+Rev. Roger D. Kutzner
5
Years ago, I had learned at CCD classes that as a young and unexperienced disciple of Christ, I should always look for inspiration in the lives of great champions of faith, particularly martyrs, who did not only give their energy and possessions for the building of God’s Kingdom on Earth, but also offered their lives for Christ. I believe many of you have searched for such inspiration, and were marveled at martyrs’ dedication to their faith. They truly lived what they believed. God is teaching us an important lesson about the value of our vital and personal relationship with the Triune God. After all, if we are not living in Christ's friendship, then at the Judgment Day, we will suffer eternal frustration - we who were created to enjoy the warm light of God's presence will be stuck forever in the cold shadows of His absence. This is the lesson God has long been trying to teach us through the many thousands of Christian martyrs. In my letters I often want to mention the example of a saint who usually is not widely known, so we can learn some more. St. Peter Balsam is one of these. He was apprehended in Palestine in the early 300’s for refusing to compromise his friendship with Christ by worshipping the false pagan gods. The governor tried to convince him that he was being unreasonable. He had Peter hung and stretched from the rack and torn with iron hooks. Every once in a while, the governor would invite him once again to renounce Jesus, but Peter, from the depths of his pain, would uphold his faith. At this point he told the governor: "You will know one day that there is a law of the eternal king, proclaiming that everyone shall perish, who offers sacrifice to devils: Which do you counsel me to obey, and which, do you think, should be my option—to die by your sword, or to be condemned to everlasting misery, by the sentence of the great king, the true God?" The tortures lasted so long and were so horrendous that even the crowd of onlookers became horrified, and urged the saint to save himself. But this Christian knew where his true treasure was, and he refused to give it up. After wearing out two separate shifts of torturers, Peter finally met his death by crucifixion. He is one of our many older brothers and sisters in the Church who literally gave up everything so as not lose the pearl of great price - their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The world will always challenge our allegiance to Christ. Let’s not worry about what it may cost us, but think about little, small ways of being faithful to His Truth and Divine Love. We don’t have to do spectacular deeds, but we always can do little, everyday stuff with spectacular love. +Rev. Roger D. Kutzner
Transcript of +Rev. Roger D. Kutzner
Years ago, I had learned at CCD classes that as a young and unexperienced disciple of Christ, I should always look for inspiration in the lives of great champions of faith, particularly martyrs, who did not only give their energy and possessions for the building of God’s Kingdom on Earth, but also offered their lives for Christ. I believe many of you have searched for such inspiration, and were marveled at martyrs’ dedication to their faith. They truly lived what they believed. God is teaching us an important lesson about the value of our vital and personal relationship with the Triune God. After all, if we are not living in Christ's friendship, then at the Judgment Day, we will suffer eternal frustration - we who were created to enjoy the warm light of God's presence will be stuck forever in the cold shadows of His absence. This is the lesson God has long been trying to teach us through the many thousands of Christian martyrs. In my letters I often want to mention the example of a saint who usually is not widely known, so we can learn some more. St. Peter Balsam is one of these. He was apprehended in Palestine in the early 300’s for refusing to compromise his friendship with Christ by worshipping the false pagan gods. The governor tried to convince him that he was being unreasonable. He had Peter hung and stretched from the rack and torn with iron hooks. Every once in a while, the governor would invite him once again to renounce Jesus, but Peter, from the depths of his pain, would uphold his faith. At this point he told the governor: "You will know one day that there is a law of the eternal king, proclaiming that everyone shall perish, who offers sacrifice to devils: Which do you counsel me to obey, and which, do you think, should be my option—to die by your sword, or to be condemned to everlasting misery, by the sentence of the great king, the true God?" The tortures lasted so long and were so horrendous that even the crowd of onlookers became horrified, and urged the saint to save himself. But this Christian knew where his true treasure was, and he refused to give it up. After wearing out two separate shifts of torturers, Peter finally met his death by crucifixion. He is one of our many older brothers and sisters in the Church who literally gave up everything so as not lose the pearl of great price - their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The world will always challenge our allegiance to Christ. Let’s not worry about what it may cost us, but think about little, small ways of being faithful to His Truth and Divine Love. We don’t have to do spectacular deeds, but we always can do little, everyday stuff with spectacular love.
+Rev. Roger D. Kutzner
Laverne Sigrist, Fr. Jim Lennon, Dan Mott, Charlie Kooy, Janet Guide, Bob Schwiesow, Butch Kmak, those affect-ed by COVID-19, Jo Furtek, Rita Hall, Rose Bailey, Julie Hayes, Emily Klam-
kin, Jeanne Gaffney, Barbara Castaneda, Kelly McVey, Lorianne Mihelic, Gerald Koldash, Irene Manning, the Robert Polacek family, Rich Harms, TJ Stefanski, Linda Galica, Christopher Ad-amsick, Nicole Mikulich, Frances Librera, Frank Woss, Ellie Wilson, Lucas Woss and those that go unnamed.
Our PRAYER LIST has been refreshed. Names will be posted for four weeks and removed if the office is not contacted with a request to stay on the list.
Please note that only names given with permission of the person or family member will be added to the list.
Please mail in your envelopes or sign-up for online giving—parish bills still need to be paid even though we all are not able to celebrate Masses together. Many thanks to all our parishioners for your support of the Parish. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. ———–———————-——————–——–-——————————––——————–—–———–—–-——–—–—–———–——–
A SHARE IN GOD’S KINGDOM
Today concludes a three-week series of Gospel texts in which we have listened to a total of seven parables about the Kingdom. The believer is asked to consider the request that God made of Sol-omon in today’s first reading: “Ask some-thing of me and I will give it to you” (1 Kings 3:5). Today’s parables about the treasure buried in the field and the pearl of great price should prompt us to answer, “A share in your kingdom, O God!” To-day we discover that the kingdom of God is beyond value, a priceless treasure. Un-fortunately, our culture bombards us with things that it believes are priceless treas-ures—the bigger and better SUVs, anti-aging and anti-balding creams and salves, miracle diets, and so much more. Having a share in God’s kingdom and helping to bring about that kingdom are the greatest treasures that we can ever hope to gain.
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
TheMissionStatementofSt.PaultheApostleCatholicChurchAsdisciplesofJesusChrist,westrivetogrowinrelationshipwithHim,livetheFaith,andshareHisGoodNewswithothers.
Are you a Catholic man 18 years or older? Do you want to volunteer for your church and community? Are you ready to put your Faith into Action? Come learn about the Knights of Columbus! You can obtain information by contacting Membership Coordinator Brian Grismer at 630 567-0957 or [email protected]; contacting Grand Knight Dan Mott at 708 277-7086 or [email protected]; visiting with any current member of the Knights or visiting our website at www.kofc.org.
Page 2 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME July 26, 2020
CMAA PLEDGE REPORT for ST. PAUL the APOSTLE
Monthly pledge payments for CMAA pledges should be made in the next few days. It is very important that these pledges be paid so that our parish will reach our goal. Since we have reached our goal in paid pledges, 70% of the amount over goal will be returned to our parish for our needs. Results through Sunday, July 19, 2020: PARISH GOAL $17,600 AMOUNT PLEDGED: $23,288 AMOUNT PAID: $18,208 REMAINING BALANCE $ 5,080 DONOR COUNT: 117 2020 REBATE: $ 426
Please support our advertisers on the back of the bulletin!
For information on how your business can advertise, please contact Frank Tucker
at 312 502-6212.
MASSES SCHEDULED for July 25—August 2, 2020 A reservation to attend Mass in person is necessary.
Please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/holy-mass-at-st-paul-the-apostle-in-peotone-tickets. If you do not have access, please call the parish office at 708 258-6917.
Sat 7/25 4:00 pm— Health Intentions of Rev. James Lennon People of the Parish Sun 7/26 10:30 am— +Walter S. Gacek req by the Burge Family Mon 7/27 7:15 am— +Scott Mudro & +Anthony Puglieses req by the Hagemaster Family Tue 7/28 7:15 am— Communion Service Wed 7/29 7:15 am— +Lee Brown req by the Koomar Family Thr 7/30 7:15 am— +George & Ruth Rittmanic req by the Knickrehm Family 6:00—8:00 pm ADORATION Fri 7/31 7:15 am— +Rev Michael Ginter—14th Anniversary Sat 8/1 4:00 pm— +Don Sheming—1st anniversary req by Family +Carolyn Meyer—2nd anniversary req by Family Sun 8/2 10:30 am— People of the Parish
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / FAITH FOR-MATION REGISTRATIONS for this fall are being accepted. If you cannot access the form in the email you were sent, please contact the RE Office! We plan on beginning Sunday, September 13, 2020. Because of the virus and social distancing, changes will be made in the schedule to accommodate all of the students safe-ly at church. The Joliet Diocese is setting up webinars related to reopening for religious educa-tion classes which may include more parent in-volvement, some e-learning, and perhaps some split scheduling of classes. 1st Communion and Reconciliation can now be scheduled—as soon as Fr. Roger and I set this up, I will share this in-formation with the families that this will affect. Confirmation is still on hold at this time and will be scheduled by the Diocese.
We are looking for a 5th grade teacher, subs for all classes and aides.
God Bless all of you! Stay safe and we hope/pray for your safety and good health and to see you all once again!
RE/FF Office 708-258-9580 Fr. Roger cell 708-989-0565 Deacon Jim cell 708-373-0311
Fr. Jim Lennon has been diagnosed with acute leukemia and is asking to be kept in our prayers. Please respect his privacy at this time.
Cards can be sent to him at: 100 N. Scott Street
Joliet, IL 60432
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Welcome to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Our warmest wishes to all who celebrate with us. If you are not registered at St. Paul or need to make changes, please fill out this form and place it in the collection basket as you leave or mail to the parish office (511 N. Conrad Street / Peotone, IL 60468). __________________________________________ Name __________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ City ______________ ____________________________ State Zip Code (____)_____________________________________ Phone __________________________________________ Email Address ( ) New Parishioner, please contact me ( ) New Address or New Phone Number ( ) Moving—Please remove from membership list ( ) Email –Please add email address to your records ( ) Interested in becoming Catholic ( ) Send Envelopes ( ) Interested in Religious Education ( ) Interested in Ministry Programs ( ) Would like to be contacted by a priest
Page 4 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME July 26, 2020
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH 511 N. Conrad Street / Peotone, IL 60468
CHURCH OFFICE TELEPHONE: 708 258-6917 CHURCH OFFICE FAX: 708 258-3061 CHURCH OFFICE E-MAIL: [email protected]
PASTOR: Rev. Roger D. Kutzner / 708 989-0565
DEACON: Mr. James Kelly / 708 373-0311 / [email protected]
About Bishop Hicks Bishop Hicks, a native of Harvey, IL. grew up in South Holland, IL. where he attended St. Jude the
Apostle Parish and Grade School. He graduated from Quigley Seminary South in 1985. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Niles College of Loyola University Chicago in 1989 and his Master of Divinity degree in 1994 and his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2003, both from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. Bishop Hicks served as an Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Chicago from 1994 to 1996 and then at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills, IL. from 1996 to 1999. From 1999 to 2005, he lived and ministered at St. Joseph College Seminary as the Dean of Formation. In July 2005, with permission from Cardinal Francis George, Bishop Hicks moved from Chicago to El Salvador to begin his five-year term as Regional Director of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) in Central America. NPH is a home dedicated to caring for more than 3,400 orphaned and abandoned children in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries. From 2010 to 2014, Bishop Hicks served as the Dean of Formation at Mundelein Seminary. During that time, he assisted with weekend Masses at St. Jerome Parish in Rogers Park, Chicago, Ill.
Bishop Hicks was appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese by Cardinal Cupich on January 1, 2015. On September 17, 2018 he was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.
Diocese of Joliet Announces Appointment of New Bishop, Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks
07/17/2020 JOLIET, IL-- Pope Francis today announced that he has named Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago, as the sixth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, IL. Pope Francis had previously accepted the resignation of Bishop Emeritus R. Daniel Conlon and had named Bishop Richard E. Pates as Apostolic Administrator of the diocese until a new bishop could be appointed.
Bishop Hicks, 52, will be installed at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Ill. on September 29, 2020.
"The Diocese of Joliet is most grateful to Pope Francis for the appointment of Bishop Ronald Hicks as its sixth bishop,” said Bishop Pates. “The bishop owns a reputation for pastoral leadership and is totally committed to the ongoing renewal of the Catholic Church. He is a worthy successor to Bishop Conlon and his predecessors."
Please consider remembering St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church when preparing your will. For more information, contact the parish office.
You can sign up individually to receive our bulletin electronically by visiting this link: https://ebulletin.jspaluch.com
Page 5 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME July 26, 2020
SAINT MARTHA (first century) July 29
Whether you find Martha Stewart admirable or annoying, she has the perfect patron saint. Luke describes Martha—saint, not Stewart—as “burdened with much serving” (Luke 10:40). About Mary, seat-ed, listening to Jesus, Martha complained, “Do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?” Jesus’ response, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things . . . Mary has chosen the better part” (10:41, 42), suggests to some the superiority of the contemplative life, leaving the rest of us, supporting families, earning livings, (helping others?), as second-class Christians. But Luke introduces Martha and Mary immediately after Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, whom Jesus recommends as a model of practical compassion, concluding, “Go and do likewise” (10:37). Go and do! Sit and listen! Discipleship is never either/or but both/and. Jesus ministered in prayerful silence and hospita-ble service. Monastic calendars add Martha’s sister, Mary, and brother, Lazarus, calling all three “hosts of the Lord,” recalling their welcome of Jesus to their home in Bethany, reminding us Whom we welcome whenever we extend summertime hospitality!
—Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against
the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him,
we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into
hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
BUILDING & GROUNDS—
Monday, July 27 at 6pm
