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For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

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Mission Statement : The Roman Catholic Saint Thomas More Parish Family welcomes and invites every person to join us on our journey in faith and celebration. With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all, especially in loving service to those in need.

As part of the Universal Church, we affirm the dignity of every person. All this we do to give glory and honor to God.

Pastoral Staff Pastor .......................... Reverend Michael J. Yadron, KCHS; Ext. 312 myadron@stm-church.com Associate Pastor ......................... Reverend Jordan C. Fetcko; Ext. 314 jfetcko@stm-church.com Senior Deacon............................................ Dr. Napoleon Tabion, OFS Senior Deacon.................................................. Daniel Zurawski, KHS Deacons ................................................................ David Kapala, KHS ............................................................................ Joseph Stodola, KHS Director of Finance ........................................ Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Pastoral Care Coordinator ......... Deacon David Kapala, KHS; Ext. 315 Director of Music ......................................... Angie Lorandos; Ext. 338 Director of Religious Education .................... Emily Hackett; Ext. 332

Parish Office Staff

St. Thomas More Religious Education Kindergarten through 8th Grade

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Friday — 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday & Thursday — 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Religious Education Phone ........................................................... 836-8610 Director .................................................................. Emily Hackett; Ext. 332 Administrative Assistant ................................. Rosemary Strimbu; Ext. 336 Grades K through 8 ~ Wednesday or Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education .............................................................. Allen Blocher Parish Life ......................................................................... Elaine Herrmann Peace & Social Justice ................................................................ Mari Casas Spirituality & Worship ....................................................... Kaaren Mashura Stewardship .......................................................................... Paul Liszewski

Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ........................................ Cindy Keilman 923-9862 Boy Scouts ........................................................ PJ Caraher (219) 838-2943 Career Networking Group…………………… Christine Spencer 836-8610 Circle of Prayer…………………………………..Carolyn Cenko 741-2509 Cub Scouts ……………………...Kevin Ranos Kevin.ranos@sbcglobal.net Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Gabriel Project………………………………... Marilyn Glennon 836-8610 Garden Club ............................................................ Paul Mazerik 644-8409 Gifts of Love & Warmth……………………..Bernadine Nemeth 513-6544 Girl Scouts ............................................................. Renee Whelan 796-6809 Holy Name Society ....................................................................... 836-8610 Knights of Columbus ................................. Jim Landowski (708) 204-4690 Oblates………………………………………...Denise Gard (219)201-4103 Respect Life ................................................. Leslie Dernulc (219)741-3739 Senior Citizens ........................................................... Herb Cleve 670-2982 The Travelers Club…………………………………..Lois Quinn 836-7902 Ushers Club ..................................................... ….Jim Marmalejo 836-1463 Venture Crew……………………………………....Fr. Ben Ross 322-4505

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321

Sacramental Information Confessions Saturdays ............................................................ 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. First Friday .............................. 1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. Mass Baptisms .............................. First and Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Parents must be registered parishioners and regularly attending at least six months before the Baptism. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic.

Pre Baptism Class ..................................... 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism. Marriage .............. Must be a registered, practicing member of the parish at least six months before beginning the six month preparation program for marriage.

Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound: Call the Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.

New Parishioner Registration To make it as convenient as possible for you, new parishioners may

register at any time in the Parish Office.

St. Thomas More Parish Website: www.stm-church.com

Hours: Mon-Friday 8:00 am-8:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am-4:00 pm Email address .................................. parish.office@stm-church.com Email address for bulletin ...................... bulletin@stm-church.com Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax ................... 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ..................................................... Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309 Daytime Receptionist ........................................ Susan Strain; Ext. 310 Evening Receptionist .................................... Veronica Brtos; Ext. 310 Building Maintenance……………………...Mike Popovich 836-8610

Pastoral Ministries Environment & Art ...................................... Susan Gryfakis 688-8209 Eucharistic Ministers ........................ Deacon Dan Zurawski 742-6005 Hospitality/Greeters ................................... Chris Shearman 923-1419 Lectors ..................................................... William McDunn 922-9459 Nursery ................................................. Kaaren A. Mashura 836-5079 St. Vincent de Paul .................................. Michael Martinelli 836-8610 Vocations Committee....................................... Mary Kochis 322-7262

2017-2018 Pastoral Council Members Thomas Alexander ......................................................... Diane DeSoto Deborah Jarvis ............................................................. Wendy Jasinski Tim Jevyak.......................................................................... Jim Kaspar Nancy Klawitter, Chairperson .......................................Paul Liszewski Kurt Popovich ......................................... Jim Secviar, Co-Chairperson Dwight Reed ........................................................ Cheryl Staniszewski

St. Thomas More School Pre-School through 8th Grade

Office Hours: Monday– Friday ~ 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Website ............................................................ www.stm-school.com School Phone ......... 836-9151 School Fax ......................... 836-0982 President ........................................................ Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Principal ............................................................... Jay Harker; Ext. 328 Assistant Principal ......................................... Cynthia Block; Ext. 328 School Administrative Assistant……….. Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328 School Reception & Office Associate………. Sandra Steele; Ext. 329 School Parent Association………..Shannon Pischner; (219) 306-7551 Parish & School Offices Associate .............. Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 311 School Admissions .............................................. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309 Director of Development…………………… .Karen Leluga; Ext. 307

Weis Center — Preschool & Pre-K 8635 Calumet Avenue ~ Munster, IN 46321

Phone .................................................................................... 836-2660 Fax ........................................................................................ 836-2655

Please remember St. Thomas More in your Will and Estate Planning

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Divine Mercy Sunday April 8, 2018

Saturday, April 14 5:30 p.m. Fr. Jordan Fetcko

Sunday, April 15 6:30 a.m. Fr. Jordan Fetcko 8:00 a.m. Fr. Jordan Fetcko 10:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 12:00 Noon Fr. Mike Yadron

SUNDAY, April 8 — Divine Mercy Sunday 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Victoria Waclawak by Cindy & Doug Thompson 10:00 am Teodor Dabrowski (Ann.) by Wife & Daughter 12:00 pm Aniceto Ferrara (Ann.) by Daughters Tina and Maria

MONDAY, April 9 — Annunciation of the Lord 6:30 am Abundia Castor by Ronie & Geraline Galvan 8:30 am Ann Devoy by Mary Silvasi & Nancy Bubala

TUESDAY, April 10 6:30 am Abundia Castor by June McBroom 8:30 am Dorothy Kovach by STM Senior Citizens 10:00 am Charlene Madura by STM Altar & Rosary Society (MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 3)

WEDNESDAY, April 11 — St. Stanislaus 6:30 am Joanna Bartkus (Ann.) by Family 8:30 am Gualberto R. Dizon Jr. by Jose & Paula Serrano

THURSDAY, April 12 6:30 am In Honor of St. Anthony by Barbara Fischer 9:00 am John Steinhauer by Cheryl Steinhauer

FRIDAY, April 13 6:30 am Al & Berniece Hedke by Ginny Clam 8:30 am Edwin Wolak (Ann.) by Michael Wolak

SATURDAY, April 14 8:30 am Donna Slikas by Eloise Gamboa 5:30 pm Robert Weglewski by Wife Charlotte

SUNDAY, April 15 — Third Sunday of Easter 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Donna Jean Strange by Family 10:00 am Mary Hayden (Ann.) by Kapala Family 12:00 pm Intention of Tamara Gregory & Children by Parents

SATURDAY, April 14 8:30 am M. & L. Fugger 5:30 pm G. & I. Scalzo, S. Szala/ MC ~ Nick

SUNDAY, April 15 6:30 am K. & S. Cunningham, S. O’Rourke 8:00 am G., L. & M. Buksa/ MC ~ Eliza Z. 10:00 am I. Caddick, J. & M. Connelly /MC ~ Will 12:00 pm C. & D. O’Brien, D. Arambula/ MC ~ Tim

Mary Jo Humpfer • Donald Berg Eleanore Heggi • Isidor Schreier

Sacrificial Offerings

Thank you for sharing

your treasure with our parish! Your generosity

is greatly appreciated!

March 18, 2018

Adult $ 20,648.00 Loose $ 2,781.00 Automated $ 2,915.00 Children $ 110.83

TOTAL $ 26,454.83

March 25, 2018 Palm Sunday

Adult $ 19,384.00 Loose $ 3,182.00 Automated $ 2,915.00 Children $ 113.72

TOTAL $ 25,594.72

April 1, 2018 Easter Sunday

Adult $ 48,334.00 Loose $ 6,323.00 Automated $ 3,095.00 Children $ 265.66

TOTAL $ 58.017.66

Parish Directories Are Here! If you had your photo taken for the St. Thomas More Parish Directory, then your new book is waiting for you. Please stop by the Parish Office anytime during normal business hours to receive your copy. Hours:

Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pastoral Care Ministry If your family member is a hospitalized or homebound STM

parishioner, arrange a Communion visit by contacting Deacon Dave Kapala: (219) 836-8610, # 315 or dkapala@stm-church.com.

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lease pray for the sick of our parish... c Joshua Alvarez

Margaret Amatulli Mary Anhalt Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio

Antonio Belmonte Mary Berry

Michael Berry Michael Billedo

Michael Blazevich Laverne Blumka Cheryl Bostrom

Linda Braun Stephany Burney Kathleen Burns

Paul Burns Dorothy Campbell James Campbell

Thomas Cak Al Carollo

Janet Cattanach Jack Chevigny

Jacqueline Morrow Christian

Willie Colby Vincent Corsello

Mike Curtain Eleuterio Del Real

Irene Dettmer MaryPat Devoy

Jeanine Doescher Patrick Doran Alex Eiland

Sherlon Evans John Forde

Phyllis Garber Andrea Garritano Margaret Geary Emily Gibson

Dorothy Gillespie Margaret Good

Monica Gonzalez Howard Gralewski

Margaret Gray Susan Graff

James Grunewald Mary Ellen Gullicks

Amy Hayes Marie Henke

Marisol Hernandez Robert Hesek

Becky Hill Charlotte Hunt

Betty Ingbretson Joseph S. Iwan

Steve Izzo Elizabeth Jacob Barbara Jamrose Stanley Jayjack Robert Kalka

Carol Keilman Kelly Jean

Mark Kenney Irene Kerps

James Klein, Sr. Janet Knight

Susan Kolodziej Richard Komyatte

Paul Kostalik Isabella Lappo

Annika LeMonier Chris LeMonier

Debbie LeMonier Nicklas LeMonier

Mike Lewis Kris Lisikiewicz Jo Lisiniewicz

Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz

Maria Lovell Marilyn Madsen

Brady Martin Larkin McKenzie Jenny Mendoza

Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Erin Meyer

Ann Miskovich Andrew Moll

Genevieve Mrvan Donna Nichols

Steven Nowaczyk Clare O’Brien

Donna O’Connor

Kevin O’Neill Danny Ogren

James Pancheri Marty Pavovic

Johanna Petruch Andrew Pieczyrak Elizabeth Pilones

Ron Plewniak Sylvester Porras Dennis Powell Ronald Prus

Patricia Rayburn Jerry Reach

Timothy Ribble Jackie Roach David Rossin Ann Sardella George Sauer Marie Schultz

Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz

Zachery Scriff James Secviar

Jim Seul Renee Shehan Ruth Siorek Nick Skinner

Carolyn Smiley Deborah Stareck Georgianne Suto Florence Stevens

Rose Theis Gerardo Trevino Kathie Trudgian Anthony Ubuane Phyllis Unkuri

Tony Vanden Heuvel Raymond Vanderbok

Julia Vrbanich James Wachel

Marilyn (Vrabel) Warda Mark Wein

Stephanie Wisniewski Don Woszczynski Josephine Zagrocki

Cecilia Ziegler Cody Ziemkowski

Divine Mercy Sunday Should we be a little easier on Thomas? The last few days have been a whirlwind. On Thursday, a Passover celebration went horribly awry as

Jesus was betrayed and taken into custody for unstated crimes. Less than 24 hours later, the simple arrest has turned into a death sentence to be carried out that very afternoon. Most of the disciples fled, including

Thomas. He would have heard of the events of Good Friday secondhand, in shock over the death of his Lord and Master. Then Sunday morning

arrives with joy from a few disciples-Jesus is risen! But there is no persistent sight of him, only Mary Magdalene's quick moment in the

garden and an empty tomb. Another day passes. The Apostles are gathered that Monday night, but Thomas is absent. He returns to a

jubilant report of the risen Lord. Again, Thomas has believes that this experience must have been surreal. Did Jesus really appear raised from

the dead? Did he really suffer and die? Has all of this been some strange hoax? Desperate for an answer, Thomas insists, "Unless I see the mark of

the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

After his resurrection, Jesus' body--mangled and bloody from the crucifixion--is restored. Did it need the scars? A perfected body would

have taught us one lesson: everything is renewed as it once was, the past erased. Jesus chooses another lesson, however. He retains his scars that we might know him. In the whirlwind of our lives, we make our own

mistakes, our own betrayals and compromises. In the resurrected Jesus, we see a God who does not forget his own sorrow. We are invited to

meet him--wound for wound--and place our hand on his own nail-scarred palm, the eternal sign of his everlasting mercy.

MONDAY, April 9 5:30 pm Handbell Practice (until 6:45 pm) ~ Church 6:30 pm Marian Rosary ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Schola ~ Church 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus ~ Solar Room

TUESDAY, April 10 9:15 am Eucharistic Adoration (until 6:30 p.m.) ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Baptism Preparation Class ~ Conference Room 7:00 pm RCIA ~ Conference Room

WEDNESDAY, April 11 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.) 5:00 pm RCIC ~ Conference Room 7:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul ~ Conference Room

THURSDAY, April 12 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.) 6:15 pm Scripture Study ~ Conference Room\ 6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church

FRIDAY, April 13 9:00 am Gifts of Love & Warmth ~ Conference Room

SATURRDAY, April 14 10:00 am Oblates ~ Conference Room

Readings for Week of April 8, 2018 Sunday: Acts 4:32-35/Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 [1]/1 Jn 5:1- 6/Jn 20:19-31 Monday: Is 7:10-14; 8:10/Ps 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 11 [8a, 9a]/Heb 10:4-10/Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37/Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5 [1a]/Jn 3:7b-15 Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26/Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [7a]/Jn 3:16-21 Thursday: Acts 5:27-33/Ps 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20 [7a]/Jn 3:31-36 Friday: Acts 5:34-42/Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 [cf. 4abc]/Jn 6:1-15 Saturday: Acts 6:1-7/Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 [22]/Jn 6:16-21 Next Sunday: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19/Ps 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9 [7a]/1 Jn 2:1- 5a/Lk 24:35-48

April Nursery Volunteers Sunday, April 8

Susie Kinsela • Kim Cipowski Andrew Cipowski • Daniel Pastor

Sunday, April 15 Kaaren Mashura

Allison Rusnak • Daniel Pastor

Sunday, April 22 Jennifer Boswell • Ann Harkenrider

Daniel Pastor

Sunday, April 29 Mary Karl • Lisa Jorsh • Daniel Pastor

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The Pastor’s Page

PLEASE REMEMBER THEM Please pray for the priests and deacons who have served the Diocese of Gary so faithfully and whose anniversaries of death are this week:

April 9: Rev. Leonard J. Cross (1982) Rev. John J. Strebig (2015) April 14: Rev. Walter S. Mastey (1997)

EMBODY MERCY

“The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. It is one of the great virtues to which we all should aspire. Imagine a world filled with individuals willing both to apologize and to accept an apology. Is there any problem that could not be solved among people who possessed the humility and largeness of spirit and soul to do either — or both — when needed?” ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

In the year 2000, St. John Paul II instituted the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday when he canonized St. Faustina who promoted devotion to Jesus’ Divine Mercy. Mercy is something that is so desperately needed and, yet, is something that is so rarely given.

We often hold ourselves to a standard that is impossible to meet. None of us is perfect. None of us makes no mistakes. Why is it, then, that we so often demand perfection of others as well as ourselves and fail to show mercy when someone does not measure up?

One of the things that we often cannot stand is when someone calls us immature. If we are called that, we go to great lengths to prove someone wrong. We will do most anything to show that we are mature. Okay, then. “Unwillingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional immaturity.” So, what are you going to do about it?

The first thing that we need to do is to admit and accept our imperfection. If we can accomplish that, we will then be able to accomplish the next step: ask God for His mercy and forgiveness. God’s love is boundless and unconditional. Yet, in a sense, there are some strings attached. We have been told by Jesus that we cannot be forgiven unless we forgive.

We know that to be true. Anyone who is unloving is also unlovable. Anyone who is merciless will not be shown mercy. Anyone who is unforgiving will not find forgiveness. On Mercy Sunday, we remember our God who is merciful, compassionate, and forgiving. All of that can be ours as long as we emulate His merciful, compassionate, and forgiving love.

You might think that is impossible to do and, in our frail human nature, that might be true. However, thanks be to God, with His help, everything is possible.

We pray this day as we pray each day in the Divine Mercy Chaplet: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

FAITH ACTION: In all that you say and do this day, strive to emulate the compassion, forgiveness, and mercy that comes to us from God.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE A kindergartner was practicing spelling with magnetic letters on the refrigerator: CAT, DOG, DAD, and MOM had been proudly displayed for all to see. One morning, while getting ready for the day, he bounded into the room with his arms outstretched. In his hands were three magnetic letters: G-O-D. “Look what I spelled, Mom!” with a proud smile on his face. “That’s wonderful!” his mom praised him. “Now go put them on the fridge so Dad can see when he gets home tonight." The mom happily thought that the Catholic education was certainly having an impact. Just then, a little voice called from the kitchen. “Mom? How do you spell ZILLA?”

EASTER & SYNOD BOTH REPRESENT NEW LIFE Today is the end of the Octave of Easter and is also known as Mercy Sunday. Throughout the past week, we have been celebrating the Easter event each day at Mass. Easter, to any Christian, is a feast that speaks powerfully about new life. We long for the life that is waiting for us at the end of our days here on earth, a life that was won for us by the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we reflect upon new life, I think it is appropriate to look at the new life that Bishop Hying has been attempting to inject into the Diocese of Gary through the Synod that took place last year. As you may remember, in October of 2016 we had listening sessions as we gathered information that could be taken to the Synod and the Synod culminated on the weekend of Pentecost at the beginning of June 2018. After the Synod, the bishop wrote a Pastoral Response. We put links to his response in the parish bulletin as well as on our parish web site and encouraged you to read the response. We have had a group of volunteers from the parish working on a Synod Implementation process the past few months. They are inviting you to a listening session on the weekend of April 28/29. The sessions will take place in the Solar Room after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on April 28th and the 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon Masses on April 29th. We are making copies of the bishop’s Pastoral Response available after all the Masses this weekend in case you would like to take one home and read it. The link is still on the parish web page. You may also read it on the diocesan web page: http://www.dcgary.org/pdf/pastoral-english-17.pdf

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Religious Education

April 11/12 Class 18/19 Class 25/26 Last Class (except 3rd Grade First Communicants)

May 2/3 Communion Practice Both classes must attend on both nights. 5 First Holy Communion — 10:00 a.m.

Lectors for the Week

Saturday, April 14 5:30 pm Mass

Main: Bill & JoAnn Karr Chapel:

Rob & Dorothy Mangus

Sunday, April 15

8:00 am Mass Main: Joe & Cynthia Sindall

Chapel: Mary Silvasi Choir: Jack & Judy Mateja

10:00 am Mass Main: Andrea Mazerik

Choir: Mary Ann & Dwight Reed

12:00 Noon Mass Main: Kandace Mack

Saturday, April 14 5:30 pm Mass

Ann Harkenrider & Rob Mangus

Sunday, April 15 6:30 am Mass

Phil McIntosh & Micki Richter

8:00 am Mass Kristen Ball & Judy Buksa

10:00 am Mass Kevin Connelly & Irma Hernandez

12:00 Noon Mass Christopher Balbo &

Michael Skurka

Volunteer Now! As St. Thomas More presents the annual Family Fun Days

Festival 2018 Wednesday, June 20 to Sunday, June 24

Many volunteers are needed to make our festival successful, safe, and fun.

You can find more information on how to volunteer on the Festival webpage.

Questions? Contact: Carol or Don Kopenec at (219) 922-6091. To volunteer, follow the directions on the webpage and sign-up when & where you can volunteer:www.stmfundays.weebly.com  

We need the help of everyone to make this another great event!

Thank you for volunteering to help our parish!

Mrs. Kenning’s fourth grade Wednesday Religious Education class made sun catchers and necklaces as part of their Lenten activities.

Catholic Services Appeal The annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) will be held in all

parishes in the Diocese of Gary the weekend of

April 21/22 and April 28/29. A gift to the CSA empowers the faithful of our diocese to give

witness to our discipleship call and affirm our identity as a Church made up of Living

Stones by responding to one another’s needs.

Participation of all our parishioners is essential for

our diocese to continue Jesus’ mission of peace, love

and justice here on earth. If you are able to help with

this year’s CSA at St. Thomas More, please contact Karen Leluga at

(219) 836-8610, ext # 307 or kleluga@stm-church.com

Please support the 2018 CSA Campaign!

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St. Thomas More School April 8, 2018

St. Thomas More School Continues Educational Excellence It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of our principal, Mr. Jay Harker, effective at the end of this school year.

Mr. Harker’s love of education, our students and their families, our staff, and his enthusiastic commitment to St. Thomas More School have been evident during his tenure at STMS and we will be forever appreciative of his service to our

school family. Effective in June, Mr. Harker will retire to focus on his health and leave the daily demands of “principal” behind. But that is not the end of our school’s association with Mr. Harker! We are happy to report that he will begin serving as a mentor and consultant to the new STMS principal in the year/s to come, and for that, we are grateful. We look forward to this new relationship and are pleased that he will

continue to impart his wisdom, knowledge and expertise as we move forward.

With that said, it is with great joy that we announce the appointment of our next St. Thomas More School principal: Dr. Samantha Hofferth-Francis.

Dr. Francis brings her many gifts and talents to our school community and looks to incorporate her science background to further the integration of

STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art & Math) into all aspects of our school. Her knowledge of the latest curriculum strategies,

love of Catholic identity and philanthropy and her forward-looking philosophy will ensure that St. Thomas More School remains an innovative leader in Catholic education

and will serve as the basis for our school’s advancement. In addition to her nine years in education, Dr. Francis holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic from the Palmer

College of Chiropractic and has recently been accepted into the prestigious Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame for Educational Leadership.

What makes Dr. Francis, an STMS Class of 1984 alumna, the perfect choice as the next principal of St. Thomas More School is her undying energy and enthusiasm for our school. Her early experience as

an STMS student and now as our 7th/8th grade Science teacher & coach of our successful Science Olympiad team has fueled her determination to provide a cutting-edge education for the advancement and overall well-being of our

students at the forefront of her agenda. We know that this will serve as a foundation and catalyst for our wonderful school! We look forward to this next phase of leadership at St. Thomas More School and the many great things yet to come!

Chess Club is Successful at State Tournament St. Thomas More School is proud to

announce that the 8U Chess Team finished in 8th Place at

the State Chess Tournament held in March at Morton High in Hammond. Team Members: Luke Buksa, Will

Feeney, Jack Fugger, Frankie Krembs and Cameron Pischner.

The STMS 6U Team finished just out of medal contention after some hard-fought and close games. 6U team members are Francesca Bernarte, Brendan Feeney,

Sam Mellon and Ethan Pischner.

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Febru

Senior Citizens All meetings are at 1:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) at the Kish Community Room • 10000 Calumet Avenue • Munster.

Membership Dues are only $10/annually.

Upcoming Meetings:

Wednesday, May 2nd Spring Luncheon and Installation of New Officers

12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m. Reservations Required • Location to be Announced

More information coming soon.

Wednesday, May 16th Social Gathering

Wednesday, July 18th Seniors Picnic

12:00 Noon — 4:00 p.m. at the Weis Center

Wednesday, April 11th Business Meeting

Election of Officers for the 2018/19 Year

Wednesday, April 25th Social Gathering

Communion Mass & Breakfast The St. Thomas More

Altar & Rosary Society & Holy Name Society will join together for the

8:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 22nd followed by Breakfast in the Cafeteria.

RSVP: Altar & Rosary and Holy Name Members, please call the Parish Office at (219) 836-8610 to make your reservations for the

breakfast no later than Wednesday, April 18th. Spouses are welcome to attend.

There will be pews reserved by the middle section of the church in front of the altar.

For information, please call Kathleen (219) 972-0539 or Kaaren (219) 836-5079 or Bill Burke (312) 322-6462.

Holy Name Society Next Meeting:

Monday, April 16, 2018 7:00 p.m. in the Solar Room

All men of the parish are invited. Join us in spiritual renewal as we pray the Rosary before our busi-ness meeting and share in fellowship and refreshments afterwards.

Mass & Breakfast Sunday, April 22, 2018

We will be joining with the St. Thomas More Altar & Rosary Society for our annual Communion Mass & Breakfast.

See information above to RSVP no later than Wednesday, April 18th.

Contact Bill Burke at (219) 322-6462 for more information.

St. Vincent de Paul We have many in our area who need food year-round so the need

for donations never ceases. We want all in our community to have enough food on their tables to live comfortably. Please consider donating to the SVDP Pantry.

To learn more about the SVDP Society at St. Thomas More, or to become a volunteer, please contact SVDP President Mike

Martinelli at (219) 836-8610. Thank you in advance for your contributions to further

our mission to help others in our community.

Our Pantry Needs: Peanut Butter • Jelly • Canned Fruit

Crackers Soup • Mac & Cheese Tuna • Canned Meats

Laundry Detergent • Dish Soap Shampoo

Adult & Children’s Tooth Brushes/Toothpaste

Please, before you donate items to the SVDP Food Pantry, note the following:

We cannot accept items that have expired or have already been opened.

Thank you for helping us help others!

Oblates of St. Benedict Everyone is welcome to join at our next Oblates meeting

Saturday, April 14, 2018 10:00 a.m. to Noon in the

Conference Room. All are welcome to join us as we

continue our topic: Lectio Divina with Biblical discussion. 

Religious Education & Formation Our next meeting will take place in the

Parish Conference Room Monday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Join us to help support and foster the growth of faith and share in that faith together.

We look forward to seeing current and new members then!

Bulletin Deadlines To insure your desired publication date, please submit all

bulletin articles via email to bulletin@stm-church.com at least two (2) weeks in advance in order to meet printing

deadlines. Thank you for your assistance.

Page 9

Thursday, April 19, 2018 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Job Search

Presenter: Karl Dytrych

(Former) Director of Finance, Diocese of Gary

STM Career Networking Group

80% of Jobs are Unadvertised 82% of Jobs are found through Networking

15% Found Want Ads 4% Create Their Own Jobs • 2% Blindly Send Resumes

Where: STM Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster When: The 3rd Thursday of Every Month

Time: 7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. Email: STMCareerGroup@gmail.com

Regular Meetings are Free! Open to All! For those who are unemployed (in transition), new to the job market, employed but changing careers or those who

can offer employment opportunities through their current professional connections. Have your cover letter, resume or

thank you note critiqued by a professional.

Help Wanted at St. Thomas More Temporary Parish Office Receptionist

A person is needed to work in the parish office when the current staff are on vacation or sick.

This person would be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the church office and must have some post high school training, as well as prior

receptionist/secretarial experience. Must also be proficient in Microsoft Office, self-directed with ability to prioritize and multi-task, have good

hearing, sight and ability to lift 10 lbs. Confidentiality and enjoy working with

people are a must. Please email your resume to jobopenings@stm-church.com.

St. Thomas More Pastoral Council Nomination Ballot

Would you consider becoming a member of the St. Thomas More Pastoral Council?

The Pastoral Council members are parishioners who are willing to participate in prayer and spiritual formation,

willing to listen to others and be open to new ideas, understanding and accepting of the mission of our parish,

willing to work as team members and willing to make a commitment of time and talent

to the Council, the Parish and the Church. This is a 3-year commitment.

A series of three evenings of prayer, education and faith sharing constitute STM’s Discernment Process.

The Discernment Sessions give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the Pastoral Council.

These sessions will be held on the following Tuesdays: May 1 • May 8 • May 15

at 7:00 p.m. in the Solar Room.

On Pentecost Sunday, May 15th, new Council members will be chosen at the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

Nominees must be a practicing Roman Catholic, a registered member of St. Thomas More Parish, not separated from the

Sacraments and be at least 18 years of age. The nominees cannot be a full-time employee of the

parish or school. Nominees will be contacted to verify their acceptance of the

nomination. Members of our parish can nominate themselves or others by

completing the Nomination Form below.

Nominee: __________________________________________

Phone:_____________________________________________

Email:_____________________________________________

Nominee: __________________________________________

Phone:_____________________________________________

Email:_____________________________________________

Nominee: __________________________________________

Phone:_____________________________________________

Email:_____________________________________________

Please deposit the Nomination Forms in the

Red Ballot Boxes (located at each church entrance).

Vocations Committee Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd.

You know each of us and You call us by name to serve in faith. Help us respond generously to Your voice.

Give courage and guidance to those You call to the priesthood and the diaconate, to religious life and lay ministry, so they may

respond wholeheartedly and serve devotedly. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Page 10

STM Town Hall Meetings The St. Thomas More Synod Planning Team will be

hosting a series of

Town Hall Meeting Sessions April 28 & 29

in conjunction with weekend Masses as follows:

Saturday, April 28 5:30 Mass

Join us after Mass in the Cafeteria Sunday, April 29

8:00 Mass & 10:00 Mass Join us from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. in the Cafeteria

12:00 Noon Mass Join us after Mass in the Cafeteria

Refreshments will be served at all sessions.

Included in the session will be a presentation of results from the October 2016 Synod informational gathering session on the eight

Ecclesial areas, as designated by Bishop Hying. Topics of discussion with include:

Highlights of our STM action plan highlighting the areas of most concern and interest to our parishioners.

Sharing of parish-related information with an invitation to become a part of our action plan.

An opportunity to share your concerns (to be added to our action plan).

Please mark your calendars now and take the time to join us for these important parish-strengthening events and as we build a parish

that is representative of all parishioners of St. Thomas More.

Thank You Parish Ministries

We extend our most heartfelt thanks to all in our parish who give of their time and talent for the benefit of our parishioners.

To our Art & Environment and Music ministries and to all who greet, lector and serve at our Lord’s table, we say

thank you for making our liturgical celebrations so special!

Catholic Women’s Conference Join other Catholic women of all levels of faith from Indiana and

surrounding states as they gather to revitalize their faith! The Diocese of Gary will host its first Women’s Conference

Saturday, April 21, 2018 Queen of All Saints in Michigan City, IN.

“Rooted in Faith: Our Lady Full of Grace” A dynamic team of speakers will help you to understand authentic femininity and heroic virtue, inspiring you to live for Christ in an

increasingly hostile world, direct your time, thoughts and energy to form a personal relationship with God and find a new meaning for your life, set your faith on fire & renew your commitments to God,

church, family & others. Featured speakers include: Bishop Donald J. Hying, Robin Rock,

Michele, Emily Jaminet and Father Leo Patalinghug Register online at www.nwicatholicwomen.com. Tickets are $30/person. Reserve your spot now!

Thank You Parish Life Ministry We extend our deepest thanks to members of the St. Thomas More Parish Life ministry for hosting another beautiful and fun event, the annual “In the Mood for a Celebration” Parish Appreciation Dinner. This yearly event serves as a way to thank all who work tirelessly in

our parish to sustain our church and school, our parish family and help others in the community. We are always grateful for everything

our parishioners do to keep our good works moving forward!

Page 11

Bishop Noll Institute The Big Event!

All are invited to this exciting annual event at BNI, benefitting the Principal’s Scholarship Fund.  

Enjoy a casual evening of dining and dancing, catered by Pepino’s of Schererville (wine & beer) .

Friday, April 27 — 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the Fieldhouse, 1519 Hoffman Street in Hammond. 

Win exciting prizes, vacations, sporting event tickets and more.

Raffles • Live Auction • Wine Pull • 50/50 Bags Tournament

Tickets: $50/person before April 20 ($60 thereafter) at the school or online at

bishopnoll.org. Attendees must be 21/older. To learn more, or to be a sponsor, contact Juli Sandoval at (219) 932-9058, ext. 1005, or jsandoval@bishopnoll.org.

Andrean High School Andrean invites all families to our spring musical production of

Mary Poppins. Evening performances at 6:30 p.m.

in the Andrean Small Gym: April 12 • April 13 • April 14 April 19 • April 20 • April 21

Sunday Performances at 2:00 p.m.: April 15 • April 22 Admission: $10 (free for students with Andrean wristband)

Planting Possibilities Our sincere thanks to all who support Planting Possibilities. You

are an integral part in helping to further our goal of providing meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities for young

adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Friendship Garden Tea We are happy to report that this event is sold out, but event

sponsors and donations of goods/services for raffle and door prizes are still needed. Contact us at 219.237.9353 or on social

media or send us an email at tea@plantingpossibilties.org

Spring Plant Sale Save the date now for our Spring Plant Sale to held on Saturday, May 19 at Sarkey's Florist in Highland, IN.

A Baby Shower to Benefit the Nazareth Home

The 5th Grade Girl Scout Troop 10013 of St. Thomas More is working to earn their

Bronze Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve.

In an effort of community outreach, we are sponsoring A Baby Shower to Benefit the Nazareth Home, a 24-hour per day foster home for medically compromised babies

and children from birth to age six. Nazareth

Home is a ministry of the Poor Handmaids

of Jesus Christ.

All are invited to join us at our upcoming event: Baby Shower

St. Thomas More School Cafeteria Sunday, April 29 from 1:00 p.m.– 3:00 pm

RSVP: Please email Troop13Bronze@gmail.com. For more information, call Julia Sweeney: 312-800-3855

Registries: Target, Walmart, Kohls, Amazon.

Registry is listed under: First Name: Nazareth Last Name: Home

All donations will be accepted: monetary donations, baked goods for event, gifts from registries (note: there are many, many

options to support this cause from small ($2 cost) to large ($200 cost) and everything in between.

Thank you in advance for your support in helping us help others who cannot help themselves.

Wedding Anniversary Mass Celebrate your milestone anniversary: 25, 30, 40 , 50+ years of

marriage at the annual Diocesan Anniversary Mass & Reception Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

at the Cathedral of Holy Angels. Brochures in the Parish Office.

Right to Life (219) 838-1138 or www.lakecortl.org

2018 Banquet 2018 Fundraiser/Banquet to be held on Friday, April 20, 2018 at

7:00 p.m. at Avalon Manor Banquet Hall, 3550 E. Lincoln Highway in Merrillville. Featured speaker: Bobby Schindler.

RSVP by email office@lakecortl.org or on our website.

Moms & Tots Resale Shop Our new "baby" (a resale shop) is located at 110 W. Main St. in Griffith (a 501(c)(3), non-profit business). We will offer new or nearly-new, pristine clothing and accessories for women, infants and children up to size 5 (funds or clothing donations needed).

Marriage Encounter Weekend Attention Worldwide Marriage Encounter couples!

WWME is celebrating its 50th year anniversary! Whether you experienced your weekend 50 years ago or 1 month

ago, you are invited to participate in our big celebration at the upcoming convention in Lombard, IL at the Westin Hotel on

June 22-24,2018. There are ways in which you can be involved in celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage and Holy Orders with

many other couples and priests at this grand event! Contact Mark & Barb Peterson: Mgpeterson7@gmail.com or (815) 282-6642 or

register: https://wwme-2018 convention.myshopify.com/

Relics of St. Pio of Petrelcina Come and venerate the official relics of St. Padre Pio on the

occasion of the 50th commemoration anniversary of his passing at the Cathedral of Holy Angles, 640 Tyler Street in Gary on

Friday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Page 12

Las Vegas Night St. James the Less is hosting “Casino Royale” 20th Edition on

April 14 from 6:10 p.m. to 12:00 Midnight in the St. James Hall (corner of 45th & Kennedy in Highland).

Realistic casino set-up featuring Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Live Poker, Money Wheel and more. Cash raffle, too.

$10 admission includes food, desserts & beverages. Must be 21 or older. For more info call: (219)71803787

St. Stephen Martyr Events All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner

St. Stephen Martyr Men & Women’s Clubs are hosting an AYCE Homemade Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner on Saturday,

April 14 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Cost is $10 for dinner with salad and bread. Beer, wine and soft drinks available. Raffles & prizes.

5929 Waite Street in Merrillville. (219) 980-9348. Portillo’s Fundraiser

Help the St. Stephen’s Women’s Club earn valuable funds by visiting Portillo’s, 555East 81st Street in Merrillville on April 24 between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Use the drive-thru (be sure to

mention fundraiser when ordering) or order inside the restaurant. 20% of proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Club.

Dynamic Catholic St. Matthias, 101 W. Burrell Drive in Crown Point, is hosting

“Find Your Greatness: Four Habits that will Transform Your Life” on Friday, April 20 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. at the church.

Presented by Dominick Albano, this exciting program will help you find the best version of yourself with four simple

habits that can start now. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at DynamicCatholic.com or by calling (859)980-7900.

For more information, call St. Matthias at (219) 663-2201 or email: jackiemgentry@yahoo.com. All are invited to attend.

Spred Informational Meeting There will be a Spred Information Gathering on

Wednesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish, 5425 N. Broad Street in Griffith. This is a gathering for parents living with children, adolescents, young adults and adults with

developmental, intellectual, and learning difficulties. It is a gathering for interested men and women who want to be involved and form a small faith community welcoming six of these friends. An interested person does not need experience with people with special needs just an open heart and a desire for friendships in

faith. Learn more about Special Religious Development -- Spred.

Wounded Healers Join us for the Wounded Healers Spring Session, beginning on

April 25, 2018 to find help if you are grieving the loss of a loved one or friend. Start your healing process by sharing your burden with others & move forward in a positive way. Separate groups

for those grieving the loss of a spouse or partner, child or grandchild, parent, sibling or friend. Beginner and advanced groups. All sessions are held at St. James the Less (corner of

Kennedy & 45th in Highland) on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Next sessions as follows: April 25 • May 9 • May 23

June 6 • June 20 • July 11 (with a special speaker) (219) 924-5577 or www.woundedhealers-nwi.com.

LOSS Meetings Catholic Charities’ LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of

Suicide) offers monthly meetings at the Women’s Care Center, 8500 Broadway, Suite B in Merrillville

on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. for adults grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Trained facilitators will guide you in a safe, non-judgmental, non-denominational

environment. (312) 655-7284.

Pierogi Sales Order delicious pierogi early for Easter from St. Josaphat

Church (Ridge & White Oak in Munster) by calling before Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and picking-up on Friday between Noon and 3:00 p.m. at the church. Leave name & quantity/flavor on

machine: (219) 838-9811. Potato, kraut, cheese, prune. $10/doz or $5/half.

Help Needed at Camp Sharing Meadows Camp Sharing Meadows is recruiting for Counselors, Cooks,

and Nurses for our Spring 2018 Mini-Camps (weekend camp for developmentally, intellectually disabled adults or other-abled

friends). Camp Dates: April 13th-15th • May 18th-20th

Emily Barsic at 219-778-2585 or at camp@sharefoundation.org. Camp Interns Needed, Too!

The Share Foundation is searching for people to make a difference in other’s lives by serving the other-abled population as Christ encourages us to do. We are asking for your assistance with our search! Would you please help us by placing the notice below in your next parish bulletin to announce our opportunity? 1 in 5 people have a disability — that’s 20% of the American

population! How will the church respond? By becoming a Ministry Intern with Camp Sharing Meadows,

you serve the population of people with disabilities just as Christ calls us to do! Our interns help with a variety of tasks from

assisting camper’s day to day needs and sharing scriptures to showing them more of Christ’s love every single day throughout

all of our activities and messages! Camp Sharing Meadows is a 5-day overnight camp for other-abled adults (otherwise known as adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities). Our

campers participate in communal camp activities with their Ministry Interns and each other while growing in their

relationship with God through fun activities and value sessions. Interested in becoming a Ministry Intern? Contact Emily Barsic

at (219) 778-2585 or at camp@sharefoundation.org. Dates: June 10-15 • June 17-20 • June 24-29 • July 1-6

July 8-13 • July 15-20 (We prefer our interns for all 6 weeks).

Polish Scholarship Competition Polish Heritage Association of Michigan City, IN is sponsoring

an essay competition and applications are now available! Applicants are eligible for 1st ($1,000), 2nd ($500) or

3rd ($100) Place awards. The competition is open to any high school or college student legally residing in NWI. Applicants do not need to be of Polish ancestry. This year's theme is “Ignacy

Jan Paderewski and the Re-Birth of Polish Independence in 1918.” Entries are due by April 27, 2018.

For contest rules and an application form, please contact Prof. Janusz Duzinkiewicz at jduzinkiewicz@pnw.edu.