Ascension of the Lord May 20, 2012

“Why are you standing there

looking at the sky?”

*indicates part-time staff

Nick Furibondo 898.5224 Richard Strassburger 499.5676

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

Parish Staff Rev. Joel Fortier – Pastor, jfortier@stapostle.org Rev. Rodolphe Arty, Associate Pastor, x 103, rarty@stapostle.org Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Associate, robco@robco.org Fr. Pat Brennan, Weekend Associate, pbrennan@theclareatwatertower.com Rev. Mr. Chuck Lane – Deacon, x220, chucklane2@juno.com Rev. Mr. Jim Breen – Deacon, 630.357.4853, jimb4853@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. Larry Kearney – Deacon, x225, lrkearney@comcast.net Rev. Mr. Michael Barrett – Deacon , x220, meabarrett@att.net Liturgy Kate Cuddy – Director of Music and Liturgy, x112, kcuddy@stapostle.org Jessi Allured – Asst. Director of Music and Liturgy, x111, jallured@stapostle.org Lori Culberson – Liturgy Coordinator, x120, lculberson@stapostle.org Theresa Sheliga* – Sacristan Coordinator, x116 Faith Formation Sandy Renehan, Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy 630.961.6125 Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, crosales@stapostle.org Peggy Goralski – Youth Ministry, x123, pgoralski@stapostle.org Brett Adams – Coordinator of Middle School & High School Faith Formation, x117, badams @stapostle.org Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, x109, pdougherty@stapostle.org Nancy Cirmo – Religious Education Assistant, x118, ncirmo@stapostle.org Outreach and Social Justice Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, mryder@stapostle.org Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Sally Meno* – OSJ Financial, x137, smeno@stapostle.org Pastoral Care Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. – Faith Community Nurse, x104, flawlor@stapostle.org Rose Grumbine*, R.N., – Faith Community Nurse, x140, rgrumbine@stapostle.org Administration Janet Simmons – Finance/Business Officer, x106, jsimmons@stapostle.org Diane McQueen – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, dmcqueen@stapostle.org Kathy Ferguson – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, mainoffice@stapostle.org Marge Coronado - Administration and R.E. Asst, x219, mcoronado@stapostlr.org Marilyn DeMeo* – Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle – Bulletin and Web Editor, Liturgy Asst, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Bob Hartmann Facility Manager, x133, facility@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community Christine Berta 579.4294 Pam Foster 699.3044 Charles Haydon 369.2262

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

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

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

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

Sacrament of Reconciliation Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., or after the 4:30 p.m. Mass in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Fr. Joel is available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally throughout the year. Sick and Home Bound Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care. Baptism Baptisms are usually celebrated 2-3 Sundays each month at a 12:30 p.m. service. On selected dates, Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents are required to attend an awareness and renewal evening prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office a few months in advance to make arrangements. Matrimony A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas should contact the church six months in advance. One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or their parents, must be a registered parishioner for at least three months prior to calling to set a date. Religious Education Call the 630.305.6318 to register. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call the church at 630.355.8980. Counseling Service Call Samaritan Interfaith 630.357.2456 or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 630.355.8980 x 124. Sunday Nursery Nursery care is available for your child age one (walking) to four at the 9 & 10:45 a.m. Mass. For more information call the church office.

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature,” we hear from the gospel today on this Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. These are some of the last words Jesus spoke to us at the time of the Ascension and near the end of Mark’s gospel. My prayer on this Feast of the Ascension, as I prepare to enter into re-tirement, is that each and every one of us answer that call, awaken to the power within us, the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray that we might awaken and become aware of the divine presence of God, of I AM within us. Once aware of this presence we can tap the power of the Holy Spirit

which empowers us to bear the Divine Presence, Christ, to the world. We are, the church, the great sacrament of the encounter with Christ. We bear that Presence to the world. We — you and I — personally and corporately, are living sacraments of God’s grace to each other and to the world. I extend to you an invitation to celebrate with me during my last weekend at St. Thomas, June 1-3. See the an-nouncement below.

Blessings to each one of you,

Dear Friends,

“We are…

living sacraments of God’s grace to each other

and to the world.”

Ascension of the Lord May 20, 2012 “He was lifted up,

and a cloud took him from their sight.

— Acts 1:9

See page 7 for further details!

May 20, 2012, Page 4

Worship Commission—Liturgy & Music

Presider’s Schedule May 26/27

Saturday 4:30 pm, Fr. Bob Colaresi

Sunday 8:00 am, Fr. Dof Arty 9:30 am, Fr. Joel Fortier 11:15 am, Fr. Dof Arty

Schedule is subject to change. NOTE: The 6 pm Sunday Mass will resume next fall.

Today’s Readings First Reading — Jesus tells the disciples that they will be witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:1-11). Psalm — God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord (Psalm 47). Second Reading — God seated Jesus at his right hand in the heavens (Ephesians 1:17-23) or Ephesians 4:1-13 [1-7, 11-13]. Gospel — The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven. (Mark 16:15-20). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Readings for the Week Mon: Acts 19:1-8; Jn 16:29-33 Tues: Acts 20:17-27; Jn 17:1-11a Wed: Acts 20:28-38; Jn 17:11b-19 Thurs: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Jn 17:20-26 Fri: Acts 25:13b-21; Jn 21:15-19 Sat: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Jn 21:20-25 Sun: Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104; Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39 Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Gal 5:16-25; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15

Going Up? Reflections on Ascension Day By Bruce Epperly

The Ascension of Jesus (celebrated Sunday, May 20 this year) is a peculiar day in the Christian calendar. In a de-centered, non-hierarchical world, most of us don't know which way is up! Some Christians still live in a three-story universe—heaven above, earth between, hell below—but few people believe, as one pastor stated, that if you get into a space ship and fly far enough, you'll find a place called "heaven." What are we to make of Jesus' Ascension? Of course, it's not out of the question that Jesus defied gravity, but is that the real point? Is the Ascension about gravity or spirituality, geography or vocation? Acts 1:6-11 describes the Ascending Christ. First, the disciples quiz him about the fulfillment of history, the restoration of Israel. Jesus' response is purposely vague, and still remains good counsel for those who seek a precise date for judgment day or the fulfillment of history. "It is not for you to know the times or peri-ods." Rather, we are to await the coming of God's Spirit and the missional power that comes from en-countering the Holy, whether in the 1st or 21st centu-ries. Finished with his counsel, Jesus is lifted up, and the disciples are left gazing into the heavens until an angel admonishes, "Why do you stand looking toward heaven?" The angel promises Jesus' ultimate return, but that's not the point. The point is that the disciples' mis-sion and our own is right here—in our time and place and on our planet not some far off sphere. The point of Ascension is perspective. Rising to the clouds gives us a broader perspective on our lives and the planet. Rather than individualistic images of salva-tion and personal well-being, Ascension challenges us to bring heaven to earth, that is, to live Jesus' values in our world. As the Lord's Prayer proclaims, "Thy king-

dom (or realm) come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." When we live from a higher perspective, we can transcend our own self-interest to embrace the well-being of the whole earth, including strangers, enemies, and non-humans. On Ascension Day, we are called to "go up"—to find higher ground—not to escape Earth's crises, but to gain a vision and mission that is larger than ourselves or our communities. We don't need to look to the heavens to find inspiration. The ever-present God is right here, giving us all the guidance and inspiration we need, if we but look beyond ourselves. Our mission is here—to heal, to embrace, to welcome, and to love. We don't need to wait for a far off day of perfection and rapture. If God is always with us, then right here and now can be the day of transformation and fulfillment.

Page 5 — May 20, 2012

Pray For Our Parish

Mass Intentions Monday, May 21, 2012 8:30 †Helen Ferguson, by Eleanor & John McNicholas Tuesday, May 22, 2012 8:30 †Cecilia Chrabas, by Marilyn & Dennis DeMeo Wednesday, May 23, 2012 8:30 †James Cliff, by Phyllis Cliff †Cecilia Chrabas, by Kathy & Bear Thursday, May 24, 2012 8:30 †Eutiquio Sarmentero, Martha Jarboe Friday, May 25, 2012 8:30 Special Intention for Harold & Ruth Russell’s 70th Anniversary, by Shirley Shepard Saturday, May 26, 2012 4:30 For the People of St. Thomas Sunday, May 27, 2012 8:00 †Helen Ferguson, by Audrey Easton †Amparo Lopez, by Amy Deguzman 9:30 †Will Worden, by Ray & Pat Kammar †Thomas McKenna, by John & Felicia Lawlor 11:15 †Anthony Rizzi, by Family †Joe Bombacino, by Family

SR Joel Curry SR Jeffrey Bates

Sgt. Aaron Simms Cpt. Matthew Haselhorst PFC Sean Wesley Sgt. William Stuart

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

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

Air Force National Guard Senior Airman Jacob Brancaleon

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

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

U.S. Navy AT3 Amanda Schlarman Ensign Jason Coons

U.S. Coast Guard

Call the parish office 630.355.8980 to include someone you love in the Military prayer list.

for the sick… Tom Pozen, father of Matt Patrick Rockowitz & Linda Paulis Frank Gorman, father of Larry Caitlin Holcomb, daughter of Mary & Casey, sister of Doug for the deceased… Don Zick, husband of Susan, father of Maddie

Christ Jesus, Over and over again You break through our hopelessness. You rise again and again In the places of our lives Where all seems lost; You rise again and again In our hearts When they seem all but totally broken. Come now, And continue to amaze us, Letting your resurrection Move and breathe within us, And guide us to new hope. Amen D.H.

May 20, 2012, Page 6

Parish Picnic August 26 It is time to plan the St. Thomas Parish Picnic scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, August 26! Once a team is put together, a planning meeting will be scheduled. Contact Patti Dougherty 630.355.8980 ext.109 or pdougherty@stapostle.org. If we each take a small piece, a lot can happen!

Faith and Formation Commission– Adult

Another precept of our Church is to lead a sac-ramental life. We are very fortunate as Catholic Christians to have a tradition and a heritage that offers and promotes partaking of the Sacraments. The Sacraments are opportunities to have personal encounters with the living God and to receive His graces. Especially those Sacraments that are re-peatable can be viewed as regular therapy for our souls. The Sacrament of Reconciliation allows us to continue the work of Baptism which is conver-sion and forgiveness. We are asked to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year. If we are in a serious state of sin, we should partake of the sacrament as soon as possible. We are also asked to receive Holy Communion at least once a year between the first Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday which tends to fall in June. That’s the bare minimum. But Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ Himself, is such a pre-cious gift, why wouldn’t we want that gift as often as possible? Our Church strongly encourages us to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist on a regular basis, because all sinners stand in need of transformation.

C.A.R.E. CORNER

Volunteers Needed The annual St. Thomas the Apostle mission trip to Tutwiler is fast approaching and volunteers are needed! Absolutely no construction experience is re-quired, although construction/trades knowledge is always helpful. Very capable construction leaders are on each team. All that is really required is a willing-ness to make the journey. Families with teenagers 16 or older are welcome. It has proven to be a very re-warding experience for the veterans that have helped. St. Thomas has been helping to build safe and af-fordable housing at the current location in Tutwiler, Mississippi for 15 years – St. Thomas work crews are well entrenched and respected in the community. While participants are there not only will they be part of a great Habitat mission, but will also get a chance to meet the people of the community and experience some of the local Delta culture – Tutwiler is the home of the Blues. Travel dates this year are the weeks of June 9 or 10 – 16 and June 16 or 17 – 23. For more information contact Amy Lane Kaminsky at closingsinc@sbcglobal.net or 630.918.8515.

Page 7 — May 20, 2012

SPIRIT

john angotti in concert friday, june 1, 7:30 pm

May 20, 2012, Page 8

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

Question of the Week... How am I a messenger of God’s love?

Faith and Formation Commission– Youth Parents of Children with Special Needs A support group for married couples who are raising special needs children is held at St. Mary of Gostyn Parish in Downers Grove once a month on Sun-days from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The next meeting is Sunday, June 10. The focus is on emotional understanding, information, and support. Interested couples should send an email inquiry to coupleswithspe-cialneeds@gmail.com and a group coor-dinator will contact them. Also, a series of six once-a-week sup-port group meetings for all parents of special needs children is held periodically at St. Joseph Parish in Downers Grove. A commitment to attending all six ses-sions is required. Call St. Joseph Parish 630.964.0216.

May Crowning Liz Michalski shared the reflection, below, at the May Crowning on behalf of the Rosary Ministry and all the butterflies Fr. Joel has nurtured over the years…

This year, we were honored to have Fr. Joel bless and crown the statue of our Blessed Mother Mary in the sanctuary. Our ten-year journey with his outstanding leader-ship and spiritual guidance has been filled with love, joy, and blessings. Our gratitude to him and to Our Lord for gracing us with him as our pastor is boundless. When Mary humbly answered “yes” to God’s call, little did she realize how her sur-render would eternally impact each and every one of us. You, too, Fr. Joel, by answering “yes” to God’s call have transformed so many of us from our cocoons into butterflies. You have taught us how to unfold our wings, how to fly, and mostly how to let God’s spirit lift our wings. Thank you for channeling God’s love into our lives and letting us to see His smile through you. Like Mary 2000 years ago, you won’t know what impact you have made on our world in totality, but each one of us here today can attest to part of it! God bless you, Fr. Joel and thank you for our beautiful wings! We are honored, this year, to have had you crown in the sanctuary our Blessed Mother Mary, the mother of Our Saviour, and the role model of what it means to say “Yes”. New Mary Prayer Area On May 12, after the 4:30 mass, Fr. Dof blessed and dedicated the new outdoor Mary Statue and Prayer Area. Boy Scout and pa-rishioner, Eric Katz, constructed this brick prayer area along with assistance from others in Troop 81 for his Eagle project. Many parishioners donated or purchased a brick for this Mary Prayer Area. Dave Otto contributed over 2500 flyers to get the project off the ground. Thank you to all who contributed in some way to Eric’s project and for making this Mary Prayer Area for all to en-joy at St. Thomas. A special thank you to Liz Michalski for her dedication to Mary and the help she gave in the May Crowning and the dedication of this Mary Prayer Area. Mary’s W.A.Y. Dinner Following the blessing and dedication of the new Mary Prayer Area, a dinner was hosted by Mary’s W.A.Y. Ministry (Women Answering Yes!) Sarah Jarzembowski, spoke on Mary “A Look Through Mary’s Eyes”. Thank you to Sarah and to Molly Petersen for organizing this dinner, enjoyed by many. We ask for Mary’s blessings on us all as we continue to celebrate her this month of May.

4th Annual Youth Mission Garage Sale June 8 and 9! St. Thomas the Apostle’s teens

going on mission to Aurora, Washington DC, and Nicaragua will be hosting a ga-rage sale fundraiser and they need your help! They are seeking gently used items for the sale. Smaller items will be ac-cepted, beginning Friday, May 25 and larger items the week of the sale (i.e. fur-niture, etc). The garage sale will take place 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9. Spread the word!

Page 9 — May 20, 2012

Just5Days is a five-day service program for middle schoolers and their adult lead-ers. This coming July, seven people from St. Thomas will take part in a Just5Days event in Appleton, Wisconsin, working to help children and families in need. Please pray for them as they prepare for the week of service. Would you like to join this team for the week? More help is welcomed from middle school students. If you are interested in finding out more, go online to www.just5days.org for more information OR call or email Peggy Goralski at pgoral-ski@stapostle.org , 630.355.8980, Ext. 123. Middle School RE Help Needed Planning has already started for the 2012/2013 religious education year. Religious education volunteers are the lifeblood of the program. Are you looking for a meaningful way to get more involved? Prayerfully consider being a middle school RE catechist, a classroom aid, a substitute catechist, or an administrative helper (hall monitor, crossing guard, attendance helper). For more information or to volun-teer, contact Peggy Goralski at pgoralski@stapostle.org or 630.355.8980, x123.

THANK YOU… to Religious Education Volunteers The following people helped to pass our faith on to the children of St. Thomas (Pre-K through 5th grade). They shared their gifts and time with the Religious Education Program this past year, helping young people to grow in their faith. The program is dependent on this sense of shared ministry. If you know any of these wonderful people, take a moment to thank them. If you would like the opportunity to share your faith, call the Religious Education Office! They will be happy to assist you.

Meridith Aiello Catherine Ainger Cathy Archambault Joyce Axe Carol Baker Chris Baker Wendy Balda Deacon Michael Barrett Cindy Bass Carol Bax Anne Belgio Kathy Bereman Bernadette Bernardo Jeff Berta Sheleagh Bishop Alma Blanco Liz Bosworth Janet Brancato Deacon Jim Breen Tom Cahill Nancy Capezzuto Chris Cast Kathy Cast Elaine Catuara Lourdes Chew Ann Cleveland Maura Connor Christina Coronado Marge Coronado Monica Coronado Susan Corrigan Margaret Crowley Kate Cuddy Lori Culberson Renee Culbertson Jeanette Curtis Joan Doll Tisha Danehl Chris Davila Elise Diner Mary Ann Dichoso Lucy Drew Laura Duguid Amy Duran Dawn Eber Jim Eber Caroline Edgers Amy Elston Maggie Embree Samantha Fattes Wanda Fattes Sandy Follin Colleen Fournier

Mary Garramone Tamara Gasior Maria Gomez Maribel Guerra Adriana Hartmann Austin Harvey Sue Harvey Julie Hess Chris Hubek Sandy Huerta Lauren Hulsey Sherry Hulsey Gendy Jaramillo Chuck Jaudes Rosemary Karl Roseann Kaste Lorraine Katz Deacon Larry Kearney Ellen Keeler Jennifer Kennedy Melisa Kennedy Catherine Kolet Dawn Koszala Maggie Koszala Michelle Krzmarzick Emily Kurland Sharon Leger Michelle Livorsi Deacon Chuck Lane Phyllis Lucker Mylan Martin Joseph Mayoralgo Martne McCoy Kathy McCoy-Pepiot JoAnne McKee Bridget McKernan Veronic McLaughlin Cindy Meerman Sharon Meyer Leanne Meyer-Smith Tim Micheau Anne Miller Burnice Monteiro John Morris Mary Beth Nagai Cindy Newendyke Lynn Nicinski Kristin Nold Diane Osepek Maureen Overman Sujo Parakkal Ivonne Pearson Sandy Phillips

Christine Ramirez Paul Reichel Kate Renc Cathie Riddle Patty Samojedny Gloria Serna Kari Serna Tricia Serna Ruth Sheahan Toni Sieve Mary Ann Smith Meg Smith Rachel Smith Kelli Sondker Colleen Steffgen Breanna Sterling Marybeth Stewart Margo Stone Sharon Sugas Laura Svec Laura Swanson Stephanie Swiertz Jenny Tapia Tina Theis Carolyn Tjards Jill Toole Maria Torres Maureen Troke Paula Urso Vicki Varzino Sarah Vonderheide Jacquie Vu Thuc Vu Tami Wagener Mari Walbridge Heidi Walsh Kathryn Ward Deacon Will Worden † Dona Windisch Ken Windisch Sharon Yelaska Katelin Yoshioka Linda Yoshioka † Dee Zeuthen Donna Zielka

and of course: Fr. Joel, Fr. Dof, Fr. Pat and Fr. Bob

†May they rest in peace with our Lord.

May 20, 2012, Page 10

Service Commission—Outreach & Social Justice

What are the Traditions of St. Thomas?

St. Thomas Mission Statement Led by the Holy Spirit, rooted in the Eucharist, St. Thomas the Apostle strives to be an inclusive servant community — to be Christ in the World. We bear the Good News of God’s unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, wit-ness, and service. Founders Vision Statement WE, THE PEOPLE OF ST. THOMAS, ARE GATHERED TOGETHER BY GOD AS A CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF FAITH. • We are challenged to accept God as the heart and center of our lives. • We are the Body of Christ by our Baptism, members of one another. • We believe each life is sacred, each person gifted by God. • We value diversity in our midst. • We try to discern the Spirit’s direction by prayer and by listening to the wisdom of all. • We share our lives in laughter, at times in tears, enjoying the goodness of one another. • We are a community of fragile human beings, often in need of forgiveness and healing. • We gather in worship around the Lord Jesus to lift our hearts, minds and voices in praise, to be nourished by God to renew the bonds of community. • We take time to pray together and support one another whenever we meet for ministry. • We are an open, welcoming Christian community, reaching out to others, sharing the Good News, inviting people to join us on the journey. WE ARE CALLED BY JESUS TO CONTINUE HIS MISSION IN OUR PLACE AND TIME. • God sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts, charging us to proclaim God’s love by our actions and words. • We are called to be servants – Good Samaritans, foot-washers like Jesus. • We are called to live simply, as Jesus lived, sharing our time and resources with those in need, promoting God’s kingdom of justice and peace. • Each of us is empowered and co-responsible for carrying out the mission of our parish.

In the next few months our faith community will experience a transition. Fr. Joel is embarking on a new path in his faith journey after 10 wonderful years with us. And we are welcoming Fr. Don into our community with open hearts to share our faith journey with us. Over our 28 years as a parish, our St. Thomas parish has evolved into the faith community that we are. And while we are always in transition, both individually and as a community, there are some things about us that have evolved to reflect the community we are and the community we strive to be. Those are our St. Thomas traditions. What better time than now to give voice to those traditions? We invite all in our community to identify our St. Thomas traditions. What happens at St. Thomas that reflects our mission statement (see below), that fosters our values as a faith community, and that re-minds us of where we are as a community and where we are called to be. What we do doesn’t make a tradition. It is more about how we do it, what we do that makes it special, and why we do it. Why is it important to us as a com-munity? The business world might call it a “best prac-tice.” For example: � We have a food pantry. That in itself is not a tradi-

tion. But perhaps there is something about the way we do it that makes it special.

� We hold hands during the Our Father at our liturgies. Why is that important to us?

Please share your thoughts. Name the tradition. Add a few words. Express the value of that tradition for you personally and/or for our community. Send your thoughts in one of the ways suggested... � Via regular mail to Mike Ryder,

1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL � Via email (mryder@stapostle.org) � Comment on St. Thomas Facebook page � Website feedback at www.stapostle.org

Page 11 — May 20, 2012

The Truck Is Here! The St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Spring Clothing Drive is this weekend with St. Thomas Vincentians present to collect your donations from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

on Saturday and 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 on Sunday. Clothing and home goods of all kinds are accepted– even non-working electronics (computer equipment, monitors, fax machines, TVs, radios).. Why should you save your castoffs for us? Not only will you be helping the environment by preventing them from going to the landfill but some of these items will be given a new life and provided, at no cost, to those who have little. While the majority of your donations will be sold in our Joliet and West Chicago stores, some of the money received is returned to the St. Thomas SVDP ministry to help our pa-rishioners and neighbors with rent and utilities. So, help us fill that truck!

Volunteers Needed The St. Thomas annual mission trip to Tutwiler is fast approaching and new volunteers are needed! Ab-solutely no construction experience is required, although construction/trades knowledge is always helpful. Very capable construction leaders are on each team. All that is really re-quired is a willingness to make the journey. Families with teenagers 16 or older are welcome. It has proven to be a very rewarding experience for the veterans that have helped. St. Thomas has been helping to build safe and affordable housing at our current location in Tutwiler, Mis-sissippi for 15 years and is well en-trenched and respected in the com-munity. While there, not only will you be part of a great Habitat mis-sion, but you will also get a chance to meet the people of the community and experience some of the local Delta culture – Tutwiler is the home of the Blues. Travel dates this year are the weeks of June 9 or 10 – 16 and June 16 or 17 – 23. For more information contact Amy Lane Kaminsky at clos-ingsinc@sbcglobal.net or 630.918.8515.

Volunteers Needed for St. Nicholas Kermes Fair

• Play in the Duck Pond • Laugh During Minute to Win It • Enjoy Authentic Mexican Food and Music Every year the relationship with St. Nicholas Parish in Aurora is enriched by St. Thomas parishioners participating in their Kermes Fair. This year the Fair is Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24, in the St. Nicholas church parking lot. It is a delightful event with authentic and delicious Mexican food and with Mexican music and dancing. St. Thomas is once again hosting the children’s games.

Volunteers are needed to: • Obtain Game Prizes • Set-Up and Clean Up on Sunday, June 24 Help at the St. Thomas Booth on Sunday, June 24 for a two hour shift

If you can help, contact Diane McQueen in the Main Office (dmcqueen@stapostle.org or 630.355.8980, x101). Birthday Money for Ertha Isabella DeRosa just celebrated her First Communion at St. Thomas. That was a major step in her faith journey. Isabella was adopted from an orphanage in China. Ertha is the remarkable woman that founded an orphanage in our Twinning community in Duchity, Haiti. She has visited St. Thomas on many occasions. Isabella met Ertha on one of her visits. Just before her First Communion, Isabella donated her birthday money to Ertha’s orphanage. That was another step on her faith journey.

St. Nicholas Kermes FairSt. Nicholas Kermes Fair

May 20, 2012, Page 12

Pastoral Care

The Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach for spe-cial times of motherhood. This ministry follows the example of the scriptural story of the Visitation by bringing women together who share a similar story. We want to help welcome your new family member! If your family is expanding, through birth or adoption, please let us know and we can set up a visit with one of our ministers. Contact Rose Grumbine in the Parish Nurse Office. Call 630.355.8980 x140 or e-mail rgrumbine@stapostle.org.

In the Hospital or Homebound?

Call the parish office 355-8980 or the Pastoral Care Office x 124 and

one of our parish nurses or ministers of care will visit, bring Eucharist and prayer.

Blood Pressure Screening This Weekend Blood Pressure Screenings will be held TODAY in the Deacon’s office. Screenings are after the 4:30 Saturday Mass and the 8:00, 9:30 and 11:15 Sunday Masses. The Deacon’s office is in the left wing, as you exit Church. All are WELCOME. Do you or does someone you love live with psoriasis? Come to the St. Thomas Lighthouse on June 14 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. for a free educational program: Refusing to Hide—Simple strategies for living with psoriasis Meet the daily challenges of living with pso-riasis head-on with helpful tips from this educa-tional discussion. You’ll learn facts about psoria-sis as well as simple strategies for working with your dermatologist to manage your psoriasis. Louise LeDuc, a Psoriasis Patient Advocate from Abbot, will lead this educational evening. Contact Rose Grumbine to reserve your spot or for questions: 630.355.8980 x140 or rgrumbine@stapostle.org

Support the Culture of Life with Prayer Wednesday, May 23, 8AM-5PM Come and pray for just one hour outside the Aurora Planned Parenthood Clinic on the fourth Wednesday of the Month That is the day that St. Thomas is asked to provide prayer — prayer for the unborn children, for the mothers, and for the fathers. If you have not done this before and have any questions, call Mary Ellen O’Rourke 630.851.8262. The Planned Parenthood Clinic is located at the southwest corner of New York Street and Oakhurst, just east of Eola Road. It is a rewarding spiritual experience.

We are one body in Christ --- even the tiniest among us.

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

Weekly Sunday Offertory May 13, 2012 Sunday Collection Offering Automatic Direct Debit Mailed in & stock donations Total for week *Based on Collection Counters Reports

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

$21,318 $18,690 $2,371

$42,379

$1,626,938 $35,368

$1,687,188 ($60,250)

$1,870,587 $243,649

$139,177 $106,610

76.60 $32,567

577

Life Changes? New address, telephone or email? Contact Marilyn DeMeo! 630. 355.8980 x107 or mdemeo@stapostle.org

FLAGS, FAITH, FAMILY AND FRIENDS May we experience the joy & peace that comes to all who believe in the lessons that those who have gone before us share with us, in Life and in Death. Celebrate Memorial Day Mass at Risen Lord Catholic Cemetery MEMORIAL DAY MASS SCHEDULE MONDAY, MAY 28, 9:00 a.m. Risen Lord Cemetery 1501 Simons Rd (127th Street), Oswego 630.554.7590 Come and celebrate a Memorial Day Mass and honor and remember a loved one. By attending this Memorial Day Celebration, you will benefit by: � Sharing in the refreshments that will be served following the Mass � Receive a Commemorative Memorial Day flag � Receive a complimentary copy of “A Guide to My Last Wishes”

The Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Joliet

May 20, 2012, Page 14

Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, May 21 4:00—5:30 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:00—8:30 p.m. NAMI, Youth Center 7:30—9:00 p.m. Contempletive Prayer Group, Rectory Basement Tuesday, May 22 7:00—9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00—9:00 p.m. Charismatic Prayer Group, Lounge 7:00—10:00 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church Wednesday, May 23 7:00—9:00 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym 7:00—10:00 p.m. Myriam Rehearsal, Church Thursday, May 24 9:15—11:15 a.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 4:15—5:30 p.m. Jammers, Church 6:00—7:30 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 7:00—9:00 p.m. DuPage United, Lighthouse 7:30—9:00 p.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 7:30—10:00 p.m. Genesis Rehearsal, Church Friday, May 25 Saturday, May 26 8:30—11:00 a.m. Ensemble Rehearsal, Lighthouse 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Saturday Sharing, Senior Center West Sunday, May 27 9:00am-12:00 p.m. RCIA, Senior Center

Keynote Speaker Night Presentation Wednesday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m.

"Free Career Seminar" - Steve Olsher Our presenter is Steve Olsher, well-known author and speaker who will provide a stimulating look as to how to discover who you were born to be and its importance throughout your life. Steve has taught thousands how to discover their WHAT -- that is, the ONE thing they were born to do and tap into their unique, natural abilities. De-termining the combined skills, traits, and interests that make you distinct can lead you to your next opportunity, help in your selection of an occupation that aligns with who you inherently are, and lead you towards satisfaction and happiness. Be sure to attend this excellent presenta-tion. Steve Olsher is America’s Reinvention Expert and has taught thousands how to NICHETIZE!™ by identifying and monetizing their WHAT—that is, the ONE thing they were born to do. His singular approach for realizing per-manent, positive change blends proprietary methods with ancient wisdom and revolutionary lessons from modern thought leaders and forms a proven system for ultimate achievement in business and life. He is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Liquor.com; President of Bold Develop-ment; co-star of the groundbreaking film, The Keeper of the Keys with Jack Canfield, John Gray, and Marci Shi-moff; Author of Internet Prophets: The World's Leading Experts Reveal How to Profit Online; Founder of the Rein-vention Workshop; Host of Reinvention Radio; Author of USA Book News’ Self-Help Book of The Year Jour-ney To You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming Who You Were Born to Be; and, an in-demand media guest who has appeared on ABC TV, FOX TV, CNBC.com and more than 200 radio shows including national shows hosted by Lou Dobbs, Jim Bohannon, and Mancow Muller. Wed, May 23, 7 pm: A FREE CAREER SEMINAR. Presenter Steve Olsher, well-known author and speaker, will provide a stimulating look at how to discover who you were born to be and its importance throughout your life. Steve has taught thousands how to discover their WHAT -- that is, the ONE thing they were born to do and tap into their unique, natural abilities.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 (630)355-8980. Friday meeting formats include announcements, speaker presentation, and 2 rounds of networking. Prepare your elevator speech, and bring enough handbills to pass out to 20 fellow network-ers. Wednesday night is speaker only, no formal network-ing. Contact Bob Hronek <rhronek@sbcglobal.net>; or Ben Willingham <Benwillingham11@gmail.com>; for more info.

St. Thomas the Apostle JOBS MINISTRY

Summer Office Hours St. Thomas offices close at Noon on Fridays during the summer. (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

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May 20, 2012, Page 16