ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHURCH Founded in 1987

St. Elizabeth Seton Parishioners! Happy 27th Anniversary!

An Early Happy St. Valentine’s Day And A Happy Marriage Weekend… This weekend the Church in the United States celebrates “Marriage Weekend” to encourage and support married couples. At St. Elizabeth Seton Parish this Saturday, Feb. 8th, the Saturday before St. Valentine’s Day [Feb. 14th] at the 5:00 pm Mass, we are inviting all married couples in the parish to renew their wedding vows. The Sacrament of Marriage is a wonderful gift to the world as an example of committed love. We salute all married couples, and married life.

Time Flies When You Are Having Fun… This weekend, Feb. 8th and 9th, our parish will celebrate the 27th Anniversary of the founding of the parish on Feb. 14, 1987. The Women’s Club is hosting a Pancake Breakfast in the Parish Life Center after all the Sunday Masses in celebration of our parish anniversary. This weekend we have so much to be thankful for as we celebrate the good men and women who formed our early parish community at “Saint” Andrew High School in Tinley Park. Their courage, generosity, hard work, and tremendous vision gave this parish rich roots, and a facility, and a spirit that we enjoy today. We have much to thank God for. [And thanks to the parish Women’s Club for hosting this breakfast treat.]

The Sacrament of Confirmation… On Sunday, Feb. 23rd, at 3:00 pm, our parish Eighth Graders will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, please keep them in your prayers.

St. Patrick/St. Joseph Party… Over a week ago on a cold and snowy night eleven brave people met to form a committee to plan the St. Patrick/St. Joseph Party. The weather was so bad, I thought I might be left talking to myself [again?]. The party is set for Saturday, March 15th. Doors will open at 7:00 pm. A maximum of 300 tickets will be available. If 200 people plan to attend, we will party in the Parish Life Center, if 300 plan to attend the party, it will be held in the gym. As we are still getting prices from vendors we do not yet know the cost of tickets, but they will be very reasonably priced. We hope to begin to sell tickets next weekend, Feb. 15th-16th after all Masses in the Narthex. A word to the wise: buy your ticket early, this event could well be a sell out. Fun, Fun, Fun D.J.’s will provide entertainment. It should be a great night out. Our next committee meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 11th at 7:00 pm in the parish offices.

Pot of Gold Raffle…. Last week we mailed out the financial statements listing 2013 envelope and electronic giving amounts for people as they prepare their taxes. Obviously these statements cannot list cash amounts contributed at the offertory collection and not put in an envelope. Nor do the statements list any amount given to the Annual Archdiocesan Appeal. The Appeal should have already sent you a statement listing the amount that you gave. As you read your statement I want to thank you for your

generosity to the parish. We have a wonderful mission of giving God praise, passing on the faith to the next generation, and building a vibrant parish community, here at St. Elizabeth Seton. We can only do all of this through the good stewardship of our parishioners. As I noted in the statement mailing, the parish was under budget in terms of income [and don’t even get me started on our over budget costs due to the severe winter weather] so I foresee a need to raise some additional revenue to keep the budget in the black. We hope to do this through the “”Pot of Gold Raffle”. Ticket cost is $20 each or a book of six for $100. Every family should have received a book of tickets, and I ask that you return them by the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday, March 15th. We will pick the winners at the St. Patrick/St. Joseph Party around 10:30 pm. The Grand Prize is $10,000; the second prize is $1,000; there are ten third prizes of $200; and ten fourth prizes of $100. This is the only general fund raiser that the parish sponsors. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little “green” for spring?

Boundless Charity… Thanks to all who gave last weekend to the annual clothing drive for our sharing parish, St. Procopius. Your donations will be put to very good use. The staff at the COURAGE Program which assists pregnant young women, and is centered in Oak Lawn, was very grateful for all of the wonderful donations from our parish when I dropped them off last week. My car was jammed full of baby items. Thanks to all who donated.

Good Scouts All… Next Sunday, Feb. 16th, at the 11:30 am Mass our parish will celebrate Scout Sunday. We have invited the local scout troops [Cub, Boy, and Girl] to join us to give God praise at Mass. I have been working for months to see how we can expand scouting at St. Elizabeth Seton parish. We hope for a vibrant parish program for our parish children next year.

Lenten Parish Mission… This past week the parish staff met to plan with Fr. Mike Foley, pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Orland Park, who will lead our Lenten Parish Mission on March 24th, 25th, and 26th. It looks to be excellent!

Please Pass The Salt… While bone-chilling cold and snow have caused Mass attendance and our January weekly collections to drop, we have spent $$4,240 for salt and $7,500 for snow plowing—nearly $12,000 so far! I am thinking of having a “Snow Sale” from the “Great Wall of Snow” surrounding our parking lot. The snow will be offered at prices of $1.00 per bucket, with free home delivery by God before Easter, and offered in the Chicago-land area only.

Keep Smiling…

CORCORAN’S CORNER

We remember the sick, infirm, and those recommended to our prayers, that they may experience the healing power of Christ: Mary Ellen Myjak Michael Tuohy Althea Sinise Debbie Mendoza Felix Tomasiewicz Richard Tropp Maria Smith Donald Daly Augusto Canlas Kaye Fenlon Ed Connors James Smith Mike Knight For our deceased: James Pacente “Heavenly Father, accept the prayers which we offer for them.”

PLEASE PRAY FOR

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Three

Sat., Feb. 8 (5pm) Josephine Tarantino; Robert Pikula; Dolores Garay; Christopher McDonough; Michael and Frances Gurgone Sunday, Feb. 9 (7:15am) Jack and Lynn Flynn; Edwin and Anne Rybczyk; James Francis Lonergan; Ann Kadziela (8:30am) Phyllis J. Minnick; Jack Martin; Marianne Hoogeweg (10am) Gregory Szyndrowski; Christopher McDonough; Theodore Ronczkowski (11:30am) Ruby Behitez Sanchez; Frank and Michael Emmett; Victoria Acosta Mon., Feb. 10 (9am) Peter Vallort; Dr. Leo Finley, Jr.; Mary Buffer; Zachary Boersma Tues., Feb. 11 (9am) Victoria Acosta; Mary Lois Delaney Wed., Feb. 12 (9am) James A Mannion Thurs., Feb. 13 (9am) Ronald Klein; Ronald Podborny; Gene and Mike Ceglarski Fri., Feb. 14 (9am) Antonio Legaspi; Bill Boardman Camille Rosiak

Joyce Bell D. Duane and Tanya Brann (Child: Michael Brann) Myel Kira David

WELCOME

COLLECTION FOR FEBRUARY 2, 2014: $23,000.84

KID’S COLLECTION $39.31

Thank you for your generosity.

STEWARDSHIP

Please pray for this couple preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony: Brigette Wilson and Robert Racine: 2-22-14

WEDDINGS

February 9, 2014

MASS INTENTIONS

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

TAX LETTER UPDATE

Tax letters for the 2013 year have been mailed to parish homes.

If you did not receive your letter please call the Parish Office

at 708-403-0101.

World Marriage Day Is Today! World Marriage Day is an observance sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encoun-ter, associated with the Catholic Marriage Encounter movement and is observed on the second Sunday of February each year. Its purpose is declared to be: World Marriage Day honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faith-fulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life. Visit: WWW.WWME.ORG.

LIVING LITURGY A reflection by Joyce

Ann Zimmerman, CPPS, Kathleen Harmon SND de N, Christopher W. Conlon, SM

SAD — SEASONAL AFFECTIVE

DISORDER has been diagnosed as a real condition. It is especially prevalent in the northern hemisphere during winter, when there are so many dreary days. Our bodies need light. It is recommended that we have at least ten minutes of sunlight or other high light each day for our bodies to have sufficient vitamin D to be able to absorb calcium (even in addition to eating vitamin D supple-mented foods). Our inner self needs light, and without it we can become depressed and exhibit symptoms of SAD. People with high blood pressure are recommended to limit their intake of salt. But who eats popcorn without salt? Or if a baker forgets to put salt in the pie dough, it can ruin the whole pie. Light and salt tend to be part of our everyday living. Without them, life isn’t quite the same.

J ESUS USES SALT AND LIGHT in this Sunday’s Gospel to describe qualities of disciples. But here some-thing much more is at stake than SAD or bland food. What is at stake is the effectiveness of what

we do as disciples. This gospel uses two metaphors with both positive and negative import. Salt enhances but is thrown away and trampled if it becomes tasteless. Light shines but is ineffective if it is hidden. Jesus is clearly saying that disciples must spend themselves in preserv-ing and carrying forward his saving mission. Disciples must season the world with God’s word and faithfully shine forth God’s Presence. The choice is ours: to season or be discarded, to shine or be hidden.

JESUS PASSES ON TO HIS DISCIPLES who he himself is and what he has come to do. Jesus is the Light of the World; so are disciples. Jesus does good works that glorify his “heavenly Father”; so must disciples. Salt is the bridge between who we are and the good we do. Salt brings out and enhances what is already there—The God-given good within us. Salt is the power Jesus gives his disciples to

preserve and carry forward his saving work.

L IGHT IS THE INSIGHT THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES to disciples to know the truth of the Gospel and devise ways to help others grasp Jesus’ way of living. It is light that shines forth from

us, a Light that is the presence of the risen Christ himself within us. Practically speaking, this might mean that we get involved in some of the visible parish ministries, not only liturgical ones but perhaps social outreach or tutoring one of the schoolchildren. Maybe being salty or shining simply means that we take stock of our already-too-busy days and reflect on what has value or meaning for the good of others and what has become habit to no real avail. We might need to examine behaviors that are not effective in helping others live more healthy and spiritual lives. Discipleship always involves ongoing discernment.

SOMETHING TO PONDER: When the food served is bland, we salt it.

When the day fades into night, we turn on a light. Simple resolutions for everyday needs.

Even these SIMPLE RESOLUTIONS, however, INVOLVE A CHOICE AND REQUIRE

AN ACTION ON OUR PART.

Page Four FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 9, 2014

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

— MATTHEW 5:16

Lord, you are my light, shining into the darkness of our lives. You forgive our faults and attract the best within us, that like plants we may reach towards you, our sun. Enable each

of us to reflect your light to one another so that we may be your instruments in forming family and community. Then we will live peacefully with one another and give glory to you.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 9, 2014 Page Eleven

Journey with the Lord and let your heart hear God’s Words….

By Margie Guadagno St. Elizabeth Seton Pastoral Associate

When the disciples

met Jesus

on the road,

they were

disappointed

and sad.

He walked

with them

and listened to

their story.

Then, by opening up

the Scriptures

He gave them hope!

He helped them see

that they were

not abandoned

or left orphaned,

that God

was with them

and would

always be part

of their journey.

The Road To EmmausThe Road To EmmausThe Road To Emmaus The Road To Emmaus The Road To EmmausThe Road To EmmausThe Road To Emmaus

More Than Just A Spice...

Page Six FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 9, 2014

S INCE MY DAUGHTER BECAME A PROFESSIONAL CHEF, I HAVE FOUND MYSELF ADDICTED TO THE FOOD

NETWORK… and to the many different cooking competition shows they feature. There’s Master Chef whose competitors are home chefs. Then there is Rachel Ray and Guy Fieri hosting various celebrities who cook. And Bobby Flay and Anne Burrell fight it out with two teams labeled the Worst Chefs in America! (If you don’t recognize any of these names, then you are not a crazy foodie like me!) But my favorite contests to watch are the Top Chef competitions. That’s because there is usually at least one professional chef from Chicago who I have either met or heard of through my daughter’s connections. It gives me a home team to root for. This year’s competition just ended last week. The finale included just two chefs, one from St. Lucia, Nina, and one from Philadelphia, Nicholas (the Chicago chef only made it to the final four!). I ended up rooting for Nicholas but did not think he would win. His one failing throughout the whole season was that he didn’t use enough salt on his dishes. Every week at least one of the judges would exclaim that once again, Nicholas’ dish was under seasoned. The finale proved to be no exception. His entrée was not salted enough and I felt that because he appeared to be unable to correct this error in technique, the coveted title would slip from his grasp. SALT. Such an ordinary white substance yet it can make such a huge difference. And because it’s been around for a long time, it can bring to mind any number of images. Someone who’s lived a full life and can re-gale us with many exciting tales about the

good old days is an ‘old salt.’ Of course, they are quite liable to use ‘salty language’ so you better watch out!! Over the centuries salt has been used for a variety of purposes. Ro-man soldiers were often paid in salt blocks as it was such a valuable commodity. Our modern word, salary, is derived from the Latin root word, salarium, which literally means salt money! It’s also where we get the axiom for being ‘worth one’s salt.’ Today, we set out salt blocks for animals in the winter, salt our eggplant to draw out the moisture and bitterness, salt our side-walks to prevent injuries (too much of that lately), throw it over our shoulders to keep the bad luck out of our homes, use it to help rub out stains in our clothes (does anyone still do that?), and even soak our sore feet in it. And I’m sure you can think of many, many more.

E VEN OUR GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND REFERENCES SALT. Jesus says that we are to be the ‘salt of the earth.’ That

means we are to be the best people we can be. We are to be useful and truthful and de-pendable and always strive to make life bet-ter for others and enhance their lives. That’s what we are called to do as followers of Jesus and his mission. As Isaiah says, share your bread with the hungry and shelter the homeless. When we do these things in the name of the Gospel, we are being the salt that helps others taste the goodness of life that God intends all of us to share in. Oh, and Nicholas? By the skin of his teeth, he won! As they interviewed him after-wards, he said never again would he fail to use salt to bring out the best in his dishes. May we ALL say the same about our call to be the salt that brings out the best in life for all of God’s children in the world.

Be Still… A Call To Centering PrayerBe Still… A Call To Centering PrayerBe Still… A Call To Centering Prayer Wednesday, February 12th at 7pmWednesday, February 12th at 7pmWednesday, February 12th at 7pm You are invited to join in an hour of quiet timeYou are invited to join in an hour of quiet timeYou are invited to join in an hour of quiet time and learn about Centering Prayer. The groupand learn about Centering Prayer. The groupand learn about Centering Prayer. The group meets the second Wednesday of each monthmeets the second Wednesday of each monthmeets the second Wednesday of each month

in the Cornerstone building located on the in the Cornerstone building located on the in the Cornerstone building located on the corner of 167th St. and 94th Ave. corner of 167th St. and 94th Ave. corner of 167th St. and 94th Ave.

Questions? Please call Marge at 708Questions? Please call Marge at 708Questions? Please call Marge at 708---460460460---5357.5357.5357.

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts,

but the same Spirit. There are different forms of service,

but the same Lord.”

How can you serve the Lord in your own way?

IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE CALLED TO SHARE THE FATHER’S LOVE AS A PRIEST, OR IN CONSECRATED LIFE, please contact Fr. Francis Bitterman, fbitterman@archchicago.org or at 312-534-8298 at 312-534-8298 or www.ChicagoPriest.com. FOR INFORMATION ON RELIGIOUS LIFE contact Sr. Elyse Ramirez, OP at 312-534-5240 or eramirez@archchicago.org, and for the Per-manent Diaconate program contact Deacon Bob Puhala at 847-837-4562 or bpuhala@usml.edu.

PLEASE HELP! VOCATION CROSS

PARTICIPANTS ARE NEEDED! SIGN UP IN PARISH OFFICE

The Vocation Cross is presented on Wednesday at the 9am Mass. Participants pray daily for one

week and return the cross on Tuesday for the next participant. To sign up, please call 708-403-0101.

Holy Spirit, open the hearts and minds of young women and men so that a new flowering of holy vocations

may show forth the fidelity of your love, and all may know Christ, the true light of the world

to offer to every human being the sure hope of eternal life. Amen.

Parish Vocation News

Page Seven FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME April 28, 2013 September 29, 2013 April 28, 2013 February 9, 2014

The next Social Action Meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11th at 9:30am in the Parish

Office Conference Room. Please join us!

SOCIAL ACTION MINISTRY SOUP KITCHEN UPDATE

Many, Many Mugs Were Donated! Thank you! We will continue to serve “snowman soup” with your donated mugs at our next Soup Kitchen on Sunday, Feb. 16th. It is our blessing as we know we are serving Jesus in every one. If you wish to volunteer at the Sunday, Feb. 16th Soup Kitchen, please call Liz at 708-614-6475.

What is God Calling You to do in your life? If you find yourself wondering what God has planned for you, join other single women ages 18-49 for a discernment weekend at St. Scholastica Monastery with the Benedic-tine Sisters of Chicago, March 14-16. Time offered to re-flect, pray, and ponder what life has in store for you. Learn more at osbchicago.org/discernmen or contact Sr. Belinda at 773-764-2413 x246 or bhemonahan@yahoo.com.

Bereavement Support Groups Offered Living When A Loved One Has Died If you are or know someone who has lost a spouse, child, parent, sibling or loved one and is in need of support, the Pastoral Care Dept. of Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers offers a support program on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm for six consecutive weeks, beginning on March 12th. Individual support group(s) offered to specific loss. Information will be provided to help participants understand their feelings and what is happen-ing to them. Meeting persons in similar circumstances pro-vides understanding and encouragement to cope. The Heart Connection The Pastoral Care Dept. of Little Co. of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers offers a support program for children from the ages of 5-18 years old. This eight-week program offered on Mondays from 6-7:30pm begins March 3rd. There is limited registration to 32 children. If you know of an adult or child who could benefit from the support program please call the Little Company of Mary Pastoral Care Department at 708-229-5484, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm to register for the program.

Page Eight FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 9, 2014

SECOND READING

Reflections for SIXTH

SUNDAY IN

ORDINARY TIME

Feb. 16, 2014

Jesus is the fulfillment of the scriptures, Who challenges us to grow in wisdom and grace. The love and grace of God are eternal, but now are embodied in Christ in new ways.

ETERNAL GRACE, NEW COVENANT

Holy God, send us the Spirit

of Wisdom, so that we may grow

into a spiritual maturity that

will enable us to live the demands

of the Gospel. Amen.

The Pharisees had a saying that one should build a fence around the law, meaning that one should take the prescriptions of the law to their widest extension. Thus, one would be sure to follow even the smallest part of the law. Jesus, changes the manner in which He applies this maxim. Instead of interpreting in a legalistic manner, Jesus looks for the spiritual intent behind the commandment and tells

people that this is what the law really means. He extends to prescriptions of adultery. No longer can we ask how far we can go before it becomes a sin. The question we are sup-posed to ask is how we can protect the sanc-tity of the marriage union and how we can live with a chaste disposition. Jesus forbids oaths because of the formula for making oaths, that is, one would swear upon the life of God. This really meant saying that, if one lied, then God Himself should die. This was using God and the temple and other holy things in a manipu-lative manner, almost like accomplices. Jesus, in frustration, counsels His hearers to tell the truth and forget their oaths.

GOSPEL So it was said to your ancestors; but I say this to you (Matthew 5:17-37).

The Gospel of Jesus is a Gospel of grace. The new law that Jesus gives is not a written code, but is the Holy Spirit who works within us to transform us into God’s children, adopted into God’s family, not because of our

own merits but rather out of God’s abundant love. This does not mean that the Gospel of Je-sus places no demands on us. As next week’s Gospel reading makes clear, if anything the new law of Christ is more stringent in its demands than the law of Moses. It calls not simply for outward conformity, but rather for an inward transformation in which we are conformed to God’s Spirit, the Spirit who, as Paul says in the Second Reading, “Scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.” We all know that it is much easier to go through the motions and grudg-ingly obey a rule than it is to truly grasp the reason for the rule and let it become part of the fabric of our lives. A child might simply follow a rule to avoid punishment or to obtain a reward, but with maturity and life experience comes an appreciation for the reason behind the rule. The new law requires the hard work of inner transformation, by which we grow into the wisdom and spiritual maturity of which Paul speaks. The hard work that the new law of Jesus asks of us does not make it any less a Gospel of grace, for what Jesus ultimately asks is that we let His Spirit work within us. Our task is to get out of the way and let the Spirit guide us.

Readings for the Week February 10-February 15 Mon.: 1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13; Mk 6:53-56 Tues.: 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30; Mk 7:1-13 Wed.: 1 Kgs 10:1-10; Mk 7:14-23 Thur.: 1 Kgs 11:4-13; Mk 7:24-30 Fri.: 1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12:19; Mk 7:31-37 Sat.: 1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34; Mk 8:1-10

REFLECTION

No one does He command to act unjustly (Sirach 15:15-20). This reading speaks of the choice that each person must make between good and evil. But the choice is not only that, for this is actu-ally a choice between life and death. This can be interpreted in various ways. At times in the Old Testament it meant that if someone

sinned, then that person would become ill and die. It can also be interpreted spiritually, for sin brings death to one’s soul. Finally, sin is saying “no” to life with God, the only real existence that has true meaning.

Once again we will hear the contrast between the wisdom of the Lord and the wisdom of the world. We have to remember that St. Paul is writing this letter to refute the theories of some of the community. They have inter-preted the Christian message in terms of one group or individual being more powerful than

the others. Paul instructs them that they must embrace the wisdom of the cross. If they have received gifts from the Lord, it is so that they might serve others. This Gospel call is just as true today. We are not called to ob-serve the values of the world; we must ob-serve Gospel values.

God predestined wisdom before the ages for our glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-10).

FIRST READING

February 9, 2014 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Nine

Men’s Club News UPCOMING EVENTS

Sixth Meeting of the 2013-2014 Year!

Men’s Club General Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 12th Doors open at 7pm February Agenda: Fish Fry St. Patrick/St. Joseph Party Saturday, March 15th • Mark Lippe will discuss Annual Wolves Game

As always, new/returning members are encouraged to attend.

Attention Golfers! Come join St. Michael's Men's Club Golf League! Tee time: Tuesday after 2pm at Old Oak Country Club. Cama-raderie, individual play, team competition. League plays 4/1/14-9-30-14. New member applications accepted until Feb. 25th. For information call Jerry at 708-460-2468.

Love Actually: The Transforming Power of Love to Forgive and Heal On a beautiful spring day in 2010, Eileen Timmins learned that her journey in life would include experiencing breast cancer. Receiving the news, Eileen's life changed forever, propelling her on a transfor- mational healing journey. Her story is about resilience and change, and the power of love and forgiveness to heal physically, emotionally and spiritually with grace. In this workshop Eileen will explore the importance of healing wounded relationships in a variety of settings: family, extended family, friendships, and workplace. Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9am-Noon at Mayslake Ministries, 718 Ogden Ave., Downer’s Grove. Cost: $35.

Joyful Again! Widowed Retreat Beyond grieving there is new life! Feeling “stuck”? Need something to get you “over the hump”? Have you reached a “turning point” after your loss? Attend a weekend on March 8th and 9th at Our Lady of the Angels in Lemont that is especially designed to help you reflect on and recognize new direction for your life while still treasuring memories of your loved one. The weekend retreat includes overnight private room And meals. For more information contact Joyful Again! Widowed Ministry at 708-354-7211 or email joyfulagain7211@gmail.com or visit www.joyfulagain.org.

Breakfast with a Cup of Spirituality Meditation/Mental Prayer The Franciscans of the Sacred Heart, 9201 W. St. Francis Rd., Frankfort, are offering Breakfast and a Cup of Spiritu-ality on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9-11am. Mental prayer, like vocal prayer, is to be a daily practice for everyone who wants to grow in holiness. Where do you begin? Donation: $15. To make a reservation contact 815-464-3886 or email Marilyn.Renninger@PresenceHealth.org.

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 Al-coholics Anonymous (A.A.) in the St. Elizabeth Seton Church Hall on Thursdays from 7:30-8:45pm. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experi-ence, 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, consider attending Fami-lies Anonymous on Mondays from 7-8:30pm at Palos Hos-pital, 123rd and 80th Ave., Palos Heights (Ambulatory Care Center, Rm. 1). For more information call Warren, 708-429-2507 or Therese at 708-269-9853.

Attention All Music Lovers! Violin–Piano duo concert performance featuring interna-tional artists Jaime Gorgojo and Alexandre Tsomaia on Sunday, Feb. 23rd at 3pm at St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago. Works by Mozart, Beetho-ven and Irish, Georgian and Spanish composers. A recep-tion will follow in the church Narthex. For information con-tact Kitty Ryan at 773-779-1166 x 226.

February 9, 2014 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME April 28, 2013 September 29, 2013 April 28, 2013 Page Ten

TO LIVE IN THE LIGHT

By Father Ronald Rolheiser

S EVERAL YEARS AGO, I WAS APPROACHED BY A MAN WHO ASKED ME TO BE HIS SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR. He was in his mid-forties and almost

everything about him radiated a certain health. As we sat down to talk, I mentioned that he seemed to be in a very good space. He smiled and replied that, yes, this was so, but it hadn't always been so. His happiness had its own history... and its own pre-history. Here's how he told his story:

"I haven't always been in a good space in my life; in fact, it's been a long struggle to get where I am today. For more than 20 years, from the time I left high school until three years ago, I struggled with two addictions: alcohol and sex. I had them enough under control that I could essentially hide them from my family, my friends, and my colleagues. As well I never acted out in very dangerous ways. I was addicted, but still had good control in my life. The problem was that I was living a double life—showing one life to my family and friends and living another life secretly (alcohol, pornography, and pick-up bars) on the side. I never once missed a day of work and was always able to function at a high level professionally, but my life slowly began to fixate around my addictions—hiding them, lying about my activities, fiercely protecting my privacy, resentment towards anything or anybody who stood between me and my addictions, and daily anxiety, scheming about where I would go at night. I functioned decently within my work and my relationships, but my mind, heart, and real attention were focused on something else, my addictions, my next hit. I'm not sure what the exact trigger was since there were a number of things that hit me at a point (my fa-ther's death, a couple of near escapes in terms of being discovered, some real shame, some graced moments of clarity when I sensed both my hypocrisy and the dead-end road I was on), but three years ago I went on a retreat to a monastery and had the courage to have a long talk with the Abbott. He suggested that I go into two recovery pro-grams, one to deal with alcohol and the other to deal with sex. I took his advice and all I can say is that it has com-pletely turned my life around. I've been 'sober' now for three years and the best way that I can describe it is that now 'I see color again.' Nothing feels as great as honesty! I have never been this happy! I'm now living in the light!"

W E'RE CALLED TO LIVE IN THE LIGHT, but we tend to have an overly romantic idea of what that should mean. We tend to think

that to live in the light means that there should be a kind of special sunshine inside of us, a divine glow in our conscience, a sunny joy inside us that makes us constantly want to praise God, an ambience of sacred-ness surrounding our attitude. But that's unreal.

What does it mean to live in the light? To live in the light means to live in honesty, pure and simple, to be transparent, to not have part of us hidden as a dark secret. All conversion and recovery programs worthy of the name are based on bringing us to this type of honesty. We move towards spiritual health precisely by flushing out our sickest secrets and bringing them into the light. Sobriety is more about living in honesty and transpar-ency than it is about living without a certain chemical, gambling, or sexual habit. It's the hiding of something, the lying, the dishonesty, the deception, the resentment we harbor towards those who stand between us and our addiction, that does the real damage to us and to those we love. SPIRITUAL HEALTH LIES IN HONESTY AND TRANSPAR-

ENCY and so we live in the light when we are willing to lay every part of our lives open to examination by those who need to trust us.

• To live in the light is to be able always to tell our loves ones where we are and what we are doing.

• To live in the light is not have to worry if someone traces what websites we have visited.

• To live in the light is to not be anxious if someone in the family finds our files unlocked.

• To live in the light is to be able to let those we live with listen to what's inside our cell-phones, see what's inside our emails, and know who's on our speed-dial.

• To live in the light is to have a confessor and to be able to tell that person what we struggle with, with-out having to hide anything.

• To live in the light is to live in such a way that, for those who know us, our lives are an open book.

February 9, 2014 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Eleven

UPCOMING EVENT

Seniors of Seton

BIT OF O’BLARNEY Wednesday, March 19

Visit by way of deluxe motor coach the Irish American Heritage Center, lunch at McNamara’s Pub: includes soup, hardy 6 oz. corned beef sandwich, slaw, apple pie and ice cream, coffee or tea. Visit Nativity of Our Lord Church and a driving tour of Bridgeport and stop at

Superior Nut and Candy. Price is $68 per person. Call Anna at: 708-532-6731.

WALKING TOUR OF NOTRE DAME Wednesday, April 9

Enjoy a walking tour of the beautiful campus of the University of Notre Dame. Lunch at Tippecanoe Place includes rolls, salad, broiled chicken, rice, vegetables, dessert, coffee or tea. Visit the South Bend Chocolate Company. Tour Time 8:00am- 6:00 pm. Cost per person $88. Reservation Deadline is March 19. Tickets on sale at the March meeting. For more information see or call Phyllis at 708-478-0471.

S

SAINT OF THE WEEK

SAINT CATHERINE D’RICCI d. 1522-1589

ALEXANDRINA WAS BORN INTO THE RICCI FAMILY OF FLORENCE, ITALY. HER MOTHER DIED WHEN SHE WAS A BABY. ALTHOUGH SHE WAS RAISED BY HER GODMOTHER, SHE LOVED OUR LADY AND CONSIDERED HER AS HER TRUE MOTHER. As a child she could talk with her guardian Angel and her Angel taught her how to pray the Rosary. When she was six she entered the convent school of Montecelli where her aunt was the Abbess. Then when she was thir-teen, Alexandrina joined the Dominican order as a nun and she chose the name Catherine. Even at that young age, Sister Catherine had a deep love for the passion of Jesus Christ. She used to think about Our Lord's sufferings often. Jesus gave her the great honor of receiving in her own body the marks of his wounds. For 12 years every week from Thursday afternoon until Friday afternoon she would suffer the five wounds of Jesus. She was happy to accept all the pains of these wounds. Catherine also felt very sorry for the poor souls suffer-ing in purgatory. She realized how they longed to be with God in heaven. She realized, too, that this time in purgatory seemed to drag on endlessly. St. Catherine prayed and did penance for them. Once God let her know that a certain man was in purgatory. So great was her love that she offered to suffer for him. God listened to her prayer and she suffered greatly for forty days. Thousands of people came to see her and ask for her prayers including three future popes. After a long, painful illness, St. Catherine died on February 2, 1590, at the age of 68.

Only $20!

Golden Opportunities Coupon books offer local restaurants offering discounts of 50% off or 2-for-1. In addition, great savings at movies, grocery stores, sporting events, and more! Many coupons valid once a month!

Cash or check accepted to: Seniors of

Seton (SOS).

Makes a great Valentine’s Day gift!

2014 Golden Opportunities Book

Available in the church office.

Pray the Rosary with the

St. Elizabeth Seton Rosary Prayer Group

The Rosary Prayer Group gathers in the church after 9am Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays by our statue, MARY, SEAT OF WISDOM, to offer intentions with the intercession of Mary, and pray the decades of the rosary while contemplating the scenes of our Lord’s life, death and resurrection.

ALL ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE

Page Thirteen FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 9, 2014

Queen of Peace Open Gym 6th-8th* graders (*Only 8th graders who have taken the placement test at Queen of Peace eligible) are invited to an Open Gym on Feb. 15, and Feb. 22 from 1-3pm in the Queen of Peace Gymnasium. This is a great opportunity to learn more about educational values, meet basketball staff and work on individual and team skills in a positive environment. Contact George Shimko SHIM-KOG@QueenofPeacehs.org or 815-814-4151. Queen of Peace is located at 7659 S. Linder, Burbank.

Mother McAuley High School Events Performing Art Workshops for Jr. High Students The Mother McAuley Music and Theatre Programs invite all girls and boys in Grade 5-7 and 8th Grade girls who tested at McAuley, to be "A Star for the Night” on Wednes-day, Feb. 12 from 3:30-8pm. Participants select from a variety of workshops to see what McAuley Music and Theatre is all about! Parents are invited to a performance at 7:30 pm. Register at mothermcauley.org or call Nancy Lynch at 773-881-6566. 7th Grade Shadow Day All 7th Grade girls interested in attending Mother McAuley are invited to the 7th Grade Shadow Day on Monday, Feb. 17. Lunch is on us! Please arrive by 7:45 am. School dis-misses at 2:55pm. Please register at mothermcauley.org or call 773-881-6566. Jr. High Science Fair Mother McAuley and Brother Rice High Schools are host-ing a Science Fair on Saturday, April 5 from 9am–1pm at Mother McAuley High School. Open to students in Grades 6–8. Awards will be given to the top three projects for each grade level. Please register at mothermcauley.org by March 31. Call 773-881-6566.

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School is located at 3737 W. 99th St., Chicago

SETON YOUTH PROGRAMSETON YOUTH PROGRAMSETON YOUTH PROGRAM Sunday, Feb. 9, 6:30-8:30pm Soul Survivor - Cornerstone Why do we watch Christmas Story or Elf for hours on end every Christmas? Why do we put on scary masks, go to perfect strangers' houses, demand candy, they give it to us, and we actually eat it every Oct. 31? And why do we hold up both hands while saying the Our Father in church nowadays? It's all about traditions, an important part of our Catholic faith. We'll share lots of other traditions, compete against each other in a group game of Scattegories, and examine some more church traditions, old and new. So buck recent tradition and let's pack the Cornerstone for Soul Survivor. We need lots of participants to warm the place up!

Sunday, Feb. 16, 5:30-8:30pm Teen/Family Mass and Open Gym Families, friends, and other parishioners are invited to join us for our monthly teen/family Mass in the Stations Chapel in the back of the church at 5:30pm. Afterward, teens and their friends are welcomed to stick around for Open Gym. We expect you at Mass if you're coming to Open Gym. Shake off the winter doldrums and come join us.

Wednesday, Feb. 19 - TUF Night 6:30-8:30pm - Teen Room

Summer Mission Trip Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7:30pm

Gym Lobby If you're going on this summer's Teen Mission Trip to Detroit Lakes, MN, please attend this mandatory meeting with one of your parents. We will be discussing the change in location and dates (July 19-26), our travel plans, free day plans, fundraisers, and due dates for payments.

Have any questions? Call Bruce Hall at 708-403-7834

Visit Branches on Facebook for updates/added events!

Page Fifteen FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 9, 2014

CJB 4th Grade Girls Volleyball Team Takes 1st Place in St. George

Martin Luther King Tournament Cardinal Bernardin 4th Grade Girls Volleyball Team competed in the St. George, Martin Luther King Volleyball Tournament held on January 17 – 20, 2014 at St. George School. In their quest for the Championship, the 4th grade girls went undefeated for a perfect 10 – 0. The Lady Cardi-nals defeated Infant Jesus of Prague Kingsmen for the 1st Place trophy. Congratulations Lady Cardinals! The team is coached by Mrs. Jane DeHaan and Ms. Lauren Bernas. CJB is YOUR PARISH SCHOOL offering instruction in 3-year-old Pre-K thru 8th Grade. Visit www.cjbschool.org or contact Mrs. Cynthia Devlin at cdevlin@cjbschool.org or 708-403-6525 x127.

ORDER FORMS DUE

TODAY...

Receive FREE Five Cheese Garlic Toast with a $40 purchase plus ONLINE ONLY, FREE Cheese Ravioli with a $90 purchase, Use Promo Code: FEBBONUS FREEquent Buyer is back!!! Make two purchases of $40 between Feb-April. Place a third order in May of $40 in May and get a FREE Storage Basket at May pick-up. Order forms are due to church by Sunday, Feb. 9th or online by Feb. 15th at www.marketday.com (School #16266). Pickup Wednesday, Feb. 19th, 5:30-6:30pm in the gym. Pay by credit card online or cash/check at the sale. Questions? Call 708-873-1387 or 708-429-1583.

Page Fourteen FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 9, 2014

CJB Students Receive Prestigious Award

On Sunday, January 26, 2014, three Eighth grade boys from CJB were recognized by the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Committee on Scouting for having completed the Ad Altare Dei program. Each boy was presented with the Ad Altare Dei Religious Emblem at a ceremony at Holy Name Cathedral officiated by the Most Reverend George J. Rassas, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago. The young men, Patrick Kut, Luke Moreno, and Vincent Zampillo are all members of Boy Scout Troop 380. The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei (to the Altar of God) program is to help Catholic youth of the Roman Rite develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community. To begin the program, each Scout had to seek ap-proval from his pastor. The Scouts then regularly met with their trained Religious Emblem counselors to work through the program, which is organized in chapters based on the seven sacraments. At the completion the requirements, each Scout had to sit before a Board of Review with members of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Committee on Scouting to discuss the quality of the experience and determine if all requirements were met. Congratulations Patrick, Luke, and Vincent, on your achievement and this honor!

Will You Spend an Hour with Jesus? St. George Parish, 6707 W 175th St., Tinley Park, offers the opportunity for private prayer with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Since 1994 Holy Family Chapel has been operated continuously with 168 hours per week, and each hour needs at least one person who comes to pray each week (or arranges for someone to fill in). Please consider one of the following open hours: Sunday Noon; Thursday 1pm; Friday 2am, 10am or 1pm; or Saturday Noon or 9pm. Please call Bill Beckman at 708-429-2762.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Fifteen February 9, 2014

Page Sixteen FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME February 9, 2014

February 9, 2014 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Seventeen

Pastoral Staff Rev. William T. Corcoran, Ph.D, Pastor Rev. Stanislaw Kuca, Associate Pastor Rev. William Gubbins, Resident Priest Rev. William T. O’Mara, Pastor Emeritus Margie Guadagno, Pastoral Associate Deacon: Frank (Betty) Gildea Deacon: Joseph (Nancy) Bishop

Liturgy Staff Claudia Nolan, Director of Liturgy Music Staff Linda McKeague, Director of Music

Parish Office Staff Donna Stolinski, Business Manager Darlene Raila, Parish Publications Joan Nemec, Morning Receptionist Karen Mirecki, Afternoon Receptionist

Religious Education Staff Elaine Pawlak, Coordinator Diana Barracca, Administration

Branches Youth Program Bruce Hall, Coordinator Rick Vlaming, Coordinator Rick Wojcik, Coordinator

Athletics Bob Myjak, Director

Maintenance Staff Raymond Yanowsky, Director of Maintenance Carlos Juarez, CJB Maintenance Coordinator Frank Siwiec, Staff Marie Makuch, Staff Joseph Shake, Staff Michael Makuch, Staff Mark Siwiec, 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 WEBSITE: WWW.STESETON.COM Religious Education: 708-403-0137

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-WEDNESDAY: 8:30AM-8:30PM, THURSDAY-FRIDAY: 8:30AM-4:30PM SATURDAY: 1PM-6PM SUNDAY: 8AM-1PM

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School 708-403-6525 Principal, Mary Iannucilli Administrative Assistant, Cindy Labriola Devlin

2-15 & 2-16 5:00PM 7:15AM 8:30AM 10:00AM 11:30AM

GREETERS R. Coe S. Klean W. Krol J. Schuman R. Sharp L. Stolinski M. Taska

C. Chor L. McGhee S. McGhee D. Skrzypiec B. Tenuta A. Shemanske B. Shemanske

K. Fox/ M. Fox D. Gurka/M. Gurka P. Gurka/M. Gurka J. Klomes J. Klomes L. Klomes M. Klomes G. Staszewski P. Staszewski A. McCoy

R. Chehy A. Gent P. Havlin B. Krueger S. Lorenz N. Lorenz J. Moran D Weber

R. Andrews M. Broderick M. Gniady K. Ivancich B. Ivancich S. Klean M McMahon B. Wojewnik

LECTORS B. DeJonge M. Taska

D. Houha E. Espina R. Hicks

K. Panko P. DeWilkins

R. Velcich A. McKanna

ALTAR SERVERS

D. Lingan L. Kedzierski P. Lynch

E. Ryan I. Zumpano L. Krueger

M. Maciulewicz M. Moehle S. Cuba

F. Velcich K. Soltys N. Semanate

J. Pala L. Fitzgerald N. Fitzgerald

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

J. Paluch M. Paluch J. Murphy T. Hanlon T. Doyle B. DeJonge A. Sharp J. Harris L. Jeffrey M. O’Connor M. Dziallo M. Gabrione

J. Janiak C. Nolan D. Nykiel D. Ceglarski L. Skrzypiec A. Weishaar

L. Lopina B. Knight C. Kirk J. Austin L. Austin T. Leeson T. Krull R. Hicks T. Cohoon J Mantyck K. Mantyck D. Palagi

C. Davis E. Barin G. Chehy J. Krusenoski J. Nemec J. Mysker J. Eisenberg K. Engraffia R. Laud S. Weishaar S. Rosinski S. LaCosse J. Kokotan-Krauss

J. Mitchel J. Holmquist K. Hall M. Merino M. Morajda M. Schmidt T. Wolski T. Scorzo M. O’Connor K. James

Attention All Ministers!

Ministers schedules available at: www.steseton.com Then visit: Music and Liturgy

ST. ELIZABETH SETON PARISH INFORMATION

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 Pastoral Center early. We are limited to six children per Sunday. Baptismal 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 fac-ing hospitalization, it is appropriate to receive the sacrament once every six months. Call 708-403-0101 for information. 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 regulations hospitals can no longer contact the parish regarding your hospitalization. It is the responsibility of you or a family member to notify our parish. We desire to offer whatever spiri-tual 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.

Moving? Please call the office at 708-403-0101.