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(Look to this page for the up coming events,
special seasonal information and other news.)
If you have items that you would like
posted to the Web site or items that didn't make it to the bulletin, make
your request through the "Contact Us"
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Read the Pastor's Column for this week:
Maina’s Muse
Today's Readings:
For the current day's reading click here
Weekend Mass Schedule For
Sept. 4 & 5
Saturday • 5:00pm -
Fr. Mair
Sunday -
Masses
8:00am -
Fr. Mair
930am
- Fr. Maina
11:00am - Fr. O'Brien
6:00pm Misa en Espanol - Fr. Diego
Daily Mass:
Monday - Saturday 8:00AM (Rosary follows Mass.)
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturdays, 4:00 to 4:45PM,
Wednesdays, 10:30AM to noon
or by appointment.
Baptism: Mariana Rojas
(Arrangements should be made by calling the rectory at
least one month prior to Baptism. A formation session is required. Must be
registered parishioners.)
Those Who Rest In God’s Peace:
Margreth Nyokabi (Grandmother of Fr. Maina)
Bernice Mair (Mother of Fr. Mair)
Paula Johnson (Mother of Lynn Rushkewicz)
Parish News Index
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Reflections on our Faith
Pope Benedict's Prayer Intentions for September:
The Word of God as Sign of Social Development
General: That in less developed parts of the world the
proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging
them to work actively toward authentic social progress.
The End of War
Missionary: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end
to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
24 Hours a Day in the Holy Family Chapel (South parking lot entrance)
Holy Hour At Techny
Experience more than a silent, meditative Holy Hour.
Fr.
Schneider-SVD, celebrates with Rosary, Homily, Hymns and Benediction.
Every Wednesday Evening 7:30 to 8:30pm
Confessions begin at 7:00pm
Holy
Mass is celebrated on the last Wednesday of every month and on Holy Days
that fall on Wednesdays or Thursday.
All are welcome!
Location: Techny Towers, 2001 Waukegan
Rd, Techny, IL (Just north of Willow/Palatine road in Glenview-
Click here for Map).
UNITED IN MARRIAGE: Sara & Vince Zaprzal
(Please make arrangements at least four months prior to
the wedding.
View a copy of the new marriage guidelines at
www.inthespiritofcana.org.)
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall 2010 ▪ Pilgrimage to France!
OUR PLANS — LOURDES, PARIS, LISIEUX, NEVERS
Join us for the trip of a lifetime with your fellow parishioners and our
pastor, Fr. Maina, as we visit several holy sites in France as part of
our year-long celebration of our parish’s 50th anniversary! Click here for flyer
Please send in your deposit NOW! The more pilgrims we have, the better
the price! TO REGISTER use the form found on the bulletin board in the
vestibule of the church!
Or call Susan Rosal at 847-904-7017 or email
Susan Rosal.
or call Chris LaTona at 847-446-1580 or email
Chris Latona.
PILGRIMAGE ITINERARY
October 6 Depart Chicago O’Hare Airport via Air France to Paris, France,
arrive on October 7
October 7 Arrive Paris, transfer to Orly Airport and depart via air to
Lourdes. Transfer to hotel.
October 8 Full day in Lourdes for devotion. Participate in the
candlelight procession. Partake in the healing waters.
October 9 Depart by air back to Paris. Transfer to hotel. Evening at
leisure.
October 10 Morning sightseeing tour of historical and cultural Paris:
Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Opera House, Elysees
Palace, Chapel and Tomb of Napoleon, Statue of Joan of Arc, Quai
d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde. Afternoon pilgrimage to Notre Dame
Cathedral, Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, Madeleine Church and Basilica
of Sacre Coeur de Montmartre.
October 11 By motorcoach, full day excursion to Lisieux. Visit Les
Buissonets, the childhood home of St. Therese, the Carmel Convent where
St. Therese spent her short but holy life, and St. Peter’s Cathedral.
October 12 By motor coach, full day excursion to Nevers. Visit the
incorrupt body of St. Bernadette at the Convent of St. Gildard.
October 13 We make our sad good-byes to Paris, and our pilgrimage ends
as we return to Chicago.
INCLUSIONS:
All air and ground transportation, Good hotels, 2 people per room -
private baths, Breakfast and dinner daily, English-speaking guides.
EXCLUSIONS:
Airport tax and fuel surcharge
COSTS
$1800 per person (min. 50 pilgrims travelling)
$1850 per person (40-50 pilgrims travelling)
$1900 per person (30-40 pilgrims travelling)
Single room supplement is $450. Above costs are based on tariffs and
exchange rates in effect on March 15, 2010.
Deposits should be forwarded to Gideon Travel NOW.
If you are interested in joining us, please e-mail
Christine LaTona.
If you have any questions, please feel free to
call Chris at 847-446-1580. (If you are interested in participating, and
have something in mind that you’d like to see while you’re there, please
let Chris know that as well.) We will not investigate further unless
there is some interest. Thanks very much.
Three Church Rummage Sale
Friday, September 10, 7:00am - 7:00pm, and Saturday, September
11, 8:00am - 1:00pm.
Immaculate Conception Parish in Highland Park will hold a Preview Sale
of their rummage sale items on Wednesday, September 8, from
5:00-8:00pm with a charge of $5 per adult.
We would appreciate any donations you would like to make to our sale.
You can donate your old treasures, large and small, from indoors and
outdoors, as long as they are clean and in good working order. We’ll
even take cars and boats. Upon request, we will give you a donation
receipt for tax deduction purposes. Any items we do not sell will be
donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. We cannot take built-in
appliances, sleeper couches, console TVs, exercise equipment, washing
machines or dryers, or mattresses. Items may be dropped off beginning
Sunday, July 25, from 8:00am to 1:00pm, Monday - Friday from 9:00am to
12:00pm, and Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00pm until
September 3.
If you have any questions, contact Joyce Arlington at 847-681-0249 or
847-707-1801.
Immaculate Conception Parish, 770 Deerfield Road
Presbyterian Church, 330 Laurel Avenue
Trinity Episcopal Church, 425 Laurel Avenue
Golden Wedding 2010
The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass is scheduled for Sunday,
September 19, at 3:00PM at St. John Brebeuf Parish, 8307 N. Harlem
Avenue in Niles.
There will only be enough room in the church for the Jubilarians, with
the exception of those who need special assistance. Space for guests is
limited. Only one or two family members can be accommodated in the
parish center next door to the church, where they may view the Mass on
closed circuit TV, receive communion, and fulfill their Sunday
obligation. Please register by calling the Rectory 847-729-1414.
Marriage Encounter
In today’s Gospel Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and
worried about many things. There is need of only one hing.” Take time
away from all your worries and spend time focusing on the Lord and your
spouse. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends for the
Chicago/Northwest Indiana area are September 17-19 and November 5-7.
Early registration is highly recommended. For reservations/information,
call Jim & Kris at 800-442-3554 or contact us at
www.wwmechicago-gary.org.
For a Weekend en Espanol (other dates), contact Oscar & Luz at
847-675-2119 or Aurelio & Letitia at 773-284-5308.
SCL Coffee Hours
St. Catherine Laboure Speaker Series on Sundays from Noon until 1:30pm
in the Rec Room. Refreshments are always served!
“DISCERNING GOD’S WILL IN EVERYDAY LIFE”
September 26: “Is God’s Will for Me Good News? How Do I Know?”
(Introduction to Discernment) with Fr. Patrick McGrath, SJ: President,
Loyola Academy in Wilmette. Popular retreat leader/homilist focusing on
practical living of Catholic faith.
October 17: “Deception & Other Roadblocks in Discerning God’s
Will” with Fr. Rick McGurn, SJ: Rector, Loyola Academy in Wilmette
November 21: “Tracking God in the Details: Where Are You Today,
Lord?” (The Examen Prayer of St. Ignatius) with Fr. James Kubicki, SJ:
National Director, Apostleship of Prayer. Regular contributor on
Catholic radio and TV. Creator of CD on the Examen Prayer, Relevant
Radio’s most popular premium offer.
January 9: “Am I On the Right Track? 14 Do’s & Don’ts of
Discernment” (Discernment of Spirits: St. Ignatius) with Mr. Matthew
Couture: Director of Formation & Ministry, St. Ignatius College
Preparatory High School, Chicago.
February 6: “Is God Closer than You Think?” with Fr. Michael
Sparough, SJ: Retreat Master, Storyteller, Teacher, Spiritual Director,
Author of
What’s Your Decision? How to Make Choices with Confidence & Clarity,
Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House. Founder, Charis: Young Adult Ministry
March (tba): “Decision Making: Follow Your Heart, Head and Gut”
April (tba): “Signs of a Good Decision” with Fr. Brian Paulson,
SJ: Rector of the Jesuit Community, Loyola University.
Mark your calendars now and join us for an informative cup of coffee!
Aids Walk/Run
Please support Team Catholic Charities and our efforts by making a
donation or by joining Team Catholic Charities as we “get
moving” against HIV/AIDS at this fun-filled event on Saturday,
October 2, in Grant Park. 100% of the funds raised by Team Catholic
Charities (including all registration fees and sponsorships) are
returned to Catholic Charities in Lake and Cook counties!
The direct beneficiaries of this event are nearly 300 clients of the
Catholic Charities HIV/AIDS Case Management Programs, as well as our
HIV/AIDS Ministry. Funds raised by the Run/Walk also help us provide
food through our HIV/AIDS Food Pantry—enough food for 35,822 meals last
year!
“Despite medical advancements, prevention research and groundbreaking
treatment opportunities, the ongoing development of the global HIV/AIDS
pandemic continues to be staggering. Thankfully, an event such as the
AIDS 5K Run/Walk reinforces our understanding of the devastating toll of
this illness so that it can remain at the forefront of our collective
public consciousness. I invite you, your family, and your friends to
take part in this endeavor as an active participant or sponsoring member
of Team Catholic Charities. Together, we can make a difference.” – Rev.
Michael M. Boland,
Administrator, Catholic Charities
afc.aidschicago.org.
A Rose for Life
This year Respect Life Sunday is October 3rd; it is a day to
celebrate the precious gift of life given by God. Honor the life of a
loved one (either living or deceased) on this special day by purchasing
a rose in their name. The rose will be placed outside at the “Choose
Life” shrine on Respect Life Sunday, along with a listing of the names
of those being honored. Order forms will be available in the vestibule
before and after all Masses for the next three week-ends.
Save the Date: Wednesday, October 20
A Jesuit Alumni Networking Event: Ignatian Spirituality in the Real
World. Join alumni in their 20s and 30s from 16 Jesuit universities for
an evening of discussion, networking, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres. Fr.
Timothy Kesicki, SJ, Provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Province of the
Society of Jesus, and a Jesuit-educated business professional will offer
their thoughts on what it means to be men and women for others in our
daily lives. Loyola University Chicago, Water Tower Campus.
(Back to the Top)
DEVOTIONAL
Labor Day Mass on Monday at 9:00AM
Eucharistic Adoration: We need help for the following Chapel hours:
Monday 3:00am, 4:00am, 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 9:00pm
Wednesday 3:00pm
Thursday 10:00am, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 8:00pm
Friday 4:00am
Saturday 2:00am, 1:00pm, 8:00pm & 9:00pm
If you would like to take one of the vacant hours, please call Evie Ulivieri 847-724-6291 or
email here.
Saturday we need extra help between 10:00am & 7:00pm (since weekends can
be difficult)
Monday Evening Holy Hour: 7:00pm. Holy Family
Chapel. Miraculous Medal Novena, Rosary, and Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
First Friday Devotions: (Sacred Heart) Devotions follow the 8:00am
Mass. Holy Hour in the Chapel from 3:00 to 4:00pm that concludes with
Benediction.
Mother of Perpetual Help Mass & Novena: 2nd Wednesday of the
month at 7:00pm in Church.
First Saturday Devotions (Our Lady of Fatima): Devotions follow
8:00am Mass on the first Saturday of the month.
Morning of Recollection for Women: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month
at 10:00am.
Our Lady of Fatima/Sacred Heart Devotions: Welcome the statue of
the Blessed Mother/Sacred Heart into your home and pray the rosary daily.
Contact Rose Alfon 498-2489, Zeny de Guzman 480-0159, or Lynn Hughes
501-5210.
“On Holiday with God!”
At Mayslake Ministries, we believe that vacations, even a one day trip,
can restore us to our inner center of grace, and that is the reason for
the launching of our new spiritual enrichment program entitled, On
Holiday with God. These trips will help us rediscover the mystery of God
as it is revealed through the people, places, and things of new and
exciting destinations. On Holiday with God promises to lead you on the
journey of a lifetime, one beautiful day at a time. For a complete
listing of our
upcoming tours, including a Day at the Botanical Gardens on August 18,
check out our website at
www.mayslakeministries.org or call Dr. Mary Amore at 630-268-9000.
RCIA
Have questions about Catholicism? Curious about the Catholic way of
life? Know someone who is? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA) is a process for adults to learn about the Catholic Church and
become full and active members. If you would like to join us on this
faith journey, or if you know someone who would be interested, please
contact the rectory at 729-1414.
Catholics Come Home
Catholics Come Home Chicago Invites You To Take Another Look
Do you have questions about Marriage, Divorce, and Annulments? Many
Catholics who have divorced and re-married outside the Church have often
drifted away from the Catholic Church and the practice of their faith.
The Catholics Come Home evangelization initiative invites these
individuals to take another look at Church law concerning marriage and
to explore possibilities to resolve issues of divorce and re-marriage,
especially through the annulment process. In the coming weeks, special
presentations around the Archdiocese will address these issues. Sessions
will be available in English, Spanish, and Polish. The sessions will
last about ninety minutes and cover the following topics:
What is Marriage in the Catholic Church?
What is the annulment process?
What are the basic principles of law that must be followed?
How does one apply for a declaration of nullity?
What are the civil effects and misunderstanding about annulment?
What are some of the grounds used in a case?
Returning Catholics, new Catholics, or those wishing to learn more about
the annulment process can visit the Metropolitan Tribunal’s web pages on
the Archdiocese of Chicago’s website
www.archchicago.org
by clicking on Departments and then Metropolitan Tribunal. More
information about the presentations can be found on the Catholics Come
Home Chicago website, www.CatholicsComeHomeCHICAGO.org The presentations
are free and open to all. Please call the parish that is hosting the
event you are interested in attending.
www.catholicscomehomechicago.org.
Do You Know Someone Who Has Left The Church?
"Catholics Returning Home" is a program for non-practicing Catholics to
feel at home again in the Catholic Church. The program includes informal
listening sessions and an update of the Catholic faith. No matter how
long someone has been away from the Church or no matter what the reason,
they are welcome! The program is six consecutive Mondays beginning April
27 at 7:00pm. It will be held at St. Paul of the Cross at 320 S.
Washington, Park Ridge. For more information, contact Kelly Heus at
847-692-6025 or
email here
.
PRAYING THE ROSARY
The Rosary is a meditation, a time to recall and think about the life
of Jesus as seen and experienced by Mary. As the model of faith, Mary’s
life sets a pattern that we strive to follow: saying ‘yes’ to God’s will
in our lives and sharing His love and message with others. The Mysteries
of the Rosary form a mini-lesson of faith, using the highlights and
significant moments of the life of Jesus. Like paging through a family
scrapbook, we see in brief the events of salvation history that are the
core of our belief and the hope of our eternal life.
Veteran’s Ministry
“Coming Home To Christ” Do You Know A Veteran? Coming this Fall,
Mayslake Ministries is proud to announce a new and innovative spiritual
renewal program for returning veterans and their families. As we all
know, for many of our soldiers, life has been dramatically changed by
their experiences of deployment and mobilization. Coming Home to Christ
is a program designed to help our military men and women come to
spiritual healing and reconciliation with God - and one another - in the
light of the Gospel message. This program will address the critical
issues of Post-Traumatic Spiritual Stress.
The inaugural Veteran's weekend retreat will be held November 6-8 at the
Cardinal Stritch Retreat Center in Mundelein. Sr. Linda McClenehan, Army
chaplain and Vietnam veteran, will facilitate the retreat. Participants
will be encouraged to share their stories in the context of a safe &
Christian environment. Being heard ... being understood ... being safe
... all combine to help in the journey of healing and forgiveness.
Post-Traumatic Spiritual Stress can affect a person for years after he
or she has returned home from active duty. If you or a loved one are in
need of spiritual healing, and would like more info about our Veteran's
ministry, please contact Dr. Mary Amore at 630-268-9000.
a target="_blank" href="http://www.mayslakeministries.org">
www.mayslakeministries.org
Are You Interested in the Catholic Faith?
Been coming to Mass for a while, but are not Catholic? Are you
interested in breaking your spiritual fast at our Lord’s Table?
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in
darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the Church’s ritual
process for calling adults to conversion of mind and heart and preparing
them for a full and active life in the Church as disciples of Jesus.
During the process, adults participate in faith formation sessions and
liturgical rites that mark their journey and form them more deeply by
God’s grace. The culmination of that ritual process is the sacraments of
Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, normally celebrated during the
Easter vigil. The RCIA aims to transform the entire person into an
individual who has truly put on Christ Jesus.
SCL offers this journey in faith to share the richness of the Catholic
Church and our parish family. We invite you to learn what the Church
teaches, and be introduced to some of our parish members.
These sessions are also opportunities for you, and others that you may
wish to invite, to ask those perplexing and difficult questions you may
have about the Church. These gatherings are for inquirers and for people
who are unbaptized, as well as for those who are baptized Christians
from Protestant or Evangelical backgrounds. Hey, Catholics are also
welcome!
Please call (847-729-1414) or
email here if you have
questions or would like further information, or if you know someone who
might be interested in this opportunity.
Year For Priests
How You Can Help Increase Priestly Vocations
-
Pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood.
-
Offer your time and financial support to strengthen youth ministries
in your parish.
-
Teach your children and grandchildren how to listen to the
promptings of the Holy Spirit.
-
Ask your children and grandchildren if they ever thought about
becoming a priest.
-
If you know someone who has the qualities of a good priest, point it
out to him.
-
Pray for young men discerning priesthood.
-
Support and encourage seminarians in your diocese.
Pray For Priests
Why pray for priests? Because through prayer we gain graces for them
which otherwise they would not obtain. If we all need the help of one
another, and we do to receive the graces we need, how much more should
we pray for priests from whom we have received Jesus Christ in the
Eucharist – and by whom we have been so often absolved from our sins.
A Prayer for Priests
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests.
Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need
to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our
Eternal Priest. Amen.
Word Of Life
Mother Teresa said that Christ comes to us in the distressing disguise
of the poor. She also said that it is a terrible poverty that a child
must die so that people might live as they wish. Taken together, I
believe that the poorest of the poor are those whose poverty lies in the
loss of a child. We should consider them the face of Christ in our lives
and help them with a kind word, a listening ear, a healing embrace. Only
love can overcome the tragedy of abortion, and that love must begin with
each of us.
~ Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus, Address at the
25th Anniversary Celebration of Project Rachel
Bereavement Ministry Needs New Members
"I have heard my people cry. I have wept for love of them. I will hold
my people in my heart." This has been our theme for many years. We have
lost
several of our Ministry members as a result of death, relocating, etc.
Would You Like To Help The Bereavement Ministry?
General Description: Ordinary men and women, many who have faced death
or other types of loss in their own lives. They should be people who
bring to this ministry insight gained from their personal experiences.
We need people who believe that God is present in all moments of life -
and in all persons. Above all we are seeking ministers who have a sense
of commitment to a most sensitive and touchable moment. If you have an
interest or need more information, please call Frank Beil at
847-965-5568. Please give this worthwhile ministry some
serious thought. It can be very rewarding.
Prayer For Our President
Dear God, you gave your pious servant David a kingdom. It became a
powerful nation, whom none could defeat. You gave his son Solomon
wisdom, and he ruled over a nation blessed with wealth. You gave the
Maccabees courage to defend their people and preserve their devotion to
you whatever the cost. Today, you have blessed our nation with power and
plenty. Give our president the wisdom to govern us justly, and give him
valor to defend us against our enemies. Most of all, give him a heart
that will always seek you, your will, and your guidance, as he completes
the vocation to which he has been called. Amen
A LITURGICAL REVIEW…
According to the USCCB (United States Council of Catholic Bishops) “In
the Creed we are invited to bow at the words which commemorate the
Incarnation: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin
Mary and became man. This gesture signifies our profound respect and
gratitude to Christ who, though God, did not hesitate to come among us
as a human being, sharing our human condition in order to save us from
sin and restore us to friendship with God. This gratitude is expressed
with even greater solemnity on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord
and on Christmas when we genuflect at these words.”
SHHHHH...
Please refrain from talking in the vestibule during Mass. Those that
use the vestibule for seating because of health reasons and small children
are trying to participate in the Mass. Thank you.
IN CHURCH -WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Appropriate dress is an important part of attending or serving as
ministers at Mass. Sunday Mass is a celebration that is worthy of
special consideration of how we dress and behave. Here are a few
guidelines to help make appropriate choices.
Hats—for men are not acceptable in church.
Bare midriffs,
Tube tops,
Bare shoulders,
Short shorts,
Mini skirts,
Gym shorts,
Excessive exposure of flesh—this form of dress is not appropriate
for church.
And a few other reminders:
Cell phones - should be silenced upon entering the building
this is your hour with God! Let others leave a message.
Genuflecting - one should always genuflect before entering the
pew (even if you are late) as a sign of respect to God.
Gum chewing - is not allowed in church.
Beverages - We live in a coffee society however the church is not the
appropriate place to bring drinks (except for bottles for infants).
The Church is God’s house. So, while visiting, we ask that you please
conduct yourself with respect and reverence, for God, for yourself, and
for your neighbor. Thank You!
Silence in the Mass
“Be quiet, you’re in church now!” Many of us grew up being reminded
regularly that the appropriate behavior for us during Mass was to be
silent. Church and the library had that in common. Then, with the
reforms of the Second Vatican Council, active participation became the
norm. Usually active participation is understood as joining in the
singing and saying the responses along with everyone else. Rarely do we
expand the definition of participation to include communal silence.
Public silence is frequently very awkward. We assume someone forgot
their cue or made an embarrassing mistake. Yet we also know the
heart-gripping impact when a grandstand full of people observes a moment
of silence. The liturgy invites us to pray without words several times
during Sunday Mass. Before the opening prayer, after the readings and
the homily, perhaps during the intercessions and again after communion,
we are given the opportunity to call to mind God’s presence in our
midst, to offer our personal petitions and express our thanks for God’s
continuing blessings. Such silence is not a passive “shutting down” but
rather an attentive awareness of our intimate connection with the Lord
and with one another. Such awareness requires ample time to
develop—ample time not only at a particular liturgy, but Sunday after
Sunday after Sunday.
Only then will the inevitable coughing, kneeler banging, and fussing
babies mark the beginning of our silence and not the end of it!
In another, more profound sense, we are always silent at liturgy—even
when we speak. We sing psalms and speak prayers that are not our own but
rather the words of our ancestors in faith and the words of the church.
Our individualistic American culture finds such behavior suspicious or
even threatening: “I am my own person!” But it is precisely in that
surrender to the power of ritual and the life of the larger community
that we discover our true voice.
Copyright © 1997 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training
Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101;
1-800-933-1800. Text by Kathy Luty.
FIRST ENCYCLICAL LETTER OF POPE BENEDICT XVI
Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical underlines the “back to basics”
approach of his papacy, taking one of Christianity's fundamental beliefs
and illuminating it with deeper analysis.
In its title, Deus Caritas Est or God Is Love, the encyclical presents the
faith in a clear and positive perspective. It states, “The core mission of
Christianity is to help people accept God’s love and share it, recognizing
that true love involves a willingness to make sacrifices. To read the
entire Encyclical, go to the Vatican website at
www.vatican.va and
search for Encyclical.
CHAPEL (Q)UESTIONS & (A)NSWERS
Q. We always see notices of chapel vacancies. What does that mean?
A. It means that some of the 163 hours in the week don't have
adorers who come every week at that day and time.
Q. Sometimes I go to the chapel for a visit and see a dozen people there.
Why not just tell them to split up and go to one of the
uncovered hours?
A. With the chapel open 24 hours a day, it means it's available to
everyone when they need it most. However, in order to keep it open for
those very same people, we need a few souls who are willing to schedule a
regular commitment. The chapel runs on charity and God's grace.
Q. I go to church every Sunday. Why do I need to go some weekday for
another hour, too?
A. Keeping the Sabbath Holy is a commandment from God. Going to the chapel
involves exercising a different aspect of our "free will." The very fact
that you don't have to go makes it kind of special. Like bringing your
wife flowers or chocolates on Wednesday just because you love her.
PEACE OF HEART COMES FROM THE EUCHARIST
The most powerful means of obtaining peace of heart is from Jesus Christ
in the Blessed Sacrament. Christ could not have been plainer than when
he told us to eat His Body and drink His Blood.
Communion with him is through receiving the Blessed Sacrament.
Spiritual nourishment from the Eucharist does not end with Holy
Communion. There is also a nourish-ment that takes place in “spiritual
communion.” As we pray before the Blessed Sacrament our souls are fed by
the Person of the Savior in the two faculties of spirit that need to be
constantly fed. They are the mind and the will. In the mind we need
light; in the will we need strength. Both needs are met in an
extraordinary way through prayer before the Holy Eucharist. All we need
to do is to believe sufficiently in order to come to Him in the Blessed
Sacrament and ask very simply, “Lord, teach me. Your servant is
listening and ready to learn.”
Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.
WHO IS JESUS ANYWAY?
What instructions could his first century message have for 21st
century people? What is the content of our “preaching?” What does it say
about your faith in Jesus?
Some in his home town thought he went too far for a local lad; some of us
are reluctant to believe Jesus can do all he promised.
Even that cross thing of Jesus, that’s often too difficult to explain. My
“sin” is involved in that? My “sin” is no more? All because of this Jesus?
Think for a moment what healing could take place if we believed that we
are part of the world God loved. Lay out in your mind what we could give
up, in both frenetic behavior and fear we might miss something if we
trusted that we will live under the protection of the divine forever and
that this present living is but a time of listening and proclaiming?
Who is this Jesus anyway? “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Amen. Fr.
Walter W. Harms
A Prayer For Families
We bless your name, O Lord, for sending your own incarnate Son to become
part of a family, so that, as he lived its life, he would experience its
worries and its joys. We ask you, Lord, to protect and watch over this
family, so that in the strength of your grace its members may enjoy
prosperity, possess the priceless gift of your peace, and, as the Church
alive in the home, bear witness in this world to your glory. We ask this
through Christ our Lord. Amen
PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
O God, holy and eternal Trinity, we pray for your church in the
world. Sanctify its life; renew its worship; empower its witness; heal
its divisions; make visible its unity. Lead us, with all our brothers
and sisters, towards communion in faith, life, and witness so that,
united in one body by the one Spirit, we may together witness to the
perfect unity of your love.
Amen
The Prayer of the Fifth World Conference on Faith and Order World
Council of Churches
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LEARNING EVENTS
"Walk the Walk" Bible Studies on James & 1st Corinthians
It's time to sign up for the next SCL bible studies: the book of James
and the book of 1st Corinthians. Part of the "Great Adventure"
series, the study of James features video lessons by Jeff Cavins and
group discussion of the text. James offers practical wisdom for living
an authentic Christian life. It's a 10 week study that runs from
September thru November. The book of 1st Corinthians reveals the
struggles of the early Church in Corinth to be very similar to our own.
Paul's message to them applies equally to our own Christian communities.
This study, also from the "Great Adventure" series, features video
lessons by Dr. Tim Gray and group discussion of the text. It's a 10 week
study that runs from January through March.
Registration and study materials are available by calling Lou at
847-498-6337. Cost of registration and study guide is $22 for James
and $22 for 1st Corinthians. If you plan on doing both series, books
should be purchased now to take advantage of a special discounted rate.
Sessions available:
Tuesday evening 7:00-8:30pm at SCL, Karen Winterburn - facilitator
Wednesday evening 7:00-8:30pm, Doug Meder - facilitator
Thursday morning 9:30 - 11:00am at Marge McDonald’s Home - facilitator
Thursday afternoon 12:30 - 2:30 at SCL, Richard Manella - facilitator
Thursday evening 7:00 to 8:30 at Gerry Heiman’s home - facilitator
For more information call Lou at 847-498-6337 or Karen at 847-998-4704.
Are You Interested In Becoming A Minister Of Care?
A basic training course for the Ministry of Care program will be held at
Resurrection Medical Center (RMC) and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
(ALGH) from 7:00 to 9:00pm on Thursday evenings, September 16 (RMC),
September 23 (RMC), September 30 (RMC), October 7 (ALGH), and October 14
(ALGH).
If you wish to learn more about this training course, please call the
Rectory (729-1414) or contact me after the 5:00pm Saturday Mass.
Richard Manella,
Coordinator of the Ministers of Care.
Learn to Play Contract Bridge
If you enjoy playing card games such as Pinochle or Hearts, you may
enjoy playing Contract Bridge. It is a partnership game where you bid
and need to make your tricks in order to win the hand. It is a
challenging and fun game. And we are willing to teach you the game in
hopes that you will join our Ladies Contract Bridge group. We play the
third Wednesday of every month September through May and take a break in
December. We are not tournament players—we just enjoy playing the game.
So, if you would like to give it a try, we are holding two classes in
August on Thursday, the 5th and 12th, to teach you the game. Please
telephone Bertha at 847-998-6186 and sign up for the classes being held
here at SCL from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. If you are already familiar with the
game and would just like playing in the group, please also feel free to
call and sign up.
Exploring Ministry at Loyola
The Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago
educates adults for professional ministry. Students can pursue classes
on campus or online for pastoral studies, divinity, spirituality,
pastoral counseling, religious education and social justice. For more
info contact Ryan Hoffman at 312-915-7484 or
email here.
Entertainment Books On Sale
The Advocates for Mental Illness Education, one of our parish
ministries, is selling the 2009 Entertainment books for $20. Please see
Ginger in the Rectory to purchase yours or call Vi at 847-729-1457.
IRISH DANCE LESSONS
Trinity Academy of Irish Dance has expanded and is coming to your
neighborhood! Children (ages 4–12) decide their own level of participation
in this renowned program. Besides being a Chicago institution, Trinity
Academy is the most widely recognized Irish dance program in the world.
Fall classes are currently open for enrollment – call 877.326.2328 or
visit
www.trinityirishdancers.com for more information or to register
online.
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT
The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Illinois Chapter invites
caregivers, family members, and friends of individuals with Alzheimer’s
disease to participate in an Alzheimer’s Association support group. The
group meets in the Skilled Art Room of Classic Residence by Hyatt Care
Center at 2401 Indigo Lane, Glenview. Meetings are held the third Thursday
of every month at 2:00pm. For more information, call the Alzheimer’s
Association’s 24 hour helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or Barb Monstvil at
904-4700
PIANO/ORGAN LESSONS .
If you or your child (children) would be interested in private music
lessons (30 min.) each week at our parish convent, 3360 Thornwood, kindly
contact me for details and to reserve a lesson time. Students- Grade 3 and
up - should have their own keyboard or piano as a practice instrument. Sr.
Christine Baker, 729-2220.
PIANO LESSONS!
Professional, degreed, experienced, and patient teacher has several
openings in this area. All ages. Adult beginners encouraged. For
information, call Jerry 847-328-7279.
ARCHDIOCESE TO IMPLEMENT NEW CHILD SAFETY PROGRAM
In an effort to protect our children, the parishes and schools of the
Archdiocese of Chicago are proud to implement a new child safety
education program called the Child Lures Prevention Program. This is a
proactive child-safety initiative that explores the techniques used by
predators to lure children into dangerous situations. It teaches children
how to recognize predatory behavior and protect themselves.
Watch for further information in the weeks ahead on
how you can help your children to protect themselves. It just could be the
most important information you ever receive.
For more information about this program or any of the other initiatives
undertaken by the Archdiocese to keep children safe, please contact the
Archdiocesan Office for the Protection of Children and Youth at
312-751-5388 or email your questions to
email here.
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
The Marriage Encounter Weekend is a powerful experience for couples who
believe that their Sacrament of Matrimony is a sign of love in a world
that hungers for stability and commitment. For information or
reservations, please consult our website at
www.wwmechicago-gary.org
or call Kris and Jim at 1-800-442-3554.
(Back to the Top)
INFORMATIONAL
Rectory Holiday!
The Rectory will be closed for regular business in observance of
Labor Day on Friday, September 3 and will reopen on Tuesday,
September 7.
Entertainment Books!
FYI- the new Entertainment books are in! Cost is $25. This year
there is a $60 extra bonus (debit) card good for Six Flags; Classic
Cinemas, Eduardo's, Medieval Times, and more, no minimum purchase
required. Great for treating your children and Grandchildren!
Books are available at the Rectory from Joe and Ginger. You will be
supporting one of SCL’s ministries-a very worthy cause. Make your check
out to AMIE- (Advocates on Mental Illness Education.) Thank you.
Seniors, Sign Up . . .
for Your Free Keenager News! Catholic Charities Keenager News is a free
publication for seniors filled with information and stories of
inspiration. Feature columns include: explanations of benefits for older
persons, humor and nostalgia, health and safety tips, puzzles, recipes,
and updates on senior resources. If you are interested in receiving the
Keenager News, please call (312) 655-7425, or visit our website at
www.catholiccharities.net/keenager.
Religious Ed News
Religious Education is looking forward to another spiritual year!
Thank you to all the families who have registered for our program. Late
and new registration will continue until September 12, the first day of
class. New families are always welcome to our program. Please send registration forms to the
rectory. Forms can be found here.
HELP STOP HOUSE BILL 6205: Illinois FOCA!
The abortion bill we worked so hard to defeat last year has been
reintroduced as House Bill 6205. We must mobilize our networks
to contact State Representatives and urge the defeat of House Bill 6205.
Like last year, this legislation seeks to: (1) pay for abortions and
many other types of reproductive healthcare (including contraceptives)
with public funds; (2) make any regulation of abortion beyond the
purview of state and local government; and (3) demand that the
proponent’s version of comprehensive sex education be taught in every
school, grades K thru 12.
The supporters of House Bill 6205 claim this year’s version of the
legislation excludes the Health Care Right of Conscience and
Parental Notification of Abortion Acts. We have carefully read HB 6205.
Their claims are incorrect. In Section 15, the legislation states that
notwithstanding any other current law neither the state nor any
political subdivision may “interfere” with access to abortion.
Judging by past legislative initiatives and lawsuits, the proponents
obviously believe these important laws constitute state “interference”
with access to abortion. This legislation is designed to set up legal
challenges to both statutes and strip away health care professionals’
right of conscience and parents’ right to know of their daughters’ well
being.
On our web site
www.catholicconferenceofillinois.org you can find talking points and
a fact sheet on House Bill 6205.
Use the site to familiarize yourself with the bill and then call your
state representative and ask him to “Please vote NO."
To find your state representative, go to www.ilga.gov and click on
Legislator Lookup. You can search your state representative by district
#, home address, or zip code. You can also call our offices at
312-368-1066 or 217-528-9200.
Attention Business Owners
Please consider posting your job offerings in our bulletin first. If
you have an opening please email a short job description (small
paragraph) and contact info to
email here. Some of our
parishioners are currently unemployed and would greatly appreciate the
opportunity to apply.
Room For Rent
Looking to rent one room in a parishioners home? Call 847-729-4916.
Job Opening
A Friendly Christian Environment Company needs Customer Service Part
Time/Full Time. Good
telephone skills and knowledge of Word and Excel. Attention to detail
work. Call Susan 847-904-7017.
Job Listings
Medline Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of
healthcare supplies located in Mundelein, is seeking qualified
candidates for the following positions:
Contract Coordinator, Office position interacting with suppliers with
respect to contract pricing
Product Manager, Marketing position managing a category of products.
Senior Accountant, CPA certified position managing monthly/closing for
manufacturing and cost accounting activities
Senior Web Designer, Creative position to create and enhance the
functionality of corporate websites
Senior Tax Accountant, CPA certified position that will assist managing
all corporate tax responsibilities for an S-Corporation
And other positions as well. Visit the website at
www.medline.com or
contact Andre Manaois at
email here.
Job Opportunity For College Students
We’re looking for a few good college students attending school in the
Chicagoland area to be employed in our Internal Temporary Pool for the
National Office to work in various departments on assignments as needed
or even on a more regular basis. One requirement for the job is that the
student must be enrolled in a college/university with a minimum of six
credits for at least two terms. Key skills needed are excellent customer
service, good communication skills, proficient on Microsoft Word and
Excel,
typing speed of approximately 30 words per minute, and accuracy in data
entry. If you know of anyone, please have the interested candidates
email resumes to
email here.
NETWORKING GROUP FOR UNEMPLOYED PROFESSIONALS
Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish of Park Ridge has been conducting a networking
group for unemployed professionals for the past six months and they would
welcome any interested members of St. Catherine’s to participate. The
group meets every other Friday from 10am until noon. For more information
contact Tom Mannard email here
or 847-981-5170.
Financial Assistance
The St. Catherine’s St. Vincent de Paul Society is available to help
parishioners in need of temporary financial assistance.
Are you out of a job; or struggling to pay an unexpected bill; or know
someone who is? If so, call the rectory (847-729-1414), leave a message,
and a St. Vincent de Paul member will return your call. All
conversations and help given are kept strictly confidential.
Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
Helps homeowners - facing mortgage payments beyond their ability to pay
- to re-negotiate their loan and avoid displacement. If you are behind
on your mortgage payments, are worried about a loan, or can anticipate
that you may have difficulty in the future, get help early. One-on-one
counseling is available by contacting Jasmine S. Brewer,
email here
or 847-501-5768. Interfaith
Housing Center is a non-profit HUD-Certified Counseling Agency in
Mortgage Delinquency & Default Resolution. For more info about
Interfaith Housing Center’s 35 years of service to residents of
Chicago’s northern suburbs:
www.interfaithhousingcenter.org or 847-501-5760.
Catholic Chicago Blog
Interactive Archdiocesan Communication Invites Comments! An interactive
communication that invites people of all ages to participate in an
exchange of ideas around weekly, topical commentary has been launched on
the Archdiocese of Chicago’s web site,
www.archchicago.org.
Francis Cardinal George has
authored the first message and welcomes viewers’ comments that will be
posted on Catholic Chicago Blog.
Each week Catholic Chicago Blog will have new contributions from
Archdiocesan department and agency directors and staff. The upcoming
weekly schedule of guest bloggers includes Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P.,
Superintendent of Schools, Office of Catholic Schools; Rev. Richard P.
Hynes, Director, Department of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Worship;
and Frank Hannigan, Director, Family Ministries Office.
Catholic Chicago Blog joins a number of new media initiatives in the
Archdiocese of Chicago, including the Cardinal’s Network, where Cardinal
George frequently shares his thoughts, reflections and prayers
electronically with all who subscribe by providing an email address.
Additionally, the Archdiocese has expanded its presence on YouTube with
two channels in English and Spanish, www.youtube.com/catholicchicago and
www.youtube.com/chicagocatolico.
What Have You Done for Your Marriage Today?
Check out the U.S. Bishop’s new Marriage Website at
www.foryourmarriage.org
Are Catholic Schools For Your Child?
Dear Parishioners with young children, as a Catholic parent, one of the
most important decisions in your life and in the lives of your children
is that of choosing the education that will most benefit them. Consider
the following reasons a Catholic school is right for your children.
Catholic schools:
-Have a proven record of academic excellence
-Work closely with you for the good of your children
-Continue the religious formation of your children begun in your home
-Have clear and precise goals
-Provide a challenging atmosphere
-Maintain a secure environment
-Have educators who believe that all children can succeed.
Go Green with SCL
Help save the environment and contribute to SCL’s fundraising efforts!
Please save your Newspapers, Magazines, Shopping Catalogs, Mail,
Envelopes, School Papers, Office Papers. We cannot Recycle: Cardboard,
Cereal Boxes, Tissue Products, Phone Books, Plastic or Glass.
Please deposit all paper products in the green and yellow containers
located near the south exit of the parking lot at any time! If you need
assistance unloading your car, students will be available after all the
masses on the third weekend of each month! Together we can make the
earth a little Greener!
Cub Scouts
First to Fourth grade boys – interested in becoming a Cub Scout? Pack
154 at St. Catherine Laboure is recruiting new scouts. For more
information, go to
www.GlenviewScouts.com, or contact Paul Zieske at
email here
or 847-612-0283.
District website: Northeast Illinois Council Boy Scouts of America:
www.neic.org.
The OLPH Phoenix Group
The OLPH Phoenix Group is a group of Catholic singles age 50+, who
share a social life by attending events of common interest
together. Each first Friday we get together for snacks and planning.
Members bring activity ideas, and those interested work out the
details. We plan movie nights, day trips in the Chicago area. These
events supplement our monthly bridge group, restaurant group, and book
group. If you would like to meet new people and make new friends, why
not join us at 7:30pm on August 1. We meet in the Francis Room of the
Lafayette Building of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview. For
more info call Mary Jane at 847-398-3528. All members take turns
driving.
Affordable Housing with Homesharing
Are you looking for a more affordable place to live near your
workplace? Do you have an elderly parent living alone who is looking for
companionship and extra income?
Homesharing is a free service which provides win-win matches between
homeowners with an extra room to rent and those seeking an affordable
rental. If you, a family member, or friend needs an affordable housing
option, this free program could be for you. All applicants are
interviewed, screened, and backgrounds are checked. Call Jackie
Grossmann, Homesharing Coordinator Interfaith Housing Center of the
Northern Suburbs 847-501-5732 x401
email here
Website:
www.interfaithhousingcenter.org
COMPLIANCE WITH “NO PARKING” SIGNS IN FRONT OF THE
SCHOOL BUILDING
As you may know, the School Board voted to make the portion of
Thorndale which runs in front of school a “No Parking” zone from 7:00am
9:00am on school days. As always, the circle drive in front of school is
a “No Parking” zone at all times. Parents dropping off students are
asked to follow the regular traffic flow to the back of school and drop
their children near the Marian Hall entrance. The Glenview Police will
help us establish an efficient and safe traffic pattern during the first
week of school. All parents and visitors to the school will need to park
in the rear of the school or in the church parking lot and enter the
school through the front entrance. These changes have been made to
insure the safety of the children of St. Catherine Laboure School. Your
cooperation in this matter is most appreciated.
Laurie Konicek
Defibrillator
The Knights of Columbus in conjunction with Glenview State Bank have
donated a defibrillator to St. Catherine Laboure Parish. The
Defibrillator will be mounted in the vestibule of the Church, to be
available as needed. We need to have as many parishioners as possible
properly trained on how to use this unit. The training will take place
in late February and/or early March. Training should take only a few
hours and will be free of charge. Interested individuals should contact
Brian Burgh 847-682-5846 or the rectory.
VETERANS
Join a new AMVETS Post named after Christopher Zimny, a fallen Hero
in Iraq who lived in Glenview. For more info call John Waskowski at
847-729-5029 or Richard 847-293-6980.
CLOTHE YOURSELF IN JUSTICE!
Consumers are moral agents in economic life . . . By our choices . . .
We enhance or diminish economic opportunity, community life, and social
justice.
-U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, A Catholic
Framework for Economic Life, 1996
-Here are a few tips for how you can express your values through your
clothing decisions.
-Commit to buying clothing that is used, certified organic, fair trade
and sweat-free.
-When purchasing large quantities of T-shirts for church, school or other
events, support groups like the worker-owned fair trade zone
(http://www.fairtradezone.jhc-cdca.Org), No Sweat Apparel
(http://nosweatapparel.com), and North Country Fair Trade
(http://www.ethicalgoods.org).
-Shop at local second-hand clothing shops. Yard sales are also great
places to find used clothing.
-Make clothes last longer. Often, the more you pay for an everyday item,
the more durable it is and the longer you will wear it.
-Learn to sew your own clothes.
-Organize a clothing swap with friends, neighbors and co-workers. Bring
clothing that you’re tired of wearing or that doesn’t fit, and trade it
for clothing that interests you.
-Write letters to clothing companies that could do a better job. As a
conscious shopper, you have a right to let companies know that you’re
dissatisfied with the way they treat their workers or with the materials
they use in their clothing.
MAKING SENSE OF STEM CELLS -WHAT DOES THE CHURCH SAY?
Stem cells are a potential source of vital cures for many terrible
diseases. Despite claims to the contrary, the Catholic Church supports
and even encourages research on stem cells to turn this potential into a
reality.
The Church approves of research into three of the four forms of stem
cells, including those from adults, which continue to show great
promise. In fact, adult stem cells are already being used to treat
various conditions such as broken hips and to heal scar tissue following
a heart attack.
Stem cells for such research can come from many sources, not just from a
process which kills human embryos. These sources include the placenta
(afterbirth), amniotic fluid, and parts of the living body such as fat
and bone marrow. Stem cells can even be donated after death.
What the Church strongly opposes is the use of and research on human
embryos because this causes their destruction. Despite the availability
and promise of stem cells from other sources, some researchers are
focused on using human embryonic cells and promoting human cloning.
Almost as bad, legislators in several states, including Illinois, want
to use public funds – taxpayer money – to finance their efforts.
When governments seek to use public funds to experiment with and destroy
human life, it’s not only immoral but also poor public policy.
Measures now being considered by the Illinois General Assembly would
establish and fund the Illinois Regenerative Medical Institute and
research that would allow for human cloning. Worse, it specifies that
human embryos created by such cloning would be destroyed to harvest
their stem cells.
Some would call this “Frankenstein Science.” When done for stem-cell
research, it creates human embryos solely in order to kill them for
their cells. It clearly denies the human dignity the Church insists is a
gift from God.
The Church cares about those who suffer from diseases that stem-cell
research might cure. It endorses moral research for such cures. As Pope
John Paul II said: “There is no suffering, no matter how grave, that can
justify killing a life. There are no reasons, no matter how noble, that
make plausible the creation of human beings, destined to be used and
destroyed.”
How you can learn more and what you can do to help. For more information
about the Church’s perspective on stem cell research and to learn about
how Illinois legislators are planning to use your tax dollars to fund
immoral research and human cloning, visit
www.catholicconferenceofillinois.org. You can also call the Conference
at 312-368-1066 or 217-528-9200 and get the names and contact
information for your local state representative and state senator.
WOMEN’S CLUB-COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women is offering a college
scholarship to help assist high school senior girls pursue higher
education. For an application contact Pat Klein at 498-2268.
SCHOOL NEWS -HEART OF THE SCHOOL AWARD
Nominate Teachers and Those Who Work "Behind the Scenes" In Our
Schools For a 2006-2007 Heart of the School Award.
The Heart of the School Awards seek to recognize outstanding, unique and
innovative accomplishments by individual teachers and non-administrative
professional staff members of the Archdiocese of Chicago in the areas of:
Arts - Behind the Scenes - Catholic School Identity and Mission -
Innovation and Creativity -Leadership - Rising Star and Technology. You’re
invited to nominate your candidate on line at
schools.archchicago.org,
or download the forms, available in English, Polish and Spanish, and mail
or fax them.
Q&A: WHAT TO READ
How are the readings for each Sunday chosen?
Each Sunday the word of God is proclaimed in our church in the form of
three scripture readings and a psalm. The first reading and the psalm
always come from the first testament of the Bible (the “Old Testament”),
except during the Easter season, when the first reading is from the Acts
of the Apostles. The second reading is a selection from one of the
non-gospel books of the second testament of the Bible (the “New
Testament”). The third reading is always chosen from one of the four
gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. It is clear from the title “Liturgy
of the Word” that the scriptures are very much an integral part of the
Sunday Eucharist.
This emphasis on a more thorough and varied use of the scriptures is a
direct result of the renewal of the liturgy called for by the Second
Vatican Council: “The treasures of the Bible are to be opened up more
lavishly, so that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the
table of God’s word.” To meet this need, a new lectionary (or book of
readings for worship) was published in 1970. It included assigned texts
for each Sunday based on a three-year cycle of readings. And, as noted
above, each Sunday included three readings as well as a responsorial
psalm.
This was a major change. Previously, only one set of Sunday readings was
used year after year. Two readings and a psalm verse were appointed for
each Sunday. And one of those readings, the gospel, was almost always from
the Gospel of Matthew. The gospel readings in the 1970 lectionary include
selections from all four evangelists: Matthew in what is called Year A,
Mark in Year B and Luke in Year C. We hear the Gospel of John during the
major liturgical seasons as well as during Year B (the year of Mark),
perhaps because Mark’s gospel is the shortest of the four and wouldn’t
otherwise fill out the whole year.
The gospels were assigned first. The first reading was chosen for its
connection to the day’s gospel. The psalm that follows the first reading
is related to it. The psalm is the assembly’s response to the word that
has just been proclaimed. The second reading is not necessarily related to
the other readings. Selections from the chosen book are simply read
somewhat in order.
As people baptized to live not by bread alone but by the word of God as
well, the liturgy of the word should not be the only time we hear the
readings. One way to live with the lectionary is to do an attentive
reading of the scriptures before the liturgy each Sunday—a fruitful and
enriching way of entering more deeply into the prayer. Another approach is
to hear the word proclaimed in the assembly first, and then spend the
following week re-reading and meditating on it. Whichever method you
choose, Liturgy Training Publications has published several helpful
resources to aid you.
Copyright © 1997 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications,
1900 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101; 1-800-933-1800. Text
by Kathy Luty. Art by Luba Lukova.
A “CATHOLIC BIBLE” AND A “PROTESTANT BIBLE”
Catholic and Protestant Bibles both include 27 books in the New
Testament. Protestant Bibles have only 39 books in the Old Testament,
however, while Catholic Bibles have 46. The seven additional books
included in Catholic Bibles are Tobit, Judith 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom,
Sirach, and Baruch. Catholic Bibles also include additions to the Books of
Esther and Daniel which are not found in Protestant Bibles. These books
are called the deuterocanonical books. The Catholic Church considers these
books to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.
CAN YOUTUBE IGNITE YOUR SPIRIT? “WORD ON FIRE” VIDEOS ARE HOT!
A prominent Catholic evangelist is engaging pop culture and posting
videos on YouTube. The bold move is paying off. Fr. Robert Barron’s
“Word on Fire” videos are drawing thousands of viewers from the United
States to Japan.
“From the time of St. Paul, Christian evangelists have gone into the
most public and popular arenas in order to spread the Good News,” says
Fr. Barron, a leading Catholic theologian and professor at St. Mary of
the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. “YouTube is a place where the
whole culture--good, bad, ugly and sublime--can be engaged. That's why I
wanted to bring my preaching there.”
YouTube is a free, video-sharing website which allows users to upload,
view and share video clips at
www.youtube.com.
Type “Fr. Barron” into the search area to find his short and lively
video commentaries on contemporary culture.
Fr. Barron’s topics include the Oscar-winning movie “The Departed,” “The
Jesus Tomb,” the HBO series “Rome,” “Lord of the Rings” and Bob Dylan’s
music. Another compelling video series by Fr. Barron called “Faith
Clips,” which explains the basics of the Catholic faith, is also posted
on YouTube.
You can find “Word on Fire” videos, DVD’s, book information and Fr.
Barron’s weekly radio sermons on his website,
www.wordonfire.org.
His sermons are broadcast every Thursday morning at 9:00am, Saturday at
1:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on Relevant Radio, 820 AM.
For more information, please contact Nancy Ross at 847-204-7754 or
email here.
NEED HELP?
Al-Anon - Meets Fridays at 8:00pm at Glenview Community Church.
Al-Anon is for families, relatives, and friends whose lives have been
affected by someone else's drinking. For further information, call
847-680-4640.
"BINGO" KEEPS THE BRAIN SHARP.
St. Catherine Laboure Bingo is every Tuesday night at 7:00pm in Marian
Hall. Come join us! It's air conditioned!
MENTAL HEALTH-MENTAL ILLNESS RESOURCES
In conjunction with the Advocates for Mental Illness Education, and St.
Vincent de Paul Society, educational and resource materials will be made
available to our parishioners. The wall bins in the vestibule will hold an
assortment of free pamphlets, books, and literature on health issues.
Selections will vary and materials will change on a regular basis if
interest is shown. If you have comments or additional information, contact Vi
at 847-729-1457.
Church policies on Sexual Abuse
How have the newly revised norms for Church policies
dealing with allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy been made
stronger and clearer? Learn more by visiting the Archdiocese of Chicago’s
website, where you’ll find Cardinal George’s latest column on the issue
taken from The New World.
www.archdiocese-chgo.org
It is essential, at a time like this, to reiterate how important it is
for anyone who has been abused by an adult, no matter how long ago, to
report this to law enforcement authorities and church authorities if
such behavior involved a priest or someone working for the church. The
Office of Child Abuse and Review for the Archdiocese phone number is
800-994-6200.
Seek & Find!
Looking for a copy of our Parish Bulletin? Liturgical Publications,
our bulletin publisher, offers a website where our bulletins are stored
for your reference. Go to
seekandfind.com
and type in St. Catherine Laboure.
(Back to the Top)
YOUTH C.L.U.B. NEWS
September 5 - Labor Day – NO MEETING
September 12 – 10:30am to noon - First meeting of the school year
September 19 – TEEN MASS 11:00am
What does Youth C.L.U.B. stand for? Ever wondered why we always have dots
after the letters for CLUB in all of our posters? Wonder no more. They
stand for Catholic Leaders Understanding our Beliefs. Pretty cool huh?
That's because our teens are pretty cool too. Eight years ago, our first
batch of teens sat down and made up the name for our youth group. They
did not want us to be just like any other youth group in the country.
They wanted a name that can set them apart and they sure chose one to be
proud of.
Why the Youth C.L.U.B. character logo?
Ever wonder why the Youth C.L.U.B. character logo looks the way it does?
If you look at it closely, you should be able to see the word YOUTH on
the character itself. If you have a difficult time doing so, here are
some tips.
The outstretched hands are a Y, the head is an O, the smile is a U, the
body is a T, and the legs are an H. Mrs. Chua came up with the character
eight years ago when the youth group was formed and we have been using
it ever since.
Teen Mass
Our teens participate on select Sundays as lectors, ushers and Eucharistic
ministers for the 11:00 Mass. People have commented on how the youth are
the church of the future, but by their presence at church, they are
clearly showing us that they are the church of the present too! They
want to participate and contribute to our parish in every way they can.
Hooray for our parish who have lovingly welcomed them. Hooray for the
youth who have taken their share of responsibility in ministering to us
too.
Youth CHAT - Dating
Our teens stayed after mass to meet and talk about "dating" and boy did
we have a good and interesting discussion. They talked about the issues
that teens face as they deal with friends of the opposite sex. They
learned the importance and need to focus their energies on forming good
and healthy friendships rather than to commit to exclusive
"relationships." They will continue having “chats” after the 11:00
Masses. All HS teens are welcome to join anytime!
C.L.U.B. Chat "What Do I Do on Sunday?"
So - what do you do on Sunday? The teens came up with a list of things
that they could do on Sunday instead of attending church. The list was
long and included: sleep, football, work, homework and shower (hmmm). We
talked through it and found that nothing is more important than church
and even more importantly, there is almost no good reason to miss Mass.
It just needs to be our priority. One of our teens reminded us of the
Third Commandment "Keep holy the Sabbath day" which indicates very
clearly how important our God thinks going to church is.
We also discussed if missing Mass is a sin and if so, is it a mortal
sin? The teaching of the church says that because we are required only
one hour out of 168 hours a week, we should be able to understand why it
is a mortal sin to miss Mass deliberately on Sunday. We are "stealing"
that one hour from God.
The topic then turned to asking the question "Is it a sin to be late for
Mass or leave early from Mass?" We learned that it is a venial sin. The
Mass is our weekly gift to God and we do not want to give him an
incomplete or tarnished gift. Hopefully by understanding what our faith
teaches us, our teens can now better appreciate the importance of the
Mass . . . and maybe even give extra effort to come to Mass on time or
even early! We have lots more topics to go through for the next few
months.
If you are a HS student and want to be involved, just stay after the
11:00am Mass and join us!! No registration necessary!
(Back to the Top)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !
Food Pantry Volunteer Needed
Catholic Charities Food Pantry located at 1717 Rand Road in Des
Plaines is looking for a regular volunteer on Wednesday afternoon from
1:00 - 3:00pm. The volunteer will be packing bags, serving clients, and
keeping deliveries and the food pantry organized. Please contact Denise
Yonkers, Volunteer Coordinator, 847-376-2101 or
e-mail
Volunteer to be a Catechist
The Religious Education Program is in need of new catechists for the
upcoming school year. If you feel you may have a calling to share your
faith with children, this might be your opportunity.
Please call Pat Klein at 847-724-2240 for more information about our
program and summer workshops for new catechists.
St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen
A special thank you to Jack, Katy, Jackie, Scottie, Jerri, Jim,
Fred, Frank, Mary, and Dick for helping on August 27 in the preparation
and serving of meals to 229 guests at St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup
Kitchen. Our next Soup Kitchen date is September 24.
Parishioner Needs A Ride
May needs a ride to Sunday Mass. Can you help? Call 847-298-2201.
Are you being called to serve?
Recently, Charis launched a partnership with Port Ministries, an
organization that serves the Chicago community by focusing on the mind,
body, and spirit of those in need. Port offers a wide variety of
services including after-school tutoring, a bread truck that feeds those
living on the streets, a free clinic, and ESL classes. Register through
Charis to be part of this partnership which will include a commitment to
20-25 hours of service over the course of September – December,
orientation, and two days of reflection. Visit
charisministries.org
for more info!
Stewards Of The Church:
Stewards of God’s gifts are not passive beneficiaries, but
collaborators with God. We are obliged to be stewards of the Church,
collaborators and cooperators in continuing the redemptive work of
Jesus—the Church’s essential mission. This mission, proclaiming and
teaching, serving and sanctifying, is our task. It is the personal
responsibility of each of us. All members of the Church have their roles
to play in carrying out its mission:
Parents, who nurture their children in the light of faith;
Parishioners, who work in concrete ways to make their parishes true
communities of faith and vibrant sources of service to the larger
community;
All Catholics who give generous support-time, money, prayers and
personal service according to their circumstances—to parish and diocesan
programs and to the universal Church.
Stewardship
Eternal God,
from the very moment of creation you revealed
that every good gift has its source in you.
You shower your people with abundant blessings
and provide for us with your provident care.
When you brought forth humankind in your image,
you instructed us to be stewards of your creation.
Help us to use wisely the gifts of the earth
that you have bestowed on us.
Give us wisdom to use prudently the talents
each one has that come from your hand.
Afford us the insight to see opportunities to serve
in the time you have given to us.
May the treasure, talent, and time we possess be placed in service of you for the common good. Amen.
The SCL School Board Is Looking for you!
SCL School Board is looking for candidates to fill two open seats on the
board. Terms are three years and begin in August. Primary
responsibilities for School Board include: school Budgets, Marketing,
and Fundraising. School Board is also involved in other activities to
support the school and parish.
If you have any questions or are interested in one of the open
Positions, please contact Laurie Konicek – 847-724-2240
A Special Invitation
Are you looking to be of service to the Church and to your SCL
community? Consider this a special invitation to you to become an
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion! The commitment is every third
weekend at the Mass of your choice. Your reward is sharing in the
communion of Christ by being a minister of his love to your brothers and
sisters in Christ. One training session is needed. Please contact Bertha
at 847-998-6186 to respond to this invitation.
SPRED
Communities of Friends/Communities of Faith.
Inclusion for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
St. Catherine Laboure is in the process of renewing our SPRED (Special
Religious Development) program. SCL is an integral part of an area
effort to serve children and adults with special needs. A dedicated
group of wonderful people began this beautiful program several years
ago. However, because of lack of volunteers, the program has been closed
for a couple of years. SCL needs to reestablish itself as a crucial link
in the network of SPRED communities, so we need your help.
The program at OLPH is for 6-10 year old children. St. Norbert serves
teens from 11-16 years, while St. Isaac Jogues welcomes adults. It is
important to renew the program here for young adults 17-21 years old. We
have several of these young people waiting for a place in SPRED here. As
volunteers have had to leave, the time has come to offer others the
opportunity to carry on this most necessary ministry.
The SPRED agency has designed a method of faith formation and
sacramental preparation which responds to the needs of these young
people. This process calls for people of faith to enter into personal
friendships within a small community of prayer, faith and hope. No
experience or special background is required to participate in this
rewarding program. We ask that volunteers be over the age of 21. The
SPRED agency provides training and opportunities for you to observe a
SPRED community while they are in session. You are not asked to make a
commitment to join a SPRED community until you have had time to learn,
think and pray about it.
We allow time for you to get to know the team of volunteers and discern
carefully about the commit-ment to the program. Julia Hess, a
representative from the SPRED agency is available as a mentor through
this renewal process. You may contact Julia at: 773-539-3634 or
email Julia
to ask questions or set up an appointment
to meet at your convenience. Or Chuck Quinn from SCL at: 847-657-9693.
Why not take this first step?
Can you help?
Our church organ fell victim to a hit and run. There is a
deep scratch approximately 8 inches in length on the front of the organ.
You do not have to stand too close to see it. Anyone who has any
experience with sanding and staining to fix the problem, please contact
Vince A.S.A.P using the
SCL
contact form or call the rectory.
Wanted!
We need additional lectors for weekend Masses. Our Parish is in need
of a few good men and women. Please call Frank at 847-832-1203.
Northfield Township Food Pantry
The Pantry at West Lake & Pfingsten needs volunteers to help pack
grocery bags for families. Volunteers are needed for 1 hour per
week—hours flexible. For additional Information please call Ray Gavin at
847-729-7242.
Bereavement Mission Statement
To support those who are experiencing a loss - to assist them in
mending a broken heart - to be instruments of the Holy Spirit - to help
them to know the healing power of Christ. If interested in joining our
ministry please call Frank 965-5568.
Volunteers Needed
22 Li’l Fishes is a lunch program for homeless men & women at the
Peoples Church in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Volunteers are
needed between noon & 2:00pm to help serve a noon meal on Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday to over 150 people. If you would like to
volunteer, please call Rev. Jean Darling at 773-784-6633.
Long Time Parishioner Needs Help
The family is looking for a nurse's aid (or similar) to do a wellness
check on their mother each morning. She is elderly, lives alone, and
suffers from short term memory loss. Please contact Diann at
847-724-6455 or
email here
ffor more info.
Ignatian Volunteer Corps
Retired? Eager to "give something back"? Ignatian Volunteer Corps is
accepting new members (age 50+) to work with the materially poor and
marginalized in the greater Chicago area two days a week, and to reflect
and pray on that experience in the Jesuit
tradition, beginning September 2009. For further information contact
George Sullivan, 773-975-6871 or
email here
Contact IVC National office at (toll-free)
888-831-4686 or visit the website at
www.ivcusa.org.
THE GIFT OF YOU
Are you Interested in becoming a Minister of
Care?
A basic training course for the Ministry of Care program will be held at
Resurrection Medical Center/Chicago (RMC) and Advocate Lutheran General
Hospital/Park Ridge (ALGH) from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, on the following
Wednesdays: September 17 (RMC), September 24 (RMC), October 1 (RMC),
October 8 (ALGH), and October 15 (ALGH). If you wish to learn more about
this training course, please call the rectory 729-1414 or contact me in
church after the 5:00pm Saturday Mass.
RRichard Manella,
Coordinator of the Ministers of Care.
New Ministers of Care
We are pleased to announce that the following parishioners have
completed their Minister of Care training at the Carmelite Spiritual
Center: Patrick Cusack, Gisela Di Spigno, Guy Di Spigno, Judy Hiertz,
Mercedes Manansala, and Adoracion Olindan. We now have 34 committed
Ministers of Care to bring the Holy Eucharist to homebound parishioners
and to residents in local nursing homes /rehab centers, as well as to
Glenbrook Hospital. Parishioners are reminded to call the Rectory to
arrange for a visit from a Minister of Care.
Eucharistic Ministers Needed
Part of the joy of being a Christian is gathering to celebrate the
Liturgy. It’s in that celebration that we are blessed as a group of
believers coming to share at the Table of the Lord. In doing so, we also
have the special opportunity to serve our community as a Eucharistic
Minister. I am reaching out to you to search your heart to see if the
Holy Spirit is calling you to come forward and be a part of this
wonderful ministry here at SCL. There will be a training
session, and you will be asked to serve once every three weeks as part
of a team, and to serve as a sub if available when needed. If you are a
confirmed Catholic, at least sixteen years of age, and have the desire
in your heart to serve, please contact Bertha by
email here
, or call: 847-998-6186. Your help is greatly needed.
Join the Liturgy Team
The Liturgy Team facilitates the SCL community’s celebration of our
unique and communal experience of God in our lives. The team strives to
bring alive our rituals and symbols in meaningful and thoughtful ways
that utilize all five human senses. Team members utilize a variety of
ways to raise awareness, educate and catechize people about the rituals,
symbols, and traditions of our prayer celebrations. Team leadership
contributes to developing ongoing relevant and vibrant liturgy by
coordinating open dialogue between the liturgy team and the entire
parish.Team members can choose to be involved with education,
environment, or lending a helping hand when needed. We meet four to five
times a year. Contact Lou Cosmano at 498-6337 to join or for more
information.
MEAL ASSISTANCE
Would you be able to cook an occasional meal for a parishioner who is
ill? We are looking to expand our list of volunteers who can provide
this service. If you are interested or would like more info, please call
Betty Quinn at 224-639-4101.
MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS YOU
Catholic Charities is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals to
homebound seniors throughout the northern Cook and southern Lake County
area. Delivery routes typically require about 1-1.5 hours of your time.
Deliveries take place during the lunch hour Monday-Friday, and you can
volunteer as infrequently as once per month, or as often as you want.
Partner with a friend, or better yet, get your work unit involved. Some
supervisors are willing to add a little flex to the lunch hour for
personnel involved in community service. It’s also a great ministry
for Moms with toddlers—it benefits kids and seniors alike. All that
is required is a car and the desire to be Christ’s hands and feet in the
world. To volunteer or inquire, call Jim Wogan at 782-4126.
ONE HOUR CAN MAKE A LIFETIME OF DIFFERENCE!
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls (West Loop and Beverly) is seeking
dedicated tutors to spend an hour a week helping a youth with study skills
and homework. We will provide full training and support. Study sessions
take place Monday to Thursday evenings, and you'll have a set schedule one
day a week. Please contact us for more information or an application.
email here or 312 -738-7552 or
www.mercyhome.org
COOKS NEEDED
St. Vincent DePaul is looking for cooks to help make heart healthy,
low fat, low sugar meals. The days meals are needed are Wednesday,
Thursday, and Friday. If you are able to help please contact Toni Dautel
at 847-729-7166.
MEN OF THE PARISH, BE A MAN FOR OTHERS- BECOME A KNIGHT OF COLUMBUS!
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic family
fraternal service organization with over 1.7 million members in more that
12,000 local councils throughout the world. The Knights provide members
and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic
Church, their communities, families and young people. We invite all Men of
the Parish to consider joining the more than 73,000 Knights of Columbus in
Illinois in deepening your faith and helping others. Here are just a few
reasons to join:
Support for our Church: Membership in the Knights of Columbus is only open
to practicing Catholic men who pledge themselves to live up to the
commandments of God and the precepts of the Catholic Church.
Community Service: The Knights donate more than $130 million every year to
a wide range of charitable activities and programs, such as Special
Olympics, World Youth Day, and most recently Hurricane-Disaster Relief.
Protection for your family: Our membership
iinsurance programs begun in 1882 have the highest ratings from both
Standard & Poors and A.M. Best.
Orphan Fraternal Benefit: The Knights help br>
support orphaned children and provide up to $7,000 in educational grants.
Higher Education Scholarships: Programs
available for members and their families for college tuition and fees.
Fraternity: All of us need each other, and as a member of the Knights of
Columbus you will
become part of a very special community of men dedicated to the
strengthening of family life in America.
FAITH, FAMILY AND FRATERNITY MAKE UP THE FOUNDATION OF THE KNIGHTS OF
COLUMBUS!
DID YOU KNOW?
The Knights of Columbus, has announced the Order’s Hurricane Relief
has surpassed $9,000,000! The contributions are to assist in the
restoration and rebuilding of churches, schools, and other Catholic
facilities in the storm-affected regions in the gulf.
The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic men’s fraternal
organization in the world. For more information, please call Rick Nash at
651-8718 or John Teschky at 724-8324.
Poder Learning Center (www.poderlc.org) in the Pilsen area of Chicago
is looking for volunteer tutors to assist with their English as a Second
Language or computer programs for Hispanic adults. Please call Margarita
Valerio at 312-226-2002 if you are interested in helping out.
NURSES/RETIRED NURSES WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Please consider:
-
Working a few days in a pay period, either PM or Night
Shift
-
In a cheerful and peaceful home for the aged
-
Where your skills are appreciated
-
Working alongside the Little Sisters and our dedicated
staff
Contact: Sr. Bernadette, Don or Sylvia Maculitis, St.
Joseph ‘s Home for the Elderly/Little Sisters of the Poor at 80 W.
Northwest Highway, Palatine, 847-358-5700
Share our Faith
The Liturgy Team is looking for individuals interested in
being a part of our “Education Team”. The purpose of this team is to keep
current with liturgical laws, practices, and customs and within those laws
and in harmony with the pastor and priests, come up with ways to
evangelize.
Our mission is to bring alive our rituals and symbols in meaningful and
thoughtful ways and to utilize a variety of ways to raise awareness,
educate, and catechize people about the rituals, symbols, and traditions
of our prayer celebrations. Several ideas were sparked at our planning
session, but we need your help to start the fire.
No time to go to meetings? That’s OK! Do the work on your own time and
share your ideas with the Education Team Chairperson.
For more info or to join us call Lou Cosmano at 847-498-6337 or use our
"Contact Us" form, Attention: Lou Cosmano.
(Back to the Top)
DONATIONS
NEEDED
Needed!
A parish family is in need of a dresser and a queen sized bed. Please
contact the rectory if you can donate these items.
Thank You
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank all who
donated to our ALMS collection. A total of $945 was given. Thank you for
helping us help the poor.
Kits For the Homeless Thanks
We thank Fred, Peg, Regina, Marge, Eleanore, and Dick for helping to
prepare 110 toiletry kits for Connections for the Homeless, Cook County
Homeless Veterans, and Catholic Charities. The next assembly date is
Tuesday, September 28, at 9:00am in Meeting Room 1.
Food Drive Thank You!
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank all those who
contributed to our food drive for Maine Township Food Pantry.
"For I was hungry and you gave me food” (Matt. 25:35) Needed!
1) A men’s bike, in good working condition, for transportation to work.
Call the Rectory.
2) A house for a hard working Cleaning Lady to clean. Please call Mary
Cremers at 729-6196.
St. Roman's (Sharing Parish)
Recently all registered parishioners received in their bi-monthly
envelope packet a PINK envelope. This envelope is for St. Roman's our
sharing parish. Even though the date on the envelope is March 21st,
please contribute whatever you can, when ever you can to help our inner
city sharing parish with their financial needs.
Supporting Our School Is Easy!
If you shop at Dominick's or Target, please register your Dominick's
Fresh Values card or Target Visa card designating our school as the
beneficiary. Target gives back 1% and Dominick's, 4%, to St. Catherine's
for every purchase made. To register, go to: Target Visa Take Charge of
Education:
www.target.com/tcoe
Dominick's e-scrip program:
www.escrip.com/merchants/identity/dominicks/index.jsp
2010 Entertainment Books
The books are $20 each and include
saving coupons for Dominick's, TGI Friday's, Boston Market and Domino's Pizza . . . just to mention a few! Coupons can be used
immediately and don't expire until
November of 2010. They make great gifts! A sample book for your viewing
is available. Checks can be made payable to St. Vincent de Paul Society.
We appreciate you helping us raise money for our works. Books are also available at the Rectory.
What Is The ALMS Program?
The ALMS program was brought to St. Catherine’s in November of 1999 by
Deacon Tom Lambert.
The program was established at St. Raymond’s Parish by Bishop McManus.
The mission of the ALMS program is to raise the consciousness of our
parish community to the many diverse needs of the poor and to provide an
opportunity for parishioners to live out the Gospel imperative to feed
the hungry, cloth the naked, and comfort those who have no where to
turn. ALMS do not provide support for individuals or families. ALMS
contributions go directly to groups/agencies that provide these
services.
ALMS do not come from donations made directly to the parish. Funding
comes from “loose change” collected in each weekend’s offertory
collection. These amounts vary from week to week depending on the amount
of “loose change” collected. Blue envelopes are provided in the
vestibule for those who want to designate additional ALMS for a specific
group. A policy has been established that each group/agency will receive
a minimum of $150. Each group/agency will only have one collection per
calendar year. The one exception is our St. Vincent de Paul society that
has quarterly ALMS collections.
The ALMS committee is always looking for new agencies/groups that meet
the criteria: feed the hungry, cloth the naked, provide housing for
those in need. If you have any suggestions, please provide the
information to the ALMS committee, c/o the
rectory, for review.
Catholic Relief Services
By giving meaningful gifts that help others, you will help bring His joy
to the world--the entire world. To learn more about the work of CRS and
how your family can prepare prayerfully, shop responsibly, and give
generously, go to:
www.crs.org/act/advent.
SHARING Parish Needs
St. Roman's, our sharing parish located on Chicago's west side, needs
your continued financial support. Their average weekend
collection is under $2,000. Please continue to use the St. Roman's
envelope in St. Catherine's envelope mailing. You can also mark your
regular Sunday offering for St. Roman's. Thank you.
Sharing Parish - St. Roman's
We have received a request from St. Roman's - our sharing parish -
to supply funds for desks for their Religion Education Program. Many of
the desks were removed when the school was consolidated with another
parish school. Envelopes for St. Roman's are included with the envelope
packet which is send to all parishioners bimonthly. Otherwise, please
mark your donation for St. Roman's in a PLAIN envelope. Thank you
We Need!
We are in need of a 21" TV and a DVD player for the rectory meeting
room! If you have one to donate, please contact Ginger in the Rectory.
WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger)
is a private, not-for-profit organization serving homeless women and
children in the northwest suburbs. Clients come to WINGS with no money,
no jobs and no support systems; many are victims of domestic violence
and abuse. Families stay in a WINGS apartment or group home for an
average of 16 -18 months. The lives of more than 1,000 women and
children have been improved since the WINGS program began in 1985.
WINGS is in need of cash donations to support their wish list for the
women and children living in their shelters and transitional apartments.
Contributions buy groceries, paper products, cleaning supplies, baby
care items, postage and phone calls, linens, car repairs, and clothing.
Your generous contribution will enable the WINGS staff to continue to
help homeless women and children. The need is especially great at this
time.
Can You Help?
A parish family is in need of a car. Please contact the rectory if
you have a car to donate or sell at a fair price.
Parishioner is seeking a reliable used vehicle for our kids to use to
and from school, with mileage under 100,000. Please contact Bonnie with
asking amount at email here
SVDP Thank You
Thank you to all of you for your continued support to Avenues to
Independence.
Our residents enjoyed the toiletry bags and they will be used by all of
them. During these difficult economic times, anything the residents do
not have to purchase is a great assistance to them. Everyone at Avenues
is working to cut corners and still maintain the quality programs that
we offer to adults with disabilities. The State of Illinois that
provides 60% of our funding is about 3 months behind in reimbursing us
for the services we provide, so we are dependent on donations more than
ever before. Help from you and your group and other community groups are
most appreciated. Easter is an especially nice time to receive a gift as
many of our residents do not go home for this holiday and these items
were an ideal addition to their holiday celebration.
Everyone at Avenues is grateful for the continued support from the
members of St. Vincent DePaul. Please convey our sincere thanks to them
all. Avenues could not exist without the continued support and good
works provided by people like the members of the St. Vincent DePaul
Society. Best wishes to you all!
Sincerely,
Cathy Baldwin Kerr
Thank
you for Helping Us Help Others. “For I was hungry and you gave me food.”
Matt:25:35
Full Circle
Sarah’s Circle, one of our Alms recipients, who serve homeless
women, is opening a resale shop at 942 Harlem Ave. in Glenview.
Donations of antiques, household items, jewelry, and small pieces of
furniture would be greatly appreciated. Please contact the store manager
at 847-901-5322 or at
email here.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY “PROJECT HOPE” NEWS As part of our ministry, we are joined with Our Lady of Perpetual Help
and St. Phillip’s of Northfield in supporting a local family. Catholic
Charities chooses and monitors this family and provides needed social
services. The title of this program is “Project Hope.” We recently
received an email from the Project Hope social worker that we wanted to
share with you:
“I am the social worker who works with the families that Project Hope
supports. I wanted to send this email to express my appreciation and awe
at all that you do to positively impact the lives of these families. I
am truly amazed by the generosity and love that you show to the
families. I can also tell you that it means a lot to these families
knowing that there is a community who is praying for them and rooting
them on as they travel down their difficult roads. As one who works on
the front lines, I want to share with you that your presence in their
lives truly makes a difference. From the sponsoring of the apartments to
the Christmas and Easter baskets to the cards of encouragement to the
endless other ways you bless the families, I sincerely thank you for all
you do.”
Thank you to all our generous supporters who provide the funds which
enable us to take part in this wonderful program.
AUTO SALES BENEFIT MARYVILLE
Buy a car from the North Shore Towing Public Auto Sale and a
donation is made to Maryville – Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. Or donate
your car. For info call NS Towing 847-864-2828 or Maryville
847-294-1806.
VEHICLE DONATIONS TO HELP THE NEEDY
St. Vincent de Paul Society is accepting donated vehicles through the
"Vehicles for the Needy Program." Anyone with an unwanted vehicle in any
condition is encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation. RV's, boats,
golf carts, and other vehicles are accepted. The Society will
arrange for the vehicle and its title and keys to be picked up. Donors
will receive a receipt for the amount the vehicle was sold for. Your
vehicle donation can help volunteers provide emergency assistance with
rent, utilities, transportation, food, clothing and also furniture to
help a neighbor in need get through a crisis. Call 312-655-7181.
DONATE YOUR CAR
The University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary is looking
for donations of good working autos to be used in the seminarian field
education programs for seminarian students to travel to parishes or
hospitals as part of their preparation for priesthood. Many students do
not have their own transportation. Donating autos that are used in the
required mission of the charity, receive preferential tax treatment, so
be sure to consider this option along with consulting your tax advisor.
Contact
Mr. Stan Rys at
email here
or 847-970-4811.
HELP A CHAPLAIN AND “GOOD SHEPHERD
The Chicago Tribune on Sunday, May 20, told the very inspiring story of
a Chicago priest, Fr. John Barkemeyer, serving as a military chaplain in
Iraq. Through a charity called “ComPadres,” you can support Fr. John and
other chaplains as they serve the troops. The best and most efficient
way to make a donation is by
by contributing on line by visiting
www.thecompadres.org or mailing a check directly to ComPadres
at:
ComPadres
c/o St. Rita High School
7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620
Your contributions are tax deductible. Donations are used to buy PX and
Phone cards that are great morale boosters for the troops; religious
goods, snacks in large quantities and toiletries; Microsoft Xbox game
platforms that provide relief from boredom and tension for troops in the
most dangerous combat outposts, and other games and entertainment
devices for wounded troops waiting for evacuation.
GOD’S LOVE
At the wedding feast at Cana, Jesus reveals himself
to his disciples and they begin to believe in him. Everyday, God also
gives us signs of his love and so we also can respond in faith and trust.
As you place a gift in the St. Vincent de Paul Poor Box, know that you are
a sign of god’s love to those who are suffering, and you give them reason
to believe and trust as well.
HOLY SPIRIT GIVING TREE
Our work in the community continues all year round and anyone wishing
to make a financial contribution to Advocates for MI Education, an
organization that serves adult mentally handicapped and the homeless, may
do so by dropping a check in the Sunday collection made out to Advocates
for MI Education or by mailing a check to Advocates for Mental Illness
Education, P.O. Box 893, Glenview, IL. We are a not-for-profit
organization and all donations received will be acknowledged.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
Our school continues to benefit from the Box Tops For Education program
that is sponsored by General Mills. Over 3,100 Box Tops have been turned
in already this school year. Please go to
www.BoxTops4Education.com
to learn more about the program and to track our school's progress.
Our SCL Parent Club is collecting “Box Tops for Education” labels from
General Mills products: Yoplait yogurt, granola bars, Hamburger Helper,
Fruit roll-ups and many others. We receive 10¢ for each box top we send in, so please
help us by placing your box tops in the red can in the Church vestibule.
H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities and Maintenance
for the Elderly)
H.O.M.E. is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving the
independence and dignity of low-income elderly in Chicago through a
variety
of housing and support services. Programs offered by H.O.M.E. include the
only citywide moving and relocation services for the elderly, a furniture
donation program, free shopping transportation services, volunteer
services and upkeep and repair services for elderly homeowners in the city
of Chicago. Your generous contribution is gratefully received.
Port Ministries
Port ministries was started eighteen years ago by Fr. Gus,
a Franciscan priest on the south side of Chicago, to provide basic needs
for the poor and homeless. Today Port Ministries has four locations
serving the poor and homeless. They serve over 250 meals five days a week.
There is an emergency shelter that provides sleeping quarters for
sixty-five men nightly, serving them supper and breakfast. In addition,
they have a food pantry and a bread truck that provides over three hundred
lunches daily for children in the neighborhood. Please continue to support
Port Ministries with your ALMS so they may continue to serve the poor and
homeless.
Lincoln Park Community Shelter
The Lincoln Park Community Shelter was established in 1985
by a group of concerned individuals in the Lincoln Park community
committed to addressing the short-term problems of homelessness by
providing a safe place to eat and sleep.
Originally, the agency was open seasonally and provided basic services
such as food, clothing and shelter. In 1998, the On Track program was
implemented. The goals of this program are to empower clients to attain
sobriety, mental stability, physical health, livable wage employment and
housing. Year round operations began in 1999 and continue. Over the last
16 years, the Lincoln Park Community Shelter has been privately funded and
has relied on the generous support of volunteers. Over 400 people
volunteer in different capacities. The estimated value of donated goods
and services exceeds $300,000 per year.
The programs of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter have long been
supported by various denominations. Since its inception, the Shelter has
been a faith-based organization and has operated out of Lincoln Park
Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, and St. Clement’s
Catholic Church. Kitchen, sleeping, shower and laundry facilities as well
as office and storage space are donated by these churches.
Please be generous with both your prayers for the homeless and your alms
donations.
(Back to the Top)
SUPPORT & PROTECT LIFE
Word Of Life
Every human being, at every stage and condition, is willed and loved
by God. For this reason, every human life is sacred. To deprive someone
of life is a grave wrong and a grave dishonor to God. Because we are
created in the image of God, who is Love, our identity and our vocation
is to love. Pope Benedict has called this “the key to our entire
existence.” ~ USCCB Respect Life Program flyer (2010)
Come see a Pro-Life movie - Blood Money
From August 27 through September 2, the Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge
will be showing a great new documentary film. You often hear or read
about the issue of abortion and may rely on the mainstream media for
information. This film provides a more
complete picture of the abortion industry in the U.S. by including
information not covered by the mainstream media. The movie
examines the history of abortion in America, from its inception by
Planned Parenthood, to the Roe v Wade decision, to the question of when
life begins, as well as the devastating effects abortion has on the
women who have had them. You will see interviews with Norma Mc Corvey,
the plaintiff in the Roe v Wade decision, Bernard Nathanson, a former
abortionist turned pro-life activist, and others.
Come see the film with NorthWest Families for Life on Sunday, August 29
at 2:00pm. Discussion and refreshments will follow. For more info
contact Maria Goldstein with email
NWFL email.
or go to
www.sttheresachurch.org/respectlife.htm. Info about the film, and a
brief movie trailer can be viewed at
www.bloodmoneyfilm.com.
40 Days for Life
September 22 - October 31. This fall our community will be uniting
with pro-lifers across the country in the largest simultaneous pro-life
mobilization in history – the nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign. This
prayer effort, first held in fall 2007, continues to inspired hearts and
minds to conversion, and close abortion facility doors across this
country!
40 Days for Life, is a focused pro-life campaign that has generated
measurable lifesaving results in every community where it has been
implemented. Some cities have reported as much as a 28% drop in local
abortion numbers and hundreds of new people getting involved in local
lifesaving ministry efforts. The 40 Days for Life campaign is made up of
three key components: Prayer and Fasting: inviting people of faith
throughout our city to join together for 40 days of fervent prayer and
fasting for an end to abortion. Peaceful Vigil: standing for life
through a 40-day peaceful public witness outside the Family Planning
Associates Abortion Facility on Elston Ave. just west of Cicero Ave. in
Chicago.Community Outreach: taking a positive, upbeat pro-life message
to every corner of our city through media efforts, church presentations,
petition drives, and public visibility. Our Parish will be leading the
Vigil on Monday, September 27, for 24 hours, 12:00am to 11:59pm.
More information can be found at www.40daysforlife.com/chicago or by
calling Russell Lundsgaard at 847-724-6344.
Pro-Life Walk and 5k Run
It’s time for The Women’s Center’s North-VS-South Pro-life “cross-town
challenge!”
NORTH: Sunday, September 12 at Our Lady of Victory, 5212 W.
Agatite, Chicago.
SOUTH: Sunday, September 26 at St. Alexander church at 126th and
71st Ave. in Palos Heights.
Onsite registration opens at 8:00am with kick-off at 10:30am. Runners,
pre-register at 773-794-1313.
You can be a life-saver and help save babies from abortion! Ask everyone
you know to sponsor you as a walker or runner. Participants who raise
$35 or more ($15 for children under 13) will receive a commemorative
t-shirt, lunch and refreshments. All individuals and groups are welcome!
For more info, to donate online, or to download forms go to
www.womens-center.org. Or you phone us at 773-794-1313. The Women’s
Centers of Greater Chicagoland, celebrating 25 years and more than
33,000 babies-and their moms-saved from abortion.
Will You Help Save Unborn Babies?
NorthWest Families for Life would like to invite you to join us and
stand witness in prayerful vigil at the Forest View Medical Center (2750
S. River Rd, Des Plaines) on Thursdays from 7:00am until noon (the time
when abortions are performed). Could you help us one Thursday a month?
One hour a week? For one day? If you’ve never prayed outside an abortion
clinic, we are looking for you! If you are a seasoned prayer warrior, we
would be grateful for your faithful presence! If you are a sidewalk
counselor, your experience would be invaluable! Whoever you are, you
WILL make a difference.
One of the main reasons women give for choosing NOT to go through with
an abortion is the presence of someone there outside the clinic praying
for them.
That someone could be YOU!
For more information, please
email Maria Goldstein.
The Women’s Center
During
25 years, we have saved at least 32,000 babies from abortion and saved
their mothers from a lifetime of regret. We could not do this without
your help.
Volunteers are needed to organize and sort clothing donations at the
Cicero Ave office, and to answer our crisis counseling line at the
Cicero Ave and Evergreen Park offices. Training provided. For more
information call 773-794-1313.
We are in need of diapers in sizes newborn, 4, 5 and 6. If you can
organize a diaper drive, perhaps as a service project for Scouts,
Confirmation, service hours, etc., call Peg at 773-794-3292 for more
information on diaper drives only. We appreciate your kindness and
generosity.
We also need infant sleepers, crib sheets, crib bedding, bumper pads,
and clothing for infants (newborn to 9 months). We desperately need 7
baby cribs, extra crib parts, 6 double strollers, 5 toddler beds, 5
infant car seats, pack n plays, 8 regular strollers, small chest of
drawers, 5 bouncers, 4 baby swings, and 3 porta-cribs. Sometimes you can
get the baby furniture free or almost free for a good cause at a garage
sale. It will be a great help if you can deliver these to us. For our
address, or if a pickup is needed, please call 773-794-1313. All
clothing needs to be dropped off unless accompanied by baby furniture.
We need more volunteers to pick up baby furniture. The families who
receive these items are grateful for your generosity.
At The Women’s Center those who are pregnant and in a difficult situation
find compassion, friendship, and help. Our Needs to Help Support Our
Work:
* We need a cargo van in good working condition. This is an income tax
deductible contribution. Call 773-794-4774.
* Volunteers are needed to answer calls in our Chicago and Evergreen
Park counseling offices. For information call 773-794-1313.
* A volunteer with a truck who is willing to transport baby items to Our
Lady of Knock in Calumet City. Call Peg at 773-794-3292.
* A volunteer to promote our newsletter to schools and individuals. The
newsletter, for young people, features stories about saints, God’s love
for us, pro-life ideas, plus fun things. To help call Pat at
773-794-4777.
* Volunteers to pick up baby furniture. Call 773-794-1313.
* Diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6 only are needed. Call Peg at 773-794-3292
for diaper donation.
* We need boy’s clothes in sizes 3 to 16, new infant sleepers and baby
clothes, crib sheets and bumper pads, 7 baby cribs, crib parts for
repairs, 5 infant/carrier car seats, 3 toddler beds, 3 bouncers, 2 small
chests of drawers, 3 Pack N Plays, 3 double strollers, and 4 baby
swings.
* It will be a great help if you can deliver these to us. If a pickup is
needed, please call 773-794-1313. No pickup of clothing except with baby
furniture. * The families who receive these items are grateful for your
donations.
* Register your Fresh Values card with The Women's Center, we earn a
percentage of what you spend. You can shop any day and at any time of
day. Call us at 773-794-1313 to register.
WWW.PrayerCampaign.org
Health care reform should not include coverage for abortion on
demand. Please communicate with Congress and join our National Prayer
Campaign. For details see
www.PrayerCampaign.org. This Prayer Campaign is organized trough
Priests for Life, the largest pro-life ministry in the Catholic Church.
Natural Family Planning
What does Natural Family Planning have to do with strong marriages?
Everything. Married couples using Natural Family Planning have a less
than 5% divorce rate. Come to learn fertility awareness, leave with a
deeper understanding of marriage and the gift that husband and wife are
to each other. Classes start June 11 at Holy Family Hospital-Des
Plaines. Contact Lloyd and Monica Cassidy 847-724-7206
naturalfamilyplanningchicago.com
Support Health Care Reform That Respects Life
Congress is working on three main health care reform bills - one in the
house and two in the Senate. Bishop William Murphy, Chairman of the U.S.
Bishop’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development sent a
letter to Congress saying: “The USCCB looks forward to working with you
to reform health care successfully in a manner that offers accessible,
affordable and quality care that protects and respects the life and
dignity of all people from conception until natural death.” Abortion
must not be included as part of a national health care benefit. “No
health care reform plan should compel us or others to pay for the
destruction of human life, whether through government funding or
mandatory coverage of abortion.” Bishop Murphy argued that any
legislation should reflect longstanding policies “on abortion funding,
mandates and conscience protections because they represent sound
morality, wise policy and political reality.”
What can we do now? Contact Senators Durbin and Burris and your
Representative by e-mail, telephone, Fax or letter. Floor votes could
occur in the House and Senate soon after the August recess.
Please make your voice heard on this most important issue now.
Intercede To Save The Unborn
Will you join the Blessed Mother and St. John in prayer at the foot of
the Cross? By praying with the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, you
can intercede to save our unborn brothers and sisters whose lives are in
danger at the American Women’s Medical Center abortion clinic, 110 S.
River Road in Des Plaines. This abortion clinic is a “modern day
Calvary” where the innocent unborn lives are taken daily. Please join
the Rosary Vigil, held on the third Saturday of every month from 9:30 –
10:30am at the above location. Through the Helpers’ prayer and presence,
many abortion-bound mothers’ hearts have been changed, and their babies
saved from death. Our own Cardinal George and Bishop Manz have prayed
with the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants at past vigils. Won’t you
join us too? For more information call Russell Lundsgaard at
847-724-6344.
Word Of Life
“Abortion – the direct, intentional killing of an unborn girl or
boy” is not health care. Abortion robs an innocent child of his or her
life, and robs mothers of their peace and happiness. For 25 years, the
Project Rachel post-abortion ministry of the Catholic Church has helped
women move beyond their grief and remorse after abortion, helping them
find peace by accepting God’s forgiveness and by forgiving themselves
and others involved in the abortion decision. Abortion funding can only
increase the
number of dead and grieving.” Cardinal Justin Rigali, Statement for
Respect Life Sunday, September 29, 2009
A Pro-Life Prayer for Our President and Public Officials
Lord God, Author of Life and Source of Eternal Life, Move the hearts of
all our public officials and especially our President to fulfill their
responsibilities worthily and well to all those entrusted to their care.
Help them in their special leadership roles, to extend the mantle of
protection to the most vulnerable, especially the defenseless unborn
whose lives are threatened with extermination by an indifferent society.
Guide all public officials by your wisdom and grace to cease supporting
any law that fails to protect the fundamental good that is human life
itself, which is a gift from God and parents.
You are the Protector and Defender of the lives of the innocent unborn.
Change the hearts of those who compromise the call to protect and defend
life.
Bring our nation to the values that have made us a great nation, a
society that upholds the value of life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness for all.
Mary, the Mother of the living, help us to bear witness to the Gospel of
Life with our lives and our laws, through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
Imprimatur: November 14, 2008
+Most Reverend Robert J. Baker Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama
Word Of Life
“Parental notification and informed consent precautions would be
outlawed [under FOCA], as would be laws banning procedures such as
partial-birth abortion and protecting infants born alive after a failed
abortion. Abortion clinics would be deregulated. The Hyde Amendment
restricting the federal funding of abortions would be abrogated. FOCA
would have lethal consequences for prenatal human life.” Statement by
USCCB President Cardinal Francis George on behalf of the USCCB, Nov. 12,
2008
USCCB ON LIFE ISSUES
The State’s interest in respect for life is advanced by the dialogue
that better informs the political and legal systems, the medical
profession, expectant mothers, and society as a whole of the
consequences that follow from a decision to elect a late-term abortion.
Carhart v. Gonzales (upholding the federal partial-birth abortion ban),
April 18, 2007.
I thought I would feel less guilt [over my abortion] as time went on.
Instead, the guilt turned into anger, the anger to sadness, and it just
seems to get worse with time. I need your help God! I don't want to feel
alone anymore. I don't want to take revenge on myself for what I've
done. I have to change! … It still hurts so bad inside when I think
about [my baby]. I can sometimes hear my soul breaking when I cry. I
would not wish this experience on my worst enemy. But I know that I have
to get better for my baby. Be a better woman. A good role model. And
maybe one day, if I'm lucky, a good mother. I can assure you I will try.
-- A grieving mother
WORD OF LIFE
[Recent] startling advances in reprogramming adult cells into
embryonic-like cells – hailed by the journal Science as the scientific
breakthrough of the year – are said by many scientists to be making
embryonic stem cells irrelevant to medical progress. [Also], adult and
cord blood stem cells are now known to have great versatility, and are
increasingly being used to reverse serious illnesses and even help
rebuild damaged organs. --Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Letter to
President Barack Obama, January 16, 2009
In a decision so fraught with emotional consequence some doctors may
prefer not to disclose precise details of the means that will be used
[to perform the abortion]. …It is, however, precisely this lack of
information concerning the way in which the fetus will be killed that is
of legitimate concern to the State . . . The State has an interest in
ensuring so grave a choice is well informed. It is self-evident that a
mother who comes to regret her choice to abort must struggle with grief
more anguished and sorrow more profound when she learns, only after the
event, . . . that she allowed a doctor [to take her child’s life in a
gruesome way].
Carhart v. Gonzales (upholding the federal partial-birth abortion ban),
April 18, 2007
WHO PAYS FOR ABORTIONS?
Since the legalization of abortion on demand in 1972 in the United
States, approximately 47,281,000 innocent babies have been killed. Ever
wonder about where all the nuns have gone? Based upon the current
statistics, out of 47 million lost souls we should have had over 10,700
nuns. Do you hear about a priest shortage? Out of 47 million, we should
have almost 7,000 priests. In addition, there should have been about 62
more bishops and maybe an additional cardinal or two. And how about in the
medical profession? We should have had over 100,000 additional doctors,
some of whom would have gone into
research. With all those additional medical researchers, only God knows
what diseases would have already been eliminated. Who ultimately pays for
all abortions? We all do.
ROE V. WADE
As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, the principal focus of her
interventions in the public arena is the protection and promotion of the
dignity of the person, and she is thereby consciously drawing particular
attention to principles which are not negotiable.
Among these, the following emerge clearly today: protection of life in all
its stages, from the first moment of conception until natural death; true
recognition and promotion of the natural structure of the family—a union
between a man and a woman based on marriage and the protection of the
right of parents to educate their children.
These principles are not truths of faith, even though they receive further
light and confirmation from faith; they are inscribed in human nature
itself and therefore they are common to all humanity.
Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Members of the European People’s Party,
March 30th, 2006
PRO-LIFE
-
God's love does not differentiate between the newly conceived human
infant still in his or her mother's womb and a child or young person or
adult or elderly person. God does not distinguish between them because he
sees an impression of his own image and likeness (Gn I: 26) in each one of
them.
Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the 12th General Assembly of the Pontifical
Academy for Life, February 27, 2006
-
It is not only the deaths of more than forty-five million of our children
that we mourn today. We do not just grieve for the loss of all the
talents, all the abilities and all the unique gifts these children would
have brought to society. We cannot but also wonder about everything that
we have lost as a people by the destruction of our children."
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Homily for Pro-Life Mass, January 23, 2006
-
Sometimes a single issue will be so important that it overrides a whole
range of lesser issues. Human slavery is one such historic issue. It
simply cannot be condoned no matter how much political support it might
enjoy. The same could also be said for the classification, discrimination
and even elimination of people for ethnic reasons. The Holocaust is wrong
and cannot be justified on any grounds. So also is the taking of the life
of an unborn child. The arbitrary destruction of such life cannot be
justified on the grounds that one should be free to choose to kill.
Bishop Donald Wuerl, St. Thomas More Society Loebig Lecture, May 25, 2004
-
It's a good time [during Respect Life Month] to reflect on God's great
gift of life, the many public issues that flow from it, and the priorities
we need to have in defending it. Next month, in the November elections,
each of us will face the task, in the voting booth, of building a culture
of life - or its opposite. Each of us will make that choice as an
individual, but we'll bear the consequences as a community. So we need to
choose well. Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. and Bishop Jose Gomez,
Statement issued October 9, 2002
RESPECT LIFE
In Mark’s gospel, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah speaking about
hypocrites, “This people honors me with their lips but their hearts are
far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine human
precepts.” These words are a reminder to all churchgoers to bring to the
weekday workplace the Respect life truths we hear and speak on Sundays.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
Are you interested in a method of family planning that is highly
effective, easy to learn and use, physically harmless, and is morally
acceptable? The Archdiocese of Chicago offers instruction in the Ovulation
and Sympto-Thermal methods of NFP. Nearby NFP sites are: St. Norbert
Parish, Northbrook & Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago. For more info,
please contact Maria Garcia at 312-751-8273.
HURTING FROM AN ABORTION?
Considered by some to be a simple medical procedure, abortion often
leads to spiritual and/or emotional problems: post-abortion aftermath.
It is no coincidence that you are reading this. Heal the wounds. There is
hope for the future. Call Project Rachel, the Archdiocese of Chicago’s
post-abortion reconciliation and healing program. Confidential and
compassionate, One-On-One Lay Counseling, Referrals to Trained Priests &
Understanding Professional Counselors, Support Groups, and Day-Long
Retreats Provided. Call 312-337-1962 or 888-456-HOPE
PRO-LIFE PRAYER
O most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, at this most critical time,
we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. Most Holy
Mother, we beg you to
reclaim this land for the glory of your Son. Overwhelmed with the burden
of the sins of our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and
seek refuge in your motherly protection. Open our minds to the great worth
of human life and to the
responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Free us from the falsehoods
that lead to the evil of abortion. Protect and guide our leaders and give
them the wisdom to proclaim that God’s law is the foundation on which this
nation was founded and that He alone is the True Source of our cherished
right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. O Merciful Mother,
give us the courage to reject the “culture of death” and lead us into a
new Millennium of Life.
(Back to the Top)
VOCATIONAL
Pope John Paul II's Prayer for Vocations
Holy and provident Father, You are the Lord of the vineyard and the
harvest and You give each a just reward for their work. In your design
of love You call men and women to work with You for the salvation of the
world. We thank You for Jesus Christ, your living Word, who has redeemed
us from our sins and is among us to assist us in our poverty. Guide the
flock to which You have promised possession of the kingdom. Send new
workers into your harvest and set in the hearts of pastors faithfulness
to your plan of salvation, perseverance in their vocation and holiness
of life.
Christ Jesus, who on the shores of the Sea of Galilee called the
Apostles and made them the foundation of the Church and bearers of your
Gospel, in our day, sustain your people on their journey. Give courage
to those whom You call to follow You in the priesthood and the
consecrated life, so that they may enrich God's field with wisdom of
your Word. Make them docile instruments of your love in everyday service
of their brothers and sisters.
Spirit of holiness, who pour out your gifts on all believers and,
especially, on those called to be Christ's ministers, help young people
to discover the beauty of the divine call. Teach them the true way of
prayer, which is nourished by the Word of God. Help them to read the
signs of the times, so as to be faithful interpreters of your Gospel and
bearers of salvation.
Mary, Virgin who listened and Virgin of the Word of God made flesh in
your womb, help us to be open to the Word of the Lord, so that, having
been welcomed and meditated upon, it may grow in our hearts. Help us to
live like You the beatitudes of believers and to dedicate ourselves with
unceasing charity to evangelizing all those who seek your Son. Grant
that we may serve every person, becoming servants of the Word we have
heard, so that remaining faithful to it we may find our happiness in
living it. Amen.
THAT WE MAY HAVE PRIESTS………
Mundelein Seminary, as Cardinal George so proudly proclaims, is one
of the finest major seminaries in the world. This year nearly 80 men
are preparing to be priests for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Your
Financial and prayer support enables us to provide these young men with
the educational and spiritual formation necessary to face the challenges
of priesthood. Because of you, the healing touch of Jesus will live
through the work of these future priests for you, your children and your
grandchildren, well into this century. How many times in our lives has a
priest brought healing to us and to our families? How many times has a
priest celebrated the liturgy on Sunday, throughout the week and at
special parish and family celebrations, bringing Christ to us through
the Eucharist? How many times has a priest stood with us in joy at the
birth of a child; at our bedside in the hospital, or in sorrow at the
death of a loved one? Let us pray for vocations to the priesthood; that
we may have priests whose lives are directed by the Gospel of Jesus
Christ in the service of God’s people.
Over 98% of diocesan priests in Chicago experienced their educational
and spiritual formation in our seminary system. To meet the challenge of
priesthood, today’s priests must master several disciplines, including
theology, pastoral skills, counseling, preaching, business and personnel
management, as well as speaking in 2 or even 3 languages. With your
support, they begin to develop these skills in the seminary system of the
Archdiocese of Chicago.
The Quigley Scholars Program
Honoring the 101 year tradition of High School Seminary in the
Archdiocese of Chicago by continuing to call young men to consider the
priesthood of Jesus Christ in a new way. Established by Cardinal Francis
George in April 2007.
Are you...
-a baptized practicing Roman Catholic,
-willing to pray for others and for vocations,
-willing to love and serve God and His people with great joy,
-have interest in exploring the priesthood with other young men
In Catholic or public high school,
-willing to attend a once-a-month evening of prayer, dinner, spiritual
formation and fun with the St. Joseph College Seminary community at
Loyola University...
...then God is calling YOU! Answer the call. Come join us, make new
friends, learn more about our faith, about the priesthood, about
yourself, feel God's presence and have a great experience. Some
scholarships available for those in Catholic high school.
For information please contact Fr. Peter Snieg at the Quigley Alumni
Office 773-973-9706.
St. Joseph College Seminarybr>
6551 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, 60626.
KNOCK . . . AND THE DOOR SHALL BE OPEN TO THEE?
A pastor went out one Saturday to visit his church members. At one house
it was obvious that someone was home, but nobody came to the door even
though the pastor had knocked several times.
Finally, the pastor took out his card and wrote "Revelations 3:20" on the
back of it, and stuck it in the door. { Behold, I stand at the door and
knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him
and dine with him and him with me.}
The next day, the card turned up in the collection plate. Below the
pastor's message was the notation "Genesis 3:10". { I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid,
because I was naked; and I hid myself.}
DO NOT BE AFRAID, OPEN THE DOOR TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A RELIGIOUS
VOCATION.
Contact the Archdiocesan Vocation Office for further info at
email here.
Or contact Fr. Maina or any of our Priests or
Sisters for guidance in discerning your future!
AN INVITATIONON
Mary set out in haste, carrying the Good News of God’s great love
within her. Wherever you go today, take God with you. Consider this as a
brother, sister, deacon, or priest. The spirit of God is upon you. The
possibilities are endless!!!
Scripture tells us the Jews asked for miracles and the Greeks demanded
signs. Do we demand signs or do we hear the Lord speaking to our heart?
Is Jesus asking you to follow him as a priest or brother or sister? Are
you waiting for an invitation? This is it!! “Come and See.”
FFor more information, contact any of
our parish priests or religious or Sr. Peter Mary Hettling, CSJ, in the
Archdiocesan For more information contact Sr. Peter Mary Hettling, CSJ, in the Archdiocesan Vocation Office at 312-751-5245 or
email herere
WHO ME A PRIEST?
If you have ever thought about the priesthood and would like to take a
closer look, consider joining us at Mundelein Seminary for a Ministry
Weekend. Ministry Weekends are a time away for reflection and conversation
which can be helpful in discovering your life direction and vocation.
College-age and older men are invited to join us October 6th-8th. For more
information contact Fr. Joe Noonan at 847-970-4845 or
email here
. For more details about vocations, please see our
website at
www.chicagopriest.org.
Hear the Call
God’s action dominates in today’s Gospel and an intimate moment when God
speaks to Jesus, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased”
is revealed. Is God revealing himself to you through a vocation to the
priesthood or religious life?
For more info about the priesthood, contact Fr. Joe Noonan
email here
or at 312-534-8298. For more information about
the
religious life contact Sr. Elyse Ramirez, OP at 312-534-5240 or
email here.
Called by Name is a new program throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. It
envisions the parish community recommending men and women whom they
believe demonstrate qualities that show potential for a vocation to the
priesthood or religious life. Nominees will be invited to attend
programs sponsored by the Assistant Vocation Director of the vicariate
designed to help them explore the possibility of a vocation to the
priesthood. For more info, contact Pat Pacer in the Vocations Office at
312-534-2587 or
email here.
FOCUS
“No one does a more dynamic job of reaching college students for
Christ than FOCUS.” –Most Rev. Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Denver
Diocese.
If you would like to send in a tax-deductible gift, checks are made
payable to FOCUS with my missionary ID# 7007 in the memo and sent to:
FOCUS, PO Box 1210, Greeley, CO 80632.
Be sure to also
check out our website at
www.FOCUSonline.org.
If anyone would like to find out more about FOCUS or would like to support this work, you
can contact Matt Marcheschi, by email at
email here
TOGETHER IN GOD’S SERVICE
Formation for Lay Ecclesial Ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago—Do
you want to serve the Church as a Lay Ecclesial Minister? Do you possess
the gifts & passion for full-time Church ministry as a Pastoral Associate
or Director of Religious Education?
The Archdiocese wants to sponsor lay women and men for graduate level
theological study at Chicago area Catholic theological schools
Together In God’s Service provides:
+Education for Ministry at one of the schools
+Spiritual Formation through Mundelein Seminary
+Commissioning in preparation for commissioning as a Lay Ecclesial
Minister of the Archdiocese
+Financial Aid (1/3 of school tuition (core curriculum classes) paid by
Archdiocese and 1/3 matched by the school, leaving you only 1/3 of the
cost!)
To learn more about Together In God’s Service, contact Graziano Marcheschi,
University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, 837-4552.
email here/a>
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Please Remember to Pray for...
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†
Please Pray for our Servicemen
My family and I would like to thank all of you who have been praying for
the safety of my son, Andrew Bergman. Andrew just retired from the Army
after 20 years of service. Please continue to pray for all the young
people who remain in the service of our country.
-Joyce Bergman.
†CHRISTOPHER ZIMNY
JEFF GODZIK – Son of Susan and Michael Godzik
JEFF McCORMACK – Nephew of Tom Connell
JENNIFER MUNRO – Daughter of Susan and John Munro
JAY MARTIN – Nephew of Becky and Tom Brennan
JESSICA CAMERON – Niece of the Cameron Family
JOHN PODCZASKI - Grandson of Genevieve Podczaski
STEVEN TUMBARELLO - Son of Sylvia & Vince Tumbarello
MICHAEL FOLEY - Son of Wilbert & Ann Foley
JOHN FOLEY
PETER MULLER
DANIEL FRAYNA
CRAIG BEHRENDT - Grand nephew of Sister Mary Helen
DAVID FITZPATRICK - Nephew of Jerry Fitzpatrick
HEATHER FITZPATRICK - Niece of Jerry Fitzpatrick
KEN TASHIRO - Nephew of Kei and Rei Harada
MATTHEW LUNKES - Nephew of Pat & Jay Kramer
DANIEL BELZER - Nephew of Dave & Bev Belzer
LIAM O’BRIEN - Grandson of Marge O’Brien
LT. COMMANDER ROB STARK - Nephew of Frank and Carolyn Beil
MICHAEL KELLY - Nephew of Kevin and Kathy Kelly
CDR. CARL J. KOTLARZ - Son of Rita & Al Kotlarz
LT. COL EUGENE WALL – Nephew of Suzanne Lessner
MATTHEW NEUBAUER - Nephew of Dan & Judy Neubauer
GREGORY HULSTEAD - relative of Phyllis and Pat Hoffman
NAILL SWIDER – Grand Nephew of Alice Swider
AND ALL OTHERS SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES
AND THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES
Pictorial Military Tribute Page
We would like to include our family members "currently" serving in
the military in the new 50th Anniversary Edition of our SCL
Pictorial Directory. If any of our parish family have a loved one
serving, please feel free to mail me a picture and include the
following information: (1) name, (2) branch of service, and station.
You can send them to the rectory for my attention. Also, please
indicate if you need the photo returned.
Thank you! Bertha.
THANK YOU
"Thank you for your prayers and support while I was in the service.
I served in the Marines for five year. Your letters and packages were
greatly appreciated, especially when I was stationed in Iraq.
I am happy to be back to civilian life and attending college to finish
my education." Patrick Orr-Lange
WORDS OF GRATITUDE
My name is Greg Podczaski. You have been praying for my son, John
Podczaski, in your Military Prayers. Fortunately John returned safely. I wanted to thank St. Catherine's for prayers
during this time. John served in Iraq for fifteen months, first in
Mosul, where he received a Purple Heart, and then the last 9 months in
Baghdad with the Third Stryker Brigade.
Thanks again,
Greg Podczaski
Special Note:br>
PRAYER LIST
If your loved one is on the prayer list, please call the rectory weekly to let us
know if prayers are still needed. If we do not hear from you we will assume they are no longer in need of these special prayers.
Thank you for calling promptly.
847-729-1414. |
†
Please Pray for the Following
((who are suffering from illness, surgical
procedures or loss)
Shea Anderluh
Mary Anderson
Joan Arden
Joyce Baker
Dolores Bakjian
Maria Bautista
Ed Bechtold
Martha Bechtold
Benjamin Beil-Adaskin
Joseph Bertog
Luke Blochberger
Jacque Boemmel
Patricia Bowski
Jack Breden
Rosemary Collins
April Corr
Michael Creedon
Patro Cinia de Jesus
Lorenza de los Reyes
Roberto Di Domenico
Albert Dodson
Jerry Doetsch
Hilda Friestad
Tom Gathercoal
Jermaine Ghaemi
Caleb Goeske
Ethan Goeske
Linda Gonzales
Pat Gulliver
Ruth Hamernick
Marian Harris
Hanah Hartmann
Zack Hartmann
Ed Havlek
Daniel Hile
Thomas Hein
Rosa Hernandez
Elizabeth Hoag
Pat Hoffman
Phyllis Hoffman
Pat Janick
Eugene Kahle
Kathleen Kahle
Robert Kessler
Larry Knitter
Molly LaPierre
Wes Lastine
Linda Lehman
Rick Manabat
Sr. Veronica Margareth
David Marcheschi
John Mateyko
Harry Mattea
Barbara Maung
Kelly Miller |
Jordan Miller
Jane Mills
Hilda Morales
Kaden Mueller
Brandon Mueller
Marie Mueller
John Murphy
Patricia Muto
Ed Nazimek
Robert Neuton
Alma Nicolazzi
Marion Nowicki
Lucy Nowicki
John O’Donnell
Kathleen O’Leary
Ida Ordonez
Donald Orlowski
Jose Pioquinto
Deb Poelmann
Jayne Potter
Gloria Przybylski
Eleanore Radzialowski
Robert Rivas
Ann Romano
Ron Sacluti
Phil Safranek
Claudia Sakover
Bill Sallin
Nancy Schoknecht
Caroline Schuler
Cole Schullian
Monica Schuster
Nathan Schuster
Christopher Sharp
Joseph Shea
Celeste Sieracki
Jeanne Slade
Joanne Smith
Frieda Stattner
John L. Sullivan
Anne Swaine
Marie Rosch-Termaat
Enzo Terry
Ronald Theis
Leanne Theis
Larry Theriault
Peter Tutera, Sr.
William Uminowicz
Elisea Ursua
Mike Wasilewski
Joan Wayne
Larry Winterburn
Benjamin Williams
Dave Williams
Steven Wolf |
To have a relative’s name added to this list, please call the rectory or
use our /span> "Contact Us"
form.
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