NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 12, 2012

From Father Rich Homa

SharingsSharingsSharings Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS has given us FCFC to help us discern the proper relationship between our two citizenships: we are in this world: (the United States of America) but not of it (our true citizenship is in the Kingdom of God). So how should we see the relationship between our American and Heavenly Citizenships? At a glance, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship is anchored in:

1ST 1 Assumption about the role of faith.

2ND 2 Foundations for Catholic political activity.

3RD 2 Duties of the Catholic moral life.

4TH 2 Temptations to consciously avoid.

5TH 4 Distinctions about Catholic political style. Political NOT Partisan. Though we must participate in the political process we must never allow party membership to supersede Catholic teaching in the formation of our consciences. All citizens must “see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest” (USCCB, Living the Gospel of Life, no. 33).

Principled NOT Ideological. The Catholic Tradition does not offer an ideology, but a consistent moral framework-drawn from basic human reason that is illuminated by Scripture and the teaching of the Church. The moral principles offered by the Church are a gift to humanity and make possible the laity’s creative, public, and prophetic witness to the truth in a world created good, marked by sin, and redeemed in Christ.

Civil NOT Soft. Although the Church cannot be “soft” on issues relating to Her essential teaching, Catholics must contribute to civil conversation and dialogue. This is not merely a requirement of life in a pluralistic society, but of charity. The Church’s desire to have as many dialogue partners as possible should never be seen as “softening,” but as valuable opportunities to learn from those outside Her fold.

Engaged NOT Used. The Church’s willingness to listen to opposing views and engage in rigorous public debate should never be an opportunity any individual or group to use the Church and her teachings for political, ideological, or economic gain. The message of the Church and Her Bishops must always be communicated with care and nuance, but also defended against manipulation and distortion. The only ones to consider as Catholic morality is a unity and must be seen and applied as a whole.

(To be continued…)

May God bless you,

P.S. Coming: The First Annual Capital Repair Fund Raffle In the near future you will be receiving a mailing from the parish for our new raffle supporting the Capital Repair Fund, which is used for the long-term maintenance of the parish buildings. Please take the time to read the cover letter in the mailing, which explains the need to begin conducting this raffle, and we invite your generous support of it through the purchase of the tickets included in the mailing.

A bakery is a wonderful place to shop for fresh bread — with its variety of white, rye, Vienna, Sourdough... the smell of fresh baked bread and especially the crunch of the crust makes it a delicious memory indeed. A bak-ery comes to mind when reading this Gospel. Biblical scholars point out that the crowds would have been appalled at Jesus' words: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man

and drink His Blood, you do not have life within you." The word used for "eat" is a very physical word, the equivalent of munching or chewing. To hear "eat my flesh" would have been repulsive. An invitation to cannibalism! The same with "drink my blood." Jewish law was very clear that no blood should remain in any animal slaugh-tered for eating. Blood was the "seat of life" and life belonged only to God. But this is precisely the point. Behind this "sign" is God's wondrous life-giving plan: to bring us into intimate com-munion when we partake of the very life of the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. We are not to get drunk on the wine of this world but on the divinized drink with the Lord of our salvation. This is truly Wisdom's house, where we eat both the bread of God's word and the bread that is the Lamb of God.

Page Two NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 12, 2012

Sunday Reflections for

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 19, 2012

The images of the divine Wisdom setting a table of meat and wine so we may eat and live is matched by Jesus inviting crowds to the Table of His Body and Blood so they might have eternal life.

Ephesians calls us to drink of the Spirit so as to live wisely. Quite a menu!

NEXT SUNDAY’S FOCUS: EAT, DRINK, LIVE

This discourse on the Bread of Life proclaims that the bread that Jesus gives us is His flesh. It is difficult for us to understand how scandalous this would have been at the time of Jesus. The Jews who were listening under-stood this as cannibalism. Jesus did not bet-ter the situation when He then told them that they would have to drink His blood. Blood was sacred to the Jews and it belonged to God alone. This is why in Kosher butchering

the animal is completely bled. Blood signifies life, and life is God's prerogative. Thus, for Jesus to offer His blood would have been incredibly horrific. This passage is included in the Gospel of John to teach believers that the Eucharist was not simply a symbolic action that was nothing more than a commemora-tion. It is truly the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus. Even if we cannot under-stand this (just as the Jews could not under-stand), we must trust and believe and eat and drink to have life in Jesus.

My flesh is true food and my blood true drink (John 6:51-58).

REFLECTION

Come, eat of my food and drink of the wine I have mixed (Proverbs 9:1-6). Wisdom nourishes those who seek her. Wisdom is personified as a noble lady who calls to the foolish of the city and asks them to turn aside and sup with her so that they

might forsake foolishness and learn the wisdom of the LORD. Wisdom is an attribute of God that reaches out to the chosen people to instruct them in the ways of the LORD.

This reading makes a distinction between the ways of the world and the ways of those who are servants of the Lord. The ways of the world are foolishness, drunkenness and ignorance. We have rejected these ways to live in the Spirit of God. This is expressed in

the way we treat each other and in our attitude toward God. We should be acting and speaking in a holy manner that does not give scandal and that edifies those who see or hear us.

Understand what is the will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:15-20).

FIRST READING

SECOND READING

GOSPEL

Readings for the Week August 13th-August 18th: Mon.: Ez 1:2-5, 24-28c; Mt 17:22-27 Tues.: Ez 2:8—3:4; Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Wed.: Rv 11:19a; 12-6a, 10ab; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56 Thurs.: Ez 12:1-12; Mt 18:21—19:1 Fri.: Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63; Mt 9:3-12 Sat.: Ez 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32; Mt 19:13-15

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Three

August 12, 2012

STEWARDSHIP

COLLECTION FOR 8-5-12: $24,799.05

KIDS COLLECTION: $32.67

Thank you for your generosity.

We remember the sick, infirm, and those recommended to our prayers, that they may experience the healing power of Christ: Rich (Paul) Naples Ryan Keeney Barbara Fundator Bob Murphy Sonny Canlas Sean Thomas McGrath And for our deceased: Anna Brandt Donna Scholz Mary Adent “Heavenly Father, accept the prayers which we offer for them.”

Sat., Aug. 11th (5pm) Peggy Biesty; Annabelle M. Santucci; Josephine Tarantino; Mary Ann Septowski Sunday, August 12th (7:15am) Our Lady of the Snows Alumni; Helen Leduc (8:30am) Joan Sipowicz; Judy Schutter (10am) Ed Chianelli; Bill Boardman; Bernice Chance; Judy Wisnasky (11:30am) Marlene Quinn Mon., Aug. 13th (9am) Jack Squires Tues., Aug. 14th (9am) David Ports; Lydia Irwin (7pm) Parishioners Wed., Aug. 15th (9am) Mary Grubbs; Ann Ulrich; Dan Roczniak; Dolores O'Connor; Purisima Palad (7pm) Arnie Ondoy Thurs., Aug. 16th (9am) Parishioners Fri., Aug. 17th (9am) Anthony Loffredo; Phyllis Minnick; Sean Thomas McGrath; Evelyn and Leroy Stringham

MASS INTENTIONS

Please remember in your prayers those preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony: Dana Earnshaw and Nicholas Wolfe; 8-25-12 Alison Schultz and Matthew Lennhardt; 9-1-12 Tanya Tisljar and Matthew Gierut; 9-8-12

WEDDINGS

PLEASE PRAY FOR

WELCOME

Anthony Palaggi Gabrielle Milewski (Child: Aubrey Palaggi-Milewski)

ANNIVERSARIES

Congratulations to Harold and Carol Davis who are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, August 11, 2012.

ATTENTION: ST. PROCOPIUS KERMES FESTIVAL GOERS

Those signed up to attend the St. Pro-copius Kermes Street Festival this Sunday, Aug. 12th will caravan by car to St. Pro-copius Church, 1641 S. Allport, Chicago. PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE: The group will depart from the Seton parking lot at 2pm. You are welcome to drive independ-ently (park at Holy Trinity Church, 1850 Troop St., Chicago). The Festival offers authentic Mexican food, drinks, live enter-tainment, beer garden, raffles and a special Mass at 5pm. Visit www.stprocopius.com for details regarding the Fest. For questions regarding caravan, please call Doug Benker at 708-429-4518.

The SolemnityThe Solemnity of theof the

Assumption of MaryAssumption of Mary

The SolemnityThe Solemnity of theof the

Assumption of MaryAssumption of Mary

VIGIL MASS Tuesday, Aug. 14th 7pm

FEAST DAY MASS Wednesday, August 15th

9am and 7pm

D O YOU EVER FEEL THAT NOBODY EVER LISTENS TO YOU? When my children were small I would tell them

ten times to clean up for dinner...with no results. Their dad would come in and say once, “Go wash up!” and they would scurry away to the bathroom like little mice being chased by the big bad cat. (Of course, a few years later, when they became teenagers, Dad was tuned out and I became the authority….but it probably had something to do with the term ‘soft touch’!!) And children aren’t the only offenders in this category. Bosses don’t always take suggestions very well, especially if they are critical, friends are sometimes either jealous of you or afraid of you, and I still get a chuckle from my husband when I mention “staff meetings.” Why is it that the people we are closest with, either personally or professionally, have the hardest time seeing that we can make an important contribution to the issue at hand? And as long as I’m listing doubters, I can’t forget to point my finger at myself! There have been many times that I have disregarded suggestions from my children because I couldn’t imagine that they would know more than I know. And I’ve even had a patronizing attitude towards my parents because I’ve thought (mistakenly) that they are ‘out of touch.’ I think it’s safe to say that at one time or another we all have felt superior to someone and treated them condescendingly.

I GUESS PEOPLE HAVEN’T CHANGED very much from Jesus’ time. He had that same problem. His fellow Nazarenes just

couldn’t believe that Jesus, the person who probably made or repaired their household furniture, was able to interpret the word of God for them. He was the guy who fixed broken chairs, not a learned rabbi or priest.

They not only treated Him with disrespect, they “gathered around the water cooler”— so to speak—and murmured against him in obvious disbelief.

I N SOME WAYS we have come a long way from those early disbelievers who treated Jesus as irrelevant because He was only

Mary and Joseph’s son. But, in other ways we treat Him just as irrelevant because we feel our times are so different than His and our problems more complex. We excuse our prejudices (my property value will go down), we support the death penalty (but the crime was so horrible), and we espouse a woman’s choice (it’s her body and her decision). We have lived with Jesus for so long that we sometimes forget He really is the Bread of Life come down from heaven for us and our source of eternal bliss with God. Maybe today, as we approach the Table of the Lord and stretch out our hands to receive Jesus, we ask Him to help us always remember that.

Page Four NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 12, 2012

Journey with the Lord and let your heart hear God’s Words….

By Margie Guadagno St. Elizabeth Seton Pastoral Associate

When the disciples

met Jesus

on the road,

they were

disappointed

and sad.

He walked with them

and listened to

their story.

Then, by opening up

the Scriptures

He gave them hope!

He helped them see

that they were

not abandoned

or left orphaned,

that God

was with them

and would

always be part

of their journey.

The Road To EmmausThe Road To EmmausThe Road To Emmaus The Road To Emmaus The Road To EmmausThe Road To EmmausThe Road To Emmaus

Believing in the Bread of Life...

RCIA If you are considering getting in-volved in a ministry here at St. Eliza-beth Seton, please think about becom-ing part of the RCIA team. Beginning in the fall, we will be meeting almost weekly with candidates who are seek-ing to become Catholic. Members of our current team are Sue Rosinski, Janie Krauss, Randy Coe and Barbara Cristofaro. Feel free to ask them about their experiences with the RCIA ministry. Or feel free to talk to me. I would be happy to give you an overview of the process.

—Margie Guadagno

Page Five NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 12, 2012

Elijah "walked 40 days and 40 nights to the mountain of God, Horeb."

Is God calling you to walk with Him and share the life of Christ with other? For more information about diocesan priesthood contact Fr. Brian Welter at 312-534-8298 or at bwelter@archchicago.org or visit their website: www.ChicagoPriest.com. For information on religious life contact Sr. Elyse Ramirez, OP at eramirez@archchicago.org, or call 312-534-5240, and for the Permanent Diaconate Program, call Deacon Bob Puhala at 847-837-4562 or email bpuhala@usml.edu.

PLEASE HELP! VOCATION CROSS PARTICIPANTS ARE NEEDED!

The Vocation Cross is presented on Wednesday at the 9am Mass. Participants pray daily for one week and return the cross on Tuesday for the next par-ticipant. To sign up, please call 708-403-0101.

Please join in prayer… PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

HOLY SPIRIT, eternal Spring of joy and peace, it is You who open the heart and the mind to the Divine Call; it is You who make effective every impetus towards good, towards truth, towards charity. Your “inexpressible groans” rise up to the Father from the heart of the Church, which suffers and struggles for the Gospel. Open the hearts and minds of young people so that a new flowering of holy vocations may show forth the fidelity of your love, and all may know Christ, the true light of the world to offer to every human being the sure hope of eternal life. AMEN.

Parish Vocation News

SAVESAVESAVE THE DATE!THE DATE!THE DATE!

OUTDOOR MASSOUTDOOR MASSOUTDOOR MASS (3 PM)(3 PM)(3 PM) and aand aand a

SETON SUMMERSETON SUMMERSETON SUMMER TRIVIA EVENTTRIVIA EVENTTRIVIA EVENT

999---999---121212

Watch bulletinWatch bulletinWatch bulletin for details!for details!for details!

Let us gather together for Mass... Our Annual Outdoor Mass will take place on Sunday, Sept. 9th at 3pm on the Seton lot. Following the Mass, food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Parishioners are invited to bring a dessert to share. Seating available in the church hall.

Then ... come join in Trivia fun! The Seton Trivia Event will start at 5:30pm in the Parish Life Center. $10/person—Organize your teams now! Tickets sold Aug. 24-25 and Sept. 1-2! Prizes! Raffle!

Page Six NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 12, 2012

♦ Are you searching for a spiritual home? ♦ Are you looking for a faith community to belong to?

-or-

♦ Are you a non-Catholic who would like to know more about Catholicism?

♦ Are you a non-Catholic spouse or significant other who would like to know more about what your partner believes?

♦ Are you a non-Catholic parent who would like to know more about what your children are learning?

-or- ♦ Are you a Catholic who has been Baptized but has not been

Confirmed or received Eucharist?

Rite of

Christian

Initiation

for

Adults

Then the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (the RCIA) might be what you are looking for as someone who is seeking a deeper spiritual life by exploring more about the Catholic faith. Here at St. Elizabeth Seton we have an RCIA team that helps support those who may be ready to take that step.

Call Margie Guadagno, 708-403-0101 for more information.

The Spirituality of Religious Freedom Our Lady of the Woods invites all to their Knowledge and Prayer Series 2012 on Wednesday, Aug. 15th. Fa-ther Michael Foley will speak on “The Spirituality of Re-ligious Freedom” at 7pm in their Cecilia Room. Our Lady of the Woods is located at 10731 W. 131st St., Orland Park. Repercussions of Supreme Court Decisions Our Lady of the Woods invites all to their Knowledge and Prayer Series 2012 on Wednesday, Aug. 22nd. Attorneys Elizabeth Yore, Peter Breen, and Margie Manzco Breen, Director of the Archdiocese Respect Life Office will present “Repercussions of Supreme Court Decisions” at 7pm in their Cecilia Room. Our Lady of the Woods is located at 10731 W. 131st St., Orland Park. Our Lady of Knock Celebration Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest, presents Our Lady of Knock Celebration. Benediction, Rosary, and Procession to be held on Monday, Aug. 20th at 7:30pm. Come and enjoy the evening. Refresh-ments will be served.

Palos Hospital Hospice Training Palos Hospital will soon be offering a hospice volunteer training session on Wednesdays for six weeks from 1-5pm. The training will prepare caring individuals to pro-vide service to our terminally ill patients and their fami-lies. The required time commitment averages four hours per week. Volunteers visit patients in their homes and nursing homes, providing companionship and sup-port. Please call 630-257-1111 for information. Women’s Silent Retreat “Sacred Rhythms” is a retreat experience based on the writings of Ruth Haley Barton. This quiet weekend, we will look how we can live everyday in such a way that opens our souls to the transforming power of the Spirit. This retreat includes brief presentation by our facilitator, Christine Grano, communal prayer, and quiet reflection on the beautiful grounds. Spiritual direction available for those who wish to talk about their spiritual journey. When: September 14-16, 7pm/Friday to Noon/Sunday. Where: Portiuncula Center for Prayer, Frankfort. Cost: $250 — SAVE $25...register before August 24th for $225. Price includes private room and all meals. Visit www.mayslakeministries.org or call 630-268-9000 for more information.

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Seven July 22, 2012 August 12, 2012

T hank you to the wonderful parishioners, family and friends who supported the Annual Choir Night at the Ballpark Fundraiser on July 25, 2012. Your generosity and support towards our Music Program at Seton

is overwhelming. The recipients of your donated tickets, The Starlight Foundation for Children, The Blue Cap School of Blue Island and The Covenant Enabling Residences of Illinois, greatly appreciated the tickets for the ballgame and a wonderful time was had by all.

The Seton Adult and Teen Choirs wowed the ballpark with a stirring and beautiful National Anthem. DJ Shiffer, Parishioner and Starlight Foundation Representative and Linda McKeague, your Music Director, did a fantastic pitching job!

Our next Seton Music Event will be Dec. 2nd at 3PM when the Choirs and Orchestra present, Fall Into Winter, a musical extravaganza and Gala that will celebrate all the music we sing throughout the seasons of the year. Be sure to join us for our concert and the fun party afterwards complete with wine and cheese, desserts and raffle prizes!

Linda McKeague, St. Elizabeth Seton Director of Music

Seton Choir Fundraiser Hits a Home Run!

Split the Pot Raffle! Enjoying the game!

Boomer, Mascot Linda McKeague and DJ Shiffer

Great opportunity to meet new people!

St. Elizabeth Seton Social Action Ministry

Join us in sending the love of Jesus worldwide...

Two years ago Fr. Rick Frechette, Priest, Doctor and Di-rector of Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos orphanage in Haiti asked us to make Christian burial cloths for his dying chil-dren. It was you, Seton angels, who helped to make 1,500 burial cloths using sheets, pillowcases and holy pictures. Then the earthquake struck Haiti and the need became much greater. We also expanded our work to include sew-ing diapers, dresses and boys pants and shirts. In addition to the need for fabric, rosaries and holy pictures, we requested a donation of toy cars and Beanie Babies to place in the pockets of the children’s clothing. It was the love of Jesus that our parishioners carry in their hearts that have helped us send 40,747 burial cloths to-date — through your stew-ardship of time, talent and treasure.

“One person can make a difference in the world, one child at a time.” — Fr. Wasson

Help Sew From Home! Sewing Kits Available in the Parish Office

This effort has become ecumenical — as many as 45 churches have joined us. Workshops are taking place every month — as clothing and diapers are sorely needed. If you can sew, we can provide you a sewing “kit.” Three types are available: Diaper; Dress; Britches (pants). Each kit contains cut out fabric, sewing notions, directions on how to assem-ble the item. There is no timeline for you in completing your project. As you sew, please say a prayer for the child who will receive your gift of love. Kindly return your completed work to the parish office.

Many thanks and God bless you, Liz Wisnasky

Founding member of Respond Now and Social Action Ministry

Burial Pall Workshop UPDATE Beanie Babies and Matchbox Cars Beanie babies and Matchbox cars are needed to accompany the sewn items. Please drop off in the parish office.

The Children of Abraham Organization and Friends of the Orphans have shipped our burial cloths and children's clothing to Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Somalia, Ghana, Africa, Bangladash, India, and Iraq. Burial Pall Workshop dates are:

Thursday, August 16th from 10am-12:30pm Zion Lutheran Church, 171st and 70th Ave., Tinley Park

Wednesday, August 22nd from 6:30-9pm Smith Crossing, 10501 Emilie Lane, Orland Park Sheets, pillowcases, baby blankets, holy cards, and t-shirts are needed. They are used to make diapers, dresses, and boys pants. The Holy Cards are placed on the burial pall. Drop off donations in the parish office.

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 12, 2012 Page Eight

Seton Parishioners Angel Mohrs (Andrew High School), Jen Mohrs (Andrew High School), Grace Call (Carl Sandburg High School) chose to make burial cloths for their High School service project.

Thank You Celebration Pot Luck Wednesday, August 15th

6:00 pm A special Potluck Celebration will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 15th at the Radgowski resi-dence, 22395 Autumn Drive, Frankfort, in appre-ciation for all the donations and gifts of time and talent from the many Seton angels who assisted in creating over 40,000 Burial Palls for Haiti and other Third World countries. Seton Parishioner John Shattuck will show his latest photos and progress in Haiti. Weather per-mitting we will eat outside and watch John's show on a large outdoor screen. The main course and soft drinks will be provided. Please bring an appetizer, salad or dessert. If you would like beer or wine, please bring it with you. Spouses are welcome. Please RSVP by Monday, August 13th to Dee Radgowski at 815-469-5686.

PLEASE REGISTER NOW!

Registration Deadline: Monday, August 20th. Materials ready for pickup on Friday, September 7th.

Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________ City ______________________ Zip ___________

Home Phone ____________________________________ Cell Phone ____________________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Please check one: Morning Session (9:45-11am) _______ Evening Session (7:30-9pm) ________

Fee: $20 (Please make check payable to ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHURCH).

For information, contact Mary Vlaming, 708-460-6235 or Father Gubbins, 708-460-9485.

Register now for Scripture Study!Register now for Scripture Study!Register now for Scripture Study!

The Book of GenesisThe Book of GenesisThe Book of Genesis

Thursdays,Thursdays,Thursdays, September 13th until November 15thSeptember 13th until November 15thSeptember 13th until November 15th

And God said, “Let there be light: and there was light. — Gen 1:3

Morning Session: Morning Session: Morning Session: 9:459:459:45---11am11am11am

Evening Session: Evening Session: Evening Session:

7:307:307:30---9pm9pm9pm

THE WORD ‘GENESIS’ MEANS ‘THE BEGINNING’. The Book of Genesis talks about the origin of the earth, the origin of the human race and the origin of salvation history. It includes all the well-known Bible stories — Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, The Patriarchs: Abraham; Isaac and Jacob; the Tower of Babel; Noah and the Ark; Joseph and his brothers; and so on. THE IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR US IS HOW TO UNDERSTAND the message of this book and its proper interpretation. How do we understand the creation of the work in the light of modern science, or the formation of Adam and Eve in the light of evolutionary biology or the ‘talking serpent’ in the light of modern scripture scholarship? We will deal with such issues in our study.

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Nine July 22, 2012 August 12, 2012

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 12, 2012 Page Ten

          

RESPONSES TO MY REFLECTIONS LAST WEEK on “Chicago values” fell into two camps. There were almost universal plaudits for recognizing that the government should be concerned about actions and not about thoughts and values. The media, of course, are in this camp, because they are concerned about the free speech that is at the heart of their profession.      More complicated, on the other hand, was the reaction to the “value” that was the case in point: same‐sex “marriage.” Some who are comfortably in the first camp deserted the field of argument on gay marriage. An argument is always made in a context that determines what can be considered sensible, and it seems to me that some of us are arguing out of different contexts.       There are three contexts for discussing “gay marriage”: 1) the arena of individual rights and their protection in civil law, 2) the field of activities defined by nature and its laws, and 3) the realm of faith as a response to God’s self‐revelation in history.       Unfortunately, when the only permissible context for discussing public values is that of individual rights protected by civil law, then it is the government alone that determines how it is acceptable to act. Every public actor (including faith communities) then becomes the government’s agent. This is a formula for tyranny.      We can see how appeals to pluralism and toleration gradually become tyrannical in the development of how we are now expected to regard the killing of unborn children. When the individual civil right to abort a living child was discovered in the Constitution, its justification began as a “necessary evil” for the sake of a woman’s health; it was then applauded in nobler terms as a positive symbol of a woman’s freedom; it is now part of the value system of our society and everyone must be involved in paying for it, either through taxes or insurance. It is mainstream medicine and settled social policy. Its opponents are relegated to a quirky fringe, outside of the American consensus not only on what it is legal to do but also on what it is good to support. When the government, the media and the entertainment industries agree to agree on how to use words and shape the argument, society itself is deliberately transformed in ways that bring academics, judges, legislators, lawyers, 

law enforcement officers, newspaper editors, actors, psychiatrists, doctors and every other public professional into public agreement, all portraying themselves as original thinkers. Anyone opposed to the new consensus, no matter the reason, is dismissed as a throwback to an earlier age, to be tolerated, perhaps, but removed from public life and, eventually, punished. It’s a very old story.      Getting people to think outside the context of “civil rights” is difficult. It’s as if Americans were forbidden to think beyond politics. What is singularly peculiar about the “gay marriage” argument is the way its proponents dismiss the field of nature itself as in any way normative for human actions. We would think it odd if the government, in order to please those who desire to fly without an airplane, were to repeal the law of gravity. If nature gets in the way of a new civil right to “gay marriage,” however, that’s too bad for nature. This strikes me as bizarre.       Entering into the context of faith, the believer looks to how God has intervened in history through the calling of the Jewish people to a particular vocation, through inspiring the Hebrew prophets, by the incarnation of the eternal Son of God in Jesus of Nazareth, and the founding of the Church that speaks in Jesus’ name until He returns in glory. The God who created order in nature also reveals His plan for us in history; and the religious teaching on the nature of marriage is eminently clear. Those who dismiss any religiously based argument as simply private and therefore not publicly normative are at least consistent with the secularism that makes protection of individual “civil rights” entirely determinative of public life.       What is puzzling is the case of those who, while claiming to be believers, ignore the history of salvation and reduce God to a cosmic wimp who smiles and blesses whatever comes down the track, as if God were without intelligence or the ability to discern right from wrong. Jesus is certainly “inclusive” as the Savior of the whole world who invites all to follow Him. But Jesus calls us to convert to His ways, which are not ours. Among the sayings of Jesus, there are about as many that start “Woe to you…” as there are those that begin “Blessed are they…” A Jesus reduced to our wishful thinking is useless.      What remains a Gospel imperative, of course, is a respectful and loving concern for those who identify themselves as gay or lesbian, including them in the community of faith and accompanying them in their quest for holiness of life. The Archdiocese attempts this response, in part, through AGLO and Courage groups.       Thanks to all who responded to last week’s blog; apologies to anyone who feels unfairly judged. I’ve tried to keep it at the level of ideas and social trends that seem to me to be dangerous to us all, Chicagoans or others. 

Francis Cardinal George, OMIFrancis Cardinal George, OMI AARCHBISHOPRCHBISHOP OFOF CCHICAGOHICAGO

www.archchicago.org/cardinalsnetworkwww.archchicago.org/cardinalsnetwork  

CARDINAL’S NETWORKCARDINAL’S NETWORK Chicago Values Revisited:

it’s not about chicken!

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Eleven July 22, 2012 August 12, 2012

Newborns in Need The Seton Sowers Chapter of Newborns in Need will meet on Monday, Aug. 20th at 9:30am in the downstairs meeting room. If you knit, crochet, or sew, your skills are needed to make clothing and

blankets for newborn babies who need to spend time in the hospital. Donations of yarn and fabric also welcome. For information, call Carol Dimer at 708-479-6994. The United States National Pilgrim Virgin Statue Of Our Lady Of Fatima May through October 1917, Our Lady of the Rosary appeared to three children at Fatima, Portugal. On the 50th Anniversary of Our Lady’s appearance at Fatima, Pope Paul VI blessed 20 Pilgrim Virgin Statues. It was his desire that these statues be taken around the world on pilgrimages of peace. A statue was presented to our country and it has been moving in solemn procession throughout the United States. On Monday, Aug. 20th it will be at St. Michael Church, Orland Park, from Noon-9pm. Fr. Burak will celebrate a special Mass at 7:30pm. All are welcome. Orland Hills Annual Health Screening The Village of Orland Hills Second Annual Health Screening Fair sponsored by Home Bound Healthcare will take place on Monday, August 27th from 9am-12pm. Free screening/information include blood pressure check, physical/occupational evaluation, social worker services, and private duty services. Each senior receives a 5-10 minute chair massage or choice of a mini foot spa. Bingo will follow at Noon in the Community Center, 16553 S. Haven Ave., Orland Hills. For more information, please call Beata at 708-349-7211. Seeking Craft Fair Vendors The Village of Orland Hills is looking for vendors for the upcoming Craft Fair held annually in October. This year's craft fair will be held Saturday. Oct. 6th and Sunday, Oct. 7th from 10am-3pm. Call Beata at 708-349-7211 for an application. This fundraiser helps support the Village of Orland Hills Senior Club. Alcoholics Anonymous If you have a problem with alcohol and feel a sincere desire to stop drinking, you are welcome to attend a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) in the downstairs St. Elizabeth Seton Church Hall on Thursdays from 7:30-8:45pm. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover. The only requirement is a sincere desire to stop drinking.. Families Anonymous If your life has gone astray due to living with someone who has a substance abuse problem, consider attending Families Anonymous on Mondays from 7-8:30pm at Palos Hospital, 123rd and 80th Ave., Palos Heights (Ambulatory Care Center, Room 1, enter through Emergency Room then take elevator to the Lower Level). For information call Warren at 708-429-2507 or Therese at 708-269-9853.

SAVESAVESAVE---THETHETHE---DATEDATEDATE Danube CruiseDanube CruiseDanube Cruise April 3April 3April 3---12, 201312, 201312, 2013

Join Father Gubbins and parishioners of St. Elizabeth Seton on a cruise down the beautiful Danube River. The tour will commence in Budapest, and will continue through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and will conclude in Germany. More details to follow in future bulletins.

Quigley Scholar Program If you are a young man in high school and are thinking about the Priesthood, check out the Quigley Scholars program. Contact Fr. Michael Scherschel at St. Joseph College Seminary at mscherschel@luc.edu or www.quigleyscholars.org. Attention all Our Lady of the Snows Alumni! Our Lady of the Snows All Alumni Mass and Reunion A special Reunion Mass will take place on Saturday, September 8th at 2pm at Our Lady of the Snows Church, 4810 So. Leamington Ave., Chicago. A reception will immediately follow in the Kinsella Hall. All former alumni are welcome to attend! You can find more information on Facebook: Friends & Family of Our Lady of the Snows. If you have any questions please contact Steven Chiarito at 708-429-1816. Angels R Watching School Supply Drive The Angels R Watching Foundation is hosting a School Supply Drive during the month of August. Drop off your school supplies during the hours of 9am-1pm to Express Electric Supply, 11535 W. 183rd Place, Unit 116, Orland Park or call 708-478-5330 to schedule a pick up at your door. Over 20,000 school supplies have been collected and donated to over 5,000 students within the United States and South America. For more information please visit www.AngelsRWatchingFoundation.org.

UPCOMING EVENT

Seniors of Seton 7S

SAINT OF THE WEEK ST. TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS

1891-1942

A BRILLIANT PHILOSOPHER WHO STOPPED BELIEVING IN GOD WHEN SHE WAS 14, EDITH STEIN was so captivated by reading the autobiography of Teresa of Avila (October 15) that she began a spiritual journey that led to her Baptism in 1922. Twelve years later she imitated Teresa by becoming a Carmelite, taking the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Born into a prominent Jewish family in Breslau (now Wroclaw, Poland), Edith abandoned Judaism in her teens. As a student at the University of Göttingen, she became fascinated by phenomenology, an approach to philosophy. Excelling as a protégé of Edmund Husserl, one of the leading phenomenologists, Edith earned a doctorate in philosophy in 1916. She continued as a university teacher until 1922 when she moved to a Dominican school in Speyer; her appointment as lecturer at the Educational Institute of Munich ended under pressure from the Nazis. After living in the Cologne Carmel (1934-38), she moved to the Carmelite monastery in the Netherlands. The Nazis occupied that country in 1940. In retaliation for being denounced by the Dutch bishops, the Nazis arrested all Dutch Jews who had become Christians. Teresa Benedicta and her sister Rosa, also a Catholic, died in a gas chamber in Auschwitz on August 9, 1942. Pope John Paul II beatified Teresa in 1987 and canonized her 12 years later.

COMMENT The writings of Edith Stein fill 17 volumes, many translated into English. A woman of integrity, she followed the truth wherever it led her. After becoming a Catholic, Edith continued to honor her mother’s Jewish faith. Sister Josephine Koeppel, O.C.D. , translator of several of Edith’s books, sums up this saint with the phrase, “Learn to live at God’s hands.”

QUOTE At the canonization Mass, Pope John Paul II said: “Because she was Jewish, Edith Stein was taken with her sister Rosa and many other Catholics and Jews from the Netherlands to the concentration camp in Auschwitz, where she died with them in the gas chambers. Today we remember them all with deep respect. A few days before her deportation, the woman religious had dismissed the question about a possible rescue: ‘Do not do it! Why should I be spared? Is it not right that I should gain no advantage from my Baptism? If I cannot share the lot of my brothers and sisters, my life, in a certain sense, is destroyed.’”Addressing himself to the young people there, the Pope said: “Your life is not an endless series of open doors! Listen to your heart! Do not stay on the surface but go to the heart of things! And when the time is right, have the courage to decide! The Lord is waiting for you to put your freedom in his good hands.”

September 26th Eddie Cash in New Concert

Tickets available at Sept. 4th meeting Eddie Cash returns in a new show with dinner of Prime Rib of Beef (as you like it) and all the trimmings and Bingo and a lot of fun for $35.00 per person. We will be collecting and making reservations for tables of 8 at the September 4th meeting. Please come and join us.

September 5, 2012 Art Institute 18th Annual Senior Celebration

A free Senior Celebration at the Art Institute of Chicago will take place on September 5, 2012. Volunteer presenters will lead five to ten minute discussions until 2:30PM. Please use the “Millennium Park Entrance” to the Modern Wing of the Art Institute (159 E. Monroe) beginning at 9:30AM for visitors 55 and greater. The Senior Celebration is a free event. An Optional lunch in the Chicago Stock Ex-change Trading Room and Millennium Park is available for $16. Reservations are necessary and can be made online at www.artic.edu/aic/education/senior form.html. Transportation will not be furnished by SOS.

October 17/18 Faith & Heritage Springfield, Illinois Travel by luxury coach ser-vice from St. Elizabeth Seton Church to St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare, the Lincoln Presidential Museum, lunch at Maldaner’s Landmark Restaurant (since 1884), First Presby-terian Church, Lincoln’s Tomb. Overnight accommodations with four meals, admission to all sites and more included! $235 pp-dbl. Call Anna at 708-532-6731.

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Pastoral Staff Rev. Richard Homa, Pastor Rev. Stanislaw Kuca, Associate Pastor Margie Guadagno, Pastoral Associate Donna Stolinski, Business Manager Claudia Nolan, Director of Liturgy Linda McKeague, Director of Music Elaine Pawlak, Religious Education Coordinator

Pastor Emeritus: Rev. William T. O’Mara

Resident Priest: Rev. William Gubbins

Deacon: Frank (Betty) Gildea Deacon: Joseph (Nancy) Bishop

Liturgy and Music Staff Claudia Nolan, Director of Liturgy Linda McKeague, Director of Music

Parish Office Staff Donna Stolinski, Business Manager Darlene Raila, Parish Publications Joan Nemec, Morning Receptionist Karen Mirecki, Afternoon Receptionist

Religious Education Staff Elaine Pawlak, Catechetics Diana Barracca, Administration

Branches Youth Program Bruce Hall, Coordinator Rick Vlaming, Coordinator Rick Wojcik, Coordinator

Athletics Bob Myjak, Director

Maintenance Staff Raymond Yanowsky, Director of Maintenance Carlos Juarez, CJB Maintenance Coordinator Frank Siwiec, Staff Marie Makuch, Staff Joseph Shake, Staff Mike Makuch, Staff Mark Siwiec, Staff

REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday 9am Saturday 5pm

Sunday 7:15, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30am

St. Elizabeth Seton Church 9300 W. 167th Street Orland Hills, IL 60487

Parish Office: 708-403-0101 WEBSITE: WWW.STESETON.COM Religious Education: 708-403-0137

PARISH SUMMER OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:30AM-4:30PM SATURDAY-SUNDAY: 8AM-1PM

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School 708-403-6525 Principal, Mary Iannucilli Administrative Assistant, Cindy Labriola Devlin

8/18 & 8/19 5:00PM 7:15AM 8:30AM 10:00AM 11:30AM GREETERS R. Coe

S. Klean A. Miller B. Rose P. Rose M. Rose J. Rose J. Schuman R. Sharp J. Sikora M. Taska R. Vlaming

A. Dovgin L. McGhee S. McGhee D. Skrzypiec B. Tenuta A. Shemanske B. Shemanske G. Staszewski P. Staszewski

K. Fox M. Fox D. Gurka M. Gurka P. Gurka M. Gurka J. Klomes J. Klomes L. Klomes M. Klomes A. McCoy

R. Chehy A. Gent P. Havlin L. Locsis P. Locsis B. Krueger S. Lorenz N. Lorenz J. Moran D. Weber

R. Andrews M. Broderick M. Gniady K. Ivancich B. Ivancich S. Klean M. McMahon B. Wojewnik

LECTORS M. Taska R. Coe

K. McSwain G. Patrizi K. Oliver

D. Houha K. Panko

M. O'Sullivan G. Rekar

ALTAR SERVERS

R. Senick J. Smith J. Dennis

L. Murphy C. Murphy C .Stroz

M. Krause A. Jania O. Jania

F. Velcich M. Walter A. Hoelzel

C. Binder M. Nemec S. Nemec

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

D. Cristofaro B. Cristofaro J. Skorzewski L. Jeffrey M. Jeswein M. O'Connor R. Piorkowski J. Connelly D. Pott AJ Kunde J. Murphy G. Yakes

J. Kenney C. Nolan J. Janiak D. Houha A. Weishaar M. Fundator

C. Kirk V. Patrizi W. Bekta T. Krull J. Mantyck K. Mantyck M. Dziallo J. Kelly K. Kelly T. Cohoon V. Patrizi C. Hayward

G. Chehy M. Fehrenbacher S. Rosinski S. Michalek D. Pacholski K. O'Sullivan K. Engraffia E. Pawlak J. Kokotan-Krauss J. Nemec E. O'Connor S. LaCosse

S. Villegas D. Sigourney M. Merino J. Bilas J. Holmquist K. James L. Skrzypiec M. O'Connor G. Talley A. Talley

Attention All Ministers!

Ministers schedules available at: www.steseton.com Then visit: Music and Liturgy

ST. ELIZABETH SETON PARISH INFORMATION Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturday, between 4:15-4:45pm.

Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated twice monthly at 1pm. Reserve your time by calling the Pastoral Center early. We are limited to six children per Sunday.

Baptismal Couples preparing for the birth of their child should contact the Pastoral Center to register for a one night seminar, focusing on a parent’s role in his/her child’s faith development. This session is mandatory prior to the Baptism.

Anointing of the Sick is available in the Church every Monday after the 9am Mass. For those who are ill or facing hospitalization, it is appropriate to receive the sacrament once every six months. Please call the Pastoral Center for more information.

Ministry of Care is available to give Communion to the housebound, to visit and pray for hospitalized and/or to arrange for the Anointing of the Sick. Please call the Pastoral Center for assistance.

In the Hospital? Because of HIPAA Privacy regulations hospitals can no longer contact the parish regarding your hospitalization. It is the responsibility of you or a family member to notify our parish. We desire to offer whatever spiritual support we can. Please call the Pastoral Center.

Sacrament of Marriage Couples planning to marry are encouraged to make arrangements at least six months in advance.

Wedding Workshops are offered throughout the year. They provide engaged couples with guidelines and suggestions for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage. The workshop covers topics ranging from readings and music to flowers and video taping.

Adult Choir sings at all 10am Sunday Masses, as well as at a number of special liturgies.

Moving? Please call the office at 708-403-0101.

HELP IS A PHONE CALL AWAY: DOMESTIC ABUSE 24-HOUR HOTLINE: 708-429-SAFE

CRISIS PREGNANCY HOTLINE: 888-4-HOPE-4-1 HURTING FROM AN ABORTION?: 888-456-HOPE