Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 10.23.11

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church . Naperville

*indicates part-time staff

Nick Furibondo 898.5224 Richard Strassburger 499.5676

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 e-mail: mainoffice@stapostle.org 630 355-8980 (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at www.stapostle.org 630 305-6318 (Religious Education) 630 355-0521 (Facsimilie)

Parish Staff Rev. Joel Fortier – Pastor, jfortier@stapostle.org Rev. Rodolphe Arty, Associate Pastor, x 103, rarty@stapostle.org Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Associate, robco@robco.org Fr. Pat Brennan, Weekend Associate, pbrennan@theclareatwatertower.com Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. – Deacon, x105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane – Deacon, x220, chucklane2@juno.com Rev. Mr. Jim Breen – Deacon, 630.357.4853, jimb4853@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney – Deacon, x225, lrkearney@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett – Deacon , x220, meabarrett@att.net Liturgy Kate Cuddy – Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, kcuddy@stapostle.org Jessi Allured – Asst. Director of Music and Liturgy, x111, jallured@stapostle.org Lori Culberson – Liturgy Coordinator, x120, lculberson@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga* – Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Sandy Renehan, Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy 630.961.6125 Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, crosales@stapostle.org Kevin Pranaitis – Director of High School Youth Ministry, x123, ym@stapostle.org Brett Adams – Coordinator of Middle School Faith Formation, x117, badams @stapostle.org Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, x109, pdougherty@stapostle.org Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, x118, ncirmo@stapostle.org Outreach and Social Justice Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, mryder@stapostle.org Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Sally Meno* – OSJ Financial, x137, smeno@stapostle.org Pastoral Care Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. – Faith Community Nurse, x104, flawlor@stapostle.org Rose Grumbine*, R.N., – Faith Community Nurse, x104, rgrumbine@stapostle.org Administration Janet Simmons – Finance/Business Officer, x106, jsimmons@stapostle.org Diane McQueen – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Kathy Ferguson – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Marge Coronado - Administration and R.E. Asst, x219, mcoronado@stapostlr.org Marilyn DeMeo* – Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Pat Berkhout – Evening/Saturday Receptionist, x119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle – Bulletin and Web Editor, Liturgy Asst, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Bob Hartmann Facility Manager, x133, facility@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community Christine Berta 579.4294 Pam Foster 699.3044 Charles Haydon 369.2262

Commission Facilitators Worship Kate Cuddy 355.8980 Parish Life Faith Formation Chris Baker 548.1733 Administration Charles Haydon 369.2262 Service Carol Healy 961.0942

Liturgy Schedule Daily (Monday — Friday) Communion Service — 6:30 a.m. Rosary — 8:10 a.m. Mass — 8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Communion Service — 8:30 a.m.

Weekend Saturday Vigil — 4:30 p.m. Sunday — 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday, 9:00 — 9:30 a.m.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel is available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally throughout the year. Sick and Home Bound Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care. Baptism Baptisms are usually celebrated 2-3 Sundays each month at a 12:30 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend an awareness and renewal evening prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office a few months in advance to make arrangements. Matrimony A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas should contact the church six months in advance. One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or their parents, must be a registered parishioner for at least three months prior to calling to set a date. Religious Education Call the 630.305.6318 to register. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call the church at 630.355.8980. Counseling Service Call Samaritan Interfaith 630.357.2456 or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 630.355.8980 x 124. Sunday Nursery Nursery care is available for your child age one (walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office.

Love of God and love of neighbor seem to go hand in hand. Jesus grounded as he is in God understands that, and replies to the Pharisees’ “test” question about which commandment of the law is the greatest. Jesus answers them with the commandment that is contained in the prayer that every good Jew says when their feet hit the floor first thing in the morning, kind of like our Morning Offering prayer which is actually derived from it: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Then he gives them more than they asked for, “The second great-est is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus understands that the law and all the prophets depend on these two commandments. They walk away once again trumped by the confusion of their own minds. Jesus clearly has life in perspective.

Being grounded in God’s love means being grounded in a right relationship with God and one another. It is a matter of Justice. St. John reminds us elsewhere that you cannot say you love God and hate your neighbor, for God is love. The connection our faith establishes with us in the Covenant love of God which we enjoin upon ourselves in the Eucharist is ultimately relational. It is not a pri-vate devotion. It is always personal but not private. Justice is constitutive of the Eucharist. Our faith in and love of God connects us to one another in love, because that is who God is. These two commandments go hand in hand and Jesus under-stands that. May we grow in our understanding of that and express it in the way we live our lives. Compas-sion and care will then be the hallmarks of our lives as it was with Jesus. United with you in the love of Christ,

Welcome Guests and Visitors!

We’re so glad you’re here and invite you to walk the path of faith with us. Our goal is to provide a spiritual home where all are welcome, where the healing, reconciling, liberating love of God flows through us to all people. We believe the church is the sacrament of God’s saving presence in the world.

Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us in the gym for Welcome Sunday anytime between 9:00 and 11:15 on: Sunday, November 6

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 23, 2011

You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

— Matthew 22:37

Dear Friends,

“Love of God and love of neighbor

seem to go hand in hand.”

Oct 16, 2011 — Page 4

Presider’s Schedule October 29/30

Saturday 4:30 pm, Fr. Dof Arty Sunday 8:00 am, Fr. Pat Brennan 9:30 am, Fr. Pat Brennan 11:15 am, Fr. Joel Fortier 6:00 pm, Fr. Dof Arty

Worship Commission Changes Begin in November The Roman Missal music changes will begin November 5/6. The text changes will happen November 26/27. Beginning the first week of November, you will find two handouts in the Gather hymnals to reference the changes. Please leave them in the books for all who attend Mass. Thank you to the Friday morning Bible Study group for insert-ing these in the Gather books! All of the text change information is on the website, and can also be found at www.usccb.org. How to Get More Out of Mass Admit it: Mass is not always a prayerful experience for parents. Simply arriving at Mass on time with the family bathed and dressed is a triumph. Parents of toddlers have committed to an hour of wriggle con-tainment; parents of teens may have started their morning with a debate on why Mass is necessary. Probably half the parents in the church had to find a lost article of clothing for a child that morning; maybe another quarter had to send a child in to change for wearing something inappropriate. And most parents also broke up an argument in the car on the way there.Perhaps upon seeing fami-lies, ushers should say “Congratulations!” rather than “Welcome.” So what draws us to Mass when the couch is comfortable, the TV is on, and the kids would rather stay in their pajamas? The reasons families attend Mass are diverse as families themselves, but among those families who make it to Mass on a weekly basis, the main answer is prayer. Sunday Mass is an opportunity to set aside time to be centered on God. It can be an opportunity to be filled for the week ahead. Sheila, mother of two teens and two young grade schoolers, says, “The time I find to be most prayerful is just before Mass starts, when we first enter our pew and I kneel to say a prayer of greeting to God. It gives me an opportunity to consciously shut out the outside world and turn my thoughts to more spiritual things.” (continued on page 13)

“May love hold you, peace enfold you — may you be held in God’s hands.”

All Souls Liturgy will be held at St. Thomas on Wednesday, November 2 at the 7:30 p.m. Those who have died will be remembered in a special way. You are invited to participate by bringing a flower forward during the Prayer of the Faithful (flowers provided). You may also bring a picture or memento to place on the altar in memory of your loved one.

The liturgy will be followed by a reception in the Gathering Area. For more information, call Lori Culberson 630.355.8980, ext. 120.

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Pray For Our Parish

Mass Intentions Monday, October 24, 2011 8:30 †Isabelle Mazur, by Rich & Dorothy Jaracz Tuesday, October 25, 2011 8:30 †Edward Dillmann, by Betty Wednesday, October 26, 2011 8:30 †Frank Rizzi, Jr., by Family Thursday, October 27, 2011 8:30 †Isabelle Mazur, by Dick & Adela Auskalnis Special Intention for Dick & Karen Brummell, by John & Felicia Lawlor Saturday, October 29, 2011 4:30 For the People of St. Thomas Sunday, October 30, 2011 8:00 Special Intention for Robert J. Cronin, Sr., by Family †Stella Monteiro, by The Monteiro Family 9:30 †Edythe & Joe Caruso, by Joe & Gloria †Henry Fetta, by Agata & Mark Chalupnik 11:15 †Lawrence & Margaret Becker, by Rich & Terry Becker †Charlie Buckley, by Bill & Patti Dougherty

God of youth, We ask your blessing upon our young people at St. Thomas. You have gifted each one of them in a special and unique way. May they come to know and share the wonder and awe that lives within them as they grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding of you. Guide and sustain them as they discern your invitation to discipleship. Bless their openness and enthusiasm and allow their questions to both enliven and challenge us as a community of believers gathered to do your will. Strengthen and support the many good works they do. Challenge and provoke them along their journey of faith so they may help lead the church into the possibilities of tomorrow. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From NFCYM (National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry)

Sgt. Aaron Simms Cpt. Matthew Haselhorst PFC Sean Wesley

Please Pray for our Men and Women Serving in the Military Our parish community would like to recognize and remember the following individuals in prayer:

U.S. Air Force Lt. Joseph Zito Staff Sgt. Brooke Sica Airman Maxwell Dempsey

U.S. Army PFC Sam Parrillo SPC James Abbott Sgt. Edward Plourde Richard Hill

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Kevin Martin Lance Corporal Aaron Murphy Brad Rothman Cody Workowski

U.S. Navy AT3 Amanda Schlarman Ensign Jason Coons

U.S. Coast Guard If you would like to have a serviceman or woman included in the Military prayer list in the bulletin, call the parish office 630.355.8980.

for the sick… Tom Keely & Kathleen Kelly Klein, father & aunt of Tommy & Kevin Kelly Kathy Horvat, friend of Kathy & Bob Valle Sarah Philos, granddaughter of Diane Jared Stuve friend of John Gerkin John Torri, husband of Judi; for the deceased… Isabelle Boyd, mother of Kathy Martinez Alfred Roca, father of Martha Jarboe Ceclia Rominski, aunt of Joanne Uffner Barb Kidd, sister of Mary Jo Budnick Sara Sheehan Josephine Ann Grorud infant cousin of Jean Gerkin

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Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission

We have been looking at the lives of real peo-ple who, through their love for God, pursued a life of holiness. Of course, the best possible ex-ample of a holy life is Jesus. It’s no wonder Peter referred to Jesus as the “Holy One of God” (John 6:69). If we want a human model of holiness, we need look no further than Jesus. Granted Jesus had a bit of an advantage since He was God and was already holy. But we can still learn a lot about holiness from the Master while on His hu-man journey. What exactly did Jesus do that would fall into that holiness category? If we look at the life of Jesus, it’s filled with actions directed toward the benefit of others. Jesus healed, taught, forgave and served. His lifestyle consisted of living sim-ply, praying and worshipping often. His focus was on God rather than on earthly possessions. Most importantly, He followed the will of God, unconditionally trusting and completely obeying. And in everything, He was thankful. How do we measure up to those standards?

C.A.R.E. CORNER

Today’s Readings First Reading — You shall not oppress an alien, for you yourselves were once aliens in Egypt (Exodus 22:20-26). Psalm — I love you, Lord, my strength (Psalm 18). Second Reading — You became imitators of the Lord, so that you became a model for all believers (1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10). Gospel — You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34-40).

The Long Story: Threads of Your Heritage

Wellspring, the St. Thomas wholistic health and spirituality ministry, invites you to “The Long Story: Threads of Your Heritage.” Presented from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, November 7 by Edna Groves, this is an opportunity to pause and connect with past and future generations. Each of us is born into a web of family stories, myths and legends. The faith and beliefs of our family members are also threads in the web that connects us to our heritage, determine how we live today, and are a part of what we pass on. We are here for a moment in time, yet our spirituality pre-cedes and outlives us. As Thanksgiving approaches, come to explore one thread related to the holiday which connects us to our roots and ties us to our descendants. Come to reflect, write, share and enjoy! Edna C, Groves, M.S., a long-time Naperville resident and former psychotherapist, is founder of Words That Endure*, a firm offering services to peo-ple who wish to capture their life story in writing. She lives her passion for gathering story and legacy by offering programs to groups and working with individuals privately. She is also wife, mother, grandmother, published author and dog-lover.

Readings for the Week Mon: Rom 8:12-17; Lk 13:10-17 Tues: Rom 8:18-25; Lk 13:18-21 Wed: Rom 8:26-30; Lk 13:22-30 Thurs: Rom 8:31b-39; Lk 13:31-35 Fri: Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-16 Sat: Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29; Lk 14:1, 7-11 Sun: Mal 1:14b — 2:2b, 8-10; Ps 131; 1 Thes 2:7b-9, 13; Mt 23:1-12

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Marriage – A Lifetime Relationship Newlyweds? Struggling in a relationship? Renewing faithful bonds? The ALPHA Marriage Course is for each and all of you. Once a month, take some time just for you at a table for two! The second Friday of each month from November to May, beginning November 11, make a date in the Lighthouse from 7 to 9 p.m. for refreshment of body and soul. A light repast will be followed by a video with practical tools for growing more closely together, facing life’s challenges and opportunities, and resolving conflict. There is no group work in-volved; the only sharing is between you and your spouse. So that privacy may be assured, enrollment is limited to the first 12 couples that register. To do so, contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office at 630.355.8980 x138 or crosales@stapostle.org. The $70 fee will cover all materials. A Contemplative Experience for Men At Carmelite Center Nov 18-20 The Centering Prayer Experience - Connecting with the Divine through Silence – enjoy an explora-tion of Centering Prayer from the perspective that Centering Prayer is the Divine Therapy that fosters personal transformation. This journey will include opportunities to go into silence, experience centering prayer, have small group sessions to share with other men and time to connect with nature. Led by Susan Komis, National Contemplative Outreach Director of Chapter Resources, Phil Jackson and Shawn Kafader of Illinois M.A.L.Es and Contemplative Outreach of Chicago, and Ed Miller of Illinois M.A.L.E.s. Friday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m. to Sunday, November 20 at 1:30 p.m., 6 meals, overnight accommodations, the Carmelite Spiritual Center, Darien, IL, cost $190. Registration: Darlene at the CSC, 8433 Bailey Road, Darien, IL - 630.969.4141 or CSCRetreat@aol.com

Fine Art & Craft Fair at St. Thomas It’s that time of year again! Make plans now to attend the 14th Annual St. Thomas Fine Art & Craft Fair. Once again we will be featuring over 40 art-ists and their original works including paint-

ings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, wood crafts and fabric art. All are available for purchase and will make fine additions to your home or as Christmas gifts. All proceeds from the exhibit sales and raffle go to the Haiti Twinning Education program to benefit the 4 schools that St. Thomas supports in Duchity. The event will take place in the St. Thomas Ministry Center on Saturday, November 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wanted: Two Left Feet Come with a partner to have some fun (and great ex-ercise!) at dance lessons offered by long-time instructor Diana Giarrusso. From 7:30to 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays, November 3, 10 and 17, you can brush up on your steps or learn new ones, just in time for the approaching holi-day season. At only $20 per couple per lesson, it’s a real bargain! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the AL-PHA evangelization ministry. Please register with Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office by October 31.

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Religious Education Angels Needed Would you like to be a Tuition Angel for a family attending Religious Education (RE) classes? The economy has made it tough for some families to pay their RE tuition. If you can help, the fees are: $120 for one child, $200 for two children or $260 for a family of three or more. Checks are payable to St. Thomas the Apostle and you can write “tuition gift” on the memo line. Please send to the Religious Education Office and mark it to the attention of Patti Dougherty. Thanks for being a Tuition Angel! Liturgy of the Word Offered for 4th and 5th Graders Liturgy of the Word for fourth and fifth graders will be held on Sunday, October 30 during the 9:30 and 11:15 liturgies. Students should come out with the younger children and go down to the Cabin and Senior Center.

? Families: Take some time to discuss and reflect on the readings of the week.

Question of the Week...

What are examples of how you live like Jesus?

World Youth Day St. Thomas will celebrate World Youth Day on October 22 and 23 — a day set aside to affirm and celebrate the youth of our parishes. “Thank you” to all our St. Thomas youth, for the many ways they serve, not only our parish but also our local com-munity, and those in need across the country and abroad. Youth of St. Thomas – Thank you for all you do!

Liturgy of the Word Leaders and Helpers St. Thomas Teens with Character Sunday Donuts Puppet Ministry P.A.D.S. (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) Rosary Ministry Haiti Twinning: Sponsor a child S.T.E.P. Walk (Steps Toward Eliminating Poverty) Sleep Out Saturday Cantors Lectors Host-Greeters Altar Servers Eucharistic Ministers Feed My Starving Children Blood Drives Blood Pressure Sundays Care Pantry: “Kids Kare” Food Collection School Supply Collection Christmas Party / Christmas gift collection Scripture Safari Habitat for Humanity Harvest Sunday Christmas Pageants Stations of the Cross Grandparents Program Cookies for Prison Ministry Religious Education Aides and Catechists Nursery Helpers Life Retreat Rainbows assistants Children’s Choir Middle School Choir: Joyful Jammers High School Choir: Journey Praise Youth Mission Trips: (Aurora, Chicago, Washington DC & Nicaragua) DuPage River clean up

Blessing For Your Youth ____________(name of youth) May the Lord fill your life, with love and joy. May the Lord protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. May the Lord be with you where you go, now and for ever. Amen.

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A Reflection by Brooke Eber As we celebrate World Youth Day, we – as Catholic teenagers - are challenged to find our niche in the world community and our local community. With such a large, multicultural world, and so many other commitments, sometimes we lose our connection to the world community. A place I have found Catholic national fellowship is NCYC. The National Catholic Youth Conference, held biannually, is an assembly of over 25,000 Catholic youth. While praising and praying with other Catholic teenagers, it was very apparent to me how universal our faith is. I felt like part of a worldwide community bigger than myself and Saint Thomas. Being connected to the tradition of the church gives us Catholic teens the heritage that helps define us as a people. This identity gives us a place to flourish within the tradition while making it our own and part of our lives. Since the Catholic faith has so much history, it is important that we are strong in our identity. Every year I go to a Christian camp in Lake Geneva. Just like NCYC, the community of Christians creates an awesome atmosphere, but the majority of campers aren’t Catholic. When people realize I’m Catholic, I am asked about our theology, mostly questions like “Wait, don’t you guys pray to Mary/The Saints?” I amusedly explain that no, we don’t pray to The Saints or Mary, we just ask them to pray with us and for us in fellow-ship in heaven. This usually leads to comments like “Well, in my religion we believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and he listens to us equally.” Well so do Catholics! It has been challenging but it has given me a strong Catholic identity. Yes, I am Catholic. Yes, I believe in Jesus. No, I don’t pray to Mary – I ask her to pray for me. Another aspect of Catholicism many people struggle with is the Rosary. Once at camp, we had spent all day weeding and washing dishes, so I needed to de-stress. Meditation doesn’t usually work for me, and I needed to relax and just be in the presence of Our Lord, so I planned to pray the Rosary. Once again, I was asked questions like “Why do you need to pray the Rosary?” and comments like “The Rosary doesn’t mean God will listen to you more. You can just talk to Him.” How do I explain that God already knows what I need so I see no point in fumbling over words trying to express it? Most Christians I’ve met view the Rosary in a penitentiary light. You have sinned against your mother; go pray six rosaries for penance. I view the Rosary as a celebration of our faith; a way to thank God for everything and pray for everyone without having to scroll through my contacts list. It’s exasperating to try to explain our complex, traditional theology but it is an important part of our responsibility as world youth to make others understand our theology and to attempt to understand theirs, so that we can all try to better this multinational world that God has entrusted to us.

Written by parishioner, Brooke Eber. Brooke attends Metea High School, is 16 and has been a parishioner of St. Thomas since the day she was born.

NEWS from… All Saints Catholic Academy Did you know... At All Saints Catholic Academy, Spanish enrichment begins in kindergarten, and junior high students learn Spanish as part of the core curriculum. Spanish teacher Maria Kazlauskas, a native speaker with Colombian roots, brings language to life, and life to language, as students discover the societies and influences that gave us Spanish. Learning a foreign language teaches more than just the language. Students develop cul-tural sensitivity alongside linguistic ability; studying the history, values, and contributions made by the people we call Hispanic. Over 95% of graduates of All Saints test into advanced Spanish classes at all area high schools, both public and parochial. Looking forward… All Saints will host a “Gallery of Boutiques” on Thursday, November 10 from 6 to 9 pm in the school gym. This Ladies Night Out will include shopping and spa-type services. Proceeds will benefit All Saints Junior High Musical/Drama productions. Consider coming out to support All Saints thespians! Questions? Contact Jackie Hand mikejackiehand@aol.com

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Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice

Pie Tasting Next Weekend This year St. Tho-mas is once again having a holiday pie sale to benefit the Care Pantry and St. Thomas Care Pantry families. Last year was a great success. Almost 400 Market Day pies were sold. Over 175 pies went directly to the care pantry for their holiday baskets and $1200 was made for the Care Pantry! Next weekend there will be a pie tasting so inter-ested shoppers can determine which pies are perfect for their Thanksgiving or Christmas tables. You can order next weekend and the following weekends. Pie pickup will be Sunday, November 20 after the morning Masses.

Companions Christmas Card Project Each year Companions sends out thousands of Christ-mas cards to incarcerated men and women throughout Illinois and dozens of others across the country. The in-tention is to let the imprisoned know that someone is thinking about them at a time when they can feel so alone. The responses speak of the impact of this project. There is a collection box in the Gathering Area for cards. The deadline for this year is November 15. Stamps as well as any monetary donation can also be placed in the collection box. Participants will gather to sign and address these cards on Thursday, November 17, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, from 9:30 a.m. to Noon. All are welcome. Questions? Call Rose Bagley 630.355.5023.

Guidelines: You can safely sign your name to one or more Christmas cards (optional). Add a message if you wish, but avoid preaching. Be sensitive to the fact that many of these cards will be sent to people of color, so choose cards which represent a diverse population. Attach a first class postage stamp on each envelope. Do Not seal. Do Not use stickers, glue or tape cards or envelopes. Do Not enclose anything. Knights of Columbus Invitation Imagine Yourself…deepening your faith, supporting local youth events, volunteering in the church and community, connecting with people... Imagine joining the Knights of Columbus. Open House informational meeting Tues, Oct 25, 7pm Council hall 620 E. Ogden Avenue, Naperville. For more information: www.napervillekofc.org, Stephen Poduska 319.321.5432, Eddie Collins 614.312.3247.

Noté Karacel – Dance-a-Thon Noté Karacel means “unite together” in the Lango language of Uganda, Africa. It is also the name of a small 50(c)3 charity organization for the benefit of a Camboni Mission parish of 100,000 Catholics in Alenga, Uganda. One of the projects of Father Stan, the pastor, is to drill 10 water wells that will provide clean water for all the people in the area. They are cur-rently working on the third well, at a cost of $10,000 per well.

A St. Thomas family is very active in supporting Noté Karacel. Jack Ryan is a student at Oswego East High School and has organized a “Dance to Drill a Well” dance-a-thon to help bring clean water to the people of Alenga. The event is Saturday, November 12 (6:30 – 9 p.m.) at Oswego East High School, 1525 Harvey Road. Families can come and dance together with a minimum of $100 in pledges … individuals with a minimum of $50. For more information or to register, go to www.notekaracel.org.

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St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Drive Next Weekend After mass today, pick one or more (we have plenty) plastic bags for SVDP Fall Clothing Drive. The collection truck will be in our park-ing lot next weekend with Vincentians present to collect your donations before and after the Saturday evening Mass and the Sunday morning Masses. Clothing and home goods of all kinds are accepted. Why should you save your cast-offs for us? Not only will you be helping the environment by preventing them from going to the landfill, but some items will be given a new life and provided, at no cost, to those who have little. The majority of your donations will be sold in our Joliet and West Chicago stores. Some of the money received is returned to the SVDP ministry at St Thomas where it is used help our parishioners and neighbors with rent and utilities.

English as a Second Language at College of DuPage St. Thomas is a member of DuPage United (DU) and has a core team ministry that participates on the DU Steering Committee and in other DU actions. With the changing diversity in DuPage County, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are important to en-able county residents to improve their situations, become self-sufficient, and add to the economy. DuPage United has been monitoring and taking action on the ESL curriculum situation at the College of DuPage (COD) for some years. The St. Thomas DU Core Team participated in those actions. Most recently, COD again took steps to reduce and eliminate significant opportunities for such classes. Offi-cials from COD stated that the college was supplementing ESL classes with $1 million a year in local tax money provided to the college as one basis for reducing the number of classes. DuPage United contacted the Illinois Community Col-lege Board to get financial information that COD was not forthcoming in providing. The information received clearly showed COD was actually spending almost a million LESS on the ESL program than they were getting from state and federal grants. Contrary to the assertions that $1 million in local taxes were being used to support the program, the pro-gram was in fact subsidizing other programs at COD by over $1 million for last year and this year. Subsequently, COD corrected their financial assertions and made improvements to ESL scheduling, which take into consideration the needs that students have expressed

Unplanned Pregnancy? — Need Help? Have you found yourself with a pregnancy that is leaving you scared and alone? At Waterleaf Women’s Center, we understand the circumstances you are facing, because we have been there ourselves. We work with men and women every day who face similar situations Our compassionate counselors and our extensive community network are there to help you understand the options that you have and overcome the hurdles that you face. Our services are free and include pregnancy testing, adoption information, pregnancy support, and more. At Waterleaf, we are not interested in judging you but in supporting you as you make difficult decisions. You are not alone. Please visit us at 2849 East New York Street, Aurora (at the corner of Eola & New York in the Starbucks shopping center) or call us at 630.701.6270.

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Nov 1

Pastoral Care Facts about Depression According to the National Institute of Mental Health between 17 and 20 million Americans develop some form of depression each year and only a small minority are diagnosed and receive treatment. This illness knows no boundaries – it affects people of any age, race, gender, or religious affiliation. One out of every four women and one out of every 10 men will suffer at least one depressive episode in their lives. Unfortunately, depression often goes untreated be-cause many people are not aware of the signs and symptoms and the treatment that is available. There are also many misconceptions that persist that con-tribute to a stigma that prevent many people from getting the help they need. The signs and symptoms of clinical depression in-clude: � a sad or empty mood that does not go away � loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities � difficulty concentrating � changes in appetite or weight � inability to sleep or oversleeping � decreased energy or fatigue � excessive feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worth-

lessness and, most serious of all � thoughts of death or suicide Each year Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center participates in the National Depression Screening Day, and Samaritan Interfaith offers an online confi-dential screening tool. If you or someone you know is suffering with any of the symptoms mentioned above, please log onto Samaritan’s website at www.samaritancernter.org where you can take the confidential screening and immediately get the results and referral information. Remember, depression is treatable. Did You Know? Prescription Drug Take Back Day October 29 The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Office of Diversion Control has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for October 29, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event pro-vides a venue for persons who want to dispose of un-wanted and unused prescription drugs. For more in-formation or to find collection site, visit the DEA website.

Early action can save a life if someone is experiencing cardiac arrest. Would you know what to do?

St. Thomas is offering training in CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). In as little as two hours, you can be ready to save a life. AEDs are popping up in all sorts of public places. Did you know that St. Thomas has four? The final class will be Oct 25 in the Senior Center Class size is limited so you must preregister. Those involved in liturgy ministries (Host Greeters, Eucharistic Ministers…) are especially encouraged to get trained. Contact Rose Grumbine in the Parish Nursing Office 630.355.8980x140 or rgrumbine@stapostle.org to sign up.

SAVE THE DATE! Blood Drive at St. Thomas Tues, Nov. 1, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Go to the St. Thomas website and sign up today!

Page 13 — Oct 16, 2011

Stewardship Commission Last Weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts...

Weekly Sunday Offertory Oct 16, 2011 Automatic Direct Debit Mailed in & stock donations Total for week *Based on Collection Counters Reports

Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) to date: Weekly Average 7/1/10 to date: Offertory Goal Year to Date Over/short of goal to date: Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year goal Diocesan Appeal Updated Results Parish Appeal Goal: Pledges Received: % of Goal pledged to date: Remaining amount to goal Number of Appeal Donors:

$20,800

n/a $3,689

$24,489

$544,373 $34,023

$586,848 ($42,475)

$1,870,587 $1,326,214

$131,623 $102,844

78.14 $28,779

567

New Guide Book and Directory at St. Thomas In order to help parishioners know more about the church and to have an annually updated church directory, St. Thomas has contracted with Guide Book Publishing to produce a “Guide Book and Directory.” The book will be direct mailed to every registered household and is provided at no cost to St. Thomas. This Guide Book and Directory is and will remain the property of St. Thomas and is intended for the private use of the members of this congregation only. Use of this book by anyone for a business purpose or for telephone or mail solicitations is strictly forbidden. Advertising Opportunity: The directory is subsidized by local business advertising. If you own or manage a busi-ness and would like to find out about advertising, call the church office. Recent survey results by Guide Book Pub-lishing show that 92.1% of families would rather patronize a Guide Book and Directory advertiser over a non-advertiser. It “will pay” to advertise in the new St. Thomas Guide Book and Directory.

(continued from page 4) Andrea, a mother of two teens, says that while she does not agree with every teaching of the church, her faith propels her to weekly Sunday Mass. She is able to separate her feelings about the church and its fumbles from her relationship with God. “When the bread and wine are raised at offertory, I also raise in prayer myself, those I pray for, and the earth,” she says. “I pray that as these elements are trans-formed into the body and blood of Jesus, I am likewise transformed into the embodiment of Jesus in the world.” Anne, a mother of five, agrees that it is the consecration where she feels the most prayerful—and it’s this sense of God’s presence she wants to pass on to her kids. “I find the most moving part of the Mass is the consecra-tion. When my children were younger, I let them fidget in the pew, but at the consecration, I would let them know that this is the most precious part. I’d tell them to kneel and be still,” she says. For Moe, a mother of four, a simple sentence inspires her each week. “My most prayerful moment is when we say, ‘Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.’ It’s amazing how that sentence can prepare me to receive Christ and feel as though I am worthy to receive Christ,” she says. Pam, a mother of young teens, is most often moved when there is an infant baptism at Mass. “If seeing a new baby isn’t proof of God’s goodness, I am not sure what is,” she says. “My girls look over to me to see if I have tears in my eyes, and I always do.”

Children’s different ages sometimes determine when a parent feels the most prayerful. “Before I had kids, my most prayerful time at Mass was the quiet after communion,” says Stephanie, a mother of three children under 3. “But now that’s changed. When eve-ryone is quiet and the homily is being preached or the readings are being proclaimed, I’m so busy trying to make sure the kids are quiet that I don’t get to enjoy those moments or get everything out of them that I can. However, when everyone is singing, the kids are happy—they can make some noise and I can sing with them and have a truly prayerful moment.” Molly, a mother of three, also focuses on the songs but for a different reason. “There are times when the choir sings a song that I sang every day at grade school Mass, then again in the high school church choir, and now my children sing it at their grade school Mass,” she says. “We are joined together in song that day, but also in shared history. It is through the song that I feel connected to my family, with the other Catholics in our church, and over time in the Catholic tradition.” Congratulations. You made it to Mass. Wherever in the liturgy you find your prayerful moment, may it give you grace during the week ahead. —by Annemarie Scobey, from the pages of At Home with Our Faith

Oct 16, 2011 — Page 14

Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting First three Friday mornings of the month, 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Gym

Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, Oct. 24 4:00—5:30 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00—9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:15—8:30 p.m., Middle School Catechists, Lighthouse 7:15—8:30 p.m. 1st Eucharist Parent Mtg., Gathering Area 7:30—9:00 p.m. Haiti Twinning, Senior Center Tuesday, Oct. 25 10:00—11:00 a.m. Care Pantry, Gym 4:30—5:45 p.m. R. E. Classes at Brookdale School 7:00—9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge 7:00—9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00—10:00 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church 7:00—8:30 p.m. Puppet Ministry, Resource Center 7:00—9:00 p.m. CPR/AED Class, Senior Center 7:00—9:00 p.m. Haiti Medical, Cana Wednesday, Oct. 26 9:00—11:00 a.m. ALPHA, Senior Center 6:30—8:30 p.m. AuthenticLife, Lighhouse 7:00—9:30 p.m. Sojourners, Church Thursday, Oct. 27 9:15—11:15 a.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 4:15—5:30 p.m. Jammers, Church 6:00—7:30 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym 7:30—9:00 p.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 7:30—10:00 p.m. Jubilate Rehearsal, Church Friday, Oct. 28 9:00—11:30 a.m. Friday A.M. Bible Study, Senior Center Saturday, Oct. 29 8:30—11:45 a.m. R. E. Classes at All Saints Academy 8:30—9:45 a.m. 1st Eucharist Parent Mtg., All Saints Academy 8:30—11:45 a.m. Middle School R. E. at All Saints Academy 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Saturday Sharing, Resource Center 10:15—11:15 a.m. Rainbows, Ministry Center Sunday, Oct. 30 8:00am-12:30 p.m. Pancake Breakfast, Gym 8:30am-12:30 p.m. Pie Tasting, Gathering Area 9:00—11:45 a.m. Liturgy of the Word for Children thru 5th grade, Ministry Center

Thursday, Oct 27, 7 p.m. "Do's and Don'ts of the Interview Process"

Andy Kuhn, Internal Recruiter for a financial company in the Chicago land area, will present the "Do's and Don'ts" that the Job Seeker needs to know during the Interview Process. Andy has been a Re-cruiter for over a decade, working in several different industries. Learn about techniques to help you "land" that job from an HR professional. Andy's presenta-tion will help the Job Seeker "get through and be-yond" the interview process. Please plan to attend this highly informative meeting and bring your ques-tions for this very experienced recruiter. Andy has been a part of the St. Thomas Jobs Min-istry since the very beginning and has given several talks on how to best position a job seeker in the mar-ketplace. Throughout the years Andy has hired hun-dreds of people into various roles and is happy to share what differentiated those that received offers and those that did not. He will point out common mistakes that people make that are easy to avoid. He also offers simple suggestions that give people a greater chance of not only finding a job, but getting an offer and landing a career. Andy will start out his talk by giving practical advice to job seekers, going over “what to say and what not to say” in an inter-view, and then will invite questions for the rest of the time. St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Na-perville, IL 60563 (630)355-8980. Friday meeting formats in-clude announcements, speaker presentation, and 2 rounds of networking. Prepare your elevator speech, and bring enough handbills to pass out to 20 fellow networkers. Wednesday night is speaker only, no formal networking. Contact Bob Hronek <rhronek@sbcglobal.net>; or Ben Willingham <Benwillingham11@gmail.com>; for more info.