st. john of the cross parish · all are invited: those who meditate those who want to know more...

5005 Wolf Road ~ Western Springs 60558 ~ 708-246-4404 ~ www.stjohnofthecross.org

St. John of the Cross Parish

Sunday, March 10, 2019 ~ First Sunday of Lent

St. John of the Cross Parish Visit us at stjohnofthecross.org March 10, 2019 First Sunday of Lent

From the Desk of Fr. Marc Reszel

University of Saint Mary of the Lake Journey through Lent with our seminarian community by receiving weekly Gospel reflections written by your future parish priests. Take a few moments each week to reflect on your personal journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for the joy of Easter Sunday: www.usml.edu/lenten-reflections

You are cordially invited to our neighbor parish, St. Francis Xavier in La Grange, for a Lenten Mission led by Fr. Stan Chu Ilo on three Friday evenings in Lent from 7- 8:15pm:

March 15: Someone Beautiful to God: Discovering God’s Love this Lent

April 5: Something Beautiful for God: Discovering God’s Purpose in Our Lives

April 12: Loving When it Hurts: Discovering Healing and Hope in a Wounded World

Each evening will include Fr. Stan’s talk, reflection, music and prayer. Light refreshments will be served. Fr. Stan Chu Ilo, an internationally acclaimed preacher, author, and teacher, is a priest of Awgu Diocese in Eastern Nigeria. He is a research professor at the Center for World Catholicism and Inter-Cultural Theology, DePaul University, Chicago. He shares his gifts at St. Francis Xavier parish in La Grange, as weekend presider.

Blessings on the First Sunday of Lent. As we were reminded on Ash Wednesday, this penitential season is marked by three traditional disciplines: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. The disciplines are intended to make us better disciples. See this bulletin for more information about Thursday Faith Sharing Groups, Friday Stations of the Cross, CRS Rice Bowls, additional opportunities for Sacramental Reconciliation, etc. During the 10:45 Mass this Sunday the names of our Candidates for Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil will be added to our Book of the Elect. Erik Palm, Jason Sundersen, Brad Wilson, and Brian Wasz will then be presented to Bishop Manz at Holy Name Cathedral on Sunday afternoon. The Book of the Elect will be displayed near the baptismal font throughout Lent as a visible reminder to pray for all those preparing for sacraments of initiation during Easter, including our parishioners in the second grade and others who are preparing to receive their Fist Holy Communion in May. The annual Lenten season is the fitting time to climb the holy mountain of Easter. The Lenten season has a double character, namely to prepare both catechumens and faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. The catechumens, both with the rite of election and scrutinies, and by catechesis, are prepared for the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation; the faithful, ever more attentive to the word of God and prayer, prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises. (Ceremonial of Bishops, 249) Let us continue to pray for one another and for our parish. Father Reszel

http://www.usml.edu/lenten-reflections


Dr. Bruno Cortis, MD on

The Healing Power of the Spiritual Heart:

How to Communicate with your Spiritual Heart, the Healing Power of the Biblical Heart,

& Spiritual Tools that Promote Healing.

Lenten Morning of Meditation Saturday, March 16 9:00-11:30am 8:30am Hospitality SJC Parish Center

Periods of Meditation

All are invited: Those who meditate Those who want to know more about meditation

Sponsored by the Christian Meditation groups (wccm-usa.org, wccm.org) Reservations requested but not required

Contact: Betsy—708-246-8315 or [email protected] Free will offering appreciated

St. John of the Cross Parish Center 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL

mailto:[email protected]

Pray, Fast and Give Alms through CRS Rice Bowl

Along with 13,000 faith communities across the U.S. this Lent, our parish will participate in Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten Rice Bowl Program as a way to encounter Jesus through others, especially the most vulnerable around the world. This program invites us to pray with our families and fast in solidarity with those who are hungry, and at the same time learn about the people who will receive help from our sacrificial contributions. At Masses this weekend each parish family will receive a cardboard Rice Bowl to fill with spare change and a Lenten Calendar with prayers, recipes and reflections. Then each week in Lent we will learn about hunger and poverty in a different country. In addition, children in our parish school and YC program will have a Rice Bowl in their classroom and will participate in special activities to help them deepen their awareness of needs throughout the world.

Your Rice Bowl can be brought to Mass on Palm Sunday or dropped off at the Parish Center after Palm Sunday. Visit our parish website to learn more about CRS around the world, watch inspiring videos and see great recipes.

God of all people, You walk with us on our life’s journey. You know our joys and struggles. You know us better than we know ourselves. This Lenten season, may we too learn to walk with others. Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, may we encounter you in our neighbors in need and live your call to serve our human family. Amen.

PRAY FAST GIVE

Lord, help us to be instruments of your peace. We pray for people around the world who are hungry, especially children,

that they receive the nutritious food they need to live healthy, productive lives.

Expressing love for those in need expands our hearts in hope.

A Story of Hope from Guatemala: Encounter Norma For young families living in the mountains of Guatemala, raising a baby can be hard. Most families grow corn and beans for a living, but a long-standing drought has caused harvests to shrink. There are few job opportunities, which means putting food on the table is a daily challenge. That’s why when Norma discovered she was pregnant, she wondered how she would manage. “When I was young, my mom and dad didn’t have money to buy much food,” she says. “My mom would split one egg among four children.” Norma wanted more for her son, Victor. But at age 20, she didn’t have much experience beyond helping her mother around the house. So, she looked for help. She found it in a CRS-sponsored program that teaches young mothers how to raise healthy children, grow nutritious food in small gardens and manage a healthy diet. Plus, CRS provided Norma with food throughout her pregnancy and monthly medical check-ups during Victor’s first two years of life. “I learned a lot of beautiful things,” Norma says. “I learned how to take care of my boy and what foods to feed him so that he can grow healthy and strong.” Now, Norma is sharing what she learned with others as a “mother monitor.” “It makes me proud to share the experience I had and the lessons I learned with other women,” she says. It makes Norma proud—and makes her community a better place to raise a family.

Life and Dignity of the Human Person Catholic social teaching inspires and guides how we are to live and work in the world. In this principle, Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Jesus reminds us that we are all made in God's image and likeness. That means that every human being has a special value and a purpose. We need to care for each other so we can be the people God calls us to be.


Lifelong Learning

Living the Gospel Even the devil can quote Scripture. So simply knowing Scripture does not guarantee one’s right relationship with God.

Luke’s version of the temptation of Jesus is more elaborate than the story we find in Mark, which Luke used as a source. In fact, Mark tells the story (if we can even call it that) of the temptation in two verses whereas Luke uses thirteen (cf. Mark 1:12-13). Luke gives us a dialogue between Jesus and the devil that is completely absent in Mark. To each of the devil’s temptations, some supported by Scripture, Jesus retorts with Scripture. The scene is almost one of a theological debating club.

Luke expanded on the story he inherited from Mark to convey theological insights and truths rather than compose a journalist’s description of “what really happened.” Early church fathers recognized this immediately when they asked how the devil could take Jesus to a place where he could show him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant when no such place exists. The church fathers knew that this story was meant to convey theology, and it was meant to be read metaphorically rather than literally.

By this story Luke tells us a number of things, not least of which is that Jesus was tempted by the devil. And Luke’s expansion of the story from what he inherited read more like debating societies than true temptations.

As a master storyteller, Luke concludes the episode with three words that set the stage for later drama, namely, that the devil departed from him “for a time.” We know that this was not to be the last encounter between the devil and Jesus. This first encounter with its triple temptations ultimately would lead to the Last Supper, the

agony in the garden, the passion, and the cross. ©Living Liturgy

Jesus Christ, son of God and son of Mary, grant to us we beseech you, the spirit of fortitude and courage that accompanied you in the wilderness. May that same spirit accompany us in times of trouble and temptation, so that we may be found to be faithful disciples. We ask this in your

name, for you live and reign with the Father and the Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Background on the Gospel Reading In each of the three Synoptic Gospels, after his baptism, Jesus is reported to have spent forty days in the desert, fasting and praying. In Luke and in Matthew, the devil presents three temptations to Jesus. The devil tempts Jesus to use his power to appease his hunger, he offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus will worship him, and he tempts Jesus to put God's promise of protection to the test. In each case, Jesus resists, citing words from Scripture to rebuke the devil's temptation. Each temptation that Jesus faces offers insight into the spirituality we hope to develop as we keep the forty days of the Season of Lent. We can trust God to provide for our material needs. We worship God because God alone has dominion over us and our world. We can trust God to be faithful to his promises. Jesus' rejection of the devil's temptations shows that he will not put God to the test. Grounding himself on the Word and authority of Scripture, Jesus rebukes the devil by his confidence in God's protection and faithfulness. This Gospel highlights for us one of the central themes of the Season of Lent. We are dependent upon God for all that we have and all that we are. Anything that leads us to reject this dependency or to distrust its sufficiency, is a temptation from the devil. Luke ends his report of Jesus' temptation in the desert by noting that the devil departs for a time. The implication is that the devil will return. Jesus knows that he will be tempted again in the Garden of Gethsemane. The depth of Jesus' trust in God is shown most fully when Jesus rejects the temptation to turn away from the task God has given to him. Jesus' final rebuke of the devil is his sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus' responses to the temptations of the devil teach us how we can respond to temptation. As we start our journey through Lent, this Sunday's Gospel calls us to adopt the same confidence that Jesus had in the face of temptation: God's word alone will suffice, God's promise of protection can be trusted, and God alone is God. Loyola Press

Monday Lev 19:1-2, 11-18 Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 Matt 25:31-46

Tuesday Isa 55:10-11 Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 Matt 6:7-15

Wednesday Jonah 3:1-10 Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 Luke 11:29-32

Thursday Esth C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8 Matt 7:7-12

Friday Ezek 18:21-28 Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 Matt 5:20-26

Saturday Deut 26:16-19 Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 Matt 5:43-48

2nd Sunday of Lent Gen 15:5-12, 17-18 Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14 Phil 3:17–4:1 or Phil 3:20–4:1 Luke 9:28b-36



Rediscover the Depth of God’s Love

While reconciliation is what God does, receiving it and celebrating it are what we do. For Catholics, the sacrament of reconciliation is a most natural way to celebrate God’s reconciliation. We used to think of this sacrament as only about confession—it was like a dumping ground for our sins where we were forgiven and had to pay a toll. One of the great recoveries in our Christian history is the rediscovery of the meaning of this sacrament. It is God who forgives sins. God forgives us the very moment we realize we need forgiveness, which itself comes through God’s grace. At that moment, we feel sorrow and a desire for forgiveness and healing, and we are reconciled with God. The reunion, the bond, the connection, and the joy are all there. Three more things remain: forgiveness and healing deep within our heart, celebration of that forgiveness, and participation in the healing process. When I experience God’s forgiveness and love, I am touched deeply. Experiencing compassion, patience, understanding, and forgiveness is itself transforming. If I fail to appreciate what I have just received freely and undeservedly, then I will take it for granted and risk moving on without real healing. We need to celebrate the reconciliation we have received. In the sacrament of reconciliation—individually or in common—we have the wonderful opportunity to ritualize that celebration. In the sacrament, our personal journey is joined with the mystery of God’s saving love, as seen in the Scriptures and in God’s desire to save us all. This is deeply personal. There, in ritual form, even if it is just us and the priest, we step forward and admit that we are sinners, express our sorrow, and name the places in our life where God is shining a light into what we have done and what we have failed to do. Then God's forgiveness is proclaimed out loud for us to hear and rejoice in: “May God give you pardon and peace.” Part of the sacrament of reconciliation is healing. Often that will simply be prayer. Often expressing our gratitude to God is one of the most important steps on the road to recovery from our independence from God. Sometimes, we will need to practice a therapy that is more carefully focused on making choices about what I can practice doing and what I can practice avoiding. May our Lord grant us all the gift of reconciliation, and may we all receive it and celebrate it well in the holy days ahead. by Andy Alexander, SJ, Maureen McCann Waldron

Merciful and loving God, thank you for the gift of forgiveness. Help me to remain faithful to all you ask of me.

Opportunities for Reconciliation during Lent Monday Evenings of Reconciliation Monday, March 11 ~ Individual Confessions in Church at 7:00pm Monday, March 25 ~ Individual Confessions in Church at 7:00pm

Parish Reconciliation Service Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00pm in Church Hear God’s word proclaimed, then take part in an examination of conscience. 6 priests from our parish and elsewhere will assist with individual confession and absolution as you are ready. Perfect for all ages.

Individual Reconciliation is also available on Saturdays after morning Mass.

RCIA Rite of Sending—Rite of Election

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the process for becoming Catholic. Again this year our parish has teamed up with our neighbor parish, St. Francis Xavier, to welcome and prepare all those seeking to become Catholic. Both parish ministry teams have combined resources to accompany our adult Candidates and Catechumen as they journey to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church. Today at the 10:45am Mass our RCIA Candidates: Erik, Jason, Brad and Brian will publicly express their desire to be in full communion with the Church with the celebration and reception of the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. At Mass the Candidates will sign the Book of the Elect and be affirmed by their sponsors and our parish faith community. Then later in the day the group from both parishes will travel to Holy Name Cathedral to present the Book of the Elect to Bishop Manz with other Catechumens and Candidates from throughout the archdiocese. As our Elect journey through the weeks of Lent they continue to prepare to celebrate the sacraments at the Easter Vigil through prayer, scripture study and spiritual direction. Join us as we keep them in our prayers. Stop in our church narthex to see the entire group of RCIA candidates and catechumen from St. Francis Xavier and SJC.

Almighty God, look upon our Candidates, Erik, Jason, Brad & Brian as they publicly express

their desire to be counted among the members

of your Church. As they enter this

final period of preparation in coming to know Christ,

the love of God, the mysteries of our faith,

the way of the Gospel, the grace of the sacraments, and the importance of their

relationship with you and the Church

fill them with your Spirit of guidance and wisdom.

We thank you for these whom you have called

and we await their joining us around the table of the Lord.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit,

assure them of the prayers and support of the

St. John of the Cross Parish. Amen.

Erik Palm

Jason Sundersen

Brad Wilson


Brian Wasz

Gracious God, here I am embraced by Your love.

Outreach: Spotlight on Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation

Team Cuisine 13 volunteers gathered last week to prepare 14 big pans of meat lasagna that will be delivered frozen to Precious Blood. Next week volunteers will be preparing enchiladas for St. Blase. If you would like to learn how you can become involved, call Bill Bright, Director of Outreach. Also pictured below is Bill who had the task of purchasing the ingredients and equipment needed. Thank you to everyone for their efforts.

Learn about Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation Sharing in Christ’s mission of reconciliation, PBMR works as agents of reconciliation and healing with those in our community and our Church who have been impacted by violence and conflict. PBMR ministries reach out to the victim, the wrongdoer, and the community to create a safe space where healing can begin and where people can find the support and encouragement needed to begin reconciliation. PBMR strives to be a resource to the community to find restorative ways to heal and rebuild after violence and conflict. Kids are a constant at PBMR. You’ll find them rummaging through the refrigerator trying to find something to eat, using the meager weight room trying to build muscles, working out in the garden or simply sweeping floors or mopping halls. They find the “Center” a safe place in which they feel as though they belong, a place where no one judges them. They seek help in trying to find a job or do better in school. Some work part time merely to feed and clothe themselves. You often find the youth sitting in circle in order to share their pain and discover that they are not alone. They push against the negative stereotypes or labels that seem to be too often depicted in the media. PBMR youth sit in circle with other youth from other communities and work to stop the violence or better the schools. They work against the “schoolhouse to jailhouse pipeline” and offer alternatives to incarceration. PBMR recognizes that the women, especially the Mothers, in our community face unsurmountable obstacles as they strive each day to offer their children their best. Mothers are invited into the PBMR family and are offered a safe place to tell their stories of loneliness, fear and lack of resources. PBMR is present to each and offering one-on-one support, monthly group brunch and circle, job training, and opportunities to further their education while also providing for some of their basic needs. The Mothers visit the Peace Garden and are accompanied as they walk the Peace Labyrinth or sit by the Peace Fountain. PB also offers Family Circles to heal hurts and help restore and strengthen family relationships 25 volunteers go into the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center several times a week. It is a ministry of presence: it is sitting and listening one-to-one or in a drumming circle; it is standing beside them in court; and it is reaching out to their families; it is being there for them when they are released or go on to prison. The Arts enable a person who has been impacted by trauma to tell their story. Too often, the pain or hurt of a young person stays buried deep inside…..where it festers. The art program enables us to invite them to share in whatever way they can: drawing or painting, music or poetry, theater or film. Because it has become so central to how PB tells their story – inside the detention center or jail and in the community – PBMR has opened an art gallery. Here the stories are shared, the music is created and the paintings and drawings are displayed. In the back rooms t-shirts are screened and young people sit with their easels and create their own “masterpieces.”


Christ in the Desert What do you think of when you hear the word Church? Perhaps an image of St. John of the Cross Parish comes to mind, or Fr. Marc Reszel, or even those who are next to us every Sunday in the pews. In reality, the Church of Jesus Christ spans well beyond the walls of St. John of the Cross. For us in suburban Chicago, this can be admittedly difficult to recognize, especially for those of us who have lived in the same parish our entire lives. As part of our formation as seminarians, my class received the blessing to expand our conception of what “Church” is. For one week, we were sent on mission on the land of the Tohono O’odham Nation southwest of Tucson, Arizona. The reservation, which is 85% Catholic, stretches across a section of the Sonoran Desert the size of Connecticut. It was in this dry, sparsely-populated area that we were to encounter the people that lived on this land. From our first foray onto the reservation, we were told that financial burdens, alcoholism, drug addiction, diabetes, and suicide were common issues. And it showed. Finding employment in the desert seemed to be a futile task. To compound matters, drug cartels would be smuggling their wares across the Mexican border and right through their backyards. Parents live in constant fear of their children’s wellbeing. “What can I possibly do for these people?” I asked myself. Then we experienced Christ’s Church in the desert. Two Franciscan priests provide sacramental life to forty churches on the reservation. Imagine only having one Mass every month! There aren’t any simple alternatives, either. The next village over could be up to thirty-five miles away on gravel roads. If you wished to go to Mass every Sunday, you may end up driving over an hour each way to get to the nearest church which has Mass. We may grumble about not having the precise Mass time at our local parish on Sundays, but there are some Catholics who have no choice but come to Mass at the one time possible over the course of four weeks. With all this difficulty in simply having mass (not to mention the other struggles with life on a desert reservation), one may think that the Church may face nothing but a slow death. On the contrary, parishes in the area were remarkably lively. Despite, and perhaps because of, their struggles, the Tohono O’odham were able to come together even more closely as the body of Christ. It’s in the Church that they could unite their sufferings more closely to Christ and, in turn, be present to the sufferings of others in the community. And it didn’t bring about a cesspool of sadness; it brought about a wellspring of joy. Though the members of the parishes still faced real issues in their lives, they lived their lives

with the hope of Christ. They were grateful for God’s presence in their lives, even if they only receive Him in the Eucharist once a month. And when a crew of clearly out-of-place seminarians from Illinois stopped in for their monthly Mass, they welcomed us with open arms. In some cases, the whole parish would take part in making us feel like part of the same Church they experienced. The hospitality and desire to know us was not because we were seminarians, but because we were also part of the body of Christ. Soon we were hearing many stories from the parishioners, sharing our own, and becoming fast friends. Maybe “friends” doesn’t quite describe it. It was more than that. We came to the realization that day that we were all children of God in Christ’s Church. The environment may be different than ours (65° is quite different February weather than Illinois, after all), but the Church is the same. Perhaps we, too, can learn from the Tohono O’odham and see the Church as a globe-spanning body of members.

From our Teaching Parish Seminarian: David Nowicki

David is pictured on the far left with his fellow seminarians.


Pre School Celebrates Dr. Suess’ Birthday

In celebration of Dr. Suess’ Birthday, our Preschool classes created green eggs and ham as an art project using paint, balls, boxes, and glue. Then they read the story and each child wrote an element of the story to create their own version of the book. Their interpretation of the popular story “Green Eggs and Ham” hangs outside their room for the school to enjoy. Learn more about our Parish School at www.stjohnofthecross/school

2019 ANNUAL

SJC WOMEN’S CLUB

FLOWER SALE

Proceeds from the sale go directly to support Women's Club activities, parish scholarships, and outreach initiatives

directed towards mothers and children.

….is just around the corner and it’s that time of year again— to order flowers, herbs and plants!!

Visit www.stjohnofthecross.org to place your order.

Paper order sheets are also available in the Parish Center.

Please have your order in by Monday, April 8!

Any questions? You can contact Women’s Club

Flower Sale co-chairs: Cindy O’Malley at 312-259-4177

Christina Howard at 630-334-9144 You can also stop by

the Parish Center .

Parish School Women’s Club


You are cordially

invited to our

Encore St. Patrick’s Day

Luncheon Sunday, March 17

12-2pm in the Parish Center

Encore is for parishioners aged 60 years+ and their friends!

Luncheon Tickets are $20 per person. RSVP on the home page of our Parish website or drop off your check in the Parish Center today.

It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends at the parish!

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The SJC Men's Club invites all men of the parish to the 2019 Chicago Catholic Men's Conference entitled "A Man Among Men: Man's Adventure in Following Christ." This event will be held at Dominican University in River Forest on Saturday, March 16 from 8am to 5pm. General admission is $65 and includes lunch. Register at www.amanamongmenchicago.com.


New Ushers Are Needed We are expanding our Ministry of Ushers and encourage you to consider this very important ministry. Ushers are needed at all Mass times, however we have an immediate need at the 5:00pm Sunday liturgy. Ushers greet and warmly welcome all to our parish. To new folks and visitors, they are the first impression of our parish community. Ushers help seat the assembly at weekend Masses and gather the collection. Ushers should be adults over the age of 16. Each Mass has a Head Usher who is also AED/CPR certified. Contact Steven Weigand in the Parish Center or the Head Usher at Mass with questions or more information.

Parish News Monday, March 11 9:30am Spiritual Journeying 10:30am Step 11 Christian Meditation 1:00pm Little Rock Scripture Study 2:00pm Used Uniform Sale 2:30pm Adoration 6:15pm YC Classes 7:00pm Confessions in Church 7:00pm Boy Scouts Tuesday, March 12 9:05am Tuesdays with Mary Rosary 9:30am Book Study 10:00am Renew My Church Meeting 3:45pm Altar Server Training 7:30pm Christian Meditation Wednesday, March 13 9:30am Wednesday Morning Bible Study 10:00am Chicago Catholic Scripture School 2:30pm Christian Meditation 3:30pm Meditation Study Group 3:45pm Cherub Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm Alpha 7:00pm Bridges Faith Sharing Group 7:00pm Chicago Catholic Scripture School 7:30pm Traditional Choir Rehearsal Thursday, March 14 9:30am Barron Lenten Reflection Group 1:00pm Nourish for Caregivers 3:45pm Youth Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm Barron Lenten Reflection Group 7:30pm Contemporary Ensemble Rehearsal Friday, March 15 7:00pm Stations of the Cross in Church Saturday, March 16 7:00am Christian Meditation Sunday, March 17 10:15am YC Session 12:00pm St. Patrick Party 1:30pm Baptisms 6:00pm Divorce & Beyond

Food Pantry Collection in the Church Narthex In March our food pantry donations will be delivered to St. Blase in Summit. Over 1000 families receive food each month from the pantry which frequently runs out of food to distribute to those in need. When you come to Mass please bring one or two food items to share with the St. Blase Food Pantry. Their greatest needs include: macaroni and cheese, rice, beans, soups—but any food item will be appreciated. Thank you for your care and generosity to those living in poverty in our area.

http://www.amanamongmenchicago.com

YC Registration Today BBall Info Nourish for Caregivers


Our Registration Fair is this weekend!

YC registration opens and begins on Sunday, March 10 ~ 8:30am to Noon

Monday, March 11 ~ 6:00-8:00pm Multi-Purpose Room of the School

New families should bring a baptismal certificate.

Please ask us about how you can be involved in our program!!

The YC Office is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30-4:00pm & during YC class

hours on Sunday AM and Monday PM

Nourish is for anyone juggling the challenges of life, health, career and caring for an aging parent, grandparent, or spouse, in town or at a distance. Nourish provides family caregivers practical and emotional supports, shared experiences and useful tools, all with a Christ-centered view. Discover blessings in caring for another.

Date: Thursday, March 14

Time: 1:00pm

SJC Rm. 7

This month’s topic:

Speak Up! Overcoming Challenges

of Advocacy Family caregivers protect the rights, dignity and life of their loved one. Yet, advocating for another is not always an easy or empowering task. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the Great Advocate, we can draw on the strength, wisdom and courage of our faith.

Be nourished.

www.nourishforcaregivers.com

The best legacy children can receive from parents is

faith.

YC: EXCELLENCE IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

YC Schedule Sunday, March 10 K-6 grades 10:15-11:30am Sunday, March 10 7-8 grades in homes Sunday, March 11 K-6 grades 6:15-7:30pm Sunday, March 17 K-6 grades 10:15-11:30am Sunday, March 17 Adapted Catechesis 9-10am Sunday, March 18 K-6 grades 6:15-7:30pm March 17-18 6th grade parents attend Stations Play

High School Girls’ Church League Basketball Girls basketball will begin in April for high school freshmen through seniors, and Crossroads needs coaches! Par-ents interested in coaching a Girls Church League team and teens interested in being on a team this year can contact Katie Nicholson at [email protected] or 708-246-4404 (ext. 130).

mailto:[email protected]


Parish News

St. John of the Cross Parish congratulates the following families who had their infants baptized last Sunday by Deacon Rich Voytas assisted by Baptism Team Leaders Nancy and Joe Polacek. Pictured from the left are: James and Kristee Mann with baby Tucker; Jim and Lauren Furey with baby Brendan; Noel and Lindsay Fouks with baby Isla; and Richard and Christina Albreski with baby Savannah.

St. John of the Cross Parish also congratulates the Simonovich family on the baptism of their baby John Xavier at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart two weeks ago. Pictured are John and Amylee Simonovich with John Xavier and his big sisters.

New Baby? Ready for Baptism? Our parish offers a dynamic preparation for all parents of infants that welcomes, supports and strengthens their role as first teachers of the faith, and joyfully celebrates the Sacrament of baptism. As your child grows, the parish also offers family-style preschool 5 times per year for both parent and child. Call the Parish Center to learn more.

Rev. Marc Reszel, Pastor [email protected] Rev. Peter Galek, Associate Pastor [email protected] Rev. William Vollmer, Associate Pastor [email protected] Rev. David Dowdle, Senior Priest [email protected] Senior Deacon Joe Pepitone [email protected] Deacon John Schopp [email protected] Deacon Rich Voytas [email protected] Bill Bright, Director of Outreach [email protected] Janet Caschetta, Director of Youth Catechesis [email protected] Marguerite Chrusciel, Finance Manager [email protected] Frank DiPompeo, Plant Manager [email protected] Mary Beth Drafz, Communications Associate [email protected] Kathleen Gorman, Principal [email protected] Jessica Koch, Director of Music [email protected] MJ Martin, Director of Parish Operations [email protected] Katie Nicholson, Crossroads Coordinator [email protected] Theresa Reyes, Parish Secretary [email protected] Elizabeth Russell-Jones, Welcome Coordinator [email protected] Pat Surdyk, Liturgy & Music Assistant [email protected] Christina Turlek, Financial Assistant [email protected] Steven Weigand, Pastoral Associate [email protected]

Prayer Requests We Pray for Our Sick Bill Baxter, Beth Beutell, Margaret Brooks, Sam Cibula, Amanda Cook, Donald Delaney, Helen DiNuzzo, Frances Domanskis, Linda Dorminey, Fr. David Dowdle, Aggie Frolik, Sheila Gallagher, Laurian Gawron, Fran Halisz, Diane Hennessy, Linda Hillsman, Karen Hult, Thomas Ivaska, Peggy Koucky, Eric Martinson, Bobbie Misiora, Ernie Misiora, Gail O’Toole, Janet Palko, Peggy Pellegrino, Blanche Terry Pepin, Judi Perzik, Jeff Reitmeier, John Ryan, Rachael Schopp, David Sipek, Shawn Sweeney, Roselynn Wicklander,Dominic Yocius We Pray for Our Loved Ones Serving Our Country Staff Sgt. Steven Foody, Sergeant Sebastian Grabacki, Staff Sgt. Joshua Tischler USAF Pararescue, Corporal Daniel Pett, MAJ. James Maicke, Sgt. Robert Marburger, Staff Sgt. Larry Waszak, Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Strafaci, Lance Corporal David Strafaci, Seaman Emily Strafaci, Sgt. Michael Grabarek, Spc. Douglas Junius, PFC Kevin Lawinger, Lieutenant James Viano, First Lieutenant Caroline Lorenzini, Captain Emily Kopec, Petty Officer 2nd Class John Ilg We Pray for Our Beloved Dead Maude Graef, mother of Steve Sr. Mary Catherine Spatz, IBVM Don Blaha, husband of Candace, mother of Mary Doyle Keith Chadwick, husband of Jennifer, father of Tom, Ethan, John and Anne Richard Orlowski, father of Ralph Sr. Joyce Hajdukovic


Mass Schedule Monday-Friday 7:45am Saturday 8:00am, 5:00pm Sunday 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:15pm, 5pm Confessions Saturdays 8:30am Lenten Evenings of Reconciliation Monday, March 11 7:00pm Monday, March 25 7:00pm Parish Reconciliation Service Tuesday, April 9 7:00pm Stations of the Cross Fridays in Lent 7:00pm Eucharistic Adoration Mondays 2:30-8:45pm Christian Meditation Mondays 10:30am (11th step), Tuesdays 7:30pm, Wednesdays 2:30pm, Saturdays 7:00am St. John of the Cross Parish Center 5005 Wolf Road Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-4404 Parish Center Office Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am-8:00pm Weekends 8:00am-6:00pm Parish School Office 708-246-4454 Youth Catechesis Office 708-246-6760 Sign Up to Receive our Weekly Newsletter and Bulletin: [email protected] Low gluten hosts are available by contacting a Sacristan before Mass in the sacristy. Nursery Service is available during the 9:00am and 10:45am Masses in the Rectory Garden Room. Enter at the north Rectory doors.

Monday, March 11, 2019 Lenten Weekday 7:45am Mass Remembrances:

Frank Berger †; Marilyn Hartmann †; Oliver Quinn † Tuesday, March 12, 2019 Lenten Weekday 7:45am Mass Remembrances:

Ruth Richards †; Wantroba Family † Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Lenten Weekday 7:45am Mass Remembrances:

Kathleen McGuire †; Daniel Hirsch † Thursday, March 14, 2019 Lenten Weekday 7:45am Mass Remembrances:

Ed Wolak †; Maryann Scalise † Friday, March 15, 2019 Lenten Weekday 7:45am Mass Remembrances:

Loretta Swiatek †; Don Vollmer † Saturday, March 16, 2019 Lenten Weekday 8:00am Mass Remembrances:

Sylvester Ptak †; Bee Duquette † Evening Mass 5:00pm Mass Remembrances:

Lena Kuffel †; Louis Perona †; Don Vollmer † Sunday, March 17, 2019 Second Sunday of Lent 7:30am Mass Remembrances:

Patrick and William Sheridan †, Eileen Runge †; Kathy & Mike Roche † 9:00am Mass Remembrances:

Raymond Cochran †; Martha Okoh † 10:45am Mass Remembrances:

Helen Delaney †; Galvin & Grogan Families †; Linda Dorminey 12:15pm Mass Remembrances:

Anna Martin †; Maryann Scalise † 5:00pm Mass Remembrances:

Mary Brennan †; Alexis Shapiro †; John Rupar † Living Remembrances in Italics

Call or Visit our Parish Center Office to arrange for: Mass Remembrances; A Minister of Care to bring Holy Communion to your family member who is homebound; To schedule a Baptism or Wedding; Add your loved one’s name to our Prayer List; Pick up extra bulletins; and any other questions you have!

knowing, loving and following Jesus

Bishop Barron’s Lenten Reflection Faith Sharing Groups Thursdays at 9:30-10:30am or 6:30-7:30pm in the Parish Center Stations of the Cross Fridays in Lent at 7:00pm in Church Pray, Fast, Give Alms: CRS Rice Bowl Follow weekly reflections, prayers, and recipes in the bulletin and on our website. Return your Rice Bowl on Palm Sunday. Monday Evening of Reconciliation Monday, March 11 ~ Individual Confession in Church at 7:00pm Individual Reconciliation is also available on Saturdays after morning Mass. Lenten Morning of Meditation Saturday, March 16 at 8:30am in the Parish Center ~ Bruno Cortis, MD, will talk on The Healing Power of the Spiritual Heart: How to Communicate with your Spiritual Heart, the Healing Power of the Biblical Heart, and Spiritual Tools that Promote Healing. RSVP at [email protected] Taizé Prayer Tuesday, March 19 at 7:00pm in Church Monday Evening of Reconciliation Monday, March 25 ~ Individual Confession in Church at 7:00pm Parish Reconciliation Service Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00pm in Church

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VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

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FAMILY DENTISTRYKevin E. Collins, DDS, PC475 W. 55th St., La Grange

Office 708-354-5575After Hours Emergency – 708-408-3676

DUPLEX ELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishioner www.duplexelectricservice.com

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installation

Staining & varnishing woodwork

Complete painting/staining of exteriors

Installation of chair & crown moldings,

baseboard & shoe moldings

John [email protected] (630) 337-8946Office (708) 246-5604Parishioner

Gregg Communications Systems, Inc.Telephone Equip. Voiceover IP (VoIP)

38 Years in BusinessMary Dine 630-571-7000 www.greggcomm.com

Kitchens • Bathrooms • AdditionsDan MaddenParishioner 246.8898708

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

Family owned and operated since 1885Parishioner

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Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy HansonMatthew Conboy

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

Best Work • Best RateSatisfaction Guaranteed AsWe Do All Our Own Work

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DR. KEVIN J. SALVINOHinsdale Foot and Ankle Specialist

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PolishMaids

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FREEEstimates

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Brunch Menu & New Kids MenuHAPPY HOUR

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EVENTS ON AND OFF PREMISES

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MIDWEST REMODELING& BUILDERS LTD.General Contractor Specializing In:

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708.783.1220State Licensed | Highly Rated

homehelpershomecare.com/hinsdale

Little Flower HealthcareLive-in and Come and

Go Caregivers773-238-0660

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OPEN 7 DAYS630.568.3281

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Western Springs

Striving to bethe Best in

Customer ServiceBROKERS

JEN MCGINN JEN HUBL 312.622.0326 708.655.0163 Lifetime Parishioner

[email protected] • www.Jen2homes.com

Caring For Our Community For 39 Years630.703.9131 www.powellfuneraldirectors.com

Brian R. Powell, Sr.

Brian R. Powell, Jr.

HEALTH CAREDr. Zachary Stelmack

CHIROPRACTORAnthony Gajkowski

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST708-246-6611

600 Hillgrove Ave., Ste. 3Western Springs, IL

www.pinpointchiro.com

99 centINSTALLATION

Receive a $50 restaurant.com Gift Certificate with FREE

in-home estimate!

Say Good-bye to Clogged Gutters!• LeafGuard®

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GREAT COVERAGE - 97% of all households attending church take at least onechurch bulletin home every Sunday. GREAT VALUE - 70% of all households are aware of and look at the advertising inthe church bulletin and 68% of households surveyed when making a choice betweenbusinesses are inclined to choose the one who advertised in the church bulletin.

Learn More About Advertising In Your Parish BulletinCall us at 1-800-621-5197

Email: [email protected]

IN YOUR LOCALCHURCH BULLETIN?WHY ADVERTISE

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATEDProviding Distinguished Service Since 1923

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Air Conditioned Restaurant & Carry Out-Seating for 200-Delivery ServiceCALL 354-4500 YOUR ORDER WILL BE READY 5525 LA GRANGE RD.

OPEN DAILY11:00 AMDAILY &SUNDAY2:00 PM

FOOD&

LIQUOR

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY • Reconstruction • Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency

6961 Vine StreetIndian Head Park708-246-1263

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.Restorative &

Implant General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd.,Suite 120

Hinsdale 630-455-1666

Complete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

Individual - Marital - FamilyLorraine D. D’Asta, Ph.D.

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

Maloney & Company, Ltd.Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

Specializing in Personalized Accounting, Tax and Consulting ServicesFor Individuals and Family Owned Businesses

61 Ogden Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514Dan Maloney, Parishioner Email: [email protected] (630) 887-0500

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook • 630-325-6550

Alexandria Meccia, MDParishioner

FINE SKIN DERMATOLOGY570 Village Center Drive #201

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pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSte. 5

Western SpringsFee-Only RIA & Parishioner

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

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Root Canal Treatment, Dental Implants,

Wisdom Teeth Extraction, Emergency

Treatment, & Sedation

• Evening and Saturday Hours

• Most dental insurances accepted

Drs. Munaretto & Sommers, Parishioner 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange(708) 579-0488 www.cameods.com

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, Parishioner

Western Springs Resident

NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTERRev. James Watzke, Ph.D.

Depression - Anxiety - StressFamily - Separation - Divorce

Sub Abuse - Medicare - EspañolOakbrook Terr. 630.691.1114

Real Estate Broker

[email protected]

Western Springs Top Producer

Call me for a Free Market Analysis of your home

Former SJC Women’s Club President

8 East Hinsdale, Hinsdale,Illinois

Lawrence R. LewandowskiCPA/PFS, CFP® 30 YRS. EXP.

INCOME TAX PREPARATIONPERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

[email protected]

60 South Grant StreetHinsdale, Illinois 60521(630) 323-0275www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com

Terry & Brian Sullivan

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and VarietyFull Service Bakery

825 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246.2894

COLDWELL BANKERMARY ELLEN “O’HARA” CONSIDINE

Nee: CaplisCell # (773) 704-4250V. Mail (773) 687-5181

[email protected]

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

Networking • WIFI • Internet(630) 789-3971 Tom

[email protected] www.pcmd.comWE STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS!

ATTORNEYS AT LAWHANDLING CRIMINAL & FAMILY LAW

Call Us First for All Your Legal Needs

630-230-0101www.AntoniettiLaw.com

Serving Western Springs and Local Areas

15 Salt Creek Ln. Suite 321 • Hinsdale, IL

ANTONIETTI LAW

Gabriel CoachingFacing Transitions?

We Have Success StrategiesCall Kathleen Murphy RN MS

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THE SUSAN SEMANATEALLSTATE AGENCY

915 55th St., Ste. 101 • Western Springs

708.246.8800

Quality Work – Reasonable Prices

DEMMISPLUMBING

& SEWERAsk for a

PARISHIONERDISCOUNT

[email protected]

EMERGENCYSERVICE

Lic# 102246

Complete Medical & Surgical ServicesHouse Calls &

Pet Transportation Available4 Walker Avenue

Clarendon Hills, IL 60514(630) 323-5500

500 Hillgrove AvenueWestern Springs, IL 60558

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“Protecting yourReal Estate investmentfrom purchase to sale”

Camden Law Office, LLC630-789-5896

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Tina TzinaresAgentAUTO • HOME • LIFE • BANK

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PromptEfficientAffordableReliable

Jim Gruszka, Handyman(708) 601 8833

[email protected]

Anthony BaroneCPA, MBA, MST

AB CPA, Inc.Personal and Individual Income

Tax PreparationBusiness Accounting and

Payroll Services

[email protected]

HERITAGEROOFING

FULLYINSURED 708.253.2561

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