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There are many who have specialized in the impossible over the years. We call them saints. They show us that it is not only
possible to live the faith, it is necessary. They have left us their example to give us courage and to act as a blueprint for those
of us who look for a way to follow Jesus more faithfully.
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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. 2312 [email protected] Associate Pastor .................. Reverend Declan McNicholas; Ext. 2314 [email protected] Senior Deacon ........................................... Dr. Napoleon Tabion, OFS Senior Deacon .................................................. Daniel Zurawski, KHS Deacons ................................................................. David Kapala, KHS ............................................................................ Joseph Stodola, KHS Director of Finance ...................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 2330 Pastoral Care Coordinator ...... Deacon David Kapala, KHS; Ext. 2315 Director of Music ...................................... Angie Lorandos; Ext. 2338 Director of Religious Education ................... Emily Hackett; Ext. 2232
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. 2232 Administrative Assistant ............................... Rosemary Strimbu; Ext. 2236
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 ..........................................................................Paul Liszewski
Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ........................................ Cindy Keilman 923-9862 Boy Scouts ................................................. Sergio Sanchez (773) 412-3109 Career Networking Group…………………… Jim Kaczka (219) 201-0335 ...................................................... or Donna Weidenfeller (219) 688-7597 Circle of Prayer…………………………………..Carolyn Cenko 741-2509 [email protected] Cub Scouts ……………Duane Schwemlein [email protected] Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Gabriel Project………………………………... Marilyn Glennon 801-6586 Garden Club ............................................................ Paul Mazerik 644-8409 Gifts of Love & Warmth……………………..Bernadine Nemeth 513-6544 Girl Scouts ............................................................ Renee Whelan 796-6809 Holy Name Society ........................................ Bill Burke: [email protected] Knights of Columbus ................................................................. Tim Jevyak .......................................... [email protected] or (219) 644-8932 Oblates………………………………………...Denise Gard (219)201-4103 Respect Life ................................................. Leslie Dernulc (219)741-3739 Senior Citizens ................................................. Marion Case (219)743-3543 Ushers Club .................................................... ….Jim Marmalejo 718-8704 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.
Stop in during the day, or take advantage of our convenient Saturday office hours.
St. Thomas More Parish Website: www.stm-church.com
Parish Office Staff Hours: Mon-Saturday 9:00 am-3:00 pm (until further notice) Email address ................................. [email protected] Email address for bulletin ...................... [email protected] Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax .................... 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ................................................... Pam Pasyk; Ext. 2309 Daytime Receptionist ............................................................ Ext. 2300 Evening Receptionist ............................................................ .Ext. 2300 Building Maintenance…………..Mike Popovich 836-8610, Ext. 2313 Custodial Supervisor……………..….Kim Smith 836-8610, Ext. 2331
Pastoral Ministries Environment & Art ...................................... Helen Jaworski 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 ................................... Terry Oprinovich 836-8610 Vocations Committee ............................................................ 836-8610
2020-2021 Pastoral Council Members Thomas Alexander ........................ Bernadine Barrett, Co-Chairperson Carolyn Cenko............................................................... Leslie Dernulc Diane DeSoto ............................................... Tim Jevyak, Chairperson Jim Kaspar ................................................................... Christi Kordeck Katie Kordeck ..................................................................... Eric Miller Joe Peters ........................................................................ Daniel Straka
St. Thomas More School
Preschool through 8th Grade Office Hours: Monday– Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Website .............................................................www.stm-school.com School Phone .......... 836-9151 School Fax ......................... 836-0982 President ....................................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 2330 Principal ........................................... Dr. Samantha Francis; Ext. 2258 School Administrative Assistant………..Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 2200 School Reception & Office Associate……Nereida Harretos; Ext. 2201 School Parent Association…………Heather Delgado; (312) 933-9208 School Admissions…………………………….. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 2309 Director of Development………………….…Karen Leluga; Ext. 2307 Business Manager………………………Mike Gutchewsky; Ext. 2339
Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN 46321
Phone ..................................................................................... 836-2660
Please remember St. Thomas More in your Will and Estate Planning
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Twenty-sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time September 27, 2020
SUNDAY, September 27 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Mary Holda (Ann.) by Family 10:00 am Virginia Ulanowski by Ray and Tina Sowa 12:00 pm Francis Coman (Ann.) by wife, Mary Coman
MONDAY, September 28 — St. Wenceslaus 6:30 am Mrs. Sharon Chadwick by Rose Yothment 8:30 am Kenneth Flynn by Jim and Pat Landowski
TUESDAY, September 29 Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael 6:30 am Dr. Patrick William Stodola by Deacon and Joyce Stodola 8:30 am Jack Mateja by Tom Kalina
WEDNESDAY, September 30 — St. Jerome 6:30 am George Sperl (Ann.) by Family 8:30 am Carmen Cammarata by Altar & Rosary Society
THURSDAY, October 1 — St. Therese 6:30 am Most Reverend Norbert F Gaughan 9:00 am Beverly Pavlovic by Family FRIDAY, October 2 — Guardian Angels 6:30 am Mary Young by Christopher Young 8:30 am Dorothy Giannini by Arthur and Family
SATURDAY, October 3 8:30 am Gloria Chechi by Vittorini Family 5:30 pm Thomas Krull Sr. (Ann.) by Family
SUNDAY, October 4 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 6:30 am Corazon Cabagnot by Family 8:00 am Del Blocher (Ann.) by Blocher Family 10:00 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 12:00 pm Anne Wisniewski by Family
Bann II: Nicholas Przespolewski & Brittany Riebe
Casper J. Schmidt
Saturday, October 3 5:30 p.m. Fr. Declan McNicholas
Sunday, October 4 6:30 a.m. Fr. Declan McNicholas 8:00 a.m. Fr. Declan McNicholas 10:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 12:00 Noon Fr. Mike Yadron
Michael Phillip II Son of Michael Phillip and Victoria Jo Niemerg
Sacrificial Offerings Our parish needs and appreciates your continued contributions:
Mail Contributions: St. Thomas More • 8501 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN 46321
Donate Online: Contribute securely online via PayPal, debit or credit card via
our parish website by selecting the “Donate Now.” Automated
Contributions: Instructions are on the website.
September 20, 2020 Adult $ 24,697.00 Loose $ 2,049.00 Automated $ 4,311.25 Children $ 11.70
TOTAL $ 31,068.95
Interested in Becoming Catholic? Or know someone who does?
Join us for RCIA & begin your journey to Catholicism!
Classes will begin on Zoom with hopes of moving to in-person classes soon. Join us this month for more information.
Attend a social distanced Inquiry Meeting: Tuesday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Weis Center • 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN Please contact the Parish Office to schedule a meeting with Fr.
Declan, if you are interested, but cannot attend this session.
Live-Streamed Masses Watch daily Mass at St. Thomas More, live-streamed every day:
Monday-Wednesday & Friday at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday at 8:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Watch Masses through Facebook or via our parish website: www.stm-church.com (or on YouTube).
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Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
What prompts you to make the decisions you make? When confronted with a decision, whether one that is more trivial and
mundane or one that is more significant and profound, we rely on guidance. That guidance can be the result of impulse and passion or the fruit of the interior voice of conscience. Decisions made on impulse and passion can be misguided and erroneous. Decisions based on conscience, or the moral voice within, will reflect the
depth and maturity of our soul work. A more contemplative soul will make more contemplative decisions.
A less developed conscience will make decisions based on the individual’s level of development.
Conversion and a change of heart are at the core of Jesus’ message precisely because of this reality. We are works in
progress. For the person on fire with the Holy Spirit and centered on God, life reflects an ever-deepening awareness and heightened
sense of God’s presence and a greater willingness to do God’s will. What is happening internally is validated by what is
witnessed externally. The hypocrite is the one who says yes when they really mean no. From the start, they had no desire to do the
virtuous act but wanted to outwardly appear as if they did. Where are you on the road of integrity? Honesty is all that is
required. God is good with that. It is okay to struggle with our decisions and wrestle with ourselves. Consciences on the path to maturity and greater depth are not always going to know what action is immediately best. We may, at first, say no to what we know is right and, after prayerful reflection and thought, come
around to doing it. Conversion happens when our no changes to yes, regardless of how sinful or out of sync we may be at the
time. God is anxious to welcome us to Himself. But we cannot embrace Him unless we want to. Learning to orient our gift of
free will to what is of divine origin, right, and best is a discipline we must always tweak and perfect. ©LPi
Readings for Week: September 27 Sunday: Ez 18:25-28/Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [6a]/Phil 2:1-11 or 2:1-5/Mt 21:28-32 Monday: Jb 1:6-22/Ps 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7 [6]/Lk 9:46-50 Tuesday: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rv 12:7-12a/P138:1 -2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5 [1]/Jn 1:47-51 Wednesday: Jb 9:1-12, 14-16/Ps 88:10bc-11, 12-13,14-15 [3]/Lk 9:57-62 Thursday: Jb 19:21-27/Ps 27:7-8a, 8b-9abc, 13-14 [13]/Lk 10:1-12 Friday: Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5/Ps 91:1-2, 3-4ab, 4c-6, 10 -11 [11]/Mt 18:1-5, 10 Saturday: Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17/Ps 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130 [135]/Lk 10:17-24 Next Sunday: Is 5:1-7/Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20 [Is 5:7a]/Phil 4:6-9/Mt 21:33-43
Jim Nolan Maria Novak
Steven Nowaczyk Clare O’Brien
Donna O’Connor Danny Ogren
James Pancheri Marty Pavlovic Judith Peterson Johanna Petruch
Andrew Pieczyrak Elizabeth Pilones Sylvester Porras Dennis Powell Ronald Prus Rae Puntillo
Timothy Ribble Jackie Roach Ann Sardella George Sauer Marie Schultz
Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz
Zachery Scriff James Secviar
Jim Seul Renee Shehan Nick Skinner Laurie Slazyk
Carolyn Smiley Deborah Stareck Georgianne Suto Florence Stevens
Carol Storey Rose Theis
Russ Thomas Gerardo Trevino David Trotman Kathie Trudgian Anthony Ubuane
Tony Vanden Heuvel Raymond Vanderbok
James Wachel Kathy Wachel
Marilyn (Vrabel) Warda Mark Wein
Ruth Williams Annette Wisniewski
Dick Wright Josephine Zagrocki
Cecilia Ziegler Cody Ziemkowski
Arthur Halpin Rosemarie Havran
Amy Hayes Dick Hemingway
Marie Henke Bertha Birdy Hernandez
Irma Hernandez Marisol Hernandez
Robert Hesek Becky Hill Joan Hoess
Charlotte Hunt Shirley Huskey Betty Ingbretson Joseph S. Iwan
Steve Izzo Elizabeth Jacob Barbara Jamrose Stanley Jayjack
Kelly Jean Kevin Karl
Mark Kenney Irene Kerps
James Klein, Sr. Janet Knight
Susan Kolodziej Richard Komyatte
Gregory P. Koscielski Edward Kritzer Crystal Kurek
Ed Lebryk Annika LeMonier Chris LeMonier
Debbie LeMonier Nicklas LeMonier
Mike Lewis Kris Lisikiewicz Jo Lisiniewicz
Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz
Maria Lovell Brady Martin Paul Martin
Larkin McKenzie Jenny Mendoza
Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Erin Meyer
Ann Miskovich Andrew Moll
Genevieve Mrvan Donna Nichols
c ray for the sick of our parish... Joshua Alvarez
Margaret Amatulli Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio
Antonio Belmonte Mary Berry
Michael Berry Michael Billedo
Michael Blazevich Laverne Blumka
Diane Bochnowski Cheryl Bostrom
Linda Braun Stephany Burney Kathleen Burns
Paul Burns Dorothy Campbell James Campbell
Peter Castro Janet Cattanach
Jacqueline Morrow Christian
Joseph Clune Willie Colby
Charlotte Conn Vincent Corsello
Mike Curtain Valerie Czapkowicz
Doris Dabrowski Sarah Dalton Alex Eiland
Karen Esposito Sherlon Evans James Fletcher
Heriberto Flores Maria Flores John Forde
Bonnie Gabrione Rich Gagliani Phyllis Garber
Andrea Garritano Margaret Geary Emily Gibson
Dorothy Gillespie Margaret Good
Monica Gonzalez Howard Gralewski
Margaret Gray Susan Graff
Christine Greenberg James Grunewald
Mary Ellen Gullicks
“Do nothing out of selfishness; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves…” Philippians 2:3
Pride and ego are hard things to control. We see how others act or dress and we think we are superior to them. We idolize our own
self-image. But, if we truly believe everything is a gift from God, we recognize all the people that God has put in our lives as gifts!
We are grateful for how they enrich our lives. Pray every day for the people in your life: your family,
your friends and those who make you angry.
REFLECTION Stewardship
Bulletin Articles The bulletin is available online and at Church. Please submit all
articles 2 weeks in advance to: [email protected]. Attending Weekend Masses St. Thomas More is now offering a full Mass schedule. Before attending church, the CDC recommends checking to insure you do not have a fever, cough, sore throat, headache or are short of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, please stay home. Wear a face mask while in the church. Continue to leave immediately after Mass so that we can
disinfect/sanitize the church for the next Mass. Continue to receive Communion in the hand.
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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:
September 27: Rev. Emil E. Bloch (1990) September 29: Rev. Roy Beeching (2019) October 1: Bishop Norbert F. Gaughan (1999)
THE IMPOSSIBLE
“What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.” ~ Theodore Roethke
The impossible scares us, doesn’t it? How many times have people — parents, teachers, coaches, and others — told us that they wanted us to do something and we exclaimed, “That’s impossible!” Our exclamation may have been accompanied by fear or anxiety. Our belief that the tasks were impossible may have set us up for failure as well. Since we believed it was impossible, we could not carry out the task.
“What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.” That statement sounds rather bold. However, it is most likely the top line on the job description of a Christian. We believe in the impossible, don’t we? We believe in resurrection from the dead. We believe in eternal life. We believe in miracles. We believe in all sorts of things that those grounded in the world would state with absolute certainty, “That’s impossible!”
Throughout the ages, people have claimed that it was impossible for God to become human. They have rejected the reality of the Incarnation. There are also those who claim that the Trinity is not possible. How can there be One God but Three Persons? There are still more who claim that resurrection and life after death are myths invented by the Church to control its people.
Our hearts tell us that those people are wrong. Our experiences tell us that God is real. Our faith challenges us to proclaim the great mystery and love of God. That is where we often falter. We look at the world around us and the hatred that it has for God. We look at all of those who espouse the values of the world and deny the values of God. We acknowledge that we have a responsibility to proclaim the Good News but we say to ourselves, “That’s impossible. There’s too much opposition.”
No. It is not impossible. It is something that is done by the faithful over and over again. Will we be resented by some people for living the faith? Absolutely. Will we incur penalty and persecution for living the faith? Very likely. Can we live the faith? Is it possible? Yes.
There are many who have specialized in the impossible over the years. We call them saints. They show us that it is not only possible to live the faith, it is necessary. They have left us their example to give us courage and to act as a blueprint for those of us who look for a way to follow Jesus more faithfully.
Do what they did in their lives. You, too, can do the impossible!
FAITH ACTION: Ask God for the courage to live the faith completely this day.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE Actual Newspaper Headlines
Something went wrong in jet crash, expert says Squad helps dog bite victim Enraged cow injures farmer with ax Plane too close to ground, crash probe told Miners refuse to work after death Stolen painting found by tree 2 sisters reunited after 18 years in checkout counter Killer sentenced to die for second time in 10 years War dims hope for peace If strike isn’t settled quickly, it may last a while Cold wave linked to temperatures Couple slain; Police suspect homicide
THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS Too often, we hear stories about religious leaders telling their people how to vote in elections. That is not right. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not done anyway. I am not going to tell you for whom you must vote. I will just leave you with the following points that I think are important: DON’T let a movie star tell you how to vote DON’T let a rock star tell you how to vote DON’T let a famous sport’s person tell you how to vote DON’T let a religious leader tell you how to vote DO study the candidates DO familiarize yourself with the candidates’ platforms DO turn out to vote DO vote your conscience For guidance from the bishops on the matter of Faithful Citizenship, you can go to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website: www.usccb.org/offices/justice-peace-human-development/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship
One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.
~St. Joan of Arc
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Religious Education
Religious Education Classes The St. Thomas More Religious Education Program will continue to hold classes remotely for the first semester of the school year.
We will re-evaluate the situation throughout the semester and hope to resume in-person classes in January.
For questions about our Religious Education program, please contact Director Emily Hackett at [email protected].
Stewardship Thoughts
Pope Francis' prayer for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fisherman and their families.
"Lord Jesus, You called fishermen to be your disciples, and you
look with love upon all those who live and work at sea. Touch our hearts so that we can be watchful of their needs-these
our brothers and sisters and their families. Help us to be more aware of the challenges and dangers they face, and send your Spirit on those who can give them better
conditions for safe work and fair pay. Support them and protect them in their difficulties, and watch over their families, and that in us they can find support and
help.” Amen
If you are not a part of a Ministry at St. Thomas More Church, please consider joining and sharing with others.
Automated Contributions During this time of health precautions, please know that we are praying for you and your family to remain safe and healthy as
we work to foster a strong, healthy parish community. As the pandemic progresses, our staff continues to work hard
maintaining facilities, keeping up with the technological needs of our vibrant school & parish and educating our students, all
made possible by contributions from our generous parishioners. If you can, please make your continued offering
contributions to St. Thomas More to support our parish!
Mail/Drop-Off Your Contribution: Drop-off at Parish Office or mail: 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321.
Make a Payment Online: Donate online through our parish website by using PayPal/debit/
credit card: http://www.stm-church.com/. Go to “Donate” button in “Virtual Offering” section.
Set-Up Automated Payment:
You can find instructions and forms on the parish website: http://www.stm-church.com/ For questions about online/
automated giving, please contact: Mike Gutchewsky:
(219) 836-9151, ext. 2339 or [email protected] or Noreen Bickel: (219) 836-8610, #2330 [email protected]
2020 CSA Campaign is Coming Be a Partner in Christ’s Work by Supporting CSA 2020!
Thank you to those who have responded so generously to the 2020 Catholic Services Appeal.
If you have not yet made your CSA pledge, please return your envelope to the Parish Office or place it in the offertory basket
at Mass next weekend. We are blessed by your faithful stewardship. Together we are partners in Christ’s work!
To make a gift online: https://dcgary.org/csa.
St. Vincent De Paul Society Challenging times abound! Many have encountered challenges
recently due to job loss, illness, death of a loved one or an assortment of issues related to COVID. This does not even
include the everyday trials that many face! The St. Vincent de Paul Society has been active on the front lines
throughout the pandemic, assisting those in need with food, utility and rent/mortgage payments for our neighbors. All of this would not be possible without the very generous donations of our parish & community through food and monetary contributions. Thank you to all who support our ministry. Please contact the
Parish Office if you know someone in need. Calls confidential.
Items Needed for Our Pantry: Please be as generous as possible.
Please check the expiration dates before donating. To learn more about SVDP please call Terry at (219) 836-8610.
Peanut Butter Jelly
Cake Mixes Frosting Jell-O
Pancake Mix Syrup
Pasta/Noodles
Pasta Sauce Rice
Boxed Potatoes Meal Helpers Pork & Beans
Canned Meat/Fish Canned Green Beans/Corn
Mac & Cheese
Cereal Canned Fruit Toothbrushes Toothpaste Shampoo Dish Soap
Toilet Paper Laundry Detergent
Positions at St. Thomas More
Evening Receptionist/Administrative Assistant St. Thomas More Parish is looking for a part-time evening
& Saturday (occasional daytime) receptionist, responsible for welcoming visitors/callers.
Will provide administrative/related office services to staff /parishioners. Must have
proficient computer skills & at least 3 years’ experience as a receptionist/administrative assistant. Proficiency in MS Office a must;
experience with Parish Data Systems & QuickBooks, a plus. Send cover letter & resume to: [email protected].
Part-Time Custodian Responsibilities: cleaning offices & restrooms and event
set-ups for church & school. Must have cleaning experience (commercial setting), able various types of floor machines, read & follow directions, and have reliable transportation w/ valid driver’s
license. Evenings/some weekends. Apply through [email protected] or in person at the
STM Parish Office: 8501 Calumet • Munster, IN 46321
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St. Thomas More School September 27, 2020
STM S Students of Distinction
Student Council Representatives
M ezey Scholarship W inners
After an all-school election that includes video
presentations for the entire student body, including those students learning from home,
the 2020/2021 St. Thomas More School Student Council
was elected last week. Congratulations to this year’s
Student Council Class Representatives! 5th G rade
Gavin Bouton Reyna Smola 6th G rade Finn Kinsella
Ryder Alderson 7th G rade Alice Tolnai Abby Buksa Rhea Bathla 8th G rade
Gabby Maldonado Sophie Peters (not pictured)
Each year, through the generosity of the Mezey family, five St. Thomas
More School students are recipients of a $1,000
Michael & Geraldine Mezey Scholarship, awarded to students based on their Catholic faith, parish &
community involvement, academic achievements
and need. Initiated in 2017, the
scholarship was founded as a tribute Michael & Geraldine and the profound effect the
STMS education had on their family: strong academic
benefits, resilient values & a better understanding of the Catholic faith and lasting friendships that remain
steadfast to this day.
We are extremely thankful to Mike Mezey, Michael & Geraldine’s son, who joined us recently to present the 2020-2021 recipients with their scholarship. Congratulations students!
2020-2021 M ichael & G eraldine M ezey Recipients Finn Kinsella — 6th Grade
Rhea Bathla — 7th Grade • Alice Tolnai —7th Grade Richie Andrzejewlski — 8th Grade • Caitlyn Companik — 8th Grade
Page 8
Parish Nursery Due to the current health crisis, the parish Nursery is closed until
further notice. If interested in volunteering once the Nursery resumes, please contact Kaaren at (219) 836-5079.
Our Parish Library Has Moved The St. Thomas More Parish Library has moved to the front
hallway of the Weis Center. Please check it out and take a book (or two) home. Books are organized by topic and author’s last name. When finished, please return the book/s in their correct,
alphabetized section to make selection easy for the next person.
Be a Part of Our Parish “Life” Chain Lake Country Right to Life will be hosting the Life Chain on
Sunday, October 4 — 2:00-3:30 p.m. as part of this national Right to Life event.
St. Thomas More parishioners will be standing along Ridge
Road at the corner of Calumet Avenue in Munster, joining other Life supporters along
Ridge Road, from Highland to Lansing, IL.
If you would like to join us and support Life, please pick-up a sign at the Lake Country Right to Life trailer at 1:30 p.m. in Wicker Park (signs should be returned
there when finished). For more info, please contact Leslie Dernulc at (219) 741-3739.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter The Chicagoland area Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME)
is pleased to announce that we will proceed with Virtual Weekends starting in October 2020.
Upcoming 2020 Encounter Dates: All begin at 7:00 p.m.
October 1, 8,15, 22 & 29 and November 5 & 12 Info/to apply: www.wwme-Chicagoland.org or (630) 577-0778.
Praying For Our Parishioners Our parish synod group, Reignited, and the
Circle of Prayer ministry are teamed up to offer prayers for our parishioners from our
homes, for now. Please send your prayer requests, via email, to:
MINISTRY spotlight St. Thomas More is blessed with an abundance of parishioners
who share their time and talent with those in our parish and community. With over 50 parish ministries, there is something to
fit your interests and availability and we encourage you to get involved. You’ll receive much more than you give!
ACT: Active Catholic Teens ACT, is a dynamic, fun teen ministry group for high school
students in the area focusing on fellowship, faith and service. Open to all area teens.
Joining ACT is a great way to safely get together with other teens to form friendships, discuss faith
and participate in valuable service projects.
Meetings are held on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month. We’re finding great ways to be socially active while using all the safety protocol. Meetings will be outside as long as possible to
take advantage of the beautiful fall weather. Join us! Find us onInstagram at @act_stm or text to learn more:
Students: @act-stm to 81010 • Parents: @act-parent to 81010
Amazon Smile App When you purchase on AmazonSmile, you make a difference at
St. Thomas More and help our students, too! Now Amazon has a mobile app!
Amazon customers on Android & iPhones can now support STMS when you download the Amazon Shopping app!
Prayers for Our Country The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites is sponsoring
an afternoon of prayer for our country. Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 p.m.
Carmelite Shrine in Munster Includes Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Rosary
and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
