2nd Sunday Lent March 20, 2011

Companions on the Lenten Journey

*indicates part-time staff

Charles Haydon 369.2262 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 Fr. Pat Brennan, Weekend Associate, pbrennan@theclareatwatertower.com Rev. Mr. William Worden, D. Min. – Deacon, x105 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 Angie Tuttle – Liturgy Office Assistant, x110, atuttle@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 Kevin Pranaitis – Director of High School Youth Ministry, x123, ym@stapostle.org Brett Adams – Coordinator of Middle 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 Marge Coronado – Religious Education Assistant, x219, mcoronado@stapostle.org Anne Schultz – Adult Faith Formation Assistant, x113, aschultz@stapostle.org Lynne Vehlewald* – Librarian, x125, library@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, x104, 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 Marilyn DeMeo* – Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, mdemeo@stapostle.org Pat Berkhout – Evening/Saturday Receptionist, x119, nitecrew@stapostle.org Angie Tuttle – Bulletin Editor, Graphic Design, x110, atuttle@stapostle.org Susan Francesconi* – Welcoming Ministry, x108, sfrancesconi@stapostle.org Bob Hartmann Facility Manager, x133, facility@stapostle.org Pastoral Leadership Community John Ball 630.554.0687 Christine Berta 579.4294 Pam Foster 699.3044 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 — 7:30, 9:00, 10:45 a.m., and 6:30 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 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 355-8980. Counseling Service Call Samarian Interfaith 357-2456 or Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 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.

Welcome Guests and Visitors!

We’re so glad you’re here and invite you to walk the path of faith with us. Our goal is to provide a spiritual home where all are welcome, where the healing, reconciling, liberating love of God flows through us to all people. We believe the church is the sacrament of God’s saving presence in the world.

Would you like to become a Parishioner? Join us in the gym for Welcome Sunday after the following Masses: This weekend, Sunday, April 10 9:00 and 10:45am

Second Sunday of Lent March 20, 2011

Christ Jesus . . . destroyed death and brought life and immortality

to light through the gospel. —2 Timothy 1:10b

It’s about “mountain top” experiences today. Peter, James, and John go up the mountain with Jesus to experience the transforming power of God. They witness Jesus’ transfiguration and are transformed in some way by it. They get a glimpse of the Glory to which he and they are being led. But they are instructed not to speak of it until after the resurrection, meaning that Jesus’ path to transformation and glory would be by going up another mountain where his cross awaited him. That would be the ultimate path to glory, and

self-sacrificing transformation. Lent is a time of voluntary self-denial and self-sacrifice. We use the classic Lenten disciplines of fasting, abstaining from meat on Fridays, special acts of charity and mercy, and serious prayer to help us learn the way of Jesus, a discipline disciples of Christ follow and use. We are transformed by self-

sacrifice as we unite with Jesus in the sacrifice he made for us. Every so often in life we have to go up mountains or do things that expand our minds and hearts, that bring us out of ourselves and our comfort zones, so that we might grow and experience a trans-formation from selfishness to selflessness which leads to the Glory of Christ in us. Such is the work of Catholic Social teaching rooted in the gospel. We are to sacrifice ourselves in sharing the world’s resources and goods provided by God so that justice and peace might flourish on the earth. We have been saddened this week by the re-ports of death and devastation coming out of Japan. But with this comes the opportunity for us to live our faith and share our hope. The work we do in care for one another is constitutive of the gospel, our faith, and our relationship with God. As we live the gos-pel, it is transformative for us and the world. Let us climb the mountain with Jesus, open our hearts and ears and listen to him as we are instructed today. Then may we experience the transforming power of the Cross and Resurrection in our lives! Love,

Dear Friends,

“Lent is a time of

voluntary self denial and

sacrifice.“

March 20, 2011 — Page 4

Worship Commission

Presider’s Schedule—March 26 & 27 Saturday 4:30 pm Fr. Joel Fortier Sunday 7:30 am Fr. Dof Arty 9:00 am Fr. Joel Fortier 10:45 am Fr. Bob Colaresi 6:30 pm Fr. Pat Brennan

* Presider schedule is subject to change.

Stations of the Cross March 18, 25 April 1, 8, 15 Communal Stations of the Cross with music, prayer, candles, and procession is offered each Fri-day evening during Lent at 7:30 P.M. in the Church. Come participate in this ancient devotion on the day that Jesus walked his way of the cross. It is a nice Lenten practice for individuals or families. March 25, April 1, 8, 15. 6:30 Mass After careful consideration, it has been decided to discontinue the 6:30 Mass through the summer. Last year’s summer attendance was down, and it was difficult to secure liturgical and music minis-ters. The last 6:30 p.m. Sunday Mass will be May 22, 2011. It will resume in September. Thank you for your understanding and support. Looking forward… Are you interested in joining a Liturgical ministry? Come here to read about other minister’s experiences to see if you connect with them! These articles start next week!

Next weekend, the Masses will address the up-coming changes. In the weeks ahead, we will use the handout from the Conference of Catholic Bishops to answer questions you may have. “Why Does the Church change the Liturgy?” In its Liturgy, the Church always attempts to follow the “norm of the holy Fathers.” This effort “requires not only the preservation of what our immediate forebears have handed on to us, but also an understanding and a more profound pondering of the Church’s entire past…this broader view allows us to see how the Holy Spirit endows the People of God with a marvelous fidelity in preserving the unalterable deposit of faith, even though there is a very great variety of prayers and rites” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no 9). The Liturgy must, therefore, always celebrate and make present the Paschal Sacrifice of Christ – his saving Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension. However, over time, it may become necessary to make certain changes, such as adding prayers for recently canonized saints and adding texts that reflect the needs that the People of God wish to bring to God in prayer. The third edition of the Roman Missal makes such additions and provides a fresh translation of the Latin texts of the existing content of the Missal.

— From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Next week’s question: Who decides that the Liturgy should change?

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Pray For Our Parish

Mass Intentions Monday, March 21, 2011 8:30 †Hershal VanBuskirk, by Niece †Ben Coulter, by The Eiken Family Tuesday, March 22, 2011 8:30 †Peter Atkinson, by Niece †Stanley Stempora, by Fr. Joel Fortier Wednesday, March 23, 2011 8:30 †Brian Heck, by The Myers Family †Wally Conklin, by The Williams Family Thursday, March 24, 2011 8:30 †Sr. Cathy Trainor, by Friends Friday, March 25, 2011 8:30 †Patricia Hanley, by The Williams Family Saturday, March 26, 2011 4:30 †Joanna Vesper, by Mark Vesper †William Pfiffner, by Mike & Kathryn Barrett Sunday, March 27, 2011 9:00 For the People of St. Thomas 10:45 †Lawrence Becker, by Rich & Terry Becker †Bill Ring, by Family

for the sick… Mary Schepker, friend of Kevin & Sylvia Bauler Gloria MacDonald Kevin & Granetta Kelly, Kathleen Klein & Parvanch Djargi, son & daughter-in-law and friends of Patty Kelly Dr. John Kline, brother-in-law of Mary Reiff Tyson Freeman, cousin of Kim Thornton & Bob Goste Christopher Lee, son of Brenda Aaron Simms, friend of Bridget Misdom Robert Naddock, uncle of Jean Gerken Evelyn O’Grady Carmella Ullrich, wife of Bill for the deceased… Ben Coulter, son of Laura & Steve Robert Cotter, brother of Janet Anderson Margarito Rodriguez, father of David Olivia Navar, cousin of Diana Rodriguez Katie Hoke, friend of the Rogers family Theresa Siewiec, friend of Mary Szczap John Airey, uncle of Ann Johnson Ester Maddalon, sister in-law of Jeanine Mogan June Post 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

U.S. Army PFC Sam Parrillo

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Kevin Martin

U.S. Navy If you would like to have a serviceman or woman included in the Military prayer list in the bulletin, call the parish office 630.355.8980.

Lord Jesus, lead me to that mountain place of stronger light and surer sound where I may see your glory.

The mountain pilgrims climb, up steep valley paths, their clothes covered with everyday dust, and tired in their bones.

The mountain of truth: " Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain to the house of the God of Jacob, where God instructs us in his ways that we may walk in his paths."

The lovely mountain where lowly sparrows feast, and one day outshines thousands elsewhere because you are there, my God. The mountain close by, within, that I climb everyday; the holy ground I stand on now.

Light and truth, bright as blinding snow, whom Peter, James and John saw, "Lead me on, and bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place."

—Victor Hoagland, C.P.

March 20, 2011 — Page 6

Faith and Spiritual Formation Commission

Given that we turn frequently to Scripture as a source of God’s revelation, it would be hard for us to imagine not having that source. The earliest Christian communities did not have any authorita-tive writings about Jesus. The written word of God was available to them only through the He-brew Scriptures. But they did have the verbal teachings of the first disciples. Most of the earliest writings that are now a part of the New Testament came from letters Paul wrote to individual com-munities where he had founded a church. Paul’s letters were specific to the issues of each of those communities and were not likely known to or read by other communities for quite some time. The first written gospel to appear was Mark’s gospel, believed to be dated to approxi-mately the 60’s. We are talking at least 30 years after the crucifixion. Again, it would have taken some time for these writings to circulate among the early church communities. It was absolutely imperative that all catechists of the faith accu-rately passed down the teachings which had origi-nally come from Jesus Himself. And that points us to the next generation of Church leaders and teachers.

C.A.R.E. CORNER

School of Prayer Mindfulness Monday, March 21, a new session of the School of Prayer will be led by Spiritual Director Joanne Shackelford from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Senior Center on: “Mindfulness: Sacrament of the Present Moment.” Mindfulness is the act and energy of heartfully living in each moment. It is the key to compassionate action connecting us to the wonders of life, which is the here and now. Experience simple exercises during this session to begin or refine your own mindfulness practice.

Sophia’s Circle Women, circle your calendars for the next Sophia’s Circle Micro-Retreat, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8. Join Family Life Specialist and Coach Diane Overgard as she takes you on a “Retreat at the Top of a Mountain.” Take time to be present to God, and God will be present to you. Get recharged for life with inspiration, confidence and joy, going back to daily life with increased passion and enthusi-asm! This is a creative, hands-on retreat to which adult women of all ages are welcome. As always, the eve-ning will begin with wine and light refreshments. To register, contact Anne Schultz at aschults@stapostle.org or 630.355.8980 x113 and leave your name and phone number or email. The $10 fee is payable at the door. Come, bring your companions on the journey and breathe fresh air!

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ST THOMAS RESOURCE CENTER In our Lenten season, let’s take time to contem-plate where we are on our journey. To help us remember that we don’t make the journey alone, we have books such as No Man Is An Island by Thomas Merton. Other Merton books on our book-rack are: The Inner Experience Contemplative Prayer An Invitation to the Contemplative Life

If you want to read even more Thomas Merton books, please check out the Resource Center. We have added a few new titles to our Lenten collection, so please come and check them out. Six Hours One Friday He Chose The Nails Rising In Christ Forgiven The Passion Jesus On The Cross- Why?

Please feel free to stop by the Library, as we also like to call it, and check out our entire collection.

Divorced and Widowed Conference “Bread Broken But Multiplied” is a one day conference for the divorced and widowed and those who care for them. Sponsored by the Center for Family Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, it will take place at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville on Saturday, April 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., featuring author and speaker Br. Loughlan Sofield, known for his deep understanding of the human condition, which enables him to bring people together and help them come to a more hopeful understanding of their life’s journey. Please register by April 1 by sending a check for $35 (includes lunch and materials) payable to the Diocese of Joliet, mailing it to Center for Family Ministry, 101 W. Airport Rd., Romeoville, IL 60446-6527. For further information, call 815.834.5334 or contact familyminis-try@dioceseofjoliet.org.

Today’s Readings First Reading — The LORD said to Abram: All the families of the earth shall find blessing in you (Genesis 12:1-4a) Psalm — Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you (Psalm 33). Second Reading — God has called us to a holy life, not because of our works but according to grace (2 Timothy 1:8b-10). Gospel — Atop a high mountain, Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John. (Matthew 17:1-9). Readings for the Week Mon: Dn 9:4b-10; Lk 6:36-38 Tues: Is 1:10, 16-20; Mt 23:1-12 Wed: Jer 18:18-20; Mt 20:17-28 Thurs: Jer 17:5-10; Lk 16:19-31 Fri: Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 Sat: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Sun: Ex 17:3-7; Ps 95; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8; Jn 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42]

March 20, 2011 — Page 8

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

Question of the Week...

Who helps you change and grow? Why?

Religious Education High School Youth Ministry Update The Gospel this week is about the Transfiguration, which I’m sure we’ve heard many times over. One of the few times that Jesus is identified as the son of God. The famous lines “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” are almost cliché in the Christian world. I particularly like the next phrase that I DON’T hear quoted as often. “Listen to him.” Haha, imagine that. This challenges us in two ways – first do we really believe that Jesus is the Son of God? If so, are you listening to Him? It can be easy, I think, to ignore that second challenge, and yet I would argue it is precisely that which makes us Christians. Jesus was a pretty rare guy. He focused on Relationships, is Authentic, is Radical, and most importantly Empathetic: R.A.R.E. Let’s not forget how amazing our savior, Jesus the Christ, is. It’s no wonder that his Father was so pleased. Join me as I continue to try to follow and listen to Jesus more closely during this season of Lent. — Kevin Pranaitis Upcoming Dates:

Mar 20 Pancake Breakfast Quest for Sophomores, 5pm Mar 22 Living Stations Rehearsal, 6pm Mar 24 Mission Trip Parent Meeting, 6pm Mar 29 Living Stations Rehearsal, 6pm Apr 3 Sophomore Parent/Sponsor Meeting, 1pm Apr 5 Living Stations Rehearsal, 5:30pm

Family Prayer Service for First Eucharist The next Family Prayer Service for families of First Communicants is Thursday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. This bread service, It’s About Celebrating, will last approximately 45 minutes. Please continue to pray for these children as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, an event of great joy for them, their families and our whole faith community.

Page 9 — March 20, 2011

Bring the family for a simple Lenten meal to provide transportation of 270,864 Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) meals to malnourished children

in our twinning parish in Duchity, Haiti and the seven chapels located in the mountain hills near Duchity.

Soup served: 6:45 p.m.

A member of the St. Thomas FMSC committee will provide a reflection on this parish-wide Lenten project as we

work to provide Change in Duchity.

A free-will offering will be gratefully accepted.

Wednesday, March 23 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

St. Thomas the Apostle Gym

The Lector Ministry of St. Thomas the Apostle Presents the 18th Annual

March 20, 2011 — Page 10

Service Commission Outreach & Social Justice

Pizza & Movie Night Sat Evening, April 2, 5:30 p.m. (after 4:30 Mass)

The OSJ Migration/Immigration Initiative is sponsoring an-other Movie and Pizza Night. The film “Dying to Live: A Mi-grant’s Journey” explores one aspect of immigration -- a com-plex issue that is changing the face of cultures worldwide. In the United States, it is often a controversial issue with many social, economic, political and even religious implications. In the midst of the debate, what often gets lost are the human issues at stake. "Dying to Live" is a profound look at the human face of the immigrant. It explores who these people are, why they leave their homes and what they face in their journey. Drawing on the in-sights of Pulitzer Prize winning photographers, theologians, Church and congressional leaders, activists, musicians and the immigrants themselves, this film exposes the places of conflict, pain, and hope along the US-Mexico border. It is a reflection on the human struggle for a more dignified life and the search to find God in the midst of that struggle. The film was produced by Father Daniel Groody of Notre Dame University. There will be an opportunity for discussion and reflection and all perspectives will be respected. Members of St. Nicholas Parish, a largely Mexican community, will be pre-sent to share their personal perspectives. There is no charge; however, a free will offering will be ac-cepted. RSVP to the OSJ Office 630.355.8980 ext 113) as pizza will be ordered pizza based on the number planning to attend.

Social Justice Advocacy Can Work! Our Catholic Social Teaching calls us to participate in society, seeking together the common good. It is not always easy to determine the best “common good” actions, but we are called to become aware, educate ourselves, and take action. Advocacy with our elected officials is one action we take. Does advocacy work? Not always … it does take persistence. But if enough people choose to participate, it can work. We have one recent example:

Governor Quinn Signs Death Penalty Abolishment Bill Last October the St. Thomas Pax Christi and Pro-Life ministries sponsored a post card campaign at St. Thomas. Over 600 postcards were sent to Illinois state legislators asking them to abolish the death penalty. They did. In February, the St. Thomas community was invited to contact the governor asking him to sign the bill. He did. In his statement, he said, “… I have met or heard from a wide variety of people on both sides of the issue … your words and opinions have made a tremendous impact on my thinking …”

Tee-Off for Hesed House Charity Golf Outing Sat, April 16 Fox Bend Golf Course. All levels are welcome to participate! 1:00 PM shot-gun start. 4-person scramble (men’s, women’s, and co-ed divisions). Raffles, auction, contests and prizes $100 per individual $65 per student with valid I.D. Registration fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart and dinner. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Hesed House. Thank you for your support! To register or for more information, visit www.aurora.edu/hesedgolf, call 630.844.5268 or email pwatkins@aurora.edu

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Project Love "Rise and Dine" Breakfast Sunday, April 10, 11:00 a.m., Naperville Country Club Project Love invites you to join them for a bountiful breakfast, entertainment, raffle and silent auction as they present two Caritas awards this year, to Mary Louise Kurey Hengesbaugh, and to the Womens Center of Chi-cago for their outstanding efforts to promote respect for all life. Project Love, the charitable arm of Illinois Citizens for Life, is celebrating 15 years of support for pregnant women and new mothers in a financial crisis. They have given over 850 grants, providing help and hope at a very difficult time in these women's lives. Applications are submitted through various pregnancy centers throughout the state of Illinois. If a woman qualifies, a grant is given to her creditor, to help with rent, utility bills and other needs. The annual breakfast is their primary fund raiser. Please reserve the date and plan to be with us. More information to follow.

Spirit Night at Chick-fil-a Wed, March 30 from 4 - 10 PM 4435 Fox Valley Center Drive Route 59 – 1st Entrance to Fox Valley Mall then turn Left Mention “St. Thomas Haiti Medical Mission” when ordering. Place your receipt in the “RED” bag at the counter that is labeled with your organization. 20% of all pur-chases (dine-in, carry-out, party trays, drive-thru) will be donated to St. Thomas Haiti Medical Mission.

Peace Day - 2011 Join your brothers and sisters throughout the Diocese of Joliet for “Peace Day”, an annual gathering of the people of God sponsored by the Joliet Diocese Peace and Social Justice Ministry. The theme for our 2011 Lenten Peace Day will be “Way of the Cross, Way of the Immigrant.” Peace Day will be held on Friday, April 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville. The evening will include prayer, a Lenten meal, and a meditation focused on immigration. Guest Speaker will be Rev. Ed Shea, OFM. Requested donation per person for the evening including meal is $20 ($15 for seniors and students). Full details and registration information can be found at www.paxjoliet.org/events or phone 815.834.4028. RSVP by April 1.

Goal: $12,000 Stay tuned for Progress Reports

March 20, 2011 — Page 12

Pastoral Care

Lent is a time of returning to God. Come share your prayers with a Healing Prayer Minister. Ministers will be available after all weekend masses. Prayer will be offered with anyone for any intention, be it healing of mind, body or soul, celebration or sorrow, for you or another. If you would like to pray with someone from the Healing Prayer Ministry, please come to the Blessed Mother statue after mass.

Family-to-Family Support Group If you have a loved one who is struggling, with Mental Illness, this support group is for YOU…Parents, Spouses, Siblings, Partners, Caretakers are all invited. NAMI Certified Trained Facilitators lead this support group on the first and third Monday of each month. Confidentiality is assured, as we offer you a place to come to share your story, and learn about coping with a loved one who is battling De-pression, Bi-Polar, or any of the myriad of Mental Illnesses you may be face with daily. NAMI offers HOPE for the caretakers – You! Please plan to join us in the Youth Center Room. There is no cost, and resource materials are provided. We hope to see you, as we know all caretakers are in need of a place to gain some understanding and sol-ace. Our meeting time is always 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. If you need a place to talk and share your story, we wel-come you to join us! National Alliance for Mental Illness, (NAMI DuPage) is proud to offer this support for our faith community. Support for Family Members of Individuals with Mental Illness First and Third Mondays 7-8:30 pm St. Thomas the Apostle Call NAMI at 630-752-0066

Nurses Retreat and Continuing Education: “Spiritual Care of the Sick, Injured and Dying” The Council of Catholic Nurses invites you to a Lenten Program that focuses on the Divine Mercy Guide for Nurses. There will be time for Eucharist Celebration, discussion, meditation and prayer. The program will be held on Saturday, April 2, from 8:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Lisle. Cost is $25 for members and $45 for non-members. For information on registering, call 630.629.1717 ext 6118. Nurses will be eligible for eight Continuing Education hours, pre-registering is required as seating is limited.

Bread Broken but Multiplied: A Conference for the Divorced and Widowed The Saturday, April 9, 2011 conference takes place at St. Charles Pastoral Center in Romeoville and will fea-ture Brother Loughlan Sofield, S.T. an internationally renowned retreat and group leader. Brother Loughlan is the Senior Editor of Human Development magazine, and Forgiveness. Known for his deep understanding of the human condition he is able to bring people together and help them to come to a more hopeful understanding of their life’s journey. His talks will weave together the Eucharistic experience with one’s journey through transi-tion and loss and will also include a sensitive reflection of forgiveness. The day, at the St. Charles Pastoral Cen-ter in Romeoville, begins with a 9 am check-in and ends with a vigil mass at 4 pm. The requested donation is $35. For registration information, call or email The Center for Family Ministry at 815-838-5334/ familyminis-try@dioceseofjoliet.org or see the brochure at www.dioceseofjoliet.org/familyministry

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Thank You, Bulletin Advertisers! This bulletin is subsidized completely by those companies whose advertisements appear on the last two pages. If you have the opportunity, you may thank them in the name of St. Thomas by using their prod-ucts or services. Should you desire to par-ticipate as a sponsor of the St. Thomas bulletin, you may contact J. S. Paluch Company at 800.566.6170.

Family Restroom St. Thomas has a family restroom available off the Gathering Area. It is designed for wheelchair accessibility as well as family use - moms and dads helping their children - with a lock for your privacy. Check it out.!

Last Weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts...

Weekly Sunday Offertory Mar 13, 2011 (week 37) 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

$22,509 $18,194 $2,585

$43,288

$1,304,954 $35,269

$1,322,343 ($17,389)

$1,858,400 $553,446

Stewardship: It’s a way of Life

Jesus may call us to turn away from a life that has become familiar and comfortable. He may ask us to bear hardship for the sake of his teachings. But with fidelity and com-passion, he sustains us and reminds us of the glory that awaits us if we trust in him and go where he leads us.

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fortable answering phones...

HELP! We need somebody. HELP! Not just anybody.

HELP! we need someone like you…

We’re looking for smiling faces and pleasant, welcoming personalities to volunteer at the reception desk on a regular shift or as-needed basis. The volunteer job includes greeting and helping the public and parishioners when they come to St. Thomas as well as answering phones and light clerical work as needed.

Current Needs: Wed, Thurs & Fri afternoons evening subs Consider sharing the valuable gift of your time with your St. Thomas community! Call Kathy 630.355.8980x100. Training provided as needed.

March 20, 2011 — Page 14

Jobs Ministry Weekly Networking Meeting Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (after the 8:30 a.m. Liturgy) Gym

Administration Commission THE WEEK AHEAD... Monday, Mar. 21 4:15—5:15 p.m. Youth Choir, Church 7:00—8:30 p.m. NAMI, Youth Center 7:00—9:30 P.M. Coed Volleyball, Gym 7:15—8:30 p.m. Middle School R. E., Church 7:30—9:00 p.m. School of Prayer, Senior Center Tuesday, Mar. 22 10:00—11:00 a.m. Care Pantry, Gym 3:45—5:15 P.M. Stay, Play, Pray, Gym 4:30—5:45 p.m. R. E. Classes at Brookdale School 7:00—9:30 p.m. JustMatters, Cana 7:00—9:00 p.m. Adult Basketball, Gym 7:00—9:00 p.m. Voices of Faith, Church Wednesday, Mar. 23 9:00—11:00 a.m. ALPHA, Lighthouse 6:00—10:00 p.m. ALPHA, Lighthouse 6:30—8:00 p.m. Soup & Bread Night, Gym Thursday, Mar. 24 9:!5—11:15 a.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center 4:15—5:30 p.m. Jammers, Church 6:00—7:15 p.m. Journey Praise, Church 7:00—7:45 p.m. 1st Eucharist Prayer Service, Church 7:00—9:30 p.m. Jobs Ministry, Gym 7:00—9:00 p.m. TWC Pillar Meeting, Youth Center 7:30—9:00 p.m. Spread the Word Bible Study, Senior Center Friday, Mar. 25 Furlough Day building closed after 8:30 am Mass Saturday, Mar. 26 8:00—11:30 a.m. Bread of Life, Rectory Basement 9:00am—12:00 p.m. Resume Review, Gym & Ministry Center 9:00—10:30 a.m. Men’s Saturday Sharing, Deacon’s Office 4:00—7:00 p.m. RCIA, Senior Center Sunday, Mar. 27 9:00—11:45 a.m. Liturgy of the Word with Children ,Ministry Center 10:15—12:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Lighthouse

Keynote Speaker Night , Wed, March 23, 7 pm: Leadership In Tough Times If you would like to address any of the following: � Frustrated with today's hectic schedules? � Concerned about spending too much time reacting? � Would like to create more balance in your life? � How are you impacted by the "Tyranny of the Urgent"?

Create a vivid mental image of your ideal future? Please attend this interactive workshop to learn how to truly be EFFECTIVE in what you do. Ray Stuchly is CEO and Mary Erlain is Executive Vice President with LMI Riverside. Their workshops are interactive for maximum participation, leaving participants with proven tools for immediate use. Mary is the owner and president of Peak Marketing & Sales, Inc., a business coaching and development firm she founded in 2007. Her passion is working with small to medium-sized businesses. She continues to design and facilitate customized workshops and one-to-one coaching to address the specific needs of each client. Her in-depth knowledge of the market and her vast network of strategic partner experts allows her to address issues facing clients to enable them to focus on their goals and what it takes to grow their business. Ray has 30 years of experience in executive and management positions. Ray was also responsible for development and training of a nationwide sales organi-zation. He was a certified instructor in quality manage-ment and an instructor at DeVry University and the Keller Graduate School of Management. Ray enjoys public speaking and has facilitated over 500 work-shops in the Midwest.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 630.355.8980. Friday meeting for-mats include announcements, speaker presentation, and 2 rounds of networking. Prepare your elevator speech, and bring handbills to pass out to 20 fellow networkers. Wednesday night is speaker only, no formal networking. Contact Jim Breen at jimb4853@yahoo.com for more info. Fri, March 18, 9:30 am: Bobbie Rudnick, Business Librarian for the Naperville Public Library, will present, Wow! I didn't know the Library Could Help so Much with My Job Search. Learn about the resources the library provides to job seekers, from using online business directo-ries to generate target lists, to finding in-depth information on specific companies, to assisting you with your research.