MAY 31, 2020 — PENTECOST SUNDAY · Readings for Today First Reading — Filled with the Holy...

MAY 31, 2020 — PENTECOST SUNDAY

Parish StaffPriests in ResidenceRev. Philip Danaher, Pastor, x102, [email protected]. Joseph Kappilumakkal, CMI, Parochial Vicar, x103, [email protected]

Priests Assisting on WeekendsRev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm., Weekend Associate, [email protected]. Matt Lorenz, Senior Vicar, Archdiocese of Chicago

Permanent DeaconsMichael (Kathryn) Barrett — 630.355.8980, x145, [email protected] (Mary Jo) Breen — 630.486.3133, [email protected] (Carolyn) Cuzzone — 630.355.8980, x224, [email protected] (Susan) Kearney — 630.355.8980, x225, [email protected] (Sue) Lane — 630.355.8980, x223, [email protected] (Mary Jo) Lennon — 630.901.3223, [email protected]

Liturgy and MusicJim Clauer, Director of Liturgy and Music, x111, [email protected] Delke, Associate Director of Liturgy and Music, x120, [email protected]

Faith FormationMelissa Santos, Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy, 630.961.6125Patti Dougherty, Director of Religious Education, x109, [email protected] Goralski, Director of Middle School Faith Formation, x123, [email protected] Grantham, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry, x117, [email protected] Rosales, Director of Adult Education and RCIA, x138, [email protected] Coronado, Religious Education Assistant, x118, [email protected]

Outreach and Social JusticeMichael Ryder, Director of Outreach and Social Justice, x121, [email protected] Schultz, OSJ Partner, x113, [email protected] Meno, OSJ Associate, x137, [email protected]

Pastoral CareJan Olah, Director of Pastoral Care, x124Felicia Lawlor,* Faith Community Nurse, x104, [email protected]

AdministrationJanet Simmons, Finance/Business Officer, x106, [email protected] McQueen, Gen Office Administrative Asst., x101, [email protected] Ferguson, Gen Office Administrative Asst., x100, [email protected] Braun,* Communications Coordinator, x110, [email protected] Fisher,* Evening/Saturday ReceptionistMary Wright,* Evening/Saturday ReceptionistMary Derwinski,* Administration Asst., x143, [email protected] Sportiello,* Financial Asst., x143, [email protected] DeMeo,* Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, [email protected] Hartmann,* Facility Manager, x133, [email protected]

Parish Pastoral CouncilBarbara Mambu, Chair Alison OhlTodd Galer Anne ScanlanDavid Johanneson

Commission RepresentativesLinda Bailey, Service Deb Scheckel, Parish LifeJeff Balsewicz, Worship Susan Wood O’Leary, StewardshipMary Beth Nagai, Faith Formation

Ex-OfficioFr. Philip Danaher, Pastor Rev. Joseph Kappilumakkal, Parochial Vicar*indicates part-time staff

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 | 630.355.8980 (Main Office) | 630.305.6318 (Religious Education) | 630.355.0521 (Fax)

Office Hours: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, Monday–Thursday; 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Fridayemail to [email protected] or visit us at www.stapostle.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois • Most. Rev. Richard E. Pates, Apostolic Administrator

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 pm, in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Our priests are available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally during the year.

In the Hospital or Home Bound: Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care.

Baptism: Baptisms are usually celebrated two to three Sundays each month at a 12:45 pm service. On selected dates, baptisms are celebrated during weekend Mass. Parents are required to attend a Baptismal awareness and renewal session prior to the Baptism. Call Kathy Ferguson in 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 at least three months before setting a date. Call Diane McQueen to schedule.

Religious Education: Call 630.305.6318 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 630.355.8980.

Counseling Service: Contact Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 630.355.8980, x124.

Sunday Nursery: Nursery care is available for your child age one (walking) to four at the 9:30 and 11:15 am Masses. For more information call the church office.

Our Outreach Twinning Parishes:St. Thomas the Apostle has an ongoing twinning relationship with the following parishes:

St. Marie Madeleine in Duchity, HaitiSt. Agnes on the Lakota Indian Reservation, Manderson, South DakotaSt. Nicholas in Aurora, Illinois

Our Parish School:All Saints Catholic Academy1155 Aurora AveNaperville, IL 60540630.961.6125

2 | May 31, 2020 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

Diocese of Joliet Phased Re-openings of Our Churches

Letter from the Bishop

Dear Members of the Diocese of Joliet,

Along with all of you I am thrilled that we are beginning the Phased Re-Opening of our Churches in the Diocese of Joliet. Along with priests, deacons and other ministers of the Diocese, we are very eager to resume our services to all. Because of the pernicious contagious character of the coronavirus our first priority is SAFETY. As you note, we go to considerable lengths to provide that safety.

Important considerations in the re-opening process are: A. It is Phased: I, IA and IIa. Phases I and IA are putting in place all the security precautions for the opening of the churches. It requires a completed

Parish Re-Opening Plan to be submitted by the Pastor to the Diocese of Joliet. Once approved, the parish can begin services with ten (10) or fewer people for the following:

i. Baptismii. Sacrament of Reconciliationiii. Weddingsiv. Funeralsv. Private church Visitsvi. Benediction and Adoration

b. Those parishes live-streaming or producing videos of Masses are encouraged to continue doing so for the indefinite future.c. Phase II, Resumption of Sunday (weekend) and daily masses according to parishes plan for temporary capacity, will begin once permission is

granted by the State of Illinois and NOT before then.d. The dispensation from obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation Mass is extended until further notice.e. Due to the virus’s clearly disproportionate effect on those over the age of 60, and especially those with particular pre-existing health concerns, I

encourage those of these categories to forego Mass unless you feel secure about your participation. Please do not take chances.f. Volunteer with your Pastor to fill the many roles that are required to meet the safety considerations. High school, college students and young adults

rise to the occasion. We can use your help!g. We need to exercise patience, cooperation and a friendly spirit as the re-opening of our churches occurs. As Pope Francis reminds us, we don’t

need “sour pusses” at this time. Please remain calm. Please resolve conflict in a reasonable way. Take the high road!h. Please be very aware of the schedule and attendance requirements as it is applicable to your participation at your parish or other parishes you

anticipate attending.i. I am most confident that beginning with our priests, deacons and all of us, these next steps will work well as we are introduced to the path to

arriving at the “new normal.”j. The Eight Deans of the Diocese are serving on the implementation of the Phased re-opening of the Church in the Diocese of Joliet.

I wish to assure all of my heartfelt appreciation for your generous spirit and cooperation. As the process unfolds, it is only going to get better for all of us. My Prayers and best wishes are with all.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Richard E. Pates Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Joliet

This year marks the 35th Anniversary of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Throughout this commemorative year, we as a parish family will explore the CHERISHED, CHARGED, CHALLENGED theme through liturgy, service and study.

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church May 31, 2020 | 3

Readings for TodayFirst Reading — Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles begin to speak in tongues (Acts 2:1-11).Psalm — Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth (Psalm 104).Second Reading — In one Spirit we are baptized into one body and given to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13).Gospel — Jesus Christ appears to the disciples and sends them on their mission with the power to forgive or retain sins through the Holy Spirit (John 20:19-23).

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

Readings for the WeekMonday: Gn 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14; Ps 87:1-3, 5-7;

Jn 19:25-34Tuesday: 2 Pt 3:12-15a, 17-18; Ps 90:2-4, 10, 14, 16;

Mk 12:13-17Wednesday: 2 Tm 1:1-3, 6-12; Ps 123:1b-2; Mk 12:18-27Thursday: 2 Tm 2:8-15; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Mk 12:28-34Friday: 2 Tm 3:10-17; Ps 119:157, 160, 161, 165, 166, 168; 1-6; Mk 12:35-37Saturday: 2 Tm 4:1-8; Ps 71:8-9, 14-15ab, 16-17, 22;

Mk 12:38-44Sunday: Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9; Dn 3:52-55; 2 Cor 13:11-13;

Jn 3:16-18

Worship Commission — Liturgy and Music

Liturgy Schedule and Mass IntentionsDue to the cancellation of all Masses, the intentions below will be honored during the Mass that is being celebrated and recorded for our parishioners this weekend. The Mass will be made available on the St. Thomas website.

Monday, June 1, 20208:30 am For a Positive and Safe Reopening of Churches

Tuesday, June 2, 20208:30 am †Clayton Baldwin, by The West Family

Wednesday, June 3, 20208:30 am †Cornelio and Lucila Estoesta,

by Buddy and Mely Mallorca

Thursday, June 4, 20208:30 am For Those in Need of Food

Friday, June 5, 20208:30 am †Shirley Shepard, by William Mann Family

Saturday, June 6, 20208:30 am For Faith and Direction at this time4:30 pm Mass of Anticipation For All People to be Careful and Safe

Sunday, June 7, 2020The Most Holy Trinity)8:00 am For the People of St. Thomas9:30 am †Mark Goralski, by Deborah and Isabella †Johnathan Weiger, by Parents †Shirley Shepard, by Mely and Buddy Mallorca11:15 am †Stefania Danczuk, by The Liberio Family

Reflection on the ReadingsThe early Christian community knew that Jesus and the life-giving Spirit were with them. That conviction sustained and empowered them to deal with unimaginable challenges. We are given the same presence, peace and forgiveness when we come together, and we are called today to pass that on to others. What signs of this presence do we experience? How do we express it to others?

PrayerGreat and Awesome God,You are the Great Spirit,

The source of dreams and prophecy,The vision of life and love,The beginning and end,

And all that we know in between.

Shine within us the mighty rays of your light,And break open the source of your mercy in our souls.

You are tenderness and comfort,Our souls’ most welcomed guest;

You are the sweetness and grace we long for.

We ask you to heal our wounds,And lavish us with strength.

Melt away the walls that keep us from being at peace,Guide our steps, and keep us faithful to your calling.

Amen.


Pentecost SundayStill Filled with the Spirit

There are so many biblical readings given for the vigil and day of Pentecost (there are 17!), we could spend a month pouring over them. The gospel acclamation gives a great summary:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Baptism surely fills us with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation strengthens that holy presence.

• With what does the Holy Spirit fill my heart this week?• How does it help me stay faithful?

Enflamed in love, who and how will I love?

Faith and Formation Commission — Adult

C.A.R.E.CORNER

When the Holy Spirit takes effect in us, we will certainly know it. St. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians (5:22-23) spoke about the visible signs of the Holy Spirit at work. So when we seem to be able to muster a level of patience that is beyond our norm, that is the work of divine Spirit. And when we can experience joy in the midst of challenges and difficulties, we know we have been empowered beyond our own resources.

When we can forgive what might seem to be unforgivable, when we can show self-control when we feel like exploding, when we can make peace when we would rather pick a fight — those are all signs of the Holy Spirit at work. The Holy Spirit always charges us to take the higher road and equips us to pursue virtue. These are not things we can typically muster on our own. So we know that the hand of God must be involved — just as it was on that first Pentecost event as recorded in Acts 2 of Scripture. The hand of God continues to be at work today — the day we wrap up our celebration of the Easter season. Happy Pentecost!

Faces of St. ThomasThe Pentecost Sunday reading from Acts of the Apostles begins, “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.” Although we cannot be all in one place together physically, we can be together in Spirit, virtually. Check out the ‘Faces of St. Thomas video’ on the parish website (www.stapostle.org). You will see faces of people who you’ve gathered with for liturgies, for committee meetings and Donut Sundays. You will see people you recognize from your child’s RE class, school class or sports team. We are all still gathered together in Spirit, patiently waiting for the time when we can be together in person.

As you watch the Faces of St. Thomas video, you will also notice that faces are missing. If one of those faces is yours, send us your picture. You will gladly be added to the video. Pictures can be sent to [email protected].

You are St. Thomas! We are St. Thomas! Come Holy Spirit!!!

A Parent’s Prayer for GraduatesLoving God, watching children grow is at once a frightening and awesome event.

It can be challenging enough with toddlers and young children, and harder still, at times, with teens.Give us the wisdom and strength to know:

When it’s the right time to hold our teenagers back And when it’s the opportune moment to push them gently ahead;

When it’s okay to remind them of what’s at stake in their decisionsAnd when we should trust unwaveringly

That the values we’ve shared with them remain firmly in place;When it’s right to call for family time together

And when we can let our young adventurers go happily on their own way.Watch over their growth, God, and watch over ours, too.

Help us learn from our children’s dreams and ideals,From their quick forgiveness of others,

And their willingness to try again,From their openness to diversity and progress,

And from their desire for positive change in themselves and in their world.Be with them God as they grow in their eagerness to serve others,

As they learn why some children, families and communities are in pain,As they use their talents and gifts to help those in need,

And as they chip away at injustices in the world until they are gone.Continue, God, in this time of hesitation and of hope,

To be with our beloved children and to be with us.We ask this day in and day out, in times both good and bad,

Knowing that your will for us is always wondrous,And your promises, unbreakable.

For now, and for all time,Amen!


??Question of the week ...Talk about the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

PentecostToday we celebrate the feast of Pentecost and are invited and challenged, once again, to contemplate the gift of the Holy Spirit in our individual lives and in the life of the Church.

Richard Rohr, Franciscan priest and internationally-known speaker and writer, composed a Litany of the Holy Spirit. In the litany, Rohr refers to the Holy Spirit as “Pure Gift of God … Indwelling Presence … Inner Anointing … Homing Device … Implanted Pacemaker … God Compass … Divine DNA … Mutual Yearning Place … Holy Healing … God’s Tears … God’s Happiness … The Welcoming Within …”

What does the gift of the Holy Spirit reveal about the heart of the Giver? The Spirit reveals a God who cares deeply, gives generously and loves passionately. And, that’s only the beginning!

Come Holy Spirit!

Religious Education RegistrationBecause of the uncertainty of what the school learning environment will be for this coming school year, plans for RE registration for 2020–2021 are still uncertain. As soon as viable plans for RE session can be put forward with some confidence, the RE registration packet (for grades Pre-K through grade 8) will be updated and made available to you. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Camp Rock 2020What: Camp Rock is a 4-day, 3-night camp for middle school students sponsored

by Joyful Hope Presentations

When: August 6-9

Who: Any student currently in grades 6, 7, or 8

Where: Dickson Valley Camp, Newark, IL (near Plano, IL)

Cost: $350

Registration: Go to www.camprock.me.

Questions: Contact John Lamperis at [email protected] .

Activities: Prayer, Bible study, mass, swimming, canoeing, archery, campfire, indoor gym and climbing wall, hiking, sports, music, skits, crafts

High School Community LIFE Night Zoom Meetings:On Thursdays at 6:30 pm,throughout the stay-at-home period, we will be gathering by a Zoom meeting. If you are a teen and would like to join us, email Dorothy Grantham at [email protected] to be added to the invite.

Sunday Night YM Project LiveJoin the largest Youth Group virtual meeting with great, inspirational National Speakers on Sunday Nights at 7:00 pm. Use this link to join: https://projectym.com/live/

Youth Ministry Newsletters and Informational EmailsDuring the stay-at-home order, the Youth Ministry office is emailing various ideas and resources for both teens and parents to stay connected with faith at this unprecedented time as well as some resources posted on our parish website. During this difficult time we are reminded that our Church does not stay just within the walls of St. Thomas. We are the Church. We take courage and strength through the Resurrection of Christ. We can be that light of Christ and we can be creative in doing just that. If you aren’t receiving the Youth Ministry emails and newsletters, please contact Dorothy Grantham at [email protected].

Young AdultThere are some good faith resources online for Young Adults. Continue to check out our parish website along with resources from the Diocese of Joliet http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/yam/index.php

Solidarity on Tap is offering virtual meetings: “Socializing meets Social Justice on a screen!” Use this link to check it out: https://ignatiansolidarity.net/solidarity-on-tap/

If you would like to be added to the Young Adult Ministry GroupMe, contact Dorothy Grantham at [email protected].

Faith and Formation Commission — Youth



Service Commission — Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care ResourcesFor Spiritual Support and Prayer,

please contact the following individuals if you are in need of assistance:

Counseling Jan, Pastoral Care Office630.355.8980, x124Diane, General Office630.355.8980, x101

Health ResourceParish NursesFelicia, 630.355.8980, x104Jan, 630.355.8980, x124

Hospital/Pastoral Care InfoEdward Hospital has a pastoral care department with a Catholic Chaplain for an emergency anointing or a Eucharistic visit.

St. Thomas Pastoral Care visitJan, Pastoral Care Office630.355.8980, x124Diane, General Office630.355.8980, x101

From the Behavioral Health Ministry:Praying in the Time of the Virus CrisisThe current spread of the novel Coronavirus in quite disturbing. There is a sense of the unknown.On one level it is critical that we follow good sound advice from the medical community and do what we can to prevent ourselves from getting the virus or from spreading it to others. But, on a far deeper level, we need to turn to prayer to our relationship with God, to find comfort and peace that we need the most. This is a time to place ourselves in the Lord’s hands and to ask for the grace to trust.

Most of all, faith and trust can help us replace our anxiety with our mission — the mission each of us has to love as we have been loved. When we ask for the help to grow in compassion and care for those around us, a new level of purpose is given to us. We can comfort others and help calm their fears. We can be a source of strength for others who are struggling. Our charity and the ways we reach out to others will transform our hearts. And, we can make a real difference.Perhaps someone I know needs a call every day, or maybe a quick trip to the store for necessities. The possibilities will come to us as we let our hearts be calmed and be filled with compassion. Gratitude leads to generosity and courage lets our hearts move from being fearful to being bold.

Most loving God, Creator of us all, we turn to you to care for your people in need. We thank you for your presence among us and the peace you offer us. Send us your Spirit to fill us with courage and hope, so that we might be your instruments of love.

Source: https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Praying-in-the-time-of-the-virus.html)

From the Office of the Parish Nurse:The Power of RestAlthough we tend not to prioritize it, sleep is as important to our health as nutritious food and exercise.

Four hundred years ago, the Elizabethan dramatist Thomas Dekker illustrated the link between rest and well-being: “Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”

Unfortunately, since Dekker’s time we as humans have increasingly found ways to provide ourselves with endless entertainment through technology, disrupting our sleeping habits. This has come at a significant cost to our health.

“We spend so much time around machines that we start to think we are one,” says Matthew Edlund, M.D., director of the Center for Circadian Medicine. He says that it’s time we gain some biological intelligence and begin to give our bodies the rest they need.

“One of the basic requirements of the human body is the need for renewal through rest,” he says. “If you don’t eat food, you’ll die. And it’s the very same way with sleep. We need it to live. If you treat your body like it’s a machine, instead of a biological organism, it will break down.”

Sleep and HealthWhen we sleep, our brains grow new cells and rewire memories. Rest also helps support the strength of our cardiovascular, metabolic and immune systems and more.

“Because we generally don’t recall what we do in sleep, we don’t think much happens during those hours,” says Dr. Edlund. “But many things that are important for our health are occurring.” In fact, new research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that losing just one night of sleep leads to an immediate increase in beta-amyloid, a protein in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Sleep and AgingThere’s no way around it: Our circadian rhythm — the body’s 24-hour internal clock — changes as we age. And along with that comes what experts delicately call “a more fragmented sleep architecture.” If you have problem’s getting to sleep, staying asleep or if you still feel tired during the day, talk with your primary care provider to rule out any undiagnosed medical conditions.

Source: Adapted from: Julie Kendrick, Renew/UHC.com

Service Commission — Outreach and Social JusticeOutreach and Social Justice Office Open for Business!The Outreach and Social Justice Office (Mike and Anne) will be able to access email and voicemail even with the St. Thomas building closed. Due to COVID-19, there is an increase in the number of area families (including parishioners) in need of food and financial assistance. If you are in need of help or if you are aware of anyone else in need of help, please call or email the OSJ Office. Do not hesitate to contact us in these challenging times. The SPIRIT is with you!

Mike: [email protected], 630.355.8980, x121Anne: [email protected], 630.355.8980, x113

St. Thomas Cares and Care Pantry DonationsMany organizations are in need of funds to allow them to help others in this extraordinary situation. Consider making a donation as you are able.

If you would like to make a donation to St. Thomas Cares (includes the Care Pantry), there are two ways:

1. Checks can be written to “St. Thomas OSJ” with “St. Thomas Cares” in the memo and sent to St. Thomas OSJ – ATTN: MIKE (1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville, IL 60563).

2. Go to www.stapostle.org and click “Please Give” box on the home page. Select “Click here to setup your online giving account.” You have the choice of setting up an account or “Quick Give.” Click the “funds” drop down list and select the “St. Thomas Cares” fund. (Shortcut url: https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/1479/Home/NewQuickGive.) Be aware there is a 3.4% credit card usage charge deducted from on-line donations.

St. Thomas Cares GrantSt. Patrick’s Food Pantry

Father Dof Arty was a well-respected and beloved Associate Pastor at St. Thomas for about six years. He is a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross and was the Provincial of Holy Cross Haiti prior to coming to the US. Since leaving St. Thomas, he has continued to provide counsel to our Haiti Twinning ministry.

Fr. Dof is currently the Pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Joliet. The parish is located in a lower income area of Joliet. The community is about 50% Anglo and 50% Hispanic. In a recent conversation, Fr. Dof shared that the St. Patrick’s food pantry is struggling during this COVID-19 time to meet the needs of the community. The pantry serves about 50 families every Monday. The primary source of food has been parishioners bringing food when they come to Mass. That has not been possible since churches were forced to close. While they do receive some monetary donations, they have also been down during this difficult time, as job losses have very significantly impacted St. Patrick families.

St. Thomas Cares has provided St. Patrick’s with a $3,000 grant for their food pantry. They will purchase food through the Northern Illinois Foodbank where every dollar provides $8 worth of food at retail prices. We are all in this together!

Fr. Dof was very grateful. He greets all his friends at St. Thomas and invites them to visit him at St. Patrick’s when that is again possible … or just email a hello to [email protected].


SVDP Opportunity to Help a New FriendFor the past ten years the volunteers of St. Thomas the Apostle’s St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Conference have helped about 160 families each year with rent and utilities (distributing about $50,000 each year). Until recently, we have had enough members so that each team of two only had to “volunteer” once every six to eight weeks. Right now we have very few volunteers making it necessary for our members to “volunteer” more often. This can change if you can take some time to become a new member. By joining SVDP, you will not only learn how to help families in need of rent and utilities, but you will also increase your spirituality. As St. Theresa of Avila said: “Christ has no body now, but yours. No hands, no feet on earth, but yours.” Christ is counting on you!

Given the pandemic conditions we are all “volunteering” from home. Training will be virtual and involve conversations and step-by-step instructions. To get more details, simply send an email to Mike Ryder at [email protected] or leave a message for Mike by calling 630.355.8980, x121.

We are still able to help meet the needs of our “Friends in Need” in most instances. However, you can help by writing a check payable to “St. Thomas SVDP” and mail it to 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville, IL 60563 to the attention of Mike Ryder.

SVDP Helps Family with RentCOVID-19 Forced Quarantine

A St. Thomas the Apostle neighbor recently called St. Thomas SVDP for help because her husband had to stop working as a driver after he was potentially exposed to COVID-19. He had to quarantine for 14 days. Both husband and wife had other health problems that made this especially worrisome for the couple. They were able to pay only a small part of their $1,100 monthly rent.

The SVDP team completed a phone interview with the Friend and was also able to arrange assistance from Loaves & Fishes Cares and from St. Thomas Cares to come up with the total amount needed. Since he was self-employed, the husband filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to help the family pay their future rent until he can drive again.

Transitional Housing Success StoryThe St. Thomas Transitional Housing Ministry works with Bridge Communities to support families as they strive to move to self-sustainability. St. Thomas provided apartment rent and mentors for families over what is normally a two year period. Below is Connie’s success story as told by St. Thomas mentors, Bonnie O’Brien and John Zimnie. For more information on becoming a Transitional Housing mentor, contact Frank Szymanek at [email protected].

When “Connie” first broached the idea of moving to the South with her family, we were glad that she wanted to move ahead decisively with her life but urged caution. This would be a big step. As so often happened during our journey with her, Connie was way ahead of us, anticipating issues before we even brought them up.

She is moving to a suburb of Memphis. She lived there for a while as a teenager. The area is a lot more diverse than DuPage Co. Reflecting regional norms housing in her new city is much less expensive than any town near Naperville. The median house cost is $175K. That is less than the mortgage that Connie has been approved for. She’ll be getting a lot more house and land there than she would ever afford here in northern Illinois. Again by regional norms the schools are considered excellent … something very important for Connie.

Connie’s job is secure. She had been working from home well before the coronavirus hit. Her boss is very happy with her work and has assured her that she will maintain a full-time job once she has moved. And her wage goes a lot farther in the Memphis area than it does here.

Connie has been pre-approved for a mortgage by a regional bank. She has also been qualified for a $7,000 grant from the state, which does not have to be repaid as long as she stays in the house for fourteen years. Connie says this will be her “forever house.” And she has lined up a realtor with whom she feels comfortable. She’s going to go house hunting soon now that the school year is over.

She and her children will be about 30 minutes away from her dad who is experiencing several significant health issues. One of her brothers already lives nearby and her mother and sister are also relocating. So her familial support system will be intact down there.

So although it would have been nice to have a Bridge “success story” stay near us, we are extremely happy (and not a little bit proud) that our efforts and Bridge’s support have had such a significant impact on Connie’s life and that of her children.

— Bonnie O’Brien and John Zimnie (Transitional Housing Mentors for Connie and her children)



Stewardship and AdministrationLast weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts

Weekly Sunday Offertory

May 24, 2020

Sunday Collection Offering* $0

Credit Card On-Line Giving none this week

Automatic Direct Debit $28,898 (5th and 20th each month)

Mailed in and stock donations $17,413

Total for the week $46,311 *Based on Collection Counters Reports prior to bank confirmation

Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) $1,701,684

Weekly Average 7/1/2019 to date $36,206

Offertory Goal Year to date $1,735,381

Over/short of goal to date ($33,697)

Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 $1,920,000

$ of Annual Sunday Offertory Goal 89%

Remaining for Fiscal Year goal $218,316

This week, the Sunday collection is $33,697 behind goal so far this year.

Diocesan Appeal 2020

Parish Appeal Goal $174,600

Pledges Received $123,742

% of Goal pledged to date 70.87

Unpaid pledges $28,091

Paid to Date $95,651

Percent of goal paid to date 54.78

The Holy Spirit has given us gifts. What are those gifts and how generous are we with the gifts we have been given? It may be that others may point out our gifts and during this pandemic we need to work harder or be creative to share them.

When we open our church building, those of us who can, are being called to share the gifts of our time to assist with set-up before Mass, greeting and directing those attending and cleaning after Mass. We can not open without parishioners willing to use their time.

All during our “social distancing” Masses, our liturgical directors and videographers have used their talents to bring us together to participate every week in the Mass. For that we are truly thankful.

We can share our treasure to purchase supplies to keep all safe from harm, such as masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant supplies.

We are asking you to seriously consider a role in opening our building. Many of us can not volunteer because of age or infirmity. If you have never volunteered before, please consider it. You will certainly be the hands, feet and heart of Christ at St. Thomas the Apostle.

Please Continue Giving During COVID-19We miss you at Mass! Our weekend Masses are cancelled in response to directives from the Diocese of Joliet to reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We pray you are healthy and remain so until we can again joyfully celebrate Mass together. There are two easy to use options to continue giving so you can support St. Thomas during the social distancing period:

Option 1: Sign Up For Online GivingTHE EASIEST AND BEST OPTION! St. Thomas partners with Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) which gives an online interface where you can create a secure account to enter your credit card number and manage your giving.

Option 2: Mail Your EnvelopesEven though you weren’t able to drop your donation envelopes in the collection basket, you can still mail your donation using one of the postage paid return envelopes in your envelope packet. Please note that St. Thomas continues to receive and check mail daily.

The parish address is:St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church1500 Brookdale RoadNaperville, IL 60563

St. Thomas Is Grateful For YouWe are very grateful for your continuing support, especially through this health crisis, to be the vibrant and engaging faith home you come to for spiritual nourishment. Let us continue to pray for the day when we can once again lift our voices to God in praise as a community of faith.

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Make it a habit to check these advertisers when you need a product or a service. And when you purchase, be sure to mention you saw their ad in the St. Thomas bulletin!

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Get this weekly bulletin delivered by email - for FREE!Sign up here:https://www.jspaluch.com/BulletinSubscribe.aspxCourtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.

If you own a business or know of a local business that might like to supportyour local Catholic parish by advertising in its parish bulletin, please contactJ.S. Paluch. Grow your business by advertising in the church bulletin andcreate strong connections with your target audience. Benefits include:

GREAT COVERAGE - 97% of all households attending church take at least one church bulletin home every Sunday.

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