4th Sunday Lent March 18, 2012

See our Holy Week schedule on page 4!

*indicates part-time staff

Nick Furibondo 898.5224 Richard Strassburger 499.5676

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

Parish Staff Rev. Joel Fortier – Pastor, jfortier@stapostle.org Rev. Rodolphe Arty, Associate Pastor, x 103, rarty@stapostle.org Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Associate, robco@robco.org Fr. Pat Brennan, Weekend Associate, pbrennan@theclareatwatertower.com Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. – Deacon, x105 Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane – Deacon, x220, chucklane2@juno.com Rev. Mr. Jim Breen – Deacon, 630.357.4853, jimb4853@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney – Deacon, x225, lrkearney@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett – Deacon , x220, meabarrett@att.net Liturgy Kate Cuddy – Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, kcuddy@stapostle.org Jessi Allured – Asst. Director of Music and Liturgy, x111, jallured@stapostle.org Lori Culberson – Liturgy Coordinator, x120, lculberson@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga* – Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Sandy Renehan, Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy 630.961.6125 Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, crosales@stapostle.org Peggy Goralski – Youth Ministry, x123, pgoralski@stapostle.org Brett Adams – Coordinator of Middle School & High School Faith Formation, x117, badams @stapostle.org Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, x109, pdougherty@stapostle.org Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, x118, ncirmo@stapostle.org Outreach and Social Justice Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, mryder@stapostle.org Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Sally Meno* – OSJ Financial, x137, smeno@stapostle.org Pastoral Care Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. – Faith Community Nurse, x104, flawlor@stapostle.org Rose Grumbine*, R.N., – Faith Community Nurse, x104, rgrumbine@stapostle.org Administration Janet Simmons – Finance/Business Officer, x106, jsimmons@stapostle.org Diane McQueen – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Kathy Ferguson – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Marge Coronado - Administration and R.E. Asst, x219, mcoronado@stapostlr.org Marilyn DeMeo* – Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Pat Berkhout – Evening/Saturday Receptionist, x119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle – Bulletin and Web Editor, Liturgy Asst, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Bob Hartmann Facility Manager, x133, facility@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community Christine Berta 579.4294 Pam Foster 699.3044 Charles Haydon 369.2262

Commission Facilitators Worship Kate Cuddy 355.8980 Parish Life Faith Formation Chris Baker 548.1733 Administration Charles Haydon 369.2262 Service Carol Healy 961.0942

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

Weekend Saturday Vigil — 4:30 p.m. Sunday — 8:00, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday, 9:00 — 9:30 a.m.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel is available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally throughout the year. Sick and Home Bound Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care. Baptism Baptisms are usually celebrated 2-3 Sundays each month at a 12:30 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend an awareness and renewal evening prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office a few months in advance to make arrangements. Matrimony A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas should contact the church six months in advance. One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or their parents, must be a registered parishioner for at least three months prior to calling to set a date. Religious Education Call the 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 Call Samaritan Interfaith 630.357.2456 or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 630.355.8980 x 124. Sunday Nursery Nursery care is available for your child age one (walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office.

The readings today are all about vision, sight, enlightenment, and being light. I think first of all we need to be enlightened, filled with light, before we can ever be light to others and even have the light we need to walk and truly see. Jesus does that for us. When we come to faith in Jesus we begin to see as Christ sees. We are empow-ered, moved by grace, to come out of darkness and stand in the light and truth of God’s love. When we do that, it is a liberating thing for us. We move from paranoia to metanoia; we put on a

higher mind—the mind of Christ—which sees much more broadly and inclusively than the small narrow mind we usually have, based on fear and divisiveness. Jesus tells us elsewhere, “love casts out fear.” When we begin to see as Jesus sees, when we put on the mind of Christ we become enlight-ened with the vision of faith that al-lows us to see beyond the law, be-

yond the narrow limits of our dualistic minds that separate and divide us. We become much more in-clusive and less judgmental of others. St. Paul reminds us that in Christ we are light. We are in Christ and Christ is in us, we are light so we ought not to live as though we were in darkness. But rather to stand in the truth and light of God’s love and be light, to let the light of Christ shine in us! The man born blind in the gospel moves from blindness to sight, and not just physical sight but to the vision of faith, to the light of the gospel, he be-comes enlightened by Christ. He begins to possess the mind of Christ which is not limited by the small judgmental minds of those who can only see by their own distinctions and “law.” We pray for ourselves and all people to move beyond their and our own “blindness” to the inclu-sive, universal, mind of Christ which holds every-thing and brings everything to light; dispels darkness and makes everything light. We look forward to the full revelation of Christ’s glory in us and in all creation as we prepare to cele-brate the Easter mysteries! In the light and love of Christ,

Welcome Guests and Visitors!

We’re so glad you’re here and invite you to walk the path of faith with us. Our goal is to provide a spiritual home where all are welcome, where the healing, reconciling, liberating love of God flows through us to all people. We believe the church is the sacrament of God’s saving presence in the world.

Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us in the gym for Welcome Sunday anytime between 9:00 and 11:15 on: Sunday, April 15

Dear Friends,

“St. Paul

reminds us that in Christ we are light.”

Fourth Sunday of Lent

March 18, 2012 God did not send his Son into the world

to condemn the world, but that the world might be

saved through him. —John 3:17

March 18, 2012 — Page 4

Worship Commission—Liturgy & Music Holy Week 101 Sometimes it’s good to remember why we do what we do, and how to enhance our celebrations. Holy Thursday: Remembrance of the Last Supper and, by extension, the Eucharist. Ways to celebrate Holy Thursday as a family: � Eat a simple meal together before Mass. Perhaps read the

Bible story of this night aloud beforehand. � Be a servant. Family members can make an effort to serve

others in the family that day, by taking on another’s chores or doing something special for them.

� Go to Holy Thursday Mass together, lingering afterward for quiet adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Good Friday: Remembrance of Jesus’ trial, his suffering and humiliation on the way to crucifixion, and ultimately his death upon a cross. Ways to celebrate Good Friday as a family: � Honor the somberness of the day by fasting and choosing

quiet, prayerful, or selfless activities. Some families observe a “no TV or radio” rule as they spend quiet time together at home. Others choose community service. Take time in the afternoon to participate in the Stations of the Cross.

� Go to the Good Friday service together, then stay afterward for quiet contemplation near the cross. Some communities organize a “Walk for Justice” prayer pilgrimage in which different Stations of the Cross are represented by modern-day institutions like the courthouse or city jail.

Easter, vigil or morning: Celebrating Jesus’ glorious Resurrection from the dead— and the promise that it awaits us, too. Ways to celebrate Easter as a family: � Roll out of bed and get outside to watch the sunrise together,

the time of day the Resurrection was discovered. Celebrate Easter joy with a lavish breakfast and a table decorated with colorful symbols of new life—fresh flowers, succulent fruit, colored eggs.

� In addition to Easter Mass, drop in on an ecumenical Easter Sunday service to celebrate with our Christian brothers and sisters. Any opportunity to worship with non-Catholic class-mates and neighbors during Holy Week will be a powerful witness to your children of the Christian unity to which Je-sus calls us.

From At Home With Our Faith

Sunday, April 1, Palm Sunday

Monday, April 2, Holy Week Taizé Prayer, 7:30 pm, Lighthouse

Holy Thursday, April 5, 7:30 pm Mass with

Foot Washing

Good Friday, April 6, 3pm Living Stations, 7:30 pm Communion Service

with Passion Reading

Holy Saturday Food Blessing at Noon

Easter Vigil at 8 pm. (No 4:30 Mass)

Easter Sunday Masses

8, 9:30, 9:40, 11:15, 11:25 a.m. and 12:30 pm

Presider’s Schedule March 24/25

Saturday 4:30 pm, Fr. Bob Colaresi

Sunday 8:00 am, Fr. Pat Brennan 9:30 am, Fr. Dof Arty 11:15 am, Fr. Matt Lorenz 6:00 pm, Fr. Dof Arty

Page 5 — March 18, 2012

Blind man, did your eyes turn away? Or were you so accustomed to the dark as to see what others could not see? For once, it was not long ago, someone seeing you all in darkness

touched your eyes and told you to wash until you saw God’s glory shining through your beggar’s clothes. And you believed, no one could stop you, or explain it all away, you believed. — Victor Hoagland

Pray For Our Parish

Mass Intentions Monday, March 19, 2012 8:30 †Louis Padilla, by Family †Mary Schostok, by The Dan Casey Family Wednesday, March 21, 2012 8:30 Special Intention for Healing for Johnathan Weiger Thursday, March 22, 2012 8:30 Special Intention for Sr. Rose Okruhlik, by Ron & Elaine Smith Special Intention for Ramy Behna’s 50th Birthday, by Mom Saturday, March 23, 2012 4:30 †Joanna Vesper, by Mark Vesper †Joseph Malon, by Bill & Joanne Shackelford Sunday, March 24, 2012 8:00 For the People of St. Thomas 9:30 †Ines Rosi, by Barbara Kaurin †Joanne Koszala, by The Koszala Family 11:15 †Sr. Cathy Trainor, by Friends

Sgt. Aaron Simms Cpt. Matthew Haselhorst PFC Sean Wesley

Please Pray for our Men and Women Serving in the Military Our parish community would like to recognize and remember the following individuals in prayer:

U.S. Air Force Lt. Joseph Zito Staff Sgt. Brooke Sica Airman Maxwell Dempsey Airman Tom Avers

Air Force National Guard Senior Airman Jacob Brancaleon

U.S. Army PFC Sam Parrillo SPC James Abbott Richard Hill Lt. Alanna Casey Warrant Officer Aviation Kyle Zimmerman

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Kevin Martin Lance Corporal Aaron Murphy Lance Corporal Oliver Buckley Captain Brad Rothman Lt. Colin Miller-Ratcliffes

U.S. Navy AT3 Amanda Schlarman Ensign Jason Coons SR Jeffrey Bates

U.S. Coast Guard

If you would like to have a serviceman or woman included in the Military prayer list in the bulletin, call the parish office 630.355.8980.

for the sick… Jonathan Weiger, son of Karl & Fran Tom Diedrich, brother of Lucille Riordan Jim Eldridge, friend of Jolene Reilly Juday & Joe Calderone, friend of Bob & Loretta Kurland Amar, friend of the Monteiro Family Char Spurgeon, friend of Jim Sharon Sullivan Walsh, friend of Nancy Tratner Cory Russ, brother in law of Linda & Dick Nathan Kathrin Rimdzius, grandmother of Michelle Krzmarzick Matthew Crilly, nephew of Paulette Pekala for the deceased… Patrick Kennedy, father of Rita Madeleine Medomche, daughter of Antoinette Kemno Joanne Koszala, mother of Jonathan Mary Kunges, sister-in-law of Rich & Sue Frantz Agnes Maddalon, mother of Janine Mogan Helen Glass, aunt of Jolene Reilly Gary Pearson, friend of Kevin Bauler Virginia Orcutt, mother of Fred Mary Jindra, wife of George

March 18, 2012 — Page 6

Faith and Formation Commission– Adult

As we wrap up our series on the apostolic suc-cessors of Jesus and their roles and responsibili-ties, let’s take a look at those of our own time. The current Bishop of Rome is Pope Benedict XVI, the 265th successor of the Apostle Peter. And the most recent ecumenical council was Vatican II, completed in December of 1965. This fall will mark the 50th anniversary of the first ses-sion of that council. The work that took place at Vatican II still affects our Catholic life today. Our current clergy – the Pope, the bishops, our priests and deacons – all took up the call of Jesus to “come after me” (Mark 1:17). But that call applies to all disciples, which includes all of us. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “lay Christians are entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confir-mation” (CCC #900). Also, “the laity are made to share in the priestly, prophetical and kingly office of Christ” (CCC # 873). This of course begs the question: are you actively participating in the business and the life of your Church?

C.A.R.E. CORNER

MEN’S ANNUAL PRAYER BREAKFAST SAVE THE DATE... Sat, March 31 8:30 a.m. Mass, Breakfast immediately following Speaker: New Bishop of Joliet, Daniel Conlon Tickets available this weekend and next!

St. Joseph’s Table March 24, 2012 Enjoy great food and help the poor! After all Masses this weekend, be sure to stop and pick up your free tick-ets to the St. Joseph Table on Saturday, March 24. � Choose your seating – either 4 or 6pm; there will

be a table blessing before each seating. � Share a variety of delicious, meatless Italian

foods. � Celebrate the ‘Abba’ of Jesus and the Patron of

God’s Family. � Work for justice as Joseph taught Jesus to be

generous to the poor. � Make a freewill offering which will be distrib-

uted to the St. Thomas Food Pantry, St. Thomas Cares and the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Please sign up so that ‘abbondanza’ will be available, but reservations will not exclude walk-ins. Enjoy!

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Today’s Readings First Reading — The wrath and the mercy of the LORD are revealed in the exile and liberation of the Chosen People (2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23) or 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a. Psalm — Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you! (Psalm 137) or Psalm 23. Second Reading — God, who is rich in mercy, brought us to life with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-10) or Ephesians 5:8-14. Gospel — The Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life (John 3:14-21) or John 9:1-41 [1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38]. 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.

Readings for the Week Mon: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a Tues: Ez 47:1-9, 12; Jn 5:1-16 Wed: Is 49:8-15; Jn 5:17-30 Thurs: Ex 32:7-14; Jn 5:31-47 Fri: Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Sat: Jer 11:18-20; Jn 7:40-53 Sun: Jer 31:31-34; Ps 51; Heb 5:7-9; Jn 12:20-33 Alternate readings (Year A): Ez 37:12-14; Ps 130; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45]

Easter Flower Fund

In Memory or Honor Of

Easter Flower Fund

I would like to make a contribution towards Easter flowers.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

By: PHONE # AMOUNT ENCLOSED

Please return this form or fill out an order envelope in the church office by Monday, April 2.

You are invited to make a donation toward an Easter Lily or flowering plant in recognition of a loved one. The names of these individuals will be on a display board at the Easter Masses. A suggested donation of $10 should be sent in with the attached order form, or you may fill out an order envelope in the church office. Orders must be received by Monday, April 2.

March 18, 2012 — Page 8

? Families: Take some time to discuss and reflect on the readings of the week.

Question of the Week... Can you reach out to someone who is having a hard time?

Faith and Formation Commission– Youth Did you know St. Thomas has a Sunday Nursery? Please come and check out St. Thomas’ Sunday Nursery held during the 9:30 and 11:15 masses. The nursery is located off the hall by Ministry Center Entrance and children of walking age through the age of three are welcome. At age four, children may begin attending the Liturgy of the Word sessions offered during these two mass times. Parents are encouraged to be a part of the nursery schedule but need to complete Diocesan requirements before helping. Teen volunteers are wel-comed as well. Information of these requirements as well as registration forms, are available on the nursery door. There is also the option of paying a fee of $3 per child per Sunday. The nursery is open after Labor Day until Memorial Day and is closed on some holy days. For more information, contact Nursery Facilitator, Ombretta Schutz, 630.375.0516, brettaschutz@yahoo.com or call the Faith Formation Office at church 630.305.6318.

Teens with Character Service Opportunity On Thursday, March 22nd, we have a chance to volun-teer at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. We have the 6:30-8:30 shift reserved. To volunteer, go to www.fmsc.org , select For Volunteers/ Volunteer Reg-istration and then Permanent Sites. Indicate that you want to Join an existing Group or Family, at the Aurora location, during March 2012. The group name is St. Thomas Teens w/ Character. You will then be prompted to sign up. Family members are welcome!

Family Prayer Service for First Eucharist

The next Family Prayer Service for families of First Com-municants is Thursday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. This bread service, It’s About Cele-brating, will last approximately 40 minutes. Please continue to pray for these children as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, an event of great joy for them, their families and the entire St. Thomas faith commu-nity.

Divorced and Widowed Conference On March 24, at St Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville, Father Tony Taschetta, will speak to the divorced, widowed and those who care for them in a presentation, filled with wisdom and humor, called Why So Weary? Lay Down Your Burdens and Be Set Free! The day begins at 9 a.m. and ends with 4 p.m. Mass, celebrated by Bishop Siegel. The $35 donation includes coffee, lunch and materials. Call Desiree Marciani 815.838.5334 for more information or see http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/familyministry for an electronic copy of the brochure.

Page 9 — March 18, 2012

Middle School Reconciliation Service Monday, March 19 7:15—8:30 pm St. Thomas the Apostle Middle school students (both Monday and Saturday RE students) and parents are invited. There will be time for private confession.

Come and experience the abundant mercy of God. Journey Night… SUNDAY! High School students and parents…Plan on coming to the next Journey Night, Sunday, March 18, 4:15 pm. Sarah Jarzembowski will continue to explore God breaking through. Sarah’s presentation is entitled, “Wisdom of the Saints,” an inspiring evening of sto-ries of saints. WHO: Notre Dame Vision is for all high school stu-dents (incoming high school freshmen and students completing grades 9-12). Everyone wants to know who they are and where they are going in life. Notre Dame Vision helps young people on this journey. Participants may come alone, with a few friends, or in groups of five or more.

WHAT: Notre Dame Vision is a series of 5-day confer-ences that includes dynamic large group experiences, reflective small group time, profound liturgies, and excellent music. Speakers from all across the country will break open important themes throughout the week and help participants to relate them to their own lives.

WHERE: The University of Notre Dame is the beauti-ful setting for these conferences.

WHEN:There are four retreats in summer 2012. Week 1: June 18–June 22 Week 2: June 25–June 29 Week 3: July 9–July 13 Week 4: July 16–July 20 Information flyers can be found outside Peggy Goralski’s office.

Youth Minister’s Corner I came across the following reflection a few years ago. It’s entitled “For Our Teenagers.” Each time I read it, I continue to be touched by the words.

Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them: I loved you enough to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home. I loved you enough to insist that you save your money to buy that “something special” yourself, even though we could afford to buy it for you. I loved you enough to be silent and let you dis-cover the true loyalty of your new best friend. I loved you enough to watch over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken me 15 minutes. I loved you enough to let you see anger, disap-pointment and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents are not perfect. I loved you enough to let you assume the respon-sibility for your actions, even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart. But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it. Those were the most difficult battles of all. I’m glad I won them, because, in the end, you won something too.

(Author Unknown) I pray that you are having a grace-filled Lenten journey. Know that Brett and I are here for you (teens and parents!) if you need us. Blessings, Peggy Goralski

Authentic Life is a faith-based group for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s. Come and enjoy a meal, meet new people, and participate in faith-related discussions.

Tuesdays at 6:30pm St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church Naperville, IL For more information, go to www.discoverauthenticlife.com or contact Brett Adams (badams@stapostle.org or 630.355.8980, Ext. 117).

March 18, 2012 — Page 10

Service Commission—Outreach & Social Justice Mother’s Day Project 2012 Church Women United is partnering with Com-panions, Inc. to provide packets of stationery and note cards for women in prison. The writing supplies allow women to write to their children and other loved ones, thus strengthening the family bond. There is a collection basket in the Gathering Area for the following supplies: � Pens, single cell with a cap (no click pens or pens

that have any metal on them) � Stationery (these do not need to be complete sets) � Cards (blank, “thank you”, “thinking of you”) � Gallon size Ziploc bags � Postage stamps NOTE: Use no stickers, glue, tape, or paste on the cards or envelopes; prison rules do not allow these substances. The collection basket will be in the Gathering Area through March 24. See the sign next to the basket or the St. Thomas website for additional information. Thank You Letter Received The following letter was received from the sister of an individual assisted through St. Thomas Cares and St. Vincent de Paul.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to you and your organization, for your generous gift on behalf of my sister. I could not go without a written thank you. What you did in such a short time for her has restored faith and hope that there are people in the world who really do care in helping others and has made a big difference in my sister’s life as well as mine. Thank you for everything.”

The help given to the woman could not have hap-pened without the generosity of the people of St. Thomas. Thank you for all the ways you lend assis-tance to people who are hurting.

Pizza and Movie Night The St. Thomas Immigration/Migration Ministry will sponsor a Pizza and Movie Night on Saturday, March 31 in the Lighthouse after the 4:30 liturgy. The movie, Light in the Darkness, will be shown. Light in the Darkness is a one-hour PBS documentary about a town coming together to take action after anti-immigrant violence devastates the community. In 2008, a series of attacks against Latino residents of a New York village culminate with the murder of an Ecuadorian immigrant who had lived in the village for 13 years. As Holy Week — a week of reliving the persecution, death, and resurrection of Jesus — begins, this film is a reminder that persecution and death continue today, but more importantly provides a message of hope as the community comes together to work for reconciliation. In many ways Light in the Darkness is a resurrection story. The film is suitable for teens and adults. Pizza and soft drinks will be provided and there will be a short discussion following the film. A free-will offering will be accepted. Please RSVP to the Outreach and Social Justice Office 630.355.8980, x113. Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreats, an opportu-nity for women and men processing the experience of abortion, are held twice yearly at the St. Charles Bor-romeo Pastoral Center. The next scheduled retreat is being held Friday, March 30 - Sunday, April 1, begin-ning Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. and continuing through Sunday early afternoon. Contact Kay at 1.866.99-4-GIVE (4483) for additional information. Registration brochures are available at http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/life/documents/RachelVineyardBrochure.pdf.

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Pro-Life Banquet The Knights of Columbus Presents the 2012 Feast of the Annunciation Pro-Life Banquet benefiting the Fa-ther Michael J. McGivney Center of Hope & Healing and Waterleaf Women’s Center. Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon, Bishop of Joliet, will participate. The keynote speaker is Father Francis “Fr. Rocky” Hoffman, Execu-tive Director of Relevant Radio

Saturday, March 24, 2012 Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.36 N. Ellsworth, Naperville Mass in Church at 5:00pm - Banquet at 6:30pm in the Ministry Center

Tickets: $50 per person. For ticket reservations, email KofCProLifeBanquet@gmail.com or mail your check payable to "The Knights of Columbus" to Al Knoeck , 1030 E. North Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540. Please call John Zabinski at 630-747-8439 for further information.

Donations For Medical Teams Traveling To Duchity Two Medical Mission teams are traveling to Ste. Marie Madeleine-St. Thomas’ Twinning Parish in Duchity, Haiti-this spring. “Make a difference” and help the people of Duchity by purchasing some of the fol-lowing items and dropping them off in the bin in the gathering area by March 31. Vitamins – Infant vitamin drops with iron, prenatal vi-tamins, children’s chewable vitamins, and ferrous sul-fate (iron) 325 mg Layette Items - Newborn knit hats, booties, baby wash-cloths and towels, and infant sleepers Over the Counter Medicines – Any of the following analgesics or “painkillers”: acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (Aleve, Napro-syn). No need to purchase name brands. Antacids like Tums, Zantac, and Pepcid are also being collected. Medical supplies – Stethoscopes, otoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, sterile dressings, and new ace bandages. For information about other donations of medicines, medical supplies, or equipment, contact Anita Berry at anitadberry@gmail.com or 630.408.1717 or call the Outreach Office at St Thomas 630.355.8980. If you would prefer making a monetary donation toward the purchase of the needed items, write a check to St Tho-mas OSJ, with “Haiti Medical” in the memo line. Thank you for giving hope to our brothers and sisters in Haiti and making a difference in the lives of others.

Pro-Life Film “October Baby” October Baby, inspired by the real-life story of abortion survivor Gianna Jessen, tells the story of Hannah, a 19-year-old college freshman who dis-covers late in life not only that she was adopted but also the survivor of a failed abortion. The coming-of-age film has been screened more than 10 times across the country. Stories of abortion survivors and post-abortive women have over-whelmed the filmmakers. Giving the unborn a voice was only one part of the story however. For the Christian filmmakers, faith was also an important element to add into the movie. “October Baby might not be what you expect,” Andrew Erwin, co-director and producer of the film, explained. “We wanted to look at a complicated issue through the eyes of com-plicated people. The movie is about human pain and healing. Faith plays an integral part as Hannah wres-tles with how to find truth and forgiveness.” The movie opens nationwide on Friday, March 23. The closest theater to St. Thomas is Cantera 30 at 28250 Diehl Road in Warrenville. Family In Need of Car A St. Thomas family who has a young daughter with a serious medical condition is in need of a car. Consider donating your old car which qualifies as a charitable donation for income tax purposes. The vehicle doesn’t need to be in perfect condi-tion. The car will be inspected and any necessary repairs will be funded by St. Thomas Cares. Contact Anne in the Outreach and Social Justice Office 630.355.8980, x113 or aschultz@stapostle.org if you have a car to donate.

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Pastoral Care A CALL to all those who knit or crotchet and those who have a desire to learn: The Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Thomas began in 2005 with the vision to be a continuing religious effort to bring God’s love, healing, and warmth, in a real/concrete sense, to those in need, crisis, or cele-bration. The St. Thomas Prayer Shawl Ministry would like to invite you to become a part of this very special ministry. Every third Thursday of the month, very talented women get together for prayer, fellowship and shar-ing. Yarn, needles, and patterns are available, as well as instruction if needed. Between meetings the min-isters continue to work on their unique creation. They work on, as their time allows, shawls, prayer squares, chemo caps, baby blankets, or lap blankets. Each stitch is made with a prayer for the person who will eventually receive and wear the labor of love. Please call the Parish Nurse office with questions or for more information. On Tuesday and Thursday, Felicia is available at X104 and Monday and Wednesday, Rose is available at X140.

Journey to Wholeness Grief Support — Hope and Healing Edward Hospital offers daytime and evening sup-port group to any community member 18 and older who is grieving the loss of an adult loved one. In the small group setting, participants can choose to share or simply listen. In either case they’ll have a chance to explore ways of coping with their grief by hearing how others are recovering from their losses. Chaplains trained in Grief Recovery facilitate the pro-grams, and first time attendees are welcome to bring a guest. There is no fee or registration required. The grief recovery groups meet in the Edward Educa-tion Center, third floor, on the Naperville campus two days a week, weather permitting: Wednesday: 10 – 11:30 am Thursday 7:30—9 pm

Sessions are continuous so people can begin their participation at any time. Refreshments and grief re-sources are provided. Call the Grief Hotline to learn more about our grief support programs and services: 630.527.5056 or visit www.edward.org or you may call Jan Olah, Director of Pastoral Care at St. Thomas 355-8980 x 124

In the Hospital or Homebound? Call the parish office 355-8980 or the Pastoral Care Office x 124 and one of our parish nurses or ministers of care will visit, bring Eucharist and prayer.

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Stewardship Commission Last Weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts...

Weekly Sunday Offertory March 11, 2012 Automatic Direct Debit Mailed in & stock donations Total for week *Based on Collection Counters Reports

Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) to date: Weekly Average 7/1/10 to date: Offertory Goal Year to Date Over/short of goal to date: Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 Remaining for Fiscal Year goal Diocesan Appeal Updated Results Parish Appeal Goal: Pledges Received: % of Goal pledged to date: Remaining amount to goal Number of Appeal Donors:

$18,040 $18,515 $9,683

$46,238

$1,338,662 $36,180

$1,357,086 ($18,424)

$1,870,587 $531,925

$139,177

$38,524 27.68

$100,653 223

The 2012 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal

The Kingdom of God is at Hand (Mark 1:15)

The Junior High Academy will be celebrating their annual Spring Fling at All Saints on Wednesday, March 21 at 7 p.m. Eighth grade students will sing musical pieces that they have worked on in their general music classes. As a part of the music curriculum, students learn about music notation and singing in parts. Both the 8th grade girls and the boys have selected pieces that they will perform separately. They will then come together as a group to sing the Journey song, 'Don't Stop Believin', a wonderful anthem for the many adventures that await our future graduates. Our 7th grade students will be in the school gym with their science fair projects. They will be ready to present their hypotheses and findings to all interested and inquisitive parties, even demonstrat-ing aspects of their experiments. Sixth grade students worked in small teams to bring the country of India to life, from ancient to modern day times. Their projects and findings illuminated the vast history of this country in in-teresting and accessible ways. They will be ready to share their insights on this evening.

News From All Saints Catholic Academy

Catholics understand that faith is forever. Being buried in a Catholic Cemetery is an extension of

and affirmation of how they lived their lives.

Your Diocese operates 21 Catholic cemeteries, allowing you to affirm your faith, heritage,

and tradition for all eternity. We offer several choices for burial options,

including in-ground burial, crypts, and mausoleums, as well as options for the preservation and honoring

of cremated remains.

Demand is high and spaces are limited, so call now for more information

about a Diocesan cemetery near you.

630.554.7590 . www.dioceseofjoliet.org/cemeteries

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Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, Mar. 19 3:45—5:15 p.m. Stay, Play & Pray, Gym 4:00—5:30 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00—9:30 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00—8:30 P.M. NAMI, Youth Center 7:00—8:30 p.m. RCIA Inquiry, Judea 7:30—9:00 p.m. Contempletive Prayer Group, Rectory Basement Tuesday, Mar. 20 10:00—11:00 a.m. Care Pantry, Gym 4:30—5:30 p.m. Family Stations of the Cross, Church 6:30—8:30 p.m. AuthenticLife, Lighthouse 7:00—9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00—9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge 7:00—10:00 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church Wednesday, Mar. 21 7:00—9:00 p.m. Leadership Night & PLC, Gathering Area & Cana & Judea 7:00—9:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym 7:00—10:00 p.m. Sojourners, Church Thursday, Mar. 22 9:15—11:15 a.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 4:15—5:30 p.m. Jammers, Church 6:00—7:30 p.m. Journey Praise, Lighthouse 7:00—8:00 p.m. Family Prayer Service for 1st Eucharist, Church 7:30—9:00 p.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 7:30—9:30 p.m. Jubilate, Lighthouse Friday, Mar. 23 9:00—11:30 a.m. Friday A.M. Bible Study, Senior Center 7:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross, Church Saturday, Mar. 24 8:30—11:00 a.m. Ensemble Rehearsal, Church 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Saturday Sharing, Senior Center 4:00 pm 1st Seating St. Joseph Table, Gym 6:00 pm 2nd Seating St. Joseph Table, Gym Sunday, Mar. 25 7:30—10:30 a.m. RCIA, Senior Center 9:00—11:45 a. m. Liturgy of the Word with Children , Ministry Center 10:45am-12:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Lighthouse

St. Thomas the Apostle Jobs Ministry March Keynote Speaker Night

Wed, March 21, 7:00 pm: "Own Your Interviews" - Lauren Milligan

Every job seeker knows that the MOST stressful part of a job search is the interview. How many times have you left the interview feeling that you did a great job, only to find out that the job was offered to another candidate? Or worse, how many times have you said something in an interview that you wish you hadn’t said? You second-guess yourself right up to the moment of the next interview…making the same mis-takes all over again. What if you walked into an interview today and saw a panel of six executives sitting in front of you? Would your brain be saying, “bring it on!” or would your eyes be darting for the exits? Lauren’s presentation will help prepare you for even the toughest interview scenarios. Her clients have actually said they can’t wait for their next interview! Lauren will show you how to prepare for an interview, how to keep focused during the interview and how to properly follow-up after the interview. She’ll cover the psychology behind certain ques-tions and how to stay on track, no matter how much an inter-viewer tries to throw you off your game. Behavioral Inter-view techniques will also be thoroughly examined, which is a method that most employers are now implementing into their recruiting process. This two-hour session will give you tools you need to ace any interview until the day you retire. Lauren Milligan is the head Resume Expert and Job Coach at ResuMAYDAY, a one-stop-shop for Career Management and Career Development. Her team of resume writers is comprised of experts in their own industries, ensuring that each client is paired with a resume writer who understands the language of their business, and how to sell that message to employers. She is a well-known speaker on career-related topics, and has contributed to hundreds of seminars, work-shops and tutorials. She has been a frequent guest on Chi-cago television and radio where her quick-witted and ‘No Wimps Allowed’ attitude resulted in her own online radio show. Her background in recruiting and management steered Lauren to discover how much she truly enjoys helping peo-ple land that perfect job. For more information, www.ResuMAYDAY.com.

Wed, Mar 21, 7 pm: "Own Your Interviews" Lauren Milligan will show you how to prepare for an interview, how to keep focused during the interview and how to properly follow-up after the interview. Lauren Milligan is the head Resume Expert and Job Coach at ResuMAYDAY, a one-stop-shop for Career Management and Career Development. See Speaker Night info (above) for more exciting details.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville Friday meeting formats include announcements, speaker presentation, and 2 rounds of networking. Prepare your elevator speech, and bring handbills to pass to 20 fellow networkers. Wednesday is speaker only, no formal networking. Contact Bob Hronek <rhronek@sbcglobal.net>; or Ben Willingham <Benwillingham11@gmail.com>; for more info.

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