St. Louis de Montfort Oak Lawn, Illinois

July 31, 2016 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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“The words of Qoheleth, son of David, king in Jerusalem. ‘Vanity of vanities, Qoheleth says. Vanity of vani-ties. All is vanity! For all his toil, his toil under the sun, what does man gain by it (Ecclesiastes 1:1-3)?” The over view of the Book of Ecclesiastes: the meaning of Qoheleth as “the Preacher,” is understood by scripture scholars as King Solomon. Vanity means futility; that it is meaningless. Vanity describes something that is not substantial and lasting, but ephemeral and passing; worthless, empty of meaning, purpose and content. What is really important in life? Working just for money and climbing the worldly ladders of success and prestige is what many of us do when we look for careers and make a living, but is it the fulfillment of our spiritual lives? Jesus, who is wisdom incarnate, is obviously greater than King Solomon. He is the Son of God. Jesus is mak-ing a strict and direct point for us and our world, a basic, but by no means agreeable and popular acceptance by

a plethora of hard working people, that the meaning of life is not about getting more rich to be better off to enjoy our future retire-ment after we have invested our money in the stock markets, mutual bonds, etc., or having bigger homes with more possessions, but to realize that God wants us to seek the things that are above and concentrate upon Heavenly possessions and not earthly ones because everything on earth comes to an end. Grass is green, then it is brown. Flowers bloom, then they fall off. Bananas are green, then they turn to yellow and eventually, dark brown mush. Everything changes, and Jesus wants us to change our way of thinking and living now! Seek the Kingdom of God first!

Our emphasis on the vanity of materials and goods that are meaningless sounds harsh, but Jesus is really reminding us an obvious spiritual truth, our life on earth is passing. Even if we do not like talking about it, it will come for all of us. Ignoring and not talking about it will not help either knowing that we all want to go to Heaven. Remember the “beanie babies” craze in the nineties? How many people waited in long lines and paid a lot of money for those beanie babies. Now, they give them away free at garage sales I am told. Do you see how the words of scripture are applied daily to our lives? All is vanity! We shouldn't treat the things of this earth, as wonderful and beautiful and useful as they are, as if they were ends in themselves, and they are not. They are means to an end, instruments to help us fulfill a much higher purpose, that of knowing and loving God. We need money and possessions in order to live our lives, and it is certainly no sin to enjoy them, but if striving after them makes us neglect a healthy relationship with God, the Church, and our neighbors, we will come to a tragic end, just like the rich man in the para-ble, when Jesus might tell us something in Heaven we may not like to hear at our judgement.

The painting you see was painted in 1627 by Rem-brandt entitled “Parable of the Rich Fool.” The rich farmer in this parable is portrayed negatively, as an example of greed. By replacing his existing barn, he avoids using agricultural land for storage purposes, thus maximizing his income, as well as allow-ing him to wait for a price increase before selling. St. Augustine comments that the farmer was "Planning to fill his soul with excessive and unnecessary feasting and was proudly disregard-ing all those empty bellies of the poor. He did not realize that the bellies of the poor were much safer storerooms than his barns." Only if those bills and market analysis papers in the painting may be replaced with Catholic books and magazines, and even more so, the Holy Bible. Believe me, the world would be a better place. Jesus’ parable provides an example of what one ought not to be like. The person whose identity is tied up with his or her possessions, status, and/or achievements, and is driven by acquiring them, can so easily end up unaware of the call of God and the need of the neighbor.

When St Paul makes his list of sins that put our friendship with Christ in danger, he puts a spotlight on one particular type of self-centeredness, as if to say that we need to pay special attention to it. He writes, "Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with all its practices." We are being reminded today that lying, deceiving, and manipulating the truth are sins. It is not alright (like many people feel) because everyone else is doing it, it is part of life right now. They unravel God's plan for human society and endanger our friendship with Christ. God, the author of all truth, has given us the capacity to know and com-municate the truth, so that we can build up healthy relationships.

Jesus knows how easily we are tempted by money and possessions. They seem to promise so much, like those “beanie babies” did for one time. That's why Jesus makes this lesson so clear. "Take care to guard against all greed," Jesus warns. It has been said for over two thousand ears, and yet the words of Jesus still fall upon deaf ears. Instead, if we want a truly fulfilling life, we should strive to be rich in what matters to God. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, "God does not expect us to be success-ful, but to be faithful." Today, let's renew our friendship with Christ and, with the strength he supplies in Holy Communion, let's confidently embrace once again the consequences of that friendship, which includes being warriors of truth, not mercenaries of spin.

I would like to thank all of you for your continued hospitality and warmth you are showing me and each other. I am so blessed to have such parishioners! Thank you for all of your continued prayers and house warming gifts that I am receiving. Please be assured of my prayers for all of you. I am always meeting a lot of wonderful people! Please spread the good word of our wonderful parish and it is very nice to see more and more people coming back! Many of us are saying how great it is to see our parishioner families returning back.

St Louis de Montfort, pray for us! Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us! Have a great week and enjoy life with a great smile! Pray always!

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK!! Hello,

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! We will be having a BACK to SCHOOL Movie & Popcorn Night on Thursday, August 11th. Doors will open at 6:30 and the movie for the students will begin at 7:00. This night will take the place of our Book Fee Night. Tuition contracts will be available, as well as information about fundraising and volunteer opportunities. The School Board, FSA and FSP will have tables set up for you to sign up and get infor-mation. School Advisory Board The St. Louis de Montfort School Advisory Board is seeking new members. The qualifications of a School Board Member are:

♦ Must be at least 21 years of age. ♦ Parent of children enrolled in school ♦ Registered parishioner with no children in school ♦ Employees of the school or parish, or their immediate family members, are not eligible ♦ Membership is limited to one person per household.

We encourage broad membership since, in most cases, the entire parish helps to support the school and the school, in turn, helps to support the parish. Meetings are generally once a month for approximately 90 minutes. If interested, please contact me or Fr. Stan. We are still seeking a volunteer for an Athletic Director. In this role you would over-see sports and coaches as well as members of an Athletic Board. If you are interested in volunteering, or if you know of someone who would be interested, please contact me at wilsonmelissa67@gmail.com. Thank you! Mrs. Wilson

JOIN US IN QUINN HALL FOR A SUNDAY AFTERNOON OF FUN

AND GAMES

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14th Doors open 12:30 PM Games begin 1:30 PM

Food and beverage available for purchase $20 admission covers all regular games

PULL TABS, DOOR PRIZES AND MUCH MORE!

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2016 - 2017 school year is underway. Due to new developments within the program, the cost for the coming years is as follows:

TUITION TUITION (Before August 7th) (Late registration August 7th) 1 Child $225.00 1 Child $250.00 2 Children $275.00 2 Children $325.00 3 Children $325.00 3 Children $375.00

SACRAMENTAL FEE

Grade 2 (First Communion) $40.00 Grade 8 (Confirmation) $65.00

Due to the changes on the registration forms, please use the forms that are located in the back of church. Please fill out the form, include your payment and return it to the rectory. On Sunday, August 7th there will be a late registration after all of the masses. If you have any questions, contact the Religious Education Department at 708.599.5781, ext. 18. If you get voice mail, please leave a message and we will return your call.

THE MUSIC MINISTRY NEEDS YOU !!

You are invited to share your time and talents with the worshipping community here at St. Louis de Montfort Parish. We are looking for singers of high school age and above to learn to be cantors at the weekend masses in order to enhance our weekly worship experience. You would rehearse individually with our music director, Karen Deegan, to feel confidant and comfortable as you lead us in musical prayer. Teens can use this time as service hours at their respective school. You do not need to read music but do need to be able to carry a tune and be willing to use your gifts to encourage the community to participate in the liturgy through song. This is a volunteer commitment for the honor and glory of God.

We are also asking members of the community high school age and older to consider a short term choir commitment for the purpose of singing for Fr. Stan’s Installation Mass which will take place in the next few months. All former choir members and any new peo-ple are welcome. Your only requirement is to want to sing with a group to make this Litur-gy as uplifting and special as possible for Fr. Stan and our Parish family. Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled to begin at the end of August.

Please contact Karen Deegan at 708-715-8024 or karendeegan824@yahoo.com with any questions and to accept our invitation to be part of this important ministry.

Honoring St. Louis de Montfort

Military Men & Women

We would like to update our display case located in the church vestibule with current names and pictures. If you have a family member name that you would like included or a picture, please contact the Parish Home, 708.599.5300.

Little Company of Mary Hospital will be hosting a monthly Prostate Cancer Support meeting. When: Tuesday, Aug 4th, 7:00 PM Where: Little Company of Mary Cancer Center, Meeting Room 1

Spouses are also welcome to attend. For more information, contact Mary Duffin RN, BSN Oncology Nurse Navigator at 708.229.4142.

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Jackie Adomovicz Jesse Anderer Barbara Augle

Jim Ball Erik Baranowski Irene Baranowski

Lillian Berenis Sr. Bernardine Mikey Bevan Frank Bilo

Joyce Bitinas Donna Chlebek

Diane Chrapkiewicz Pat Chudy

Betty Connolly Donna Dong

Mary Dragozetic Rita Duchowicz

John Furmaniak Sr. Jo Gajda

Dave Gallagher Sandra Gilbert Lorraine Grams Dolores Grisko

Dorothy Hayden Janis Hayden Mary Hinchey Marty Horacek

Mary Jane Kirchner Daniel Kosiek Theresa Iser

Kurt Kutschke Marilyn Jones

Thelma LaSalvia Josie Maracic Agnes Mark Rita Mazur

Mary Ann & Bill Meskowski

Rosemary Mihelic Barbara Minster

Judy Mitchell Vencia Munis

Christopher Murphy Teresa Myczek

Sr. Therese O’Donnell Debbie Ornat Kari Raspanti

Kelly Robertson John Rosinski

Bridget Schroeder Ruth Ann Smith

Jim & Mary Staros Mercedita Suclan

Terry Swierk Jay Tarczon

Dorothy Tinman Diane Uryasz Irene Valuckis Mary Wantuck

Cathy Jo Werner Robert & Carol Zucas

We pray for those among us who are suffering from illnesses

REST IN PEACE

We pray for our family and friends that have recently died.

Virginia E. Prendergast

Please keep their families

in your prayers.

PARISH NEWS

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VISIT OUR NEW PARISH WEBSITE

sldmparish.org

It is up and operational, although it is a constant work in progress with new ideas and information being added as needed, we’re confident you will find it easy to navigate. If you have any questions or ideas of what you’d like to see included, please feel free to contact the parish office, 708.599.5300 or click the link “Contact the Webmaster” at the bot-tom of the site. There is a link and di-rections to enroll in “GiveCentral” for your weekly donations. There is a new email address for the Parish Office. Please email any ques-tions, concerns or information to

Parish.office@sldmparish.org

Also listed on the website are the many parish ministries. Check out the list, new members are always wel-come if you find something of interest!

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The Rosary is said each morning in the chapel following the 8:30 Mass / Com-munion service.

All are welcome to join us.

August 6 5:00PM August 7 7:30 AM August 7 9:30 AM August 7 11:30 AM J. Chmielewski M. Uryasz C. Beyer M. Farrell L. Trail I. Ramirez M. Hurley M. Gal J. Miller K. Delmagori D. Sichelski D. Ott

Extraordinary M. Navedo L. Gilbert S. Kozak G. Pierzynski Ministers of Communion C. Sorensen M. Gilbert D. Widmer N. Rodl

J. Werner M. Kocher J. Mitchell C. Karnoski J. Kocher B. Gilbert M. Murphy C. Gotto

Commentator L. Trail M. Gilbert R. Trusk C. Karnoski Lector M. Leffers E. Tierney D. Sichelski J. Hurckes

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WEEKLY OFFERING

Week of July 23/24 $5,102.00 E-giving $ 105.00 Goal $9,200.00

PLEASE Be sure to mark the amount of your of-fering on your envelope in order to get credit for your contributions. Visit www.givecentral.org to sign up for e-giving.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Weekly Activities at St. Louis

Saturday, July 30 Sunday, July 31 Monday, August 1 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Tuesday, August 2 7:00 PM — Needleworkers (QH) Wednesday, August 3 9:00 AM — Rosary (CH) Thursday, August 4 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) 6:00 PM— Polish School Registration (SCH) Friday, August 5 9:00 AM— Rosary (CH) Saturday, August 6 9:00 AM — Rosary—(CH) 9:00—10:00 AM— Adoration Sunday, August 7

Weekly Mass Intentions

Saturday, July 30 5:00 PM - Corinne M Roy Ewa & Jacek Dabrowski Sunday, July 31, 18th Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 AM — ^ Betty Weiler 9:30 AM — ^ Diane & Wolter Skupien ^ Clem Hojnacki 11:30 AM — People of the Parish Monday, August 1 8:30 AM— ^ Richard Carroll ^ Edward Niemiec Tuesday, August 2 8:30 AM — ^ Mike Karnoski Wednesday, August 3 8:30 AM — Communion Service Thursday, August 4 8:30 AM — ^ Mike Karnoski Friday, August 5 8:30 AM — People of the Parish Saturday, August 6 8:30 AM — Communion Service 5:00 PM — Josephine Domitrz ^ Joan Halloran ^ Virginia Prendergast Sunday, August 7, 19th Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 AM — Patrick O’Donell Alice Puriski Stefanie Dabrowski 9:30 AM — James & Hannah Kennelly Jan Babicz Stanley & Elizabeth Kowalczyk—50th Wedding Anniversary 11:30 AM — Edward Gut

Sunday Readings for July 31 st

First reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23 Second reading: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11 Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Sunday Readings for August 7th

First reading: Wisdom 18: 6-9 Second reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12 Gospel: Luke 12:32-48 or 12:35-40

Golden Wedding Anniversary 2016 Sunday, September 18

The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass for 2016 will take place at Holy Name Cathedral on Sunday, September 18, at 2:45 p.m. For more information and re-sources, please visit

www.familyministries.org

or call 312-534-8351

Fr. Stanley Stuglik, Pastor Mr. Bill Sullivan: Deacon Fr. Mark Canavan: Pastor Emeritus Mr. Steve McEllin: Director Parish Operations Ms. Jan Podolak: Parish Secretary Mrs. Karen Deegan: Director of Music Parish Home: 8808 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL Phone: 708-599-5300 Fax: 708-599-2678 Email: parish.office@sldm.org Parish Website: www.sldmparish.org Parish Home Office Hours: 9:00 AM— 2:30 PM Monday—Friday 5:00 PM — 8:00 PM Wednesday & Thursday 10:00 AM— 4:00 PM Saturday Mrs. Melissa Wilson: School Principal Mrs. Cheryl Plesha: Director of Religious Education School Address: 8840 Ridgeland Ave, Oak Lawn IL School Phone: 708-599-5781

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM Weekdays 8:30 AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri) 8:30 AM Communion Service (Wed) Saturday 8:30 AM Communion Service Confessions: Saturday 4:00 to 4:30 PM Baptisms: 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month Pre-Baptismal Program: The 1st Tuesday every other month. Arrangements can be made by calling the Rectory. Weddings: Couples should contact the parish priest at least six months in advance of wedding date.

Welcome to St. Louis de Montfort Parish

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Louis De Montfort Church #000448 8808 S. Ridgeland Avenue Oak Lawn, IL 60453 TELEPHONE 708 599-5300 CONTACT PERSON Jan Podolak EMAIL: parish.office@sldmparish.org SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2013 Adobe Acrobat XI Windows 8 TRANSMISSION TIME Wednesday 11:00 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION July 31, 2016 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS ATTN...PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS