(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" Page

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fr. Bob’s Retirement Mass And Celebration
Please join us on June 27 at the 5:00 Mass for a special Mass to celebrate Fr. Bob’s years of service and dedication to our Parish and to the Priesthood. An informal celebration with appetizers will follow Mass in Marian Hall.

SCL Picnic
We invite you and your family to attend the annual picnic and enjoy the fun on Sunday, July 12, from 12:00 noon (after11:00 am Mass) till 3:00pm. Free food – hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, Mexican favorites, Asian specialties, soft drinks, beer, wine (beverages at a reasonable price). Magician, Linda Eck, will be part of our entertainment, along with games for all ages. More info will be in the bulletin in following weeks. If you have any questions and/or would like to help, contact Brian Burgh 847-682-5846 or Jerry Wayne 847-724-9256.

Summer Social Fundraiser
Nazarethville, a Home for the Aging, located at 300 N. River Rd, in Des Plaines, is sponsoring a Summer Social Fundraiser on Sunday, June 28 from 1:00 to 4:00pm. The Nazarethville's Resident Council sponsors this fundraiser. Proceeds will be used to install a sprinkler system in the home for the safety of the residents. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children under 7. Join them for bingo, a bake sale, Children’s games, pull tab raffles for adults and much more! They’ll be grillin’ hot dogs, hamburgers and brats on their patio regardless of the weather. The residents of Nazarethville cordially invite everyone to attend and to celebrate life at whatever age.

2009 Catholic Festival of Faith for the Archdiocese of Chicago
Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont, IL
October 16-17, 2009
Register online at www.catholicfest.org or call 312-534-3100
The love of Christ compels us (2 Cor. 5:14)

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DEVOTIONAL

Eucharistic Adoration: We need help for the following Chapel hours:
Monday 3:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm & 3:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am & 2:00pm
Wednesday 12:00pm(noon) 1:00pm
Thursday 9:00am & 1:00pm
Friday 7:00am, 4:00pm, & 11:00pm
Saturday 2:00am, 2:00pm, 3:00pm 8:00pm & 9:00pm.
If you would like to take one of the vacant hours, please call or mail Evie Ulivieri 847-724-6291  email here. Saturday we need extra help between 10:00am & 7:00pm (since weekends can be difficult)

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. If you have an interest or feel a calling, we will have more information in next week's bulletin. Please give this worthwhile ministry some serious thought. It can be very rewarding.

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 .

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

Within These Walls
Within These Walls is a pamphlet available through the work of the SCL Liturgy Committee, packed with reminders of our Catholic view of life—a wealth of signs, symbols, images, artifacts, and visual stories. A deeper understanding of these Catholic treasures can enlighten us about who we are, all that our faith calls us to be and to do, and where our God is found. This guide is also intended to help young families answer questions from inquiring little minds about what they see in church. Please take a copy home with you.

Attention Ministries!
Want to promote your ministry? How about sponsoring a Parish Coffee House! All weekend’s are available until September!!! Call Anni in the rectory to schedule.

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!

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.

As of July 31st, 2007, our St. Catherine Laboure Chapel has been open for adoration in excess of 100,000 hours. Come Spend the most rewarding hour of your life in our Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

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

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.

COME ON HOME!
Have you been away from the Church for a while? Did you drift away? Walk away resolutely? Run away as fast as you could? However you went away, we just want you to know: We miss you! And where we’re at fault for a misunderstanding between us, we ask your forgiveness.

Christmas is a season of reconciliation. God reconciles us to himself in Christ, not counting our sins against us. In Christ we are also reconciled with each other. God gives us the message of this reconciliation so that we can minister it to each other, forgiving as we are forgiven. He appeals to us, each through the other: be reconciled to God! Be reconciled to his family, the Catholic Church.

Join us for worship. Fr. Bob, Fr. Al, and many of us at St. Catherine’s would welcome the opportunity to help you come home — home to the sacraments, home to the Church, home to your Catholic family. Just call the rectory at 847-729-1446. We’re stronger together in the Body of Christ, and together we strengthen the Body of Christ. Let’s not be strangers. Come on home!

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.

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

Joyful Again
Are you widowed? Do you know someone who is widowed? If you have been recently widowed and are still struggling with the loss, or if you have been widowed for some time and need something to get you "over the hump" because you seem stuck in one spot, this program is designed to help you move on with your life while treasuring your past and its
precious memories.

This weekend program will be held at Holy Family Parish, 2515 Palatine Rd. in Inverness on July 25 - 26. The cost is $75 - includes meals (adjusted if needed). All are invited. The Joyful Again! retreat is for both men and women (all ages) who have been widowed and are still trying to find hope and joy
in their lives.

Introspective workshop for widowed persons. Beyond grieving there is new life. Come join us for a weekend especially designed to help you reflect on and recognize new direction for your life while still treasuring memories of your loved one.  For more info call 708-354-7211 or email here.

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 Anni 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 HELP
The Alzheimer Association would like to extend an invitation to anyone with a loved one or friend with Alzheimer’s or dementia to support group meetings. The meetings are confidential and are held every 3rd Thursday of the month from 7:00-8:00pm at 2155 Pfingsten Rd. in Northbrook. Please call Sarah Frame at 412-7303 if you have questions or need further information.

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 SAFEKIDS@archchicago.org

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.

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INFORMATIONAL

Catholic Chicago Blog Launched
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.

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.

Regina Dominican Tuesday Tours
Regina Dominican will be hosting Tuesday morning tours this summer starting on June 16 at 10:00am and continuing through August 11. Tours will be given to students entering eighth grade and those looking to transfer to Regina Dominican High School. If you are interested, please contact Pattie Fuentes at 847-256-7660 ext. 223 or at email here to make an appointment.

Regina Dominican is a college preparatory Catholic high school for young women. The student to teacher ratio is 12 to 1 with 400 students enrolled. The Graduates of Regina Dominican attend the finest colleges and universities nationwide. The school features a broad curriculum with up to date technology, athletics (twelve sports), performing arts, over 30 student clubs, award winning publications, leadership development, advanced placement classes, student diversity, and tuition assistance. Regina Dominican High School is proud to have provided 50 years of female-centered education.

Introducing the Cardinal's Network
Exciting and dramatic changes to digital and electronic communications are happening almost daily in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The most recent initiative, the Cardinal’s Network, has been introduced on the Archdiocesan web site. On this network, Cardinal George will occasionally share his thoughts, reflections and prayers electronically with all who subscribe by providing an email address. To join the Cardinal’s Network, visit www.archchicago.org and click on Cardinal’s Network in the box on the Home Page.

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.

Welcome Our New Altar Servers
Nicole Antony, Emma Collins, Kevin Halloran, Jermin Joseph, Casey Kleeman, Jack Mahon, Linette Maliakal, Julia Nellamattom, Serene Philip, Chuck Quinn, Adrian Rafalski, Grant Reese, Caroline Reusche, Colin Samuels, Kailey Sero, Emily Thompson, Megan Tristano, Annette Wierzbicki, Mary Beth Zerwic

Golden Anniversary Mass
The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, August 30, at 3:00pm at St. John Brebeuf in Niles. Couples married in 1959 who are interested in attending this celebration should contact the parish rectory (847-729-1414) to register. For further information, call the Family Ministries Office at 312-751-8351 or visit the website: www.familyministries.org.

♪ MUSIC CORNER ♪
For your information contact Julia Bray, Cherub Choir Director or Vince Zaprzal, Music Coordinator: email here or after Mass.

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.

Interested in the Catholic faith?
Have questions about Catholicism? Curious about the Catholic way of life? Know someone who does? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process for adults to learn about the Catholic Church and become full and active members. The RCIA process begins in January 2010 and continues on through Easter. If you would like to join us on this faith journey, or if you know someone else who would be interested, please contact the Rectory at 847-729-1414.

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!

Affordable Rents Through Homesharing
Worried about savings, job market, housing costs? If you need a more affordable rent near job or family in Chicago’s northern suburbs, consider Homesharing. It’s a mutually beneficial match — between an individual with a base income of $1,000/month seeking to rent a room and a homeowner who needs extra income and/or help. Both parties benefit from mutual affordability and support. Rents of $450-$600 include utilities, use of kitchen and laundry. Due to the strained economy, many homeowners have applied to participate in Homesharing and are in need of a renter. To apply for this free service, contact Jackie Grossmann at 847-501-5732 x 401.

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.

SCL Women’s Bridge Scores
1st Place – Verona Masini and Toni Skora
2nd Place – Jackie Hutchinson and Theresa Udelhofen
3rd Place – Barb Finn and Jan Peterson
4th Place – Helen Liska and Ann Macur
Anyone interested to join the Women’s Bridge Club for Sept 2009 thru May 2010, call Toni 847-998-1005 or Verona 847-486-1241. It’s not only fun but also good for the brain and memory.

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

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.

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.

GIFT CARDS!
Offered by our SCL Women’s Club, St. Martha’s Guild! From your purchase of a wide selection of gift cards, we earn a percentage to be used for SCL Women’s Club projects! Manna Group sells certificates to us at a discount; you buy them at full value and we keep the difference! And there is NO additional cost to you - we even deliver them to your house! Gift certificates have many uses: grocery shopping, clothing shopping, dining out, travel, and home improvements!  For more info, call Lou at 498-6337.

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.

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.

Church policies
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

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YOUTH C.L.U.B. NEWS

SCL YOUTH GROUP Activities!

*Always make sure to check the Youth Group Bulletin Board!

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!

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !

St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen
SPECIAL NOTE: We will be going to St. Thomas again on July 3, as there are few volunteers because of the holiday. So please join us! We will leave the
SCL parking lot at 3:00pm sharp. All volunteers are welcome.

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
2 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 for 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.
Richard 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.

IGNATIAN LAY VOLUNTEER CORPS
Retired? Eager to “give something back?” The Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps is accepting new members (age 50+) to work with the materially poor in the greater Chicago area two days weekly, and reflect and pray on that experience in the Ignatian tradition. For further information contact George Sullivan, 773-975-6871 or email here or the JLVC National office at (toll-free) 888-831-4686 or visit website at www.ilvc.org.

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
insurance programs begun in 1882 have the highest ratings from both Standard & Poors and A.M. Best.

Orphan Fraternal Benefit: The Knights help
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.

SPRED (Special Religious Education) is an agency of the Archdiocese which has designed a unique program for persons with developmental disabilities to help them know God and prepare for full participation in the sacramental life of the parish. The goal of SPRED is to help our friends develop an awareness of God, an awareness of themselves as persons of dignity who are loved by God, an awareness of themselves as an integral part of the parish community and the entire church.
Two years ago we started our own SPRED group at St. Catherine’s. We have seven participating young adults with disabilities and only four volunteers at this time. We have two more young adults waiting to join our group but not enough volunteers. We are in desperate need of helper catechists. We are looking for compassionate, kind, loving people who are willing to share faith and friendship with our friends who are developmentally challenged. If you fit this description or you know of someone who does, please consider joining our ministry. We meet on Monday evenings from 6:30pm-8:00pm—twenty-four times from October to May, twelve times with our friends and twelve times to prepare for our sessions.
Our last two years with our friends have been so rewarding and we have developed wonderful relationships. We have watched our friends grow in God’s love and have experienced all of them make the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was a wonderful experience.
If you’re interested in volunteering your time or would like more information, please call Carol DuBois at 847-486-0818

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DONATIONS NEEDED

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

Catholic Charity Dinner
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank Richard, Joe, Fred, Mary Beth and Rosalie for helping to serve dinner to 80 people at the Catholic Charity Dinner which was partially funded by the SCL SVDP Society.

SVDP Thank You
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul thanks all of our parishioners who contributed to our food drive for Maine Township Food Pantry. Thank you for Helping Us Help Others. “For I was hungry and you gave me food.” Matt:25:35

AND
We would like to thank all our parishioners who contributed to our clothing drive. "Our next collection is scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2009. "For I was naked and you clothed me." Matt: 25.36

AND
Kits For The Homeless Thanks!
We thank Regina, Joe, Fred, Pat, Leo, Peg, and Dick, for helping to prepare 110 toiletry kits for the homeless. The next assembly date is July 8 at 9:00am in Meeting Room 1. We continue to need white athletic socks for these toiletry kits.

Sharing and Caring
A donation of $300 was given to SCL Women’s Club by the Wednesday morning Ladies Bridge Club! Thank you!

Thank you
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank all those that generously gave to our Alms collection. A total of $1,096 was contributed. We also would like to thank all those who purchased raffle tickets for the Friends of the Poor Benefit. We raised $830. Your continued support for SVDP is needed and greatly appreciated. God bless you.

St. Vincent de Paul Society
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Catherine Laboure thanks our parishioners for their generous February Alms collection of $1,990. These Alms support our activities on behalf of the poor and needy of our community. We are pleased to report that during the period October 1, 2008 through February 10, 2009, we disbursed $10,703.40.

Your generosity enabled us to distribute toiletry kits to the homeless, food coupons to needy families, utility and housing assistance, and to continue our support of a family in a Catholic Charities Project Hope apartment. Please continue your support by the using the poor box on the wall next to the pamphlet rack in the vestibule. We will receive 25% of the Rice Bowl contributions for use in these worthy projects. Thank you for Helping Us Help Others.

As part of our ministry and with the help of you, our parish family, we have been supporting Catholic Charities’ Project Hope program for several years now. Through this program, families are provided with housing and social services and helped to achieve financial independence. We recently received a thank you note from our present family, which we wanted to share with everybody:
“We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the gifts and everything that you keep doing for us. It means a lot more than you can ever imagine. Even the little things, which may seem small to others, count a lot for us. The feeling of joy is so overwhelming in our hearts. May God bless you and remember all your sacrifices. Thank you from all of us.”

Words of Gratitude From Our Sharing Parish, St. Roman’s
Dear Fr. Mair,
As we begin a new year, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly on behalf of the parishioners of St. Roman Parish for your on-going support to our parish. Your sharing contribution, as always, helps fund the various programs and ministries offered to our parishioners throughout the year. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please know that we continue to hold you and your community members in our prayers, and may God continue to bless you all.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Walter Yepes

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 .

Thank you
The Women’s Centers of Greater Chicago and the SCL Respect Life Committee wish to thank all the parishioners of St. Catherine Laboure Parish for their most generous donation of $3,524.69 raised through the 2009 Baby Bottle Project.

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

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.

Help for Katie
Our granddaughter, Katelyn Thiele was born with a translocation of chromosomes. This translocation has caused major delays in her fine and gross motor development. She is four years old and is still unable to sit up unattended. She does not speak, walk or crawl.
Because of her developmental delays, Katie attends several therapy sessions per week. Her insurance provider does not cover all the cost for these therapies.

Jewel Food Stores has agreed to sponsor “Shop & Share Days” for Katie. Shop & Share costs you, the customer, nothing. You just do your regular shopping and turn in the slip below when you check out. Jewel will donate a percentage of regular grocery purchases to the Friends of Katie Thiele Fund, which will help for Katie’s therapies and medical expenses that are not covered by insurance.

Again, Shop & Share costs you nothing extra, but your participation will do so much to help provide Katie with the services she needs. Please try and do your shopping at Jewel on Katie’s Shop & Share days, and turn in the coupon found in the Parish bulletin.

Thanks for your support.
Janice Seipp
7th Grade Religious Education Instructor

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.

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SUPPORT & PROTECT LIFE

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
President Obama’s new executive order on embryonic stem cell research is a sad victory of politics over science and ethics. This action is morally wrong because it encourages the destruction of innocent human life, treating vulnerable human beings as mere products to be harvested. It also disregards the values of millions of American taxpayers who oppose research that requires taking human life. Finally, it ignores the fact that ethically sound means for advancing stem cell science and medical treatments are readily available and in need of increased support.
—Cardinal Justin Rigali, March 9, 2009 Statement concerning President Obama’s order to provide taxpayer funding for destructive embryo research

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

THE WOMEN’S CENTER
Ways you can help us:
Register your Dominick’s Fresh Values card with The Women's Center, and we’ll earn a percentage of what you spend—any day or time. Call us at 773-794-1313 to register.
Help clients obtain needed items at our Cicero Family Room.
Be a receptionist on Friday afternoon at our Cicero location (Call Katie at 773-794-8807 for both volunteer opportunities.)
We need diapers, crib sheets & blankets, bumper pads, receiving blankets, sleepers, gently used maternity clothes and children’s clothes sizes 4 and up, baby swings, baby cribs and mattresses, high chairs, infant car seats and toddler beds. Call 773-794-1313.

Women’s Center Needs
Volunteer ultrasound sonographers and greeters are needed for our Chicago and Evergreen Park offices. For more info call 773-794-1313. English and bi-lingual Spanish/English language volunteers are needed to answer phones and make appointments in our Cicero Ave office. Volunteers are also needed-at-our Cicero Ave-office Monday through Thursday to sort clothing and any weekday to help prepare baby bottles for our Spare Change project. Please call Katie at 773-794-8807.
We urgently need infant car seats with handles, toddler beds, baby cribs, crib mattresses, bumper pads, extra crib parts, porta­cribs, pack and plays, bouncers and baby bath tubs.
At the present time we desperately need diapers in all sizes, onesies, receiving and crib blankets, new clothes for layettes, and crib sheets. Call 773-794-1313 for the address where these can be dropped off. Thank you for your generosity.

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.

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, a new location. 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. Cardinal George and Bishops Manz and Conway have prayed with the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants at past vigils. Won’t you join us too? For more info, call Russell Lundsgaard at 724-6344.

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.

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VOCATIONAL

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.

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. Bob or any of our Priests or Sisters for guidance in discerning your future!

AN INVITATION
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.” See the possibilities.

For 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 here

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.

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

THAT WE MAY HAVE PRIESTS…
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.

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Please Remember to Pray for...