St. Catherine Laboure

SMILE For The Pictorial Directory
This week is the last time to sign-up in the vestibule after all Masses for an appointment to have your picture taken for the 50th Anniversary Pictorial Directory. We will keep the online sign-up open at http://signup.olanmills.com (the password is 847-729-1414). Please be informed that a member of the Olan Mills Telephone Unit will be phoning all parishioners who have not booked an appointment. If you need any help in making your appointment, please feel free to call me at 847-998-6186 or email here.

Pictorial Directory Additional Locations
Following is information for those of you that have requested additional locations to have your photos taken when your children come home from college. Please be sure to ask the host/hostess or photographer for a visitor’s form when you have your picture taken.This is necessary to have your photo get to the correct church. As a back up, please call me (847-998-6186) or email wolfbsn@hotmail.com me with your information; where the photo was taken and your selection photo number.
Locations and dates:
May 12-15 - St. Ita Church, 1220 W. Catalpa Ave., Chicago. You can contact this church after April 4 by calling Sister Mary at 773-561-5343. This is about a 45 minute drive.
May 17-19 - Northfield Community Church, 400 Wagner Road, Northfield. You can contact this Church after April 11at 847-446-3070. Located at Willow and Wagner.

Every photo taken with Olan Mills benefits SCL as this count provides more activity pages for our directory. It is not necessary for you to buy anything.

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.

U.S. House Keeps Abortion Funding Out of Health Care Reform
Ensure Affordable Health Coverage
Allow Immigrants to Purchase Private Health Insurance
As long-time advocates of health care reform, the U.S. Catholic bishops continue to make the moral case that genuine health care reform must protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Health care reform should not advance a pro-abortion agenda in our country.

On November 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform that reaffirms the essential, longstanding and widely supported policy against using federal funds for elective abortions and includes positive measures on affordability and immigrants.

On December 24, the U.S. Senate rejected this policy and passed health care reform that requires federal funds to help subsidize and promote health plans that cover elective abortions. All purchasers of such plans will be required to pay for other people’s abortions through a separate payment solely to pay for abortion.
Outside the abortion context, neither bill has adequate conscience protection for health care providers, plans or employers.
These two bills must now be combined into one bill that both the House and Senate will vote on in final form. Provisions against abortion funding and in favor of conscience protection, affordability, and immigrants’ access to health care must be part of a fair and just health care reform bill, or the final bill must be opposed.

ACTION: Contact your Representative and Senators today by e-mail, phone or FAX.
To send a pre-written, instant e-mail to Congress go to www.usccb.org/action.
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or call your Members’ local offices.
Contact info can be found on Members’ web sites at www.house.gov & www.senate.gov.

MESSAGE—HOUSE:
“I am pleased that the House health care bill maintains the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion. I urge you to work to uphold essential provisions against abortion funding, to include full conscience protection and to assure that health care is accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose the final bill.”

MESSAGE—SENATE:
“I am deeply disappointed that the Senate health care bill fails to maintain the longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate protection for conscience. I urge you to support essential provisions against abortion funding, similar to those in the House bill. Include full conscience protection and assure that health care is accessible and affordable for all. Until and unless these criteria are met, I urge you to oppose the final bill.”

WHEN: Votes in the House and Senate on the final bill are expected in January. Act today! Thank You!
 www.usccb.org/healthcare.

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.

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.

Say Hi to Joe!
Hello, Parishioners of St. Catherine Laboure. My name is Joe Hathaway and I am happy to be part of St. Catherine’s staff in the rectory.
I have worked for the Archdiocese for several years, a couple teaching fourth graders and most recently as a Liturgy Coordinator. God has blessed my wife, Daniela, and me with two daughters - Josie is six and Annie is four. We live in Geneva, IL. Staff and parishioners here at SCL have been very welcoming and I am grateful to be of assistance to your pastor, Fr. Maina, in his task of leading Christ’s faithful. God bless you.

Room For Rent
Call Kay at 847-729-4916.

SCL Jubilee Celebration
Our 50th Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in 2010 on May 23rd at 10:30am with Cardinal George. A reception will follow for the entire parish! Our Dinner Dance will be on May 22nd at Chevy Chase! Reserve these dates on your May calendar! More fun events are also being planned throughout the year!
And we need your photos!
Please send any photos you may have, sharing your experiences in the past 50 years. Pictures may be dropped at the rectory (please include your name so they can be returned) or emailed to email here, as an attachment.
And the planning committee would love to hear your ideas! We are searching for founding members! If you are one or are in the know, please contact Rosalie at 847-832-1203

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.

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.

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
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

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.

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YOUTH C.L.U.B. NEWS

March 7 – Day of the Spirit – please meet in the Rec Room at 10:30 for the skits (NO TEEN MASS)
March 14 – Chat Topic TBA
March 21 – Chat Topic TBA
March 28 and April 4 – NO MEETINGS Spring Break & Easter Sunday.
*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 !

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.

St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen
A special thank you to Frank, Katy, Jackie, Judy, Marilee, Ed, Kitty, Jerri, Jim, Mary, Katy, Scottie, and Dick for helping in the preparation and serving of meals to 207 guests at St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen. Our next Soup Kitchen is March 26.

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? Please set this evening aside:
April 21 at 7:00pm in Meeting Room 1.

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.

SCL 50th Celebration
This is your personal invitation to be on the planning committee to help plan our activities to celebrate 50 years of Parish life here at St. Catherine Laboure. Please contact Lou (847-498-6337) if you are interested in helping. If you like to organize, we need you - if you like to throw parties, we need you - if you like to be involved, we need you - if you have computer imaging knowledge, we need you!
And we need your photos! Please send any photos you may have, sharing your experiences in the past 50 years. Pictures may be dropped at the rectory (please include your name so they can be returned) or emailed to Lou Cosmano - email here
Our Fundraiser Dinner-Dance will be on May 22, 2010 and our Anniversary Mass will be on May 23rd at 10:30am. Mark it on the calendar NOW!

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
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.
TThe 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

St. Vincent DePaul News
Thank You for Your Donations!
Thank you to all who called with offers to help the handicapped family from St. Philomena’s that had been robbed. Your generosity is always amazing. For those who made offers but items were not needed, please remember that our next St. Vincent de Paul collection will be June 5 and 6. Two trucks will be parked in the Church parking lot to receive your household items, clothes and furniture. For bigger items, a truck can be requested. Please call Lavetta at 773-779-6700 for a pick-up date.

Kits for the homeless Thank you
We thank Regina and Dick for helping to prepare 60 toiletry kits for Connections for the Homeless and the Cook County Veterans Assistance program. The next assembly date is March 10 at 9:00am in Meeting Room 1.

IRA Charitable Rollover
Don’t miss out. Current legislation allows donors to make charitable gifts from their IRA accounts during 2009 without incurring income tax on the withdrawal. If you are age 70½ or older and are required to take minimum withdrawals and you do not need them for personal use, this may be a great way to make a gift to one or more qualified charities. While you cannot claim a charitable deduction for IRA gifts, you will not pay income tax on the amount. Transfers must be made from a traditional or Roth IRA account by your plan provider DIRECTLY to the charity. Benefits--Qualified charitable distributions: can total up to $100,000 in each tax year; can be excluded from your gross income for federal income tax purposes; can be used to satisfy your Minimum Required Distribution (MRD); you are subject to limitations on your itemized deductions.
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” Philippians 4:6-7
St. Paul reminds us that our God is an abundant God, the ultimate giver of gifts. He promises to give us all that we need. When we trust that God will take care of us, it is easier for us to share what we have been given.

2010 Annual Catholic Appeal Begins
“…they left everything and followed Him.” (Luke 5:11)
Many of our parishioners either have or soon will receive a mailing from Cardinal George. He will ask that you make a pledge to the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal.
The Annual Catholic Appeal is the largest philanthropic source of financial support for ALL of the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. In addition, it funds services and operating costs and improvements that are of great need to our parish.
This year, the theme of the Appeal is, “. . . they left everything and followed Him.” This familiar phrase from the story of the Apostles walking away from their livelihoods and their worldly possessions to follow Jesus is a familiar one. But how often do we reflect on their example as it applies to our lives. At the core of discipleship is the practice of stewardship. Stewardship is the recognition that all that we have is a gift from God and we are obligated to return a significant portion of our gifts to assist in his work. Our gifts are to be given in gratitude for what God has given us. A gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal helps to provide education, services, and ministry to thousands within and outside of our Archdiocese.

More info will be given next week. Please prayerfully consider a pledge to the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal.

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.

Celebrating 50 Years of Sharing Christ with Love
We are proud to be celebrating our 50th Anniversary as a vital Parish community in 2010! Fifty years of joining together for worship, fellowship and enrichment. If you would like to donate an item or service for our Silent Auction on May 23, please call Lou at 847-498-6337.

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
Entertainment Books will be sold by the St. Vincent de Paul Society after Mass on October 24 and 25. 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.

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SUPPORT & PROTECT LIFE

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.

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.

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.

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VOCATIONAL

Exploring Priesthood Weekend
The Vocation Office is hosting an Exploring Priesthood Weekend retreat at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein on April 16-18, 2010. If you are college age or older, have thought about priesthood, and would like to experience a weekend retreat at
Mundelein Seminary, contact Fr. Joe Noonan or 312-534-8298

Religious Vocation Event for High School Girls!
Are you a young woman in high school curious about religious life as a Sister? Gather with others like yourself and find out more about our lives. Join us for a day of discovery, fun and prayer at Vocation Voyage on Saturday, March 13, at Guerin Prep High School, 8001 Belmont Ave in River Grove, from 9:30am- 5:00pm. Register with Sr. Lovina or call her at 815-464-3873.

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 Seminary
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 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.

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 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.

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...