Sixth Sunday of Easter May 13, 2012

*indicates part-time staff

Nick Furibondo 898.5224 Richard Strassburger 499.5676

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 e-mail: 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. 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 Peggy Goralski – Youth Ministry, x123, pgoralski@stapostle.org Brett Adams – Coordinator of Middle School & High 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, x140, 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 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.

Today’s reading are all about love, and that’s certainly what Mother’s Day is all about! So our readings are most appropriate. I am reminded of a line in the song, “How to handle a woman” from the stage show Camelot, “...love her, simply love her” And we do..!! Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms! What we hear and see about God’s love is something heroic, sacrificial... a fountainhead of joy! People who live in love, like our moms do, who understand and follow Christ’s commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you,” find what Jesus promises.

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete!” The path to joy, divine eter-nal joy, is selfless sacrificial love. I see that modeled by sooo many people here at St. Thomas, especially our moms, and our dads! Can’t have one without the other! So the heritage of our faith is joy, sustained by love, faith, and hope. The proof of that has certainly been my experience here, and with the announcement below I want to invite all of you to the celebrations that have been

planned during my last weekend of June 1-3. You are the fruit and joy of my love, just as I know it is for our moms! Blessings and love to all,

Dear Friends,

“People who live in love…

find what Jesus

promises.”

Sixth Sunday of Easter May 17, 2012

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to

go and bear fruit. — John 15:16

See page 7 for further details!

May 13, 2012 — Page 4

Worship Commission—Liturgy & Music

Presider’s Schedule May 19/20

Saturday 4:30 pm, Fr. Dof Arty

Sunday 8:00 am, Fr. Bob Colaresi 9:30 am, Fr. Bob Colaresi 11:15 am, Fr. Dof Arty 6:00 pm, Fr. Joel Fortier

Schedule is subject to change. NOTE: The last 6:00 Mass for this season will be MAY 20 and will resume next fall!

Today’s Readings First Reading — The gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles also (Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48). Psalm — The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power (Psalm 98). Second Reading — Let us love one another, because love is of God (1 John 4:7-10) or 1 John 4:11-16. Gospel — This is my commandment: love one an-other as I love you (John 15:9-17) or Jn 17:11b-19. 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: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Jn 15:9-17 Tues: Acts 16:22-34; Jn 16:5-11 Wed: Acts 17:15, 22 — 18:1; Jn 16:12-15 Thurs: Acts 1:1-11; Eph 1:17-23 or Eph 4:1-13 [1-7, 11-13]; Mk 16:15-20 (for Ascension); or Acts 18:1-8; Jn 16:16-20 Fri: Acts 18:9-18; Jn 16:20-23 Sat: Acts 18:23-28; Jn 16:23b-28 Sun: Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26; Ps 103; 1 Jn 4:11-16; Jn 17:11b-19 or for Ascension Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47; Eph 1:17-23 or Eph 4:1-13 [1-7, 11-13]; Mk 16:15-20

A Mother’s Day Reflection My life looks nothing like a Mother’s Day ad. This time of year, the newspaper is brimming with glossy pages from local department stores showcas-ing beautiful mothers interacting quietly and peace-fully with their beautiful children. The ads often feature muted photographs with pas-tel backgrounds. Mothers throw back their heads in ecstatic laughter at the sheer joy of being in the pres-ence of their obviously gifted children. And the father (fit, tan, and back from his day at work as the presi-dent of a multinational corporation) is always looking on happily as he grills, wearing a crisp sport shirt and khaki shorts. I’m not sure what I expect out of these ads. Real-ism? A picture of my own grape jelly-stained children and me with bags under my eyes and a stringy pony-tail? From the time we are little, we have been fed a notion of motherhood that is sweet and serene and wrapped in a pink satin bow. No one mentioned to me, before I became a mother, that between my own lactating and newborn Jacob’s spit up, I would likely smell like sour milk by the end of each day. Our church sometimes adds to the myth of perfect mother, perfect child. Statues and paintings of Mary never show her in the midst of dealing with toddler Jesus in a meltdown. Yet Jesus, arguably the best sharer of all time, once had to be taught to share him-self. And Mary, perhaps exasperated after an after-noon of watching little John the Baptist and Jesus together while her cousin ran errands, was his likeli-est teacher.

It can be tempting to pretend to be that perfect mom with the perfect kids in the ad. With the right outfit and a pasted-on smile, no one has to know that your 6-year-old lies and your 10-year-old swears. But I believe that when we look at a child struggling with a particular behavior, we need to keep in mind that there are adults with that same problem. If we can help our child move beyond lying or cheating at 6 or 10 or 15, we have given that child a gift much greater than if we had just pretended everything was fine. This Mother’s Day we can take a moment to change our mindset about what good parenting “should” look like. In recognizing that change and growth necessarily arise out of difficulty, we can bet-ter embrace the parenting challenge we are dealing with right now. —by Annemarie Scobey from the pages of At Home with Our Faith

Page 5 — May 13, 2012

Pray For Our Parish

Mass Intentions Monday, May 14, 2012 8:30 †Anita Wampach, by Don & Betty Wampach †Bill Riordan, by Lucille Tuesday, May 15, 2012 8:30 †Robert Singson, by The Chew Family Wednesday, May 16, 2012 8:30 †Frank Covey, Jr., by Frank & Mary Ellen Niederman †Jerry Kurth, by Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Custer Thursday, May 17, 2012 8:30 †Will Worden, by Frank Pratt Friday, May 17, 2012 8:30 †Ben Coulter, by Family †Pat Cullen, by Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Custer Saturday, May 19, 2012 4:30 †Steve Bielaga, by The Viehl Family †Gordon Simmons, by The Myers Family Sunday, May 13, 2012 8:00 †John Easton, by Audrey Easton †Mary T. Mills, by The Chew Family 9:30 †Leona Tabaka, by The Bauler Family †Bud Plucinski, by John & Felicia Lawlor 11:15 †William Worden, by The Chew Family †Richard Gillen, by Jack Gillen 6:00 For the People of St. Thomas

SR Joel Curry SR Jeffrey Bates

Sgt. Aaron Simms Cpt. Matthew Haselhorst PFC Sean Wesley Sgt. William Stuart army

Please Pray for our Men and Women Serving in the Military Our parish community would like to recognize and remember the following individuals in prayer:

U.S. Air Force Lt. Joseph Zito Staff Sgt. Brooke Sica Airman Maxwell Dempsey

Air Force National Guard Senior Airman Jacob Brancaleon

U.S. Army PFC Sam Parrillo SPC James Abbott Richard Hill Lt. Alanna Casey Warrant Officer Aviation Kyle Zimmerman

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Kevin Martin Lance Corporal Aaron Murphy Lance Corporal Oliver Buckley Captain Brad Rothman Lt. Colin Miller-Ratcliffes

U.S. Navy AT3 Amanda Schlarman Ensign Jason Coons

U.S. Coast Guard

Call the parish office 630.355.8980 to include someone you love in the Military prayer list.

for the sick… Ron Angelotti, friend of Mary & Bob Currier Mary Doucey, sister of Ann Gerding Anne Cicciollo, friend of Barbara Kaurin Stephen Rioux, son of Ann and Jim Leann Cook, daughter of Ann and Jim Rioux Carma Sinkey, grandmother of Clay and Kathy Sander Howard James Peters, son of Elizabeth, brother of Marybeth Genevieve Hak, cousin of Jennie Sirois Anne Gebka, aunt of Kathy Smith Monsignor John Dalton David Maas, friend of Jennie Sirois Jim Kane, uncle of Ken Wallace Fred Knott, friend of Maureen and Rob Overman Phil Peters, brother of Ken for the deceased… Rita Dold, aunt of Kathy Nagel Ray Schaeffer, father of Kay Agustin Rick Drexler, cousin of Karen Borden Ruth Borja Pagkalinawan, sister of Jenny Cruz Matthew McMahon, friend of Craig & Diane Barbret

A Prayer for Mothers Good and Gentle God, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings. Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly. Give them the faithful support of spouse, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children. Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most. Amen.

May 13, 2012 — Page 6

Parish Picnic August 26 It is time to plan the St. Thomas Parish Picnic scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, August 26! Once a team is put together, a planning meeting will be scheduled. Contact Patti Dougherty 630.355.8980 ext.109 or pdougherty@stapostle.org. If we each take a small piece, a lot can happen!

Faith and Formation Commission– Adult

The first guideline the Church gives us to fol-low is about as basic as it gets. We are asked to keep holy the Lord’s Day. For Christians, the Lord’s Day is on Sunday because every Sunday is a mini Easter which recalls our Lord’s Resurrec-tion. That’s why we gather to celebrate Mass on Sunday. The Mass is our worship service, and is-n’t God deserving of our adoration and worship? We also call the Mass our Eucharistic Liturgy. The word “eucharist” means “thanksgiving” and the word “liturgy” means “the work of the people.” Our work is to give thanks and bring gratitude to the living God for all He has done and continues to do for us. The beauty of the Lord’s Day is that it was in-tended to be a day of Sabbath rest. God gives us permission to take a break from our work and our tedious routines in order to rest in communion with Him. The intention of Sabbath is to avoid those activities which might hinder the renewal of our bodies, our minds and our spirits. This phi-losophy carries over to our Holy Days as well. How are you doing with your observance of Sab-bath rest?

C.A.R.E. CORNER MEN’S ANNUAL BRATS NIGHT Save the Date: Friday, May 18 6:00 p.m. Brats and “trimmings” Speaker: Father Joel Tickets ($10) on sale THIS weekend!

THANK YOU! For supporting the youth ministry pancake breakfasts.

In supporting our pancake breakfasts, you also support the summer mission trips.

Those are life-changing experiences. Thank you for being a part of it.

Parents of Children with Special Needs A support group for married couples who are raising special needs children is held at St. Mary of Gostyn Parish in Downers Grove once a month on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The next meet-ing is on Sunday, June 10. The focus is on emotional understanding, information, and support. Interested couples should send an email inquiry to coupleswith-specialneeds@gmail.com and a group coordinator will contact them. Also, a series of six once-a-week support group meetings for all parents of special needs children is held periodically at St. Joseph Parish in Downers Grove. A commitment to attending all six sessions is required. Call St. Joseph Parish (630.964.0216).

Page 7 — May 13, 2012

SPIRIT

john angotti in concert friday, june 1, 7:30 pm

May 13, 2012 — Page 8

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

Question of the Week... How do I show love?

Faith and Formation Commission– Youth Registration for Fall Religious Education Classes (Grades Pre–K – 8th) Parishioners currently registered in the St. Thomas Religious Education program will receive a registration packet in the mail early June. If you are new to the program, please register as a parishioner at St. Thomas on Welcome Sunday, May 20, then in June, pick up a registration packet from the Faith Formation / Reli-gious Education Office. The registration fee is discounted in June, with an in-crease of fees July 1. Packets will also be available in June in the Gathering Area, on Welcome Sun-days or on line at www.stapostle.org. Contact the Religious Education / Faith Formation Office for assistance at 630.305.6318 or email Patti Dougherty, pdougherty@stapostle.org.

Scripture Safari, Vacation Bible School Scripture Safari will be held during June this summer, June 25 through 29. Scripture Safari is for parishioners entering Kindergarten through 4th grade. Youth entering 5th grade or older, may sign up to help at Scripture Safari. All forms, for youth and adult helpers, and for attendees, will be available in the Gathering Area or the Religious Education Office starting the weekend of April 14/15. Forms are taken on a first-come, first-served basis until openings are filled. Non-parishioners will have the opportunity to sign up after May 16 where there are openings. Final deadline Sunday, May 20.

Cub Scout Pack 125 St. Thomas is now the charter of Brookdale Cub Scouts Pack 125 which meets at Brookdale School. Any male youth of St. Thomas interested in Cub Scouts are welcome to belong. A Question/Answer recruitment “roundup” will be held on Friday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Brookdale School. Questions may be directed to parishioner and Cubmaster, Erick Reid, erick.g.reid@gmail.com. Religious Emblems There are several religious medals that Scouts can earn to grow in their faith, knowledge and service of God. If you have a scout interested in earning a religious medal, contact Patti in the Faith Formation/ Religious Education Office, 630.355.8980 ext. 109 for details. Evan Grove is a scout who has earned the Pope Pius Emblem, which is quite an accomplishment. Congratulations Evan on receiving this medal!

Many Help Prepare for First Eucharist The Faith Formation/Religious Education Department would like to extend their heartfelt “Thank you” in appreciation to those who have served with the formation of our children’s faith and, especially those who helped with this celebration of the Sacrament of First Eucharist.

Gratitude is extended to Kate Cuddy, our Liturgy & Music Director; Jess Allured, Assistant Director; our choirs and musicians for their beautiful music; to Theresa Sheliga and other Sacristans; to Lori Culberson, our Liturgy Co-ordinator, our Greeters and Eucharistic Ministers; to the Altar Servers; Parents and the Children. A special “Thank You” to our Pastor, Fr. Joel Fortier, Fr. Rodolphe Arty, our Associate, Fr. Bob Colaresi, and Fr. Pat Brennan (Weekend Associates); our Deacons: Michael Barrett, Jim Breen, Larry Kearney, and Will Worden ( ^ May he rest in peace with our Lord.); Tricia Serna, our 2nd Grade Coordinator; Nancy Cirmo and Marge Coronado, our Religious Education Assistants and to the following Catechists and Aides who have given of their time, love and a sharing of their faith to these First Communicants:

Wendy Balda Veronica McLaughlin Rachel Smith Sheleagh Bishop Christine Nold Breanna Sterling Amy Duran Maureen Overman Jenny Tapia Samantha Fattes Sujo Parakkal Tina Theis Wanda Fattes Tricia Serna Maureen Troke Melisa Kennedy Meg Smith Sarah Vonderheide Bridget McKernan Tami Wagener

May we all grow closer to the Lord through the gift of Eucharist. ~ Patti Dougherty

Page 9 — May 13, 2012

DuPage River Sweep: SAVE THE DATE Join St. Thomas Teens with Character at the DuPage River Sweep. The DuPage River Sweep is an effort by The Conservation Foundation to clean up debris along the DuPage River. DATE: May 19, 2012 TIME: 9 a.m.—12 p.m. Please gather at St. Thomas at 8 am. Permission forms and more information available outside Peggy Goralski’s office or by emailing pgoralski@stapostle.org. June 8 and 9! 4th Annual Youth Mission Garage Sale St. Thomas the Apostle’s teens going on mission to Aurora, Washington DC, and Nicaragua will be hosting a garage sale fundraiser and need your help! They are accepting gently used items for the sale. Smaller items will be accepted beginning Friday, May 25 and larger items (i.e. furniture, etc) the week of the sale. The garage sale will take place: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9. Spread the word! JUST5DAYS: There are still openings! WHAT is Just5Days? Just5Days is a five-day experience of service, hands-on learning activities, prayer and liturgy, and community build-ing designed for groups of middle school youth and their adult leaders from Catholic parishes and schools. Just5Days immerses middle schoolers in hands-on service to those in need as they learn about justice in engaging and exciting ways. Would you like to experience Just5Days? St. Thomas is taking a group of middle school students (students com-pleting grades 6, 7 and 8) on a Just5Days service trip to Appleton, Wisconsin during the week of July 9 through 13. If you are interested in finding out more, go to www.just5days.org contact Peggy Goralski: pgoralski@stapostle.org or 630.355.8980, ext. 123.

Youth Ministry Corner This afternoon, I had an experience that touched me deeply. Fr. Don Kenny, visiting from Ecuador, came into the building, in a hurry. I happened to be in the hall and he greeted me, and said that he needed me to do something for him. “I want you to bless me,” he said and then went on to explain that he has an important deci-sion to make. He knelt down before me and I prayed over him. For many years, I’ve admired Fr. Don, been inspired by his wisdom and the story of his life. I felt humbled that this man of God was kneel-ing down to be blest. To someone who’s been such a blessing to me, how could I possibly bless him? My answer lies in today’s Gospel. “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give you” (John 15:16). God has chosen us and appointed us to bear fruit that remains, that is to bless our world and each other. As I think about the people I come in contact with as I work here at St. Thomas…the catechists who are the lifeblood of our religious education classes, the teens who plan and attend the LIFE retreats, the middle school students who come to Teens with Character and support the service projects, the many people who are always will-ing to help…I KNOW that you have blest me. Pray that I may also bless you and that we can continue to bless each other and those with whom we come in contact. During the spring and summer, we do a lot of planning for next year’s programs. I ask your prayers for the Spirit’s guidance in this process. Remember, I’m here if you need me. Blessings, Peggy

Who: Notre Dame Vision is for all high school students (incoming high school freshmen and students completing grades 9-12). Everyone wants to know who they are and where they are going in life. Notre Dame Vision helps young people on this journey. Participants may come alone, with a few friends, or in groups of five or more. What: Notre Dame Vision is a series of 5-day conferences that includes dynamic large group experiences, reflective small group time, pro-found liturgies, and excellent music. Speakers from all across the country will break open important themes throughout the week and help participants to relate them to their own lives. Where: The University of Notre Dame is the beautiful setting for these con-ferences. When: There are four retreats in summer 2012. Week 1: June 18–June 22 Week 2: June 25–June 29 Week 3: July 9–July 13 Week 4: July 16–July 20 Information flyers can be found outside Peggy Goralski’s office. 

May 13, 2012 — Page 10

Service Commission—Outreach & Social Justice

Volunteers Needed The annual St. Thomas the Apostle mission trip to Tutwiler is fast approaching and volunteers are needed! Absolutely no construction experience is re-quired, although construction/trades knowledge is always helpful. Very capable construction leaders are on each team. All that is really required is a willing-ness to make the journey. Families with teenagers 16 or older are welcome. It has proven to be a very re-warding experience for the veterans that have helped. St. Thomas has been helping to build safe and af-fordable housing at the current location in Tutwiler, Mississippi for 15 years – St. Thomas work crews are well entrenched and respected in the community. While participants are there not only will they be part of a great Habitat mission, but will also get a chance to meet the people of the community and experience some of the local Delta culture – Tutwiler is the home of the Blues. Travel dates this year are the weeks of June 9 or 10 – 16 and June 16 or 17 – 23. For more information contact Amy Lane Kaminsky at closingsinc@sbcglobal.net or 630.918.8515.

Quarterly Diaper Drive As part of the celebration of Moms, the Pro-Life Ministry is having this year’s second Quarterly Diaper Drive the weekends of May 12/13 and May 19/20. Bring diapers and wipes and place them in the playpen in the Gathering Area. These diapers will be donated to Waterleaf Women’s Center in Aurora. Thank you for your love and generosity to these Moms!

Help save unborn lives! CAR WASH — Sunday, May 20, 1-3:30 pm Sponsored by the Waterleaf Women’s Center Teen Advisory Board Bring your dirty car to Firestone at 2888 E. New York Street in Aurora. We will make it look brand spanking new and your donation helps to promote the life-saving mission of Waterleaf!

Support the Culture of Life with Prayer

Wednesday, May 23 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Come and pray for just one hour outside the Aurora Planned Parenthood Clinic on the fourth Wednesday of the Month. That is the day that St. Thomas is asked to provide prayer --- prayer for the un-born children, for the mothers, and for the fathers. If you have not done this before and have any questions, call Mary Ellen O’Rourke (630.851.8262). The Planned Parenthood Clinic is located at the south-west corner of New York Street and Oakhurst, just east of Eola Road. It is a rewarding spiritual experience.

We are one body in Christ… even the tiniest among us.

Page 11 — May 13, 2012

Spring Cleaning? Save your Reusable Items for The St. Vincent de Paul Spring Clothing Drive. The St. Vincent de Paul collection truck

will be in the St. Thomas parking lot on May 19 and 20. Clothing and home goods of all kinds are accepted – even non-working electronics (computer equipment, monitors, fax machines, TVs, radios). Why should you save your castoffs for Saint Vincent de Paul (SVDP)? Not only will you help the environment by preventing them from going to the landfill, but some of these items will be given a new life and provided, at no cost, to those who have little. The majority of your donations will be sold in the Joliet and West Chicago stores. Some of the money received is returned to our St. Thomas SVDP ministry to help our parishioners and neighbors with rent and utilities. Vincentians will be handing out bags Mothers Day weekend, so please take a couple home to fill and return the following week!

Citizenship Workshop Thank You St. Thomas partnered with World Relief to host a Citizenship Workshop on April 28. A BIG thank you to the wonderful new volunteers of St. Thomas Church and to the wonderful not-new volun-teers who were also a part of Satur-day’s workshop in Naperville! Al-though we didn’t get the large crowd we were hoping for, I could see that every applicant that came through was touched by the kindness and dig-nity with which they were treated. You helped 34 applicants in applying for their citizenship – way to go you! Ximena Roth Citizenship Coordinator, World Relief DuPage

May 13, 2012 — Page 12

Pastoral Care

The Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach for special times of motherhood. This ministry follows the example of the scriptural story of the Visitation by bringing women together who share a similar story. We want to help welcome your new family mem-ber! If your family is expanding, through birth or adoption, please let us know and we can set up a visit with one of our ministers. Contact Rose Grumbine in the Parish Nurse Office. Call 630.355.8980 x140 or e-mail rgrumbine@stapostle.org.

In the Hospital or Homebound?

Call the parish office 355-8980 or the Pastoral Care Office x 124 and

one of our parish nurses or ministers of care will visit, bring Eucharist and prayer.

Health Ministry nurse volunteers are available after the 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass and the 8:00, 9:30 and 11:15a.m Sunday Masses next weekend for Blood Pressure Screening and Education. The screening site is the Deacon’s office, the first of-fice left as you exit the Church (West Wing). All are welcome; participants who are B/P curious, and those who are known hypertensive. Call your Parish Nurses at 630.355.8980 x104 or x140 with questions, concerns, or to schedule an-other time.

To all St. Thomas Visitors and Parishioners:

Page 13 — May 13, 2012

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

Weekly Sunday Offertory April 29, 2012 Sunday Collection Offering Automatic Direct Debit Mailed in & stock donations Total for week *Based on Collection Counters Reports

Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) to date: Weekly Average 7/1/10 to date: Offertory Goal Year to Date Over/short of goal to date: Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year goal Diocesan Appeal Updated Results Parish Appeal Goal: Pledges Received: % of Goal pledged to date: Remaining amount to goal Number of Appeal Donors:

$23,226 n/a

$4,890 $28,116

$1,584,559

$35,212 $1,650,510

($65,951) $1,870,587

$286,028

$139,177 $101,485

72.92% $37,692

534

POSITION OPEN AT ST. ISIDORE PARISH—BLOOMINGDALE St. Isidore Parish in Bloomingdale, IL is seeking an Adult Formation Director (full-time) or Co-director (2 part-time positions). The director (Co-director) fosters and promotes faith formation of the adults in the parish community. The director envisions, creates, develops, implements, facilitates, and empowers enrichment and formation experiences in collaboration with the Pas-tor, Parish Administrator, Pastoral Staff, Formation Commission, and the DEEP Team (Adult Formation Board). A Master's Degree in Pastoral Studies, Divinity, Theology, or related field is required. Qualified interested applicants please send resume and cover letter by May 15, 2012 to the attention of Tom Norton, Parish Administrator at tnorton@stisidoreparish.org or 427 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. To see the full job description please contact Tom Norton at 630-295-8330.

Life Changes? New address, telephone or email? Contact Marilyn DeMeo! 630. 355.8980 x107 or mdemeo@stapostle.org

May 13, 2012 — Page 14

Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, May 14 4:00—5:30 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00—9:00 pm Baptism Class, Senior Center 7:00—9:00 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00—9:00 p.m. Middle School R. E. Catechists, Lighthouse 7:00—9:00 p.m. Transitional Housing, Cana Tuesday, May 15 10:00—11:00 a.m. Care Pantry, Gym 7:00—9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00—9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge 7:00—10:00 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church Wednesday, May 16 7:00—9:30 p.m. PLC, Cana 7:00—10:00 p.m. Sojourners Rehearsal, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul, Senior Center Thursday, May 17 9:15—11:15 a.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 10:00am-12:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Cana 4:15—5:30 p.m. Jammers, Church 6:00—7:30 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 6:30—8:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Cana 7:30—9:00 p.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 7:30—10:00 p.m. Jubilate Rehearsal, Church Friday, May 18 9:00—11:30 a.m. Friday A. M. Bible Study, Senior Center 9:15am-12:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym 6:00—10:00 p.m. Men’s Brat Night, Lighthouse Saturday, May 19 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Saturday Sharing, Senior Center West 4:30—6:00 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening, Deacon’s Office 5:30—6:00 p.m. Ministry Sign Up, Gym Sunday, May 20 7:30—10:30 a.m. RCIA, Senior Center 8:00am-1:00 p.m. Ministry Sign Up & Donuts, Gym 9:00am-1:00 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening, Deacon’s Office 12:15—1:30 p.m. Adult Confirmation Prep, Cana 12:45—1:45 p.m. Baptisms, Church

Keynote Speaker Night Presentation Wednesday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m.

"Free Career Seminar" - Steve Olsher Our presenter is Steve Olsher, well-known author and speaker who will provide a stimulating look as to how to discover who you were born to be and its importance throughout your life. Steve has taught thousands how to discover their WHAT -- that is, the ONE thing they were born to do and tap into their unique, natural abilities. De-termining the combined skills, traits, and interests that make you distinct can lead you to your next opportunity, help in your selection of an occupation that aligns with who you inherently are, and lead you towards satisfaction and happiness. Be sure to attend this excellent presenta-tion. Steve Olsher is America’s Reinvention Expert and has taught thousands how to NICHETIZE!™ by identifying and monetizing their WHAT—that is, the ONE thing they were born to do. His singular approach for realizing per-manent, positive change blends proprietary methods with ancient wisdom and revolutionary lessons from modern thought leaders and forms a proven system for ultimate achievement in business and life. He is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Liquor.com; President of Bold Develop-ment; co-star of the groundbreaking film, The Keeper of the Keys with Jack Canfield, John Gray, and Marci Shi-moff; Author of Internet Prophets: The World's Leading Experts Reveal How to Profit Online; Founder of the Rein-vention Workshop; Host of Reinvention Radio; Author of USA Book News’ Self-Help Book of The Year Jour-ney To You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming Who You Were Born to Be; and, an in-demand media guest who has appeared on ABC TV, FOX TV, CNBC.com and more than 200 radio shows including national shows hosted by Lou Dobbs, Jim Bohannon, and Mancow Muller. Fri, May 18, 9:30 am: "Get Off Your BUTS - How to Make Progress Instead of Excuses". Are you tired of feeling like you’re always struggling to catch up, while you only wind up falling further and further behind? Tammy’s three easy-to-remember keys give you immedi-ate, actionable tools to use to begin conquering procrasti-nation and creating new habits. Tammy Cook is a life coach helping other creative spirits learn to better manage their time and energy.

Wed, May 23, 7 pm: A FREE CAREER SEMINAR. Presenter Steve Olsher, well-known author and speaker, will provide a stimulating look at how to discover who you were born to be and its importance throughout your life. Steve has taught thousands how to discover their WHAT -- that is, the ONE thing they were born to do and tap into their unique, natural abilities.

St. Thomas the Apostle JOBS MINISTRY

Summer Office Hours St. Thomas offices close at Noon on Fridays during the summer. (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

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