St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church . Naperville . December 18, 2011

*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.

The goal in life, I think, is to learn how to be receptors not just doers, to learn how to receive. We are so used to being in control and directing our own lives that it is often hard for us to let God’s grace direct our lives. Ironically we spend a lot of time trying to “get” things in life, but we often do it in manipulative, controlling, competi-tive ways that always leave us frustrated, unsatisfied, and wanting more. That approach just feeds our addictions. It is not the way of grace. Grace frees us up, we can’t earn it, we can’t take pride in having gotten it or done it through our own initiative. No, we just have to learn how to receive it, ponder it, and savor it with a grateful heart.

That is the way God is with us. It is so uncommon to us and so much not our way of doing things. Poor King David in the first reading to-day is given that lesson. He intends to build God a wonderful temple instead of a tent to dwell in, so God sends him a strong mes-sage through the prophet. “Go tell David, should you build me a house...?! It was I who took you from the pasture...I have been with you and destroyed your ene-

mies… I will make you famous… I will fix a place for my people...I will plant them...and I will give you rest. I will establish a house for you...I will raise up an heir after you...and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. That kingdom will stand firm forever!” Wow, so much for David thinking he’s done anything so special! It’s all by God’s grace and initiative, and the birth of Jesus we hear announced in the gospel today is the proof and realization of that grace. Mary has the good sense and grace to simply say “Yes!” to it. “May it be done unto me according to your Word.” She is the perfect receptor, model of the Church and every Chris-tian. May we learn from her how to receive, die to our ego self, and embrace the larger reality of God in us. And so we say with our Mother Mary, Mother of the Church, Mother of God, Mother of Jesus, yes Lord...let it be...let it be...Come Lord Jesus, Come! Advent Joy, Hope, Love, and Peace,

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, January 8

Dear Friends,

“We are so used to being in

control and directing our own lives…”

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2011

The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

— Luke 1:35

Dec 18, 2011 — Page 4

Presider’s Schedule December 24/25

Saturday, Dec 24—Christmas Eve 4:00 pm, Fr. Joel Fortier (youth liturgy with pageant in Sanctuary) 4:10 pm, Fr. Pat Brennan (youth liturgy with pageant in gym) 4:30 pm, Fr. Dof Arty (St. Patrick’s Residence in Chapel) 7:00 pm, Fr. Bob Colaresi (liturgy in the Sanctuary) 10:30 pm, Fr. Joel Fortier (liturgy in Sanctuary- choral music begins at 9:30 p.m.) Sunday, Dec 25—Christmas Day 9:00 am, Fr. Dof Arty 11:00 am, Fr. Joel Fortier NO 6:00 p.m. Mass

Worship Commission—Liturgy & Music

Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve: Sat, Dec 24, 4:00, 4:10 (Gym), 4:30 (St. Patrick’s Residence), 7:00, 10:30 p.m. The 4:00 and 4:10 p.m. liturgies include gospel pageants and are geared towards families. The Carmelite Sisters are once again offering us the use of their Chapel at St. Patrick’s Residence to help accommodate the large attendance on Christmas Eve. Mass at St. Patrick’s Residence will be at 4:30 p.m. St. Thomas musicians, priest and ministers will be involved at this Mass, but there will not be a pageant. The 7:00 p.m. liturgy in church features high school and young adults. Choral music begins at 9:30 p.m. and the Adult Choir will sing at the 10:30 p.m. lit-urgy. Christmas Day: Sun, Dec 25, 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. NO 6:00 p.m. Mass

Upcoming Advent Opportunities

December 17/18 Pregnancy Blessing after all Masses

A blessing for all expectant mothers and their families will be offered near the Mary shrine after each mass next weekend December 17 and 18 (the 4th Sunday of Advent). A blessing for all parents and families who have recently adopted a child or who are in the process of adopting will be offered after all masses on the week-end of December 31/January 1 (Mary the Mother of God). 2012 Calendars! You are invited to take a 2012 Calendar home with you. They can be found in baskets at all the entrance doors. At Home with the Word Available Now You can purchase “At Home with the Word” books at the front desk anytime during the week. They are $8, and are a great way to pray the Scrip-tures with your family before hearing them at Mass!

Merry Christmas from the St. Thomas Staff

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Pray For Our Parish

Mass Intentions Monday, December 19, 2011 8:30 †Paul & Bertha Wyszynski, by The Larsen Family †Irene Sochacki, by The Larsen Family Tuesday, December 20, 2011 8:30 †Owen Deneen, by Family †Linda Artuso, by Al & Nancy Adducci Wednesday, December 21, 2011 8:30 †David Wittry, by Helen Wittry †Robert Cornwell, by Pastoral Care Office Thursday, December 22, 2011 8:30 †Lorraine LaBonte, by Dick & Adela Auskalnais Friday, December 23, 2011 8:30 †Mary & James Engelbach, by Mike & Nonie Ryder Saturday, December 24, 2011 4:00 †Jenni Anderson, by Mom, Dad & Kerri †Griffin McCarthy, by His Family 4:10 †Clyde Kisler, by Cindy Newendyk 7:00 †William Riordan †Greg Disparte, by JoAnn Disparte 10:30 †Anthony Rizzi, by Family †Joseph Bombacino, by Family Sunday, December 25, 2011 9:00 †Marilyn Kane, by Ed Kane †Dorothy Hendrix, by Don & Rose Marie 11:00 †Margaret & Lawrence Becker, by Rich & Terry Becker †Anthony Matijevich, by The Cuculich Family

O Jesus, I believe you were born of Mary and are God's Son. Your mysterious coming is beyond understanding. Yet like your holy mother, Mary, I wish that you come to me, for you promised you will. Let me serve you in any way I can and know that you are with me day by day as my life goes by. Like Mary, your mother, though I know you only by faith, may my whole being proclaim your greatness and my spirit rejoice in your favor to me. O Wisdom, holy Word of God, Jesus Christ, holding all things in your strong yet tender hands, come and show us the way to salvation.

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 Lance Corporal Oliver Buckley Brad Rothman

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… Peggy Clark, wife of Dave Helen Ferguson, wife of Jim Andrew Hanyzeski, husband of Elaine Debbie Klotter, friend of Joe & Carolyn Cuzzone Sally Hovath, friend of Nancy Cowden Tom Jakubowski, husband of Jeanne Kimanne Koons, friend of Keith & Pat Kessel Kristen Bohr, granddaughter of Cindy & Larry Larry Egoff Ivette Portalatin, wife of Eduardo Barbara Venezia sister of Fred Hatcher for the deceased... Fred Moorhouse father of Pam Choate Anthony D’Alberti, father of the D’Alberti daughters Lorraine LaBonte, sister-in-law of Dick and Adele Auskalnis Madeline Augustine, friend of Jan Arvin David Videtich, brother of Dee Welsh

Dec 18, 2011 — Page 6

Faith and Formation Commission– Adult

When we, the People of God, enter into a church or a “house of God,” we symbolically cross a threshold. The intention is that we are passing from the sinful and wounded world out-side into a world to which God calls us – a world of new Life. The Father’s house is always open and welcomes all of God’s children. As we enter the front doors of our church named after St. Thomas the Apostle, we first enter into what is called the vestibule. This is sort of a lobby be-tween the doors to the outside and the doors to the inside. We then enter into an area known as the Narthex. This is another lobby type area which leads to the actual church or sanctuary. As we walk straight ahead down the narrow path toward God, we are looking directly into the sanctuary. What should catch our eye is the altar and the crucifix above it. Traditionally, the sanc-tuary consists of the altar, the pulpit and the chair area. Usually this space is raised up or somehow set apart as symbolic of the spiritual world. Our St. Thomas sanctuary is raised up three steps. Its nearness to God makes it a place of special holi-ness. During the time of Moses, God asked Moses to make Him a sanctuary where He could “dwell” among the people (Exodus 25:8). We believe our church is holy ground because God makes His dwelling there among us.

C.A.R.E. CORNER

Today’s Readings First Reading — I will fix a place for my people. I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16). Psalm — For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 89). Second Reading — To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever and ever (Romans 16:25-27). Gospel — Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:26-38). 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: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Lk 1:5-25 Tues: Is 7:10-14; Lk 1:26-38 Wed: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Lk 1:39-45 Thurs: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 Fri: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66 Sat: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1:67-79 Sun: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Midnight: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]

SAVE THE DATE

St. Thomas Parish Retreats at the Carmelite Spiritual Center

Jan 27 - 29, A Retreat for Men

Wrestling with God: Celebrating the Challenge.

Feb. 24- 26: A Retreat for Women

Possibilities. Presence. Peace

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Gathering with the Word Announcing good news! You can now access the St. Thomas website at www.stapostle.org/gathering, to participate in Advent re-flections prepared by Fr. Pat Brennan. Download the material to gather and discuss the questions with family, friends, or small Chris-tian communities, OR leave a comment to be shared with everyone in the virtual community. Either way, use this opportunity to enrich your Advent experience and connect more deeply with the Word of God.

Marriage Enrichment Opportunity Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, will be the presenter at the Fifth An-nual IMET (Interparish Marriage Enrichment Team) Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17 at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Lisle. Tickets for this outstanding event are $40 each, or $75 per couple. Register online at www.imetevents.org, or by sending a check payable to IMET to Phil and Cathy Gorski, 633 Maywood Ln., Lisle, IL 60532. This would be a wonderful Christmas gift to each other – and a great way to put a new “spring” in your relationship!

The “three Rs” reminds us of our basic education. An opportunity to explore, discuss and connect with the basics of our faith awaits you! On Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., January 11 through February 29, S.T.A.F.F.S. (St. Thomas the Apostle Faith Formation & Spirituality) presents “Catholicism 201” – ALPHA for Catholics. Enjoy the insights of Fr. James Mallon on the sacraments, the Church, Mary and the saints, and troublesome questions of morality. Fr. Mallon, a pastor in the diocese of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is also the founder of the John Paul II Media Center, which produced this series, now running throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as 25 other countries. Experience his hu-mor, energy, insight and deep faith by registering with Chari Rosales in the Adult Faith Formation Office at 355.8980 x138 or crosales@stapostle.org. Great for catechists, parents, and anyone who asks questions of faith. Make this your 2012 New Year’s Resolution!

Dec 18, 2011 — Page 8

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

Question of the Week...

How can you share the love of God this Christmas?

Faith and Formation Commission– Youth

You are invited… to the movies! Come and watch the story of the birth of our Lord. “The Nativity Story” Tuesday, December 20 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. St. Thomas Ministry Center Elementary age Children must be accompanied by an adult. Drinks provided Bring your own snack. RSVP to Patti Dougherty 630.355.8980 ext. 109 or pdougherty@stapostle.org

NO Liturgy of the Word with Children December 25 and January 1 There will be no Liturgy of the Word with Chil-dren on December 25 or on January 1. It will resume on January 8 at the 9:30 and 11:15 liturgies for chil-dren who are age 4 through third grade. Rainbows Needs Adult Volunteers Rainbows, a program for grieving children, has a need for additional adults to help on Saturday morn-ings from 10:00 a.m. until approximately 11:30 a.m. at church. Training will be provided on Saturday, January 21 from 9 to 3:30 at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville to begin working with children the fol-lowing Saturday at St. Thomas. Protecting God’s Children is also a requirement along with a back-ground check. If you would like more information, or are able to serve in this Ministry, call Patti Dougherty in the Religious Education Office, 630.305.6318 or email pdougherty@stapostle.org Decorated Christmas Trees Thank you to all the students who decorated the trees in the Gym and the Gathering Area for Christ-mas. Please take some time over the holidays to see their wonderful handmade ornaments. Angels Needed Would you like to be a Tuition Angel for a family attending Religious Education 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 in to the Religious Education Office and mark it to the attention of Patti Dougherty. Thanks for being a Tuition Angel!

Christmas Songs Children in the St. Thomas Elementary Religious Education Program are singing Christmas songs in class. The students have received a paper with the words to the following songs:

The Little Drummer Boy (Pre-K) Away in a Manager (K) Silent Night (1st) Hark The Herald Angels (2nd) We Three Kings (3rd) O Little Town of Bethlehem (4th) Angels We Have Heard on High (5th).

Please use their song sheet at home to sing and prepare for the birth of Jesus!

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Please return this form or fill out an order envelope in the church office by Monday, December 19.

I would like to make a contribution towards Christmas flowers.

In Honor Of

Please print

By: Phone # Amount enclosed

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

You are invited to make a donation toward Christmas flowers in recognition of a loved one. The names of these individuals will be on a display board at the Christmas Masses. A suggested donation of $10 should be sent in with the attached order form, or you may fill out an order envelope in the church office. Orders must be received by Monday, Dec 19.

Dec 18, 2011 — Page 10

Wanted: Your Old Luggage An Optical Mission will be traveling to Duchity in March to visit Ste. Marie-Madeleine- St. Thomas’ Twinning Parish and the Duchity community. For the first time, laser cataract surgery will be done. The team has a need for used but still functional luggage. Each bag will be filled with fifty pounds of medicine and medical supplies. Preferred luggage specifications: Wheels, light weight, cloth-sided, with working zipper. Please bring bags to the Outreach and Social Justice Office.

Christmas Cards Support Education This year throughout the Advent season, the St. Thomas Haiti Twinning Ministry will make available a Haitian Christmas card along with a picture of a Duchity student that you might send to your family and friends, perhaps in lieu of a gift. The gift of edu-cation to the children of Duchity is a gift that will last a lifetime. There are over 40 students in the upcoming graduating class, up from 26 last year. Education is indeed making a difference in the community. On his recent visit to St.

Thomas, Father Fritz, the first Pastor in Duchity, noted that three graduates of the Duchity schools are now studying to be doctors. Nixon recently scored number one in the whole country on the entrance exam for a Haitian medical university. Sixty percent of the goal for this school year has been reached. Your help is needed to continue the sup-port of schools in Duchity. Parents there are beginning to help more. An Education Team from St. Thomas will travel to Duchity early this coming year to meet with parents from the schools. If you would like to pick up a Christmas card and make a donation any other time, stop by the Outreach Office or call Sally (630.355.8980, x137. Thank you for your continued support.

Service Commission—Outreach & Social Justice Christmas Turkey/Ham Collection This weekend is the St. Thomas Christmas turkey/ham collection. The truck will be in front of the church before the Saturday Mass and all Sunday morning until 1:00 p.m. The goal is 1,000 turkey/hams to be distributed to St. Thomas Care Pantry families, St. Nicholas in Aurora and other Aurora pantries. The goal for Thanksgiving was achieved; however, traditionally, the Christmas collection is usually a bit less. If you are able, please bring a turkey or ham. If you forgot your turkey or ham, you can leave a donation for one to be purchased. Thank you for your continuing support.

A Pro-Life Story Ann Brochman Chalifoux made two different choices when she was pregnant. She will share her story of God's actions in her life. She will also share how she reunited with the son she gave up for adoption many years ago. The event will be at St Joan of Arc Parish Center; January 6, 7:00 p.m. Contact Carole Gassett 630.960.2916 for further information.

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Care Pantry Christmas Party Report Last Saturday the annual Care Pantry Christmas Party was held for St. Thomas’ Care Pantry families. The theme this year was “Jingle with Joy for Jesus”. By all reports it was a wonderful event. Over 400 peo-ple attended and seemed to be very pleased with the new format. For the first time, a pancake and sausage breakfast was served to the families— in three shifts! The plan-ning was meticulous, but would it work? The Spirit was with everyone who participated. It did work. The first seating began at 8:00 a.m. After a welcome and prayer, breakfast was served. Christmas entertainment was provided during the meal. Rick Zimmerman, a parishioner and photographer, took family pictures at each table. Then the guest children were entertained by many of the St. Thomas middle school youth with crafts, face-painting, and games. The St. Thomas Pup-pet Ministry was a big hit. In the meantime, the parents were staged in another room with cookies and coffee. A few parents at a time were called to the Lighthouse where they could pick out gifts for their children. They were provided with wrapping paper and volunteers helped them carry the gifts to their car. The parents returned to pick up their children and each child was allowed to pick out a book before going home. The timing had to be precise. While one group of kids was being entertained and their parents were shopping, a second group was served breakfast. Whew!! All went very well. All momentarily “lost parents” were quickly reunited with their children. The Outreach and Social Justice Office graciously thanks the planning committee and the over 75 volun-teers who made it all happen. The volunteer elves set up the shopping room, transformed the gym into a beautiful party space, set the tables, made and served the food, and provided the guest families with a joy-filled morning. Thanks also to all in the St. Thomas community who were able to donate toys, clothes, and books for the children and cookies for all in atten-dance.

Dec 18, 2011 — Page 12

Parish Nurse Note: Strategies to reduce or help manage stress in tough economic times during the holidays. � Channel anxiety and stress in healthy ways. Take

time out for yourself. Practice deep breathing for 5 minutes each day. Try progressive relaxation tech-niques, meditation and prayer. All of these activi-ties can help to lower our stress.

� Take care of yourself physically. Get a good amount of sleep. Eat healthy foods. Being physi-cally active, even if it’s just a walk around the block, can reduce stress levels.

� Express gratitude. Think of things that make you happy and write them down every day. There are always things to be grateful for. Positive thinking helps maintain a good attitude and allows us to rec-ognize opportunities.

� Keep friends, family and loved ones close. Rela-tionships are important and help keep us connected and grounded. Spending time with friends reminds us that we are a good person to be around and that we’re not alone. You can talk with them about stressors and brainstorm solutions.

� Find inexpensive ways to spend time with people that are important to you. Take a family walk. Get a movie or audio book from the library. Cook a healthy meal together. Play a board game or a card game together. Play in the snow or build a snow-man in the winter. Take advantage of activities the church may offer for families and friends.

Specifically for the Holidays: � Start a new family tradition. Volunteer as a family

or as a group of friends at a soup kitchen or at a homeless shelter. Write letters to veterans. See St. Thomas the Apostle Advent calendar for ideas.

� Come up with inexpensive gift ideas. Instead of buying gifts for people write them a personal note to tell them how important they are to you and what you appreciate about them. Make them a personal-ized card to wish them happy holidays. Pick a date and spend a few hours or a day with them, doing inexpensive things together. Exchange IOU’s for doing laundry or chores, cooking a meal, or clean-ing up after meals, back or neck rubs, running er-rands. These are inexpensive but valued services.

� Reach out for support. Give yourself permission to get support for yourself and/or family members if situations begin to feel out of control. Contact the St. Thomas the Apostle Pastoral Care Office for assistance.

Service Commission—Pastoral Care More reasons to Wash Your Hands ! Recently, the CDH Infection Prevention Committee reported that there was a high prevalence of flu out in our community… The information below might help in understanding the oftentimes loose use of the term Flu. Seasonal Flu is viral influenza. It begins with a sud-den onset of fever and cough. Muscle aches (myalgia), runny nose (rhinorrhea), headache, listlessness (malaise), and sore throat (pharyngitis) increases the suspicion for influenza. Incubation period for influenza is 1-4 days. Flu among household contacts is esti-mated to be 3-4 days. Treatment is based on severity, time since onset, and/or underlying disease conditions like asthma etc. Antiviral treatment is recommended as soon as possible for anyone requiring hospitalization or who have progressive, severe or complicated illness. A medical professional should be consulted. Commu-nicability for most ages is, before illness to 10 days after onset for transmission. Stomach Flu: (The Norovirus causes gastroenteritis; also know as “stomach flu”). An increase of cases is generally seen in late fall and winter. The virus is espe-cially contagious and spreads quickly in schools and close communities. Symptoms include nausea, vomit-ing, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Low-grade fever, achiness, and lethargy symptoms are also seen. Only in rare cases is the illness severe enough to require medi-cal attention. Illness may last 1-2 days or longer, but dehydration is the most concerning. (Signs of severe dehydration are: no urine output, very lethargic, dry mouth, and crying without tears). Electrolyte replace-ment drinks such as Gatorade should be given in small amounts. If able to keep fluids down, try the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Antibiotics will not fight the virus but our immune system should fight off the virus in a day or two. Prevention is the best medicine for Flu…..Wash Your Hands…. Use soap and warm water. Sing the ABC’s— the time it takes to thoroughly clean your hands. Alcohol gels are NOT very effective at killing this particular virus. Disinfect handles, knobs, glasses etc., used by the ill person, with bleach wipes where possible.

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

Weekly Sunday Offertory Dec 11, 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

$21,816 $18,367 $6,337

$46,520

$852,875 $35,536

$880,272 ($27,397)

$1,870,587 $1,017,712

Make Year End Donations before January 1 Parish families are reminded that since December 31 this year is on a Saturday, all donations to St. Thomas must be re-ceived in the collection basket by Saturday, December 31, 2011, in order to be acknowledged as tax-deductible for the current year. The Internal Revenue Service does not allow us to accept back-dated checks after December 31 as Year 2011 donations. The effective date of the gift is the date on which the donation is RECEIVED at St. Thomas, or the date on which it is post-marked by the postal service. So, for your donation to be counted, please mail early enough or drop your gift into the collection basket by December 31. If you expect you may be out of town you may want to consider bringing your final Year 2011 donation to the general office during the week of De-cember 26-30. Thanks for your understanding that we must comply with IRS regulations.

NEWS from… All Saints Catholic Academy

The staff, students and parents of All Saints Catholic Academy wish a very Merry Christmas and a sincere thank you

to the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Family.

We thank all of the parishioners and staff for your monetary support of All Saints, and your continued prayers. Our faith-based education would not be possible

without your sacrifice and your love.

We wish you all a most blessed and peace filled Christmas Season.

Dec 18, 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 The Jobs Ministry at St Thomas is a faith-based ministry designed to assist the unemployed Job Seek-ers to find meaningful employment. The Jobs Minis-try does not guarantee the Job Seekers a job, but hopes to provide the tools to finding employment. Some of the “tools” to full employment include but are not limited to the following: � weekly meetings on Fridays to review resumes

and network � monthly and Friday meetings with a speaker who

provides a variety of suggestions on how to seek employment

� Six Sigma quality training and certification � provide leads obtained from various web sites

parishioners, local companies, school districts. � networking among the job seekers � resume reviews

Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, Dec. 19 4:00—5:30 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 6:00—9:00 p.m. RCIA Christmas Party, Lighthouse 7:00—8:30 p.m. NAMI, Youth Center 7:30—9:00 p.m. Contempletive Prayer Group, Rectory Basement Tuesday, Dec. 20 7:00—9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge 7:00—10:00 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. Movie: The Nativity Story, Lighthouse Wednesday, Dec. 21 7:00—9:00 p.m. Sojourners Rehearsal, St. Patrick’s Residence Thursday, Dec. 22 9:15am-1:00 pm Spread the Word Bible Study, Lighthouse 4:!5—5:30 p.m. Jammers, Church 6:00—7:30 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 7:30—10:00 p.m. Genesis Rehearsal, Church Friday, December 23 Saturday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve—See Mass Schedule on page four Sunday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day — See Mass Schedule on page four

NO MEETINGS the remainder of December

St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 (630)355-8980. Friday meeting formats include announcements, speaker presentation, and 2 rounds of networking. Prepare your elevator speech, and bring enough handbills to pass out to 20 fellow networkers. Wed night is speaker only, no formal networking. Contact Bob Hronek <rhronek@sbcglobal.net>; or Ben Willing-ham <Benwillingham11@gmail.com>; for more info.