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St. the Apostle Catholic . Naperville . November 30, 2008 St. 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 e-mail: [email protected] 630 355-8980 (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at www.stapostle.org 630 305-6318 (Religious Education) 630 355-0521 (Facsimilie) Pastoral Staff — Full Time Sacrament of Reconciliation Rev. Fortier – Pastor, [email protected] Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 Rev. Fritz Louis, C.S.C. – Associate Pastor p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconcilia- Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Assistant tion Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel is available during Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. – , x105 the week by appointment. Communal Penance ser- Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane – Deacon, x220, [email protected] vices are held occasionally throughout the year. Rev. Mr. Jim Breen – Deacon, 630-357-4853, [email protected] Sick and Home Bound Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney – Deacon, x225, [email protected] Rev. Mr. Barrett – Deacon , x220, [email protected] Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist Kate Cuddy—Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, [email protected] from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care. Gerry Czerak – Business Manager, x106, [email protected] Baptism Corinne Seguin-Dart – Director of Junior High Youth Ministry, Baptisms are usually celebrated 2-3 Sundays each x117, [email protected] month at a 1:45 p.m. service. On selected dates, Bap- Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, tisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are x109, [email protected] required to attend an awareness and renewal evening Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, x124 prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office a few Kevin Pranaitis—Director of High School Youth Ministry, x123, [email protected] months in advance to make arrangements. Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, [email protected] Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice (OSJ), Matrimony x121, [email protected] A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas should contact the church six months in advance. Pastoral Care Staff — Part Time One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or Jessi Allured, Asst. Director of Music, x111 their parents, must be a registered parishioner for at Felicia Lawlor, M.S., R.N., Faith Community Nurse, x104, [email protected] least three months prior to calling to set a date. Rose Grumbine, R.N., Faith Community Nurse, x104, [email protected] Religious Education Support Staff — Full Time Call the 305-6318 to register. Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, x118, [email protected] Lori Culberson – Liturgical Assistant, x120, [email protected] RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Kathy Ferguson - Receptionist, x100, [email protected] Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic Diane McQueen – Parish Assistant, x101, [email protected] Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner & Adult Faith Formation Assistant, x113, the church at 355-8980. [email protected] Counseling Service Angela Tuttle – Liturgy Assistant & Communications Coordinator, Call Samarian Interfaith 357-2456 or Jan Olah, x110, [email protected] Pastoral Care 355-8980 x 124. Support Staff — Part Time Sunday Nursery Pat Berkhout – Evening/Saturday Receptionist, x119, [email protected] Nursery care is available for your child age one Marge Coronado – Evening Receptionist, x119, [email protected] (must be walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. Marilyn DeMeo – Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, [email protected] For more information call the church office. Susan Francesconi, External Communications, x108, [email protected] Jorge Gonzalez – Custodian Sally Meno - OSJ Financial, [email protected] Janet Simmons – Financial Assistant (M/W/F), Liturgy Schedule x107, [email protected] Ted McKeown - Facility Coordinator, x133, [email protected] Daily Theresa Sheliga – Sacristan Coordinator, x116 (Monday — Friday) Lynne Vehlewald – Librarian, Johnx125, Lawlor [email protected] Communion Service — 6:30 a.m. Pastoral Leadership CommunityMatt Lohmeier Rosary — 8:10 a.m. John Ball Dan O’Grady 922.1334 Mass — 8:30 a.m. Christine Berta 579.4294 (Saturday) Julee Gard Communion Service — 8:30 a.m. Steven Grumbine 375.0126

Commission Facilitators Weekend Worship Josh Goralski 357.7671 Saturday Vigil — 4:30 p.m. Parish Life Sunday — 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. Faith Formation Chris Baker 548.1733 and 6:30 p.m. Elaine Scutti 904.1272 Administration Dave Otto 717.6635 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Service Carol Healy 961.0942 first Friday of the month 9 a.m. — Noon. Stewardship Dear Friends, With this First Sunday of we begin a new , another year and season of grace. It is with great hope and expectation that we actively wait. Advent hope is expressed in the first reading: “You, Lord, are our Father, our redeemer you are named forever.” While we despair of our own circumstances which seem to be collapsing around us, yet is our hope full of immortality, “You O Lord are our Father, our redeemer...” In preparing to remember ’s first coming, with devout and joyful expectation “We are to be we also await Christ’s second coming in alive and awake fullness of glory, the end toward which we are all headed, to be caught up with Christ to the grace that in glory when Christ will be “all in all”. is always present: That is a joyful hope and expectation, 1st Sunday of Advent “Emmanuel… and it’s happening right here, right now in our own time. It has been said that break- November 30, 2008 God With Us.” downs can be breakthroughs. I believe this Be watchful! Be alert! is such a time. We have great hope on one hand even as the world around You do not know when the time will come. us is changing and dying. Because of our faith, hope, and — :33 love, it can be a time of breakthrough, a shift in consciousness as some have called it. It can be and is a time of new beginnings, of necessary change, of conversion. The first reading also says, “...we have withered like leaves, and our guilt carries us away like the wind...Yet, O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and Welcome... you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.” Guests and Visitors! Because of that I have hope, no matter what comes. So tells us in the : “Be watchful! Be alert! St. Thomas is here to compan- Watch...What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”. ion you on your faith journey. We are to be alive and awake to the grace that is always Come with us as we grow in present: “Emmanuel...God With Us.” It needs to be closeness to Christ through presupposition of our Faith in “Dabar-Yahweh”, that God is liturgy, music, faith formation, always talking to us, with us and in us, pushing out into the special events, and countless world in a creative way that the Word might become Flesh in ways to make a difference. us; that Christ would be born anew in us. Would you like to become I end with a prayer that we received from Jack Shea who a Parishioner? Join us did an Advent in-service here with us: Sunday, December 7, at “Lord, we know we have eyes that see not, and ears that Welcome Sunday after the hear not. Today, something we see may cause us to pause: 7:30, 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. something we hear may invite us to ponder. Keep our eyes Masses, in the gym with and ears open so we may follow what calls us into the grace Donuts. of Christmas where the light shines in the darkness.” Amen. Let it be!

With Advent Hope for Love and Peace,

Worship Commission Prayer for Waiting

To Stand Watch calls for us to be alert, and to be sensitive. God, help us to be aware of the true beauty of our surroundings, And remind us in the everyday experiences of our life, to seek peace, beauty, and wisdom. As we anticipate with eagerness the arrival of Christ, help our worship today and in times ahead be reflective of the hope that comes as a light in the darkness of our lives. Keep alive the flame of expectation in our daily lives, and may our working hands create change in this world to truly connect with the hope that your love brings us.

St. Thomas Alive! CD’s Wedding Workshop It’s not too late to purchase St. Thomas Alive The next music and liturgy workshop to help couples CDs. They will be for sale next weekend after choose music and prepare their wedding mass or Mass, or you may purchase them during the week ceremony will be Saturday, January 10, from 10:00 a.m. in the Main Office. A GREAT Christmas gift! to Noon in the Church. All couples who will be wed at St. Thomas must attend one of these workshops which are held several times throughout the year. This work- Immaculate Conception is a Holy Day of shop should not be confused with the Engaged Couples Obligation and will be celebrated December 8 at Retreat Day, which couples must also attend. 8:30 a.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. After January 10, the next workshops are scheduled for February 14, April 25, and September 26. Contact Advent Reconciliation Diane in the Main Office at 630.355.8980x101 or We will have a Reconciliation Service, [email protected] to register.

December 10 at 7:30 p.m.. The opportunity for individual confessions with a priest or to speak to Advent Lessons & Carols a prayer partner will conclude the service. and Advent Taizé Due to personnel changes, Advent Lessons and Carols and Advent Taizé will be canceled this season. Friday, December 12 See page 12 for details!

20 TREES TO ADOPT… ONE IS FOR YOU Spend fun time with your family or make it a project for your Gathering or ministry group. How about using it as a unique agenda for a committee meeting? There are about TWENTY artificial trees to be assembled in the sanctuary and all around the church THIS WEEK, Monday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. Call Alora Foley (630.778.6303) or Lori in the Liturgy Office (630.355.8980x120) to claim your tree or for more information ASSEMBLE...FLUFF...ILLUMINATE! November 30, 2008 — Page 4

Pray For Our Parish First Sunday of Advent

Let us pray that we may recognize the coming of the Lord this Advent... Through all generations, O God, your faithfulness endures, and your fidelity to the covenant can never fail. Since you are the potter and we the work of your hands, remember us and strengthen us to the end by your grace. That, with a love beyond reproach, we may faithfully keep watch for the glorious coming of our Redeemer, and be found blameless on the day of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

From: Prayers for Sundays and Seasons, Liturgy Training Publications. www.ltp.org

Mass Intentions Today’s Readings Monday, December 1, 2008 First Reading — We are the clay and you, O Lord, are 8:30 †Leonardo & Alice Carlino, by Dawn Oliver the potter: we are the work of your hands †Leo Sochacki, by Ann Marie Larsen ( 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7). Psalm — Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your Tuesday, December 2, 2008 face and we shall be saved (Psalm 80). 8:30 † Pat Huff, by Amy Reineman Second Reading — God is faithful; by God you were called to fellowship with the Son (1 Corinthians 1:3-9). Thursday, December 4, 2008 Gospel — Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know 8:30 †Marian Moran, by The Curtin Family when the time will come. (Mark 13:33-37).

Saturday, December 6, 2008 Readings for the Week 8:30 †John Easton, by Audrey Easton Monday: Is 2:1-5; Mt 8:5-11 4:30 †Rose Cuga, by Tim & Helen Swanson Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24 †Anthony DiChiara, by Joe & Pat Murphy Wednesday: Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Sunday, December 7, 2008 Friday: Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31 7:30 †Deceased Members of 50+ Holding, Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35 — 10:1, by 50+ Holding 5a, 6-8 †John Spevacek, by Joan & Family Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85; 2 Pt 3:8-14; 9:00 †Anthony Rizzi, by Mom Mk 1:1-8 † Cosentino, by Bill & Ruthann Barbel 10:45 For the People of St. Thomas 12:15 †Maria Rivera Gonzales, by The Vine Family †Ronald Green, by Gloria Caswick

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Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission Soul Searchers Meets It’s Coming! The Soul Searchers discussion group meets once a Need a good book to read? Want to catch up on the month to explore and discover truths in The Essential best Catholic magazines? How about a video or a Writings of Christian Mysticism edited by Bernard faith-centered book for your children? All of these McGinn. “The roots of the current interest in mysti- and more are available for self check-out in the St. cism defy easy characterization. Such a widespread Thomas Resource Center, Room 44 (next door to the revival across many religious traditions is a complex Youth Minister’s Office and across diagonally from phenomenon,” writes McGinn. He believes one fac- the Gym entrance). tor in this revival is “the way in which the mystics On Sunday, Nov. 30, the Resource Center will be invite us to imagine and even to explore an inner open after all Masses to introduce or re-acquaint you transformation of the self based on a new understand- with our collection. Newly refurbished after our reno- ing of the human relation to God.” The discussion vations, there will be an informal reception to wel- reading is Section Three pp. 79-121. come you. Come meet the librarians – come browse The next meeting of Soul Searchers will be to your soul’s content – come for refreshments and Saturday, December 13 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in get to know the resources available to you to feed the Rectory Basement. The text is available at your spirit’s hunger. Borders. Hand-outs are available in the pick-up drawer under “S”. Deacon Will and Mary Maloney are group leaders. All are welcome to attend this monthly discussion group. Come whenever your schedule allows and enjoy a thought provoking C.A.R.E. CORNER experience. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples that healing only comes after they “ . . .understand Gather Round with their heart . . .” and are converted (: 15b). St. Paul echoes this idea in his letter to The “little blue books” the Romans (Romans 12:2). Paul tells his readers for Advent are in… to be transformed by the renewal of the mind. Gatherers, please check They must let go of the things of this broken your folders for a copy. world in order to better focus on the things of Then will also be a limited number God’s world, which are ultimately far more im- of copies in a basket outside the Adult Faith portant. And what is the best way to transform our Formation Office. As we move into the Advent mind? season, consider the words from Isaiah: “Then the By praying. Jesus told us to ask God for what glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people we need, to expect an answer, and to trust pro- shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has foundly. And even though God does not always spoken.” Look for ways to reveal the glory of the answer us when we want in the way we want, He Lord to others or to be aware of the Lord’s glory be- does always answer. If comprehensive healing ing revealed to you…in prayer, in community, in and wholeness requires a renewed mindset and an silence, in boisterous gatherings, in all moments of understanding heart, we must move ourselves to your life. that point. We must believe wholeheartedly that God loves us and He can and will provide for all our needs as He sees fit.

SAVE THE 2009 DATE! Men's Retreat: Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 Women's Weekend: Feb. 20 - 22

November 30, 2008 — Page 6

TWO ADVENT OPPORTUNITIES...

Happy Anniversary! 2009 marks the 25th anniversary of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and to celebrate, several exciting events are in the works. One of them, the St. Thomas 25th Anniversary Golf Outing, Dinner and Silent Auction will take place Monday, June 8 at Naperville’s beautiful Cress Creek Country Club. Parishioners and their friends will enjoy a day on the golf course followed by a cocktail reception, dinner and silent auction in the clubhouse. Proceeds from this event will benefit St. Thomas Come to the Quiet and our ongoing efforts to serve families in need An Advent Meditation through St. Thomas’ Emergency Fund. This fund helps St. Thomas will present two opportunities to hundreds of struggling families each year put food on take a breather from preparing the outer trimming their tables, avoid evictions and utility shutoffs, buy of Christmas, and come away to your inner house needed prescription medications, and assists with — your heart — to ready it to receive the visit of transportation issues which allow them to seek and Christ. In song, prayer and silence, we will breathe keep employment. This ministry is at the heart of deeply of the Spirit. St. Thomas’ mission and the need keeps growing. You are invited to attend on Saturday, Decem- At this time, community business owners have ber 6 from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. at All Catholic a unique opportunity to participate through Academy (McSherry Hall, or Tuesday, December sponsorship of the St Thomas 25th Anniversary 9 from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Thomas. Golf Outing, Dinner & Silent Auction. Please Chari Rosales, Director of Adult Faith Forma- alert your business owner friends about this targeted tion at St. Thomas, will lead these events. promotion opportunity and have them contact Mike Junior, outing coordinator, at Mike_Junior@mcgraw- Advent "BE-ing" hill.com, or 630-697-4031 for sponsorship options. "Come away and rest awhile." Begin the Advent season with Peace and Joy. Set your heart, mind and spirit on the reason we prepare for Christmas ~ JESUS. Welcome… New Parishioners DECEMBER 1, 2008 7:30 pm The Kacedan Family The Jaramillo Family Lighthouse Ronald and Peggy Kuhn The Stephen Family Ryan Forsyth & Katie Cerneka The Hubek Family Monica Borquez-Valle Richard Cooling The Harding Family Tricia Loughlin

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Religious Education First Eucharist Parent Sessions Religious Education Students Parents who missed one or both of the First Eucha- Make a Difference! rist Parent Sessions held in October and November, On Tuesday, November 11, interested students and need to attend the final make-up session on Wednes- their families signed up to make meals at the site of day, December 6. This session is for adults only and Feed My Starving Children. Our session ran from 6:30 attendance is expected for those who wish to have their – 8:30 p.m. and we put together approximately 65 child receive First Communion in the spring of 2009. boxes of meals during our evening session. Please contact Patti Dougherty in the Religious Educa- Here are some of the comments from the youth and tion Office (305-6318) for more details. their families: Just a reminder: First Graders need to be registered “I enjoyed connecting with other families as we all came in the Religious Education Program or attending All together to accomplish a common goal, even though we did Saints Catholic Academy to receive the sacrament in not know each other or the people we would be helping. It Second Grade as preparation for First Eucharist is a felt good knowing that I had mad a difference in someone’s two year process. life in just a couple of hours-made me want to do more for people.” Scouts: Earn the Religious Medal “It was such a rewarding experience for both my son and I. Scouts interested in earning their religious medals We both realized how blessed we are and how wonderful it are asked to contact Patti Dougherty, at 630.355.8980 feels to be part of something that is helping so many chil- x109 in the Faith Formation/Religious Education Of- dren throughout the world. We can’t wait to go again!” fice. Scout Leaders and/or Parents will receive infor- “It also is a great teaching lesson for my children on help- mation on how to get the book and earn the Religious ing others and it shows the direct influence it has on other Medal. Books need to be worked on and completed by children in need.” January 2009. “What an awesome evening we had!! The boys talked about it all the way home. They really felt like they were a part of something very special. I know it touched him, my Youth Share Time, Talents, Treasure! child who thinks money grows on trees… so this was a big Children’s envelopes are available in the Gathering eye opener for him.” Area for anyone interested in using them. These enve- “My son said, “Wow, I can’t believe that we helped that lopes say on the front, “I feel good when I thank God.” many people.” On the back children may write their own special in- tentions, tell how they used their time and talent for “This experience will be very enriching and motivating others during the past week and/or can share their for the youth as they become pro-active in addressing treasure through the envelope as well. Here are some of the global problem of hunger. I think this opportunity the responses we have had so far: should be offered many times throughout the year so we can be connected to our St. Thomas family and Prayers for our sick family members, those we are homeless, soldiers, our pets and prayers of thanks- united in “Being the Difference.” giving for our blessings. You can learn more about Feed My Starving Chil- dren or sign up to help by going to their web site: Time was spent helping parents and others, extra choirs, and using talents like making biscuits! FMSC.org. and Ladies in Waiting”. Treasure was sharing toys and money including one elementary youth who collected $105 to help build a medical clinic! Special Visitor Thanks to our youth for sharing their prayers, time, talents and treasure! at Donut Sunday! There will be a special visitor for

Families: Take some time to discuss the children at Donut Sunday on and reflect on the readings of the week. December 7. Feel free to bring your camera to take pictures of Nov 30 Question our guest with your child(ren). Santa will be in the gym after

of the Week... the 7:30, 9:00 and 10:45 masses.

How can I best prepare for Christmas this year? ? November 30, 2008 — Page 8

Junior High News Growing Up Sexually Parents of sixth graders are asked to attend an information session which will present the Growing th Up Sexually (G.U.S.) curriculum. The meeting will 5 Graders be held during the regular R.E class from 7:15- Making Ornaments 8:15pm in the Library and Media Center (LMC) This Advent we await the birth of Jesus, God’s greatest gift to us. Fifth Grade Religious Education Teens with Character News classes will meet in the St. Thomas Ministry Center Hope to see you all at our upcoming events! during their regularly scheduled R.E. class times on CALENDAR REMINDERS: Saturday, December 6 from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. or Dec Collection in Quest Groups for the 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. and on Tuesday, December 9 Fox River Pavilion’s Christmas Buddy 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. They will be making and hanging Project. Service Coordinator is the ornaments for the trees in the St. Thomas gym for Rory Donohoe the Christmas Eve 4:10 mass. All Saints Catholic th Dec 12 Mary of Guadeloupe Mass at St. Thomas Academy 5 graders are also invited to help decorate Youth who are interested in lecturing or these trees, by bringing handmade decorations to the acting out a bit part in the skit may contact Religious Education Office by the above dates. Ms. Seguin at the above email address. Together we will gift our parish by creating a beautiful environment to celebrate the gift of Jesus. Dec 13 Care Pantry Christmas Party Service leaders: Mari-Claire Dart, Sarah Hay 4th Grade Outreach Activity and Katie Dworzycki Deacon Chuck Lane will speak to our 4th graders Dec 18 Pillar General Meeting in the Gym, 7-8:30 at Religious Education classes (Dec. 6/9) about his in the Youth Center. call to ministry with the Warrenville Youth Correc- tional Center. This correctional facility is for girls, Junior High Faith Formation Program th age 11 to 18. The families of 4 graders (R.E. or All Calendar Additions/Changes! Saints) are invited to bake cookies for these girls and bring them to Church where they will be packaged for Please note the following for the calendar; the Warrenville Youth Center’s Christmas Party. Dec 1- The sacrament of Reconciliation will be of- th Cookies must be dropped off at church by Noon on fered to the 7 grade only in the chapel at St. Pat- Wednesday, December 17. rick’s Residence right next door to St. Thomas. Con- sequently, seventh grade youth should be dropped off Kindergarten Roundup and picked up outside of St Patrick’s. Grades 6 and 8 will remain in class at Hill. at All Saints Catholic Academy Dec 8 The parish will be commemorating the Feast ASCA will hold a kindergarten roundup on of the Immaculate Conception for Our Lady at the Wednesday, December 10, at 10:00 a.m. in McSherry 7:30pm mass. Thus, ALL grades, 6-8, will be meet- Hall. All parents of children entering kindergarten in ing to celebrate mass at St. Thomas at 7:15pm., the August, 2009, are invited to attend Dr. Sandy regular faith formation class time. The 8th grade will Renehan, principal, will answer the many questions be planning the mass in their Monday night classes. that kindergarten parents have. The meeting will take Feb 18 Morality evening for the 8th grade will be approximately one hour. Please contact Peggy Kobe held at St. Elizabeth Seton. This is a Wednesday eve- at [email protected] if you have questions. ning, but well worth the extra session to hear Ms. All Saints Catholic Academy is located at 1155 Colleen Kelly Mast’s presentation entitled, “Knights Aurora Avenue, Naperville. in Shining Armor

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Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Two Opportunities to Use Your Dollar Talents Caroling for the Culture of Life Last weekend at all the Masses we talked about “Dollar Join our Pro-Life community in the singing Talents”. Our community is always generous with their Dollar of Christmas carols at the Planned Parent- Talents. And this holiday season, there will be a myriad of wor- hood Abortion Facility on Saturday, Decem- thy outreach and social justice opportunities both within and ber 6 at 3:00 PM. Meet at Planned Parent- external to St. Thomas. As you are able, help where you can. hood (Near the corner of Eola and New York We would like to highlight two St. Thomas OSJ opportuni- streets in Aurora, east of the Dominicks ties that are in special need this year. Peace! store). Sing for 20-30 minutes and return to Outreach & Social Justice Office the St. Thomas Gathering Area for cookies & Mike, Anne, and Sally hot cocoa & fellowship. Then attend the 4:30 Mass. Bring a dozen cookies!! For more in- Haiti Twinning Sponsor-a-Child Program —This year formation, contact the OSJ Office (630-355- our Sponsor-a-Child program is running behind where we need 8980). to be. Part of that is likely due to the special collection that was held for the victims of the four Haitian hurricanes. We assist Baked Goods for Sale providing the salaries for more than 50 teachers for 5 schools in The Sisters of Notre Dame will be here Duchity. They all ask some level of tuition from parents, but next Sunday, December 7, to sell their many families can’t contribute. No child is turned away. We yummy pies, cakes, and tortes. have been adding a grade every year, and this will be the first year there will be a high school graduating class in Duchity. As we know, the quality of the teachers makes all the difference. Since we have been subsidizing teachers, more than 99% of the children have passed the state tests. Before that, it was less than 50%. We have enough dollars to support the teachers through December Care Pantry February. We will need donations for another 4 months to com- plete the school year. Food Collection The Twinning Committee will be offering a Christmas gift Next Weekend-December 6/7 card, including the picture of a Duchity school child. You Here are the items we especially need… might consider sending one of these cards to people on your Christmas list, making a donation of your dollar talents in their 1 lb Boxes Spaghetti name. The gift cards will be available in the Gathering Area the Pasta Sauce weekends of Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7. Checks can be made to Toilet Paper “St. Thomas OSJ” with “Haiti SAC” in the memo. Canned Fruit

Tuna Fish-for St. Nicholas Care Pantry Financial Assistance Fund—In addition to Jars of Baby Food-for St. Nicholas providing food, the dollar talents donated to our Care Pantry are Canned Corn-for St. Nicholas used to provide other assistance to parishioners and others that come to us for help. We help with auto repairs, gas cards, and other transportation aid to allow people to get work (usually If you can’t bring food to Mass next weekend, bring it whenever convenient… starting a new ) or to look for work. We help with medical just leave it outside the Outreach Office expenses, especially prescriptions. We help with other one-time or in the Gathering Area. emergency needs. We occasionally partner with our St. Vincent de Paul ministry to help with mortgage, rent, or utilities. In all Caring is thinking with your heart! cases, we verify the need before we help. Since July, we have helped 155 people for a total of $10,700. The need is up and DECEMBER KIDSKARE our dollars for this purpose are down. Please ask if there is a chore you can do Check donations can be made payable to “St. Thomas OSJ” this week-cleaning your room perhaps- with “Care Pantry” in the memo. They can be dropped in the to earn a jar of Jelly to bring up to the altar Sunday collection or dropped off at the Main Office. when you come to church next week. Thank You! November 30, 2008 — Page 10

Pastoral Care Health Promotion Offering Health ministry volunteers are available after the 7:30, 9:00 and Don’t Get Tied Up in Knots… 10:45 Sunday masses next weekend We Need Knitters! for blood pressure screening and The St Thomas Prayer Shawl Ministry has been a viable, active min- education. The screening site is the istry with over 500 prayer shawls gifted in the last three years. These Deacon’s Office, the first office off shawls have brought comfort and healing to so many, as substantiated by the Narthex, left as you exit the numerous notes and letters from many recipients. These notes and letters Church. have been gathered and preserved in a scrapbook for the Parish and the All health conscious individuals community-at-large to view. It is a true testimony of the Spirit working are welcome. Call the parish nurse in the Ministry. at 355-8980 x 104 with questions, You are welcome to meet and spend some time with the Prayer Shawl concerns, or to schedule another Group. They meet on the third Thursday of the month. time. With the talents and tireless efforts of the current St Thomas crafters, this ministry has met the needs of the Parish. But, with requests growing by the month, the ministry is calling upon new seasoned yarn crafters, or those wishing to be, to help them meet the future needs and those special shawl requests. Instruction is available! Please prayerfully consider this Plea for New Crafters. If you are un- able, but still wish to be involved, please pray for the current members and consider donating three skeins of like-colored yarn for each prayer shawl to be completed. These ministers truly are the hands and feet of Jesus.

A Huge Harvest Sunday Thank You The food continues to arrive…numerous bags were re- Would you purposefully pack trash in ceived the week after Harvest Sunday…the bountiful food your child’s lunchbox? Would you fill collection will assist in easing food poverty for hundreds of families. This is due to the efforts of so many from our com- your dog’s drinking dish with water that munity and neighborhoods. has been contaminated with chemicals? The OSJ Office would like to thank our Youth Minister Of course not! But we regularly trash Kevin Pranaitis who put out a challenge that was met and and contaminate the Earth, which is a exceeded; Tony Wycklendt; Corinne Seguin; Bud Hildebrand; Michelle Hunt; Carolyn Lowrie; Jim Roller; living organism. As Isaiah said to God in Dave Stec; the drivers; the teens who distributed flyers, today’s first reading: “Would that . . . picked up food, and collected food at area grocery stores; the we were mindful of you in our ways.” junior high youth who unpacked and sorted food; the Quest This week, be mindful of God’s ways leaders; and all who participated in any way. The St. Nicholas Pantry, one of the recipients of the food and think about this: What we do to the collection, would have needed to shut down their operation Earth, we do to ourselves. Better yet, without the generous food donations of so many. In the pray about it. words of Ramon, who is heavily involved at their pantry: “Thank you for all the food your community donated for our poor pantry. That is going to help a lot of our families get by during these tough times.” God is Good All the Time and All the Time God is Good! Page 11 — November 30, 2008

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Kids home from college? It’s a great opportunity to get those family pictures taken! Sign up TODAY for your FREE sitting for our 25th Anniversary Parish Pictorial Directory. There is NO COST to you or the church to have your photograph taken, and you will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and directory, just for participating! You will view your images electronically immediately after your sitting. At that time, you will have an opportunity to purchase additional pictures to share. Look forward to “seeing you in pictures!” Go to the parish website www.stapostle.org to sign up TODAY! It’s a snap.

November 30, 2008 — Page 12

Parish Life Commission

Dec 11, Christmas Dinner Cress Creek Money Doesn’t Country Club 34.00 per person Checks payable to 50&Holding mail to Richard Grow on Trees Jaracz, 1105 N. Mill St Apt 220, Naperville, (but we hope to save both)

IL 60563. It’s easy to be GREEN…and with your help St. Thomas can Dinner not limited to 50 & Holding make a difference by REDUCING the amount of paper we use for printing and SAVE on mailing costs too!

YOUNG ADULT ADVENT Beginning with our annual Advent Bulletin, YOU will have three delivery options for seasonal publications: MINI-RETREAT DAY By email (a prayerful getaway day to Chicago By snail mail for adults in their 20s & 30s) Pick up a copy at Mass

Saturday, December 13 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please let us know your choice by filling out and returning this Loyola University Chicago (Lake Shore coupon. OR... you can visit www.stapostle.org today and click on Campus) the words: Sponsored by the Diocese of Joliet Young CLICK HERE TO SAVE TREES to get started. Adult Ministry and Charis Ministries, the Jesuit Ministry for YES...sign me up for email delivery (please print clearly) Young Adults ______Cost: $50 per person or $40 if you register

with two or more friends (after December 1, I’ll stick with the Post Office for now the cost increases to $60 per person); all

prices include lunch. I’ll pick up a copy at Mass Registration: Register online at www.charisministries.org or 773.508.3237 Name (please print):

Need a ride? Contact the Diocese of Joliet Young Adult Ministry at 815.834.4047. ______

The Advent Mini-Retreat is a great place to Phone (we’ll only call you if we need to confirm you email address!) meet friends and others your age who share your faith. So meet up for some movies, dis- ______cussion, prayer, reflection, and of course, popcorn. Then grab a seat, settle in, watch THANKS… for taking part in our GREEN initiative! the big screen, and look out for God in the most unexpected places.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Join us New Years Eve. Music and dancing with John Angotti and band… hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine with a midnight champaign toast. $ 45 Limited seating!

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Administration Commission Jobs Ministry THE WEEK AHEAD… Monday, Dec. 1 Weekly Networking Meeting 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. 10:00—11:00 a.m. Pat-a-Cake, Nursery 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Church Women United, (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Lighthouse 3:00—9:00 p.m. Picture Taking for Directory 4:15—5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church The December 2008 St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs 7:00—9:30 p.m. New Wine, Senior Center Ministry Meeting will be held on Thursday evening 7:00—9:00 p.m. Women’s Retreat Meeting, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the Lighthouse. The 7:00—9:00 p.m. Tree Decoration, Church speaker will be Wendy McCormick, who has headed 7:30—9:00 p.m. Advent Meditation, Lighthouse Tuesday, Dec. 2 her own consulting firm for the last fourteen years. 8:00—8:45 a.m. Wholistic Practices, Gym Wendy’s firm acts as a professional problem solver to 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café, Gathering Area individuals, families, and corporations. Wendy is also 9:30—11:30 a.m. Time Line, Cana a speaker, author and radio host. 3:00—9:00 p.m. Picture Taking for Directory 4:30—5:45 p.m. R.E. Classes at Brookdale School Wendy, who specializes in getting people 7:00—9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym “unstuck”, will give her highly effective presentation 7:00—9:30 p.m. Men’s Retreat Meeting, Judea titled “Getting Unstuck”. Wendy’s presentation will 7:30—9:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Church help the Job Seeker get “unstuck” in their job search 7:15—8:45 p.m. Men’s Spirituality Group, Rectory Basement by utilizing the “FIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES”: Wednesday, Dec. 3 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Gathering Place Café Be 100 % 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Bible Study, Senior Center Stand in who you are 3:00—9:00 p.m. Picture Taking for Directory Discover your uniqueness 7:00—9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym We are all different for a reason 7:00—9:00 p.m. Make Up Parent Mtg. for 1st Eucharist, Gathering Area There is a reason our lives unfold moment by mo- 7:00—9:00 p.m. Pax Christi, Youth Center ment 7:00—9:00 p.m. Sojourners Rehearsal, Church 7:30—9:00 p.m. St.. Vincent de Paul, Senior Center Wendy is a certified graduate of CoachU and is a Thursday, Dec. 4 member of the International Coach Federation. She 3:00—9:00 p.m. Picture Taking for Directory 6:00—7:30 p.m. Journey Praise, Church studied Psychology at both Loyola University and :6:30—9:30 p.m. St. Thomas Teens with Character, Youth Center & Gym St Mary of the Woods College. 7:00—9:00 p.m. Baptism Meeting, Senior Center Please plan to attend this very informative presen- 7:30—9:00 p.m. Jubilate Rehearsal, Church tation by Wendy McCormick as she shares her 7:30—9:00 p.m. Marriage Enrichment, Lighthouse thoughts on “Getting Unstuck” by using the “FIVE Friday, Dec. 5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES”. 9:30am-12:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Lighthouse 5:00pm overnight Junior Retreat, Ministry Center For more info please contact Jim Breen at 3:00—9:00 p.m. Picture Taking for Directory [email protected] Cana & Galilee Saturday, Dec. 6 12:00am-6:30 p.m. Junior Retreat, Ministry Center 8:30—11:30 a.m. Bread of Life, Rectory Basement 8:30—10:30 a.m. Ensemble Rehearsal, Church 8:30—11:45 a.m. R.E. at All Saints Academy 8:45—9:30 a.m. Advent Meditation at All Saints 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Christian Fellowship, Senior Center 10:15—11:15 a.m. Rainbows, Ministry Center Sunday, Dec. 7 7:30am-12:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Sunday, Deacon’s Office 8:30am-12:30 p.m. Welcome & Donut Sunday, Gym 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Word for Children, Ministry Center 10:00—11:30 a.m. Puppet Practice, Resource Center 1:15—1:45 p.m. Donuts, Gathering Area

November 30, 2008 — Page 14