PASTORAL TEAM Rev. George Omwando, Pastor Rev. John J. Carolan, Pastor Emeritus Mr. James Hargadon, Pastoral Associate Mrs. Shelby Boblick, Pastoral Associate Ms. Gail Rohmann, Director of Music Sr. Marion Cypser, RSM, School Principal SUPPORT STAFF Mrs. Amanda Pomareda, Administrative Assistant Mrs. Fannie Cooper, School Secretary Mr. Michael Cypser, Maintenance CONTACTING THE PARISH Rectory 38 N. Austin Blvd.; Oak Park, IL 60302 Telephone: 708-386-8077 Email: apomaredascsloffice@comcast.net Web: www.stcatherinestlucy.org Hours: 8:30 AM-8:00 PM—Monday, Tuesday & Thursdays

Wednesday & Fridays: 8:30 AM—4:30 PM Saturday 9:00 AM—4:30 PM; Sunday 8:30 AM—Noon

School 27 Washington Blvd.; Oak Park, IL 60302 Telephone: 708-386-5286

Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday at 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM; or by appointment. Weddings: Please contact a parish priest to set a wedding date. Allow at least 4 months for

preparation. Baptisms: Baptism of infants and young children is celebrated on the 1st and 3rd

weekends of the month. Parents are asked to attend a Baptism preparation session/class prior to the ceremony. Please call the rectory to register for the preparation and set a baptismal date.

RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a sacramental process,

celebrated in the midst of this Faith Community. This process assists adults, as well as children over the age of 7, in learning about the Catholic Faith. Through its witness, worship, service, and teaching our Faith Community offers the invitation and support necessary for initiation into the Catholic Church.

Ministry to the Sick, Hospitalized and Shut Ins: Please notify the Parish Office so that we can visit and minister to your

confined loved-ones. Newcomers: Please fill out a registration form after Mass, or come by the Office during the

week.

March 3rd, 2013 Third Sunday of Lent

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

j e, the parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena- St. Lucy Parish, seek to deepen our relationships with God

and to celebrate God’s presence in Word and Sacrament. By accepting all into our family we seek unity in Christ and seek to proclaim his Good News in the discipleship of our lives.

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS: CONTACTS PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Christine Wedekind & Celeste Blackwell Co-Chairs PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL John McGuire SPIRITUAL LIFE COMMISSION Faith & Fellowship: Connie Rakitan Liturgy Committee: Cantors: Gail Rohmann Celebration Choir: Gail Rohmann Praise Choir: Julius White Greeters & Ushers: Tom Frank Ministers of the Eucharist: Jeanne Visteen Ministers of the Word: Jeanne Visteen Servers: Jim Hargadon Ministers of Care: Jim Hargadon Retreat Committee: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Jim Hargadon HUMAN CONCERNS COMMISSION Cross Cultural Christian Concerns: Louisa Newberry Peace & Justice Committee: Sara Blair Transportation Committee: Tom Farwell Youth Ministry: EDUCATION COMMISSION Baptism Committee: Jim Hargadon Bible Study: Jim Hargadon Religious Education of Children: Jim Hargadon St. Catherine/St. Lucy School: Principal: Sr. Marion Cypser School Board Chair: Gloria Baxter PARISH LIFE COMMISSION Bridge Club: Social Committee: Welcoming Committee: PARISH DEVELOPMENT & SERVICES COMMISSION Collection Counters: Carol Kallok Facilities Committee: Kevin Kell Fundraising Committee: Pat Nelson & Cynthia Weaver

Page 2 March 3, 2013

Thoughts from the Pastor

After sixteen years caring for the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of those in the leper colony, he eventually contracted and died of the disease, and is considered a "martyr of charity". When I read, Fr. Damien’s life, I wondered what sort of process he went through before deciding to take such a huge step. Did he decide instantaneously or did he think about it for a long time? For many, I imagine the de-cision may have been very difficult. For most of us, there are sorts of stumbling blocks that spring to mind when God calls. What’s more, God’s call isn’t always completely clear. Sometimes it’s clear as a bell, sometimes it comes in the form of a general call to Christian service.

Today’s reading from Exodus 3 is an example of someone receiving a clear call to service, yet, as we’ll see, his response isn’t immediate. Moses is like so many of us. He’s plagued with self-doubt, with fear, and with a sense of inadequacy. But God deals patiently with him, just as he does with us, until Mo-ses agrees to do what God asks.

Moses has spent the last 40 years or so working as a shepherd, and shepherd weren’t particularly high on the social ladder in the Middle East at the time. Moses is tending his Father-in-law’s flock one day in the desert near Mt. Horeb, when he sees an amazing thing. There, over on the other side of the mountain is a bush on fire, but not being burnt up. So he goes over to investigate and discovers that the reason it’s burning is because God is present within it. God speaks to him and explains why he’s come to speak to Moses. Moses is told to go and assemble the el-ders of Israel and tell them that their God has sent him to them. And he’s assured of God’s presence with him.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, if you are someone who is afraid to stand up as a disciple of Christ then let the experience of Moses be an encouragement for you. You don’t need to let your fear of rejection or failure or your sense of inadequacy but learn to rely on the power of the Gospel, to trust God to be with you, to give you the words you need, and to give you fellow believers to support and encourage you.

- Fr. George Omwando

WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE

Weekday Masses: Monday through Friday - 8:30am Saturday - 9:00am Weekend Masses: Saturday Evening - 5:00pm Sunday Morning - 8:30am & 10:30am

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Parish Transformation Mtg. 7:30 p.m. Praise Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Religious Education 7:30 p.m. Celebration Choir Rehearsal

Thursday 1:00 & 7:00 p.m. Faith & Fellowship 3:00 p.m. Liturgy Committee Mtg. 6:00 p.m. AA 7:00 p.m. Men’s Club Mtg.

Friday 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross

Saturday 9:30 a.m. Rosary Group 1:00 p.m. Boy Scouts “ Pinewood Derby”

Page 3 March 3, 2013

500 Club Certificates

Have you purchased your 500 Club certificate(s) for the 2012-2013 year? Certificates are $25 each and certificate number(s) will be included in the weekly drawings through October 20th of this year, even if already chosen as a win-ner. Purchase forms can be found in the Gathering Area of the church and in the rectory reception area. This is a fun way to support the parish and it's open to everyone. Thank you! ~The Fundraising Committee

500 CLUB WINNERS!

$25.00, March 3, 2013

Hanna Legatzke, #34

SAVE THE DATE(s)

Saturday & Sunday, March – 9-10 Parish Bake Sale Monday, March 11 - Parish Lenten Reconciliation Liturgy

Sunday, March 17 - St. Patrick/St. Joseph Potluck Brunch and Annual Spring Raffle

Sunday, April 28 - SPRING EVENT - Family Dinner and Fashion Show

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 AM—8:00 PM

Wednesday and Friday: 8:30 AM—4:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM—4:30 PM

Sunday: 8:30 AM—Noon

God is mercy. That seems to be the main message of the reading from Exodus. God has seen the suffering of the Isra-elites and promises mercy and rescue. From then on, God is

to be known as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Paul calls his readers to continue to grow in the faith. The God who res-cued Israel also rescues them. As bene-ficiaries of God’s mercy, Christians must keep on working, doing their part

to become ever more trusting and loving people of God.

The Gospel’s second section is a homey story about God’s mercy. Against the advice of the land owner, the vinedresser pleads for mercy—and shows mercy—to allow the poor fig tree yet another year to become productive.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

PARISH SPRING RAFFLE!!! March 17th

At this year's St. Patrick-St. Joseph celebration on March 17th in Maguire Hall we will again hold our annual parish raffle! This year's prizes are cash prizes of $1000, $500, $250, $100 and gift certificates to Drury Lane, Rickshaw Rick's Tours & Taxi, and La Bella Restaurant.

Ticket purchases can be handled in the gathering area after weekend Masses, mailed in, placed in the collection basket or purchased at the wonderful event on the 17th. Winner need not be pre-sent but it is great fun when you are!!!

~The Fundraising Committee

2013

Daylight Saving Time

Next weekend remember to turn your clocks forward one hour. Daylight saving time starts on Sunday, March 10 at 2AM.

Page 4 March 3, 2013

February 24, 2013 $ 7,414.75 Weekly Budget $ 8,900.00

Parish Stewardship:

WEEKLY OFFERING: MON. MARCH 4 8:30 SPECIAL INTENTION TUE. MARCH 5 8:30 THOMAS DOYLE & FAMILY BY: A FRIEND

WED. MARCH 6 8:30 † JOHN W. BIANCO BY: MINISTRY OF CARE THUR. MARCH 7 8:30 † WILLIAM CHUKWU BY: MINISTRY OF CARE

FRI. MARCH 8 8:30 JESSICA REED BY: A FRIEND SAT. MARCH 9 9:00 † ARMANDO ROMAN BY: HER NIECE 5:00 † MARY AND HARRY KOKO BY: THE KOKO FAMILY SUN. MARCH 10 8:30 † GERARD GORMAN BY: JIM HARGADON 10:30 † JAMES WEST, MD. BY: TOM AND PAT NELSON

LORD HEAR MY PRAYER

Janette and Robert Alexander, Coletta Ali, Alvaro Arellano, Rebecca Arnold-Sauer, Winifred Ballew, Marian Bannister, Dick Bell, William Brandstrader, Jim Beals, Rose Beesley, Mary Brudnak, Rudolfo Chuta, Elizabeth Cox, Margaret Cragg, Lillian Czaplicki, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Faerber, Mary Finn, Doris Foston, Susan Fuentes, Lucille Gill, Phillip Hodak, Lena Jackson, Anna, Charles and Stanley Jones, Kelley Kline, Jeanette Knight, Judy Kukral, Dan, David, and Kamile Kalina, Richard Keller, Jr., Suzie Kemp, Brent Lano, Reneé E. Long, Robert Lewis, Eliza Mathews, Christopher Mauritz, Vincent Miniscalco, Andrew Mitch-ell, Sarah Mittler, Barbara O’Brien, Harvey Page, Mary Peery, Lester Phillips, Theodore and Florence Podraza, Marlene Rebstock, Ruth Reskey, Gerald Richard, Mark Robbins, Deb Serra, Carlton Shanks, Clifford Shanks, Phyllis Shaw, Lucille Short-Sheridan, Carol Stadler, Mark Swietek, Audry Todd, Aaron Vanek, Jerome Washington, Walter Washington, Sr., Cecil Wheeler, Bill White, Samuel Wilks

LITURGICAL MINISTERS MARCH 9-10 2013

5:00 PM 8:30 AM 10:30 AM

ALTAR SERVERS

Hannah Legatzke Ellie Mann Richard Bailey Mary Detmer

MINISTERS OF THE WORD

Alison Seraphim Paul Koko

Rene Smith-Quinn Jeanette Cannon

Christianne Msall Bern Wheel

MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST

Chemetha Baker Tom Finch Rene Finch Pat Koko

Elaine Podraza Kevin Kell

Marjorie Fields Ginny Jones

Valerie Jennings Claudia Zinnane

Terry Sullivan Pat Nelson

Vivian Tyler Maura Tillotson

Jerry Tyler Mary Howard

Diane Cameron David Geffe Doris Brown

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — “I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have come to rescue them” (Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15) or Exodus 17:3-7. Psalm — The Lord is kind and merciful (Psalm 103) or Psalm 95. Second Reading — Those who think they are standing secure should take care not to fall (1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12) or Romans 5:1-2, 5-8. Gospel — I shall cultivate the ground around the fig tree and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future (Luke 13: 1-9) or John 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42].

The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES

Sunday: Third Sunday of Lent; First Scrutiny Monday: St. Casimir Thursday: Ss. Perpetua and Felicity Friday: St. John of God; Abstinence Saturday: St. Frances of Rome

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Monday: 2 Kgs 5:1-15b; Ps 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4; Lk 4:24-30 Tuesday: Dn 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9; Mt. 18:21-35 Wednesday: Dt 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5:17-19 Thursday: Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Lk 11:14-23 Friday: Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81:6c-11ab, 14, 17; Mk 12:28-34 Saturday: Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 18-21ab; Lk 18:9-14 Sunday: Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps 34:2-7; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

BEQUESTS PLEASE consider remembering our parish in your will or trust. We have been blessed in the past by the generosity of so many parishioners and I am hopeful this will contin-ue into the future. -Father George

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Take time each week to reflect upon the CURRENT Sunday’s Scripture. We are fed by the Word so we can live out the Word.

MARCH 2-3, 2013 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Like the owner of the fig tree, I show little regard for how my actions waste away life when . . .

Jesus is patiently “cultivating” & “fertilizing” my life by .. .

EACH WEEK “INTRODUCTIONS” TO THE 1ST AND 2ND READINGS FOR THE UPCOMING SUNDAY ARE OFFERED. THEIR SOLE PURPOSE IS TO HELP US ALL OF US “RECEIVE” AND “HEAR” THE WORD OF GOD.

MARCH 9-10 2013 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

First Reading: Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15 When he was a young man, Moses had slain an Egyptian official, and he had to flee into the desert near Mt. Sinai (sometimes called Mount Horeb). In the ensuing years, he settle down, married and worked as a shepherd. Now, probably thinking he had a quiet future, his lie takes a dif-ferent turn.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 Paul did not want his Corinthian converts to be overconfi-dent. They were saved by their faith in Jesus, but they still needed to live a daily life pleasing to God. (In this passage, we will hear Paul refer to an interesting piece of Jewish folklore not found in the Bible. The legend is that the rock from which God gave them water followed them wherever they went in their desert wanderings.)

OUR LIVING WORD: FOR REFLECTION

Jesus says in Matthew 7:20, “You will know them by their fruits.” After listening to Jesus’ parable today, what is the

“fruit” from my reception of the Eucharist?

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Every Friday of Lent in our Church at 7:00 PM

Religious Education News: There is a Religious Education session on

Wednesday, 3/6/13. There is NO Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

session on Saturday, 3/9/13. There is a Jr. High Religious Education session

on Sunday, 3/10/13. There is a Confirmation Candidate session on

Sunday, 3/10/13

LESOTHO

Lesotho, a tiny country surrounded by South Africa. Although it has a population of only 2 million people, Lesotho has the third-highest HIV prevalence rate in the world. As a result, the number of orphaned children con-tinues to rise. Chronic poor harvests and high prices mean most people struggle to feed their families. In Le-sotho, CRS works with the Good Shepherd Sisters to ensure the right of orphans and vulnerable children to high-quality early education opportunities. This week we pray for the people who have cultivated and nurtured you through times of learning, failure or dry periods. Take stock of the gifts that you have been given—the good fruit that comes from your life of faith.

Every Tuesday at 10 AM here at St. Catherine of Siena / St. Lucy’s Rectory.

We Have a New Sound System!

No, it’s not your imagination! Our new sound system in the church is up and run-ning. Included in the system is a hearing assistance system. We have four receivers

for use at each Mass; if you would like to make use of a receiver please go to the sacristy before Mass to receive one.

Congratulations to Our “Awesome” Teens!

This Sunday, March 3, eleven of our parish teens are of-ficially thanked and recognized by Bishop Manz (our local Bishop) at a dinner in their honor! You see them helping us at Mass, you see them assisting at Religious Education on Wednesday nights. They are true witnesses to their Faith! Congratulations and “Thank You” to:

Jana Barber. Richard Bailey, Evan Bell, Mary Grace Detmer, Ellen Legatzke, Hannah Legatzke, Lauren Mann, Madeline

McGuire, Max Stec, Paula Stocco, and Breanna Taylor.

Assist the Church in Central Europe

Next weekend there will be a second collection in sup-port of the growing church in central and eastern Europe, which is still rebuilding after decades of communism behind the iron curtain. Your generosity is greatly appre-ciated.

Page 6 March 3, 2013

Maguire Hall was the gleaming site of the women’s retreat featuring Edwina Gateley on Fri. evening, Feb. 22 and all day Sat., Feb. 23. Almost 300 women from 5 states, 32 suburbs, and all sides of the City of Chicago gathered to hear Edwina’s hope-filled message of “Be not afraid.” Edwina celebrated the interconnectedness of women, encouraged women to expe-rience God on the deep, inward, gut-level that comes so naturally to women. She urged compassion first and a recognition that we serve God in our daily humanity. She asked women to ponder dimensions of God as nurturer and healer and to work towards welcoming all.

So powerful for me personally was the generous and dedicated spirit of the women involved in planning and implementing this retreat. A steering committee of women from 3 parishes--ours, Ascension, and St. Giles--collaborated and executed on this dream. Generosity poured forth from men and women of the 3 parishes who donated energy, skills, and financial re-sources. The self-supporting retreat more than met its expenses. We were able to waive fees for many, including women in recovery (from substance abuse) who live in a transitional home in a nearby suburb. Barb Vanek and Claudia Zinanni bought and assembled substantial snack bags for Friday evening’s retreatants. The bags “happily welcomed you to St. Cath-erine of Siena-St. Lucy Church.” Women parishioners from Ascension solicited baked goods from local bakeries and do-nated fruit and juices for a breakfast buffet Saturday. Generous women from St. Giles (both the church and the family mass community) catered a delicious lunch from Jerusalem Café, as well as the culminating wine and cheese reception.

Maguire Hall shone for the retreat! Mike Cypser (with Derrick’s assistance as well as 4 8th grade young men: Antoine, Lar-ry, DeShawn and Kendall) had scrubbed and polished for days in advance. Sr. Marion kindly made the facilities available. Fr. George supported this retreat fully, including a parish investment in an upgraded sound system for Maguire Hall and its heightened cleaning protocol. Andrea Legatzke attended to every set-up detail, including birthing the idea of hanging our vibrant church banners as a backdrop for our featured speaker. Andrea energized a team for set-up that included our parish-ioners, Sue Vanek and John Long, plus others from Ascension and Giles. Sue Schouten brought her impeccable skills as record keeper to the registration task, which became as big as the retreat itself. We referred to Don Kumler as our head of hospitality, and he embodied that role. No one worked physically harder than Don while the retreat was going on! Gail Rohmann provided expert troubleshooting with the sound system. Helen Chukwu memorialized the event in photography so well, as always. Pat Koko printed & distributed over 360 name tags and assisted with tablecloths. Cynthia Weaver and Patricia Long served as volunteer salespeople at the book sale table which sold out! Our greeters, Betty Goeb, Jan Kieckhefer, Sara Blair, and name tag distribution team of Joyce Wade, Donna Kanapes, and Kamile Kalina made everyone comment, “I feel so welcome.”

The women’s retreat was the lived experience of the vital faith and generous spirit that resides in St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy. The retreat will reimburse our parish at least in part for its long-term investments made before the retreat. I will close this note as Edwina closed her book, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, “May we too plant seeds, one at a time, until we dance again in the Garden of Eden.”

With gratitude and awe,

Shelby Boblick

VOCATIONS

God called Moses from a burning bush and Moses replied, “Here I am.” Do you have the courage to say

“Here I am?” That is the first and most important step.

If you have ever thought about priesthood, consider attending the next Exploring Priesthood Weekend retreat held on April 12-14, 2013 at Mundelein Semi-nary to learn about the possibilities of diocesan priest-hood in Chicago. For information contact Fr. Brian Welter at 312-534-8298 or at bwelter@archchicago.org

The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2013, at 2:45 PM, at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Couples married in 1963 interested in attending this cele-bration should contact their parish to register.

For further information call the Family Ministries Office at 312.534.8351 or visit the website: www.familyministries.org.

You are cordially invited to our celebration on Sunday March 17th at

Maguire Hall Beginning at 11:30am

St. Patrick &

St. Joseph Pot Luck Brunch