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St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Oberammergau, Germany
Talk straight to God, and talk about everything. Excerpt from “The Little Black Book”
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Mission Statement : The Roman Catholic Saint Thomas More Parish Family welcomes and invites every person to join us on our journey in faith and celebration. With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all, especially in loving service to those in need.
As part of the Universal Church, we affirm the dignity of every person. All this we do to give glory and honor to God.
Pastoral Staff Pastor .......................... Reverend Michael J. Yadron, KCHS; Ext. 312 [email protected] Associate Pastor ......................... Reverend Jordan C. Fetcko; Ext. 314 [email protected] Senior Deacon............................................ Dr. Napoleon Tabion, OFS Deacons ................................................................ David Kapala, KHS ............................................................................ Joseph Stodola, KHS ......................................................................... Daniel Zurawski, KHS Director of Finance ........................................ Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Pastoral Care Coordinator ......... Deacon David Kapala, KHS; Ext. 313 Director of Music ......................................... Angie Lorandos; Ext. 338 Director of Religious Education .................... Emily Hackett; Ext. 332 Director of Development ............................. Amanda Herbst; Ext. 342
Parish Office Staff Hours: Mon-Friday 8:00 am-8:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am-4:00 pm Web Site .......................................................... www.stm-church.com Email address .................................. [email protected] Email address for bulletin ...................... [email protected] Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax .................... 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ..................................................... Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309 Daytime Receptionist ........................................ Susan Strain; Ext. 310 Evening Receptionist .................................... Veronica Brtos; Ext. 310 Building Maintenance……………………...Mike Popovich 836-8610
Pastoral Ministries Environment & Art ................................................................ 836-8610 Eucharistic Ministers ........................ Deacon Dan Zurawski 742-6005 Hospitality/Greeters ................................... Chris Shearman 923-1419 Lectors ...................................................... William McDunn 922-9459 Nursery .................................................. Kaaren A. Mashura 836-5079 St. Vincent de Paul ................................. Michael Martinelli 836-8610 Vocations Committee ...................................... Mary Kochis 322-7262
2016-2017 Pastoral Council Members Joe Dubczak, Chairperson ............................................ Deborah Jarvis Wendy Jasinski ...........................................................Nancy Klawitter Jim Landowski .............................................................. Paul Liszewski Joe O’Brien .................................................................... Kurt Popovich Jim Secviar ...................................................................... Dwight Reed Cheryl Staniszewski.................................................. Cindy Thompson
St. Thomas More School Pre-School through 8th Grade
Office Hours: Monday– Friday ~ 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Web Site ........................................................... www.stm-school.com School Phone ......... 836-9151 School Fax .......................... 836-0982 President ........................................................ Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Principal ............................................................... Jay Harker; Ext. 328 Assistant Principal ......................................... Cynthia Block; Ext. 328 School Administrative Assistant……….. Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328 School Reception & Office Associate………. Sandra Steele; Ext. 329 Home & School Association .................. Kris Miller; (312) 909-8156 Parish & School Offices Associate .............. Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 311 School Admissions .............................................. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309
Weis Center — Preschool & Pre-K 8635 Calumet Avenue ~ Munster, IN 46321
Phone ..................................................................................... 836-2660 Fax ......................................................................................... 836-2655
St. Thomas More Religious Education Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Friday — 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday — 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Religious Education Phone ........................................................... 836-8610 Director .................................................................. Emily Hackett; Ext. 332 Administrative Assistant ..................................... Carolyn McGill; Ext. 336 Grades K through 8 ~ Wednesday or Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education .............................................................. Allen Blocher Parish Life ......................................................................... Elaine Herrmann Peace & Social Justice ................................................................ Mari Casas Spirituality & Worship ....................................................... Kaaren Mashura Stewardship ........................................................................... Noreen Bickel
Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ........................................ Cindy Keilman 923-9862 Blue Army ................................................... Rose Marie Malburg 836-8779 Boy Scouts ................................................................ Curt Anglin 902-5126 Career Networking Group…………………… Christine Spencer 836-8610 Circle of Prayer………………………………..Mary Jo Humpfer 836-5002 Cub Scouts ……………………...Kevin Ranos [email protected] Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Gabriel Project………………………………... Marilyn Glennon 836-8610 Garden Club ............................................................ Paul Mazerik 644-8409 Gifts of Love & Warmth……………………..Bernadine Nemeth 513-6544 Girl Scouts ............................................................. Renee Whelan 796-6809 Holy Name Society ....................................................................... 836-8610 Knights of Columbus .................... W. Frank Lewandowski (708)466-7039 Oblates………………………………………...Denise Gard (219)201-4103 Respect Life ................................................. Leslie Dernulc (219)741-3739 Senior Citizens ........................................................... Herb Cleve 670-2982 The Travelers Club…………………………………..Lois Quinn 836-7902 Ushers Club ..................................................... ….Jim Marmalejo 836-1463 Venture Crew……………………………………....Fr. Ben Ross 322-4505
St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321
Sacramental Information Confessions Saturdays ............................................................ 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. First Friday .............................. 1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. Mass Baptisms .............................. First and Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m.
Parents must be registered parishioners and regularly attending at least six months before the Baptism. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic.
Pre Baptism Class ..................................... 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism. Marriage .............. Must be a registered, practicing member of the parish at least six months before beginning the six month preparation program for marriage.
Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound: Call the Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.
New Parishioner Registration To make it as convenient as possible for you, new parishioners may
register at any time in the Parish Office.
Please remember St. Thomas More in your Will and Estate Planning
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Fourth Sunday of Lent March 26, 2017
Saturday, April 1 5:30 p.m. Fr. Jordan Fetcko
Sunday, April 2 6:30 a.m. Fr. Jordan Fetcko 8:00 a.m. Fr. Jordan Fetcko 10:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 12:00 Noon Fr. Mike Yadron
SUNDAY, March 26 — Fourth Sunday of Lent 6:30 am Giovanni Iocco by Rose Yothment 8:00 am Deceased Members of the STM Senior Citizens & Garden Club 10:00 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 12:00 pm Al Smith by Michael Wolak
MONDAY, March 27 6:30 am Ruth Cassidy by Tony & Marilyn Standerski 8:30 am Zvonomir Jugovic by Family
TUESDAY, March 28 6:30 am Edith Murphy by Murphy Family 8:30 am Dorothy Jurkash by Jurkash Family 10:00 am Robert Hatfield by STM Holy Name (MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 2)
WEDNESDAY, March 29 6:30 am Robert Witham by Joan Gericke 8:30 am Olga Bianchi by Husband Renaldo
THURSDAY, March 30 6:30 am Stanley Bochnowski by Family 9:00 am Bert Woess by Son Bert & Daughter Eileen
FRIDAY, March 31 6:30 am Michael Ferrantella by STM Holy Name 8:30 am Delbert Henson (Ann.) by Ron & Charlotte Conn
SATURDAY, April 1 — First Saturday 8:30 am Helen Pullen by Family 5:30 pm Aniceto Ferrara (Ann.) by Daughters Tina and Maria
SUNDAY, April 2 — Fifth Sunday of Lent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Ralph & Yo Stenberg by Michael Mercier Family 10:00 am Mark Marczak by Slough Family 12:00 pm John Murin by Sheila & Frank Ziolkowski
MONDAY, March 27 8:30 am M. Fugger, A. Klaich
TUESDAY, March 28 8:30 am J. Hunt, V. James
WEDNESDAY, March 29 8:30 am J. & S. Fugger
THURSDAY, March 30 9:00 am G. & I. Scalzo
FRIDAY, March 31— Stations of the Cross 8:30 am T. Pappas, O. Lerma 7:00 pm A. Korfiatis, M. & R. Maldonado
SATURDAY, April 1 8:30 am E. & T. Zabrecky 5:30 pm A. Kleszynski, S. Szala, D. Urbaniak, S. Donovan, M. Caraher/ MC ~ Nick
SUNDAY, April 2 6:30 am K. & S. Cunningham, C. Osmulski 8:00 am J. Serrano, T. Walsh, G., L. & M. Buksa MC ~ Elizabeth B. 10:00 am P. Cullars, M. & S. McDunn, S. O’Rourke, J. Olivencia/MC ~ Will 12:00 pm A. & M. Reynolds, N. Anglin/ MC ~ Matt N.
Karen Kalwasinski
Sacrificial Offerings
Thank you for sharing your treasure with our parish!
March 19, 2017
Adult $ 20,323.00 Loose $ 2,876.00 Children $ 137.24
TOTAL $ 23,336.24 Pastoral Care Ministry
To arrange a visit from Pastoral Care for a hospitalized or homebound family member, please contact Deacon Dave Kapala
at (219) 836-8610, # 313 or [email protected].
Mary’s Way of the Cross Come journey with Mary with
"Mary's Way of the Cross". Thursdays after the 9:00 a.m. Mass
during Lent (approximately 9:45 am). We will meet on each of the
following days in the Church: March 30 • April 6th
Everyone is welcome; bring a friend.
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lease pray for the sick of our parish... c Joshua Alvarez
Margaret Amatulli Frieda Andersen
Mary Anhalt Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio
Antonio Belmonte Michael Berry
Michael Billedo Michael Blazevich Laverne Blumka Cheryl Bostrom
Robert Boyle Linda Braun
Stephany Burney Paul Burns
Dorothy Campbell James Campbell
Thomas Cak Al Carollo
Janet Cattanach Jacqueline Morrow
Christian Willie Colby
Vincent Corsello Mike Curtain Irene Dettmer Ann DeVoy
MaryPat Devoy Jeanine Doescher
Jim D’Orazio Alex Eiland
Sherlon Evans John Forde
Phyllis Garber Denise Gard
Andrea Garritano Margaret Geary Emily Gibson
Dorothy Gillespie Margaret Good
Howard Gralewski Margaret Gray
Susan Graff James Grunewald
Amy Hayes Eleanore Heggi
Marie Henke
Marisol Hernandez Becky Hill
Mary Jo Humpfer Charlotte Hunt
Betty Ingbretson Steve Izzo
Dennis Jablonski Elizabeth Jacob Barbara Jamrose Stanley Jayjack Carol Keilman
Kelly Jean Irene Kerps
James Klein, Sr. Janet Knight
Susan Kolodziej Miller Krizmanic
Isabella Lappo Annika LeMonier Chris LeMonier
Debbie LeMonier Nicklas LeMonier
Mike Lewis Jo Lisiniewicz
Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz
Maria Lovell Marilyn Madsen Mary Manchak Ruth Marquardt Brady Martin
Larkin McKenzie Jenny Mendoza
Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Erin Meyer
Ann Miskovich Andrew Moll David Moll Elissa Moll
Genevieve Mrvan Jean Narvid
Donna Nichols Steven Nowaczyk
Clare O’Brien Donna O’Connor Valerie O’Donnell
Danny Ogren
Maryann Pancheri James Pancheri Marty Pavovic
Johanna Petruch Angelo Petrungaro Andrew Pieczyrak Elizabeth Pilones
Ron Plewniak Sylvester Porras Dennis Powell Ronald Prus Jerry Reach
Timothy Ribble Jackie Roach
Shirley Romanyak Ann Sardella George Sauer Marie Schultz
Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz
Zachery Scriff James Secviar
Jim Seul Renee Shehan Ruth Siorek Nick Skinner
Lydia Skorupa Carolyn Smiley Deborah Stareck Georgianne Suto Florence Stevens James Szymanski Barbara Szypczak
Rose Theis Gerardo Trevino Kathie Trudgian Anthony Ubuane
Tony Vanden Heuvel Raymond Vanderbok
Julia Vrbanich James Wachel
Adele Wall Marilyn (Vrabel) Warda Stephanie Wisniewski
Don Woszczynski Cecilia Ziegler
Cody Ziemkowski
MONDAY, March 27 Spring Break • No School • No Religious Education • No RCIC 6:30 pm Blue Army ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Schola Choir ~ Church 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus ~ Solar Room
TUESDAY, March 28 Spring Break • No School • No Religious Education • No RCIC 9:15 am Eucharistic Adoration (until 6:30 p.m.) ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel
WEDNESDAY, March 29 Spring Break • No School • No Religious Education • No RCIC 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 7:00 pm Taizé Prayer ~ Church
THURSDAY, March 30 Spring Break • No School • No Religious Education • No RCIC 9:45 am Mary’s Way of the Cross ~ Church 6:15 pm Scripture Study ~ Conference Room 6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church FRIDAY, March 31 Spring Break • No School • No Religious Education • No RCIC 9:00 am Gifts of Love & Warmth ~ Conference Room 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross ~ Church
SATURDAY, April 1 8:00 am First Saturday Rosary ~ Church
SUNDAY, April 2 Boy Scout Award Mass with Bishop Hying at 2:00 p.m.
Fourth Sunday of Lent "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him." The prevailing theology of Jesus' time
led people to believe that any kind of disability was a punishment from God. So Jesus' disciples assumed that the man born blind suffered that affliction because of someone's sin: either his parents' or his own. But Jesus sets the record straight. Not only did he reject the idea that the blindness was a punishment for sin; he also went so far as to suggest that this very trial was an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed. And sure enough, it was. Jesus worked a miracle of healing for the man who followed his directions and "came back able to see." So it
was that the "works of God" became "visible" through a man who was blind! But, ironically, not everyone had the eyes to see the miracle. The Gospel tells us that "there was a division among them" as they debated whether this remarkable healing was really an act of God. Jesus stated that he came "so that those who do not see might see."
And so, who are we? Are we blinded by our own expectations of how God is supposed to work? Are we so caught up in our own vision of
what we wish would happen that we fail to appreciate what is actually unfolding before our very eyes? It is so easy to perceive trials,
disabilities, sickness, and misfortune as a curse or the result of being abandoned by God. But today's Gospel suggests another reality. In the midst of these very difficulties, God wants to reveal himself, to show his love and mercy. It may not always be in the exact way we expect,
but without a doubt, even in these challenging realms, God is always at work.
Vocations Committee The path toward human maturity, which is a prerequisite of a
radiant evangelical life, is a process which knows no limits, since it involves continuous enrichment not only of spiritual values but
also of values in the psychological, cultural and social order.
Readings for Week of March 26 Sunday: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a/Ps 23:1-6/Eph 5:8-14/Jn 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 Monday: Is 65:17-21/Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-12a, 13b/Jn 4:43-54 Tuesday: Ez 47:1-9, 12/Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9/Jn 5:1-16 Wednesday: Is 49:8-15/Ps 145:8-9, 13cd-15, 17-18/Jn 5:17-30 Thursday: Ex 32:7-14/Ps 106:19-23/Jn 5:31-47 Friday: Wis 2:1a, 12-22/Ps 34:17-21, 23/Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Saturday: Jer 11:18-20/Ps 7:2-3, 9bc-12/Jn 7:40-53 Next Sunday: Ez 37:12-14/Ps 130:1-8/Rom 8:8-11/Jn 11:1-45 or 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45
Bulletin Deadlines All bulletin articles must be submitted via email at least two weeks
in advance to: [email protected]. Thank you.
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The Pastor’s Page
PLEASE REMEMBER THEM Please pray for the priests and deacons who have served the Diocese of Gary so faithfully and whose anniversaries of death are this week:
March 28: Rev. Joseph D. Sipos (1983) March 31: Msgr. Ferdinand J. Melevage (2015)
LET YOUR HEART REJOICE!
Laetare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam. [Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her.] (Is 66:10)
I used to get confused all the time as to which season Laetare Sunday and Gaudete Sunday belonged. That was until one of the nuns who taught me in grade school said, “Lent begins with an ‘L’ and so does ‘Laetare’. You should be able to remember that now.” And, it worked. I never forgot that lesson.
Today, we celebrate Laetare Sunday. Now that we know it belongs in Lent because it begins with an “l”, we can ask the most important question, “What does it mean?!”
Laetare comes from the first word of the opening antiphon for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. In English, it means Rejoice!
Today is that “great pause” in the Season of Lent. If we have been serious about our Lenten resolutions, the past few weeks have been a lot of work. We might be struggling and wondering if we are going to be able to make it through the season without breaking our resolve. We look ahead and see that we still have some time to go and the going will get more difficult as we enter Holy Week.
So we pause to take a deep breath. We shift our focus for a bit and take a moment to celebrate for, after all, that is what we will be doing for eternity. The penance of the Lenten season is not to make us somber. Our penance is to prepare us for the joy of eternity with God.
Today, then, we take up the cry of the Church and rejoice. Liturgically, the priests and deacons wear rose colored vestments. This is only one of two times in the year when that happens. The other is Gaudete Sunday in Advent. Our readings and songs reflect joyfulness and praise. We sing of God's great love for us, a love which endures for all ages. That, certainly, is something we can all celebrate.
Has the season been long? Yes. Is there still some time to go before the celebration of Easter? Yes. Will you make it that long? Most certainly. God is with you. He will give you the grace that you need to strengthen your resolve. All you need to do is ask Him.
Count on God's abiding love. Count on it and celebrate it this day. Rejoice!
FAITH ACTION: Find some way to celebrate your faith today, perhaps with family or friends. Take time to share hopeful experiences of the faith with one another.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE Examinations in court can often be quite absurd
Question: Doctor, how many autopsies have you performed on dead people?
Answer: All of my autopsies have been on dead people.
LENTEN PENANCE SERVICES The following is a list of penance services available to you in the Southlake Deanery for the remainder of Lent (7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted): Tuesday, March 21 St. Michael, Schererville Wednesday, March 29 Our Lady of Grace, Highland Saturday, April 1 St. Anne, Black Oak 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 2 St. Bridget, Hobart 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 3 St. Edward, Lowell St. Matthias, Crown Point 6:00 p.m. St. Michael, Schererville Tuesday, April 4 Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville St. Mary, Crown Point St. Thomas More, Munster Wednesday, April 5 St. James, Highland St. Joseph, Dyer Thursday, April 6 St. Andrew the Apostle, Merrillville St. Mary/St. Anne, Griffith Friday, April 7 Ss. Peter & Paul, Merrillville 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 12 Holy Name, Cedar Lake
Please join us for Taizé Prayer each Wednesday during Lent at 7:00 p.m. in the church. We hope you can come pray with us.
THE WAY OF THE CROSS Stations of the Cross this Friday will be at 7:00 p.m. There are no school Stations of the Cross this coming Friday because our students are on Spring Break.
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Religious Education
Lectors for the Week
March Schedule 29/30 No Class — Spring Break
April Schedule 5/6 Class 7 Confirmation Practice 6:00 p.m.in the Church 8 Confirmation 10:30 a.m. in the Church All STM 8th Grade Students 12/13 No Class —Holy Week 19/20 Class 26/27 Last Class (except 3rd Grade students)
May Schedule 3/4 Communion Practice 6 First Holy Communion 10:00 a.m. Mass
Saturday, April 1 5:30 pm Mass Joe Dubczak &
Jay Gianotti
Sunday, April 2 6:30 am Mass
Jayne Gardner & Angela Kvasnica
8:00 am Mass Dan & Elizabeth Buksa
10:00 am Mass Teresa Brazzale & Michael Skurka
12:00 Noon Mass Christopher Balbo &
Bernadine Barrett
Holy Name Society
Next Meeting: Monday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Solar Room. All men of the parish are invited to join us in spiritual renewal as
we pray the Rosary before our regular business meeting and conclude with refreshments.
Mass & Breakfast The Holy Name Society will join together with the
Altar & Rosary Society for their annual Mass and Breakfast on Sunday, April 23 at 8:00 a.m. Mass.
Pews will be reserved in the front of the church. Breakfast will follow in the Cafeteria.
Please make reservations for the breakfast by calling the Parish Office at (219) 836-8610 by Wednesday, April 19th.
Spouses are welcome to attend. For more information, please call Bill Burke at (312) 322-6462.
Sarah Kenning's Wednesday 4th grade Religious Education class made cross sun catchers during their weekly class time.
Nursery Schedule The parish Nursery is open during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass,
located off the narthex (main entrance) of the church. Sunday, April 2
Jennifer Boswell • Lisa Jorsch
Sunday, April 9 Palm Sunday
Kaaren Mashura • Mary Karl Allison Rusnak
Sunday, April 16 Easter Sunday
Kaaren Mashura • Aubrey Rivera
Sunday, April 23 Ann Harkenrider
Jennifer Anderson • Gianna Hough
Sunday, April 30 Mary Karl • Susie Kinsella
Oblates of St. Benedict Saturday, April 8th
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon in the STM Conference Room All are welcome: Bring the kids, your family & neighbors.
Fish Fry Raffle Thanks to all who supported our recent
Fish Fry & Raffle. Congratulations to these raffle winners:
1st Place $500 — Sonya Odegaard 2nd Place $100 — Joan Klein
3rd Place $50 — Rose Marie Havran 4th Place $50 — Sue Truchan
5th Place $50 — Sonya Odegaard 6th Place $50 — Timothy & Kathleen Bandura
Altar & Rosary Society Mass & Breakfast
The Altar & Rosary Society will join together with the Holy Name Society for their annual Mass and Breakfast on Sunday, April 23 at 8:00 a.m. Mass.
Pews will be reserved in the front of the church. Breakfast will follow in the Cafeteria. Please make reservations for the
breakfast by calling the Parish Office at (219) 836-8610 by Wednesday, April 19th. Spouses are welcome to attend. For more
info, please call Kaaren Mashura at (219) 836-5079.
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St. Thomas More School March 26, 2017
St. Thomas More School Acknowledges Outstanding Individuals
Each year during the observance of Catholic Schools Week, St. Thomas More School recognizes individuals from our school family who make substantial contributions to our school and the community
through their work and deeds. We thank each of these people for their dedication and service to assist those at St. Thomas More School and beyond.
If you spend any time around St. Thomas More Church or School, there's a very good chance that you've come across this year's Above & Beyond Award winner, the cheerfully energetic Laura Powell.
Laura, mother to three lovely daughters: Claire (STMS Class of '16), Emma (8th grade) and Alicia (6th grade), jumped right in when the Powell family started at STMS several years ago. From volunteering at the school dances, Santa's Secret Shop, the Book Fair, sports concessions, Casino Night, Burgers and Brews, SpringFest and the library to taking on more involved coordinating rolls with the annual school musical, Science Olympiad and the Festival Alumni Booth. In addition, Laura has served as the Parent to Parent Open House Coordinator, a room parent & chaperone and is a member of the Development/Marketing Committee for the school. Quite honestly, there are very few things that happen around St. Thomas More School that Laura has not had some hand in, whether big or small.
But the school is not the only arena where Laura volunteers. Laura and her husband, Steve, are parishioners of St. Thomas More and Laura shares her beautiful voice and her love of music with our parish, as well. From cantoring and a back-up youth chorale director to participating in the parish musical production of "Children of Eden", she has blessed us with her many talents both "out in front" and helping wherever necessary behind the scenes, too.
For these, and a million other reasons, we are happy to announce Laura Powell as this year's Above & Beyond recipient; she truly embodies everything about going "above & beyond" for others and we feel incredibly blessed to have her as part of our school & parish family. Our deepest thanks to Laura for all that she does and to her family for sharing her with us!
Toni Jedrzejczak, affectionately called "Mrs. J." by her students, has been a vital part of the St. Thomas
More School teaching staff for the past nine years and enthusiastically brings her love of mathematics to her 135 fifth & sixth grade students every day.
A career filled with teaching in Catholic schools, primarily in Illinois, led Toni to jump at the chance to join the STMS staff when there was an opening nine years ago and she has enjoyed sharing her Catholic faith, expertise, knowledge and love of math with the students of St. Thomas More School ever since.
Married to husband, Zig, for 32 happy years, they’ve raised two STMS alumni, daughter Jayme and son, Casey. Toni has always felt that St. Thomas More School was the best school in the area and prides herself in helping our school reach and maintain it’s A-rating.
When she's not educating the youth of St. Tom's, Toni enjoys gardening, scrapbooking, swimming, reading, puzzles and traveling. We are blessed to name Mrs. J as our 2017 Teacher of the Year and appreciate all that she brings to our students and staff!
Mrs. Laura Powell 2017 Above and Beyond Award
Mrs. Toni Jedrzejczak 2017 Teacher of the Year
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Senior Citizen News All senior members of our parish are invited to join.
Meetings are held twice a month at the Kish Community Room, 10000 Calumet in Munster at 1:00 p.m. (unless noted).
Wednesday, April 12th Note: This date has changed from the original calendar.
Business Meeting Election of Officers for the 2017/18 Year.
Thursday, April 20th Social Gathering
Monthly Luncheon Monday, April 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Round the Clock Restaurant in Highland
(Corner of Martha Street & Indianapolis Blvd.) Join the STM Seniors for a great meal and
even better conversation. No reservations necessary. See you there!
STM Travelers Club We’re Back!
“South Pacific” Musical & Dinner April 27, 2017
The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI Cost: $99 per person • Bus will leave the STM North Parking
Lot 8:00 a.m. and return at 6:00 p.m. What better way to begin our first 2017 Travelers trip than
to attend the magnificent Rogers and Hammerstein’s
musical South Pacific. This musical is a story of love,
heroism, courage and optimism. The musical score includes songs
such as, Some Enchanted Evening, There is Nothing Like a
Dame, Bali Ha’i, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My
Hair” and I’m in Love With A Wonderful Man. This will be a theatrical experience that you will never forget and we feel
fortunate to have tickets for it. Please make your reservations early so you won’t miss this touching & dramatic musical with unbelievable dancing and
singing. We will enjoy a dinner at the Fireside Dinner Theatre which is famous for their homemade, delicious meals. The
menu includes a Tropical Salad, Chicken Kona Kai, stir-fried rice, Canadian Bacon and fresh julienned vegetables. The finale is Banana Bread Pudding topped with Caramel Rum
Sauce. Yum! There is a shop for our Travelers to browse through for
beautiful and unusual gifts; an added bonus! Need we say more? You may make your reservations at the
STM Parish Office. The cost includes transportation, musical, dinner and all gratuities.
SpringFest is Coming!
SpringFest is Coming! SpringFest is Coming!
Save the date now for St. Thomas More School’s annual fun fair! There’s something for kids of all ages!
Games Food
Great Prizes Raffles
and More!
Saturday April 22nd
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the
St. Thomas More Gym Everyone
in the community is invited, so bring
your friends, relatives and especially the grandkids. Game tickets can be pur-
chased at the door. Watch future bulletins for all the details, ‘cause you
won’t want to miss it!
Your help is requested! We are always grateful to our St. Thomas More parish family for their generous donations to help our school. You can help St. Thomas More School by donating!
Please donate any of the following adult or children’s items for our raffle:
Unopened Toys Games
Electronics (large or small) Jewelry
Sporting Event Tickets Concert Tickets
Vacation Destinations Hotel Vouchers
Gift Cards: Restaurants,
Game Centers, Craft or Retail or Craft Stores Massage Gift Cards
Hair &/or Spa Services Coupons for Free
Services of Any Kind
For more information or to donate items, please contact Renee Whelan at [email protected] . We thank you in advance for your support.
Any donation, large or small, helps St. Thomas More School and its students.
Page 9
Amish Bakery & Market
Sponsored by the Msgr. Weis Knights of Columbus
Proceeds will benefit the St. Thomas More Capital Campaign.
Saturday, April 22nd 10:00 a.m.— 2:00 p.m. (or until sold out)
Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN
Pre-order the following: Order forms available at all church entrances & in the Parish Office.
Nuts & Candy Donuts • Pies
Breads • Muffins Rolls
Cookies • Granola
Available on day of sale: Cheese • Butters Jellies & Jams
Brought to you by Rise ‘n Roll Bakery
1065 N. 1150 West Middlebury, IN 46540
www.risenroll.com
Pre-orders must be paid & submitted by
April 14th. Pick-up on April 22.
VISA & MasterCard accepted
($10 minimum payment) Cash
(no minimum purchase)
STM Career Networking Group
Thursday, April 20, 2017 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.
Tactics for Salary
Negotiations
80% of Jobs are Unadvertised 82% of Jobs are found through Networking
15% Found through Search Firms 10% Found through Want Ads
4% Create Their Own Jobs • 2% Blindly Send Resumes
Where: STM Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN
When: The 3rd Thursday of Every Month Time: 7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. Email: [email protected]
Regular Meetings are Free! Open to All!
For those who are unemployed (in transition), new to the job market, employed but changing
careers or those who can offer employment opportunities through their current
professional connections. Have your cover letter, resume or thank you note critiqued by a professional.
St. Vincent de Paul What we need most now are new members
to become Vincentians. We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in the
Parish Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. We need people to handle “utility” calls (can be done
from home), people to help with “food” calls and teams to deliver food to homes in Munster & South Hammond. Please consider joining and becoming a Vincentian now. Find out more about the St. Vincent de Paul Society by
contacting Mike Martinelli, President at (219) 836-8610.
The SVDP Pantry needs:
Peanut Butter • Jelly Mac & Cheese • Tuna
Soup • Crackers •Canned Fruit Canned Meats
Toilet Paper • Laundry Soap Shampoo for Men & Women
Adult Tooth Brushes Adult Toothpaste
Children’s Tooth Brushes Children’s Toothpaste
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Bishop Noll News Join BNI for “The Big Event” Fundraiser Friday, April 28th — 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
in the BNI Fieldhouse • 1519 Hoffman Street in Hammond. Enjoy great food catered by Q-BBQ in Schererville, drinks, danc-
ing, raffles, live auction and more. This celebration benefits the Principal's Scholarship Fund. Tickets: $50 per person (before 4/21) or $60 (after 4/21).
Attendees must be 21 or older. Get tickets for event or cash raffle at the school or by contacting Juli Sandoval at (219) 932-9058 or
[email protected]. or visit: https://bishopnoll.org/support-bni/the-big-event-2017 for online registration.
Planting Possibilities Brewing Possibilities Fundraiser
ByWay Brewing on April 22nd Gather a group of friends for a fun evening at ByWay Brewing,
located at 2825 Carlson Drive in Hammond (across from the Indiana Welcome Center).
Enjoy great beer for sampling, wine, tasty appetizers & desserts, live music and
surprises on tap. VIP tickets are $65 and gain early entry at
6:00 p.m. to allow plenty of time for special samplings & insiders brewery tour.
General admission: $50 at 7:30 p.m. This is a 21+ event requiring proper
identification for admission.
Sponsors and silent auction donors are needed for our fundraiser to benefit young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in Lake County, IN. Tickets are
available at brewingpossibilities.eventbrite.com or can be ordered at plantingpossibilities.org/brewingpossibilities. For
more info: [email protected] or call 219.237.9353.
Save the Date Any parishioner who has given of their time and talent for the
benefit of St. Thomas More Parish is invited to the annual Parish Appreciation Dinner
Saturday, April 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a beautiful spring evening with your fellow parishioners as
we celebrate April in Paris
featuring a menu of French cuisine for your dining
pleasure. Beer/wine and sodas/coffee
will be served. Entertainment & dancing will be
provided by Rick Mlynarski and the
Merry Notes Bring your camera for a photo op
in front of the Eiffel Tower. Reservation form coming soon.
Wedding Anniversary Mass Wedding Anniversary Mass & Reception
Saturday, May 6th at 4:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary, IN.
Couples celebrating 25, 30, 40, 50 or more years of marriage are invited to take part.
Information can be found in the Parish Office.
Synod 2017 As we move closer to our diocesan synod event on June 3-4,
enter more fully into this beautiful and prayerful season of Lent with a
reflection on daily Scripture written by our local Church leaders. For a daily Lenten
reflection by our deacons and members of the laity throughout the diocese, in both English
and Spanish, go to dcgary.org.
Respect Life Corner Forty Days for Life
40 Days for Life, a community-based campaign that takes a peaceful and prayerful approach to showing local communities the consequences of abortion and tracks Biblical history, where God used 40-day periods to transform individuals, communities
and the world, continues until April 9th. When: March 1st to April 9th • Where: Planned Parenthood
8645 Connecticut Street in Merrillville For volunteer info, please contact Rachel Klein at (219) 798-9950 [email protected]
Volunteer Fair Right to Life will have a booth at the Volunteer Fair once again! We need people like you to pass out literature and let the public
know how they can volunteer for our organization. If you are interested in giving an hour of your time, please contact the
Right to Life office at 219-838-1138 or [email protected]
Marriage Encounter Weekend For almost 50 years and in nearly 90 countries, Worldwide
Marriage Encounter (WWME) has provided enrichments to over 1.9 million couples and religious to fulfill its mission to proclaim the value of Marriage and Holy Orders in the Church and in the
world. WWME begins with a private weekend experience including presentations about practical tools for growing in
loving relationships and continues with ongoing enrichments in the community after the weekend. Learn more by contacting us
or going online to wwme-chicagoland.org. Don’t miss out on the upcoming enrichment for married couples and religious on April 7-9, 2017 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel
in Elk Grove Village, IL. For info or to apply, go to wwme-chicagoland.org and say “yes”
today to God’s call to love one another! Other weekends include June 9-11, 2017 or August 11-13, 2017.
Early registration is highly recommended. For reservations/information, call Jim & Kris at 630-577-0778 or
contact us through http://wwme-chicagoland.org .
Page 11
Pierogi Sales Order pierogis from St. Josaphat Ukranian Catholic Church. Call
your order in by Wednesday each week and pick up on Friday between Noon and 4:00 p.m. at the church. Leave your order/
flavor on answering machine at (219) 838-9811. Potato, kraut, cheese or prune. $9/dozen or $5/half-dozen.
Lenten Soup Supper Enjoy 6 soups for only $6.00 at St. John Bosco every Wednesday
during Lent, sponsored by the St. John Bosco Youth Group. Supper includes homemade soups, salad, bread/butter/crackers, dessert and drink. Dates: March 29, April 5 and April 12. Call
(219) 844-9027 for more info.
St. James Rummage Sale St. James the Less in Highland (corner of Kennedy & 45th) is
holding a Rummage Sale on Friday, March 31st from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Clothes: $2 Bag on Saturday only. For more information call the Parish Office at (219) 924-4220.
Pancakes with the Easter Bunny
The Knights of Columbus St. Pope John Paul II Council 16008 from St. James in Highland will host a Pancake Breakfast with
the Easter Bunny on Sunday, April 2nd from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the parish hall.
A free will donation will benefit various projects within the parish. All are invited to come! Dan Mills at 219-801-5250.
Easter Cooking Show with Phil Potempa
Theatre at the Center presents Phil Potempa’s From the Farm Cooking Show.
Newspaper Columnist and cookbook author Phil Potempa is hosting a two-hour live stage cooking show 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 sharing recipes and family Easter Polish traditions, including the faith and food symbolism associated
with the annual altar blessing of Easter food baskets at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, in Munster.
Phil will be filming his show at this event, so come and be part of the fun.
Tickets are $25 and available by calling the box office at (219) 836-3255 or visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.
Next SPRED Meeting SPRED (Special Religious Development) Program will be held
on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish, 525 N. Broad St. in Griffith. This gathering is
for parents of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities as well as learning problems. This
gathering is also for those interested in supporting these people in the SPRED Ministry.
No experience is required. Each SPRED community needs 8 adult volunteers. Training is provided.
Come and discover SPRED....ask questions, receive information, and listen.
God may be calling you to respond. Contact Elizabeth Sivek at [email protected] for more information.
Camp Lawrence Starting to think about what the summer will hold
for your children? Choose from 8 different, exciting summer camp experiences offered at beautiful, nearby Camp Lawrence in
Valparaiso. Nestled around Moss Lake, the camp is run by the diocesan CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) providing a safe environment for your children to have some summer fun. Camp
Lawrence is now accepting applications for this summer’s camps, which run from June 18th to July 29th. For more info, contact
them at (219) 736-8931 or go to: www.nwicyo.org.
Family Planning Dinner Tuesday, April 4th, 5:30-9:00 pm, Avalon Manor, Merrillville
Join us for a celebration of love, marriage, and family. Families, NFP teachers, priests, and others from our diocese come together in our first Natural Family Planning get-together. This is a FREE dinner! Children are welcome. We will have a bouncy house and
young adults to help out with the kids. This is your chance to meet with other NFP using families, clergy, and professionals in
order to encourage and support each other. Chris Reynolds, Executive Director of the Couple to Couple League, will be our
special guest. Register by March 28th. Call Rosanne at 219-769-9292 x259 for more information or to register.
Easter "Święconka" Shopping Trip Polish-American Cultural Society of NWI will host a shopping trip on Tuesday, April 4th. The bus will begin in Michigan City
and then pick up passengers at 9:30 a.m. (arrive 15 minutes early) at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek
Road in Portage. Transportation will be a "school bus"; no restroom. Shopping at Shop & Save Market in Bridgeview, IL from 10:00 a.m. to Noon for an excellent variety of Polish and other ethnic foods, bakery, deli items and more. Lunch at Old Town Restaurant (Polish cuisine) in Lemont, IL from 12:30 to
2:30 p.m. If time permits we will stop at Celina's Market (Polish-owned) in Lemont. The target return time is around 4:00 p.m. to Portage. Bring your own coolers/shopping bags. Seating limited. Cost is $30/person and includes lunch, tips, and transportation. Reservations by April 1st by calling Theresa at 219-464-1369.
Holy Trinity 100th Anniversary Holy Trinity Croatian Church in East Chicago will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary with a reception on Trinity Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Dynasty Banquet
Hall in Hammond. To advertise in the commemorative anniversary book, please contact the church by April 1st.
Polish Scholarship Essay Contest The Polish Heritage Association is accepting entries for the 2017
Scholarship Essay Contest. The competition is open to high school seniors and full-time undergraduate students (no age limit)
who reside in the NWI counties of Lake, Porter, LaPorte, etc. Contestants need not be of Polish descent; qualified students of all
ethnic backgrounds welcome to participate. The essay theme is "Polish Heritage and What It Means to Me" and should combine formal research & personal experience for a minimum of 1,000
words. Scholarship prizes of $1,000 and $500. Deadline is May 3rd, 2017. For complete information and an entry form,
please contact Janusz Duzinkiewicz at [email protected].
Page 12
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 8:00 am First Saturday Rosary Church
2
2:00 p.m. Boy Scout
Award Mass with
Bishop Hying
3 5:45-7:00 pm Handbell Practice Church
6:30 pm Blue Army-Chapel
7:00 pm Schola Choir Church 7:00 pm Parish Life Conference Room
4 Penance Service
7:00 p.m. 9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel
6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel
5 9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room
4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed Classes
5:00 pm RCIC Teachers’ Lounge
7:00 pm Taize Prayer-Church
7:15-8:30 pm Handbell Practice Conference Room
6 4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed Classes 6:15 pm Scripture Study Conference Room 6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale Church
7 9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room
2:15 pm School Stations of the Cross-Church
6:00 pm Confirmation Practice Church
7:00 pm Stations of the Cross Church
8 10:00 am Oblates Conference Room 10:30 am Confirmation 8th Grade Students
9 10 5:45-7:00 pm Handbell Practice Church
6:30 pm Blue Army-Chapel
7:00 pm Schola Choir Church 7:30 pm K of C—Solar Room
11 9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel 6:30 pm Spring Fest Committee Solar Room 7:00 pm RCIA-Conference Room
12 9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room 7:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul Teachers’ Lounge 7:00 pm Taize Prayer-Church Last Confessions 7:15-8:30 pm Handbell Practice Conference Room
13
Holy Thursday 10:30 a.m.
Chrism Mass Cathedral
7:00 p.m.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper
14 Good Friday
1:30 p.m.
Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion
7:00 p.m. Tenebrae
No School
Parish Office Closed
15
Holy Saturday 2:00 p.m.
Blessing of Easter Foods
8:00 p.m.
Vigil Mass for Easter
16
Happy Easter
Masses 6:30, 8:00, &
10:00 a.m. 12:00 Noon
17
Easter Monday
No School Parish Office
Closed
7:00 pm Holy Name Solar Room
18 9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel
1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel
6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel
6:30 pm SpringFest Committee Solar Room
19 9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room
4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed Classes
5:00 pm RCIC Teachers’ Lounge
7:15-8:30 pm Handbell Practice Church
20 4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed Classes
6:15 pm Scripture Study Conference Room
6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale Church
7:00 pm Career Networking Weis Center
21 9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room
5:00 p.m. STMS
SpringFest Social Center
22
Parish Appreciation
Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Social Center
23
8:00 a.m. Mass
Altar & Rosary Holy Name
Society Corporate
Communion & Breakfast
24 5:45-7:00 pm Handbell Practice Church
6:30 pm Blue Army-Chapel
7:00 pm Schola Choir Church 7:00 pm Religious Formation Conference Room 7:30 pm K of C—Solar Room
25 9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel
6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel 7:00 pm RCIA-Conference Room
26 9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room
4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed Classes Last class except 3rd Grade
5:00 pm RCIC Teachers’ Lounge
7:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul Conference Room
7:15-8:30 pm Handbell Practice Church
27 4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed Classes Last class except 3rd Grade 6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale Church
28 9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room
29 9:00 am Pastoral Council Conference Room
30 St. Vincent de
Paul Food Collection
After All Masses
No Religious Ed & RCIC Classes
April 2017
