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It is only when we attempt to search for the answers that we find ourselves being drawn into a new relationship with the One who loves us every moment of every day of our lives.

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Page 1: Sacramental Information - stm-church.com · 5/17/2020  · for our own personal agenda. Hope is not something that simply comes with the human package. As with faith and love, hope

It is

only when

we attempt

to search

for the

answers

that we find

ourselves

being drawn

into a new

relationship

with the

One who

loves us

every

moment of

every day

of our lives.

Page 2: Sacramental Information - stm-church.com · 5/17/2020  · for our own personal agenda. Hope is not something that simply comes with the human package. As with faith and love, hope

Page 2

Mission Statement : The Roman Catholic Saint Thomas More Parish Family welcomes and invites every person to join us on our journey in faith and celebration. With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all, especially in loving service to those in need.

As part of the Universal Church, we affirm the dignity of every person. All this we do to give glory and honor to God.

Pastoral Staff Pastor ........................ Reverend Michael J. Yadron, KCHS; Ext. 2312 [email protected] Associate Pastor .................. Reverend Declan McNicholas; Ext. 2314 [email protected] Senior Deacon ........................................... Dr. Napoleon Tabion, OFS Senior Deacon .................................................. Daniel Zurawski, KHS Deacons ................................................................. David Kapala, KHS ............................................................................ Joseph Stodola, KHS Director of Finance ...................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 2330 Pastoral Care Coordinator ...... Deacon David Kapala, KHS; Ext. 2315 Director of Music ...................................... Angie Lorandos; Ext. 2338 Director of Religious Education ................... Emily Hackett; Ext. 2232

St. Thomas More Religious Education Kindergarten through 8th Grade

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Friday — 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday & Thursday — 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Religious Education Phone ........................................................... 836-8610 Director ................................................................ Emily Hackett; Ext. 2232 Administrative Assistant ............................... Rosemary Strimbu; Ext. 2236

Grades K through 8 • Wednesday or Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education ............................................................. Allen Blocher Parish Life......................................................................... Elaine Herrmann Peace & Social Justice ................................................................ Mari Casas Spirituality & Worship ....................................................... Kaaren Mashura Stewardship ..........................................................................Paul Liszewski

Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ........................................ Cindy Keilman 923-9862 Boy Scouts ................................................. Sergio Sanchez (773) 412-3109 Career Networking Group…………………… Jim Kaczka (219) 201-0335 ...................................................... or Donna Weidenfeller (219) 688-7597 Circle of Prayer…………………………………..Carolyn Cenko 741-2509 [email protected] Cub Scouts ……………Duane Schwemlein [email protected] Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Gabriel Project………………………………... Marilyn Glennon 801-6586 Garden Club ............................................................ Paul Mazerik 644-8409 Gifts of Love & Warmth……………………..Bernadine Nemeth 513-6544 Girl Scouts ............................................................ Renee Whelan 796-6809 Holy Name Society ........................................ Bill Burke: [email protected] Knights of Columbus ................................... Ralph Konkoly (219)588-4559 Oblates………………………………………...Denise Gard (219)201-4103 Respect Life ................................................. Leslie Dernulc (219)741-3739 Senior Citizens ................................................. Marion Case (219)743-3543 Ushers Club .................................................... ….Jim Marmalejo 718-8704 Venture Crew……………………………………....Fr. Ben Ross 322-4505

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321

Sacramental Information Confessions Saturdays ............................................................. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. First Friday ............. …………..1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. Mass Baptisms ............................... First and Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Parents must be registered parishioners and regularly attending at least six months before the Baptism. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic.

Pre-Baptism Class .....................................2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism. Marriage .............. Must be a registered, practicing member of the parish at least six months before beginning the six month preparation program for marriage.

Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound: Call the Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.

New Parishioner Registration To make it as convenient as possible for you,

new parishioners may register at any time in the Parish Office.

Stop in during the day, or take advantage of our convenient Saturday office hours.

St. Thomas More Parish Website: www.stm-church.com

Parish Office Staff Hours: Mon-Saturday 9:00 am-3:00 pm (until further notice) Email address ................................. [email protected] Email address for bulletin ...................... [email protected] Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax .................... 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ................................................... Pam Pasyk; Ext. 2309 Daytime Receptionist ............................................................ Ext. 2300 Evening Receptionist ............................................................ .Ext. 2300 Building Maintenance…………..Mike Popovich 836-8610, Ext. 2313 Custodial Supervisor…………….Karla Baldwin 836-8610, Ext. 2331

Pastoral Ministries Environment & Art ...................................... Helen Jaworski 836-8610 Eucharistic Ministers ........................ Deacon Dan Zurawski 742-6005 Hospitality/Greeters .................................... Chris Shearman 923-1419 Lectors ...................................................... William McDunn 922-9459 Nursery .................................................. Kaaren A. Mashura 836-5079 St. Vincent de Paul ................................... Terry Oprinovich 836-8610 Vocations Committee ............................................................ 836-8610

2019-2020 Pastoral Council Members Thomas Alexander ........................ Bernadine Barrett, Co-Chairperson Carolyn Cenko............................................................... Leslie Dernulc Diane DeSoto ............................................... Tim Jevyak, Chairperson Jim Kaspar ................................................................... Christi Kordeck Katie Kordeck ..................................................................... Eric Miller Joe Peters ........................................................................ Daniel Straka

St. Thomas More School

Pre-School through 8th Grade Office Hours: Monday– Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Website .............................................................www.stm-school.com School Phone .......... 836-9151 School Fax ......................... 836-0982 President ....................................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 2330 Principal ........................................... Dr. Samantha Francis; Ext. 2258 School Administrative Assistant………..Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 2200 School Reception & Office Associate……Nereida Harretos; Ext. 2201 School Parent Association…………Heather Delgado; (312) 933-9208 School Admissions…………………………….. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 2309 Director of Development………………….…Karen Leluga; Ext. 2307 Business Manager………………………Mike Gutchewsky; Ext. 2339

Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN 46321

Phone ..................................................................................... 836-2660

Please remember St. Thomas More in your Will and Estate Planning

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Sixth Sunday of Easter May 17, 2020

Sunday and daily Masses will be live-streamed on Facebook (or connect through the parish website) and

all Mass Intentions will be fulfilled. .

SUNDAY, May 17 — Sixth Sunday of Easter 10:00 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased Martin J. Pieters by wife, Diane Anne Baranowski (Ann) by Ed and Carolyn Smiley Cotaminda L. Serrano (Ann) by Serrano Family MONDAY, May 18 6:30 am Ron Zygmunt by Kathy and Jim Wachel 8:30 am Bert and Emily Woess by children, Bert and Eileen TUESDAY, May 19 6:30 am Mary Kochis by V. Michalik 8:30 am Connie Lipay by Mike and Jill Popovich WEDNESDAY, May 20 6:30 am Mackiewich Family by Sue Walker 8:30 am John Palmer by Family THURSDAY, May 21 6:30 am Patricia Mazanek by Altar & Rosary Society 9:00 am Thomas P. Etter by brothers and sons FRIDAY, May 22 6:30 am In Thanksgiving of 55 Years of Marriage by Joseph and Carole Janusoni 8:30 am Constancia M. Lozano (Ann) by Serrano Family SATURDAY, May 23 6:30 am Josefina Antonio (Ann.) by Family 8:30 am Michael Dennis Ramirez by Olyntho and Ruth Ramirez SUNDAY, May 24 — The Ascension of the Lord 10:00 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased Elaine Caco (Ann) by husband, Stephen and Family Karen Gianotti (Ann) by John and Jay Gianotti Maggie Holmes (Ann) by Kinser Family

Sacrificial Offerings Please continue to contribute to our weekly offering.

Mail Contributions: St. Thomas More • 8501 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN 46321

Donate Online: Contribute securely online via PayPal, debit or credit card on

our parish website by selecting the “Donate Now” button in the “Virtual Offering Plate” section.

Automated Contributions: Instructions can be found on the parish website, or find

info/instructions on Page 6.

Thank you for sharing your treasure with our parish!

REFLECTION Stewardship

“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be God’s will, than for doing evil.” 1 PETER 3:17

The old line says “if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” Many of us are diligent in our planning and making sure things are progressing smoothly. Then disaster strikes, we don’t get the result that was intended or an unforeseen problem arises.

Many times we may respond and ask, “Why me? I did everything right!” Here’s the thing – adversity humbles us and reminds us of our dependence on God and not on our own self-reliance. Rest assured, God has a better plan in store for you.

May 10, 2020 Adult $ 11,573.00 Loose $ 3,831.66 Automated $ 3,215.00 Children $0.00

TOTAL $ 18,619.66

Praying For Our Parishioners May We Pray For You?

Our parish synod group, Faith Reignited, and the Circle of Prayer ministry are teamed up to

offer prayers for our parishioners. Our ministry members will, for the time-

being, be praying at home and would love to pray for your needs, too!

[email protected].

Jack Mateja

Parish Office/Chapel Hours To best meet the needs of our parishioners, the Parish Office

will continue to be open for parish business, as well as the Chapel for individual prayer.

Please note these new hours, effective immediately:

Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Page 4: Sacramental Information - stm-church.com · 5/17/2020  · for our own personal agenda. Hope is not something that simply comes with the human package. As with faith and love, hope

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Encourage Deeper Understanding of Scripture

We hope for many things: passing an exam, finding our true love, securing sustainable work, or surviving an illness. We often seek to have God be a part of what we hope for and

desire, almost trying to convince Him that our agenda is what is ultimately important.

While our particular hopes may appear to be what needs to be achieved in order for us to be happy, they really are not. Our lesser, more personal hopes can distract us from true hope.

When God became a human being, a powerful message was sent: all that is authentically human is found in the divine. As

the human Jesus lived and died in order to show us that he truly is the

universal Christ, we have to keep our sight focused on our eternal truth and destiny and who we truly are. We have to be

careful when we allow our earthly concerns to distract us. True hope is found when we place our trust in Christ’s promises and don’t rely on our own strength. True hope focuses on striving toward the fulfillment of God’s promises and not simply on achieving what we think we need in this life. Hope always

travels with two friends — faith and love. In this trio of virtues, we find the very presence of God born in every human

being. These are God’s greatest gifts, and they lead us to the fullness

of His presence. As with faith and love, we cannot see hope with just our

human eyes. We don’t carry this virtue within us to use solely for our own personal agenda.

Hope is not something that simply comes with the human package. As with faith and love, hope is a gift that is given to us to draw us closer to our eternal truth. Faith, hope, and love are signs that there is something far greater going on in us and something greater to persevere in obtaining. The true divine gift of hope is what will endure any hardship we encounter, especially those that will come from authentically living the

Gospel. With all that is happening in our lives, in our church, and in our world, what is the reason for our hope? Ask God for the fortitude to see His eternal gift as the reason we get up in the

morning and do the things we do. ©LPi

Readings for Week of May 17 Sunday: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17/Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 [1]/1 Pt 3:15-18/Jn 14:15-21 Monday: Acts 16:11 -15/Ps 149:1b- 2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b [cf. 4a]/Jn 15:26—16:4a Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34/ Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8 [ 7c]/Jn Wednesday: Acts 17:15, 22—18:1/Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14Jn 16:12-15 Thursday: Acts 18:1-8/Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 [cf. 2b]/Jn 16:16 -20 Ascension: Acts 1:1-11/Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 [6]/ Eph 1:17-23/Mt 28:16-20 Friday: Acts 18:9-18/Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 [8a]/Jn 16:20-23 Saturday: Acts 18:23-28/Ps 47:2-3, 8-9, 10 [8a]/Jn 16:23b-28 Next Sunday: Ascension: Acts 1:1-11/Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 [6]/

All activities at St. Thomas More Church & School are cancelled and St. Thomas More School

is closed until further notice.

Sunday & Daily Masses are live-streamed, as per the schedule below.

Mass Schedule: Monday-Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Watch Masses through Facebook or via our parish website: www.stm-church.com or on YouTube.

We deeply care about the health and well-being of our parishioners and all who attend functions at our parish and school.

Our first priority is to keep everyone safe. We are adhering strictly to the advice of health professionals on

both the national and local levels and our Diocese, for directives in this ever-changing situation.

We appreciate your understanding and compliance.

Maria Novak Steven Nowaczyk

Clare O’Brien Donna O’Connor

Danny Ogren James Pancheri Marty Pavlovic Judith Peterson Johanna Petruch

Andrew Pieczyrak Elizabeth Pilones Sylvester Porras Dennis Powell Ronald Prus Rae Puntillo

Timothy Ribble Jackie Roach Ann Sardella George Sauer Marie Schultz

Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz

Zachery Scriff James Secviar

Jim Seul Renee Shehan Nick Skinner Laurie Slazyk

Carolyn Smiley Deborah Stareck Georgianne Suto Florence Stevens

Carol Storey Rose Theis

Russ Thomas Gerardo Trevino David Trotman Kathie Trudgian Anthony Ubuane

Tony Vanden Heuvel Raymond Vanderbok

James Wachel Kathy Wachel

Marilyn (Vrabel) Warda Mark Wein

Ruth Williams Annette Wisniewski

Dick Wright Josephine Zagrocki

Cecilia Ziegler Cody Ziemkowski

Arthur Halpin Rosemarie Havran

Amy Hayes Dick Hemingway

Marie Henke Bertha Birdy Hernandez

Irma Hernandez Marisol Hernandez

Robert Hesek Becky Hill

Charlotte Hunt Shirley Huskey Betty Ingbretson Joseph S. Iwan

Steve Izzo Elizabeth Jacob Barbara Jamrose Stanley Jayjack Robert Kalka

Kelly Jean Mark Kenney Irene Kerps

James Klein, Sr. Janet Knight

Susan Kolodziej Richard Komyatte

Gregory P. Koscielski Edward Kritzer Crystal Kurek

Annika LeMonier Chris LeMonier

Debbie LeMonier Nicklas LeMonier

Mike Lewis Kris Lisikiewicz Jo Lisiniewicz

Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz

Maria Lovell Brady Martin Paul Martin

Larkin McKenzie Jenny Mendoza

Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Erin Meyer

Ann Miskovich Andrew Moll

Genevieve Mrvan Donna Nichols

Jim Nolan

c ray for the sick of our parish... Joshua Alvarez

Margaret Amatulli Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio

Antonio Belmonte Mary Berry

Michael Berry Michael Billedo

Michael Blazevich Laverne Blumka

Diane Bochnowski Cheryl Bostrom

Linda Braun Stephany Burney Kathleen Burns

Paul Burns Dorothy Campbell James Campbell

Al Carollo Peter Castro

Janet Cattanach Jacqueline Morrow

Christian Willie Colby

Charlotte Conn Vincent Corsello

Mike Curtain Valerie Czapkowicz

Doris Dabrowski Sarah Dalton

Eleuterio Del Real Alex Eiland

Sherlon Evans James Fletcher

Heriberto Flores Maria Flores John Forde

Bonnie Gabrione Phyllis Garber

Andrea Garritano Margaret Geary Emily Gibson

Dorothy Gillespie Margaret Good

Monica Gonzalez Howard Gralewski

Margaret Gray Susan Graff

Christine Greenberg James Grunewald

Mary Ellen Gullicks

Page 5: Sacramental Information - stm-church.com · 5/17/2020  · for our own personal agenda. Hope is not something that simply comes with the human package. As with faith and love, hope

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The Pastor’s Page

PLEASE REMEMBER THEM Please pray for the priests and deacons who have served the Diocese of Gary so faithfully and whose anniversaries of death are this week:

May 17: Rev. Eric A. Schaff (1969) May 18: Rev. Henry A. Smartz (1967) May 19: Msgr. Ignatius L. Urbonas (2012) May 20: Rev. Joseph A. Angotti (2018) May 22: Rev. Joseph Herod (1988) May 23: Rev. John N. Chylewski (1965)

CONVERSION

“A thinking man can think himself deeper and deeper into Catholicism, and not deeper and deeper into difficulties about Catholicism. Conversion is the beginning of an active, fruitful, progressive and even adventurous life of the intellect.” ~ G. K. Chesterton

G.K. Chesterton was a great author. He was also a person who claimed to be an “unorthodox Christian” throughout most of his life. Although he was a high Anglican, his searching brought him into the Catholic Church. I like how he depicts the search for many. He sees a solid search as bringing a person into Catholicism rather than taking a person away from Catholicism. He found the answers he was looking for in the Catholic faith.

Today, we celebrate the search of those who have been a part of the RCIC/RCIA program since last October. Some of these people were to be baptized at the Vigil Mass of Easter six weeks ago. Because of the pandemic and the closing of our churches, they were unable to enter the Church at that time.

Others had been preparing to complete their sacraments. They may have been baptized many years ago but never received their First Confession, First Communion, and Confirmation. They, too, were to have their sacraments completed at the Vigil Mass of Easter.

I am glad that they are able to have their sacraments this day. It is wonderful to celebrate the call of God that takes us all on amazing journeys throughout our lives. If each of our candidates would have the opportunity to tell their stories, I think we would all be amazed at what they had to tell. God is with us throughout our lives, always inviting us to a deeper faith and trust in Him.

It is not always easy to respond to God’s call. Sometimes, we hesitate out of fear. Sometimes we hesitate because we are confused about the call. It is only when we attempt to search for the answers that we find ourselves being drawn into a new relationship with the One who loves us every moment of every day of our lives.

To those who were a part of this past RCIC/RCIA process, hearty congratulations upon your reception into the Catholic faith or your completing of your sacraments. For those of you that may be feeling the tug to further conversion, we begin anew this coming October.

FAITH ACTION: Pray for all those who are being called by the Lord to a new or deepening relationship with Him that they have the courage to respond.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE A dog ran into a butcher shop and grabbed a roast off the counter. Fortunately, the butcher recognized the dog as belonging to a neighbor of his. The neighbor happened to be a lawyer. Incensed at the theft, the butcher called up his neighbor and said, “Hey, if your dog stole a roast from my butcher shop, would you be liable for the cost of the meat?” The lawyer replied, “Of course, how much was the roast?” The shop owner replied, “$18.98.” A few days later the butcher received a check in the mail for $7.98. Attached to it was an invoice that read: Legal Consultation Service: $150

WE REALLY DO NEED YOUR CONTINUED HELP Times are tough for many people and we certainly understand that. However, if you are able to contribute, we really do need your help. For those who can continue to provide for our parish needs, there are three ways to contribute: Contribute securely online via PayPal, debit or credit

card by selecting the Donate Now button on our parish website (www.stm-church.com).

Begin an automated online payment by completing an Automated Donation form found at the Parish Office.

Mail (or drop off) your weekly envelope contributions to: St. Thomas More, 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321

Thank you for being a part of the St. Thomas More Parish Community and for your continued support. We look forward to a day when we can gather together again to share in the Eucharist.

WEEKDAY MASSES WILL RESUME TOMORROW On Monday, May 18, weekday Masses will resume. The 6:30 a.m. Mass will be in the chapel and the 8:30 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Thursday) Mass will be in the church as it will be live-streamed as well. Sunday Masses are strictly invitation-only at this point in time. The next two Sundays will be for our First Communion classes. The Sunday Mass continues to be live-streamed at 10:00 a.m. After weekday and weekend streaming, the Masses will be posted to YouTube, Instagram, and other social media sites. The Mass and other services are also available directly on our parish website: www.stm-church.com

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Religious Education

Religious Education Classes have been suspended.

Confirmation & First Holy Communion Confirmation will be rescheduled for a later date.

First Holy Communion will likely be postponed, as well. You will be notified when these Sacraments are rescheduled.

Stewardship Thoughts

Prayer from Pope Francis

"Lord Jesus, unite to your cross the sufferings of the many innocent victims: the children, the elderly, and the persecuted

Christians; envelop in paschal light those who are deeply wounded: abused persons, deprived of freedom and dignity; let those who live in uncertainty experience the enduring constancy of your kingdom: the exiles, refugees, and those who have lost

the joy of living. "O Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, you who stood at the foot of the cross, obtain from your Son pardon for our sins; you who never doubted the victory of his resurrection, sustain our faith

and our hope; you who are enthroned as Queen in glory, teach us the royal road of service and the glory of love. Amen.

If you are not a part of a Ministry at

St. Thomas More Church, please consider joining and sharing with others.

Automated Contributions You Can Mail, Make Online or Automated Payments

During this current health crisis, we know that we all miss participating in Masses. Please know that we are praying for you

and your family to remain safe and healthy and we’re doing everything in our power to foster a healthy parish community.

While we continue to keep you apprised of changing situations, our staff continues to work. From teaching our school students via

our e-Learning program to continuing office work, paying bills and keeping up with correspondence, and, yes, preparing homilies and keeping our spiritual life on track, we have much of our staff still working “behind the scenes”. In addition, our phenomenal custodial staff has been busy disinfecting the church and school.

Because we are still maintaining and paying staff, keeping up with building security, and maintaining & heating our facilities, our

expenses remain constant.

If you have the means to make your continued offering contributions to St. Thomas More, you may do so by

mailing or dropping off your contribution at the Parish Office, donating online via our parish website or utilize our

Automated Contribution program (below).

Mail or Drop-Off Your Contribution: Drop-off at the Parish Office (remains open with limited hours) or

mail your contribution: 8501 Calumet Munster, IN 46321.

Make a Payment Online: Donate online through the St. Thomas More Church website by

using PayPal/debit/credit card: http://www.stm-church.com/ Please find the “Donate” button in the “Virtual Offering” section.

Set-Up Automated Payment: Complete only if interested in this service or if you already use

auto pay and need to change your banking information.

To have your Sunday contributions withdrawn directly from your financial institution, please complete the form below.

Withdrawals will be made on either the 5th or the 20th of each month (please check the appropriate box below).

At this time, only your Sunday contribution will be withdrawn automatically. You will continue to receive your offering

envelopes in the mail to contribute to special collections such as CSA, Monthly Green Envelopes & Holy Days, which

will not be withdrawn automatically.

AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT I hereby authorize St. Thomas More Church to initiate debit entries

to my/our checking account indicated on my attached voided check. I/we authorize such banking institution to honor such debit entries on my/our account. I/we understand this authorization is to remain in full force and effect until St. Thomas More has received

written notification from me/us. I agree to give 14 days written notice of any changes to, or discontinuation of, this program.

I/We hereby authorize St. Thomas More to debit my/our account in the amount of $___________/month from

my/our checking account (attach a voided check) on the (select one): ____ 5th of each month or ____ 20th of each month.

Name___________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________

Cell # (_____)_______________ Other # (_____) ______________

Email___________________________________________________

Signed__________________________________________________

Signed__________________________________________________

Return this form, along with a voided check to: St. Thomas More Church

Attn: Mike Gutchewsky • 8501 Calumet Ave • Munster, IN 46321 For more information, please contact Noreen Bickel at (219) 836-8610, #2330 or [email protected]

Groceries, PPE & Products STM is Accepting Donations & The Need is Great If you are able to donate any of the following items, please

deposit in the marked receptacles in the Parish Office vestibule. Items will be distributed through SVDP

ministry volunteers and local representatives to those who need it most:

Face Masks • Surgical Gowns Rubber Gloves • Disinfecting Wipes

Groceries • Personal Hygiene Products

(see our SVDP list of needed items on Page 8 of this bulletin).

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St. Thomas More School May 17, 2020

St. Thomas More School Preschool to 8th Grade

Faith • Academics • Service • Leadership e-Learning since 2017!

“A” Rated by the Indiana Department of

Education

Register Now! Start your child on a successful path to the future

with a St. Thomas More School education, where faith, academic strength, service to others and leadership opportunities form the foundation

for tomorrow’s leaders of conscience. 3+ Years of Effective e-Learning

• Exceptional academics • Student-focused, values-driven curriculum

emphasizes artistic, physical & spiritual development • Small Class Sizes (18:1) • Spanish: Grades PreS-8

• Culture of kindness & inclusiveness where all children feel loved, valued and supported

• Robust extra-curricular program: 25+ Clubs, Sports & Organizations

To Apply: https://www.stm-school.com/

To learn more: Please contact Pam Pasyk

(219) 836-9151, #2309 (leave message) or email

[email protected]

Since 2017, the e-Learning Program at St. Thomas More School has been in

full swing. What started out as a program to enable students to stay on track academically on days of inclement weather and professional in-service days for faculty, has now eased our students into full-time learning from home. Unlike most area schools, STMS has had a solid program locked in place for the past three (3) years, and, because we were prepared, the transition to learning from home has been seamless and students know how to work independently.

STMS Covid-19 Fund Please Help!

St. Thomas More School is launching a new initiative called the STMS

COVID-19 Fund. The goal is to raise $70,000 by June 30, 2020

to cover increases in tuition scholarship requests, reduction in the Parish Subsidy (due to decreased Sunday collections),

and loss of revenue from the cancellation of our spring raffle and the

scaled back or cancellation of the remaining 19-20 fundraisers.

Your gift today will make a difference and go directly to help

STMS students, faculty and staff. Your generosity will help continue our

A-Rated education to our students.

To help STMS continue our mission of educating tomorrow’s leaders, please

donate today to STMS COVID-19 https://www.stm-school.com/support-

stms/ or you may drop off a donation in the

Parish Office: STMS – COVID-19 Fund

E-Learning Preparation Reaps Big Rewards

That means less work for parents! Our teachers have been beyond fantastic as they monitor not only students academic progress, but

their social/emotional well-being, as well. And the best part, because our students were already so comfortable with eLearning, they have been able to keep up with their studies to complete a full school year, despite the pandemic. The challenge for children to complete their “home” work, however, remains the same, no matter what the circumstances.

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St. Vincent De Paul Society Please keep all in our community in your prayers. We have many

additional families in need of food and assistance during this health crisis. The need is great & your help is truly appreciated.

Please be as generous as possible.

Please check the expiration dates before donating items (we cannot distribute expired items to those in need).

To learn more about SVDP please call Terry at (219) 836-8610.

Peanut Butter • Jelly Cake Mixes • Cake Frosting

Pancake Mix Syrup

Pasta/Noodles • Pasta Sauce Rice

Boxed Potatoes Meal Helpers

Jell-O

Canned Meat/Fish Pork and Beans Mac & Cheese

Cereal Canned Fruit

Toothbrushes • Tooth Paste Dish Soap • Laundry Detergent

Shampoo Toilet Paper

Items Needed for Our Pantry:

Would You Like to Volunteer? If you would still like to volunteer to help those in need and

badly effected by the Covid-19 health crisis, please contact St. Thomas More parish. Needs are currently being assessed with follow-up to begin soon. If you can volunteer, please email:

[email protected] You will be contacted as soon as we have information to share.

Bulletin Articles The bulletin is available online via our parish website.

Limited copies can be found in the Chapel lobby. Please submit all info at least two (2) weeks in advance to:

[email protected].

Diocesan Tuition Assistance Financial Help for the 2020/2021 School Year The application window for the 2020-2021 Diocese of Gary

tuition assistance is open. FACTS Management will continue to provide and process the online tuition assistance applications that can be found at the

Diocesan website: www.dcgary.org. Find the application by clicking on the “Schools” tab and then

clicking on the blue rectangle labeled “Tuition Assistance Application”. Tuition assistance is only open to Catholic

families who are active registered members of parishes within the Diocese of Gary.

You may complete an application if you have: Children entering grades kindergarten to Grade 12 . Preschool/Pre-K students are not eligible for this assistance.

There is a $35 fee/family to apply and only completed applications will be considered.

If you need help with the application, FACTS will have an email address, phone number and chat line on the application website for customer service. The Diocesan Office will not be able to help you. Get your tuition assistance application in as soon as

possible, before funding runs out!

MINISTRY spotlight St. Thomas More is blessed with an abundance of people who

share their time and talent with those in our parish and community. With over 50 active parish ministries to choose

from, there is something to fit your interests and time availability. While most activities are halted for the time being , we encourage you to get involved when restrictions are lifted.

You’ll receive much more than you give by serving others.

Garden Club The mission of the Garden Club is to beautify the St. Thomas

More Parish campus. Members help with the landscaping (planting flowers, weeding, etc.) on the St. Thomas More parish

grounds. Work is completed when weather permits on Wednesday and Friday mornings starting at 9:00 a.m. Your help

will be welcomed when things resume, so come join them!