Download File - St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

18 Pages·2014·2.61 MB·English

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 31, 2014
Saint Thomas the Apostle Church
Holy Hearts Perpetual
Adoration Chapel
Oak Street Church
The heart and center of the
Adoration Chapel is the
Monstrance.
CHERISHING AND
TENDING GOD’S
GIFTS
RESPONSIBLY
St. John Paul II, who had a deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist, wrote “I have always been
convinced that the Chapel is a place of special inspiration… when one ponders the love that is
present in the Sacred Host, love is ignited within us, love is renewed in us.

Therefore, these are not hours spent in idleness, when we isolate ourselves from our work, but
these are moments, hours when we undertake something that constitutes the deepest meaning
of all our work…when we devote our time to ponder the mystery of Love, to allow it to radiate
in our hearts — we are preparing ourselves in the best possible way for any kind of ser-
vice, for any activity, for any charitable work.”
Pastor

Mission Statement Monsignor Daniel J. Hermes
We are a Catholic family, living our awareness Parochial Vicars
of Christ’s presence through Reverend Jerome P. Koutnik
Reverend Akan S. Simon
worship, service,
Reverend William Tunarosa
evangelization
Permanent Deacons
and
Mr. Allen Bondi
community Mr. Edward Morrison
Mr. Ralph Statter
for the benefit of all.
451 W. Terra Cotta Avenue (Oak Street Church)
453 Pierson Street (Pierson Street Church)
272 King Street (Parish Office)
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
Marian Prayer Group
The rosary is prayed every morning in our Blessed Sacrament
Chapel at 7:00 am after Mass. Our Saturday devotion
concentrates on our Blessed Mother of Medjugorje with
meditation prayer and rosary.


Eucharistic Adoration
Pews in the Holy Hearts Chapel can accommodate approximate
30 people at one time; Every one can come and adore during
the hours of 6:00 am to 10:00 pm—Chapel will be open;
Security cards will be needed to enter during the hours of 10:00
pm to 6:00 am; If you wish to apply for a security card, please
stop in at the Parish Offices to pick up the form; Any questions,
please contact [email protected].


Saint Thomas the Apostle School
Saint Thomas the Apostle School is a Catholic Pre-3 through 8th
For
grade elementary school serving both the parish communities of
Your Information… Saint Thomas the Apostle and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Every
student in our Catholic school receives a strong foundation in all

core subjects – Religion, Reading, English, Math, Science, and
New to Saint Thomas Parish?
Social Studies, along with regular classes in Spanish, Computer
Being a member means celebrating and making a commitment to
Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education. For more
Jesus Christ. If you are new to Crystal Lake, or if you have not
information, contact Deanne Roy, principal at [phone].
yet become a member of Saint Thomas, we encourage you to

consider joining our community in worship and ministry.


Religious Education Classes

Sacrament of Baptism Weekly classes are held for pre-schoolers through 6th grade on
Celebrated every Sunday at 1:00 PM. Class, which is held once a Tuesday & Wednesday, from mid-fall through April. Preparation
month, is required. Parishioners are asked to please call the Parish for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation is also given under the
Secretary at the Parish Office at [phone] extension 400 to direction of the Director of Religious Education. For more
schedule both the Class and Baptism dates. Please note that information on the program, please contact Charlotte Kolodzik
baptisms are not held during Lent. at [phone].

 
Sacrament of Reconciliation—Oak Street Church 
Every Saturday, 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM; 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM, Junior High & High School Youth Ministry
Every Monday at 5:30 pm, or anytime by appointment. Weekly classes are held for on Monday and Thursday evenings.
In addition to Classes, we offer many other opportunities for fun

and service. All youth are welcome! For more information,

Sacrament of Confirmation contact Dan Wolff (High School) or Lisa Kendzior (Junior High)
Confirmation is celebrated in our parish by the Bishop of the in the Office of Youth Ministry at [phone].
Diocese. There is a two-year preparation for youth 8th grade or 
older. Contact the Youth Ministry office at [phone]. 
Weekly Bulletin Articles

 All articles for the Sunday Weekly Bulletin must be turned in
Friday, (9 days previous) for consideration of publication in the
Sacrament of Marriage
following Sunday bulletin. Articles should be typed for legibility
Couples planning to marry are encouraged to make and accuracy. Insertions may run for a maximum of two weeks
arrangements at least six months prior to the wedding date. consecutively. Please contact Donna Kothera, Parish Secretary,
Please contact the Pastoral Center at [phone] extension at [phone], ext. 400.
400.


Hispanic Ministry

Adult Christian Initiation Father William Tunarosa offers ministry to the Hispanics of our
If you are interested in RCIA, (Rite of Christian Initiation for Parish and of this area. Sunday Masses for the Hispanic are at
Adults) or learning more about the Catholic Faith tradition, 9:30 am AND 11:30 am in our Church on Pierson Street. Mass
please contact Father Akan Simon at the Pastoral Center (815) on Thursday evening is at 7:30 pm, AND on Saturday evening at
455-5400, ext. 403. Adults interested in receiving the Sacrament 7:00 pm. Father’s office number 815-356-0860. To schedule
of Confirmation can call the Pastoral Center [phone]. baptisms, please call Father Tunarosa at 815-356-0860.

PP aa gg ee 22
THE PASTOR’S DESK………...
My Dear People,

This is certainly a controversial story, but there are some things that we can admire and learn from in its details:

Sister Megan Rice is a member of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. She is 84 years old. She has spent much of her
40 years as a sister teaching in western Africa.

Today, Sister Megan is in prison for carrying out what nuclear experts call the biggest security breach in the history of
the nation’s atomic complex.

In February, Sister Megan was sentenced to three years in prison for breaking into the Oak Ridge nuclear reservation in
Tennessee. Sister Megan and two other activists managed to get through barbed wire, motion sensors, video cameras
and even armed guards. Once inside, they poured blood over the bunker holding bomb-grade uranium, read passages
from the prophet Isaiah, and hung signs and banners that read The fruit of justice is peace.

Before sentencing, the soft-spoken nun asked the judge:

“Please have no leniency on me. To remain in prison for the rest of my life would be the greatest gift you could give
me.”

She said she believed that God was using her and her fellow activists to raise awareness about nuclear weapons and the
critical impact their very existence has on today’s children around the world.

“This is the next generation and it is for them that we’re willing to give our lives,” Sister Megan told the court.

Sister Megan has been an anti-nuclear activist since the 1980’s and has been arrested more than 40 times. But Sister
Megan believes that her life is one of privilege. “I’ve sort of fallen heir to it. I’m grateful,” she told an interviewer.
“We (older sisters) are free as larks. We have no responsibilities — no children, no grandchildren, no jobs. So the lot of
fighting nuclear arms fell on us. We can do it. But we all do share the responsibility equally.”

In our Gospel today, Jesus tells us that if we desire to follow after Him, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross
and follow. He even says that those who desire to save their lives will lose them, and those who lose their lives for His
sake will find them.

Certainly reasonable people can disagree with Sister Megan and her actions in the story above. One wonders even if
they are prudent, breaking into such a dangerous place in the first place. But what there is to admire is her commitment
to a cause that she believes passionately in, and her willingness to even give her life for that cause.

Continuing that thought, in our Gospel today, Jesus asks us what we believe in passionately enough that we are willing
to give our lives for. He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him, assuring us that He will put His shoulder to that
cross along with ours. Each one of us has the opportunity to take on the cross in our lives — very often it is simply em-
bracing the circumstances of our daily life, “the duty of the moment.” But sometimes it is even more than that — it is
decisions or actions that may put us at odds with people but that we know are part of Christ’s call to us.

Sincerely yours, in our Lord,
P a g e 3
We are an Evangelizing Parish — called to bring the Person of Jesus Christ
to all whom we meet
Mass Intentions WORDS OF LIFE
“We find delight in the beauty and
Monday, September 1, 2014
happiness of children that makes the
NO 6:30 am and 8:30 am Masses
9:00 AM (Oak) +Algimantas Ziukas heart too big for the body.”
Kyle Manno (Special Intention) Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
6:30 AM (Oak) +The Souls of the Faithful Departed
8:30 AM (Pierson) +Lois and Phil Kirchberg
+Roger Ladd
ADORATION CHAPEL CANDLES
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
DEDICATED FOR
6:30 AM (Oak) +The Souls of the Faithful Departed
8:30 AM (Pierson) +Lucien Dominique Period August 31 thru September 13
Mark Benkert (Special Intention) W. Rinn Family
Thursday, September 4, 2014 J. Mueller Family
6:30 AM (Oak) +The Souls of the Faithful Departed Doty Family
8:30 AM (Oak) Phil and Marion Weyna (Special Whiting Family
Intention, 60th Wedding Anniv.)
+Helen Pecka
9:30 AM (PIERSON) School Students and Faculty
(Special Intention) SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Friday, September 5, 2014 Monday: 1 Cor 2:1-5; Ps 119:97-102; Lk 4:16-30
6:30 AM (Oak) +Evelyn Vander Karr Tuesday: 1 Cor 2:10b-16; Ps 145:8-14; Lk 4:31-37
8:30 AM (Oak) +Assunta Santelli Wednesday: 1 Cor 3:1-9; Ps 33:12-15, 20-21; Lk 4:38-44
+David Drew Thursday: 1 Cor 3:18-23; Ps 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6;
Saturday, September 6, 2014 Lk 5:1-11
7:30 AM (Oak) +Janet C. Johnson Friday: 1 Cor 4:1-5; Ps 37-3-6, 27-28, 39-40;
4:30 PM (Oak) Joseph F. Mueller Family Members, Lk 5:33-39
Living and Deceased Saturday: 1 Cor 4:6b-15; Ps 145:17-21; Lk 6:1-5
Sunday, September 7, 2014 Sunday: Ez 33:7-9; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Rom 13:8-10;
7:30 AM +Frank and Helen Kania Mt 18:15-20
+James L. Perrone, Jr.
9:00 AM St. Thomas Women’s Club
Members, Living and Deceased
10:30 AM +Edward Priebe
+Daniel Poli Please pray for all those in our Parish who are sick:
12:00 PM +Marjorie Baldoni Alana Subleski Sam Donnelly
Reichert Family (Special Intention) Karol Hoggatt-Maier Margaret Nedza
5:30 PM The People of St. Thomas the Mike Kraft Maria Estela Arias
Apostle Parish, Living & Deceased

Please pray for all the deceased:

SAINTLY SAYINGS:

“Truly a great and admirable mystery is If you would like Saint Jude’s Guild to pray for your loved
the resuscitation of a soul to the life of one, please contact Georgia Kostur at 815-
459-5432.
grace.” St. Bernard
P a g e 4
A GOOD READ WELCOME WITH JOY!
In his new book The Global War on Christians by We welcome to our Parish seminarian
John L. Allen, Jr. (MH Books), Allen documents Joseph Van Havermaet. Joseph will
the brutal reality of what it means to be Christians be here with us for a pastoral year and
in many countries today. In light of far too many it is a great joy to have him here. He
attacks on Christians around our world, this is an has completed two years of pre-
extremely timely book. theology at St. Mary of the Lake
Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, and looks forward
COMING SOON: to his four years of theology in preparation for priest-
NEW HYMNALS Oak St. Church hood. Welcome, Joseph! It is a joy to have you
Beginning the weekend of September 6th and with us.
7th, we will be using a new Gather Hymnal as
our primary worship and music resource. This LABOR DAY MASS
hardbound book includes many of our favorite songs and Monday, September 1, 2014
some new music for us to discover. It also includes re- This weekend we honor Labor Day and
sponses and prayers, the Order of Mass and many other the “official” end of summer. Please
rituals. During the months of September through De-
join us for our special Labor Day Mass on Monday,
cember you will have an opportunity to “designate”
September 1, at 9:00 am at the Oak Street
books as gifts and/or memorials. We will place a book-
Church to thank God for the gifts of the summer
plate on the inside cover of the Hymnal with the words,
and this new school year, and all of His goodness in
“In memory of….” or “Please pray for…..”, and in-
our lives. Please note that Monday 5:30 pm Con-
clude the names you wish on these bookplates. Your
fessions will not be held on September 1st.
donation of $20.00 will help provide for our Hymnals
and will include these names. Further information forth-
coming. R.C.I.A.
Rite of Christian Initiation of
ROCKFORD DIOCESE DEACON
Adults
INFORMATION DAYS 2014
Informal Inquiry Sessions
The meetings are open to men between the ag-
R.C.I.A. (short for Rite of Christian Initi-
es of 35 and 55 who may be interested in serv-
ation of Adults) is an official Church program that helps
ing the Church as a Permanent Deacon. Mar-
individuals become a full member of the Catholic Church
ried men must attend with their wives. Please contact
by receiving the three Sacraments of Initiation — Bap-
Msgr. Daniel Hermes, Pastor, at 815-455-5400, ext.
tism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
401, about your interest before planning on attending.

Meetings will be held from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at If you have heard of R.C.I.A. and want to learn more
the Diocesan Administration Building, 555 Colman and/or have considered joining the program; or even if
Center Drive, Rockford, IL 61125 on: Saturdays, you know of someone who is interested in and may bene-
September 13, 2014; October 25, 2014, and Novem- fit from the program, please come to one of these infor-
ber 22, 2014 . mal sessions to have your questions answered:
Sunday, August 31, at 10:00 am, Oak St. Church
Lower level (451 W. Terra Cotta Ave.);
MOM'S GROUP (Mother Mary Guild) Wednesday, September 3, at 7:00 pm, Oak St.
St. Thomas Mom's Group is for moms with pre-born Church Community Center (451 W. Terra Cotta Ave-
through kindergarten age children. Group includes a nue)

daytime group, an evening group, Bible Study, Book Club Find out what R.C.I.A. is and who it is for. Get an over-
and "Dads of the Mom's Group." Our daytime group meets view of the R.C.I.A. Program:
*topics to be covered * requirements *schedule
on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:30-11:00 AM

in the Community Room at the Oak Street Church. Our If you have any questions, please contact Donna
Kothera, Parish Secretary, at 815-455-5400, ext. 400.
first daytime meeting of the 2014-2015 year will be Sep-

tember 9th. Our first evening meeting will be Thursday, The R.C.I.A. Process will begin next Sunday,
September 7, 2014, in the lower level of the Oak
September 18th at 7 PM. All are welcome. For further in-
Street Church at 10:00 am
formation, please contact Emily Pachla at 815-455-7278 or
(following the 9:00 am Mass).
[email protected].
P PPa aag gg e ee 5 55
Parroquia Santo Tomás Apóstol /Ministerio Hispano
Dirección: 272 King St. Crystal Lake, IL. 60014 Teléfono: 815-455-5400 Línea Directa: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Coordinador: Reverendo William Tunarosa. Atiende al público: Martes, Miércoles, Jueves, y Viernes de 9:00 a. m. - 4:00 p .m.
Educación Religiosa: José Guimaray. Atención al público: Jueves 6:00 p. m. –9:00 p. m. y Sábados 1:00 p. m. –7:00 p. m.
Correo Electrónico: [email protected]
Secretaria: Esmeralda Montoya. Atención al público: Lunes, Martes, Miércoles, y Viernes de 8:30 a. m. –4:30 p. m.
Correo Electrónico: [email protected]
31 de agosto de 2014 -Vigésimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
HACER LA VOLUNTAD DE DIOS
El lenguaje de Jeremías al dirigir sus anhelos al Señor diciéndole: “Me has seducido, Señor,
y me dejé seducir por ti” (Jeremías 20:7), indica una relación muy íntima. Es una que el pro-
feta obviamente valora a pesar de los reproches y burlas que le trae. En el Evangelio, Jesús
indica un lazo similar con su Padre. A pesar del difícil reto de seguir la voluntad de Dios,
Jesús no se detiene. Dejar atrás los cuidados del mundo y los sueños, aunque sea para aceptar
el dolor y el sufrimiento, es más que un intercambio justo para hacer la voluntad de Dios. La
única manera de hacer la voluntad de Dios es ofrecer todo nuestro ser a Dios. Como san Pa-
blo escribe en la carta a los romanos: “No sigan la corriente del mundo en que vivimos, más
bien transfórmense por la renovación de su mente” (Romanos 12:2a).
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes 1 de Septiembre Día del Trabajo
Lunes: 1 Cor 2:1-5; Sal 119 (118):97-102; No grupo de jóvenes
Lc 4:16-30. No ensayo del coro
Martes: 1 Cor 2:10b-16; Sal 145 (144):8-14; No Comunidad

Lc 4:31-37 No Servicio de Oficina

Miércoles: 1 Cor 3:1-9; Sal 33 (32):12-15, 20-21;

Lc 4:38-44

Jueves: 1 Cor 3:18-23; Sal 24 (23):1bc-4ab, 5-6;
Lc 5:1-11
Viernes: 1 Cor 4:1-5; Sal 37 (36):3-6, 27-28, 39-
40;Lc 5:33-39
Sábado: 1 Cor 4:6b-15; Sal 145 (144):17-21; Lc 6:1-5 C(cid:202)(cid:189)(cid:155)(cid:145)(cid:227)(cid:131) D(cid:202)(cid:195)(cid:174)(cid:196)(cid:174)(cid:145)(cid:131)(cid:189)
PRIMER DÍA DE CLASES
Domingo: Ez 33:7-9; Sal 95 (94):1-2, 6-9; Parroquia (Oak St.) $ 39,403.88
PRIMERA COMUNIÓN,
Rom 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20 Parroquia (Pierson St.) $ 3,016.35
CONFIRMACIÓN, Y SPRED.
JUEVES 11 DE SEPTIEMBRE 6:00 P. M. RASGOS DE UN MAESTRO Actividades Parroquiales/ Ministerio Hispano
PRIMER DÍA DE CLASES R.I.C.A. Todos los que se dedican a
enseñar deben estar dotados de
SÁBADO 13 DE SEPTIEMBRE 5:00 P. M. profundo amor, de la máxima Horario Misas: Reunión Acomodadores:
paciencia y, sobre todo, de Martes 6:00 am Cuarto martes del mes 7:00 pm
EN LA PARROQUIA SANTO TOMÁS profunda humildad. El Señor los Miércoles 6:00 am Monaguillos:
hallará dignos de ser sus Jueves 7:30 pm Cuarto sábado del mes 4:00 pm
PIERSON ST. colaboradores en la causa de la Viernes 5:00 pm Cursillos de Quinceañera:
¡BIENVENIDOS! verdad. —San José Calasanz Sábado: 7:00 pm Domingos 8:30 am
Domingo: 9:30 am Grupo de Jóvenes:
Domingo: 11:30 am Lunes 7:00 pm
DOMINGO 31 DE AGOSTO DOMINGO 7 DE SEPTIEMBRE Rosario: Viernes: 12:00 pm Club de Mujeres:
Eduardo López Martín Ortiz Reconciliaciones: Sábado: 8:00 pm Estar atento a los anuncios
Marina López Teresa Ortiz O, haga su cita en horas de oficina. dominicales
Silvestre López Onésimo Rangel Unción a los Enfermos: Comunidades:
Jaime López Ángeles Rangel Favor de llamar a la oficina. Lunes: 7:00 pm
Raquel López Guillermo Rosales Cursillo Pre-Bautismal: Martes: 7:00 pm
Jesús López Noelia Reyna Primer domingo del mes 3: 00 pm Miércoles: 9:00 am
Bautizos: Viernes: 7:00 pm
Laura López Sandra Rosales
Primer sábado del mes 10:00 am Ministerio de Visitación a los Presos:
Hernán Ríos Yolanda López
Bodas: Arreglos necesarios en la ofici- Dirígete con Francisco Bañuelos
Jacobo Luna Oscar Chirinos na con 6 meses de anticipación. Práctica Coro Misa 7:00 pm:
Leticia Luna Mateo Vázquez Adoración: Sábado 5:00 pm
Juan F. Martínez Dianet Rodríguez Domingo: 10:30 -11:30 am Práctica Coro Misa 9:30 am:
Aralí Martínez José Villaseñor Viernes: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Lunes 6:00 pm
Thomas Martínez María Villaseñor Ministros Extraordinarios de la Práctica Coro Misa 11:30 am:
Jacqueline Masegosa Irma Acevedo Sagrada Comunión: Viernes 6:00 pm
2nd martes del mes 7:00 pm Intenciones de Misa y Presentación
Yomalli Masegosa Antonia Pérez
Reunión de Lectores: al Templo: 4 días de anticipación
Ninfa Adame Brian Pérez
3er martes del mes 7:00 pm (en la oficina).
P a g e 6
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
2014/2015 Ministry Handbook
Crystal Lake, Illinois
[phone]

Pastoral Center Oak Street Church
272 King St. 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176)
Crystal Lake IL 60014 Crystal Lake IL 60014
FAX: [phone] Web: www.saintthomascatholicchurch.org

Pierson Street Church Pastoral Center Office Hours
453 Pierson St. Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Crystal Lake IL 60014 Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
St. Thomas The Apostle School Sunday: Oak St. Church Office
265 King St. 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Crystal Lake IL 60014
Phone: [phone]
Web Site : www.stthomascl.org

Page A
EVANGELIZATION
Light of the World Retreat – Weekend retreats offered twice a year for all adults. Contact: JoEllen
Gregus, Ext. 404
Men’s Group – Men’s Group for all adult men, meets every Saturday morning from 8:15-9:30AM in
the lower level of Oak St. Church. Meetings include prayer, praise & spiritual edification. No need to
RSVP, just show up. Contact: John Sinski [phone] or [email protected]
Marian Devotion Group – The Friends of Mary plan events throughout the year to honor Mary, spread
her message and encourage recitation of the rosary. Contact: Jean Bianchi [phone]
Parish Library – At the Oak St. Church, carries books, videos, audiocassettes and music CD’s for pa-
rishioners of all ages.
St. Thomas Mom’s Group – Moms with pre-born through Kindergarten age children. Meets 2nd Tues-
day of each month 9:30 -11:00 AM. Also, a Friday Bible Study, Book Club and a Dads of the Moms
Group. An evening group meets monthly. Contact: Allison Mueller 815-444-6164
[email protected] or
Emily Pachla [phone] [email protected]
Elizabeth Ministry – An outreach to women in special times of motherhood, including pregnancy, car-
ing for a newborn, miscarriage, infertility and infant death. Contact: Ann Everhart [phone] or
[email protected]
Emissaries - A Parish-based evangelization inviting all Crystal Lake households, of all faith back-
grounds, to a special presentation at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Invitations will be distributed door-
to-door in pre-made door hanger bags. For more information contact JoEllen Gregus at ext. 404
Endow - is a national organization whose mission is to educate women toward a deeper, more profound
understanding of their God-given dignity and vocation as women. Join in fellowship, meeting once a
week and study the teachings of the church that pertain directly to you. Studies include John Paul II’s
Letter to Women, Humanae Vitae and many more. Contact JoEllen Gregus ext 404
That Man is You!—is a 26 week interactive men’s program focused on development of men in the
modern world. It combines the teachings of the Catholic faith and wisdom of the saints to enhance men
as Catholics, husbands, fathers and heads of their domestic church at home. Meets Saturday mornings
in the Community Center at 6:00 a.m. Contact Greg Ives at 847-338-4672 or [email protected]

LITURGY & MUSIC

Children’s Nursery – (For children ages 1-1/2 to 5 years) Available during the 10:30AM Sunday Mass
and during special events. Teens and adults welcome to serve. Contact: Melissa Talaga 815-404-1929
Extra-ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion – Assist the clergy in the distribution of Holy Com-
munion at weekend & special Masses. Training & commissioning required. Contact: Meg Struttman,
ext. 417
Lectors – Two lectors at each Mass proclaim the Scripture readings and assist with parish announce-
ments and the Prayers of the Faithful. Lectors must attend an audition. Contact: Meg Struttman, ext. 417
Ushers – Volunteers take up the collection, distribute bulletins, recruit people to carry up the gifts and
assist special needs parishioners. Contact Jan Thomas [phone] or at [email protected]
Greeter Families at Sunday Mass—Mom, dad and children welcoming parishioners at the Oak St.
Church doors. Contact: JoEllen Gregus ext. 404
Altar Servers – Boys and girls are trained each fall and include 5th grade and up. Contact: Meg
Struttman, Ext. 417.
Sacristans—Assist the priest before and after Mass on weekends and special liturgies. Volunteers are
especially needed to help on weekdays with funerals. Contact: Julie Hermann, Ext. 416
Two Hearts Adoration Chapel–(24/7 Adoration Chapel) To be an Adorer, contact: adorationchapel
@saintthomascatholicchurch.org

Page B
LITURGY & MUSIC ( CONT)
Adult Choir – A four-part chorus open to singers in High School and older, sing at the 9:00 Sunday
Mass and for special liturgies and concerts throughout the year. Rehearsal on Thursdays from 6:45 to
8:30 PM. Contact: Julie Hermann Ext. 416
Contemporary Ensemble – Music ministry for the 10:30 Sunday Mass includes vocalists and instru-
mentalists of all ages. Rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. Contact: Julie Hermann
ext 416
Children’s Choir – Open to children from grades 2 thru 8. They sing weekly at the Family Mass and at
special liturgies throughout the year. Rehearsals on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:15 pm. Contact: Julie
Hermann Ext. 416
Resurrection Choir – Volunteers who sing for funerals. Contact: Julie Hermann, Ext. 416
Family Mass – Offered during the school year in the St. Mark portion of the Community Center at 10:30
AM Sundays. Volunteers assist in planning, as gift-bearers, lectors, ushers and servers. Contact: Meg
Struttman, [phone] or Kellie Bucci, [phone], Co-coordinators
Cantors – Lead the assembly in song at all liturgies. Cantors should be members of an organized group
where musical preparation takes place. Audition required. Contact: Julie Hermann, Ext 416
Keyboard – Organ and Piano – Accompaniment for cantors and choirs at weekend Masses and special
liturgies. Qualified candidates, Audition required. Contact: Julie Hermann, Ext. 416
Instrumentalists – Band and Orchestral – Experienced band and orchestral instrumentalists that are
interested in playing for Masses and special Liturgies. Contact: Julie Hermann, Ext. 416
Handbells – Handbell Choir rings at Mass and special liturgies. Experience not required, reading music
a plus. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 5:45 to 6:45 PM. Contact: Julie Hermann Ext. 416
Environment and Art – Volunteers are workers and artists who decorate the church. Help is needed
from design, sewing, assembling Christmas trees to ironing, hammering a nail and climbing a ladder.
Meetings are held periodically through the year. Contact: Val DeLance [phone]

PARISH SERVICE GROUPS
Knights of Columbus Fr. McCormick Council #3880 – An international fraternal organization of Catho-
lic gentlemen dedicated to positive action for Charity, Unity, Fraternity & Patriotism. Knights host
monthly breakfasts, and service programs. All net proceeds go to charity. Meetings are held on the 1st
and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Contact: Scott Popp [phone]
St. Thomas Women’s Club – Open to all women of the Parish. There are numerous guilds, each
providing their own special service to our community. Funeral luncheons, running the Little Christopher
Resale Shoppe, assisting at Parish functions, are a few of these services. Meetings times & location vary
by guild. Contact: Meg Struttman Pres. [phone]
Little Christopher Resale Shoppe – (469 Lake St. — 815-459-9442) – A not-for-profit Resale Shoppe
run by volunteers (proceeds go to St. Thomas Church/School). Shoppe hours Tuesday thru Friday 10:00
am to 3:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
St. Thomas Pro-Life Ministry – The St. Thomas Pro-Life Ministry is open to doing anything that might
be needed to help support and defend life in all its stages. Contact: Kim Marry [phone]
Rainbows – Support groups for children 4-14 yrs. of age living in single-parent families, step-families or
families going thru painful transitions. Contact: Religious Education Department [phone]
Secular Franciscans – A fraternity which embraces poverty and good stewardship. All are welcome.
Contact: Lodi Mula [phone]
Funeral Luncheon Ministry – Volunteers are needed for planning, preparing food, serving, and clean-
up. A nominal fee is charged for the luncheon for family and friends of the deceased.

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PARISH SERVICE GROUPS (CONT)
Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts – Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Cub Scouts for boys ages 6-10
-- Pack meeting once a month; Den meetings weekly. Contact Mike Pachla 815-455-7278 or April Bau-
tista 815-459-1965. Boy Scouts for boys ages 11-17 and meets weekly on Monday nights. Contact Ter-
ry Redman 847-732-9606 or Dan O’Connell 815-356-1413.
Marriage Building Team - Married couples help plan and co-ordinate events for married couples with-
in the parish. Contact: Barb Ladd [phone]
American Heritage Girls – A Christian and service-based organization that focuses on building women
of integrity through service to God, family, community & country. Offered to girls ages 5 through 18.
Contact: Kate Krallitsch [phone] [email protected]
Prayer Shawl Ministry - A prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace
through the loving creations of knitted, crocheted, sewn or quilted shawls. The group meets on the 2nd
and 4th Fridays of the month. Contacts: Anna Wojcik [phone] or Anna Nenadal [phone]

OUTREACH
Jail Ministry – Jail Ministry opportunities for men —C.U.P. (Community Upholding Persons) Bible
study Thursdays 6:30 to 8:00 PM, religious counseling Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, Malachi Dads
sessions, Sundays from 5:30 to 8:30 PM . Opportunities for Women include religious counseling on
Thursday evenings and group religious services on weekends. Contact: Robert Nenadal [phone]
Communion – Bring to the Homebound, Nursing Homes and Hospitals – Trained and commis-
sioned volunteers take Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass on a weekly basis. Volunteers
must be Confirmed, in a valid marriage, widowed, single or divorced.
Crystal Lake Food Pantry – Sponsored by 19 local churches. Volunteers operate the pantry which is
open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 until
12:00 noon. St. Thomas has a monthly collection on the first Sunday of the month. Contacts: Marilyn
Georgy [phone] and Tricia Nasta [phone]
Good Samaritan Ministry – Supported by 13 local churches and individual donations, it is a financial
service to the needy in the Crystal Lake area. Volunteers are trained. St. Thomas the Apostle Parish vol-
unteers help on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM. to 11:00 AM. Contact: Anne
Benard, [phone] or Dennis Faulds [phone]
Meal Ministry to Parishioners – Volunteers provide meals on a temporary basis to families experienc-
ing difficulties. Contact: Kathy Cormier [phone]
St. Thomas Outreach Ministry – Supported by contributions from individuals and the parish tithe.
Open on Wed. and Sat. from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in an office at 469 Lake St., with voice mail monitored
daily. Volunteers staff and monitor the messages. If you are interested in volunteering two hours or more
a month please call the Pastoral Center [phone] or contact: Joan Sanders or Cathy Bondi email
[email protected]
Senior Volunteer Care Network (formerly Faith in Action) – A volunteer network of religious con-
gregations providing services to people 65 and over. Services include phone calls, visits, respite ser-
vices, shopping, minor home and yard maintenance, business help and transportation. Contact: Tom
Gelinas [phone]
Pathways to Christ Ministry — This ministry is for individuals, families and teens who wish to serve
those in need in our parish family and our community. If you would like to share your time and talents
to serve others in our parish and local community, if you or someone you know is in need, or if you are
aware of volunteer opportunities we can share with our volunteers, please contact us. Contact JoEllen
Gregus at [phone], ext. 404 or e-mail [email protected].

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