St. John of the Cross Parish

he is risen CELEBRATE THE RESURRECTION

Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Dear Parishioners, Happy Easter! It sounds so cheery, so positive. That seasonal greeting may mean as many different things as there are different people who use it with sincerity. The symbols of Easter, secular and religious, affirm life and the transformation of life. I bet you’ve seen a thousand Easter cards with a butterfly on it. I doubt many little kids understand why an egg would be such a common symbol of Easter, much less why they might be hidden or elaborately colored. I’d also bet most adults miss the connection between the egg shell being the symbol for Christ’s tomb. The cracking of the shell is the breaking open of the tomb. If you Google ‘White House Easter Egg Roll’ you can find its history from the 1870’s and the influence of different First Ladies (and presidents) on the Washington tradition. Who made the biggest change? The Reagan’s changed it to be a wooden Easter Egg roll. Now every child receives a decorated wooden egg as they leave the White House party. Which is all well and good, but it has nothing to do with faith in Jesus Christ. Nor does it help, it seems to me, to give insight into the inevitable suffering of life and how participating in that suffering is a participating in Christ for the person of faith. The long journey from ashes has culminated in Easter joy. The six weeks of Lent, done well, have changed your perspective on how hard it can be to turn from sin and towards Christ. Lent is an opportunity to look inward and own some of what you don’t like and want to change. Maybe it is a deep seated anger that needs healing. Or maybe it is a wound from long ago that continues to harm your spirit. Addictions keep us trapped in self-destructive behavior and give energy to repeating the same behavior over and over. Easter this year is a mini-rehearsal for the year when the great transformation comes at the end of this life. Can we enter into it even a little so we can better understand what is being asked of us across the journey of a life time? Alleluia! Chocolate candies, jelly beans, ‘Peeps’ and new clothes can all bring at least a little joy, a taste of happiness to celebrating Easter. They are nothing in comparison to the re-birth by water and the Holy Spirit for those baptized at the Easter Vigil. We welcome Gil Clark who was baptized, confirmed and made first Eucharist. He is a part of a great throng who received the sacraments of initiation in parishes around the world. Kaitlyn Acosta also completed her initiation in being confirmed and receiving Eucharist and is sent into the world to share the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Now comes the season of mystagogy, the time for growth in faith and in community. It gives an opportunity to reflect on the mystery of dying to self in order to rise to new life in Christ. Wherever you might be on the journey, SJC wants to offer whatever help it can and companion you as best it can. The website and bulletin can lead you to connect with people who want to share their faith through loving service. Take advantage of it. It is the gift of Easter life! Alleluia, alleluia! Fr. David P.S. On a personal note I finish my radiation treatments this coming week. Once the side effects have subsided I can begin in earnest to develop the skills of living with a laryngectomy. Your prayers are so appreciated and I am so very grateful. Thank you!

Christ Jesus, you call us to bring your joy to the world. Alleluia! You invite us to be your Body on earth. Alleluia! You mission us to reach out to the fearful and weak. Alleluia! You empower us to reveal your presence to a weary world. Alleluia! You enthuse us to enter deeper into a life assured of resurrection. Alleluia! Be with us Lord, as we continue our pilgrim journey as an Easter people. Guide our footsteps with the light of Easter faith, that we may walk in your ways. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who has risen from the dead. Alleluia. Amen.

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From Cardinal Cupich Easter Taizé at SJC

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Easter Sunday 2017

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Risen Lord, This year’s Easter gospel comes to us from Saint Matthew. He describes Easter morning. Women go to the tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. An angel appears and speaks to them: “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Go and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples.” In these words, we find the essential Easter message directed to each one of us today in our uncertain world and amid the painful burdens we carry: do not be afraid, come and see, go and tell. Easter eases our fear when we come to know God’s triumph in the resurrection of Jesus. Easter invites us to come and see with fresh eyes what God has done in conquering sin and death. Easter summons us to go and share our faith and hope with others. When we hear this message and recognize Jesus Christ as the Risen Lord of life, how can we not praise and thank God? How can we not walk together with new confidence and hope? In a time when violence and death-dealing forces seem rampant in the world and even in our own neighborhoods, we truly need new confidence and hope. And when we listen to the Lord, as we have been trying to do in the Archdiocese of Chicago, to seek directions for the renewal of our local Church, we surely need new confidence and hope. Pray with me that we may all truly hear the words—do not be afraid, come and see, go and tell—and so draw new life from them for our loved ones, our world, our city and metropolitan area, our Church, and our very selves. Sincerely yours in Christ, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich Archbishop of Chicago

Easter Season Taizé Prayer Service

Tuesday, May 2 at 7pm in church Taizé prayer, based on the prayer of the ecumenical monastic community in France, is a contemplative candlelit prayer service that utilizes simple, repetitive music interspersed with scripture readings, prayer, and significant moments of silent reflection. The simplicity of the musical phrases is like a sung mantra, usually based on text from the psalms or other sacred scripture. The repetition of the phrase is designed to facilitate meditation and prayer. Instruments – including flute, oboe, and cello – help to elevate the music and create a truly prayerful environment.

The Hope of Easter

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We, like Peter and the women, cannot discover life by being sad, bereft of hope. Let us not stay imprisoned within ourselves, but let us break open our sealed tombs to the Lord—each of us knows what they are—so that he may enter and grant us life. Let us give him the stones of our rancor and the boulders of our past, those heavy burdens of our weaknesses and falls. Christ wants to come and take us by the hand to bring us out of our anguish. This is the first stone to be moved aside this night: the lack of hope which imprisons us within ourselves. May the Lord free us from this trap, from being Christians without hope, who live as if the Lord were not risen, as if our problems were the center of our lives.

We see and will continue to see problems both within and without. They will always be there. But today it is important to shed the light of the Risen Lord upon our problems, and, in a certain sense, to “evangelize” them. To evangelize our problems. Let us not allow darkness and fear to distract us and control us; we must cry out to them: the Lord is not here, but has risen! (Lk 24:6). He is our greatest joy; he is always at our side and will never let us down.

This is the foundation of our hope, which is not mere optimism, nor a psychological attitude or desire to be courageous. Christian hope is a gift that God gives us if we come out of ourselves and open our hearts to him...Today is the celebration of our hope, the celebration of this truth: nothing and no one will ever be able to separate us from his love.

The Lord is alive and wants be sought among the living. After having found him, each person is sent out by him to announce the Easter message, to awaken and resurrect hope in hearts burdened by sadness, in those who struggle to find meaning in life. This is so necessary today….

Remember the words of Jesus, remember all that he has done in our lives. Let us not forget his words and his works, otherwise we will lose hope and become “hopeless” Christians. Let us instead remember the Lord, his goodness and his life-giving words which have touched us. Let us remember them and make them ours, to be sentinels of the morning who know how to help others see the signs of the Risen Lord.

Pope Francis

Risen Christ, as You stay with us

open our eyes to see the needs in your world. Open our ears to hear the cries of the poor, of the suffering, and the marginalized.

Give us the courage and the tenacity to take our spoken prayers into serious action.

Move us from our security, cast out our fears., to take risks just like Jesus, and as You want us to do now, to walk with humankind

knowing that You, Spirit of God, will support us.

As we meet You, re-assure, re-new and re-commit us to a life of service

where we will stand for Justice and Peace.

Risen Christ, on this Easter Day, may things change because of us. We, who are the Body of Christ, and the Spirit of God,

called, through baptism, to heal the wounds within the Body of Christ of our sisters and brothers in remarkable need.

Thank you, Lord, for Your Easter invitation to continue your mission in hope. Amen.

St. Louis University

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Filled with the joy of our Easter Alleluia, we ask God’s blessing on

the newest members of our Church!

Gil Clark, you have put on Christ; in him you have been baptized, to share in his ministry of proclaiming the Gospel. Kaitlyn Acosta, you have been welcomed and embraced into the Catholic faith, to share in Christ’s ministry and mission. As Christ took a towel and washed the feet of his disciples so too through baptism you are called to a life of service, a commitment to: feeding the hungry, giving drink to those who thirst, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, caring for the poor and visiting the sick, the dying and those imprisoned. Inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit may you live a life of proclaiming the mighty works of God who has called you to be sharers in the Kingdom in prayer and good works (Alleluia, Alleluia). Congratulations!!!!

Christ yesterday and today the beginning and the end

Alpha and Omega all time belongs to him and all the ages.

To him be glory and power through every age for ever. (Easter Vigil, Lighting of the Easter Candle)

Lifelong Learning

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Living the Gospel At this point in this Gospel Mary of Magdala, Peter, and “the other disciple whom Jesus loved” are no better off than we are. They witnessed a “stone removed from the tomb” and “saw the burial cloths there,” but did not encounter Jesus in the empty tomb. They see, but not what they hope to see: Jesus alive. Neither do we see with our physical eyes this Jesus who “had to rise from the dead.” But, like the disciples of long ago, over time we encounter Jesus in various ways and our seeing becomes believing. Here is the mystery of Easter: we want to see and believe, but since resurrection is so out of our human experience we simply can’t understand. Belief came gradually to those first witnesses, and then only when they had a personal encounter with Jesus (some disciples “ate and drank with him”). Our own belief in the risen Jesus gradually grows throughout our life as we continually encounter him in our own eating and drinking with him. We encounter the risen Jesus in Eucharist when we eat and drink with him—when Jesus’ very Body and Blood become our nourishment. We also encounter the risen Jesus in each other when we witness by the goodness of our lives to Gospel values. We encounter the risen Jesus in the sure joy that comes from reconciled relationships with each other that witness to our reconciled relationship with God. We encounter the risen Jesus when we clear out whatever takes us away from him and receive forgiveness from him. All of this assures us that we are a new creation formed in this resurrection Life—the source of our Easter joy. ©Living Liturgy

Background on the Gospel All four Gospels have an account of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Although the accounts differ depending on the point each Evangelist wishes to make, two points of the Resurrection testimony are common to all four Gospels: 1) The tomb of Jesus was found empty and 2) The risen Christ appeared to certain persons. Matthew tells us that, as Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb, there was a great earthquake, and “an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.” The guards stationed at the tomb were terrified and “became like dead men.” The angel then assured the women that Jesus “has been raised just as he said.” The women, “fearful yet overjoyed,” left the tomb as the angel instructed to tell the disciples. On their way, Jesus met and greeted the women who “embraced his feet and did him homage.” Jesus himself then sends the women to “tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” The mention of a great earthquake is peculiar to Matthew’s account of the Resurrection. Metaphorically, it indicates the coming of a new and final age brought about through the life, teaching, ministry, and particularly through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Notable also is the fact that Jesus’ first appearance is to women, the women who came to minister to him. Finally, not to be overlooked, is Jesus’ use of the word “brothers” to refer to his disciples. It seems to be indicative of a new and different relationship that Jesus has with them. The disciples are now entrusted with the message and mission of the risen Jesus Christ.

Loyola Press

Monday Acts 2:14, 22-33 Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 Matt 28:8-15

Tuesday Acts 2:36-41 Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22 John 20:11-18

Wednesday Acts 3:1-10 Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 Luke 24:13-35

Thursday Acts 3:11-26 Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9 Luke 24:35-48

Friday Acts 4:1-12 Ps 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a John 21:1-14

Saturday Acts 4:13-21 Ps 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21 Mark 16:9-15

2nd Sunday of Easter Acts 2:42-47 Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 1 Pet 1:3-9 John 20:19-31

God exists: that is the real message of Easter.

May we grow in the joy

of participating in the risen Life

Jesus offers. May we share

in the joy of the newly baptized as they eat and drink

with us at the table of the Lord.

Prayer

Through the resurrection of Jesus

God has redeemed us and made us his children. May God bless us with joy. Amen.

Our Redeemer has given us lasting freedom.

May we inherit everlasting life. Amen. By faith, we rose with Jesus in baptism.

May our lives be holy, so that we will be united with Jesus forever. Amen.

May almighty God bless us, the Father, and

the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Father of life, Author of love, in raising your Son

all of creation has been reborn. May the life and love

of the Paschal mystery which we celebrate today

be a constant and lasting reality in our lives.

Amen.

God has given us the power To create beauty To make another smile To be a healing presence in someone’s sorrow To bring justice to the oppressed To console those in difficulty To bring peace and joy to others To help those in need To laugh and enjoy life To do good and turn from evil To forgive those who have hurt us And most of all, to love. Let us pray that God will continue to grace us with his love and mercy. And to spread that love to others during our journey. Maryknoll

You are beauty, you are gentleness.

You are our protector, our guardian and defender.

You are courage, you are our haven and our hope.

You are our faith, our great consolation.

You are our eternal life, great and wonderful Lord,

God almighty, merciful Savior. St. Francis of Assisi

God of light and life, help me to see every sunrise as a

glorious symbol of the light you send into the world.

Help me to reflect your light in ways that will help

others see the way. Fill me with your light so that there

will be no dark places in my soul. In the name of the

Risen Jesus, light of the world. Amen. Maryknoll

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Creator God, out of the depth of your love

you called us to new life in Christ. As we rejoice in the resurrection,

may our lives and our work together

echo the many gifts you have blessed us with for a purpose.

May all our being resound the glory of your name as we say,

Glory be to the Father

and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end,

Amen. Alleluia!

Prayer for Parish Groups

Family News: Parish School ~ Youth Catechesis ~ Crossroads

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Happy Easter from Crossroads The mission of the Crossroads Youth Ministry is to embrace teens in our vibrant and caring parish community and meet them where they are by providing opportunities for them to: grow in their relationship with God, build a community with other Catholic teens, learn more about their Catholic faith, develop leadership abilities by serving others, and have fun in a faith-filled environment. We carry out our mission by fostering the growth of our Crossroads Family. This family includes the teens, their families, our volunteers, and the parish community. Call Katie Hayes or Katie Nicholson.

St. John of the Cross Parish School is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year. St. John of the Cross Parish School provides a dynamic Catholic environment where faith is nourished and knowledge grows. We offer unique educational experiences that foster success, promote unity, and respect the individuality of each student. If you are interested in visiting the school, please call Jennifer Jermano Miller, Director of Advancement at 708-246-4454 to set up an appointment or visit our website at stjohnofthecross.org/school. Easter Break: April 16-22

YC Schedule Classes K-6 10:15-11:30am Sun, Apr 23, 30 May 7 6:15-7:30pm Mon, Apr 24, May 1, Jr Hi Sm Groups home settings Apr 23 - in home settings Adapted Catechesis 9:00-10:00am Sun, Apr 23

YC youth learn about God’s Love and Mercy throughout the year in active, fun ways they love! Join us next fall at YC and

share in our JOY!

VBS for All Parish Children June 26-29 9am-Noon Come join us as we learn that GOD’S LOVE is a GIFT * CHANGES us * is ALWAYS with us * SAVES us * is worth SHARING. VBS is interactive, filled with prayer, games, skits, crafts, and snacks. All while learning about GOD’S

LOVE!! All children entering kindergarten through 5th grade in the fall are welcome to join us! Space is limited, registrations cannot be accepted after May 31, 2017. Registration fee of $50.00 and liability waiver can be turned in to the YC Office. If you have questions contact the YC office at 708-246-6760 or email at yc@sjcross.org

This year over 200 volunteers helped form the youth of SJC. Our volunteer catechists foster and cultivate a love for Jesus through prayer, scripture lessons and active learning. Volunteers are needed as YC office aides, class aides, catechists, and YC Council members. Consider being part of this amazing community and volunteer for the coming school year.

What you need to know about Christian Meditation Most people don’t realize how long meditation has been a part of our Christian heritage. We know that Jesus found many opportunities to spend time resting in the presence of God, but as early as the 3rd century Desert Fathers and Mothers, (hermits, ascetics and monks) sought refuge from the secular confines of the city to form ascetic communities dedicated to prayer, silence and meditation. Their practice of Christian meditation, also known as pure prayer, contemplative or centering prayer, would go on to influence spiritual greats such as St. Augustine, John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Lisieux, Gregory the Great, Thomas Merton and other mystics. These practices may differ in methodology but all share a similar objective; to bring each person to the silent center of their being where the presence of God is experienced. In our time, a major recovery of the contemplative dimension of Christian faith -and prayer - has evolved and matured into the contemporary practice of Christian meditation, integrating the mystical and social dimensions of the Gospel with the experience of the early monks, and desert fathers and mothers. Led by Fr. Laurence Freeman OSB, The World Community for Christian Meditation continues the practice derived from the Gospel teaching of Jesus and the advice of early Christian monks. Fr. Laurence is a monk of the Monastery of Christ our Saviour, Turvey, England. Inspired by his mentor, the late Benedictine Fr. John Main, he works to recover Christianity’s own contemplative wisdom tradition.

Fr. Laurence Freeman at St. John of the Cross Parish

on Thursday, June 8, 2017 Going Deeper: Christian Identity and the Contemplative Experience

“The light of God shines in a world with too many areas of darkness. But it shines. It cannot be extinguished… Our world

needs a clear contemplative vision to know this hope and to live by its faith. Each time we meditate we are cleansing the

doors of perception, not only for ourselves, but in some real way, for all our human family.” Fr. Laurence Freeman

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Registration Form: Cut and Mail to: St. John of the Cross Parish Attn: Christian Meditation

5005 S. Wolf Rd. Western Springs, IL 60558

Please indicate which sessions you plan to attend: _____ Daytime session $75 (9:30-4pm includes lunch) _____ Evening session $15 (7pm-9pm)

_____ Both day and evening $85 Attendee registration: (please print)

Name_________________________________

Address _______________________________

City___________________________________

State_________ Zip _____________

Phone________________________________

Email ________________________________

Luncheon choice: Check here if vegetarian ____

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St. John of the Cross Parish

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Welcome to SJC If you would like to become a new member and learn about our wonderful parish please contact Elizabeth Russell-Jones in the Parish Center Welcome Center. New members can also register on our parish website at stjohnofthecross.org and meet with Elizabeth when it is convenient for you. There are many ways you can become involved and many programs and organizations to learn about.

STAY CONNECTED

Keep Us Updated! Have you moved? Married? Changed your email address? Adult children moved downtown? Help us keep our database up-to-date by sending changes via email to info@stjohnofthecross.org.

Do You Receive Our Weekly Eblast? Full of information and event reminders, our weekly eblast is delivered on Thursday evening each week to your inbox. Email Mary Beth Drafz at mbdrafz@stjohnofthecross.org to add your address to our list. You can also sign up to receive the weekly parish bulletin by emailing Mary Beth.

Ministry for Sick and Homebound Please inform us if you or a family member is hospitalized or homebound by calling Steve Weigand, Pastoral Associate. Steve will arrange for a Minister of Care to visit and bring Holy Communion.

Healing from the Loss of a Loved One Seasons of Hope is a six-week grief support program at our parish. The program is offered in the summer, fall and spring. Watch the bulletin for upcoming session dates this July.

For Families

Children’s Liturgy of the Word During the school year children in kindergarten through third grade learn about the Gospel and pray together in the church community room during the Sunday 9am and 10:45am Masses.

Childcare Also during the 9am and 10:45am Masses free babysitting is provided in the Garden Room of the rectory for children aged 1-5. There is no sitting on holiday weekends. Ring the front bell at the north rectory glass doors to be buzzed into the

Garden Room.

Parish Center Office Our main doors face the parking lot. Simply ring the bell and you will be buzzed in. Hours are usually 9am-8pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on weekends. There are shorter hours during the summer months.

Our Mission is to love as Christ loved and proclaim the Good News! From our Parish Mission Statement

MASS SCHEDULE Sunday Mass of Anticipation: Saturday 5:00pm Sunday Masses: 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:15pm and 5:00pm Summer Schedule: No 12:15pm Mass 7:45am weekdays, 8am Saturdays

RECONCILIATION Weekly following the 8am Mass in church

INFANT BAPTISM Pre-baptism sessions are offered for parents whether it is your first child or a subsequent child. The sessions are offered on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1:30pm (noon during summer months). It is our expectation that both parents attend this session. Feel free to bring your new baby and invite your godparents as well. Learn more and register by calling the Parish Center between 9am and 4pm and ask for Theresa or Mary Beth.

Other Sacraments Contact the Parish Center office or learn more on our website.

Prayer Eucharistic Adoration Every Monday (excluding holidays) from 2:30-9pm in the Mary Chapel of church. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet before the Blessed Sacrament at 2:30pm and the Rosary at 8:45pm in the Mary Chapel.

Praying the Rosary Before and after weekday Mass and on Tuesdays at 9:05am during the school year in the church community room or Mary Chapel.

Meditation Christian meditation is offered four times per week: Tuesdays at 7:30pm, Wednesdays at 2:30pm, Saturdays at 7:00am, and Step 11 Meditation on Mondays at 10:30am.

Spiritual Direction God is in every part of your life, gifting, guiding, delighting, challenging and presenting you with opportunities to mature, deepen and broaden. God is continually creating you. Marianne Firlit is a certified Spiritual Director at our parish. Her office is in the rectory. Contact Marianne to learn more about how she can help you understand the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and in your quest for holy living. Email: mgfirlit@stjohnofthecross.org or Call: the Parish Center office.

Glory to you, O Christ our life!

St. John of the Cross Parish

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Contact us: 5005 Wolf Road Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-4404 Parish School 708 51st Street 708-246-4454 Youth Catechesis Office Located in the school building Separate entrance at 51 St & Caroline Ave 708-246-6760

Parish Staff Rev. David P. Dowdle, Pastor ddowdle@stjohnofthecross.org Rev. William J. Vollmer, Associate Pastor bvollmer@stjohnofthecross.org Rev. Elliott R. Dees, Associate Pastor edees@stjohnofthecross.org Deacon John Schopp, Deacon john.schopp@newhemispheres.com Senior Deacon Tom McGorey Senior Deacon Joe Pepitone Bill Bright, Director of Outreach bbright@stjohnofthecross.org Janet Caschetta, Director of Youth Catechesis jcaschetta@stjohnofthecross.org Kathleen Gorman, Parish School Principal gorman@sjc.pvt.k12.il.us Katie Hayes, Director of Crossroads Teen Ministry khayes@stjohnofthecross.org Jessica Koch, Director of Music jkoch@stjohnofthecross.org MJ Martin, Director of Operations mjmartin@stjohnofthecross.org Katie Nicholson, Crossroads Coordinator knicholson@stjohnofthecross.org Steven Weigand, Pastoral Associate sweigand@stjohnofthecross.org Parish Administrative Staff Marguerite Chrusciel, Director of Finance Frank DiPompeo, Plant Manager Mary Beth Drafz, Adm & Communications Associate Theresa Reyes, Adm & Communications Associate Elizabeth Russell-Jones, Welcome Coordinator Christina Turlek, Finance Assistant

HOW TO GIVE AT SJC IN PERSON: Give when you come to worship at Sunday Mass. BY MAIL: Send your gift directly to 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558. ONLINE: Visit our parish website at stjohnofthecross.org and click Giving to set up your recurring gift or a one time gift. IN KIND: Gifts of stock or other investments can be transferred directly to the church to avoid paying commissions and/or capital gains taxes. QUESTIONS? Call the Parish Center office.

Bring your Rice Bowl filled with spare change to Mass today. Or bring your Rice Bowl to the Parish Center Office during the week. Watch the bulletin for the total donation our parish will send to Catholic Relief Services to empower and transform the lives of our brothers and sisters in need. Thank you for your generosity.

Opportunities to Serve Go to our parish website to see the many ways you can volunteer your time and talent or donate goods. From serving our parish on a consultative body or other parish organization, helping at local charities, or donating goods or funds to help our Sharing Parishes or the many local charities we support, to bringing nonperishable food to the church narthex to feed the poor—there are so many ways you can, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life. Alleluia, alleluia!” Give Bill Bright a call if you’d like to discuss ways you can become involved.

Food Pantry Donations Please bring nonperishable food to the church narthex. During the month of April our donations will be delivered to our neighboring parish, St. Cletus. Remember, basics like toilet paper and diapers are great too.

The Lord is truly risen, alleluia. To him be glory and power for all the ages of eternity.

Parish News

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Parish Advisory Council Please consider serving our parish through this important consultative body. The PAC is comprised of representatives from each consultative body and advisory group as well as the pastoral staff. Each year we elect 2 At Large Parish Representatives to serve a two year term. No experience necessary. Meetings are held 3 times per year. The primary purpose of our PAC is to be a ready advisory group to the pastor whenever necessary. In addition, the PAC is focused on building community in our parish and communicating and collaborating to ensure the parish is living out its mission statement. Elections will be held the second Sunday of May. Contact MJ in the Parish Center if you would like to learn more. This is a great opportunity to become connected to SJC, voice your opinions, and meet other parishioners. Science of a Happy Marriage Strengthen your marriage or committed relationship using the principles gleaned from 40 years of research by Dr. John Gottman. There is no cost to attend this workshop but registration is required. Call the Parish Center office or register online on our website. Saturday April 29 from 9-11am in the Parish Center.

The Dating Game Workshop Wish dating was easier? Learn 40 years of love lessons from Gottman trained facilitators in under 2 hours on May 17 from 7-9pm in the Parish Center. For singles or couples ages 18 to 30. Sign up on our parish website.

Become a Minister of Care There is a great need for parish Ministers of Care. Ministers of Care visit the homebound and hospitalized bringing Holy Communion, praying and visiting. Training for new ministers will be provided at the Carmelite Center in Darien and will be followed up by an information session at our parish. Training fees are covered by our parish. New Minister of Care Training: Saturday May 6, 9am-1pm and Saturday May 13, 9am-1pm Experienced Ministers of Care are invited to a renewal workshop to remain current with standards and practices. The next renewal session at the Carmelite Center will be held on: Saturday April 29, 10-11:30am. Call our Pastoral Associate, Steve Weigand, in the Parish Center to learn more or to register for either training sessions.

St. John of the Cross Parish congratulates the following families who had their children baptized on April 2 by Deacon Rich Voytas assisted by Baptism Team Leaders, Jeannie and Mike Francis. Pictured from the left are Brigid and Brian Dowdle with twins Shea Josephine and Charlie Marie, Nicholas and Alejandra Curry with Giancarlo Anthony, and Brian and Melissa Bayan with Mattilyn Quinn. Pictured to the right are Sean and Lindsay Geraghty with newly baptized Thomas Ryan and Fr. John Hennessey.

Job Search Support It is increasingly important that job seekers are able to convey what they are looking for and how they help an employer. With behavioral interviewing so prevalent, the job seeker needs to be a story teller. Our speaker, Jim Fergle, will talk about how to discover your stories, where to use them and how to set up an answer for the Behavioral Interview questions. SJC Parish Center on April 20 at 7pm. All are welcome. All sessions free. Go to interfaithcareernetwork.org for more.

Spirituality for Men: May 20 @ 8:45am

Congressman Dan Lipinski will speak on the challenges and blessings of being Catholic in the US Congress. All men of the parish welcome.

49th Annual Leaders for Life Banquet Support Illinois Right to Life. April 20 at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn. For tickets go to illinoisrighttolife.org or 312-422-9300.

World Catholicism Week 2017 This year marks the 500

th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses being

nailed to a church door in Germany. De Paul University is sponsoring a gathering April 28-30 to discuss the Reformation’s lingering repercussions and efforts to bridge ecclesial divides in the global south. The conference is titled Gathered in My Name: Ecumenism in the World Church. It is free and open to the public but registration is required. For more information see worldcathweek.depaul.edu.

St. John of the Cross Parish Easter Sunday April 16, 2017 Page 13

SJC Fest will soo

n be here! Enjoy ca

rnival rides, games, liv

e entertainment,

and great food & drinks. Mark your cale

ndar now to join in on the fun!!

St. John of the Cross Parish Easter Sunday April 16, 2017 Page 14

Upcoming Women’s Club Events

Spring Drive April 22-May 11 to benefit Pajama Program and Sharing Connections: Donate new children’s pajamas (all sizes), new storybooks (all ages), toiletries, diapers, paper products and common household cleaning supplies. Find Drop Boxes in church, Parish Center and school. Flower Sale: Order by April 27. Pick up May 3 from 2-6:30pm in north parking lot. Shop, Sip & Share Boutique Night Saturday May 11 7-10pm at The Village Club in WS Annual Garage Sale Donate items beginning June 10. Sale Date: Saturday, June 17 1/2 Price Sale: Monday, June 19 Stop in the Parish Center to see the flower photos enlarged.

Mass & Reconciliation Schedule & Intentions Italics: Living Intention

Monday, April 17 Monday within the Octave of Easter

7:45am Mark Bestler; Patricia Wehner Tuesday, April 18 Tuesday within the Octave of Easter

7:45am Ann Lynn Mullaney; Our Beloved Dead Wednesday, April 19 Wednesday within the Octave of Easter

7:45am Carl Merda; Mike Reidy Thursday, April 20 Thursday within the Octave of Easter

7:45am Franklin Smith; Jennifer Raven Friday, April 21 Friday within the Octave of Easter

7:45am Peter Shannon, Jr; Donald French; Kenneth Pawlowicz Saturday, April 22 Saturday within the Octave of Easter

8:00am Charlie Fischer; John Martin ~ Reconciliation Follows Mass ~

5:00pm Gloria Turlek; Rosina & Henry Weber Sunday, April 23 Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday

7:30am Bruno Shukis; Joseph & Winnie Nuzzo 9:00am James Cox; Nancy Seyfarth 10:45am Nick Marchese; Orlando Trinco 12:15pm Ron Zenarosa; Gerald Lepinske 5:00pm Rose Grady; Mary Jane Hickey

Pray for Our Beloved Dead Ada Hickey, mother of Shawn Sweeney, grandmother of Carrie, Brigid, Kevin, Matthew, Maureen, and Jason Joan Dambra, mother of Frank and Susan Russo

St. John of the Cross Parish Easter Sunday April 16, 2017 Page 15

The Week Ahead Monday, April 17 No Adoration Today 9:30am Spiritual Journeying 10:30am Christian Meditation 7:00pm Boy Scouts Tuesday, April 18 7:30pm Christian Meditation Wednesday, April 19 11:00am Ladies Bridge 2:30pm Christian Meditation 7:00pm Chgo Catholic Scripture School Thursday, April 20 7:00pm Career Networking 7:30pm Men's Club Board Friday, April 21 9:15am Mom's Club Saturday, April 22 7:00am Christian Meditation 12:00pm YC Day of Preparation for First Eucharist 1:00pm YC Small Group Project Sunday, April 23 YC Classes 9:00am Crossroads Kairos Meeting 10:00am Crossroads Update Meeting 12:00pm Crossroads Leadership Interviews 1:30pm Baptisms

Pray for Our Sick Rosemary Balazs Cheryl Bartz Jerry Benesh Joseph Bovenzi Paul Cervony William Cochran Tim Crain Fr. David Dowdle Mildred Fitzgerald Colleen Franke Lynn Freking John Gannon Jack Gibbons Erin Gibbons Dan Haske Kathy Holden Karen Hult Bob Karpiak Lucine Kassis Curtis Kerzich George Kojima Carrie Kowalski Melody Maly Bobbie Misiora Phyllis Myrmal Michael O’Brien Jeanne Pinner Frank Pipal Helen Ragus Leona Shell Frances Skemp Deloris Simonek Ray Simonek Peter Smykowski Brendan Steward Brooks Tonn Don Vollmer Monica Westell

Today is the celebration of our

hope, the celebration that

nothing and no one will ever be able to separate us

from his love (Rom 8:39).

Pray for Our Loved Ones Serving Our Country Sgt. Steven Foody, son of Sandra Foody Sergeant Sebastian Grabacki, son of David & Jan Grabacki Sr A Joshua Tischler USAF Pararescue, grandson of Betty & Frank Madler & Mary Tischler Lance Corporal Daniel Pett, nephew of Kathryn Stimetz Capt. James Maicke, grandson of Phil & Mike Maicke Sgt. Robert Marburger, son of David and Kathleen Marburger Staff Sgt. Larry Waszak, grandson of Bruno and Barbara Gacek Petty Officer 3rd Class Mathew Strafaci, grandson of Sandra & Jim Strafaci Lance Corporal David Strafaci, grandson of Sandra & Jim Strafaci Sgt. Michael Grabarek, relative of the LeFevour and Schillaci families PFC Michael Frazee, grandson of Kay and John Johnson Spc. Douglas Junius, grandson of Ann Junius and son of Sue Junius

The Crossroads Youth Ministry Group needs YOU TO

We’ve come to realize that the local food pantries

supply the poor and needy with food items, but they have need for personal hygiene products

and paper products as well. Won’t you

SPRING INTO ACTION and donate any of the items below?

Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner

Shaving Cream, Razors Toothpaste, Toothbrushes

Toilet Paper Feminine Hygiene Products

Paper Towels Paper Plates

Tissues

Bring your items when you come to church on Saturday, April 29th or Sunday, April 30th.

The teens will be collecting the items outside the Parish Center

before and after all the Masses that weekend with the exception of the 5PM Sunday Mass.

We will be transporting all goods that afternoon to needy parishes.

Anyone wishing to assist the teens can contact Meghan King at

mking17@nazarethacademy.com

DUPLEXELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishionerwww.duplexelectricservice.com

Quality Work – Reasonable Prices

DEMMISPLUMBING

& SEWERAsk for a

PARISHIONERDISCOUNT

708.420.0806demmisplumbing@yahoo.com

EMERGENCYSERVICE

Lic# 102246

HANNA FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY, LTD

Wafik A. Hanna, M.D.Board Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery

SPECIALIZING EXCLUSIVELY IN FACIAL COSMETIC SURGERY950 York Rd., Ste. 201, Hinsdale, IL 60521

630.887.8180 • www.hannamd.com

Procedures done:

Face lift, upper & lower

eyelid reconstruction,

eyebrow lift, &

nose reshaping.

SkinSational MedSpa

Maloney & Company, Ltd.Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

Specializing in Personalized Accounting, Tax and Consulting ServicesFor Individuals and Family Owned Businesses

61 Ogden Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514Dan Maloney, Parishioner Email: dan@maloneycpa.com (630) 887-0500

COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE• Meals • Personal Care • Companionship• Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Errands

708.783.1220 www.MaryAndMikeCare.comMichael & Mary Doepke, RN • ParishionersState Licensed

SCOTT MAZURMORTGAGE LENDER

PARISHIONER DISCOUNTPARISHIONER FOR 45 YEARS

708-692-7621WILL WAIVE CLOSING COST

FOR SJC PARISHIONERsmazur@perlmortgage.com

NMLS #755878

009239 St John of the Cross Church (B)

Group FitnessPersonal Training

Nutrition • Spa708.588.6305

GO TOwww.Active-Souls.comRequest a Free 7 Day Pass!

Open 7 Days

355 North La Grange RoadLa Grange Park

ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICESExperienced Polish GirlsHomes • Condos • Offices

Free EstimatesInsured 773.502.9369

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN

SUNDAY BRUNCH10:00am-2:00pm

Craft Brunch CocktailsLunch 11am-3pm • Dinner 3pm-10pm

7 Days • Take Out & DeliveryPARTY ROOM For All Your Special Occasions

708.354.9990108 W. Burlington, La Grange

www.luccaspizzeria.com

Gregg Communications Systems, Inc.Telephone Equip. Voiceover IP (VoIP)

38 Years in BusinessMary Dine 630-571-7000 www.greggcomm.com

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

Best Work • Best RateSatisfaction Guaranteed AsWe Do All Our Own Work

Lic# 055-026066$$ Parishioner Discount $$

708-652-1444

John LinehanFinancial AdvisorDirect: (312) 630-7189john.linehan@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC,© 2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

FAMILY DENTISTRYKevin E. Collins, DDS, PC475 W. 55th St., La Grange

Office 354-5575After Hours Emergency – 354-2281

Shop Well Eat Well Live Well4700 Gilbert Ave.

Western Springs, IL708.246.6210

www.MarianosFreshMarket.com

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Reconstruction• Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency6961 Vine StreetIndian Head Park708-246-1263

LISA M. ANDERSONATTORNEY

• ESTATE PLANNING • REAL ESTATE• PERSONAL INJURY

630.395.9496LAnderson@HartDavidLaw.comwww.hartdavidlaw.com

Computer Color Match PaintLawn and Garden

Electrical & Plumbing SuppliesWindow & Screen Repair

Weber and Toro Sales & ServiceMonday-Friday 8am-7pm

Saturday 8am-5:30pmSunday 9am-4pm

835 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246-0892

www.truevalue.com/villagehdw

Complete Remodeling By

FILAC O N ST R U C T I O N• KITCHENS • BATHS • BASEMENTS• FLOORING • PLUMBING • ELECTRIC

708.361.5772www.filaconstruction.com

PARISHIONER DISCOUNT

Licensed, InsuredMowimy Po Polsku

Kitchens • Bathrooms • AdditionsDan MaddenParishioner 246.8898708

TheCOMMUNITY BANK of WESTERN SPRINGS

A branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company®

1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-7100

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installationStaining & varnishing woodwork

Complete painting/staining of exteriorsInstallation of chair & crown moldings,

baseboard & shoe moldings

John Wilsonjwilsonpainting@yahoo.comCell (630) 337-8946Office (708) 246-5604Parishioner

“Quality Care YourLoved One Deserves!”

• Senior Care Staffing• Experienced Caregivers

Available 24/7• Live-In, Hourly,

Come-and-Go• Call Us For a

Free Assessment!

Family OwnedLicensed • Insured • Bonded

Over 20 Years Experience24/7 RNs on Call

630.717.9118www.byyoursidehc.com

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook • 630-325-6550

Providing Distinguished Service Since 19231025 W. 55th Street, Countryside • (708) 352-6500

www.HJfunerals.comFAMILY

OWNED &OPERATED

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs(708) 246-6006

www.VersaciDental.comComplete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

Individual - Marital - FamilyLorraine D. D’Asta, Ph.D.

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

708-352-00085440 S. LaGrange Rd., Countrysidewww.pisapizzacountryside.com

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSte. 5

Western Springs

Kate Hennessy | Investment Advisor | St. Cletus Parishioner

ASSETGRADE,LLCRegistered Investment Advisors

Financial Planning and Investment Managementfor Individuals and Small Businesseskate.hennessy@assetgrade.com

312-515-0067ATLANTA - BOSTON - CHICAGO

ALLMAKEAPPLIANCE REPAIR

All Major U.S. Brand Appliances Repaired708-579-5262 6934 Crest Road-Darien

We SinceWelcome 1983Watching

CAMEOENDODONTICS

Practice Limited to Root CanalTherapy and Dental Implants

• Evening and Saturday Hours• Most dental insurances accepted• Parishioner discount

Drs. Munaretto & Sommers, Parishioners• 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange(708) 579-0488 www.cameoendo.com

Air Conditioned Restaurant & Carry Out-Seating for 200-Delivery ServiceCALL 354-4500 YOUR ORDER WILL BE READY 5525 LA GRANGE RD.

OPEN DAILY11:00 AMDAILY &SUNDAY2:00 PM

FOOD&

LIQUOR

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A)

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.

Restorative and Implant

General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd., Suite 120

Hinsdale, IL 60521

(630) 455-1666

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and VarietyFull Service Bakery

825 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246.2894

NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTERRev. James Watzke, Ph.D.

Depression - Anxiety - StressFamily - Separation - Divorce

Sub Abuse - Medicare - EspañolOakbrook Terr. 630.691.1114

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

• Personal Injury• Wrongful Death• Probate• Estate Planning• Guardianship

Parishioner915 West 55th Street, Suite 202

Western Springs, IL 60558708.246.4911

www.covonelaw.com

Hot Foods • Deli • DessertCatering Platters

Delicious Meats & CheesesProduce and GroceriesPolish and Lithuanian

Family Owned Business$5 OFF any purchase of $50 or more

7145 S. Kingery Hwy. Route 83Willowbrook, IL630.655.2200

Mon-Fri 8am-9pm • Sat 8am-8pm • Sun 8am-6pm

DENNIS A. QUINN & ASSOCIATES, LTD.Certified Public Accountants

Dennis A. Quinn, CPABusiness, Individual & Estate Taxes

COMPLIMENTARY REVIEW OF PRIOR RETURNS

16W273 83rd St. 630.325.0333Woodland Park, Suite D, Burr Ridge quinn@daqcpa.com

Real Estate Broker

708-655-7947TrishORealEstate@GMAIL.COM

Western Springs Top ProducerCall me for a Free Market Analysis

of your homeFormer SJC Women’s Club President

8 East Hinsdale, Hinsdale,Illinois

For beautiful and thoughtful gifts

921 Burlington Ave., W. Springs

708 246-1600BRIDAL REGISTRY • CLOTHING • HOLIDAY DÉCOR

Lawrence R. LewandowskiCPA/PFS, CFP® 30 YRS. EXP.

INCOME TAX PREPARATIONPERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

708-860-6532lawlewcpa@comcast.net

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

Family owned and operated since 1885Parishioner

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester

708-562-5900www.conboywestchesterfh.com

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy Hanson

Matthew Conboy

Member FDIC

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, ParishionerWestern Springs Resident

60 South Grant St.Hinsdale, Illinois 60521

(630) 323-0275www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com

CLEANOLOGY CORP.Home & Office

Cleaning Services

www.cleanologycorp.com6th Cleaning FREE W/this ad!

773-505-5658

COLDWELL BANKERMARY ELLEN “O’HARA” CONSIDINE

Nee: CaplisCell # (773) 704-4250V. Mail (773) 687-5181

MaryEllen.Considine@cbexchange.com

Alexandria Meccia, MDParishioner

FINE SKIN DERMATOLOGY570 Village Center Drive #201

Burr Ridge 630-789-9900

Mary Jo QuirkRealtor®

708 275-3253mquirk@daprileproperties.com

ParishionerLocal Real Estate Specialist

d’aprileproperties

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

Networking • WIFI • Internet(630) 789-3971 Tom

pcmdusa@gmail.com www.pcmd.comWE STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS!