St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church . Naperville IL . The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 9.14.08

Dan O’Grady 922-1334 Ray Vogt 369-1692

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish 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)

Pastoral Staff — Full Time Rev. Joel Fortier – Pastor, jfortier@stapostle.org Rev. Fritz Louis, C.S.C. – Associate Pastor Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Assistant Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. – Deacon, ext. 105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane – Deacon, ext. 220, chucklane2@juno.com Rev. Mr. Jim Breen – Deacon, 630-357-4853, jimb4853@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney – Deacon, ext. 225, lrkearney@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett – Deacon , ext. 220, meabarrett@att.net Gerry Czerak – Business Manager, ext. 106, gczerak@stapostle.org Corinne Seguin-Dart – Director of Junior High Youth Ministry, ext. 117, cseguin@stapostle.org Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, ext. 109, pdougherty@stapostle.org Julie Frazier – Liturgy and Music, ext. 111, jfrazier@stapostle.org Robert Frazier – Liturgy and Music, ext. 112, rfrazier@stapostle.org Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, ext. 124 Kevin Pranaitis—Director of High School Youth Ministry, x123, ym@stapostle.org Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA ext. 138, crosales@stapostle.org Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice (OSJ), ext. 121, mryder@stapostle.org Pastoral Care Staff — Part Time Felicia Lawlor, M.S., R.N., Faith Community Nurse, ext 104, flawlor@stapostle.org Rose Grumbine, R.N., Faith Community Nurse, ext 104, rgrumbine@stapostle.org

Support Staff — Full Time Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, ext. 118, ncirmo@stapostle.org Lori Culberson – Liturgical Assistant, ext. 120, lculberson@stapostle.org Kathy Ferguson - Receptionist, ext. 100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Diane McQueen – Parish Assistant, ext. 101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner & Adult Faith Formation Assistant, ext. 113, aschultz@stapostle.org Angela Tuttle – Liturgy Assistant & Communications Coordinator, ext. 110, atuttle@stapostle.org

Support Staff — Part Time Pat Berkhout – Evening/Saturday Receptionist, ext. 119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Marge Coronado – Evening Receptionist, ext. 119, mcoronado@stapostle.org Marilyn DeMeo – Database Coordinator (T/Th), ext. 107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Susan Francesconi, External Communications, ext. 108, sfrancesconi@stapostle.org Jorge Gonzalez – Custodian Sally Meno - OSJ Financial, smeno@stapostle.org Janet Simmons – Accounts Payable (M/W/F), ext. 107, jsimmons@stapostle.org Ted McKeown - Facility Coordinator, ext. 133, facility@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga – Sacristan Coordinator, ext. 116 Lynne Vehlewald – Librarian, ext. 125, library@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community Pam Foster 585-8746 Julee Gard 898-8191 Steven Grumbine 375-0126

Commission Facilitators Worship Parish Life Faith Formation Lorraine Katz 983-4842 Administration Dave Otto 717-6635 Service Carol Healy 961-0942 Stewardship

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 — 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday of the month 9 a.m. — Noon.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconcilia-tion Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel is available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance ser-vices 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 1:45 p.m. service. On selected dates, Bap-tisms 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 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 355-8980.

Counseling Service Call Samarian Interfaith 357-2456 or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 355-8980 x 124. Sunday Nursery Nursery care is available for your child age one (must be walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office.

Last weekend we spoke about the great covenant love that we enjoin upon ourselves in the Eucharist, about the stake we have in one another’s lives and that we are watchmen for each other. We spoke about the love we owe each other when correction, healing, reconciliation, and

compassion is needed. We talked about how laissez-faire individualism does not suit us, of how liv-ing just for ourselves is not the way of Jesus. We spoke about the great sacramental reality of how, when we come together in

that covenant love, Jesus is truly present in our midst. We spoke of how we are to be mindful and considerate people, not anarchists or bulls in china shops. Today, on this Feast of the Holy Cross, we hear of how God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him and accepts that way of living and loving might not perish but might have eternal life. We see and celebrate the selfless sacrifice of Jesus — “Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God...emptied himself...even to the point of death on a cross.” — by which God raised up and exalted him so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! To the glory of God the Father! And so we empty ourselves in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, mindful of the stake we have in each others lives. We celebrate our annual Haiti Awareness Weekend and take the annual collection for our health care missions. We also enroll in sponsorship of individual students for the schools we have helped build in Duchity, Haiti. The needs are greater than ever after the recent destruction of crops and homes from the hurricanes. We are and will be exalted with Christ as we join ourselves in solidarity with the human condition of these in most need who are one with us in Christ and in the Eucharist. Thank you for the way you show forth the glory of Christ in the sacrifice of your own lives for the gospel. It is a living witness and profession of our faith. In God’s love,

Dear Friends,

“ We are and will be

exalted with Christ.”

Guests and Visitors!

St. Thomas is here to compan-ion you on your faith journey. Come with us as we grow in closeness to Christ through liturgy, music, faith formation, special events, and countless ways to make a difference.

Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us at Welcome Sunday September 21 after all Masses In the gym with Donuts

Welcome...

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross September 14, 2008

Christ Jesus… emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness.

— Philippians 2:7

September 14, 2008 — Page 4

Worship Commission Pet Blessing October 4 There will be a Pet Blessing service at All Saints Catholic Academy on Saturday, October 4 (the Feast of St. Francis) from 9:50 –to 10:20 a.m. All pets and pet owners are welcome!

Commissioning of Ministers and Catechetical Sunday Next weekend, at all masses, we will recognize all who have answered the call to ministry at St. Thomas and will commission them for service this coming year. All who minister will be invited to stand after the homily. September 21 is also Catechetical Sunday. All who teach and pass on the faith to others will be acknowledged in a special way. It’s Finally Here! St. Thomas Alive CD Is Now Available The CD of the May 30 St. Thomas Alive Concert with John Angotti entitled, St. Thomas Alive, is now available. The price is $18 each or $13 with the dis-count coupon that you received if you attended the concert. Contact the Main Office or the Liturgy and Music Office if you would like to purchase a CD during the week.

Music Ministers Needed All who love to sing or play an instrument are encouraged to join one of our music ministry groups. New people are always welcome and are needed in every group beginning with second graders in Youth Choir. You don’t need to read music or be an experi-enced singer. You just need a love for music and a desire to praise God in song. We are in particular need of drummers, guitar, bass, and keyboard play-ers with, at least, moderate skills. Sound Board and Projection Ministry Several people are needed to operate the sound board and to run the pre-mass projection at weekend liturgies. Training will be provided. Contact Robert Frazier at 355.8980, x 112 for more information. Host-Greeters Needed More host-greeters are needed for our Sunday and Feast Day Masses. If you love to meet and greet and welcome and introduce people then this would be a perfect ministry fit for you. We need folks that are comfortable with this important role before and after our liturgies. The first and final impression that we give to others says a lot about who we are and what we value. Help us to be Christ in the world by shar-ing God’s love and extending a warm and welcom-ing hospitality when we gather for worship. Contact Lori Culberson at 355-8980, x 120 or lculber-son#stapostle.org if you are interested. Liturgical Ministry Meetings All Host Greeters are asked to attend a special formation session with Fr. Pat Brennan, Saturday, September 20, 9:00 a.m. to Noon (live) or September 25 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. (taped). Lectors meet Thursday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday Evening Mass The 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening Mass, prepared especially for teens and young adults, will resume on a weekly basis beginning September 21. The high school Praise Band and singers are the music minis-ters.

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Pray For Our Parish For the sick… Katie Burski, granddaughter of Lucille Panas Ed Phelan, brother of Mike Cuon Panico, father of Rose Marino Mindy Querio, wife of Andy Tom Lord, husband of Diane Joseph Barentine, friend of Peter Hickey Dorothy Rauth, mother of Thea Zimmerman Don Caneva, friend of Bob Rogers David Danner, father of Mark & Mary Danny DiFoggio Pat Martin, husband of Dorothy Lonn Calanca, friend of Jessie Allured Teri Pratt, friend of Dennis For the deceased… Chuck Kopenek, friend of Pat Harrison Keenan MaryGrace Darr, infant of Deirdre & Ben Willard Simonson, uncle of Mary Ellen Neiderman For those recently married... Meghan Montgomery & Bill Flannagan

Today’s Readings First Reading — Whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, they lived (Numbers 21:4b-9). Psalm — Do not forget the works of the Lord! (Psalm 78). Second Reading — Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped (Philippians 2:6-11). Gospel — God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that those who believe might have eternal life (John 3:13-17). Readings for the Week Mon: 1 Cor 11:17-26, 33; Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35 Tues: 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31a; Lk 7:11-17 Wed: 1 Cor 12:31 — 13:13; Lk 7:31-35 Thurs: 1 Cor 15:1-11; Lk 7:36-50 Fri: 1 Cor 15:12-20; Lk 8:1-3 Sat: 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49; Lk 8:4-15 Sun: Is 55:6-9; Ps 145; Phil 1:20c-24, 27a; Mt 20:1-16a

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Not to condemn, O God, but to save. Not to punish but to pardon, not that we might perish but that all might find abundant life have you sent your only Son into the world.

In the face of life’s pain, and above all the sorrows of our history, may we lift on high the sign of your Son’s victory and find there, for all our guilt and sin, the healing gift of your unconquerable love.

We ask this in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen..

From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications. www.ltp.org

Mass Intentions Tuesday, September 16, 2008 8:30 †Griffin McCarthy, by Frank Pratt Thursday, September 18, 2008 8:30 †Hernando Zerrudo, Sr. Saturday, September 20, 2008 4:30 †Tim Augustine, by Virginia Augustine †Jim Dugan, by The Riley Family Sunday, September 21, 2008 9:00 For the People of St. Thomas 10:45 †John Wiessler, by The Knoll Family

September 14, 2008 — Page 6

C.A.R.E. CORNER

We also profess in the Creed that we believe the Church is holy. What does it mean to be holy? It means to be saintly, godly, divine. Would you be inclined to describe yourself as holy? Do you see your fellow parishioners as holy? Probably not. This is one area where we are very likely to all be in agreement. Yet the mis-sion of the Church is to help its members grow in holiness and be-come more closely conformed in the image of God. How does the Church do this? Our Church offers us numerous ways to make spiritual progress and to grow in holiness. It guides us in prayer. It provides us with teachings on faith and morals to steer us toward right living. It of-fers many opportunities for ministering to others in need. And it provides us with numerous opportunities for sacramental grace. Although Baptism and Confirmation are one-time-only sacra-ments, they are powerful encounters with the Holy Spirit. And the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are available to us whenever we find ourselves in the midst of spiritual battle and in need of strength to live out the Gospel.

Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission

Dancing…With the St. Thomas Stars! The St. Thomas Parish Life Commission invites you to learn Ball-room Dance (or brush up on your steps) on four Thursdays this fall. Classes will run from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the St. Thomas auditorium beginning October 2. The cost is $20 per couple per session. Proceeds from the classes will benefit ALPHA, a St. Thomas min-istry. Contact Chari Rosales to sign up by Monday, September 29. 630.355.8980 x 138 or pick up a registration form in the display racks in the Gathering Area.

Calling All Artists! The Celebration of the Arts ministry of St. Thomas invites artists to participate in the Eleventh Annual Fine Art and Craft Exhibit. The exhibit will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9 in the Ministry Center. Entry forms are in the church office. The dead-line for registration is September 26. Call Don Castro 630.717.9354 or Chari Rosales at 630.355.8980 x 138 for more information.

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St. Thomas the Apostle/Jobs Ministry Meetings September 5, 2008 to September 25, 2008

Friday, September 19, at 9:30 am: Sally Morrison, Manager at LDS Employment Resource Services, will explore how to turn the positives of networking into that next job in a presentation titled “The Power of Positive Networking”. Thursday, September 25, at 7:00 pm: Al Gustafson, founder and past president of the Career Transitions Center of Chicago, will explore the “growing” in your job transition, taking risks, admitting failure and acknowledging the role of others in our success in a presentation titled, “Unemployment: Its About More Than Finding Your Next Job”. Friday meeting formats include a short introduction of all the attendees, then a speaker, followed by a structured networking sessions. Bring your elevator speech, business cards, handbills and resumes. Contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com for more info.

The Creed What We Believe and Why St. Thomas will offer The Creed: What We Believe and Why on Tuesday, September 23 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.. The session will look at essentials of our Catholic faith. Come to explore, interact with, and pray the Creed, a declaration both ancient yet ever new. To reserve your seat, contact Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office 355.8980x138 or crosales@stapostle.org. Flyers are available in the racks in the Gather-ing Area.

osary A Living

Sat, Oct 4 3:00 — 4:15 PM

To honor Mary, and to join our prayers with hers, we will form a “Living Rosary” on Saturday, October 4, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m., outdoors on the labyrinth (if good weather) or in the Gym (if not!). Participants from 5-65 (or better) will become “beads” of the rosary, leading each prayer as the responding assembly takes it up. Please reserve your “bead” before September 25 by filling out a sign-up sheet, found in the Gathering Area.

Come! to be living expressions of praise. Come! children, students, adults, parents, grandparents, to pray interactively! Come, all ages – to pray the Rosary, to BE the Rosary!

September 14, 2008 — Page 8

Religious Education Religious Education Calendar Class dates for Religious Education (Pre-K through 12th grade) are available on line. Please see the St. Thomas web site: www.stapostle.org.

Liturgy of the Word with Children Help Needed! In order to resume our Liturgy of the Word with Children from age 4 through Grade 3, we will need additional volunteers. The 10:45 mass needs adult facilitators (walk the children in and out of mass), adult or high school leaders in addition to helpers (Grade 6 on up). The 9:00 mass only needs a couple more youth helpers. Training is provided. Liturgy of the Word will resume September 28 and volun-teers will be scheduled approximately every other week until May. Subs available if needed. If you feel called to help bring God’s Word to the younger children, please see or call Patti Dougherty (355-8980 ext. 109).

Movie Night – Outside! Friday, September 19 at 7:15 p.m. you are invited to meet outside the Rectory to watch The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Bring blankets or chairs and snacks. Drinks will be provided. In the case of inclement weather, the move will be moved indoors. Questions may be directed to Patti Dougherty, 630.355.8980x109.

Catechetical Sunday St. Thomas will join Catholic parishes across the country in celebrating Catechetical Sunday during the weekend of Septem-ber 20-21. The work of our catechists, all volunteers, is vital to the life of the Church. Catechetical Sunday gives us a chance to recognize the importance of those who share faith with so many in our parish. Please let any catechists you know, how much they are appreciated. Thank you. Catechists Certificated Catechists are those women and men who share our Catholic faith with children, youth and adults in parish formational minis-tries. We continue to celebrate those who have answered the call to be catechists and acknowledge the following who have taken the extra steps to be certified.

Completing 36 Foundational Hours: Marge Coronado, Jackie Greenwald, Cheri Obendorf, Mary Szczap, Jenni Wesolowski Completing an additional 24 hours for Advanced Certification: Sue Grove, Ruth Harrison, Elaine Scutti, Sharon Sugas.

These catechists are wonderful role models for us all. As a parish, we are grateful for the time, energy and love they have dedicated to the catechetical ministry. ? Who carried a cross today?

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

Sept 14 Question of the Week...

Do you know a grieving child?

RAINBOWS and SPECTRUM are group-sharing sessions for children dealing with the loss of a parent due to divorce, separation, or death. Since it is necessary for emotional healing to take place after a significant loss, these support groups provide the grieving with an opportunity to share their feelings in an accepting and con-fidential environment led by trained, caring, and compassionate adults. Each Rainbow session focuses on a specific topic related to the grieving process. Readings, journaling, as well as arts and crafts help the children to share their experiences in a less “intimidating” format. Children from Kindergarten through High School may be enrolled. All sessions are held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday mornings start-ing September 20. If you have children or know of children who would benefit from this wonderful program, please call: Patti Dougherty, 355-8980 ext 109 to reg-ister now.

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Congratulations St. Thomas Believers! The St. Thomas Co-ed High School softball team (The St. Tho-mas Believers) had an awesome season this year! This was a re-cord year for St. Thomas, finish-ing the three week season with a record of 3-3, making it to the semifinals before barely losing the semifinal game to an undefeated St. Peter & Paul. It was great to see so many of our teens out there having fun and representing St. Thomas in a posi-tive fashion. Along the way, they learned compassion, patience, per-severance, teamwork, and bonded as a group! Plus, the snacks were good! Special “props” go to assis-tant coach, Ryan Hunt, for his dedication with practices, drills, and advice. Team members included: Bobby Bachar, Preston Black, John Cazzone, Tim Doyle, Greg Fanelli, Connor Feeney, Kevin Feeney, Rebecca Greenwald, Jor-dan Hunt, Kelly Knox,Ted Lan-nert, Liz Lear, Stephan Ley, Aus-tin Massengill, Aaron Moriarty, Nick Ohl, Caroline Soyars, Aud-rey Stern, Matt Stewart, Ben Thornbough, Hank Understall, and Eric Wu. Congratulations team! See you all next year! Next year-let’s have TWO teams! GO BELIEVERS! Thanks for a great season, Ed & Lois Doyle Coaches

FROM THE YOUTH MINISTER... Parent Nights That’s right everyone, this is your Youth Minister here to introduce a new initiative this year – Parent Nights. On these four nights throughout the year, we are bringing in professional speakers to ad-dress topics that matter to you, the parents. Is that a nifty idea or what? The topics, still being solidified, will include “Parent/Teen Communi-cation,” “Parents: You Are #1 in your Teen’s Life,” “Confirmation: A Journey,” etc. The night begins at 6:30 pm with mass and then will continue to 8:30pm. The dates are October 5, November 23, February 8, and March 15. Please RSVP if you haven’t already done so. To ob-tain the RSVP form, email me at ym@stapostle.org or stop by our Faith Formation/RE Office. ALL PARENTS ARE INVITED. The topics are geared towards parents of teens, but any parent may attend. I hope to see you all there! God bless!

Quest & 6:30 Mass Kicks Off! Hello and God bless! This is your Youth Minister here to say that our High School Faith Formation program, Quest, kicks off on Sep-tember 21, at 6:30 pm. What’s better? On that same night, our popular 6:30 pm mass resumes too! How awesome is that? If you are in High School and in our Quest program, plan to attend for sure with your parents. After the mass, the teens will break off and I will address all the parents regarding our program this year and field any questions. Hope to see you there! Quest Assistants Needed Quest, our High School ministry program at St. Thomas is in need of assistants/co-leaders. Quest is a small-faith community that has these goals: our teens feel they belong to a community here at St. Tho-mas; our teens see St. Thomas as a safe place to explore, wrestle, and grow in their faith; and, our teens see that we the community of St. Thomas live our faith. Through this environment, a teen can more eas-ily develop a relationship with Christ, come to see the beauty in our Catholic tradition, and will have the desire to return. If you want to be a part of this, then please step forward to assist the other leaders in the program. An assistant or co-leader would need to be here on Sunday nights, from 6:30-9pm, 12 times throughout the year. You must be a con-firmed Catholic, 17 years or older to volunteer in this manner (that’s right seniors!). The more help we have, the easier our task becomes. Our youth are worth it. Let us show them how much passing on our faith means to us. God bless you and thank you to all those who have already answered God’s call! Please call or email myself at ym@stapostle.org or 630.355.8980 x123

September 14, 2008 — Page 10

Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice LiveIt! - ChangeIT! LiveIt! Love God; love your neighbor...as yourself. A Diversity Workshop Holy Spirit Catholic Community will host award-winning storyteller, author, and educator Susan O’ Halloran. Walk through the challenges of diversity and racial bias in a relaxing atmosphere using non-threatening, non-blaming, interactive exercises and lecture. The event will be Saturday, October 11, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (includes light lunch) at Holy Spirit Catholic Community (111th Street & Book Road) No fee! Registration is available on the web site: www.HolySpiritNaperville.org. All registra-tions must be received by October 6, 2008. “Some people would have you believe we’re too hardened to care about helping others. Some would say we’re too selfish. Too busy. But I don’t believe any of that. See, I believe people do truly care about each other. They simply don’t recognize the subtle ways they isolate other groups. And, most importantly, they don’t have any idea what to do to change it!” — Susan O’Halloran Men – Give Yourself a Spiritual Tune-Up Attend the 14th Annual Great Lakes Catholic Men’s Conference at the Convocation Center, North-ern Illinois University on Saturday, October 11. For more information: www.TheTalk.org, 888-849-2282, email: mensconf@thetalk.org

Project Love Family Fun Festival

Saturday, September 20, 1-4 pm St. Isaac Jogues Church 306 w. Fourth St., Hinsdale, IL Admission: $8 per person, $20 for a family RSVP by Sept. 15 to Bev at 630-852-2716 or bgoste@dg58.org

All proceeds benefit project love, which for over 12 years has been providing financial aid to pregnant women and new mothers in need throughout the state of Illinois. To learn more about Project Love Eileen McGleam at (630) 963-8039 Pro-Life Message No job, no plans, no possessions, no idea of “freedom” can take the place of love. So anything that destroys God’s gift of motherhood destroys His most precious gift to women—the ability to love as a woman.

Voter Registration September 20 and 21 St. Thomas Justice and Peace members will be in the Narthex and Gathering Area after all masses on September 20 and 21 to register new voters. The team of Deputy Registrars will also make address changes for voters who recently moved and/or changed their names. A voter must be a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years of age by Election Day (November 4); and be a resident of the voting district for at least 30 days before the election. A person wishing to register must have two pieces of identification, one of which must show a current address. The registration process only takes four to five min-utes. The last date for registration before the November election is October 4. Other Parishioners who are Deputy Registrars and would like to assist with this registration are asked to call John or Rose Bagley, 630.355.5023.

Peace WORKS

"My resistance to war does not carry me to the point of thwarting those who wish to take part in it. I reason with them. I put before them the better way and leave them to make the choice." — Ghandi

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Pastoral Care Prayer Shawl Ministry Goes to the Source The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites you to join them on a field trip to Esther’s Place, a fiber arts stu-dio in Big Rock this Thursday, September 19. The day will include a tour and presentation of “Farm to Fiber Art”, tea luncheon and a felting project. Cost is $17. Please call Marilyn Ferris as soon as possible at 922-1376 as reservations are required. Lahavree Prayer Service September 22 Lehavree is a Hebrew word meaning “to heal”. A prayer service will be held on September 22 for indi-viduals living with an illness such as cancer or any physical, mental, emotional or spiritual illness or pain. An invitation is also extended to those who are in a supportive role or wishing to remember loved ones who have died from such illnesses. Bev Phelan and Joanne Shackelford, both St. pa-rishioners and certified spiritual directors, sill co-facilitate the service which will include prayer, reflec-tion, song, story and anointing.

National Depression Screening Day October 10 is National Depression Screening Day and at Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center an online confidential screening tool is available. If you or someone you know is suffering with any of the symptoms mentioned below, please log onto Samari-tan’s website at www.samaritancenter.org where you can take the confidential screening, and immediately get the results and referral information. For more in-formation, you can also call Samaritan Interfaith at 630-357-2456. � Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood � Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism � Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness � Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities � Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue � Difficulty concentrating or making decisions � Restlessness or irritability � Inability to sleep or oversleeping � Changes in appetite or weight � Unexplained aches and pains � Thoughts of death or suicide

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My...

Coping with Fear and Anxiety in Our Uncertain World

A morning of reflection and education about coping with the stress and uncertainty we face in our world today.

Keynote Speaker: Dan O’Grady, PhD, Clinical Psychologist

Saturday, September 27, 2008 8:30am-12:30pm

To reserve your space, contact Rose Grumbine, Faith Community Nurse 630.355.8980 x140 Wear comfortable clothing for the practical portion of our morning!

September 14, 2008 — Page 12

Stewardship Commission

Stewardship… A Way of Life Last Weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts...

Weekly Sunday Offertory (week 10) For 9/07/08 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 7/1/07 to date: Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 % of Annual Sunday Offertory Goal Remaining for Fiscal Year

$27,240

$14,771 $3,206

$45,217

$342,021 $34,202

$1,993,000 17.16

$1,650,979

For Parents of Children with Special Needs All parents of special needs children, whether the children be pre-school, school aged, or young adult, are warmly invited to attend a special day of support, enrichment, solidarity, and resource-sharing. This program will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville. The presenter will be Dr. Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy, well-known locally and nationally for her work within the Catholic Church in helping volunteer catechists be prepared to work with special needs chil-dren. Madonna herself has children with ADHD and with Asperger’s Syndrome. That, com-bined with her academic training and professional experience, gives her what one principal called “the perfect combination of competence and vulnerability.” There will be time for prayer, for input, for encouragement and support, for networking and sharing of resources, and for laughter. Because of the nature of the day, pre-registration is required by October 20, please. The $10 cost per person will help pay for lunch, refreshments and materials. Please call the Center for Family Ministry to pre-register or access the registration form at www.dioceseofjoliet.org/familyministry Events Calendar. Those with questions about the day are encouraged to call Dr. Jim Healy at 815-838-5334.

Page 13 — September 14, 2008

Parish Life Commission

Tues Sept 16, 1:00pm Lighthouse Father Jay will speak on the Rosary (Once a year 50 & Holding provides breakfast for Hesed House. To help defray the cost we will collect donations at this meeting.) Wed Oct 1, 1:30pm Lunch Olive Garden in Naperville Call Barb Bigus for reservations 630-357-8958

50 & Holding Activities are not limited to 50 & Holding members!

Knightly News Naperville Knights of Columbus Council No. 1369 615 E. Ogden Avenue, Naperville, IL 60563 Web site: napervillekofc.org Upcoming future events: 9/13-9/14 Collecting for MR/LD Tootsie Roll Drive at SSPP and St. Thomas 9/19-9/21 Annual MR/LD Tootsie Roll Drive 9/27/08 Quarterly Blood Drive SSPP 10/7/08 Men’s Monthly Business Meeting 10/14/08 Monthly Ladies Auxiliary Meeting Annual K of C MR/LD Tootsie Roll Drive — During two upcoming weekends the Naperville Knights of Columbus will hold their annual Tootsie Roll Fundraising Drive for mental and learning disabilities. The Knights will be outside after Masses Sat, Sept 13 and Sun, Sept 14. The following weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Naperville Knights of Columbus will collect throughout downtown Naperville and surrounding businesses. All Knights who are capable, are asked to donate at least two hours or more to help collect for this fundraiser. For more info or to volunteer, contact Bill Beckwith, 630.445.9970 or Terry Ross at 630.268.9022.

Continue to save your aluminum cans to support Seminarians. In the past four years the Knights have raised a substantial amount of money in support of Seminarians from your contributions of aluminum cans. Drop off cans next to the trailer behind the KC Hall, on the north side of Ogden Ave, west of Columbia. For additional information, call Henry Neyra at 630.983.8822.

Soccer Challenge (ages 10-14 as of Sept 1), Sept 28 at Gartner Park (Gartner Rd, 2 blocks West of Modaff.)

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Men’s Fraternal Service Organization that focuses on Church, Commu-nity, Council, Family and Youth activities. For further information please visit our web site at www.napervillekofc.org, or contact at one of the following men who are part of our Membership Committee: Gerry Ellensohn 630-536-8427, Darrell Hutton 630-961-0526, John Gallagher 630-355-6508, George Flannery 630-579-9758 or Terry Ross, Grand Knight, at 630-268-9022. Information and applications can also be found in the vestibules at both Ss Peter and Paul Church and Ministry Center and the Vestibule of St. Tho-mas the Apostle Church.

Donut Helpers are Needed. We could still use some volunteers for our Donut Sundays, especially after the 7:30 and 10:45 masses. Anyone interested in having donuts after 12:15, are also asked to sign up on the Ministry Volunteer Form or call Patti Dougherty at church 630.355.8980 x 109.

September 14, 2008 — Page 14

The September 2008 St Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry Meeting will be held on Thursday evening September 25, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Lighthouse, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naper-ville, IL. The speaker will be Al Gustafson. Al’s presenta-tion, “Unemployment: It’s About More Than Finding Your Next Job”, will explore the invitations for grow-ing into a life with more meaning and joy, invitations that most often accompany a transition at work. The invitations include heeding our calling, taking risks, admitting failure and acknowledging the role of oth-ers in our success in “landing” that next job. Al goes on to comment that job transition, for all its pain and uncertainty, can be an opportunity for personal growth. During our transition it becomes quite clear that the future isn’t what it used to be, and for that matter, neither are we. Mr. Gustafson is a founder and past president of the Career Transition Center of Chicago, a not for profit organization supported by ten faith communi-ties serving the needs of those who are unemployed, and in transition. Al holds a Doctorate of Ministry from the Catholic Theological Union as well as de-grees in accounting and theology. Al serves as Chairman of the Board of the several retreats for those in transition titled “Finding Work Without Losing Heart” that have been held in the western suburbs in the last few years. Please plan to attend this very informative meeting on Thursday evening, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. For additional info please contact: Jim Breen at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church at 630.355.8980. Jobs Ministry Meeting Saturday September 13 9:00 am: Resume Review at St Thomas. Please bring resumes for review by HR professionals.

Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

(after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Lighthouse

Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD… Monday, Sept. 15 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 4:15—5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge 7:00—9:00 p.m. Baptism Meeting, Lighthouse 7:00—9:30 p.m. New Wine, Senior Center Tuesday, Sept. 16 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 10:00—11:00 a.m. Care Pantry, Lighthouse 12:30—3:30 p.m. 50 & Holding, Lighthouse 3:00—7:00 p.m. Blood Drive, Gym 4:30—55:45 p.m. R. E. Classes at Brookdale School 7:00—9:00 p.m. Celebration of the Arts, Cana 7:00—8:30 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge 7:30—9:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Church Wednesday, Sept. 17 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:00—11:30 a.m. Bible Study, Senior Center 4:15—5:30 p.m. Joyful Jammers, Church :6:00—10:00 p.m. ALPHA, Lighthouse 6:30—9:00 p.m. Quest Leader Meeting, Senior Center Thursday, Sept. 18 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:30—10:30 a.m. L.O.W. Leader Training, Senior Center 6:00—7:00 p.m. TREC Band, Church 6:30—9:00 p.m. St. Thomas Teens with Character, Youth Center 7:00—9:00 p.m. DuPage United, Judea 7:15—8:30 p.m. L.O.W. Leader Training, Senior Center Friday, Sept. 19 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area 9:30am-12:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Lighthouse 7:15—10:00 p.m. Movie Night, outside by rectory Saturday, Sept. 20 8:00am-12:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Ministry Center 8:45am-12:15 p.m. Formation Workshop, Gym 8:30—11:45 a.m. R.E. at All Saints Academy 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Art Class, Senior Center 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Christian Fellowship, Deacon’s Office Sunday, Sept. 21 7:30—9:30 a.m. RCIA, Senior Center 8:30am-12:30 p.m. Welcome & Donut Sunday, Gym 10:10—10:40 a.m. L.O.W. Training for Youth, Youth Center 1:45—2:45 p.m. Baptisms, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. Youth Ministry, Ministry Center