sign in sign up
<<
Home , Religious goods store, Tridentine Mass

St. Church September 27, 2020

Sunday, September 27, 2020 LITURGY SCHEDULE Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Time (English ) Weekend: Saturday , 4:30 pm Sunday, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm (Tridentine) Seventeenth Sunday after () Weekday: Monday-Friday, 12:00 pm Saturday, 8:00 am

Sunday, October 4, 2020 Reconciliation Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Saturday, 4:00-4:20 pm (English Mass) Sunday, 9:30-9:50 am, 11:30-11:50 am Thursdays, 1:00-2:00 pm Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Also, you may request an appointment with a (Tridentine Mass) priest for confession.

Adoration of the Thursdays, 12:30-2:00 pm

Devotions First Friday, 12:00 pm Mass, followed by adoration, DEBT REDUCTION COLLECTION First Friday and the . First Saturday, 8:00 am Mass, followed by adora- The Debt Reduction Collection will be taken tion, First Saturday Prayers and the Rosary. next weekend on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th.

The Pastor’s Page

Both science and history of Church HOW AT MASS practice confirm the purifying ability of burning frankincense during religious MIGHT REDUCE services. The Church has used incense during religious services for mil- AIRBORNE DISEASES lennia. Even before , Isra- elites used incense in worship, as the Psalmist records, “Let my be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering” (Psalm 141:2). Incense became a central part of the Church’s liturgy, not only because of its symbolism, but also on account of medicinal benefits.

For example, in the famous Spanish church of Santiago de Compostela, medieval Christians created a large incense burner called the “Botafumeiro.” According to Atlas Obscura, “the incense…served to mask the smell of tired and unwashed pilgrims who crowded into the pews. It was also believed to have a preventative effect against [the] plague.”

Recently various scientific studies have confirmed the surprisingly purifying effects of frankincense. One such study aimed to “test the effectiveness of their in situ application to cleanse microbially-contaminated air within the ambient of an investigated 17th-century church.” The results of the study explained that, “The anti- microbial properties of essential oil derived from frankincense, a compound with well-known traditional use, showed that it possesses a clear potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. Moreover, the results suggest possible application of B. carteri EO vapor and incense fume as occasional air purifiers in sacral ambients, apart from daily church rituals.”

An article on the website Healthline claims “that burning myrrh and frankincense incense reduced airborne bacterial counts by 68%.” Another study looked at frankincense essential oil and how it has anti-inflammation and anticancer effects. Furthermore, it has been proven that burning frankincense even has the power to decrease depression. According to the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, “Burning frankincense (resin from the Boswellia plant) activates poorly understood ion channels in the brain to allevi- ate anxiety or depression. This suggests that an entirely new class of depression and anxiety drugs might be right under our noses.”

However, too much incense, especially when it is not pure frankincense, but mixed with other substances, can have harmful effects on the respiratory system. This was confirmed in a study that looked at religious practices in Asian countries where incense smoke engulfs an entire building and includes a combination of other burning substances. Some medical professionals in China have even moved to put a “warning label” on incense sticks because of its harmful smoke. This is why incense use in church buildings needs to moni- tored, keeping in mind those who suffer from asthma and other similar respiratory problems. The size of the room, purity of the incense and volume used all play a role in how it affects those present. Many incense manufacturers have been introducing hypoallergenic incense for this reason.

Could it be used in churches to fight COVID-19? There are no scientific studies that would provide any direct evidence burning frankincense could kill such viruses. However, it can be said that there are many spiritual and health benefits to using incense during Mass and was used by Christians in the past to fight against vari- ous plagues and epidemics.

Page 2

PARISH INFORMATION SUNDAY, September 27 Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Office 2825 West 81st St., Chicago, IL 60652 10:00 am Robert E. Byrne (Family) Living & Deceased of Lahart & Lustig Families Phone 773-436-4444 - Fax 773-778-9087 Email address: [email protected] 12:00 pm For the Intentions of Laura & Edward Mikalunas Visit our official Facebook page at: (Mother) St. Thomas More Chicago Walter F. Rolla, Jr. (Family)

Website address: MONDAY, September 28 http://stthomasmorecatholicchurch.org/ St. Wenceslaus, Martyr; St. Lawrence Ruiz & Companions

Office Hours 12:00 pm Harry J. O’Sullivan (Adele O’Sullivan) Monday-Thursday - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Len & Gina Reilly (Diane Zervos)

Friday-Sunday - Closed TUESDAY, September 29 Sts. , Gabriel & Raphael, Rectory 12:00 pm Charles Giblin (Dan & Claire Giblin) Rev. Msgr. Richard Zborowski, Pastor Renzo Rossi (Phil & Irene Smith & Family) Rev. Scott Haynes, Associate Pastor WEDNESDAY, September 30 Business Manager St. , Priest &

Pat Lave 12:00 pm Philip O’Neill (Family) Kay Sheehy (Diane Zervos) Director of Music THURSDAY, October 1 Michel Domingue St. Therese of the Child Jesus, & Doctor of the Church

Coordinator of Religious Ed 12:00 pm Kay Sheehy ( Guild) Debbie Ksycki For the Intentions of Franciscan Sister Servants of Redemptive Love (Sr. Maria-Paulina)

Registration FRIDAY, October 2 New parishioners should register at the parish office. The Holy Guardian

Religious Goods Store 12:00 pm Special Intention (Mary Donahue) Eileen Grady (Diane Zervos) Open on the third weekend of the month. SATURDAY, October 3 SACRAMENTS 8:00 am John, Frank & Richard Palmer (Betty Morski) Visitations For the Intentions of Franciscan Sister Servants of Hospital or Homebound; Please contact the Parish Office at Redemptive Love (Sr. Maria-Paulina) 773-436-4444 as soon as possible for , Confes- (Vigil Mass) sion or Anointing of the Sick. 4:30 pm Mike, Anne & Marty Dwyer (Peggy Dwyer)

Michael Hederman (Joan & Frank Hederman) Marriage

Registered and supporting members should call the parish office. A date should not be set until consulting with the Pastor.

Baptism Registered parishioners should contact the parish office.

Funeral Registered parishioners should contact the parish office.

Bulletin : General Number 312-655-7000 Please submit all requests for bulletin announcement on Counseling Center 312-655-7725 Mondays by 10:00 am. Catholictherapists.com http://www.purityispossible.com/ Project Rachel (post-abortion healing): 888-456-4673 Suicide Prevention: 800-273-8255 Aid for Women (crisis pregnancy): 312-621-1100 Courage and EnCourage Apostolates: (203) 803-1564 http://www.couragerc.org/ Page 3

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL FOR THE SICK

Crispian Bofinger Carol Colby Tricia Quasthoff Sarah Dalton Walter Quasthoff Diane & Jim Flaherty Len Reilly Mike Lave Pat Sheehy Sandra Halper Phyllis Spizzirri Celeste Phifer Mary Tadda Dolores Pogor Ken Watterson

Omnipotent and eternal , the everlasting of those who believe, hear us on behalf of Thy sick.

WEDDING BANNS

Thomas Friske & Ashley Michalowski

Christopher Lopez & Bridget Michalowski

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION FOR ALL PARISHIONERS

St. Thomas More is now accepting registrations for all parishioners interested in attending Religious Edu- cation for the sacraments of , First Holy Communion and . Due to COVID re- strictions, classes will be held remotely via ZOOM. Books to be used during classes will be ordered once class participants are determined and will then available for pick up at the church at a date to be de- termined. The cost for religious education is $200 per family, plus $25 per child book fee which be paid in full at registration.

Please contact Lynn Abramic at (708) 296-6840 for further information or to register.

FOR ALL WHO SERVE IN THE MILITARY INCLUDING: OUR FINANCES ~ Your Gifts Matter

MSG Kevin Daley Cpl. Brian Husum SUNDAY COLLECTION

AZ2 Marcellus J. Lane PVT. Andy Oziemkiewicz 9/20/20 $4,069.00

PFC. Luis Rosales LCPL. Xavier Rosales THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

THANK YOU FOR OUR FREEDOM!

Page 4

ALTAR GUILD ROSARY

All are invited to join the Altar Guild for the recitation of the rosary in the Garden on Sunday, October 4th at 1:30pm (weather permitting) to honor our Blessed Mother. If inclement weather, we will meet in the church.

THE WOMEN’S CENTER BABY BOTTLE PROJECT

Beginning on October 4th, during Respect Life month in October, our parish will be participating in The Virtual Baby Bottle Project benefiting The Women’s Centers of Greater Chicagoland. Since we are not handing out baby bottles at this time due to Corona virus concerns, we ask that you write a check to The Women’s Center. Please put it in the collection basket and we will make sure to mail all proceeds to this wonderful organization which assists mothers and families experiencing crisis pregnancies. Or you can go to their website at: GOTWC.org or call 773-794-1313 and make a donation. By God’s Grace, The Women’s Centers have saved over 40,000 babies—and their mothers—from abortion since opening in 1984.

If you are making a donation by check, please remember to make it payable to: The Women’s Center.

Thank you! WANTED!

ALTAR SERVERS

Men and boys who are interested to serve at the Altar should contact Fr. Scott Haynes for more information. We are looking for more Altar Servers for both the 10 am English and 12 noon Masses on Sundays. If you are interested, see Fr. Haynes after Mass or call the church office.

Page 5

OVERCOMING OBSTINANCY A Meditation for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

“, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” (Matthew 21:31c-32). These words of Jesus are spoken to the chief priests and elders of the peo- ple. They are very direct and condemning words. They are also words spoken so as to awaken the consciences of these religious leaders. These religious leaders were full of pride and self- righteousness. They held to their own opinions and their opinions were wrong. Their pride kept them from discovering the simple truths that tax collectors and prostitutes were discovering. For that reason, Jesus makes it clear that tax collectors and prostitutes were on the path to holiness whereas these reli- gious leaders were not. This would have been hard for them to accept.

In which category do you find yourself? Sometimes, those who are considered “religious” or “pious” struggle with a similar pride and judgmentalness as the chief priests and elders of Jesus’ time. This is a dangerous because it leads a person into much obstinacy. It is for this reason that Je- sus was so direct and so harsh. He was attempting to break them free from their obstinacy and prideful ways. The most important lesson we can take from this passage is to seek the humility, openness and genuineness of the tax collectors and prostitutes. They were praised by our Lord because they could see and accept the honest truth. Sure, they were sinners, but God can forgive sin when we are aware of our sin. If we are not willing to see our sin, then it’s impossible for God’s grace to enter in and heal. Reflect, today, upon how open you are to seeing the truth of God and, especially, to seeing your own fallen and sinful state. Do not be afraid to humble yourself before God, admitting your faults and fail- ures. Embracing this level of humility will open the doors of God’s mercy toward you.

INSTRUCTION ON THE ONE ONLY SAVING FAITH A Meditation for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

“One Lord, one faith, one , one God and Father of all.” (Ephes. IV. 5. 6.) These words of the great Apostle of the Gentiles show clearly, that it is not a matter of indifference, what faith or we profess. Yet in our times so poor in faith, we often hear the assertion from so-called enlightened men: “It is all the same to what religion we belong, we can be saved in any, if we only believe in God and live uprightly.” This assertion of religious indifference is impious! Consider, ..my dear Christian, there is but one God, and this one God has sent only one Redeemer; and this one Redeemer has preached but one doctrine, and has established but one Church. Had God wished that there should be more than one Church, then Christ would have founded them, nay, He would not have preached a new doctrine, es- tablished a new, Christian Church; for the also believed in one God. But Jesus cast aside Paganism and Judaism, promulgated a new religion, and founded a new Church. Nowhere does He speak of Churches, but always of one Church. He says that we must hear this Church, and does not add, that if we will not hear this Church, we may hear some other. He speaks of only one shepherd, one flock, and one fold, into which all men are to be brought. In the same manner He speaks always of one kingdom upon earth, just as there is only one kingdom in ; of only one master of the house and one fami- ly, of one field and one vineyard, whereby He referred to His Church; of one rock, upon which He would build His Church. (continued on next page)

Page 6

INSTRUCTION ON THE ONE ONLY SAVING FAITH A Meditation for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

Learn hence, dear Christian, that there can be but ; if there is but one true Church, it naturally follows that in her alone salvation can be obtained, and the assertion that we can be saved by professing any creed, is false and impious. Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life , speaks of but one Church, which we must hear, if we wish to be saved. He who does not hear the Church, He says, should be considered as a heathen and publican. He speaks furthermore of one fold, and He promises eternal life only to those sheep who belong to this fold, obey the voice of the shep- herd and feed in His pasture. The apostles were also convinced that only the one, true Church could guide us to salvation. Without faith it is impossible to please God, writes St. Paul to the Hebrews, (XI. 6.) and this faith is only one, he teaches the Ephesians. (IV. 5.) If the apostles had believed that we could be saved in any religion, they would certainly not have contended so strenuously for unity, they would not have declared so solemnly, that we should not belong to any other than to Christ alone, and that we must receive and obey His doctrine. As the apostles taught so did their successors and all the Fa- thers agree that there is no salvation outside of the true Church. St. writes: “If any one outside Noah’s ark could find safety, then also will one outside the Church find salvation.” (De unit. eccl. c. 7.) From all this it follows, that there is only one true Church which insures salvation, out of which no one can be saved.

But which is this Church? The Holy , for she alone was founded, by Christ, she alone was watered with the blood of the apostles and of thousands of holy martyrs, she alone has the marks of the true Church of Christ, against which He has promised that the powers of hell shall not pre- vail. Those who fell away from the Church three hundred years ago do, indeed contend that the Church fell into error and no longer possessed the true, pure of Jesus. Were they right, Jesus might be blamed, for He established this Church, promising to remain with her and guide her through the Holy Ghost until the end of the world. He would, therefore, have broken His word, or He was not powerful enough to keep it. But who dare say this? On the contrary, she has existed for over 2,000 years, whilst the greatest and most powerful kingdoms have been overthrown, and the firmest thrones crum- bled away. If she were not the only true and saving Church, founded by Christ, how could she have ex- isted so long, since Jesus Himself said: Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. (Matt. XV. 13.) If she were not the Church of Christ, she would have been destroyed long ago, but she still stands today, whilst her enemies who battled against her have disappeared, and will continue to disappear; for the gates of hell shall not prevail against her, says our Lord. He has kept His promise and will keep it, notwithstanding all the oppositions and calumnies of her implacable enemies. You see, therefore, my dear Christian, that the Catholic Church is the only true, the only saving Church; be not deceived by those who are neither cold nor warm, and who say: “We can be saved in any reli- gion, if we only believe in God and live uprightly,” and who wish to rob you of your holy faith, and pre- cipitate you into the sea of doubt, error, and falsehood. Outside of the Catholic Church there is no sal- vation; hold this firmly, for it is the teaching of Jesus, His apostles, and all the Fathers; for this doctrine the apostles and a countless host of the faithful have shed their blood. Obey the teaching of this Church, follow her laws, make use of her help and assistance, and often raise your hands and heart to heaven to thank God for the priceless grace of belonging to this one, true Church; forget not to pray for your erring brethren, who are still outside of the Church that the Lord may lead them into her, that His prom- ise may be fulfilled: There will be one fold, and one shepherd.

Page 7 Chalet Florist

FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS We Take Service Personally 12250 S. Harlem Avenue Palos Heights, IL 60463 Contact us today for a customized, reliable waste management, (708) 448-3333 Contact Iris Mitchell to place an ad today! recycling, or dumpster quote. chaletflorist.com [email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x2495

Exceptional Quality & Service Since 1981 630-261-0400

No Job Too Large or Small ED THE PLUMBER JOHN YERKES ED THE CARPENTER & SONS, INC. • Best Work PLUMBING AND SEWERAGE • Best Rate CONTRACTORS Satisfaction Guaranteed As (773) 776-1300 We Do All Our Own Work Lic. # 209459 $$ Parishioner Discount $$ 6832 S. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 471-1444

SOUTHTOWN HEALTH FOODS, INC Serving greater Chicago since 1942 2100 W. 95th Street, Chicago, IL Phone 773-233-1856 Open Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:30, Thurs. til 8 pm Visit our store for personal and friendly service. See our Monthly flyer online at: www.southtownhealthfoods.com

Bill Williams D.D.S.

ab 3200 W. 81st St. Chicago, IL 60652 773-434-9092

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St. Thomas More Church, Chicago, IL A 4C 01-1136