St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church . Naperville IL . 630.355.8980 Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois
Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon, Bishop Most Rev. Joseph Siegel, Auxiliary Bishop
Most Rev. Joseph L. Imesch, Bishop Emeritus
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 26, 2012
*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: [email protected] 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 Priests Rev. Don E. McLaughlin – Pastor, x102, [email protected] Rev. Rodolphe Arty, C.S.C. – Parochial Vicar, x 103, [email protected] Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Associate, [email protected] Permanent Deacons Rev. Mr. Michael (Kathryn) Barrett – x220, [email protected] Rev. Mr. Jim (Mary Jo) Breen – 630.357.4853, [email protected] Rev. Mr. Larry (Susan) Kearney – x225, [email protected] Rev. Mr. Chuck (Sue) Lane – x220, [email protected] Rev. Mr. Pat (Mary Jo) Lennon – x220, [email protected] Liturgy Kate Cuddy – Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, [email protected] Scott Knisley – Asst. Director of Music and Liturgy, x111, [email protected] Lori Culberson – Liturgy Coordinator, x120, [email protected] Theresa Sheliga* – Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Sandy Renehan – Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy 630.961.6125 Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, x109, [email protected] Brett Adams – Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, x117, [email protected] Peggy Goralski – Associate Partner of Youth Ministry, x123, [email protected] Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, [email protected] Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, x118, [email protected] Outreach and Social Justice Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, [email protected] Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner, x113, [email protected] Sally Meno* – OSJ Financial, x137, [email protected] Pastoral Care Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. – Faith Community Nurse, x104, [email protected] Rose Grumbine*, R.N., – Faith Community Nurse, x140, [email protected] Administration Janet Simmons – Finance/Business Officer, x106, [email protected] Diane McQueen – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, [email protected] Kathy Ferguson – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, [email protected] Elizabeth Fisher* – Evening/Saturday Receptionist Mary Wright* – Evening/Saturday Receptionist Marge Coronado – Administration and R.E. Asst, x219, [email protected] Marilyn DeMeo* – Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, [email protected] Angie Tuttle – Bulletin and Web Editor, Liturgy Asst, x110, [email protected] Bob Hartmann – Facility Manager, x133, [email protected] 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) Mass — 8:30 a.m.
Weekend Saturday Vigil — 4:30 p.m. Sunday — 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 a.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., in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Don is available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally during 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 9:30 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office.
Today, as we enjoy our parish annual picnic, we conclude our five week long “picnic with the crowds” in chapter six of John’s gospel, where Jesus in the first week feeds the crowd with the multiplication of the loaves and fish, and then the succeeding weeks feeds the crowd (and us) with his teaching that He is the bread of life. The final section of chapter six fo-cuses on the response of the disci-
ples to what Jesus has said, especially about himself being the bread of life. The responses back then, and even today, are wide and varied. They include complaining, disbelief, rejection, confes-sion of faith, and betrayal. Notice that these are the responses from his disciples and those who seemingly believed in him. In many ways, Jesus asks them (and us) to stretch in ways that they cannot accept. Some could only say, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” Jesus himself recognizes the challenge he is presenting. He indicates that no one can come to him unless it is granted by the Father, but even then there is no guarantee that a person will re-spond positively and believe the words of Jesus. In the end, Simon Peter speaks for the twelve and affirms their decision to stay with Jesus. Difficult as it is to really grasp the full identity of Jesus, the twelve believe that he has the words of eternal life and that he is the Holy One of God. When one comes to be-lieve that, there is nowhere else to go. Once again, the Gospel writer shows us that, even if we would have been alive and present at the time of Jesus, the challenge to accept him and believe that he was the Holy One of God would have been daunting. Like those who were present, some of us might go our separate ways. Each time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we are celebrat-ing the very truth of our faith that caused some people in Jesus’ day, and even our own times, to walk away in disbelief. We be-lieve that we are offering the death and resurrection of Jesus to the Father, and that we will soon receive the very Body and Blood of Jesus in Communion. May we look around and see other men, women and children who share our faith by being here at the Eucharist and draw strength from our shared faith in the teaching of Jesus, the true bread come down from heaven, the Bread of Life!
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time August 26, 2012 As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
— Joshua 24:15b
Welcome Guests and Visitors! We’re so glad you’re here and invite you to walk the path of faith with us. St. Thomas strives to provide a spiritual home where all are welcome, where the healing, reconciling, liberating love of God is shared by all. We believe the church is the sacrament of God’s saving presence in the world, join us! Would you like to become a Parishioner? Call Kathy Ferguson 630.355.8980.
From the Pastor’s Desk
Parish Picnic—THIS weekend! SUNDAY, Noon—3:00 p.m. With “Chalk Rock” presentation by Shaun Hays 12:30—1:00 You won’t want to miss this exciting event and good food and fellowship that follows!
August 26, 2012, Page 4
Worship Commission—Liturgy & Music
Presider’s Schedule September 1/2
Saturday 4:30 pm, Fr. Bob Colaresi
Sunday 8:00 am, Fr. Dof Arty, Dn. Michael Barrett, Preaching 9:30 am, Fr. Don McLaughlin, Dn. Pat Lennon, Preaching 11:15 am, Fr. Don McLaughlin
Schedule is subject to change.
Today’s Readings First Reading — It was the LORD, our God, who pro-tected us along our entire journey (Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b). Psalm — Taste and see the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 34). Second Reading — Christ nourishes and cherishes the church because we are members of his body (Ephesians 5:21-32 [5:2a, 25-32]). Gospel — We have come to believe and are con-vinced that you are the Holy One of God (John 6:60-69). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.
Readings for the Week Mon: 2 Thes 1:1-5, 11-12; Mt 23:13-22 Tues: 2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17; Mt 23:23-26 Wed: 2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18; Mk 6:17-29 Thurs: 1 Cor 1:1-9; Mt 24:42-51 Fri: 1 Cor 1:17-25; Mt 25:1-13 Sat: 1 Cor 1:26-31; Mt 25:14-30 Sun: Dt 4:1-2, 6-8; Ps 15; Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Sunday 6:00 p.m. Mass Resumes The Sunday 6:00 p.m. Mass will resume Septem-ber 9. This is a very upbeat, lively mass geared for youth and the young at heart. All ministers are needed — Lectors, Musicians, Choir Members, and Eucharis-tic Ministers. If you are interested, call Lori Culber-son at 630.355.8980 x 120. Voices of Faith Returns! After a much deserved summer break, Voices of Faith — St. Thomas’ large adult choir, will begin singing again at the 9:30 a.m. Mass on September 9. Anyone interested in joining this highly talented, fun-filled group, call the Liturgy and Music Office. Scott: 630.355.8980x111 Kate: 630.355.8980x112 Fr. Don’s Formal Installation Fr. Don will be formally installed as the fourth pastor of St. Thomas on September 30 at the 9:30 a.m. mass by Fr. Thomas Sularz. Fr. Thomas Sularz is the pastor of St. Daniel the Prophet in Wheaton and is also Dean of the Western Dupage Deanery. A recep-tion for Fr. Don will follow the Mass. HELP! Altar Servers…it’s not too late! A training session is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. You only need to attend one session. Inter-ested? Contact Lori Culberson 630.355.8980 x 120. Also….it’s not too late to sign-up to be a Eucha-ristic Minister or a Host Greeter. These ministers are needed for all Masses, but Host Greeters are espe-cially needed for the 11:15am Mass on Sundays. Training is provided! All you need is a welcoming heart and a willingness to serve the community!
The Communion Song…Part 2 GIRM, no 86, indicates that the second purpose of the Communion song is to give evidence of a joyful heart. The Communion song is meant to express the joy we experience in being called to the messianic table to feast on the Body and Blood of Christ and become together the one Body of Christ. Appropriate Communion songs express praise, thanksgiving, joy in being fed and filled, gratitude for being healed and forgiven, and gladness in being one in Christ. This purpose is especially important to keep in mind during the more festive seasons of the Church year. Songs of expectation during Advent, nativity carols during Christmas season, and songs filled with alleluias during Easter easily accord with expressing our joy of heart at approaching the banquet of eternal life. Even during Lent, songs expressing sorrow or penitence that we might sing for Communion carry an undercurrent of joy, for it is at the table of the Lord that we are fully forgiven, reconciled to God and one another, and made whole.
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Pray For Our Parish
Mass Intentions Monday, August 27, 2012 8:30 Special Intention for Sr. Helen Kallus, by Ron & Elaine Smith Tuesday, August 28, 2012 8:30 †Mary & John Phillips, by The Martin Family Wednesday, August 29, 2012 8:30 †Rosario Quattrochi, by Joseph Battisto Thursday, August 30, 2012 8:30 †James Cliff, by Phyllis Cliff †Pat Patterman, by Jan & Gary Stull Friday, August 31, 2012 8:30 †Felix Amore, by Tina & Pam Saturday, September 1, 2012 8:30 †Margaret Wos, by Mary & Ed Doyle †Mark Kuzemka, by Mary & Ed Doyle 4:30 †Sue Culberson, by Arts & Environment Sunday, September 2, 2012 8:00 Our Homebound Parishioners 9:30 For the People of St. Thomas 11:15 Megan Boken, by Fr. Don
Cpt. Matthew Haselhorst Sgt. William Stuart 1st Lt. Chris Turley
SR Joel Curry SR Jeffrey Bates
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
Air Force National Guard Senior Airman Jacob Brancaleon
U.S. Army Lt. Alanna Casey Sgt. Aaron Simms PFC Sean Wesley SPC Eric Servatius Warrant Officer Aviation Kyle Zimmerman
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Kevin Martin Corporal Aaron Murphy Lance Corporal Oliver Buckley Captain Brad Rothman Lt. Colin Miller-Ratcliffes Lance Corporal Tommy Balducci
U.S. Navy AT3 Amanda Schlarman Ensign Jason Coons
U.S. Coast Guard
Call the parish office 630.355.8980 to include someone you love in the Military prayer list.
For the sick… Cardinal Francis George Maria Martinez, mother of Leticia Soto Kathryn Smith, daughter of Karen Vojtech Kevin Roach, infant nephew of Elise & Dave Diner Macy & Liz, friends of the Arce family Eva Salazar, wife of Rod Jim Steele, son of Kay Tamba Loll, aunt of Natalie Jason Patricia Strassburger, mother of Dick Silvia Hernandez, friend of the OSJ office Jose Blanco, father of Miguel Pat Kammer, wife of Ray Vince Harrison, brother of Pat For the deceased… Jim McCorquodale, husband of Maureen Eloise Vallejo cousin of Frank Trujillo Eunice Boehle, great aunt of Karen Trimble (Curt) Alliaume
Christ Jesus, when we hear your voice, our hearts burn with passion. When we feel your presence, our lives are alive with purpose. Come now, here in this time and place, and be our hope, be new life for all of us who feel dead, who long for new breath, new life, and new promises. Help us to spin our passion into service for your people.
August 26, 2012, Page 6
Faith and Formation Commission– Adult
The Apostles’ Creed is one of our oldest catechisms, dating back to the early Church and possibly back as early as the second century. It’s intent is to summarize the faith that the early apostles believed and preached. The word “creed” comes from the Latin word “credo” which means “I believe.” And that’s where our Creed begins. The open-ing line of the Apostles’ Creed is “I BELIEVE.” Although we say this in communion with everyone else with whom we are celebrating Mass, we also take personal responsi-bility for what we are saying in that we profess the Creed personally. The statement of “I believe” requires us to take ownership for the words we are speaking. What does it mean to believe in something or someone? To believe means to have faith in, to trust, to accept as true and to take without proof. And who do we say we believe in? We profess to believe in “ONE GOD”, in the persons of God as Father, God as Son and God as Holy Spirit. This is the mystery of the Trinity, which is absolutely founda-tional to our Christian faith. Making such a belief state-ment automatically suggests we are sure that God exists and that God is a unique force greater than ourselves. Next week we’ll take a more detailed look at what our Creed says about God the Father.
C.A.R.E. CORNER
Catholicism Series coming to St. Thomas Fr. Robert Barron’s acclaimed video se-ries, “Catholicism” is coming to St. Thomas! In just 10 sessions, in the Lighthouse on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., travel through time and to more than 50 locations throughout the world as Fr. Barron presents what Brad Miner, Senior Editor of The Catholic Thing blog, calls, “simply the most vivid catechism ever created; a high-def, il-lustrated manuscript for the 21st century.” Discover the full meaning of the Faith in a visually compelling and engaging way! Learn what Catholics believe and why, while being immersed in the art, architecture, litera-ture, music, and all the global treasures of the Catholic tradition. To reserve your place, contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office by September 3 at 630.355.8980 x138 or [email protected]. Calling All Artists...
The Celebration of the Arts ministry of St. Thomas the Apostle invites artists to participate in the 15th Annual Fine Art and Craft Fair.
The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4 in the Ministry Center. The deadline for registration is September 30, however space is allocated on a “first come first serve” basis so don’t wait until the last minute to register. Call Don Castro at 630.717.9354 or Chari Rosales at 630.355.8980x138 for entry forms or more information.
Is it time to invest in your relationship?
A strong, loving and lifelong relationship doesn’t happen by chance. We can all learn how to make even the happiest marriage better. Once a month on Friday evening from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., come to the Lighthouse for dinner, a video and private couple conversation on topics vital to everyday concerns such as the art of communication, resolving conflict, the impact of family, and love in action. Dates for 2012-13 are Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 7, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, Mar. 8 and Apr. 19. Tables for two, candlelight and a relaxed atmosphere await you with your hosts, Rose and Steven Grumbine. So that all conversations remain private – there is no group sharing – registrations are available only to the first 12 couples who apply. The cost is just $70 per couple to cover meals and materials. Pick up a flier/registration form in the Gathering Area or register with Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith For-mation Office at 630.355.8980 x138 or [email protected]. Sign up now – good things await you!
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Go Out in the World: Acts of the Apostles, the sequel to the Gospel of Luke, will be the focus of the Thursday Adult Bible Studies. - Connect with Jesus’ first followers - Explore how apostles formed disciples and how disciples formed communities -Reflect on the meaning and practice of the Church in our day and time
Interactive sessions of prayer, study and discus-sion begin September 6 and continue thru May 2013. Choose the time most convenient for you: 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., OR 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Child care is avail-able mornings. Make a year’s commitment, or drop in when you can. Bring a friend or come to be wel-comed by new ones. To be a part of this adventure, contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office at 630.355.8980 x138 or [email protected].
Walking Humbly with God
- Poor exploited by wealthy - Infidelity and adultery rampant - Cheating scandals and political upheavals
Headlines from the Chicago Tribune? No, ex-cerpts from Old Testament prophets Amos, Hosea and Micah, pioneers in the transmission of God’s insistence on social justice – the focus of the upcom-ing Friday Bible Study. What God values and what we do are often at odds. How can we align the two? Fr. Richard Rohr, noted Franciscan teacher and au-thor writes, “If you understand Hebrew Scripture, you can truly understand Jesus.” Start with these three prophets and see how and why Jesus in his ministry was indeed the word of God in the flesh. Grow your understanding of Amos, Hosea and Micah through the Friday Morning Bible Study, which meets 9:15 to 11:00 a.m. from September 14, 2012 thru May 2013. An orientation for new partici-pants with facilitator Audrey Easton will be held at 9:15 a.m. on September 7. To register, or for more information, contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office at 630.355.8980 x138 or [email protected]. All are welcome!
Spread the Word Scripture Study at St. Thomas
John 6:60-69
Did you know that only in John’s gospel does it speak of many of Jesus disciples rejecting him? Pe-ter speaks for all of us: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life.” Do you follow Jesus even through your doubts and chal-lenges?
Dance lessons coming! “Shake it up, baby!” Long-time, experienced dance instructor Diana Giarusso will lead couples, both beginner and experienced dancers, through swing, salsa, rhumba, fox trot, cha cha, waltz and tango in four Thursday sessions, September 27 through October 18, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the St. Thomas Gym. Cost is $20 per couple per ses-sion. All that’s required is a sense of fun and adven-ture! Register by September 24 with Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office at 630.355.8980 x138 or [email protected].
August 26, 2012, Page 8
? Families: Take some time to discuss and reflect on the readings.
Question of the Week...
What are some ways that you follow Jesus?
Faith and Formation Commission– Youth
Did you know St. Thomas has a nursery?
See page 13 for details!
Orientation for New Families to St. Thomas’ Religious Education Program (Pre-K – 8) Come to one of the following brief orientations in the St. Thomas Gathering Area:
Tues, Aug 28: 10:30 – 11:00 am or 5:30 – 6:00 pm Wed, Sept 5: 9:30 – 10:00 am or 2:00 – 2:30 pm
Learn: • How to get the most out of the Religious
Education program • Directions to school, parking procedures and
which doors to use • How to use the calendar • About special events
RSVP helpful: Patti Dougherty 630.355.8980 ext. 109 or [email protected] Children are welcome. Check out the St. Thomas website for more information www.stapostle.org For Families with Special Needs Sometimes the sights and sounds at Mass is over-whelming for those with sensory challenges. The con-ference room, next to the St. Thomas Nursery, and across from the Faith Formation Office, can serve as a Quiet Space for parents to bring children who need a short break during Mass. This small space can only accommodate one family at a time attending to a child. Families are encouraged to rejoin the assembly when their child has had the opportunity to regulate him/her self. Copies of “My Picture Missal” are available for on Sundays during the 9:30 and 11:15 masses and are located at the Greeter Desk in the Gathering Area. Please check in the booklet right after mass so others may borrow it. This booklet uses visuals (similar to Boardmaker) to help a child follow the order of the Mass. It is small and colorful, with basic captions in-structing “sit”, “stand”, “sing”, etc. Parents will find this tool useful in allowing children with special needs to be engaged and participate during the Mass. All are truly welcome at St. Thomas the Apostle. If there are other ways to better support your family’s needs, please contact the Faith Formation Office at 630.305.6318 or the Parish Office at 630.355.8980.
Kick Off Mass for St. Thomas Faith Formation On Sunday, August 26, the new faith formation year will kick off with the 11:15 mass. Parents should plan to arrive a few minutes early to check in the Gathering Area for the name of their child’s catechist, then sit together as a family in church. Listen for Religious Education announcements before mass. Immediately after mass, families can meet the catechists (those able to attend) before going outside to enjoy the St. Thomas Parish Picnic. In the event of rain, the picnic will be held in the gym. A highlight of the picnic this year is The Chalk Man, Shaun Hayes, who is scheduled from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. See you then!
Liturgy of the Word with Children Liturgy of the Word is for children 4 years old (and able to attend on their own) through Grade 3. This begins September 23 until April 21 except around Christmas and Easter. This will be offered for children during the 9:30 and 11:15 Masses. Children begin mass with their parents until they are invited by the Priest to attend their own ‘Liturgy of the Word.” They leave just before the assembly starts the Readings and return after the Prayers of the Faithful. They go into meeting rooms in the Ministry Center. There is no registration and children of the above ages may attend either mass. Contact Patti Dougherty if interested in helping or with any questions at 630.355.8980 ext. 109 or [email protected].
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Two middle school catechists are still needed: a 6th grade catechist for Saturday at 8:30 and a 7th grade catechist for Saturday at 8:30. For more information or to volunteer, contact Peggy Goralski at [email protected] or 630-355-8980, x123.
Small Group Leaders Needed Adult small group leaders are needed for high school faith sharing groups. The first meeting for high school faith sharing groups is scheduled for Sunday, September 30. The groups meet 4-5 times through the course of the year. If you are interested in ministering in this way, contact Brett Adams at [email protected] or 630.355.8980, x117.
Youth Ministry Corner While the Olympic summer games were taking place in London, my family attended the Transplant Games of America in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Like the London games, the Transplant Games of America were sports competitions. The Transplant Games com-petitors, from all over the United States, had either re-ceived an organ transplant or been an organ donor. These games were a wonderful celebration of life and sport. It was an especially meaningful experience for my family because on March 3, 2011, my son Josh do-nated a kidney to my husband, Mark. Both Mark and Josh competed in the games and I was able to cheer my two men on! At the games, we met a family from New York who had lost a baby boy when he was two and a half months old. They were there to cheer on the now four-year old little boy from Iowa who received their son’s heart. Giving the gift of life so that someone else can have a fuller life…doesn’t that message have a familiar ring to it? Ezekiel 36:26 states, “I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies stony hearts and giving you natural hearts.” I guess that makes us all heart and spirit transplant re-cipients. God is our donor! What an amazing gift…one that is meant to be celebrated and used wisely. Please pray for the grace to do just that! Blessings, Peggy
Need Metea Valley Student Volunteer Metea Valley High School has offered to help the St. Thomas Haiti Twinning/Education cause. To make this happen, St. Thomas needs a Metea Valley student who will act as a “go between” for the St. Thomas and the high school. This student volun-teer will earn community outreach hours. If you a Metea Valley High School student and are interested in serving in this role or would like more information, contact Julie Murphy at [email protected] or by calling 630.851.3479.
Middle School — Important Dates
Sunday, Aug, 26, Noon-3, Parish Picnic, a chance to meet your catechist and to support middle school missions by purchasing a snow cone! Monday, Aug 27, 7 pm, All Catechists Meeting Tuesday, Sept 4, 7 pm, Middle School Catechists Meeting Monday, Sept 10, Middle School Monday RE classes begin at All Saints Saturday, Sept 15, Middle School Saturday RE classes begin at All Saints
Reflection from the Appleton Just5Days Mission Trip Earlier this summer, a group of middle school youth participated in a week-long service trip to Appleton, Wisconsin. One of the St. Thomas participants, Callie Vitro, wrote this reflection on her experience:
“My favorite part of Just5Days was getting to meet new people. I got very close to the other peo-ple I was working with, but also those that we helped throughout the week. It was really interest-ing to learn their stories and spend so much time with them, knowing how much help we were giv-ing. My faith really grew as I reached out to oth-ers and saw God in everyone I met. Overall, the whole entire trip was amazing!”
Consider participating in Just5Days next summer. Watch future bulletins for more information.
August 26, 2012, Page 10
Service Commission—Outreach & Social Justice St. Thomas Long Beach Revisited Wed, Aug 29 is the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landing on the southern gulf coast When Hurricane Katrina destroyed St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Long Beach, Mississippi, as well as their school and scores of homes in the area, St. Thomas the Apostle in Naperville sent a number of rebuilding teams to their community and, in the proc-ess, developed a relationship that continues. When the new church was dedicated last year, a large, beautiful “Our Father” plate was gifted to the Long Beach par-ish. St. Thomas parishioner, Mark Wolverton, recently visited the new church and spoke with Patsy, the par-ish Office Manager. Patsy welcomed Mark and took him to the church to see where the gift had been placed. It is in a place of honor right next to the pri-mary crucifix in the church. Harvest Sunday Planning Committee Help Needed This year’s Harvest Sunday is November 4. It will again be a St. Thomas family oriented event. A few people are needed to help with the planning for the event. Harvest Sunday is a neighborhood and local store food collection, that last year yielded 3,275 bags of food that were shared between the St. Thomas Care Pantry, St. Nicholas pantry, and the Sisters of Notre Dame pantry. Over 500 volunteers participated. It is one of the major service projects for middle and high school youth. It is jointly organized by the Middle School and High School Office and the Outreach and Social Justice Office. If you can volunteer for the planning team or have questions, contact Mike Ryder 630.355.8980, [email protected])
Rachel Vineyard Weekend Retreat Post abortive women and men are encouraged to at-tend the Rachel Vineyard Weekend Retreats held twice yearly at the St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center. The next scheduled retreat is being held, Fri-day, September 7 - Sunday, September 9, 2012, be-ginning Friday evening at 6:00 PM and continuing through Sunday early afternoon. Contact Kay at 1-866-99-4-GIVE (4483) for additional informa-tion. Registration brochures are available at http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/life/documents/RachelVineyardBrochure.pdf Hike for Hesed (8th Annual) September 22 Registration 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Hike begins at 8:30 AM (2.6 miles roundtrip) Walk alone or build a hike team with co-workers, family, friends! Hike team forms are available in the Gathering Area. Over 400 men, women, and children spend each night at Hesed House. Walk to help them get out of homelessness! The Hike starts at Hesed House - 680 S River St, Aurora - and winds along the walk path of the Fox River to the Montgomery Mill Street Bridge. Food and refreshments provided following the hike For information, call 630.897.2156 x 542
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Lakota Relationship Mission Trip Report Meeting Vacation Bible School on the Reservation Wed, Aug 29, 7—9 pm, St. Thomas Lighthouse Four St. Thomas parishioners recently traveled to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota to participate in Vacation Bible School at St. Agnes, the St. Thomas sister parish. It was a moving experience for the team; they interacted with the children, met many people, and marveled at the beauty of the people and the natural setting. Join the team on Wednesday, August 29 for a slide presentation and commentary. The group will also start to discuss plans to welcome two people from the reser-vation to St. Thomas this fall. The team was the second group from St. Thomas to visit the reservation. They were warmly welcomed and it was evident the relation-ship is deepening with the people of St. Agnes and the surrounding community. Letters from Father Don Kenny St. Thomas is a member of Quito Barrio Outreach (www.QuitoBarrioOutreach.org) in support of Fr. Don Kenny’s mission work in Quito, Ecuador. (Fr. Don is a prior St. Thomas Pastor.) Below are two excerpts from his latest letters. You can visit www.stapostle.org to see the entire letters July 11, 2012 Dear friends: First I’ll describe my adventure in the “the Orient” which is what Ecuadorians call the part of their country east of the Andes Mountains, the rain-forest or jungle, with tributaries which eventually join tributaries in Brazil to form the Amazon River. On Monday I flew by Tame, our small Ecuadorian airline, to Lago Agrio, a small town in the jungle, and stayed there overnight in a hotel. The tourist agency was supposed to take me by taxi to a bus terminal on Tuesday morning, but they forgot about me. I would have been stranded, but, by incredi-ble luck, another agency had sent a taxi to pick up four people at the hotel, but only three were there. A man named Sali Mohammed was missing. They all agreed that this was another name for Don Kenny (!), so I left with them, first on a two-hour bus ride, where I saw this part of the country.
See the Thomas website for the rest of Father Don’s adventure — and it was an adventure! July 19, 2012 Now I will describe the last big happening. The peo-ple at Rancho Alto have always celebrated on Saturday night with the groups who came down and lived in the places here … I knew that they would do so for Mar-mion again as well. … Sister Rosa had told me that
• Pasta Sauce • Cereal • Juice • Jello
September Food Collection Next Weekend Sept 1 & 2
Items especially needed are:
If you can’t bring food to Mass next weekend, bring it when convenient… just leave it outside the
Outreach Office or in the Gathering Area.
Caring is thinking with your heart!
SEPTEMBER KIDSKARE Ask if there is a chore you can do during the week
- helping with the laundry perhaps- to earn a box of cerealto bring to the altar
when you come to church Saturday or Sunday. Thank You!
As part of your offering, please bring your gift of food to the altar when the gifts of bread and wine are brought forward.
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Large soup • Toilet paper • Microwave Popcorn
there would be something said about my tenth anni-versary as a missionary (I left the U.S. to be a foreign missionary on July 16, 2002.) … Then after Com-munion I saw a huge picture of me on the wall, which I hadn’t noticed. Then they set up a power point, i.e., a slide show, about things I have accomplished here: clinic, soup kitchen, education center, Miguelito, things in Mirador, in the chapel. They put up some of my usual sayings, and some of my goofy say-ings. Then people talked and thanked me. Then after Mass the outside show began. There must have been ten music groups. Yaware came back, with Juan and his beautiful voice; a mariachi band; Riocío Macancela and her Loyola traditional dance group; the AfroEcuadorians; our own youth dancers; then our youth combined with Marmion kids; then Marmion by itself, some singers from Mira-dor; skits. It went on for a long time, with constant opportunities for everyone to dance. There were gifts for me and again words of thanks. I felt appreciated and loved.
See the Thomas website for the rest of Father Don’s July 19 letter
August 26, 2012, Page 12
Pastoral Care Parish Nurse Note: Blood Screenings Scheduled Health Ministry Blood Pressure Screenings will again return to St. Thomas. They will be held in the Deacon’s Office (West Wing of the Church) after all the Masses. The screening opportunities are for the benefit of all parishioners and visitors to St. Thomas. Many individuals are aware of their Hypertension but a staggering number of younger and older adults are among the uninformed. Since Hypertension pro-duces no symptoms of its own, it has been called the “silent killer”. Get informed and stay informed. Please stop by the Deacon’s office to see a nurse on the following dates this season:
September 8-9 October 13-14 November 10-11 December 8-9 January 5-6 February 9-10 March 9-10 April 6-7 May 4-5
Counseling Service: Call Samaritan Interfaith 357-2456 or
Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 355-8980 x 124
In the Hospital or Homebound?
Call the parish office 355-8980 or the Pastoral Care Office x 124 and
one of our parish nurses or ministers of care will visit, bring Eucharist and prayer.
Parish Nurse Note: As reported recently in the news there have been outbreaks of Pertussis “whooping cough” in the United States this year, with as many as 3,000 more cases ex-pected by the end of 2012. Below is a brief description of the disease and its symptom. For more information go to www.cdc.gov/percussis. Pertussis is a common disease in the United States, with frequent outbreaks and periodic epidemics every three to five years. It is also called whooping cough because of the “whooping” sound people often make while gasping for air after a coughing fit. Found only in humans, this highly contagious bac-terial disease is spread from person to person, usually by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others. In rare cases, pertussis can be fatal. Before routine child vaccination became widespread in the 1940’s, pertussis caused thousands of fatalities each year in the U.S. It starts off with cold-like symptoms, including: • Runny nose • Low-grade fever • Mild, occasional cough
As the disease progresses, the traditional symptoms of pertussis appear, including: • Fits of many rapid coughs followed by a high-
pitched “whoop” • Vomiting • Exhaustion following coughing fits.
In infants, the cough can be minimal or not even there. Infants may have another symptom known as apnea- a pause in the child’s breathing pattern. Pertus-sis is most dangerous for babies, and more than half of infants younger than one who get the disease must be hospitalized. An adult booster shot for pertussis – called Tdap for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis-has been available since 2005. Fewer than one in 10 adults have received the shot; most don’t even know they need it, learning about the booster only when they see a doctor for a tetanus shot. In 2010 California had a pertussis epidemic with more than 9,000 cases, including 10 deaths. Washing-ton State just declared an epidemic in April, with the worst outbreak seen there in decades. State officials are seeking help from federal disease experts and are urg-ing residents to get vaccinated amid worry that cases of the highly contagious disease are likely to spike much higher. Outbreaks are also being monitored in counties in California, Florida, Iowa, Montana, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
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Stewardship Commission Last Weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts...
Weekly Sunday Offertory August 19, 2012 Sunday Collection Offering 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
$16,458 n/a
$3,089 $19,547
$253,166
$31,646 $293,424 ($40,258)
$1,904,992 $1,651,826
Did you know St. Thomas has a Sunday Nursery? Please come and check out St. Thomas’ Sunday Nursery held during the 9:30 and 11:15 masses. The nursery is located off the hall by Ministry Center Entrance and we wel-come children of walking age through the age of three. At age four, children may be-gin attending the Liturgy of the Word ses-sions offered during these two mass times. Parents are encouraged to be a part of our nursery schedule but need to complete Di-ocesan requirements before helping. Teen volunteers are welcomed as well. Information of these requirements as well as registration forms, are available on the nurs-ery door. There is also the option of paying a fee of $3.00 per child per Sunday. The nursery is open after Labor Day until Me-morial Day and is closed on some holy days. For more information, please contact Nursery Facilitator, Ombretta Schutz, 630.375.0516, [email protected] or call the Faith Formation Office at church 630.305.6318.
Catholics understand that faith is forever. Being buried in a Catholic Cemetery is an extension of
and affirmation of how they lived their lives.
Your Diocese operates 21 Catholic cemeteries, allowing you to affirm your faith, heritage,
and tradition for all eternity. We offer several choices for burial options,
including in-ground burial, crypts, and mausoleums, as well as options for the preservation and honoring
of cremated remains.
Demand is high and spaces are limited, so call now for more information
about a Diocesan cemetery near you.
630.554.7590 . www.dioceseofjoliet.org/cemeteries
August 26, 2012, Page 14
Summer Office Hours St. Thomas offices close at Noon on Fridays during the summer. (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, Aug. 27 7:00—9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00—9:00 p.m. Catechists Evening of Faith Formation, Lighthouse 7:30—9:00 p.m. Haiti Twinning, Senior Center Tuesday, Aug. 28 10:00—11:00 a.m. Care Pantry, Gym 10:30—11:00 a.m. Orientation for New R.E. Families, Gathering Area 5:30—6:00 p.m. Orientation for New R. E. Families, Gathering Area 7:00—9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge 7:00—9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym Wednesday, Aug. 29 7:00—9:00 p.m. Lakota Ministry, Lighthouse 7:00—9:00 p.m. Sojourners Rehearsal, Church Thursday, Aug. 30 5:30—8:30 pm Retreat Team Leaders, Youth Center 6:30—9:30 p.m. Protecting God’s Children, Lighthouse 7:30—9:30 p.m. Genesis Rehearsal, Church Friday, Aug. 31 Saturday, Sept. 1 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Saturday Sharing, Senior Center 4:00—7:00 p.m. RCIA, Senior Center
Free Personal Change Class Offered Through Catholic Charities Do you feel that life is beating you down? Are you always struggling to make ends meet? Do you want to let go of unproductive thoughts, feelings and behaviors and replace them with positive ones that will move you toward a better quality of life? Catholic Charities is offering a program of personal change called Out of Poverty. This program is not just about lack of money; it’s also about poverty of the spirit. Discussion within a group setting encourages honesty and focuses on the fact that life has not turned out the way you thought it would. Give yourself a second chance and register for Out of Poverty classes today. Classes are held at Catholic Charities, 26 W. St. Charles Road in Lombard each Monday from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. from September 17 – November 5. A special graduation ceremony is planned for November 12, 2012. Onsite childcare will be provided. For more information, or to register, call Yvonne Morrongiello at 630-495-8008 ext. 2122 or Ron Madsen at ext. 2119. Visit our website at catholic-charitiesjoliet.org. An Introduction to Walking the Labyrinth Offered at Marianjoy in Wheaton The labyrinth—an ancient tool for spiritual reflec-tion and growth—provides an opportunity for center-ing reflection, self-discovery, and mindful movement to all who take the time to walk its path. Led by Mari-anjoy Director of Spiritual Care, Rev. Dr. Patricia Roberts, this class will start with a brief introduction to walking the labyrinth with time for questions and an-swers. Participants will then have an opportunity to experience the Marianjoy labyrinth on their own. Class takes place at Marianjoy in Wheaton, Sep-tember 24, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. and is free. Registration is required. Please call 630-909-7102 to register or for more information.
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