01/25/2015 - St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

16 Pages·2015·1.05 MB·English

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church . Naperville IL . 630.355.8980
All Saints Catholic Academy . Naperville IL . 630.961.6125
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
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 25, 2015
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 Sacrament of Reconciliation
Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.,
Priests
in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Our priests
Rev. Don E. McLaughlin – Pastor, x102, [email protected]
are available during the week by appointment. Commu-
Rev. Rodolphe Arty, C.S.C. – Parochial Vicar, x 103, [email protected]
nal Penance services are held occasionally during the
Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Associate, [email protected]
year.
Permanent Deacons
In the Hospital or Home Bound
Michael (Kathryn) Barrett – x220, [email protected]
Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist
Jim (Mary Jo) Breen – 630.486.3133(vm225), [email protected]
from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care.
Larry (Susan) Kearney – x225, [email protected]
Baptism
Chuck (Sue) Lane – x220, [email protected]
Pat (Mary Jo) Lennon – 630.901.3223, [email protected] Baptisms are usually celebrated 2-3 Sundays each
month at a 12:30 p.m. service. On selected dates,
Liturgy
Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents
Scott Knisley – Director of Liturgy and Music Ministries, x111, [email protected]
are required to attend an awareness and renewal
Lori Culberson – Liturgy Coordinator, x120, [email protected]
evening prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office
Faith Formation a few months in advance to make arrangements.
Sandy Renehan – Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy 630.961.6125 Matrimony
Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, x109, [email protected] A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas
Brett Adams – Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, should contact the church six months in advance.
x117, [email protected] One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom,
Peggy Goralski – Director of Middle School Faith Formation, or their parents, must be a registered parishioner
x123, [email protected] for at least three months prior to calling to set a date.
Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, [email protected]
Religious Education
Marge Coronado – Religious Education Assistant, x118, [email protected]
Call the 630.305.6318 to register.
Outreach and Social Justice
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, [email protected]
Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic
Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner, x113, [email protected]
Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call
Claire Kryczka* – OSJ Financial, x137, [email protected]
the church at 630.355.8980.
Pastoral Care
Counseling Service
Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, x124
Call Samaritan Interfaith 630.357.2456 or Jan Olah,
Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. – Faith Community Nurse, x104, [email protected]
Pastoral Care 630.355.8980 x 124.
Administration
Sunday Nursery
Janet Simmons – Finance/Business Officer, x106, [email protected]
Nursery care is available for your child age one
Diane McQueen – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, [email protected]
(walking) to four at the 9:30 a.m. Mass.
Kathy Ferguson – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, [email protected]
For more information call the church office.
Angie Tuttle – Bulletin and Web Editor, Liturgy Asst, x110, [email protected]
Elizabeth Fisher* – Evening/Saturday Receptionist
Mary Wright* – Evening/Saturday Receptionist
Mary Derwinski* – Administration Asst, x143, [email protected]
Marilyn DeMeo* – Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, [email protected] Liturgy Schedule
Bob Hartmann* – Facility Manager, x133, [email protected]
Pastoral Leadership Community (Parish Pastoral Council) Daily
Ron Davis Aileen Rominger (Monday — Friday)
Mike Murray Matt Smilak Communion Service — 6:30 a.m.
Commission Representatives Rosary — 8:10 a.m.
Gail Jindrich—Worship and Liturgy Mass — 8:30 a.m.
Chris Baker—Faith and Spiritual Formation (Saturday)
Joanne Bordage—Service and Outreach
Mass — 8:30 a.m.
Jeff Berta—Stewardship
Mike Myers—Finance Council/Administration Weekend
Ex-Officio Saturday Vigil — 4:30 p.m.
Fr. Dof Arty—Parochial Vicar Sunday — 8:00, 9:30, and 11:15 a.m.
Fr. Don McLaughlin—Pastor and 6:00 p.m.
and 6:00 p.m.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
every first Friday, 9:00 — 5:00 p.m.
*indicates part-time staff
From the Pastor’s Desk...
Today marks the beginning of the annual
celebration by the Church in the United
States of Catholic Schools Week. In my 34
years of priesthood, every parish I’ve been
assigned to has had a Catholic School. Every
year as this celebration is observed some ex-
press to me that they feel that it excludes or
demeans those parents and children who
choose public schools, making them feel like
“second class citizens”. I’m sorry that some
Third Sunday in
feel this way, but it is not the intent by cele-
brating Catholic Schools. The theme of Ordinary Time
Catholic Schools week really captures what we celebrate – that Catholic
schools are “Communities of Faith”….in other words we celebrate that January 25, 2015
our Catholic faith can be publicly acknowledged and taught as part of The kingdom of God is at hand.
the curriculum, thus creating an educational environment that daily rein- Repent, and believe in the gospel.
forces Catholic faith development. However I might add that there is no — Mark 1:15
guarantee a child who attends a Catholic school will be a better Catholic
and disciple of Jesus than a child who attends a public school and goes
to weekly religious education classes. In my experience over 34 years of Welcome Guests and Visitors!
priesthood, what ultimately forms a good Catholic is parental influence. We’re so glad you’re here and invite
If parents practice their own faith by attending Mass regularly, being you to walk the path of faith with us.
involved in the parish, witnessing Gospel values in their own interac- St. Thomas strives to provide a spiritual
tions with each other and others, the chances of their child becoming a home where all are welcome, where the
disciple of Jesus and a practicing Catholic is much higher whether their healing, reconciling, liberating love of
child goes to a Catholic or public school. God is shared by all. We believe the
When parents have a child baptized, the words “you are accepting church is the sacrament of God’s saving
the responsibility of training your child(ren) in the practice of the faith” presence in the world, join us!
is spoken to them. Every parish is charged with the task of assisting par-
ents in accomplishing their responsibility of “training their child(ren) in
Would you like to
the practice of the faith”. Some parishes like St. Thomas are able to of-
become a parishioner?
fer two equally fine options to do just that. St. Thomas offers and sup-
Join us TODAY, January 25
ports an excellent religious education program for our youth attending
in the gym, with donuts anytime
public schools, and we celebrate that every year in September on Cate-
between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. or
chetical Sunday. St. Thomas is also part of a most progressive endeavor
10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
undertaken 10 years ago by the Diocese and the parishes of St. Margaret
Mary, St. Elizabeth Seton, and ourselves to invest in and found a re-
gional Catholic grammar school known as All Saints Catholic Academy. This year 111 St. Thomas families have
chosen this option for “training their child(ren) in the practice of the faith”. Of the 538 students enrolled this year
at All Saints, 161 are from St. Thomas.
This year—2015— marks the 10th anniversary of All Saints Catholic Academy. And regardless if you did
or didn’t support the decision to invest St. Thomas funds in establishing and ongoing support of ASCA, I would
ask you to support the present reality that All Saints Catholic Academy IS part of the mission and ministry of
St. Thomas the Apostle parish in helping parents “train their child(ren) in the practice of the faith.” I thank the
St. Thomas parishioners for their support, as well as the dedicated families, administration, faculty and staff in
fostering ASCA as a “community of faith.”
Open House for prospective new families is on Sunday, January 25 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The school is
located at 1155 Aurora Avenue. And regardless if you have children attending ASCA or not, you are always
welcome to attend the all school Mass on Wednesday’s at 8:15 A.M. or come for a visit. Also, I want to extend
an invitation to ALL St. Thomas parishioners to help celebrate our schools 10th anniversary by attending the annual
Gala/Dinner-Dance/Auction on Saturday, March 14. The event will be held at Bolingbrook Golf Club. For info go
to www.ascacademy.org and click on the “Dinner Dance” tab or call St. Thomas parishioner Chris Gambs at
630.995.3240. I hope to see some non ASCA parishioners at the event too!
Worship Commission—Liturgy & Music
A Prayer for Our Parish
Presentation of Gifts

The gifts of bread and wine are brought forward to
Follow Me
become the body and blood of Christ…but we also
by Jan Sutch Pickard
bring ourselves and our own needs forward at this time.

Bringing up the gifts is a wonderful way to celebrate an
A prayer about all those who
anniversary, a life, a birthday or the death of a loved
answered to Jesus’ call
one. The book is available in the Narthex – can’t find it?

Ask the Host Greeters for their help to sign up.
‘Follow Me’ he said – and we did.

We let go of the heavy wet nets,
Host Greeters Needed
The tough strands of tarred rope:
Our strong hands were empty – we let go Host Greeters are especially needed for the 4:30
Of all we knew how to do, p.m. Mass on Saturdays. Training will be provided! All
Our livelihood, our identity – you need is a welcoming heart and a willingness to
To follow a dream, a job description serve the community! These ministers are often the first
That no one in their senses would take seriously. face of hospitality for those who enter through St. Tho-
‘Follow me’ he said – and we did. mas’ doors – and so this ministry is crucial in helping to
maintain our welcoming environment. For more infor-
‘Follow me’ he said, for I asked him the next step mation, or to sign up, please contact Lori Culberson at
On a journey of personal salvation. 630.355.8980 x120.
He reminded me of all the good things
I already knew and did. Advent Prayers
So nothing was left to do – I was ready to go. Thank you to all parishioners who wrote a prayer and
‘Now sell all you have,’ he said. hung it on the “Peace Tree” next to the statue of Mary.
‘Give it away to the poor.’ The prayers were collected when the Christmas trees
How could I let go just like that – lighten the load, were removed. This past week, during the weekly staff
Shed my responsibilities, meeting, staff prayed those prayers which were shared
become someone I did not know – on the tree followed by “Lord, here our prayer.”
What would be left?
‘Follow me,’ he said
Superbowl Sunday
But with a heavy heart I shook my head.
6:00pm Mass
6 pm Mass
On February 1 (Superbowl
‘Come,’ he said – and I did,
at 4 pm
Sunday) the 6:00 p.m. Mass
Following his voice
will be celebrated
through the crowd on the edge of town.
I needed wait no longer, my voice had been heard at 4:00 p.m.
Calling for change, crying out for a fresh start –
Even though it meant casting off old ways,
No longer the needy person everybody knew.
‘Come,’ he said and I saw what God could do.
‘Your faith has healed you,’ he told me. ‘Now go.’
Presider’s Schedule Jan 31/Feb 1

He never said ‘Fllow me’ –
4:30 pm – Fr. Don McLaughlin, Deacon Mike Barrett
But, as I could see, there was no other way.
8:00 am – Fr. Fr. Dof Arty, Deacon Larry Kearney
9:30 am – Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, Deacon Larry Kearney
11:15 am – Fr. Dof Arty
4:00 pm (Superbowl) – Fr. Don McLaughlin
Schedule is subject to change. Changes are posted to
the St. Thomas website www.stapostle.org
January 25, 2015, Page 4
Pray for Our Parish:

For the sick… For the deceased…
Dennis Miller, husband of Sharron David Sevening, husband of Marge
Paul Kossak, nephew of Betty & Don Wampach Lenore Jensen
Bob Casey, husband of Ruth Linda Butkovich, friend of Bob & Carol Gheen
Louise Gatenby, mother of Kathy Bob Castle, uncle of Kelly & Tony Hopp
John Spitzer, husband of Ellen Pat Hoffman, wife of Bob
Bess Patterman, mother of Jan Irvin Willie Johnson, husband of Anne
Sharon Sugas, wife of Bill
Larry Kieklak, father of Beth Pojman
Liturgy Schedule & Mass Intentions
Becca, daughter of Carol Ann Fisher
(Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Monday, January 26, 2015
(Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops)
6:30am Communion Service
8:30am †Virginia Tapella, by Fr. Don

Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Please Pray for our Men and Women (Saint Angela Merici, Virgin)
6:30am Communion Service
Serving in the Military
8:30am †Harold Russell, by John & Tim Shepard
Our parish community would like to recognize and
†Joan Petrasek, by The Petrasek Family
remember the following individuals in prayer:

U.S. Air Force Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Staff Sgt. Brooke Sica Lt. Joseph Zito (Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church)
AB Jon Babiarz, Special Forces Joseph Michalowicz 6:30am Communion Service
Cpt Joseph Bennington (Reserve) Cpt Bradley Crosson 8:30am †Ramona Loftus, by The Keller Family
Technical Sgt. Shanna Crones
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Air Force National Guard
6:30am Communion Service
Senior Airman Jacob Brancaleon Major Eric H. Dolan
8:30am †Shirley Mann, by Bill Mann

U.S. Army
Cpt. Lynnea Jensen Matt Nelson Friday, January 30, 2015
Cpt. Alanna Casey Sgt. William Stuart 6:30am Communion Service
Staff Sgt. Aaron Simms 1st Lt. Chris Turley 8:30am †Bill Bolger, by Suzanne Rogers
PFC Sean Wesley SPC Zachary Howell Special Intention for Evelyn Storto’s
Army Ranger Medic Jeremy See Cpt. Mike Reilly 85th Birthday, by Mark & Dottie
Cpt. Matthew Haselhorst Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Crones
Saturday, January 31, 2015
U.S. Marine Corps
(Saint John Bosco, Priest)
Capt Brad Rothman John Osborne
8:30am For those Suffering from Illness
Lt. Colin Miller-Ratcliffes Jennifer Slown
4:30pm Vigil: Fourth Sunday Ordinary
LCpl Brandyn Tagliavia Pvt. Sonia Carrillo
†Josef Zimmermann, by Patti Dougherty
LCpl Oliver Buckley LCpl Cody Kolar
†Theresa Wiora, by St. Thomas Lectors
LCpal Tommy Baldacci Capt. Kevin Martin

Col James Arthur Hogberg
Sunday, February 1, 2015

U.S. Navy (Fourth Sunday Ordinary)
Ensign Jason Coons SN Joel Curry 8:00am †Marilyn Tykal, by The Reice Family
Alex Metzger STG SN Jeffrey Bates †Jerzy Luzeniecki, by Rich Murawski
Airman Alex Dworak CMDR Brendan Curran 9:30am †Helen Fogelman, by The Dougherty Family
Ensign Connor Binnig †Joanie Rubin, by Paul & Joann Guarneri
Naval Reserve
11:15am †Robert Smith, by St. Thomas Staff
CDR Lance Klosterman, MD
†Ann Hunt, by Jacques Toussant & Dorothy Abens

U.S. Coast Guard 4:00pm For the People of St. Thomas

Call the parish office 630.355.8980 to include

someone you love in the Military prayer list. Page 5 — January 25, 2015
Faith and Formation Commission—Adult
The Mass – Remember and Believe
Why do we do what we do at Mass and why should
we do it? What does it all mean? Does coming to Mass
have any effect on our lives? Explore these and your own
questions about the Mass and its place in Catholic life
with Chari Rosales, Director of Adult Faith Formation,
on two Monday evenings, January 26 and February 2,
from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Explore the ‘who,
Come and recharge your spiritual batteries with
what, how and why’ of the liturgy from an adult perspec-
these events at the Carmelite Spiritual Center led
tive. If you’d like an introduction or brush-up on the ba-
sics of the Catholic faith, or feel you’re in a ‘rote rut,’ by Dr. Jim Finley. Register today!
this presentation is for you. To participate, contact Marge
The Spirituality of Healing
Coronado, Religious Education Assistant, at
630.355.8980 x118 or [email protected]. Thursday, Feb 12, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
with James Finley, Ph.D
Dr. Jim Finley will facilitate a one-day retreat on
February 12 exploring a seven step, contemplative ap-
proach to the decisive role spirituality can play in heal-
C.A.R.E. CORNER ing trauma and all forms of suffering. Intended for clini-
cians, pastoral counselors, spiritual directions, trauma
survivors, those in twelve-step recovery programs and
After learning all we’ve now learned about Paul,
for all who are interested in the spiritual dimensions of
do you feel some connection with him? Do you see
healing.
any of Paul’s qualities in yourself? We are all like
The day will include short periods of silent
Paul in the sense that he never walked with Jesus dur-
meditation and discussion of the themes presented.
ing His earthly journey and neither did we. Paul only
CEU units pending. $75 – to register:
knew the Risen Christ and that’s our knowledge base
www.ilmidwestmalespirituality.org.
as well. The other apostles had apostolic authority

because of their personal and physical witness to the
Falling In Love with God
ministry and resurrection of Jesus. But Paul never
knew Jesus when He walked the earth. His apostolic the Teachings of St. John of the Cross
authority came from his encounters with the Risen Feb 13-15, 2015
Lord. Ours comes from the same source. with James Finley, Ph.D
Paul had great zeal for God, first as a Jew and
Dr. Jim Finley will lead this weekend conference/
then as one who had faith in Christ. Throughout his
retreat, providing an introduction to the spiritual teach-
life, he maintained a great passion for God. He was
ings of the Carmelite mystic St. John of the Cross, with
willing to share his own spiritual journey and advise
an emphasis on how he guides us through the dark night
others on how to become more godly and holy. He
of the soul. This retreat will be held from February 13
believed the destiny of all Christians was to be holy,
through 15 at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien.
for that was the will of God. For Paul, holiness hap-
The retreat is intended for sincere beginners as well
pened in communion with Christ. He tried to fulfill
as those more experienced in the practice of contempla-
his own calling, believing followers of Jesus were
tive prayer. Periods of silent meditation, personal re-
called to be saints, set apart for a special mission. Do
flection and discussion of the themes presented. Confer-
you believe you are called to be a saint?
ence cost is only $175 – room and board available at
local hotels.

These events are held at the Carmelite Spiritual
Center, 8433 Bailey Rd , Darien, Illinois. To register
for one or both: www.ilmidwestmalespirtuality.org.

Dr. James Finley is a renowned retreat leader,
Merton scholar, and master of the Contemplative Way.
See a sample of his teaching style and storytelling at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsZmG9OnOLI
January 25, 2015, Page 6
Seek. Ask. Find. Young Adult Input Needed
The GOSPEL for the 1st and 21st Centuries Starting with the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

To prepare for next Sunday’s homily, read the Gospel Masses, an initiative was started to hear input from
several times during this week, and let your mind and young adults between the ages of 18-39, whether single
spirit begin to nurture the seeds of God’s word. or married, with children, without children, lifelong
Catholic, new to the faith, or anyone in this age group
February 1—Mark 1:21-28
at any stage of spiritual and personal life. The focus is
Do you have a desire to know more about your Catho-
to hear these young adults’ current attitudes towards
lic Faith? Come to the Adult Faith Formation programs
church, and focusing on ways St. Thomas can better
that St. Thomas the Apostle Parish offers.
welcome them, serve them, and respond to their unique
It was common during the time of Jesus that a person
personal and spiritual needs. If fit this category and
would travel to a synagogue to preach. In this Gospel of
you’d like to get involved, there are four simple ways
Mark, people were amazed that Jesus, an itinerant car-
to have your voice heard:
penter, could speak with such knowledge and authority.
You are entrusted with the Holy Spirit and are capable of
Attend an informal meeting with Fr. Don at St. Tho-
(cid:131)
spreading the Word of Christ. Try it-live it-act on it.
mas on either Sunday January 25 from 12:30 to 2:00

p.m., or Friday February 6 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
God and Sinners Reconciled
Text, call, or e-mail Brett at 630.731.7721
Fiction and Poetry on the Theme of Atonement (cid:131)
Read a good book lately? Join the group which will (cid:131) Tweet @STApostle_YM using #helpchurch or post
gather on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the to our Facebook page: Sta_YA Feedback.
Senior Center from January 20 through February 24. Fill out a simple 10 question survey
(cid:131)
“God and sinners reconciled” is more than a line from by picking up a hard copy in the
a Christmas carol. It raises the question, “How do I ex- Gathering Area, visiting our website
perience this?” Literary works of fiction and poetry have (www.stapostle.org) or using your
engaged the spiritual ground found in the experience of phone to scan this QR code:
atonement. From the poetry of Shakespeare and William
Blake to modern fiction by Bernice Rubens, Francois
Mauriac and Ian McEwan, we are captivated by images
of the conflicted need to forgive and be forgiven.
Readings will be completed in advance of the meet-
ings, and each weekly session will consist of a minimum
of background lecture and a maximum of discussion. Join
in for a thought-provoking experience in deepening your
faith.
Presenter Michael Casey earned his B.A. and M.A. in
English at Loyola University of Los Angeles, CA. He has
taught literature courses at the secondary, college and
adult education levels for over 40 years.
Advance registration is encouraged. To participate and
receive a reading list, call Marge Coronado at
630.355.8980 x118 or email [email protected].
News From All Saints Catholic Academy
Open House – TODAY, Sunday, January 25, from 1 – 3 pm
All Saints will soon be opening registration for preschool through grade 8 for the 2015-2016 school year. Plan
on attending an Open House at All Saints on Sunday afternoon, January 25 from 1-3 pm.
Tour our campus, meet Principal Dr. Sandy Renehan, teachers, school parents and students. Attending this open
house will give families the opportunity to find out more about All Saints and a Catholic education for their student,
and make an informed and educated decision on which school is the best fit for their student. All Saints offers
classes for preschool through grade 8 students, and is located at 1155 Aurora Avenue, near downtown Naperville.
For more information, please contact the school at [phone], or visit the school website at
www.ascacademy.org. Page 7 — January 25, 2015
Faith and Formation Commission—Youth
5th Grade Religious Education Classes
at Church for Reconciliation Service
Please make a note about the following dates, location
and adjusted Saturday times in your calendar:
Tuesday, January 27: 5th graders will meet at St. Tho-
mas in the church instead of Brookdale School from 4:30
to 5:45 p.m. Parents may participate in the Reconciliation
Service. If a parent does attend, your child may leave
with you after individual confession with a priest. Other-
wise, students are to be picked up at the Gathering Area
at 5:45 p.m.

Saturday, January 31
You are invited to our
(Important: Note the following time change)
10-Year Anniversary Benefit
All Saturday A and B classes will meet at St. Thomas in
the church instead of All Saints Catholic Academy from to celebrate all that we have
8:45 to 9:50 a.m. Parents may participate in the Recon- accomplished together!
ciliation Service which will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. If
March 14, at Bolingbrook Golf Club
a parent does attend, your child may leave with you after

individual confession with a priest. Otherwise, students The evening includes a four-course gourmet dinner,
are to be picked up at the Gathering Area at approxi- open bar, awesome auction items and lively entertain-
mately 9:50 a.m. ment by Chicago Dueling Pianos. Bring some friends for
a table of ten! Tickets are $100 per person. For more on
PLEASE NOTE: Saturday, 5th grade students are to at-
the ASCA Dinner Dance, visit www.ascadda.org. Con-
tend the 8:45 a.m. session at church. There will be no 5th
tactTim Traynor, Director of Advancement,
grade classes at 10:30 a.m. on Sat, January 31.
[email protected] or 630.961.6125x126 with
Students may leave their books and folders at home.
questions or to request an invitation packet.
Call the Religious Education Office (630.305.6318) if
you have any questions.
Family Prayer Service for 1st Eucharist
Families: Take some time to discuss
Parents will present their children as candidates for
and reflect on the readings.
? reception of First Eucharist at the first Family Prayer

Question of Service on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the
church. Please pray for these children as they prepare to
the Week...
receive Jesus in the Eucharist, an event of great joy for
Why do you want to follow Jesus? them, their families and our whole faith community.
Meet an Amazing Young Person… Rosie Stone

Rosie has grown up at St. Thomas. Over the years, she has been active in Youth Choir
and Religious Education. She loves to carol at St. Patrick’s every Advent
and she sang twice with John Angotti at Wentz Hall! She has helped pack
medications for Haiti and has volunteered at Donut Sunday. Currently,
she is a new altar server and youth helper for Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
Rosie is a 5th grader who continues to study dance (jazz and tap) and music (piano and flute).
At school, she is a safety patrol volunteer, Battle of the Books team member, and band
student. She is in Girls on the Run and continues her involvement in the community through
Girl Scouts where she joins others in her troop volunteering at Feed My Starving Children
and planting flowers in the community.
Rosie currently lives her faith in so many ways. She participated in this year’s
Hike for Hesed House to raise funds for and awareness of homelessness. She thinks
and asks questions about justice issues: poverty, immigration, homelessness, racism,
gender equality, etc. and has a particularly tender heart for those with cancer and those
who have less than her. At home, Rosie continues to pray nightly for people she knows and
January 2 5, 2015, P a g e 8 affirming her love for God and God’s love for her.
Just5Days Middle School Mission Trip Teens with Character—THIS Monday
WHO: Students completing grades 6, 7, 8 St. Thomas Teens with Character will meet THIS
WHEN: July 6-10 Monday, January 26, from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., in the
WHERE: St. Joe, Michigan St. Thomas gym.. Come for some ‘Frozen’ fun as we
WHAT TO EXPECT: a 5-day ex- talk about faith lessons from the movie. All middle
perience of service, hands-on learn- school students and friends are welcome to attend.
ing, prayer, liturgy, and community

building, an unforgettable week, and a

whole lot of fun! Middle School Class Schedule
COST: $285
Saturday, January 31:
SIGN-UP DEADLINE: March 1
RE classes meet at All Saints, 8:30 & 10:30 am
REGISTRATION FORMS:

outside of Peggy Goralski’s office
Monday, February 2:
QUESTIONS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RE classes meet at All Saints, 7:15 pm
Go to www.just5days.org or contact Peggy at pgoral-

[email protected] or 630.355.8980, Ext. 123.

High School News:
Middle School Family Mass
High School Summer Missions Forms Out Now
Middle school students and their families are invited to
join together and celebrate the 6 pm mass on January 25. Teens interested in doing a mission trip this summer,
Come, pray, and celebrate with us!!! Refreshments will whether locally, out of state, or internationally, interest
follow immediately after mass. forms are now available. You can stop by the gathering
area or youth ministry office and pick up a hard copy or
Amazing Young People… go to the youth ministry website to download it. Com-
pleted forms should be turned in to the Youth Ministry
The Celebration Continues
Office ASAP so we can make a decision on which types
Help continue to make St. Thomas’ 30th anniversary
of trips we’re able to offer. Dedicated and passionate
year a celebration of amazing young people. Do you know
adult leaders are also needed to accompany teens on
a young person who is living out their faith in ways that
their trips. Contact Brett in the Youth Ministry Office
their life is an example to others? We would like to hear
at [email protected] or 630-731-7721 with ques-
about them. Forms to provide information about an amaz-
tions or to get involved.
ing young person can be found outside Peggy Goralski’s

office. And while you are picking up a form, be sure to
Spring Confirmation Classes Begin This Week
visit the Religious Education hallway and see the display
High school sophomores and above in their second year
celebrating many amazing young people who have graced
of confirmation preparation are required to attend an 8-
St. Thomas over the last 30 years.
week class. Those who have not participated in one of

Feed My Starving Children Meal Packing our fall classes, are required to attend one of the spring
On Thursday, January 29, from 6 – 7:30 pm, middle school sessions offered on either Sundays (4:30-5:30 pm) or
students and their families are invited to pack meals at Mondays (7:15-8:15 pm). Spring sessions will begin on
Feed My Starving Children (500 Exchange Court, Aurora). Sunday, January 25 (for the Sunday session) and Mon-
To reserve a spot to volunteer, sign up online at day, January 26 (for the Monday session) at St. Tho-
www.fmsc.org. Click on Volunteer, then click on Per- mas. Each teen is required to bring a confirmation
handbook, writing utensil, folder, and notebook (or
manent Site and Join a Group. Enter St. Thomas the
loose leaf paper) with them to each class. They are also
Apostle as the group name, Aurora as the Site, and
strongly encouraged to bring a personal Bible. Contact
January as the Month. If you have questions or would
Brett in the Youth Ministry Office at
like more information, contact Peggy Goralski at
[email protected] or 630-731-7721 if you have
630.355.8980, Ext. 123 or [email protected].
questions, need to sign your child up, or do not have the
confirmation handbook.
Thanks, Mike and Anne!
Middle school Religious Education classes would like to thank Mike Ryder and
Anne Schultz (‘Action and Faith’) for their presentation on Catholic Social Teaching
and the importance of faith and meaningful action in living out our Baptismal call.
We appreciate all you do!
Page 9 — January 25, 2015
Service Commission—Outreach & Social Justice
Seniors Invited to
St. Thomas Cares
Defer Property Taxes
Prairie State Legal provides pro-
bono law services for those living Qualified senior citizens aged
under 125% of the federal pov- 65 years and older are invited to
erty level. St. Thomas Cares part- apply for the Senior Citizens' Real
ners with Prairie State. St. Tho- Estate Tax Deferral Program of-
mas Cares refers clients to Prai- fered by the State of Illinois
rie State and Prairie State occa- through the DuPage County Treasurer's office. This pro-
sionally requests financial sup- gram allows qualified senior citizens to defer up to
port for one of its clients. $5,000 of their current property tax amount. The defer-
ral is treated as a loan and accrues 6 percent simple in-
Grace has disabilities and has been chronically terest until the amount is either paid back or the prop-
homeless for some time with her children and a grand- erty is sold. To qualify, the senior citizen's household
child. She has been using PADS shelters for over a year. income cannot exceed $55,000. Additionally, the prop-
During that time, her driver’s license was suspended erty must be used exclusively for the owner's primary
pending payment of traffic tickets. Working through residence. The application period closes March 2, 2015.
Prairie State Law on that issue and others, she was You may either call the DuPage County Treasurer's
down to one remaining ticket. She was ready to return Office at [phone] or go online at
to the workforce, but needed to be able to drive. treasurer.dupageco.org for more information.
Prairie State contacted St. Thomas Cares to ask if
help could be provided. St. Thomas Cares paid the re- Free Tax Preparation
maining traffic ticket fine ($186). TAP (Tax Assistance Program) offers free tax prepa-
ration for individuals earning up to $25,000 and house-
holds earning up to $50,000 annually. For more infor-
mation pick up a flier on the credenza in the Gathering
Area.
(Catholic Social Teaching calls us to take action to create justice. NETWORK is a National Catholic Social Justice
Lobby that provides educational information on issues while monitoring and lobbying Congress on solutions. It is
one source of information that you can use to educate yourself on social justice issues. You can join their email net-
work to get periodic updates and take advocacy actions if you agree with their positions on the issues. Below is
some information from the NETWORK website – www.networklobby.org)

Founded by Sisters and Nuns, and rooted in the Catholic social justice tradition, NETWORK believes it is critical to
promote federal policies that support 100% of our community – but particularly those living in poverty – in order to
create a society that promotes justice and the dignity of all in the shared abundance of God’s creation. As a Catholic
leader in the movement for justice and peace for over 40 years – and driven by the passion of our thousands of mem-
bers across the country – NETWORK is committed to advocating for economic and social transformation.

NETWORK calls on the 114th Congress to:
Strengthen the Safety Net while Changing the Structures that Cause Poverty
(cid:131)
Craft a Faithful Budget that Benefits the 100%
(cid:131)
Secure Healthcare for All
(cid:131)
Protect and Expand Policies that Support Immigrants
(cid:131)
Promote Nonviolent Solutions to Conflict
(cid:131)
Encourage a Just U.S. Trade Policy
(cid:131)
Ensure the Inclusion of the 100% in Our Democracy and Our Society
(cid:131)
January 25, 2015, Page 10