St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church . Naperville IL . 630.355.8980 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan 30, 2011

*indicates part-time staff

Charles Haydon 369.2262 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 Fr. Pat Brennan, Weekend Associate, pbrennan@theclareatwatertower.com Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. – Deacon, x105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane – Deacon, x220, chucklane2@juno.com Rev. Mr. Jim Breen – Deacon, 630.357.4853, jimb4853@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney – Deacon, x225, lrkearney@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett – Deacon , x220, meabarrett@att.net Liturgy Kate Cuddy – Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, kcuddy@stapostle.org Jessi Allured – Asst. Director of Music and Liturgy, x111, jallured@stapostle.org Lori Culberson – Liturgy Coordinator, x120, lculberson@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle – Liturgy Office Assistant, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga* – Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Sandy Renehan, Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy 630.961.6125 Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, crosales@stapostle.org Kevin Pranaitis – Director of High School Youth Ministry, x123, ym@stapostle.org Brett Adams – Coordinator of Middle School Faith Formation, x117, badams @stapostle.org Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, x109, pdougherty@stapostle.org Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, x118, ncirmo@stapostle.org Marge Coronado – Religious Education Assistant, x219, mcoronado@stapostle.org Anne Schultz – Adult Faith Formation Assistant, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Lynne Vehlewald* – Librarian, x125, library@stapostle.org Outreach and Social Justice Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, mryder@stapostle.org Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Sally Meno* – OSJ Financial, x137, smeno@stapostle.org Pastoral Care Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. – Faith Community Nurse, x104, flawlor@stapostle.org Rose Grumbine*, R.N., – Faith Community Nurse, x104, rgrumbine@stapostle.org Administration Janet Simmons – Finance/Business Officer, x106, jsimmons@stapostle.org Diane McQueen – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Kathy Ferguson – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Marilyn DeMeo* – Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Pat Berkhout – Evening/Saturday Receptionist, x119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle – Bulletin Editor, Graphic Design, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Susan Francesconi* – Welcoming Ministry, x108, sfrancesconi@stapostle.org Bob Hartmann Facility Manager, x133, facility@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community John Ball 630.554.0687 Christine Berta 579.4294 Pam Foster 699.3044 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 — 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., and 6:30 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 305-6318 to register. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call the church at 355-8980. Counseling Service Call Samarian Interfaith 357-2456 or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 355-8980 x 124. Sunday Nursery Nursery care is available for your child age one (walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office.

Education, from the Latin educere, means to be led, or to be drawn out. This is Catholic Educa-tion Week, (used to be called Catholic Schools Week), and so we celebrate how we are all being led, how we continue to come to know God, our-selves and the meaning of life. We all have a natural curiosity, we see it most clearly in children, they are curious and want to know about everything. It’s a beautiful thing, this

curiosity and desire to know. We must never stymie that curiosity, but build on it as we seek to educate our children and ourselves. It is our responsibility to lead them, and ourselves to the full knowledge of God, our world, and God’s plan for us. God desires to do that. In today’s Gospel reading we come to the familiar and beautiful beatitudes — our reminder that

whatever our present circumstance, God has more to offer. These promises characterize the coming of the kingdom of heaven as proclaimed by Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel. “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” This is the goal we have for our students at All Saints Catholic Academy, for the children and young adults in our St. Thomas Religious Education classes; and, indeed, for all of us — children and adults alike — in various stages of faith formation; that we can, first, foster the hunger and thirst for righteousness, and then provide the environment and opportunity to satisfy that hunger and thirst. We have many such opportunities here at St. Thomas coming up in the days ahead as we move towards Lent. We celebrate Catholic Educa-tion as Companions on the Journey — a journey of coming home … to our hearts where God dwells.

United with you in the journey,

Dear Friends,

Welcome Guests and Visitors!

We’re so glad you’re here and in-vite you to walk the path of faith with us. Our goal is to provide a spiritual home where all are wel-come, where the healing, reconcil-ing, liberating love of God flows through us to all people. We believe the church is the sacrament of God’s saving presence in the world.

Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us in the gym for Welcome Sunday after the following Masses: TODAY! Sunday, Jan 30: 9:00 and 10:45am

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 30, 2011

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

— Matthew 5:3

“Blessed

are they who hunger

and thirst...”

Jan 30, 2011 — Page 4

Worship Commission

Eucharistic Minister Training — There is training for New Eucharistic Ministers on Sunday, February 13, at 12:00 pm. Please let Lori Culberson in the Liturgy Office know if you are interested and will be attending. Presentation of Gifts — The gifts of bread and wine are brought forward to become the body and blood of Christ…but we also bring ourselves and our own needs forward at this time. Bringing up the gifts is a won-derful way to celebrate an anniversary, a life, a birthday or the death of a loved one. The book is available in the Narthex. Can’t find it? Ask the Host Greeters for their help to sign up. Host Greeters — We are in need of host greeters, especially at the 4:30 pm Mass. If you are interested in being a vital member of this ministry, please contact Lori Culberson in the Liturgy Office.

Wedding Workshop The next music and liturgy workshop to help couples choose music and prepare their wedding mass or ceremony will be held next Saturday, February 26 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon in the Church. All couples who will be wed at St. Thomas must attend one of these workshops which are held several times throughout the year. This workshop should not be confused with the Engaged Couples Retreat Day, which couples must also attend. After February 26, the next workshops are scheduled for April 9 and September 17. Contact Diane in the Main Office at 630.355.8980x101 or dmcqueen@stapostle.org to register.

Voices in the Hall 2011 On Friday, January 14, Kate, Jess, and a few members of the music ministry participated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Our good friend, John Angotti, with his band and featured artists Paul Tate, Bobby Fisher, and Meredith Dean Agustin, performed to a nearly sold-out audience with 350 voices from around the country to back him up. Kate played keyboards, Jess played flute, and our choir mem-bers were conducted by Stephen Petrunak, a recording artist and choral director from Michigan. It was a thrilling experience for all of us. While there, we were given a tour of New York City, breakfast at Sardi’s Restaurant, and many of us caught a show or two in the evenings. We were so proud of John, and we were so grateful to be a part of it.

Reach Out… Get Involved!

Page 5 — Jan 30, 2011

Pray For Our Parish

Mass Intentions Monday, January 31, 2011 8:30 †Felipe Rivera, by Marguerite Vine Wednesday, February 2, 2011 8:30 †Rose M. Lopez, by Martha Lopez Thursday, February 3, 2011 8:30 †Thomas G. Simonelli, by Fr. Joel Fortier Friday, February 4, 2011 8:30 †Catheine Kenny, by The Meno Family †David Wittry, by Helen Wittry Saturday, February 5, 2011 4:30 For the People of St. Thomas Sunday, February 6, 2011 7:30 †John Bowden, by Fr. Joel Fortier †Aurelio Lopez, by Amy DeGuzman 9:00 †Margaret Becker, by Rich & Terry Becker †Ed Zamarelli, by The Peebles Family 10:45 †Patrick Moriary, by The Meno Family †Anthony Rizzi, by Family 6:30 Special Intention for Sr. Pat Kolas, by Jane Ragel

for the sick… Faith Paroski, daughter of Bob & Donna Andrew Hanyzeski husband of Elaine Terry Gallagher, friend of Bill Dougherty Geneieve & Joseph Hadamik, Great Aunt & Uncle of the Szczap Family Jim Willis, friend of Bob & Brian Patrick Rockwitz, son of Linda Isabelle Mazur, sister of Loretta Rejman Gerry Plourde, mother of Jackie Justin Miles, son in law of the Curriers Mary Currier, wife of Bob for the deceased… Ben Wilkinson, student from Marmion High School Judy Shaver, friend of Kay Agustin Mary Louise Mullinix, friend of Bev Phelan William Waller, father of Randy

Today’s Readings First Reading — You humble of the land, seek jus-tice and humility, and the Lord will be your protection (Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13). Psalm — Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs! (Psalm 146). Second Reading — God chose the weak of the world, those who count for nothing, so that whoever boasts should boast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). Gospel — Jesus taught from the mountain: Blessed are the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:1-12a). Readings for the Week Mon: Heb 11:32-40; Mk 5:1-20 Tues: Heb 12:1-4; Mk 5:21-43 Wed: Mal 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 [22-32] Thurs: Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Mk 6:7-13 Fri: Heb 13:1-8; Mk 6:14-29 Sat: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Mk 6:30-34 Sun: Is 58:7-10; Ps 112; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16

May God go before you To show you the right way. May God be beside you To wrap you in his arms And protect you. May God be behind you To keep you safe From the treachery of evil persons. May God be beneath you To catch you when you fall And pull you out of the trap. May God be within you To comfort you when you are sad. May God surround you To defend you, When others attack you. May God be above you to bless you. Blessed be the God of Goodness. From Germany and Switzerland

Presider’s Schedule—Feb 5/6 Saturday 4:30 pm Fr. Bob Colaresi Sunday 7:30 am Fr. Dof Arty 9:00 am Fr. Joel Fortier 10:45 am Fr. Joel Fortier 6:30 pm Fr. Don Kenney

* Presider schedule is subject to change.

Jan 30, 2011 — Page 6

Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission

The Acts of the Apostles reports that after His cru-cifixion, the followers of Jesus numbered around 120 (Acts 1:15). The remaining 11 disciples were clearly seen as the leaders of this group. One new witness by the name of Matthias was selected to replace Judas (Acts 1:21-22 and 26). These 12 took it upon themselves to oversee and enlarge their group of followers. Up to that point, everything probably seemed manageable: 12 leaders for 120 followers is a reasonable ratio. But then everything changed at Pentecost (Acts 2:41). In one day, 3,000 new followers were added to the cause. Believers in Jesus now included Jews from every nation who spoke multiple languages. Diversity can make things interesting, but it also adds some new challenges. Such a sizeable group can no longer be managed by only 12 leaders. All these new disciples had to be taught about Jesus, about the sacraments and the faith He had preached. They had to be taught the pattern of wor-ship services and included in the Eucharistic cele-brations. Religious practices had to be monitored to keep everyone on the same track. More leadership was essential. So what happened?

C.A.R.E. CORNER

St. Thomas Soul Searchers Soul Searchers will meet once a month to explore and discover truths in Edith Stein’s The Science of the Cross: “…it is only by beginning with God that it is possible to understand what spirit is; however, that means that spirit is a mystery that constantly attracts us because it is the mystery of our own being.” Born in 1891 to a German Jewish family, she received a doctorate in philosophy, supported women’s issues and wrote several books. She converted to Catholicism in 1922 and entered the Carmelite Convent of Cologne in 1934 to become Sister Teresa Benedicta. This book, a tribute to St. John of the Cross, remained unfinished because the Gestapo arrested her in 1942 and transported her to Auschwitz where she was gassed to death. Stein was beatified in 1987 as a martyr. Chapters 11-12. pp. 133-152 will be discussed. The next meeting of Soul Searchers is Saturday, February 12 from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. in the Rectory Basement. The text is available at the Carmelite Center in Darien and on the website: www.icspublications.org. Deacon Will and Mary Maloney are group leaders. Come whenever your schedule allows to enjoy a thought provoking experience. All are welcome to attend this monthly discussion group.

Did you misplace your family Bible? A lovely leather-bound bible in a leather case has been found in the church. It has obviously been much loved and well used. Please call or stop in the general office to claim this beautiful bit of family history.

All Saints Catholic Academy Raffle All Saints Catholic Academy will be selling cash raffle tickets the week-end of February 5-6. The

ticket sales benefit the school's Dinner Dance Auction, held on March 12. First prize is $2,000, 2nd prize is $1,000 and 3rd prize is $500. The winners need not be present. The cost per ticket is $20. Thank you for your support.

Page 7 — Jan 30, 2011

Seek—Pray—Find...The Divine Within Join us for a Women’s Weekend!

WHO? Women of St. Thomas and their friends, sisters, cousins and neighbors.

WHAT? A WONDERFUL, joyful, spirit-filled weekend!

WHEN? Feb 18~20, 5pm Friday to noon Sunday

WHY? “To reconnect with God, myself and other women” (quote from a 2009 participant)

WHERE? Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien

It’s all planned by women for women for healing, growth, quiet time,

communion and peace. GREAT meals, small groups, optional yoga, mas-sage, art therapy, calming atmosphere and Fr. Bob Colaresi’s wisdom.

We’d love to have you come ~ Join us!

The Incredible Adventure of Marriage Join other couples from the area as the Inter-Parish Marriage Enrichment Team presents their Fourth An-nual Conference, “The Incredible Adventure of Mar-riage: Living the Vision and Enjoying the Ride” at the Krasa Center of Benedictine University on Saturday, March 12, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Presenters George and Judy Clark of Plano, Texas, have served in the field of marriage and family ministry for over 30 years and have been married 47 years. Come enjoy their adventures and yours! Tickets are $30 per couple. Registration fliers are located in the Gathering Area.

School of Prayer Monday, February 7 — Led by Bev Phelan Spiritual Director Bev Phelan will be the guide for the next School of Prayer offering in the Senior Center from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, February 7. “Companions in Prayer on the Journey” will provide you with an experience of connectedness and support, empowering you to pray with and for others. As we travel through life, it is comforting and encouraging to have someone pray with us for our joys and sorrows, hopes and con-cerns for physical, emotional and spiritual wellness for ourselves and others.

Feeling the urge to put on your dancin’ shoes? Got a wedding coming up? Or just want to beat the winter blahs? Learn or brush up on your steps at the dance lessons be-ing offered on Thursdays, February 17 and 24 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the St. Thomas Auditorium by Diana Gia-russo, a professional instruc-tor. At only $20 per couple, they’re quite a bargain (and would make a terrific Valen-tine’s Day gift!).

To register, contact Chari Rosales at 630.355.8980 x138 or crosales@stapostle.org.

Jan 30, 2011 — Page 8

All Saints Football Are you ready for football? Mark your calendar for our open house! If you are a FOOTBALL PLAYER and…. � You will be in 4th through 8th grade in the

2011/2012 school year. � You attend All Saints Catholic Academy OR you are

a member of the St. Thomas, St. Elizabeth Seton, Holy Spirit or St. Margaret Mary parishes.

� You want the challenge and excitement of playing travel football.

Then come and find out more at the information and registration open house event. When: Sunday, February 13 Time: 1 PM to 5 PM Where: Ashbury Clubhouse, 3403 Lawrence Drive, Naperville, IL 60564 Stop by and meet the coaches, learn about our pro-gram philosophy, learn about the competitive Catholic Grade School Conference of Chicago, and ask any questions you might have about our program, the league, and eligibility.

First Graders in Religious Education Classes to Visit Church First Graders will have a church visit instead of their regular scheduled Religious Education class. Please make a note that they go to St. Thomas on Tuesday, February 1 / Saturday, February 5. Students may be dropped off and picked up in the Church narthex. Family Prayer Service for 1st Eucharist The next Family Prayer Service for families of First Communicants is Thursday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. The focus of this service is “Listening to God’s Word” and will last approximately 30 minutes. Families who missed the first Prayer Service and were unable to present their child as a Candidate for First Communion, may stay after to formally enroll their child. Questions may be directed to the Faith Forma-tion / Religious Education Office, (630)305-6318.

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

Question of the Week...

Can you name your blessings? Think about the Beatitudes as you do.

Religious Education Catholic Education Week Catholic Education Week is celebrated the week of January 30. Our parish will celebrate this at week’s end at the 9:00 mass on Sunday, February 6. We invite those who attend catholic schools (Elementary through High School) to wear their uniforms to this mass and to be in the Entrance Procession. Interested parishioners are invited to attend our school’s Open House, All Saints Catholic Academy, on Sunday, January 30 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. or on Wednesday, February 2 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. The school (Pre-school 3 through Grade 8) is located at 1155 Aurora Avenue in Naperville. Enter Door #1 or #7. Please contact our school with questions concern-ing the Open House, 630-961-6125, www.ascacademy.org. Can You Be the Pack Leader of Lions and Tigers and Bears? The St. Thomas Vacation Bible School, Scripture Safari, will be held June 13 through June 17, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Scripture Safari is for children entering Kindergarten through 4th grade. Youth entering 5th grade or older may sign up to be helpers at Scripture Safari, on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in being an adult leader in the classroom, contact the R.E. Office, 630.305.6318. There is a nursery for younger children of volunteers who help the whole week. Sign up to be a leader of those Lions and Tigers and Bears! Oh my!

Register for the 2011 Season at the Open House! There will be registration forms on hand, so bring your checkbook! For more information about the Open House or the All Saints Football Program, contact Frank Ribaudo at 630.853.5397. You can also email Frank at info@ascafootball.com. We look forward to seeing you on February 13!

Page 9 — Jan 30, 2011

High School Youth Ministry

Upcoming Dates:

Jan 30 Quest Night for Sophomores and Juniors (5pm) Parent Mission Trip Info Meeting (5pm, Gathering Area)

Feb 13 Eucharistic Ministry Training for So’s & Jr’s, 12pm Junior CONFIRMATION REHEARSAL 1pm, Sanctuary Quest Night for Sophomores (5pm) Mission Trips 2010-2011 Today’s readings tell us about a possibility IF we serve God: “You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing” (Isaiah 8). God can truly work miracles, are willing to help? What better way this summer to help bring joy to others than doing a mission trip? Last year we sent over 50 people on mission trips. This year we are going to: Chicago, Mississippi, Nicaragua, Haiti, and either Hopkins Park or St. Nicholas. Let’s hit 100 participants! If you went last year and want to go again, don’t wait, these spots are filling quickly. Mission trips applications are out-side my office. Deadline extended to Jan 31 (or until trips fill) Parent info meeting is Jan 30th at 5pm in Gathering Area (i.e. during Quest). More information, applications, vid-eos, etc can be found on the Youth Ministry webpage under “Missions” (http://ym.stapostle.org). Ski Trip Feb 25 Forms outside Kevin’s Office

St. Joseph’s Table: Save the Date – March 19, 2011 Continuing with tradition, our parish will host a St. Joseph’s Table on Saturday, March 19, St. Joseph ’s Day. This celebration is a wonderful Italian tradition of opening our doors and hearts to the poor and hungry. All who are interested in helping out with this dinner, are encouraged to email Joe Cuzzone at St.JosephTable@yahoo.com to be part of the planning. Join in to honor St. Joseph and to support those in need in our area.

Middle School Ministry Wants to Hear Your Voice! Please visit the following link to complete a brief, 8-question sur-vey for adults, about our ministry programs and offerings for middle school youth: www.surveymonkey.com/stamiddleschoolministry Adults with or without middle school youth either enrolled in our programs or not, are both welcomed and encouraged to participate in this survey. With the information collected, we will be able to better serve the needs and goals of middle school youth and their families in the coming months and years ahead! Your insights and opinions are truly invaluable and would be sincerely appreciated! Thank you!

Brett Adams Middle School Ministry Coordinator

Your Family is invited to… Stay, Pray and Play!

Join us in the St. Thomas gym 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays: February 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8. Open gym playtime for children, ages newborn through school age, accompanied by parent or guardian. Bring a snack for your children. Refreshments for adults will be provided. Prayer time included! Contact parishioners Gina wleHoy (708-692-3338), Michelle Krzmarzick (michellekrz15@gmail.com) or the Faith Formation Office (630.305.6318).

We begin the celebration of Catholic Education Week at the end of January. This is one of the ways the church affirms its commitment to children. The Catholic education exist to assist the parents in their duty of passing on their faith to their children. Catholic Education assist and support the parents in their vocation as parents. The par-ents are the primary teachers of their children and their actions are the prime examples the children witness.

Catholic Education

Week

Jan 30, 2011 — Page 10

Father Don & Quito Barrio Outreach St. Thomas has sent youth mission teams to Quito for a number of years. St. Thomas has become a founding member of Quito Barrio Outreach, a consortium of local parishes and other organizations founded to support Father Don Kenny’s mission work and vision for the Quito Barrio. If there is enough interest, a St. Thomas Quito Barrio Ministry will be formed. If you have an interest in being involve or would like more information, please contact the OSJ Office (Mike – mryder@stapostle.org, 630-355-8980 x121).

Fr Don Kenny, former St Thomas pastor, will be making an appeal the weekend of February 5/6 for his Quito Barrio Outreach mission. Fr Don has been ministering in Quito for over 8 years. In that time his mission work has built a medical clinic, a soup kitchen, a day care center, and more - helping to enhance the lives of the poor in Quito. His newest mission project is to improve the quality of water in the Barrios surrounding Quito via installation of water purification systems - samples of which will be on display after masses Feb 5/6. The goal of Fr Don's mission work is to build self-sustainability, initially providing time, treasure, and talents of those from St Thomas (and other surrounding parishes). Once facilities and operations are up and running, they will be migrated to the Ecuadorian people. Please consider extending your time, treasure, and/or talent to Fr Don's mission work - for additional information visit www.QuitoBarrioOutreach.org

Evening of Hope: Waterleaf Women’s Center, a local pregnancy resource center, is holding an “Evening of Hope” benefit featuring international recording artist, Tajci (Tatiana). Many of you will remember her performance at St. Thomas.

Sat, Feb 5, 2011 at The Abbington Rt. 53 & Butterfield Rd., Glen Ellyn, IL 6:00 PM Cocktails, 7:00 PM Dinner

Tickets: $30 per person or $240 for a table of eight. Reservations are required. RSVP at www.waterleafwc.org or call 630.701.6270.

Income Tax Preparation Assistance … for families with incomes of less than $50,000 and individuals with incomes less than $25,000. Opens January 29 at Waubonsee Community College. 5 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM … for families with incomes under $60,000 Opens on Feb 11 at Naperville Loaves & Fishes 1871 High Groce Lane, Naperville Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM Pick-up a flyer in the Gathering Area or visit www.stapostle.org for detailed information.

• Soup • Ramen Noodles • Crackers • Mac-n-Cheese • Cereal

February Food Collection Next Weekend — Feb 5/6

Items especially needed are:

• Pasta Sauce • Jiffy Mix • Brown Rice • Jell-o • Toilet Paper

As part of your offering, please bring your gift of food to the altar when the gifts of bread and wine are brought forward.

If you can’t bring food to Mass next weekend, bring it whenever convenient… just leave it outside the Out-

reach Office or in the Gathering Area.

Caring is thinking with your heart!

FEBRUARY KIDSKARE Ask if there is a chore you can do during the week- shovel snow perhaps-to earn 3 rolls of Toilet Paper

to bring to the altar when you come to church Saturday or Sunday.

Thank You!

Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice

Page 11 — Jan 30, 2011

Just Matters 2011 God’s Creation Cries for Justice Last Week to Register! Beginning on Monday, February 7, St. Thomas will be offering the Just Matters series, “God’s Creation Cries for Justice”, focusing on our Catholic Social Teaching related to caring for the earth and all of its inhabitants. There will be eight sessions over 11 weeks, facilitated by Mary Ann Rempe. She provides an ideal environment for conversation and shared wisdom. If you are inter-ested in learning more about Catholic Social Teaching and God’s Creation, contact our Out-reach and Social Justice Office (Mike or Anne) 630.355.8980, mryder@stapostle.org.

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Post abortive women and men are encouraged to attend the Rachel Vineyard Weekend Retreats held twice yearly at the St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center. The next scheduled retreat will be held February 11 – 13, beginning Friday evening at 6:00 PM and continuing through Sunday early afternoon. Contact Kay at (1.866.99-4-GIVE (4483)) for additional information. Registration brochures are available on the Joliet Diocesan Website: http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/life/documents/RachelVineyardBrochure.pdf Looking for Employment? Our Jobs Ministry Could Help! …..Recently another participant in our Jobs Ministry landed a job after 14 months of searching. He was a regular participant in our Jobs Ministry. How did he find his job? A fellow job seeker at the Jobs Ministry sent him the lead in an email

Thanks so much for the help and hope you gave me. I appreciate it. I met a lot of seekers that all helped each other and formed accountability groups. This was the best way to stay motivated to keep searching.

How did he find his job? A fellow job seeker at the Jobs Ministry sent him the lead in an email. See information about our St. Thomas Jobs Ministry on page 14.

Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Thank You

Once again I am profoundly grateful to St. Thomas the Apostle Church for their tre-mendous generosity not only with the abun-dant deliveries of turkeys and hams this holiday season, but their continued support of the food pantry each month. This year we mourn the loss of our founder, my friend, Marie Wilkinson. Marie called the people at St. Thomas true saints and an inspiration to all of us of unconditional charity. This year two of your parishioners stayed to dis-tribute turkeys at Thanksgiving. We always experience kindness from the people who tirelessly collect and deliver all of the food, but this year we worked side by side with two women from St. Thomas who also ex-emplified cheerful service. For all of you we are deeply thankful. Especially this year, your generosity not only pays tribute to our founder, but reaffirms your continued com-mitment to the hungry of Aurora. We pray St. Thomas receive many blessings this coming New Year!

Director – Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry

Jan 30, 2011 — Page 12

To all wise and curious parishioners: The Health Ministry volunteers are available after the 4:30 pm Sat-urday Mass and the 7:30, 9 and 10:45 Sunday Masses next week-end for Blood Pressure Screening and Education. The screening site is the Deacon’s office, the first office left as you exit the Church (West Wing).

Pastoral Care

“Save the Date” for the next

BLOOD DRIVE Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 3-7:30 pm

Counseling Service: Call Samaritan Interfaith 357-2456

or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 355-8980 x 124

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Family-to-Family Support Group St. Thomas the Apostle Church is happy to announce the start-up of a NAMI Du Page “Family to Family” Support Group beginning Monday, February 7, 2011. If you have a loved one who is dealing with Mental Illness, this support group is for YOU…Parents, Spouses, Siblings, Partners, Caretakers – are all invited. NAMI Certified Trained Facilitators will lead this support group on the FIRST & THIRD MONDAY of each month, beginning in February. Confidentiality is assured, as we offer you a place to come to share your story, and learn about coping with a loved one who is struggling with Depression, Bi-Polar, or any of the myriad of Mental Illnesses you may be faced with daily. NAMI offers HOPE for the caretakers – YOU! Please plan to join us in the Youth Center on Monday February 7, 2011 at 7 pm. There is no cost, and information folders, literature, and many learning tools will be provided. We hope to see you, as we know all caretakers are in need of a place to gain some understanding and solace. Our meeting time will always be 7-8:30pm. If you need a place to talk and share your story, we welcome you to join us! National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI Du Page) is proud to offer this in our faith community.

Support for Family Members of Individuals with Mental Illnesses

First and Third Mondays 7-8:30 pm

St. Thomas the Apostle Church 1500 Brookdale Road Naperville, IL 60563

Call 630-752-0066 for more information What You’ll Find at NAMI Friends who care and understand ~ Ideas that can help you take care of yourself and your family ~ A chance to share your experience and learn from others ~ Information about brain disorders, treatment and services Help ~ Hope ~ Healing.

You are not alone!

www.naimidupage.org

Page 13 — Jan 30, 2011

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HELP! We need somebody. HELP! Not just anybody.

HELP! we need someone like you… We’re looking for smiling faces and pleasant, welcoming personalities to volunteer at the reception desk on a regular shift or as-needed basis. The volunteer job includes greeting and helping the public and parishioners when they come to St. Thomas as well as answering phones and light clerical work as needed. Consider sharing the valuable gift of your time with your St. Thomas community! Call Kathy 630.355.8980x100. Training provided as needed.

Last Weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts...

Weekly Sunday Offertory Jan 23, 2011 (week 30) 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:

$18,968 $21,580 $1,898

$42,446

$1,073,067 $35,769

$1,072,170 $897

$1,858,400 $785,333

$142,782 $109,202

76.48 $33,580

624

Stewardship: It’s a way of Life

Jesus gave us the Beatitudes to help us under-stand more fully the values we are to live by as his followers. They encourage us to live in the way counter to the world's standards; a way exemplified by Jesus, himself. When we live as stewards, living as Jesus taught, we are truly blessed, and our reward will be great in heaven.

To: All that volunteer their time and talent in a St. Thomas Ministry

You are invited to a morning of reflection and re-newal

How do we sustain our awareness of God within us? Fr. Pat Brennan will help us answer that question.

Saturday, February 12, from 8:30 AM to Noon. A hot breakfast will be served.

Please RSVP by February 7, to Rose Grumbine 630.355.8980 x 140 or rgrumbine@stapopstle.org.

Day of Renewal God withIN us

Jan 30, 2011 — Page 14

Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Gym

Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, Jan. 31 4:15—5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. The Mass Part I, Chapel 7:30—9:00 p.m. Life Community Night, Youth Center Tuesday, Feb. 1 3:00—7:30 p.m. Blood Drive, Gym 4:30—5:45 p.m. 1st grd. R. E. Church visit, Church 4:30—5:45 p.m. R. E. Classes at Brookdale School 7:00—9:00 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Judea Wednesday, Feb. 2 6:00—10:00 p.m. ALPHA, Lighthouse 11:00am-2:00 p.m. CNS Parish Nurse Mtg, Lighthouse 7:00—9:00 p.m. Administration Committee, Galilee 7:00—9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00—9:30 p.m. Sojourners Rehearsal, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul, Senior Center West Thursday, Feb. 3 9:!5—11:15 a.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 4:15—5:30 p.m. Jammers, Church 6:00—7:15 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. Baptism Preparation Session, Lighthouse 7:00—8:30 p.m. Teens with Character Advisor Mtg., Youth Center 7:30—9:00 p.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center Friday, Feb. 4 9:00—11:30 a.m. Bible Study, Senior Center 9:!5am-12:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym Saturday, Feb. 5 8:30—9:45 a.m. 1st grd R. E. Church visit, Church & Gathering Area 8:30—11:45 a.m. R. E. Classes at All Saints 8:30—9:45 a.m. 5th Grade Reconciliation, Church 8:45am-5:15 p.m. Marriage Prep Retreat Day, Lighthouse 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Art Class, Senior Center 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Saturday Sharing, Resource Center 10:15—11:15 a.m. Rainbows, Ministry Center 10:30—11:45 a.m. 1st grd R. E. Church visit, Church & Gathering Area 5:30—6:00 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening, Deacon’s Office Sunday, Feb. 6 7:00—10:00 a.m. RCIA, Senior Center 8:30am-1:00 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening, 9:00—11:45 a.m. Liturgy of the Word with Children , Ministry Center 10:45—12:30 p.m. 4th/5th Grd. Mass & Reception, Church & Gath Area 12:30—1:30 p. m. Baptism, Church

Keynote Speaker Night February Presentatioin Wed, Feb 23, 7:00 pm: Who Were YOU Born to Be? presented by Steve Olsher Imagine being on the brink of losing everything you’ve worked for decades to attain. Couple this with sitting bedside next to someone you love who is on the verge of dying and having a vision of your own funeral where the words being spoken graveside are: “Here lies _____ who dedicated his (or her) life to chasing the almighty dollar.” As these words are spoken, you realize that your life to that point was all about you and those closest to you and that your existence would have zero im-pact on anyone outside of your restricted circle. As you feel your soul tremble, you hear the most impor-tant question you’ve ever been asked. This question, and its life-changing answer, inspires you to shift your life 180 degrees towards a life of service that not only makes an inordinate difference in the lives of those that walk the Earth with you, but also of those in lifetimes to come. This is your chance to heed the inherent blueprint that already exists within you. This is Steve’s story. And through his award-winning writing and renown presentations and Work-shops, he helps others live powerfully, live on-purpose, and identify their WHAT—the one thing they were born to do—and create a step-by-step plan of action for bringing their WHAT to fruition. Who Were You Born To Be? is an inspiring, interac-tive, life-changing presentation that will teach you how to leverage proven shortcuts and strategies of the successful to create happiness and fulfillment now, identify your WHAT, and help you move powerfully towards a lifetime of contribution.

BIO: Steve Olsher is “America’s Reinvention Expert.” A successful entrepreneur who has applied his street smarts, business acumen, and communication skills to a wide range of endeavors, he is the founder of the Reinvention Work-shop, host of Reinvention Radio, as heard on 1100 AM KFNX in Phoenix, Arizona, and author of USA Book News’ 2010 “Self-Help Book of The Year” Journey To You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming Who You Were Born to Be. Steve lives in Chicago with his wife, Lena, and their three sons, Bobby, Isaiah and Xavier—who re-mind him every day why his motto is “Let Love Rule.”

Fri, Feb 4, 9:30 am: Jack Chapman, owner of Lucrative Careers Inc., presents "5 Blockbuster Ideas in Getting Your Job & Getting Paid What You Deserve". From 30 years of career management practice Jack has accumulated approaches and ideas that really work. Call it Critical Knowledge. It can cut job search time in half. Jack will share some of these ideas from his courses/webinars. Fri, Feb 11, 9:30 am: Tony Bellagamba, owner of Bell Consulting, an employment consulting firm, presents “Faith, Attitude, and Process". This is a 3 part approach to achieving the job you desire. Faith-God gave us all gifts; it's our job to realize and use them. Attitude - must have a winning attitude, "I WILL get this job". Process - A proven, systematic approach to finding employment. Anything is possible....his goal is to prove it to you.