Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 7, 2008

R I V E R F O R E S T | I L L I N O I S

P a s t o r a l S t a f f

PASTOR Reverend Kenneth J. Fischer

ASSOCIATE PASTOR Reverend Leroy A. Wickowski

P a r i s h I n f o

RECTORY Phone: 708-771-8250 528 Lathrop, River Forest 60305-1835 Sue Gamache, Office Mgr., ext. 8912

SCHOOL Barbara Rasinski, Principal Phone: 708-366-8587 ext 8951 519 Ashland, River Forest 60305-1824

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Debi DeMario: 708-771-5959 ext 8960 519 Ashland, River Forest 60305-1824

MUSIC DIRECTOR Arlene Michna: 708-771-8250 ext. 8926

ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR Sr. Maureen Sauer: 708-771-8250 ext. 8914

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR DIRECTOR Lornetta Hooks: 708-771-8250 ext. 8926

YOUTH MINISTRY Amanda Collins: 708-771-8250 ext 8922

PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER Glenn Wagner: 708-771-8250 ext 8921

STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT Diane Pietrzak: 708-771-8250 ext 8927

M a s s e s

SATURDAY 5:30 pm

SUNDAY 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 am & 12:00 Noon

WEEKDAYS Monday-Friday 6:30 and 8:00 am Saturday 8:00 am

R e c o n c i l i a t i o n

MONDAY-FRIDAY After 6:30 & 8:00 am Masses

SATURDAY After 8:00 am Mass, and by appointment

P a r i s h W e b s i t e www.stlukeparish.org

St. Luke Parish R I V E R F O R E S T | I L L I N O I S

This Week’s Gatherings

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ST. LUKE Gather Us In September 7, 2008 ♦ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings

Readings for the Week of September 7, 2008

Sunday: Ez 33:7-9/Rom 13:8-10/Mt 18:15-20 Monday: Mi 5:1-4a or Rom 8:28-30/ Mt 1:1-16,18-23 Tuesday: 1 Cor 6:1-11/Lk 6:12-19 Wednesday: 1 Cor 7:25-31/Lk 6:20-26 Thursday: 1 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13/Lk 6:27-38 Friday: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22b-27/Lk 6:39-42 Saturday: 1 Cor 10:14-22/Lk 6:43-49 Next Sunday: Nm 21:4b-9/Phil 2:6-11/Jn 3:13-17

500 Club

The St. Luke Athletic Committee would like to congratulate the following winners of the 500 Club drawing:

August 31, 2008 Brian and Maureen Connelly

Thank you to all who have purchased memberships in the club, the proceeds of which go directly to fund the school’s athletic programs.

.

Stewardship From the weekend of August 31, 2008

Weekly Collection Goal ................................... $17,100.00 Actual Weekly Collection ...................................12,789.00

2008-2009 Fiscal Year to Date

Weekly Collection Goal ................................... 153,900.00 Actual Weekly Collection ................................ 132,228.56 Deficit to Date ................................................ $21,671.44

Mass Intentions

Monday, September 8, 2008 6:30 am † Maria Blaz 8:00 am † Bernard J. & Robert Cunningham 9:15 am † Jane Emody Tuesday, September 9, 2008 6:30 am † Michael Wholey 8:00 am † Dr. Bill Buckingham Wednesday, September 10, 2008 6:30 am † Frances Barrett 8:00 am † Don Donahue Thursday, September 11, 2008 6:30 am † Frank Parker 8:00 am † Louis J. Cross Friday, September 12, 2008 6:30 am † Terry Cullerton 8:00 am † Dr. W. Francis Jacobs Saturday, September 13, 2008 8:00 am † Genne Roche

Altar Servers

Monday - Friday, September 8 - 12, 2008 8:00 am Mon-Fri: P Flanagan, J Walsh

Weekend Liturgies

Saturday, September 13, 2008 5:30 - Mass Intention: † Helen and Raymond Schmid Servers S Huston, J Jacobs; Cross Bearer: W O’Brien Readers Joe Bobak, Laura Hogan Euch Min Y Bobak, M Bresnahan, E Dressel, T Dressel, G Frank, J Wohlford, J Wohlford*

Sunday, September 14, 2008 7:30 - Mass Intention: † Michael J. Dooley Servers K Collins, T Smith; Cross Bearer: G Zito Readers Frank Eder, Fred Heiss Euch Min K Heiss, J Lynch, C Sloan*

9:00 - Mass Intention: The People of St. Luke Parish Servers J Dooley, M Heineke; Cross Bearer: L Irvin Readers Marcee Gavula, Sheila Price Euch Min P Meyer, B Nickels, J O’Hara, R Romano, P Romano, L Winikates, J Winikates*

10:30 - Mass Intention: † Thomas Deighan Servers P Clifford, M Vainisi; Cross Bearer: J Kurtenbach Readers Noreen O’Malley, Doug Kurtenbach Euch Min J Clark, J Clark, C Downs, B Elwood, J Mannix, D Slepicka, J Stanton*

12:00 - Mass Intention: † Paula Margaret Novielli Servers M Connelly, M Nowicki; Cross Bearer: M Valenti Readers Mike Burns, Max Brown Euch Min C McQuade, D Medema, V Perera, M Redinger,

F Zarate*

Please Pray for Our Sick:

Robert Bachner, Elizabeth Beckman, Cindy Berg, Michaela Brothman, Donna Campbell, Pat Carey, Kevin Connolly, Carol Cox, Joseph Dahlstrom, Joseph Dooley, Dan Hardin, Jack Hayes, Joseph Hennessy, Jr., Janet Hunter, Michael Kinnare, Maureen Martin, Stephen McCardell, Rosemary McGrail, Baby John Mear, Angie Montroy, Rev. Francis O’Donnell, S.J., Fr. Kevin O’Rourke, Steve Possley, Julia Radde, Miriam Reedy, Melissa Romano, Gianna Romano, John Sutton, Drena Swietek, and Baby Cora Rose Welker

and for Our Deceased: Genevieve Grabiec and Flora L. Collins

Music Ministry Opportunities

As the beginning of fall approaches, we are reminded that a new choir season is about to begin. St. Luke is blessed with an active music program whose members serve our Sunday and Holy Day assemblies by providing music that enhances our celebrations. The music ministries also offer its members the opportunity to form a community who really care and support one another in numerous ways. Each group is always open to new membership and I invite you to consider participating in one or more of them. If you would like to become involved, please complete the form below, or call me at the rectory for more information.

Arlene Michna, Music Director 708-771-8250 ext. 8926

Some opportunities to participate in Music Ministries include: Chancel Choir: This choir sings at the 10:30 AM Mass from September to May and practices on Wednesday at 7:15 PM. The choir sings a variety of music and all vocal parts are welcome. Contemporary Choir: This choir specializes in contemporary music, sings at the 9:00 AM Mass from September to May and meets on Tuesday at 7:30 PM. Cantors: At Masses where there is no choir, cantors lead our congregational singing. They meet as a group monthly on Tuesday at 6:30 PM. Individual rehearsal is scheduled at the cantor’s convenience. Resurrection Choir: This dedicated group of singers minister at our funeral liturgies and rehearse before the Funeral Mass. Parish Children’s Choirs: The Cherub Choir, grades 1-4, gathers on Thursday for a snack and rehearsal beginning at 3:00 PM. The Student Choir, grades 5-8, gathers to rehearse on Wednesday at 3:15 PM. These choirs sing once a month at the 9:00 AM Mass. Handbell Choir: This group, made up of 5th-8th graders, rehearses on Wednesday at 4:30 PM, and plays for special parish liturgies.

For more detailed information about all of our music groups, go to the parish website at www.stlukeparish.org.

Music Ministry Sign-Up Form Please contact me with more information about a music group in the parish. Name: ________________________________________________ Phone number: ____________________ Music group(s) in which I am interested: _______________________________________________________ Please return this form to the rectory, in the collection basket, or give it to Arlene Michna at church.

Gather in Prayer and Service

3 ST. LUKE Gather Us In September 7, 2008 ♦ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Gatherings from the Parish

ST. LUKE Gather Us In September 7, 2008 ♦ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sign Up Now for Parish Photo Directory Our St. Luke Parish 2009 Pictorial Directory will be a valuable and useful item for every parish household. Be sure to sign up yourself and/or your family to have your photo taken on one of the following dates in Waldron Hall: Tuesday thru Friday, September 9-10-11-12, from 3:00-9:00 PM Saturday, September 13, from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Thursday and Friday, September 25-26, from 3:00-9:00 PM Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Sign-up after Mass this weekend, September 6-7. Come to the main vestibule to sign up for your photo sitting. You may also sign up online by using the direct link found on the home page of our parish website www.stlukeparish.org.

The earlier you sign up, the easier it will be to get your preferred date and time.

We hope that every St. Luke parishioner will be a part of this first Parish Pictorial Directory.

2009 Parish Pictorial Directory

As you know, we are currently preparing for the 2009 St. Luke Parish Pictorial Directory. In addition to pictures of parishioners and activities at the parish, this directory will also contain contact information as we have had in the Parish Directories of the last two years. Part of the preparation for the new directory is assuring that the information we have for each parish household is correct.

Here is how you can help us. If the information in the 2008 Parish Directory is still correct and no changes or additions need to be made, there is no need to respond. However, if you registered in the parish after February 1, 2008, or if your name/s, address, telephone number, or email address as published in the 2008 edition is not current, please contact Sue at the parish office (708-435-8912 or stlukeparish@earthlink.net) before Monday, September 15, so we can make our deadline.

Thank you for taking the time to respond quickly so that the 2009 Parish Pictorial Directory can be as accurate and complete as possible.

St. Luke Parish Playgroup

Let’s get back to Playgroup! Playgroup will resume for the 2008-09 school year on Tuesday, September 9 (this is a change in the day of the week from last year). We will meet every Tuesday from 9:30 until 11:00 AM in Waldron Hall. Parents, come with your children (age four and under). We’ll have toys and activities for the little ones, and coffee and conversation for the parents.

All St. Luke parishioners with little ones are welcome. If you have any questions, please call Jen Riggs at 366-5043.

Date Night Comes to St. Luke!

Friday, October 24, 7:00-9:00 PM

Bring your spouse for an evening centered on couple unity with a focus on making you a stronger couple. Kathy and Lloyd Christensen of Worldwide Marriage Encounter will lead this night of reflection and laughter which will include one-on-one time with your spouse and will conclude with fellowship and refreshments. If babysitting is needed, please mention it when you call to register.

For more information or to R.S.V.P., please contact George Drucker and Laura Hogan at 708-366-7304.

Please Consider Helping Us!

Won’t you join us in leading the Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the coming year? Volunteers are needed to share their insight with the children on some Sundays, at the 9:00 AM Mass. We have all the equipment and help that you will need for this rewarding ministry.

For more information, call Elizabeth Jeep (708-345-2230) or Denise Murray (708-488-9941).

An Opportunity to Serve

Our parish Liturgy Committee meets about 10 times a year. Working with our priests and music ians, the Committee has responsib i l i ty for the planning and quality of our Sunday worship. We seek to improve our knowledge of the liturgy and to be attentive to the needs of our parishioners so that our worship may be inviting and prayerful for all.

As we begin a new year, we would like to add some new members. If Mass is important to you and you would like to contribute your time and talent to serving our parish community in this way, please contact Fr. Leroy Wickowski and plan to attend the Liturgy Committee meeting on Monday, September 8, at 7:30 PM in Waldron Hall-B.

Your participation will be most welcome.

Gathering of the Parish

5 ST. LUKE Gather Us In September 7, 2008 ♦ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Get Involved . . . Share the Blessings

Please join us for the St. Luke Parish 2008 Ministry Fair

Sunday, September 21, 2008, on the Church Plaza and the Lake Street Lawn

8:30 AM -- 12:00 Noon.

St. Luke Ministry Fair Sunday, September 21

Youth Ministry

Liturgy Committee

Ministers of Care

Prime Timers

St. Luke Parish will sponsor a Ministry Fair on Sunday, September 21, 2008, from 8:30 AM-12:00 Noon.

Weather permitting, the Ministry Fair will be held on the Church Plaza and St. Luke Lawn.

In case of “un”-Fair weather, the Fair will take place in Waldron Hall.

Representatives of the many parish ministries will be available to answer questions about their ministry and offer information on how they help provide services

for St. Luke parishioners and others. Ministry representatives will also be on hand

to assist parishioners in joining the ministry of their choice.

This is a special opportunity for parishioners to get more information

about our St. Luke Parish ministries in person as we all decide how best to participate

in the Stewardship Way of Life at St. Luke Parish.

Music Ministries

—Pictured are just a few of the many ministries that will be represented at The Ministry Fair.

Last Call!! The St. Luke Men’s Club annual Golf Outing will be held this Wednesday, September 10.

1 PM Shotgun Start Maple Meadow Golf Course

272 Addison Road Wood Dale, IL

$95 per Men’s Club Member $110 per non-member

Join now and receive Discount! —includes golf, cocktail, dinner and souvenir—

For questions, contact Pete Birmingham at pete@sbdevelopment.net

743 Bonnie Brae, River Forest, 60305 708-209-1005

Welcome to Our Church!

Have you begun the journey toward becoming a Catholic, and now you are ready to join some companions along the way? Are you looking to come back to the Church, or to deepen your understanding of our Catholic faith?

The Rite of Christian Initiation is a journey of instruction, discernment and spiritual growth, leading to the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Participants meet about once a week between September and Easter.

Please contact Deacon Bob Slobig for more information at 708-771-6430 or bobslobig@sbcglobal.net.

Save the Date!

On Saturday, September 27, 2008, the Archdiocesan Office for Evangelization, will host internationally-known author, theologian and Catholic television personality, Jeff Cavins, at Trinity High School, 7574 W. Division, River Forest. The Great Adventure Bible Timeline Seminar will give you the tools for a lifetime of enriching Bible study and devotional reading. Cost for this seminar is $30.00 and you may register by calling Carina at 312-751-3855.

Here at St. Luke, we will continue our study on Wednesday evenings from October to April. You won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity.

Watch for flyers in upcoming bulletins.

Gatherings from the Parish and the Community

6 ST. LUKE Gather Us In September 7, 2008 ♦ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

An Invitation from Faith and Fellowship Faith and Fellowship provides spirituality, faith formation, and socialization for adults who have mental illness. This interfaith program’s weekly small-group format brings hope and acceptance to people too often left lonely and isolated. Faith and Fellowship will host a “Gathering of Introduction” on Thursday, September 11 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM (repeated, 7:30 to 9:00 PM) at 25 W. Washington Blvd., Oak Park (the convent building of St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish) for anyone interested in finding out more about this ministry.

For more information, please call Connie Rakitan at 708-383-9276.

Worth Seeing/Hearing Fall lecture series are beginning at two of our area’s Catholic institutions. Adults who seek to grow in their faith will find these to be thoughtful and stimulating presentations.

The Siena Center invites you to the first event of the fall series Sustainability and the Christian Tradition on Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 7:30 PM. Alexia Kelley, executive director and co-founder of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, will speak on Caring for Creation: Human Dignity and the Common Good. Ms. Kelley will connect care for creation to the struggle to promote and protect human dignity and justice. She will show how the Catholic social tradition and the commitment to the common good speaks to ecological issues today.

Admission is $10. For tickets call 708-488-5000 or go to www.dom.edu/sienatickets.com.

For more information call 708-714-9105. The event will be held at Dominican University’s Priory Campus Auditorium, 7200 Division St, River Forest.

If you would like to learn more about the Siena Center please visit our website www.siena.dom.edu. We appreciate your attention to this matter and hope to see you at our events.

Ekklesia, a Christian adult education organization, will present a program on Paul the Apostle: 2000 Years Later at 9:15 AM, Wednesday, September 17.

Donald Senior, C.P., President, Catholic Theological Union, will speak at St. Giles’ McDonough Hall, 1101 N. Columbian, Oak Park. The lecture site is wheelchair accessible.

The fall series is titled: . . . Seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14).The lecture fee is $6 for each program; $20 for the series of five lectures.

Gatherings from the Parish and the Community

Youth Ministry Prime Timers

7 ST. LUKE Gather Us In September 7, 2008 ♦ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Missed SLYME last week? No problem! Join us any time! Why not this weekend? If you are a high-school age teen, come check-out SLYME, and celebrate what it means to be part of this awesome youth community.

Curious about St Luke Youth Ministry? Find out more: Join the fun at SLYME nights

Check out the YM page on the parish website: www.stlukeparish.org

Join our Facebook group: “SLYME– St Luke Youth Ministry Experience”

Contact Amanda at 708-435-8922 or acollins@stlukeparish.org

Come to SLYME this weekend! Sunday, September 7th

7:00-8:30PM

The Convent Aid for Women . . . . . . celebrates 30 years of service to Chicago women and their children. Aid for Women is excited to announce our 30th anniversary. In celebration of this occasion, we will be hosting a dinner on September 25, 2008, at the Union League Club featuring nationally and internationally known public speakers, Jeff Cavins and George Weigel.

For 30 years Aid for Women has helped women and children of the greater Chicago area. As an affiliate of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and preferred provider of the Respect Life Office, Aid for Women provides a vast array of services to abortion-minded and abortion-vulnerable women in need of counseling, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, health insurance, baby items and furniture, food, clothing and transportation. Aid for Women mentors the women throughout their pregnancies, encouraging them to keep up with their prenatal care, attend classes and develop a plan for their own future and that of their children. Aid for Women charges no fee for their services and relies solely on the generosity of individuals and foundations to continue our vital presence as the only pregnancy resource center in downtown Chicago. If you would like to support Aid for Women by attending the dinner or through underwriter sponsorship, table support or purchasing an ad in our program book, please call Beth at 312-621-1101.

Change the World

Gandhi said: The love of a man and a woman truly given and truly received makes up for the hatred of millions. Learn how to “truly give and truly receive” by improving your communications skills with your spouse at a Worldwide Marriage Enocunter Weekend. The next Weekend dates are November 14-16 or December 5-7. For information, call Jim and Kris at 1-800-442-3554 or go to www.wwmechicago-gary.org.

Tomorrow, September 8, is our Bridge Day. We are looking forward to our fall schedule of playing cards. Players at any level are welcome. We start at Noon and play until 3:00 PM in the Convent. We have finally confirmed our date for visiting Misericordia. It will be Thursday, September 25. We will carpool and leave from the Convent parking lot at 9:30 AM. We will tour in the morning and then have lunch in their Greenhouse Restaurant. We will have a second tour in the afternoon. Please call Joan Cusack to make your reservation at 708-366-6540.

Gatherings from the Next Generation

St. Luke Religious Education news

8 ST. LUKE Gather Us In September 7, 2008 ♦ Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catechetical Sunday

Saint Luke Parish will join Catholic parishes across the country in celebrating Catechetical Sunday, September 21, 2008, with a Commissioning of Catechists. The annual event spotlights the importance of the formal teaching ministry in the Catholic Church. The theme of this year’s event is The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.

Currently, more than half a million catechists serve in 19,000 Catholic parishes, missions, and schools across the country. They are instrumental in introducing more than four million children and youth to the faith and traditions of the Church. In addition, these catechists provide opportunities for study, reflection, and faith enrichment to a large number of adult Catholics. Saint Luke will observe Catechetical Sunday with a rite of commissioning for its 30 catechists. As part of this celebration, parents and guardians will be blessed for the important role they play in handing on the faith to the next generation.

Debi DeMario, St. Luke Director of Religious Education, noted that Catechetical Sunday highlights a central ministry within the Catholic Church. “The work of these catechists—who volunteer their time—is vital to the life of the Church. This celebration gives us a chance to recognize the importance of those who share faith with so many in our parish.” Our catechists this year are:

Kindergarten: Ute Meyer

First Grade: Colette Noland, Lu Ramos, Maria Cruz Second Grade: Martha Strom, Lisa Krusinski, Gigi Hoke Third Grade: Kathy Smith, Lita Ramirez, Marilyn Shalloo Fourth Grade: Meg Poro, Ann Marie Wojcik Fifth Grade: Mary Leiner, Bob Sloan,

Michael Redinger, Kathryn Redinger Sixth Grade: Annie Rarey, Mike Burns, Susan Singer, Marianne Alesia Seventh Grade: Molly Hague, Susan Singer, Patti O’Connor, Tom Poro

Eighth Grade: Fred Heiss, Julia Mannix, Jason Duncan, Barb Nitchman, Babysitters: Patti Muldoon and Soraya Quizhpi

A special thank you

and blessings to you all!

Please Join Us . . .

Monday, September 8

our students and faculty will be celebrating a

Mass in honor of the Nativity of Mary

at 9:15 AM in the Church.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

New Teacher We are pleased to introduce Ms. Jessie Grande, our new 6th grade teacher. Ms. Grande moved to Chicago from Barrington, New Hampshire, in January of this year, after earning her B.A. at Plymouth State University. Looking forward to a new life in a new city, she attended classes at North Park University, where this summer she began graduate classes leading to her M.A. in Teacher Leadership and Special Education. But she also managed to find some spare time to work in her neighborhood coffee shop and to prepare for her first school year at St. Luke! Ms. Grande tells us, “I enjoy reading, writing, arts & crafts, singing in my church choir, cooking, and spending time with family, friends, and my cat, Simba.”

Welcome to St. Luke, Ms. Grande!

Opening of School Mass

On Friday, August 29, we celebrated our Opening of School Mass. It was a great Mass. The entire school (except for our 3rd graders who were already in church ready to lead us in song) lined up in front of the school and processed into church together. The cantors did a wonderful job, as did all of our readers. Special thanks to Ms. McSorley and Ms. Wyrzykowski who planned the Mass.

St. Luke School students proudly carry our school banner as they led us to church for our Opening of School Mass.

Gatherings from the Parish and the Community

2008 Annual Catholic Appeal

For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. —Luke 14: 1,14

Today we wish to recognize those who not only support our parish, but also have made a gift or pledge to the 2008 Annual Catholic Appeal of the Archdiocese of Chicago. On behalf of those who will be served by your contributions, our thanks goes out to all who have already completed their pledge payments, as well as to those who are still making payments.

For those of you who have not had an opportunity to make a pledge or a gift this year, but still desire to be a part of the 2008 campaign, please contact Karen Whitehead at 312-655-7461 or at kwhitehead@archchicago.org.

Whether your gift is large or small, when combined with the gifts of thousands of other parishioners throughout the Archdiocese, every gift makes a very real difference in the ability of the Archdiocese to provide ministries and services. Thank you again for your support.

Have You Ever Thought of Being a Priest?

Most Catholic men have. If so, then the following is an ideal opportunity for you. Men of college-age and older are invited for an Exploring Priesthood Weekend retreat to learn about, reflect upon and discuss with seminarians and priests the possibilities of diocesan priesthood in Chicago. Exploring Priesthood Weekend is October 10-12, 2008. For more information and to register, please contact Fr. Joe Noonan at 312-751-8298 or jnoonan@archchicago.org. For more details, see our website at www.ChicagoPriest.com.

Serra Club—Advocate for Vocations The Serra Club’s purpose is to provide Christian fellowship and continuing education in the Catholic faith, while praying for and encouraging vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Pope John Paul II cited Serra as one of the Church’s lay apostolate groups who are leading “the reawakening of vocations to the ministerial priesthood and the consecrated life.”

You are invited to join the members of the Serra Club of West Suburban Chicago at their next meeting Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00 PM at Holley Court Terrace, 13th Flr, 1111 Ontario St, Oak Park. Call 708-366-4478 for details.