT (South West Interfaith Team); Environmental Ministry; Speaker nights.
Seton Rosary Group All are invited to join in praying the Rosary each Tuesday/Thursday in the church, by our statue of the Mary, following the 9am Mass.
Chaplet of Divine Mercy The Divine Mercy Chaplet is recited every Wednesday morning in the church, following the 9am Mass.
Heart Warmers Meal Ministry Heart Warmers is an outreach program where Seton volun-teers deliver homemade meals to people of our parish com-munity when they are experiencing times with medical, health, new baby, recovery, or grief issues. To schedule re-ceiving a meal or to become a meal provider contact Barb Cristofaro at 708-349-7493 or [email protected].
Prayer Shawl Ministry Shawls are prayerfully created, blessed, and distributed to those who have a need for the spiritual, physical or emo-tional comfort. Knit or crochet in your home and/or at the twice-monthly meetings. To become a knitter or to obtain a shawl, call Sharon Leone at 708-226-4836.
Seton Sowers-Newborns in Need If you knit/crochet/sew, your skills to make clothing/blankets for premature newborn babies at the University of Illinois Hospital. We meet monthly in the O’Mara Hall. Donations of yarn/fabric/baby toiletries/supplies accepted. For information/meeting dates, contact Carol Dimer at 708-479-6994.
HOPE Employment Ministry HOPE is open to everyone. All of our services, to both job seekers and employers, are free. We meet the first Tuesday of each month in O’Mara Hall at 7pm. Our meetings consist of networking, resume review, guest speakers and open fo-rums. Contact Lee Junkans at [email protected].
Alcoholics Anonymous If you have a problem with alcohol and feel a sincere desire to stop drinking, you are welcome to attend a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the downstairs O’Mara Hall on Thursdays, from 7:30-8:45pm. AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover. The only requirement is a sincere desire to stop drinking.
Families Anonymous If your life has gone astray due to living with someone who has a substance abuse problem, attend a Families Anony-mous on Mondays from 7-8:30pm at Palos Hospital, 123rd and 80th Ave., Palos Heights (Ambulatory Care Center, Rm. 1). Call 708-429-2507 or 708-269-9853.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Anyone within parish boundaries in need of assistance from SVDP, may call the parish office at 708-403-0101.
ST. ELIZABETH SETON PARISH INFORMATION
New Parishioners We welcome new members. All are invited to participate in the life and mission of the parish. A complete listing of parish services and organizations is available in the parish office and on our parish website. Please visit the parish office to register or obtain the registration form on the parish website. Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturday, between 4:15-4:45pm. Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated twice monthly at 1pm. Reserve your time by calling the parish office early. Limited to six children per Sunday. Baptismal Preparation Couples preparing for the birth of their child should contact the Pastoral Center to register for a one night seminar, focusing on a parent’s role in faith development. This session is mandatory prior to the Baptism. Anointing of the Sick is available in the Church every Monday after the 9am Mass. For those who are ill or facing hospitalization, it is appropriate to receive the sacrament once every six months. Call 708-403-0101 for information. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Adults, 18 and older, who wish to become Catholic are enrolled in a formation process (RCIA) that includes prayer, dialogue, instruction, and introduction to the Church’s life and values, rituals and traditions. For in-formation call the parish office 708-403-0101. Ministry of Care is available to give Communion to the housebound, to visit and pray for hospitalized and/or to arrange for the Anointing of the Sick. Please call the Pastoral Center for assistance. In the Hospital? Because of HIPAA Privacy regu-lations hospitals can no longer contact the parish re-garding your hospitalization. It is the responsibility of you or a family member to notify our parish. We desire to offer whatever spiritual support we can. Please call the Pastoral Center. Sacrament of Marriage Couples planning to marry are asked to make arrangements six months in advance. Wedding Workshops are offered throughout the year. They provide engaged couples with guidelines and suggestions for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage. The workshop covers topics ranging from readings and music to flowers and video taping. Adult Choir sings at all 10am Sunday Masses, as well as at a number of special liturgies. Teen Choir sings at the 11:30am Sunday Masses.
Moving? Please call the office at 708-403-0101.
9300 West 167th St., Orland Hills, IL 708-403-0101
www.steseton.com
March 4, 2018 Page Twenty One
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
A FINAL THOUGHT FOR YOUR WEEK
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT By Ted Wolgamot, Celebration Publications
The good shepherd.
The hesitant but obedient son at Cana’s wedding feast.
The kind, gentle prophet who astonishes the woman at the well.
The tender healer.
The compassionate forgiver.
The wonder worker who brings Lazarus back to life.
All customary, commonly-shared images of Jesus … that is until we hear today’s read-ing describing an event so impor-tant that all four Gospels include it.
H ere, we discover a portrait of Jesus we’re not familiar with —
a Jesus who “made a whip out of cords and drove them out of the temple area;” a Jesus who “spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables;” a Jesus who loudly demands, “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” This is a Jesus we don’t recognize. Why the sudden personality change? Even more puzzling, why would Jesus intentionally do something he knew would ulti-mately lead to his arrest and execution? In those times, the Temple in Jerusalem was the most sacred and hallowed of all places to the Jews. It was the ultimate symbol around which everything else revolved — the center not only of their religious life, but of their social and political lives as well. The God of the mosaic covenant lived within the Temple. So, only in this sacred building, could a pleasing sacrifice be offered to God. Only here, could one be forgiven, protected, assured of God’s presence.
To attack the Temple was to do violence to the very heart of all Jewish people. However,
there was also a dark side to this Temple.
The structure had been intended to be a singular place of worship and safety. Instead, it had gradually become, in Jesus’ words, “a marketplace.” What had been designed to be the house of God, had evolved into a refuge for thieves.
The Temple had given rise to an enormous organization whose members made their living from the temple taxes forced on the poorest, rural people. Once intended to be a sanctuary for worship and community enrichment, it had become a place noted for its unabashed idolization of wealth and greed, a building that now represented everything that oppressed people.
Jesus’ act was symbolic. His timing was impeccable.
Carefully choosing the occa-sion of the Passover event when pilgrims from all over the world annually gathered in this one place, Jesus’ stunningly radical gesture had the single intent of waking up the Jewish leaders to see the emptiness of their sacrificial gestures — sacrifices made on the backs of those least able to endure them. But, Jesus doesn’t just stop at tearing down. He offers a
replacement, a new option — his very own self, the “temple of his body.”
W hat Jesus exposes is that the systems of this world, so saturated with the power of money, need to be replaced with a new kind of life
offered to all by the resurrection of Jesus. Instead of a religion co-opted by market forces, Jesus offers one in which a new set of values can become operative. Jesus presents a value system that will deliver people from the bondage of greed and bottomless self-regard, and replace it with a new kind of temple.
Jesus wants to build a new kind of temple — in our hearts. A temple that idealizes and radiates
compassion, embodies service and promotes the high-est regard for those who cannot fend for themselves.
This new temple that Jesus proposes for all of us, is centered in the Father, enriched by the power of the Spirit, and modeled on that of Jesus’ own life. It is a new temple, fully dedicated to the God who, in St. Paul’s words, is “wiser than human wisdom” and “stronger than human strength.”
March 4, 2018 Page Twenty Two
God of our ancestors, Lord of our life,
grant us the strength to cling faithfully to your laws.
Let us not stumble, but recognize the saving power of Christ crucified
for all generations. Amen.
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT
WWW.STESETON.COM
Join us on FACEBOOK St. Elizabeth Seton Church-Orland Hills
Page Twenty Three March 4, 2018
Pastoral Staff Rev. William T. Corcoran, Ph.D, Pastor Rev. John Zurek, Associate Pastor Rev. William Gubbins, Resident Priest Rev. William T. O’Mara, Pastor Emeritus Deacon: Frank Gildea Deacon: Dennis (Barb) Cristofaro
Liturgy Staff Claudia Nolan, Director of Liturgy
Music Staff Linda McKeague, Director of Music
Parish Office Staff Donna Stolinski, Business Manager Darlene Raila, Communications Director Joan Nemec, Morning Receptionist Karen Mirecki, Afternoon Receptionist
Youth/Young Adult Ministry Kyle Groves, Director Bruce Hall, Coordinator
Religious Education Staff Susan Matthews, Director of Religious Education Diana Barracca, Administration Assistant Mary Vlaming, Secretary
Athletics Bob Myjak, Director
Maintenance Staff Raymond Yanowsky, Director of Maintenance Laurie De Mik-Renn, CJB Day Maintenance Supervisor Marie Makuch, Staff Joseph Shake, Staff Dan Kosty, Staff
REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE Monday-Friday:
9:00 am Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday:
7:15, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30am
St. Elizabeth Seton Church 9300 W. 167th Street Orland Hills, IL 60487
Parish Office: 708-403-0101 Religious Education: 708-403-0137
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:30AM-4:30PM
SATURDAY: 1PM-6PM SUNDAY: 8:30AM-1PM
Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School WEBSITE: WWW.CJBSCHOOL.ORG 708-403-6525 Principal, Mary Iannucilli Administrative Assistant, Cindy Labriola Devlin
3/11 & 3/12 5:00PM 7:15AM 8:30AM 10:00AM 11:30AM
GREETERS J. Gaskey T. Grebenor C. Labus D. Mires M. Pahl/ K. Pahl G. Roy G. Roy K. Roy M. Roy
E. Briette J. Esposito C. Esposito M. Foley D. Krieger B. Majer W. McGashan A. McGlashan J. Niemiec
L. Allen C. Bannon F. Caputo M. Crance R. Cubalchini M. Cubalchini S. Giovanazzi O. Lopez, Jr.
D. Ahern W. Bric J. Grant D. Kujawa M. Moore M. Moore
A. Durkin E. Esparza E. Esparza M. Hattar J. Islas/ L. Islas S. Klean F. McCarthy S. Potts T. Waters/A. Waters J. Waters
LECTORS T. O’Connell M. Ward
L. Mata D. Roti R. Hicks
B. Hurley/B. Velcich M. Laska/L. Junkans
A. Lietz C. Steckhan
ALTAR SERVERS
T. Quinlan P. Lynch N. Papciak
A. VanAlst C. Stroz C. Maniatis
G. Misiunas J. Laxamana J. Laxamana
C. Buck S. Ryan H. Ryan
S. Cuba N. Kaslewicz M. McMahan
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
F. Ward C. Lundgren T. Lundgren L. Coe M. Ihnat P. Ihnat A. Sharp B. Cristofaro D. Cristofaro G. Yakes M. Garcia C. Hamilton
D. Skrzypiec L. Skrzypiec N. Sasso F. Mankowski S. Avila L. Avila P. Rodgers D. Flynn
K. Kelly J. Kelly P. Bergamini M. Dziallo C. Kirk L. Austin J. Austin L. Kocsis L. Kocsis J. Juds T. Krull T. Cohoon
K. Engraffia S. Weishaar P. Krueger G. Chehy K. O’Sullivan I. Juska S. Juska R. Grill C. Davis J. Eisenberg J. Krusenoski L. Gent J. Nemec
T. Scorzo J. Holmquist C. Holmquist S. Ivey D. Sigourney M. O’Connor M. Miller K. James T. Wolski J. Bilas
