5th Sunday Lent March 9, 2008

Believe, belong… Make a Difference this Lent!

Dan O’Grady 922-1334 Ray Vogt 369-1692

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 e-mail: mainoffice@stapostle.org 630 355-8980 (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at www.stapostle.org 630 305-6318 (Religious Education) 630 355-0521 (Facsimilie)

Pastoral Staff — Full Time Rev. Joel Fortier – Pastor, jfortier@stapostle.org Rev. Mark Cote – Associate Pastor, fr_mark_c@yahoo.com Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Assistant Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. – Deacon, ext. 105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane – Deacon, ext. 220, chucklane2@juno.com Rev. Mr. Jim Breen – Deacon, 630-357-4853, jimb4853@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney – Deacon, ext. 225, lrkearney@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett – Deacon , ext. 220, meabarrett@att.net Jacob Chojnacki, Director of High School Ministry, ext. 123, jake@stapostle.org Gerry Czerak – Business Manager, ext. 106, gczerak@stapostle.org Corinne Seguin-Dart – Director of Junior High Youth Ministry, ext. 117, cseguin@stapostle.org Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, ext. 109, pdougherty@stapostle.org Julie Frazier – Liturgy and Music, ext. 111, jfrazier@stapostle.org Robert Frazier – Liturgy and Music, ext. 112, rfrazier@stapostle.org Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, ext. 124 Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA ext. 138, crosales@stapostle.org Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice (OSJ), ext. 121, mryder@stapostle.org

Pastoral Care Staff — Part Time Felicia Lawlor, M.S., R.N., Faith Community Nurse, ext 104, flawlor@stapostle.org Rose Grumbine, R.N., Faith Community Nurse, ext 104, rgrumbine@stapostle.org

Support Staff — Full Time Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, ext. 118, ncirmo@stapostle.org Lori Culberson – Liturgical Assistant, ext. 120, lculberson@stapostle.org Kathy Ferguson - Receptionist, ext. 100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Diane McQueen – Parish Assistant, ext. 101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner & Adult Faith Formation Assistant, ext. 113, aschultz@stapostle.org Angela Tuttle – Liturgy Assistant & Communications Coordinator, ext. 110, atuttle@stapostle.org

Support Staff — Part Time Pat Berkhout – Evening/Saturday Receptionist, ext. 119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Marge Coronado – Evening Receptionist, ext. 119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Marilyn DeMeo – Database Coordinator (T/Th), ext. 107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Susan Francesconi, External Communications, ext. 108, sfrancesconi@stapostle.org Jorge Gonzalez – Custodian Sally Meno - OSJ Financial, smeno@stapostle.org Sue Sportiello – Accounts Payable (M/W), ext. 107, ssportiello@stapostle.org Ted McKeown - Facility Coordinator, ext. 133, facility@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga – Sacristan Coordinator, ext. 116 Lynne Vehlewald – Librarian, ext. 125, library@stapostle.org

Pastoral Leadership Community Pam Foster 585-8746 Julee Gard 898-8191 Steven Grumbine 375-0126

Commission Facilitators Worship Matt Balda Parish Life Faith Formation Lorraine Katz 983-4842 Administration Dave Otto 717-6635 Service Carol Healy 961-0942 Stewardship

Liturgy Schedule Daily (Monday — Friday) Rosary — 8:10 a.m. Mass — 6:30 & 8:30 a.m. (Saturday) Mass — 8:30 a.m.

Weekend Saturday Vigil — 4:30 p.m. Sunday — 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., & 12:15 p.m.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday of the month 9 a.m. — Noon.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday reconciliation is available after 8:30 a.m. Mass, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel and Fr. Mark are available during the week by ap-pointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally throughout the year. Sick and Home Bound Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care. Baptism Baptisms are usually celebrated 2-3 Sundays each month at a 1:45 p.m. service. On selected dates, Bap-tisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend an awareness and renewal evening prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office a few months in advance to make arrangements. Matrimony A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas should contact the church six months in advance. One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or their parents, must be a registered parishioner for at least three months prior to calling to set a date. Religious Education Call the 305-6318 to register. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call the church at 355-8980.

Counseling Service Call Samarian Interfaith 357-2456 or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 355-8980 x 124. Sunday Nursery Nursery care is available for your child age one (must be walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office.

The readings this Sunday are all about death. The good news is that God is not in favor of death! As we move closer to the life-giving days of Christ’s death and resurrection (you have to hold them together as one event, one experience), we have to embrace the truth that through death comes life! We speak of the victory and triumph of the cross over sin and death, that Christ has defeated sin and death, “Oh

death where is your sting!” It is swallowed up in victory. God, in Christ, treats death as an enemy, not as from God at all, it is simply part of the old order. Jesus said that, “I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance.” Our God is about life, he is the God of the living and the dead. All are alive in Christ, a new creation, a new order of consciousness and life. In the story about Lazarus, his dear friend

who died, Jesus calls us to faith, to a whole new order of con-sciousness, to be aware of and live at a whole new level of life; to live in the eternal presence of the great I AM, the God who is the source of all life, revealed in the incarnate Word of God, Je-sus, through whom all things came to be and in whom all things are sustained. Jesus asks and tells Martha, “I am...the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if they die, will live, and eve-ryone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you be-lieve this?” Martha’s response was, “yes Lord I have come to believe that you are the Christ”. She doesn’t fully understand the faith she is professing, i.e. integrated at a head and heart level, so she goes and calls her sister Mary whom Jesus was asking for, who un-derstood at a heart level who Jesus is and she is the one who brings Jesus into the village. She is the one who is able to weep with Jesus. The gospel tells us, “And Jesus wept.” In solidarity of our death and suffering Life enters in and calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Jesus reveals the presence of the divine I AM and awak-ens that life in Lazarus. Jesus desires to awaken that Divine Presence in us as well, for us to come to faith so that we might experience and enjoy eternal life, here and now! It is indeed a shift in consciousness and faith for us. We live and move and have our being in the divine presence, in Christ! Emmanuel, God with us, even in our death. “Whoever lives and believes in me, even if they die, will live and never die.” Do you believe this!? My response is, YES, I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the living God come into the world so that all might have life and have it in abundance, the source of all joy, life, and love! That is our faith, we are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Love,

Dear Friends,

“I have come to believe that

you are the Christ…!”

Fifth Sunday of Lent March 9, 2008

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice!

— Psalm 130:1

Welcome Guests and Visitors!

We’re so glad you’re here, and invite you to walk the path to faith with us. The community of St. Thomas strives to grow closer to Christ in all that we do. We care for one another and together with Christ, we make a difference.

Join us TODAY, March 9 after the 9:00 and 10:45 Mass for Welcome Sunday in the Senior Center.

WELCOME

March 9, 2008 — Page 4

Worship Commission Triduum A Sense of the Season The word Triduum omes from the Latin and means “three days.” It is commonly pronounced “TRIH-doo-uhm” and is usually used in reference to the Easter Triduum, the three most sacred days in the church year. The Easter Triduum begins with the eve-ning Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, reaches its high point at the Easter Vigil and con-cludes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. Often there is confusion about how that block of time can be counted as three days. The traditional Jewish prac-tice of counting days from sunset to sunset is used during the Triduum. Thus, Holy Thursday evening to Good Friday evening is the first day, Good Friday evening to Holy Saturday evening is the second day and Holy Saturday evening to Sunday evening is the third day. After centuries of neglect, Pope Pius XII in 1955 restored the Triduum liturgies to their rightful place as the culmination of the entire liturgical year. Although we talk of the three days, our Triduum prayer is best understood as one liturgy in three inter-locking movements. The death and resurrection of the Lord cannot be separated. The meaning of these days is distorted when we imagine that the liturgy re-enacts the final events in the life of Jesus in a sort of historical review. We miss the point in that case. The mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection is a present reality; the boundaries of time, and the boundaries of death, have no power here. Our past, present and future are irrevocably marked by our own immersion into this mystery through baptism. We wash one another’s feet, rever-ence the cross, light fires in the night and proclaim the stories of our salvation with an awed awareness that this is what it means to be baptized. The Easter Vigil then is the premier time to welcome new mem-bers into the church through baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. Ideally, no other parish events are scheduled on these three days; the presence, time and energy of every person in the community are needed for what we do here. Yes, this may be inconvenient, but birth and death are rarely convenient! Our forty days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving lead us to the Trid-uum—beyond its history, into its mystery.

Copyright © 1997 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publica-tions, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101; 1-800-933-1800. Text by Kathy Luty. Art by Rita Corbin.

Plan to attend our Triduum liturgies. Save the dates for Holy Week as shown (at left).

Holy Week Schedule Monday of Holy Week 7:30 PM - Taizé Prayer with RCIA presentation of the Lord’s Prayer

Holy Thursday, March 20 7:30 PM - Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper with Foot Washing and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Midnight.

Good Friday, March 21 3:00 PM - Stations of the Cross. Includes mime, music, prayer and reflections. Veneration of the Cross follows. 7:30 PM - Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The liturgy of Good Friday with a dramatic passion play, veneration of the cross and communion

Holy Saturday, March 22 (No 4:30 PM Mass) 12:00 PM - Blessing of Easter Foods 7:30 PM - Easter Vigil. The pinnacle liturgy of the entire year - Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist for the Elect. Bring bells to ring and take home Easter water.

Easter Sunday, March 23 Regular Sunday schedule with simultaneous Masses at 9:10 AM & 10:55 AM (No 6:30 PM Mass)

Presentation of Creed and Lord’s Prayer Two special RCIA rituals will be celebrated with those preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments. The formal presentation of the Creed and the Third Scrutiny is this Sunday (March 9) at the 10:45 Mass and the formal presentation of the Lord’s Prayer is Monday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. during the Holy Week Taizè Prayer. Keep the Elect in prayer as they prepare for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.

John Angotti at Triduum John Angotti will be with us again at our Triduum and Easter Sunday liturgies. John will be here Holy Thursday, both Good Friday services, the Easter Vigil and the Easter Sunday 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. masses.

Angotti’s New CD John has a new CD entitled, Joy Beyond Our Dreams. It is a collection of music for Lent and Easter. We have sung many of the songs from this CD here at St. Thomas with John. It is currently available online at World Library Publications, 800.566.6150 www.wlp.jspaluch.com. It will be for sale at St. Thomas after Holy Week.

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Pray For Our Parish For the sick… Dorothy Bradbury, mother of Deb Popp Sr. Geraldine McNamara, aunt of Donna Roger Place, friend of Don & Mary Ann Manderscheid Bob Grady, relative of Dorothy & Dottie Demkovich Cathy Strickland, wife of Kevin Mary Stuttman, wife of Gary Marty Arnold, husband of Cathy Arlene Berens, mother of Amy Wittershiam Carol & Tim Culbertson, friends of the Grove family Sally Carlson, aunt of Ben Rosales Grace Ford, mother of Brian & Margaret Arlene Berens, mother of Amy Wittershiam For the deceased... Alice Simek, mother of Norman & Robert Adam Johnson, son of Don & Sandy Rosemary Schubert, sister of Ginny & John Markey Ralph Clayton Condit, father of Joan Shaut, grandfather of Pat, Collin & Reed

5th Sunday of Lent O God of eternal life, whose glory is the human person fully alive, in the tears that Jesus shed for Lazarus his friend we see the living incarnation of your tenderness and compassion.

Graciously behold the distress of your church, which mourns and prays as a mother for her children whose sins have brought them death. By the power of your Spirit, call them back to life, unbind them and let them go free.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, 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

Today’s Readings First Reading — Thus says the Lord GOD: I will open your graves, have you rise from them, and settle you on your land. (Ezekiel 37:12-14). Psalm — With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption (Psalm 130). Second Reading — If Christ is in you, the spirit is alive even if the body is dead because of sin (Romans 8:8-11). Gospel — Lazarus, dead four days, comes out of his tomb when Jesus calls his name. (John 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45]). Readings for the Week Mon: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41c-62]; Jn 8:1-11 Tues: Nm 21:4-9; Jn 8:21-30 Wed: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Jn 8:31-42 Thurs: Gn 17:3-9; Jn 8:51-59 Fri: Jer 20:10-13; Jn 10:31-42 Sat: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a Sun: Mt 21:1-11 (procession); Is 50:4-7; Ps 22; Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14 — 27:66 [27:11-54]

Mass Intentions Monday, March 10, 2008 8:30 †Charlie Jardine, by Laura

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 8:30 †Josephine Hester, by Peggy Goralski

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 8:30 †Margaret Breitzmann, by Judy LaPorte & Family

Thursday, March 13, 2008 8:30 †The McKinley Children, by Mom & Dad

Friday, March 14, 2008 8:30 †Joseph & Josephine Kowalczyk, by Sharon & Audrey Kowalczyk †Rita Gutierrez, by Mom & Dad

Saturday, March 15, 2008 4:30 †Marilyn Kane, by Ed Kane

Sunday, March 16, 2008 7:30 †Rita Gutierrez, by Shirley Shepard †Ann DiMonte, by Theresa & The DiMonte Family 9:00 †Susan Lautenbach, by Jim Lautenbach 10:45 †Bill & Dolores Andrews, by The Andrews Family †Lucille Kremer, by Suzanne Anderson-Nystedt 12:15 John & Slavka Karakas, by Mary Segina

March 9, 2008 — Page 6

Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission

C.A.R.E. CORNER We are exploring ways to improve our relationship with God. We can begin by making God a priority. That means putting God first, which is what He told us to do. Remember the first of the 10 Command-ments? Going to Mass helps. Since the Mass is our worship service, we should actually worship while we are there. Praise and thank God for your many blessings. Participate in all of the prayers. Listen to what those prayers are actually saying and reflect on what they mean. Sing loudly as if no one is listening. Show some passion! Make God your constant companion. That way your day becomes one long, continuous prayer. Talk to God as if you had phoned a friend. Share all the nitty-gritty details of each day as you would with your spouse or a good friend. Ask God for guidance in deci-sion-making, as if you were consulting a wise elder for advice. Listen and act on that wisdom. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving every time you eat.

Men's Annual Prayer Breakfast

Friday Stations of the Cross Communal Stations of the Cross with music, prayer, candles, and procession is offered each Fri-day evening during Lent at 7:30 p.m. in the Church. Come participate in this ancient devotion on the day that Jesus walked his way of the cross. It is a nice lenten practice for individuals or families. Festival of Forgiveness DVDs Our recent Festival of Forgiveness was video recorded. DVDs of both nights are now available for check out from our Resource Center. The first eve-ning included preaching by Msgr. Ray East, music by John Angotti and Testify, a word service and an altar call. The second evening was a dynamic prayer concert with preaching by Msgr. East, Music by An-gotti and his band with guest artist Bobby Fisher. Our St. Thomas Choir was also joined by the Gayles Memorial Missionary Baptist Church from Aurora.

Saturday Morning April 5, 2008 Mass in the Church at 8:30 AM

Breakfast in the Gym at 9:30 AM Speaker:

Bishop J. Peter Sartain of the Diocese of Joliet

Donation $10

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Part-time Position -- Available Immediately

Business Office – Financial Assistant Resume to: Business Manager at parish address by March 20, 2008 or by email to gczerak@stapostle.org Hours: This is a year-round hourly position. 15-18 hours per week on Mon, Wed and Fri mornings or Mon and Wed 8 hours each. Benefits: Paid holidays and vacation and sick days proportional to full time Areas of Responsibility: � Accounts Payable using Logos Accounting (will train): - Process and track accounts payable including recording invoices, creating, mailing and voiding checks and contacting vendors and staff for information. Reconcile statements from vendors to invoices paid. Maintain vendor and independent contractor information. - Create ad hoc financial reports for the Business Manager and staff. Research financial questions. - Record deposits and make entries to the General Ledger as needed

� Compile and prepare 1099-MISC. forms and mail each January. � Prepare bank deposits from Sunday and special collections, tuition and other revenues. � Prepare bank reconciliations monthly for Business Manager � Count and deposit funds from Sunday Socials. � Process funds received from Capital Campaigns. � Help prepare parish Annual Report to the parish and to the diocese. � Process Diocesean Appeal transactions. Abilities needed: � Maintain Schedules reasonably and juggle among duties to achieve priorities. � Maintain strict accuracy, honesty and confidentiality with all accounting, salary and contribution information. � Learn Windows-based fund accounting software (Logos). � Have a fundamental understanding of basic accounting principles. Bachelors Degree required; Accounting or Finance preferred. � Ability to work in a team environment. � Dependable work schedule and keeping current with workload; able to work a few additional hours/trade days sporadically � Able to treat staff, parishioners and vendors with courtesy and efficiency. � Use Microsoft Excel and Word software effectively. � Amiably share workspace, phone and computer with another staff member.

March 9, 2008 — Page 8

Family Prayer Service for 1st Eucharist Our next Family Prayer Service for families of First Communicants is Thursday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. This bread service, It’s About Celebrating, will last approximately 35 min-utes. Please continue to pray for these children as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, an event of great joy for them, their families and our whole faith community.

3rd Grade R.E. Students A-MAZED to Experience the Labyrinth Religious Education students in the third grade will come to St. Thomas during their regular class time on Saturday, March 15 and Tuesday, March 25. Students will gather in the gym to learn about and walk the indoor labyrinth. Labyrinths are a form of a maze. Unlike mazes, however labyrinths offer one path which always leads to the center. By following the one path to the center, the walker can use the labyrinth to quiet the mind, be prayerful and find peace. Our students will have the opportunity to walk and then reflect on that walk. St. Thomas has an outdoor labyrinth behind the Ministry Center available for anyone to walk. For more information about the Labyrinth, contact the Religious Education Office, 305-6318.

Stations of the Cross for Families Families are invited to come to church anytime between on Tuesday, March 18 between 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. to walk through The Stations of the Cross. A prayer guide will be available in the Narthex for you to borrow, noting each station with a leader part, fol-lowed by a children’s response. Come as a family to read and pray the stations.

Catechists Please be sure you have Thursday, March 27 on your calendar for our Catechist Enrichment evening. Joe Paprocki, an Associate Director of Catechetical Services of Loyola Press and author, will be our speaker that night at 7:00 p.m. His topic is “The Cate-chist’s Toolbox”. Come at 6:15 for a light dinner. RSVP to the Faith Formation/Religious Education

Religious Education St. Thomas Teens with Character Please note the following dates for March meetings. March 13—CORE session. Advisors will meet with the 2007-08 leadership team and youth who are interested in assuming leadership team positions for 2008-09. March 20—Holy Thursday, no meeting. March 27—TTC General meeting for all St. Thomas teens, grades 6-12. All are invited to take a look at the pillar of fairness and why it is a necessary ingredient to good character and strong faith.

Grade Six Religious Education A reminder to students and catechists that on Monday, March 17, all sixth graders will meet at St. Thomas for Religious Education. Together, the classes will celebrate the Seder Meal. This opportu-nity is scheduled during the regular R.E. times of 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. High School Youth Ministry News: March 9 2008 – Retreat Day for high school stu-dents. If you signed up for today’s retreat, we’ll see you at 1 p.m. The retreat day will be led by Sal Solo, Catholic youth evanglist! We will end the retreat after the 6:30 p.m. evening mass. Remember, as written on the calendar, there is no Quest meeting tonight be-cause of the retreat. We are going to Appalachia this summer as our mission trip. We’ll be traveling with Youthworks! Grab a mission trip packet and turn it in to the faith formation office, if you would like to go. High School Students only: Limit: 30 people Deadline for deposit and registration is March 12 2008. Mission trip planning meeting is also March 12 2008 at 7:30 p.m. for those who signed up.

All Saints Catholic Academy Offers New Pre-K Program At St. Elizabeth Seton All Saints Catholic Academy is offering a new Pre-K program for the 2008-09 school year. The program will be Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the St. Elizabeth Seton preschool room. This program is intended for the older four year old who is very comfortable in a school setting and is ready for pre-reading and pre-math instruction. The program provides a stimulating, enriching environment that encourages creativity and self-confidence, as well as critical thinking. Registration is currently taking place for this program. Cost is ap-proximately $3,800. Check the website at www.ascacademy.org for more details.

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The St. Thomas Ministry for Seniors is seeking input from YOU — our senior parishioners on how we can better meet your needs. Please complete the form, tear out and deposit in the box provided in the Gathering Area. Thanks! 1. What would you like to see happen in this ministry? 2. How would you be able to help in achieving success for this ministry? 3. Other comments Name _____________________________________ Phone # _____________

March 9, 2008 — Page 10

Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice Easter Hams Collection Next Weekend! If you are able, please donate a ham next weekend, March 15 & 16. The truck will be in front of the church before and after all liturgies. Our target is 1,000 hams. Last year we collected 788 and pur-chased the remainder. Most of them are delivered to the Marie Wilkinson Care Pantry in Aurora. They are used there and forwarded to other distribution sources in Aurora. We keep about 100 hams for our Care Pan-try families and other families that contact us. When your family gathers this year, please remem-ber in your Easter blessing those families that you are helping … and those families still in need of help. Attention 18-35 Year Old Justice Advocates Wanna Be Part of the Solution? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4YzpZJrcEg Bread for the World is searching for enthusiastic young advocates to become Hunger Justice Leaders. Motivated 18-35 year olds will commit to leading advocacy efforts to overcome hunger and poverty. This begins with an all-expense paid training in Washington on June 14-17. Candidates can apply today at www.bread.org/be_a_leader. You will gain valuable skills and deepen your faith. COMPANIONS - Mother’s Day Project Companions — through Church Women United — is collecting writing material for women in prison. Your donation will allow the family bond to remain strong. Items being collected through Good Friday, March 21 include: � Pens, single cell with a cap (no click pens, no metal on pens) � Stationery (complete sets not required) � Cards (blank or “thank you” or “thinking of you”) � Gallon size Ziploc bags � Postage stamps

Stewardship of Creation the Air We Breathe On Wednesday, March 12 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., local faith leaders will be at St. Raphael Parish Activ-ity Center on Modaff Road in Naperville to present their perspective on environmental stewardship and individual responsibility. Local faith leaders will present their perspective on environmental stewardship and individual respon-sibility. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion between panel members and the audi-ence.

Inter-faith Prayer Service Commemorating the 5th Anniversary of the War in Iraq Remember God’s dream for Humanity. Rekindle the hope that will carry us forward. Sunday, March 16, 4:30 p.m. First Congregational U.C.C. 25 East Benton Street, Naperville Global Poverty Act Update

St. Thomas delivered a total of 1,176 postcards sup-porting the Global Poverty Act to Senator Durbin. Currently, Senator Durbin has signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill, and it has emerged from the Foreign Relations Committee. The next step is to get it to the floor of the Senate for a vote. The Global Poverty Act supports the first Millennium Development Goal to reduce global poverty (people worldwide who live on less than $1 per day) by 50% by 2015. The Global Poverty Act requires the president to develop a strategy to meet that target. Justice & Peace Ministry

Pro-Life Message When I saw the embryo [through a microscope at a friend’s fertility clinic], I suddenly realized there was such a small difference between it and my daughters. I thought, we can’t keep destroying embryos for our research. There must be another way. Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, pioneer in reprogramming adult cells to behave as embryonic stem cells, quoted in the NY Times, Dec. 11, 200

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Pastoral Care

In the hospital or homebound? Call the parish office 355-8980 and one of our parish nurses or ministers of care

will visit, bring Eucharist or assist you with your needs!

Counseling Service: Call Samaritan Interfaith 357-2456 or

Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 355-8980 x 124

Celebrate 50 Years of Bringing Care Home On Saturday, April 12, 2008 CNS Home Health & Hospice will be Celebrating 50 Years of Bringing Care Home…at Pheasant Run Resort located in St. Charles, IL. For the past 50 years, CNS has provided quality medical, emotional and spiritual services to all or parts of eight counties including DuPage, Kane, Will, DeKalb, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and western Cook counties regardless of ability to pay for ser-vices. Elements of the Gala will include a unique cocktail hour, scrumptious food, and live auction as well as the world renowned inspirational speaker Dr. “Patch” Adams. You can help by partnering with CNS Home Health & Hospice…purchase an ad and/or attend this wonderful event. Your participation will assist them in keeping their commitment to keep quality, com-passionate healthcare in your community. For tickets and more information please call Lisa Brown-Van Arsdale at 630-933-7329 or visit their website at: www.cnshomehealth.org Volunteers Needed CNS Home Health & Hospice is seeking men and women who are flexible, compassionate and non-judgmental for their Volunteer Training Program. Hospice volunteers provide companionship and prac-tical assistance to people in the community who are terminally ill. No special skills or medical back-ground required. The hospice training will be held at the CNS of-fice located at 690 E. North Ave. in Carol Stream on April 5 & April 19, from 9 am to 4 pm on both days. Lunch will be provided. Applications must be received by March 27. Addi-tional volunteer opportunities are available and will be presented at the training. For more information call Kathleen Sanford, Supervisor of Volunteers, at (630) 933-7830.

Parish Nurse Notes:

National Nutrition Month is the National Health Observance for March. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser-vices (HHS) has written and published a booklet based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The booklet is entitled, Finding Your Way to a Healthier You. To view and order the booklet and/or read the information please visit: www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/htl/brochure.htm. HHS clearly reminds us that the nutrition and the physical activity choices we make each and every day affect our health. We may be eating plenty of food, but not eating the right amount or the right foods that give the body the nutrients we need to be healthy. We may not be getting enough nor the right variety of physical activity to stay fit and burn those extra calories. Eating right and being physically ac-tive are the keys to a healthy lifestyle. With health-ful habits, we may reduce our risk for many chronic diseases, certain cancers, and increase our chances for a longer life. A healthy lifestyle is a matter of choice and choices, lifelong commitment, and science based information as a guideline. Nutrition and exercise are not temporary programs, rather, values to be lived. The sooner we start the better for us, our families and our future. Begin Now….This booklet, as well as Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005, 6th Edition, may be viewed and downloaded from the internet at www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines.

March 9, 2008 — Page 12

Spotlight on Ministry

Come to Donut Sunday… March 9!

Stewardship Commission Stewardship… A Way of Life Last Weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts...

Weekly Sunday Offertory (week 36) Envelopes Loose Automatic Direct Debit Mailed in & stock donations Total for week *Based on Collection Counters Reports

Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) to date: Weekly Average 7/1/07 to date: % of Annual Sunday Offertory Goal Sunday Offertory Goal YTD Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year Bishop’s Relief Collection

$31,673 28,150

3,523 $0

$2,265 $33,938

$1,309,103

$36,364 69.93

$1,296,000

$1,872,000 $562,897

$7,110

Men’s Christian Fellowship

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has donated their treasures to Project12Baskets recently. Each and every donation has made a difference. Please continue to look through your basements, attics, clos-ets, or wherever your precious items are stored, and search for at least one item to donate. Before you do-nate an item, you need to register it. You can do this online at www.project12baskets.com and click on the “Donate an Item” icon, or you can use a paper registra-tion form which is found in the church office. If you have any questions about donating or Project12Bas-kets, please call us at (630) 518-4235 or e-mail Colette Young (cyoungproject12baskets.com)

Check out this week’s Ministry--learn about the people they serve, their activities, and ways you might be able to participate!

Journey of Faith – Update A Quarter Century Campaign St Thomas the Apostle Parish has been conducting a Capital Campaign known as the Journey of Faith, leading up to our 25th Anniversary. When the campaign began, St Thomas the Apostle parish had 3,400 registered parishioner families. Be-ginning the evening of February 15, 2007, and con-tinuing through November 15, 2007, we placed over 24,000 initial and follow-up telephone calls, to reach these parishioners Each first attempted phone call was followed-up with an appropriate letter, an information packet, and an additional telephone call, as necessary. Many of you have chosen to participate, and we thank you for your generosity. As of today’s date, 17%, or 580 St Thomas the Apostle families have pledged $978,697. We are continuing to work with many of our very active parishioners who have historically been gener-ous donors, enlisting their support. There are 84 un-committed parish families on this list who are cur-rently being contacted. Before this solicitation phase of the “Journey of Faith” Capital Campaign ends, we also will contact approximately two hundred newly registered parishioners who registered between January 2007 and October 2007. If you have not yet made your decision, or your personal situation has changed and you are now in a position to participate, please prayerfully consider your gift very carefully. Your positive response will be greatly appreciated, and allow St. Thomas to move ahead with plans for the future.

Page 13 — March 9, 2008

CURRENT — Young Adult News: MONTHLY THEOLOGY-ON-TAP GATHERINGS Formerly known as YACHT Club Tuesday, March 18 7:00 pm.; Mullen’s Bar and Grill, 3080 Warrenville Rd, Lisle. Join us for an evening of conversation and so-cializing. Our speaker for March is Mr. Jeremy Hylka on the topic “The Crucifixion Story”. Cost is $5 for ad-mission plus anything ordered off of the menu (food, drink and gratuity). An RSVP is required to Kris at kdul-ski@Calamos.com or 630.527.9608. Midnight Pilgrimage with Bishop Sartain Holy Thursday, March 20, 2008 - 7:00 p.m. to Midnight Beginning at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, 604 N. Raynor Ave., Joliet For more information: Paul Jarzembowski, (815) 727-6411, x261

Parish Life Commission

Nursery Information Just a reminder to those who are interested in Joining the St. Thomas Nursery Co-op that a course entitled “Protecting God’s Children” and a background check are required of any adult who plans on working with youth in the parish. Information is available in the Nursery and on line at http://www.dioceseof Joliet.org.

TODAY is... Donut Sunday!

Come and see the movie, “The Greatest Story Ever Told”, here at church in the Ministry Center. This film on Jesus’ life will be shown on Thursday, March 13 from 6:15 – 9:45 p.m. Bring your own snack and drinks will be provided. Seating is limited. Questions? Call Patti at 355-8980 ext. 109.

“The Greatest Story Ever Told”

Tues, March 18, 7:00 p.m., Come to the Lighthouse to hear Ron Fredrick speak about the Marian Apparitions at Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe. While spending time in Mexico and France Ron was able to do considerable research on the Marian Apparitions. You will find Ron's presentation on Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe most interesting and awe inspiring.

ALSO… We are asking every Senior — please complete the SENIOR SURVEY found on page NINE. After completing, tear out, and deposit it in the box provided in the Gathering Area.

March 9, 2008 — Page 14

March 2008 MONTHLY MEETING ON THURSDAY EVENING March 27, 2008 The March 2008 St Thomas the Apostle Jobs Min-istry Meeting will be held on Thursday evening March 27, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Lighthouse, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville, IL. The speaker will be Steve Susina, a technology marketing professional, with over twenty years experi-ence at companies including AT&T, Tellabs and UT Starcom. Steve is currently the Director of Marketing at Laurus Technologies, an IT consulting firm. Steve serves the Job Seekers of the community in their search for meaningful employment in his position as co-facilitator of the St Raphael Transition Ministry. Steve’s presentation is titled “Using Conferences, Trade Shows and Industry Meetings in your Job Search”. An important and often overlooked aspect of a job search is attending industry events that attract those who are currently working. You will not find a better environment to meet people currently working for companies on your target list. However, as some-one in transition, attending such networking events can be quite intimidating. Steve will share ideas on how to “work the room” at these networking events from selection through fol-low up. Please plan to attend this very informative meeting on Thursday evening, March 27, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Lighthouse at St Thomas the Apostle Church. For additional info please contact: Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com or St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church at 630-355-8980.

Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

(after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Lighthouse

Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD… Monday, Mar. 10 4:15—5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 6:30—9:30 p.m. New Wine, Senior Center 7:00—9:00 P.M. Healing the Soul, Rectory Basement 7:00—9:30 p.m. Just Faith, Resource Center 7:00—9:00 p.m. Katrina, Lighthouse 7:00—9:00 p.m. Transitional Housing, Meeting Room 4 7:30—9:30 p.m. Testify Rehearsal, Chapel 7:15—8:30 p.m. Jr. High R. E. at Hill Middle School Tuesday, Mar. 11 8:00—8:45 a.m. Wholistic Practices, Gym 11:30am-12:00 p.m. Lenten Meditations, Chapel 5:00—6:30 p.m. Jr. High Stations Practice, Church 7:00—8:30 p.m. Care With God’s Creation, Lighthouse 7:00—9:30 p.m. Catechist Pot Luck & Mtg., Ministry Center 7:15—9:30 p.m. Men’s Spirituality Group, Rectory Basement 7:30—9:30 p.m. Marketing Communications, Senior Center 1 7:30—9:00 p.m. Bible Time Line, Lounge 7:30—9:00 p.m. Voices of Faith Rehearsal, Church Wednesday, Mar. 12 9:00—11:30 a.m. Bible Study, Senior Center 4:15—5:30 p.m. Jammers, Church 5:30—7:30 p.m. High School Worship Rehearsal, Youth Center 6:00—10:00 p.m. ALPHA, Lighthouse 7:00—9:15 p.m. Leadership Night, Ministry Center 7:00—9:00 p.m. Group Spiritual Direction, Rectory Basement 7:00—9:00 p.m. Scripture Safari Planning, Resource Center 7:30—9:00 p.m. APEX, Youth Center Thursday, Mar. 13 7:00—9:00 a.m. DuPage United Steering, Lighthouse 9:00am-11:00 a.m. Healing the Soul, Youth Center 10:00am-12:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Meeting Room 1 5:00—:30 p.m. Jr. High Stations Practice, Church 6:00—7:30 p.m. Trec Band, Lighthouse 6:15—9:45 p.m. Movie: Greatest Story Ever Told, Senior Center 6:30—8:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Meeting Room 1 7:00—8:30 p.m. Character Counts—The Bridge, Youth Center 7:00—7:45 p.m. Prayer Service for 1st Communion Families, Church 7:45—9:00 p.m. Jubilate Rehearsal, Church Friday, Mar. 14 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Lighthouse 7:30—8:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross, Church Saturday, Mar. 15 8:30—11:30 a.m. Bread of Life, Resource Center 8:30—10:30 a.m. Ensemble Rehearsal, Church 8:30—11:45 a.m. R. E. Labyrinth Walk, Gym 8:30:11:45 a.m. R. E. Classes at All Saints Academy 9:00am-4:00 p.m. ALPHA Retreat, Lighthouse 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Christian Fellowship, Deacon’s Office 10:00—11:15 a.m. Rainbows, Ministry Center 10:30—11:30 a.m. Rainbows Celebrate Me Day, Gathering Area 2:00—4:15 p.m. Library Hours, Resource Center Sunday, Mar. 16 9:00am-12:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Word for Children thru 5th grd,, Min Cntr 9:00—11:30 a.m. R.C.I.A., Senior Center 10:00am-2:00 p.m. R.C.I.A. Mini Retreat, Rectory Basement 10:15—11:45 a.m. Festival Chorus Rehearsal, Lighthouse 1:30—4:30 p.m. Passion Enactment Rehearsal, Church 6:30—7:30 p.m. Encounter Mass, Church 7:30—9:00 p.m. Quest, Ministry Center