ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS PARISH NOVEMBER 11, 2012
Transcription
ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS PARISH NOVEMBER 11, 2012
ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS PARISH THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY NOVEMBER 11, 2012 5005 S. WOLF ROAD WESTERN SPRINGS 60558 708-246-4404 WWW.STJOHNOFTHECROSS.ORG From the Desk of Our Pastor Dear Parishioners, This week’s column will be a little bit of this and a little bit of that: A recognition: The eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour: first called Armistice Day (and the way my grandmother always referred to it), it was to be the day of remembering the cessation of the ‘war to end all wars’. Twenty three years later the United States would enter WWII. The early 1950’s saw the Korean War. Sadly, war continued around the world and American’s continued to fight and die to protect our freedom. There were so many more veteran casualties after 1918 that the day was changed to include all of them and the name changed to Veteran’s Day beginning in 1954. Veterans of the Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars are obviously also included in this day of remembrance. With November 11th falling on Sunday this year it may be overshadowed a bit. Please take advantage of the opportunity to remember all of those who have died while serving our country and who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Also, if you know a vet, thank a vet this weekend for their service. An apology: I failed to mention at the 10:45 a.m. Mass (but did announce at all the other Masses) that we were not taking up a special collection for those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Rather, we recommend that you donate to Catholic Relief Services. You can find them at crs.org on line. CRS has the infrastructure in place to best utilize your generosity. (Some left church thinking we were not concerned about those whose lost so much in the hurricane. I apologize for my oversight at the 10:45 a.m. in failing to encourage donations to CRS.) An update: Those of you at the 5:00 p.m. Mass last Sunday were very aware that a parishioner had collapsed and was in serious need of immediate medical attention. Thank you to all who attended to this elderly gentleman, ushers, nurses and physicians alike. Thanks, too, to the paramedics and firefighters who were so instrumental in providing life-saving assistance. Up until Wednesday he was in a medically induced coma, but then the decision was made to remove him from life support. He had been in the hands of God after Fr. Filbert administered the Sacrament of the Sick to him at La Grange Hospital. Several of his family members were with him immediately after the Mass. Say an extra ‘Ave’ for him, his widow, his adult children and all his loved ones, won’t you? An award: I will be joining Mrs. Kathleen Gorman and Mrs. Jackie Wehner representing our school in Washington, D.C. this week as we receive the Blue Ribbon from the U.S. Department of Education. I anticipate it will be quite exciting to gather with some of the top educators from around the country. The faculty and the student body are very excited about this recognition. It is filling them with pride in the excellence of our school and, hopefully, it is also motivating them to continue to work hard on their studies to live up to the distinction that comes with the Blue Ribbon. An exciting announcement: Part of the strategy to deal with our parish’s financial situation is hosting another Family Fest next summer. There will be live entertainment, music and dancing, food, a raffle and a CARNIVAL! Mark your calendars now for June 27-30th. A committee of very dedicated and very enthusiastic parishioners has already begun meeting and I’m sure you will hear (soon?) of what other volunteers will be needed to pull off such an extravaganza. Finally, an invitation: It seemed like the Annual Report was well received at all the Masses last weekend. If you have any other questions or would like more detailed information about the Annual Report the Finance Council and I are more than willing to meet with you at your convenience. Please get in touch with MJ Martin and she will facilitate a meeting with you and the available folks from the Finance Committee. Oh, one more thing. We welcome back our former pastor, Msgr. Rich Hynes, who will speak at all the Masses this weekend on behalf of the collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development that will be taken up next weekend. CCHD, which began here in Chicago by Bishop Michael Dempsey, has as its mission helping low-income citizens, through small grants, to become agents of their own contribution to the common good. They wrestle with issues such as education, jobs, health care, violence, economic development and access to public services. It’s good to have Msgr. Hynes back, and he carries an important message. Peace, Fr. David www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 2 RITE OF ACCEPTANCE Sunday, November 18, 2012 R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a journey of faith. This year we are blessed to be with four candidates who will be fully received into the Catholic Church at Easter. Krista Rue and Chris Kristufek are our catechumens to be baptized, and Brian Wolf and Kevin Kline are our candidates to complete the sacraments of initiation and be received into the Catholic Church. With the help of the SJC RCIA Team, our candidates have gone through the pre-catechumenate phase in which they have become acquainted with the Roman Catholic Church, heard the good news of salvation from Jesus Christ our Savior and have looked within their own lives and to see connections to the gospel story. Throughout this phase they have been discerning whether they truly desire to become Catholics at this time. Next weekend at the 10:45 a.m. Mass we are celebrating the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or Rite of Welcome. It is the first rite of the RCIA process. Those desiring to continue onto the second phase (the Catechumenate or Study Period) make a public commitment to accept the Way of the Cross. The worshiping community, our parish family, publicly welcomes them and promises to support them in their ongoing journey of faith. The candidates (the baptized) and catechumens (the unbaptized) are signed with the Sign of the Cross to remind them of their commitment; they also receive the Word of God to remind them that the Scriptures are the source of faith. The four ways in which the Catechumenate Period brings to maturity the initial faith that is manifested in the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome are: (1) catechesis (2) liturgical rites (3) community life and (4) apostolic works. With the help of their sponsors, catechists and the whole parish community our candidates will continue to deepen their understanding of the Catholic teachings and find their place in our Parish. Let us welcome Krista, Chris, Brian and Kevin in our community of faith and continue to pray for them on their journey. Peace! Fight Poverty in America. Defend Human Dignity. Donate to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development next weekend, November 17-18 As we review our Annual Report at this time of year, we continue to acknowledge the many ways in which we have grown in faith and fellowship together throughout the whole year. We have socialized, prayed, witnessed and celebrated our faith in every season with every age. We are continually humbled and thankful for all you do to support our parish with your time, talent, and treasure. We strive to be welcoming, living out our mission as a parish community loving God and one another. Each of us is called to discover, to grow, to be all God has asked us to be. Our parish is a blessing in our lives, providing for our families – every day – encouraging us to live our Catholic faith. At last weekend’s Masses the Finance Council highlighted online giving. Many of you already pay your bills or purchase things online. Making your donations electronically will work to your benefit as well as our parish’s. Go to our Giving page on our website www.stjohnofthecross.org to donate electronically. Together let us join hands to make our parish be all that it can be. Fr. Fil Ngwila www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 3 Adult Formation Program Because our parish co-sponsors this event at The Well, the cost of attending this program is waived for SJC Parishioners. To reserve a seat, please leave your name, phone and email with the Parish Center receptionist. 708-246-4404 www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 4 Adult Faith Formation: Energize Your Faith Life SJC invites you to learn how to apply the genius of our Catholic faith to your life in practical, livable ways! On the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, December 8-9 a copy of Matthew Kelly’s bestselling book Rediscover Catholicism will be gifted to each parish family. Books will be distributed after all Masses in the narthex of church. Saturday and Sunday, December 15-16 Enjoy holiday cheer and hospitality after all Masses in the Parish Center and have an opportunity to sign up to take part in a 5 session Rediscover Catholicism book seminar and faith sharing series beginning the week of January 7th in the Parish Center. Plan on attending Matthew Kelly’s “Passion & Purpose” live event at SJC on Saturday, February 2nd from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. where Matthew Kelly will reveal the essence of authentic Catholic spirituality while addressing some of the most important questions we face today both as individuals and as a Church. Go to our website for tickets and to learn more. www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 5 Reflections on the Gospel Living the Gospel Meditation by Richard Rohr The widow in the gospel is a model for the radical demand of discipleship in her not holding back the little she has. The abusive scribes have it all now—status, clothes, seats of honor, power, wealth—and end up losing everything. The poor widow has little and surrenders even that—and ends up gaining everything! So it is with Jesus’ disciples. Like the Master, we give our all now. And gain everything—eternal life. This gospel challenges our perspective. It contrasts the scribes’ insincere and self-serving behavior with the widow’s honest and self-giving action. Whereas we might discount the widow’s gift of a few cents, Jesus appraises her contribution as the greatest of all. It is not the size of the gift which measures its value but the depth of self-giving from which it comes. This is the kind of giving Jesus encourages us to embrace by his praise of the widow. When we are honestly self-giving, Jesus praises us, too. I promise you that the discovery of your True Self will feel like a thousand pounds of weight have fallen from your back. You will no longer have to build, protect, or promote any idealized self-image. Living in the True Self is quite simply a much happier existence, even though we never live there a full twenty-four hours a day. But you henceforth have it as a place to always go back to. You have finally discovered the alternative to your False Self. The Good News is that when we surrender our all we are most like Jesus. When we surrender our all, we are truly his disciples. When we give our all, we never run out of something of ourselves to give. God is the one who is always there to provide. The gospel reminds us that if we rely on ourselves and amass our own treasures, we will lose everything. If we surrender ourselves in loving self-sacrifice, we gain everything because God always provides abundantly for those who are faithful followers of Jesus. The choice is ours. Discipleship doesn’t mean that we necessarily do big and heroic things. It does mean that we do everything and meet whatever challenges come our way with hearts set right—we give of ourselves for the good of others. Discipleship means that we understand full well the cost of following Jesus, but also that we understand that no cost compares to how God lavishly takes care of us. Discipleship means that we have God’s perspective: each person we meet is worth our all. ©Living Liturgy 2012 Closing Prayers May we give our all in service to the world. May we embrace true generosity by recognizing and responding to the needs of others. Our Father . . . Readings for the Week You are like Jacob awakening from sleep and joining the chorus of mystics in every age. “You were here all along, and I never knew it!” he says (Genesis 28:16). He anoints the stone pillow where this happened and names it Bethel, or the house of God and gate of heaven” (28:17-18). Jacob then carries the presence with him wherever he goes. What was first only there is so on everywhere. The gate of heaven is first of all in one concrete place, better if carried with you, and best when found everywhere. That is the progression of the spiritual life. Excerpted from Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self Prayer: Who am I, God? And who are you? Year of Sunday Mass: Question of the Week The widow in today’s Gospel “contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” She gave from her need, not simply from her surplus. Our sacrificial giving involves more than a simple monetary donation. It involves offering our entire lives to God. What are you doing to give your “all,” your “whole livelihood” to God? Does your “all” include your time and talent as well as your treasure? Does your “all” include our missionary call to “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life?” ———————————————————————————————— Monday Tuesday Titus 1:1-9 Ps 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 Luke 17:1-6 Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 Ps 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29 Luke 17:7-10 Wednesday Titus 3:1-7 Ps 23:1b-3a, 3bc-4, 5, 6 Luke 17:11-19 Thursday Friday Phlm 7–20 Ps 146:7, 8-9a, 9bc-10 Luke 17:20-25 2 John 4–9 3 John 5–8 Ps 119:1, 2, 10, 11, 17, 18 Ps 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Luke 17:26-37 Luke 18:1-8 www.stjohnofthecrossorg 11/11/12 Saturday 33rd Sunday in OT Dan 12:1-3 Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 Heb 10:11-14, 18 Mark 13:24-32 6 KNOW THE MASS, ONE WORD AT A TIME sˋi t “Why are you sitting around doing nothing?” the owner of the vineyard says to the day laborers in Jesus’s parable. It’s a question — and maybe a bit of an accusation — we can sometimes toss at each other in our families. In fact, it happens. We can sit around and do nothing. But there is another side to sitting. “Sit up and pay attention. This is really important.” We’ve heard that too. Sitting can mean receiving a message, learning something of value, or letting ourselves be affected by what we see and hear. That’s the sitting that goes on at Mass. We do sit at Mass, and we are ready to be touched by the Word of God. If we sit up and pay attention, how can we not be affected by the message? You are forgiven. You are loved. You have great gifts and responsibilities. You are connected to each other. You are the object of God’s hope. Children’s Liturgy of the Word Volunteers are needed for Children's Liturgy of the Word at the Saturday 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Masses. Preparation materials and training are provided. Please help us to continue to offer this wonderful ministry. The commitment is only once a month but the reward is great! Please call Megan O'Brien at 708-784-0732. Thanks to Don and Cathie King! It takes many people to make a parish like St. John of the Cross operate smoothly. Oftentimes there are people behind the scenes doing work that we take for granted. After ten years of preparing schedules for the Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Don and Cathie King are stepping aside as the schedulers. When Don and Cathie took over the scheduling, it was only supposed to be for a year or two. We extend our heart-felt thanks to them for the countless hours they have put in over the past 10 years. Managing the schedule for over 150 active Extraordinary Ministers of Communion and 50+ substitutes is no small task. Don and Cathie are not going anywhere. Cathie will still be in the choir, and Don will continue as an Extraordinary Minister of Communion. Jim Clauer, our Director of Worship, will be assuming responsibility for future scheduling beginning December 1, 2012. Eucharistic Ministers will be receiving an email with details on the new scheduling process. (For those that don’t have email, you will get a one-time mailing explaining the changes.) As always, if you have any questions, contact Jim at 246-4404 x137 or scheduler@stjohnofthecross.org. Thanksgiving Day Mass Schedule Please consider starting Thanksgiving Day offering praise and thanksgiving to God! As Christians, as Americans who experience the great privilege of personal freedom, as a parish, as persons who have loving family and friends, we have many reasons to gather to give thanks. Join us this holiday by gathering with your parish family at our 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day Mass on Thursday, November 22 to give thanks to God for the many blessings in our lives. As has been our custom, the offertory collection will support our Caritas Fund which provides direct assistance to those in our own parish community in need. www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 7 Parish News Join the Contemporary Ensemble for Christmas! Lend your voice to the Contemporary Ensemble during the season of Advent and Christmas and help make our Christmas 9:00 a.m. Mass extra special! This Week at SJC Monday, November 12 10:30 a.m. Step 11 Christian Meditation 1:00 p.m. Little Rock 2:30 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration 2:30 p.m. Spiritual Journaling 3:30 p.m. Brownie Troop Tuesday, November 13 9:30 a.m. Focus on Sunday Scriptures Group 1:00 p.m. Sr. Josephine’s Bible Study 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays with Mary 3:30 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 7:00 p.m. RCIA 7:30 p.m. SJC Teacher Recognition Trust Wednesday, November 14 9:30 a.m. Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Men’s Club 11:30 a.m. Ladies Bridge 1:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00 p.m. Endow Group 2:00 p.m. Christian Meditation 7:00 p.m. New Thinking for a New Era Meeting 7:30 p.m. Christian Meditation Thursday, November 15 9:00 a.m. Women’s Club Meeting 2:15 p.m. Market Day Pick up 6:00 p.m. Rediscover Catholicism Meeting 7:00 p.m. Seasons of Hope 7:00 p.m. Career Networking 7:30 p.m. Men’s Club, Dr. James Boblick, speaker Friday, November 16 9:00 a.m. SJC Mom’s Club 6:00 p.m. Crossroads Box Night Saturday, November 17 7:00 a.m. Christian Meditation 9:30 a.m. Harvest Saturday SJC Shawl Ministry If you knit or crochet, please join us in the SJC Shawl Ministry. There is always a need for shawls. We have distributed over 400 shawls and yours would be most welcome. We gather at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 14th in the Parish Center. Please call Sheila Gallagher at 708-246-7836 with questions or requests. The commitment is minimal – only 4 Thursday evening rehearsals starting November 30, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Church. No further commitment is required. Singing on the Saturdays during Advent is optional. For details, contact Jessica Koch: jkoch@stjohnofthecross.org or (708) 246-4404. Moms of Young Children - All are welcome! FRIDAYS 9:30-11:00 a.m. in the Parish Center Friday, November 16 Our November Service Project will involve creating care packages with personal notes from our little ones to send out to active military service personnel. Friday, November 23 We will not meet because of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Enjoy this time with your families! Friday, November 30 We are excited to welcome Megan Albee, a local Zumba instructor and President of the Western Springs Neighbors and Newcomers Club to participate in this month's Physical Friday. Megan will be teaching a 30 minute, child-friendly Zumba class for Moms and their young children! Please contact Colleen Whittingham at whitting910@yahoo.com if you have any questions. The SJC Men's Club invites you to attend a presentation “EXERCISE for LIFE” Dr. James Boblick Thursday, November 15th 7:30 p.m. Parish Center All Men of the Parish are Welcome www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 8 School News Over 25 Junior Achievement volunteers visited our parish school this week. The mission of Junior Achievement is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Box Tops…Labels for Education…Tyson’s Now that fall is here, it is time to clean out that junk drawer in your kitchen and bring your box tops and labels you have been saving all summer!! We would love the entire parish to clip and return the labels to the boxes in the parish center or church. This year our JA volunteers were from UPS. Their lessons focused on families and communities in the younger grades and business and personal finance in the junior high. Students as well as volunteers really enjoyed the experience. We recently received 24 pedometers, 2 roller racers, and 12 playground balls. ALL FREE using Labels for Education points turned in last school year. Our contest last February also earned SJC a check for $920.00 from box tops. This year OUR GOAL IS TO EARN EVEN MORE!! What a great way to earn money and equipment for our school with products you already buy. *Clip the Box Tops on items like, Betty Crocker, Gold Medal Flour, Chex, Hefty, Ziploc and much ,much more……….. *Clip Labels for Education from items like, Goldfish Crackers Campbell’s products, V8, Prego, Post Cereals, BIC pens……… *Tyson Labels can be found on boxes and bags of chicken nuggets, Anytizers, chicken patties etc. and are worth $0.24 each. Over the past few weeks the students have been studying the elections and the electoral college. The unit culminated on Monday with a debate and a mock election. Our speech team is off to a great start. The team competed at the Fenwick Tournament against 8 other schools. Our students received five ribbons, including a 1st place. This week at SJC November 12, 2012 November 13, 2012 Veteran’s Day Prayer Service Gym, 9-10:00 a.m. Teacher Recognition Trust Meeting Parish Center, 7:00pm There are HUNDREDS of eligible products. You can view them on their websites: www.boxtops4education.com www.labelsforeducation.com www.ProjectAPlus.tyson.com If you are looking for a way to volunteer…we always need help with clipping and counting labels. You can do it at home on your own schedule. Anyone with questions or wishing to volunteer, please contact our box top coordinators: Mary Beth White MBSW4@aol.com or Sarah Scudder scudder1318@comcast.net Please drop box tops and labels off in the bin by the school office, in the Parish Center, or the back of Church. Thank you!! www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 9 Youth Catechesis Our 200 8th grade Confirmation Candidates were led by the Spirit through 14 Crossroad leaders on Saturday, October 27th. The Day of the Spirit was a high energy retreat, filled with praise, games, snacks, discussions, reconciliation, activities, witness talks and Mass! The candidates from the School and YC were ignited with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and sent forth as they journey to Confirmation! Thanks to all who attended and all who helped to make the day amazing! YC Schedule Youth Catechesis Office Classes K-6 yc@sjcross.org * 708-246-6760 * www.stjohnofthecross.org/yc Sunday during class ~ Monday 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. ~Tues thru Thurs 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 10 10:15-11:30 a.m. 6:15-7:30 p.m. FFC Noon to 1:30 p.m. Home Groups and Special Needs Sunday, Dec 2, 9, 16 Monday, Dec 3, 10, 17 Sunday, Dec 2 Sunday, Dec 2, 16 Women’s Club Thank you!! Thank you to everyone who made the SJC Women's Club Annual Coat Drive such a success! We collected 690 coats to benefit the St. Vincent DePaul Society and inner city school children coming to school without coats. We are grateful to the 50 8th graders and 15 adults who volunteered their time helping us to sort and button-zip all the coats to ready them for pick-up. Thanks to everyone’s efforts whether you donated a coat, sorted, or bagged - together we are helping people to keep warm this winter! www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 11 The Share Christmas experience at St. John of the Cross Parish is a strong and beautiful tradition that will fill your heart with joy as you make someone else’s Christmas special! Our gifts are delivered to the following grateful recipients in the Chicago area: Blessed Sacrament Church, Little Brothers/Friends of the Elderly, St. Thomas of Canterbury, Santa Maria Addolorata, St. Thaddeus, St. Mark, as well as families in our own parish community. Join in on the fun! Sign up for Share Christmas begins next weekend, November 17-18 after all Masses. What can I buy? An unwrapped gift for a child (infant to 18 years old) A food gift card from Jewel, Dominick’s, or Wal-Mart for a Christmas meal Gift cards for families from Sears, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Target or JC Penny Food and gifts cards for a Christmas meal and presents for a family Please note, providing gift cards for our recipient families allows them to select the sizes and colors that more closely meet their needs. Similarly, providing food cards lets them choose food based on their ethnicity, family preferences and health/allergy concerns. Whether you choose to provide a store bought individual gift, or a gift or food card, know that your generosity will make all the difference in Christmas for our grateful recipients. Donations can also be made on our parish website at www.stjohnofthecross.org. Click on the Giving Tab and direct your donation to Share Christmas. Your gifts will be used to purchase food and gift certificates. Drop off Days are Tuesday and Wednesday, December 4th and 5th from 9am-7pm in the Parish Center. The gifts will then be delivered to the parishes on Saturday, December 8th. If you have a van or small truck or if you are free to help load and deliver, please call us. Questions can be directed to Lolly Maloney at 630-261-5675 or lolly_maloney@comcast.net or the Parish Center. Find us ready Lord...not standing still. Find us working and loving and doing your will. Find us ready Lord...faithful in love and building the kingdom that’s here and above! www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 12 Outreach in Action St. Thaddeus Feast Day Visit St. Mark Food Delivery from SJC. SJC 8th grade boys help load the van for delivery for the St. Thaddeus candy collecƟon St. Mark folks and SJC Delivery Team The masks seen in the picture were made by a Crossroads home group for the children at our Sharing Parish, Our Lady of Charity School. Someone You Should Know Congratulations parishioner, Christine Marquett! Chris was awarded the Archdiocesan Christifideles Award for all of her work with our parish teens through the Crossroads Ministry. For over 5 years Chris has shared her faith serving in many capacities on work tours, retreats, prayer groups and outreach projects. Thank you Chis for making a difference in the lives of so many SJC teens. Parishioner, Christine Marquett, and her daughter, Anne Murphy, with Bishop Manz Using Job Loss to Find Your Next Career Interfaith Career Network invites job seekers to join us on Thursday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. for an interesting discussion on career transition. Our speaker, Jean Kripton Durham, has her own staffing firm, Jean Kripton Inc. and will share insights gained over 25 years. Jean will discuss job loss and how with the right ideas and creative spirit you can turn job loss into a gain of a new career. Learn how to prepare for this new job market and how recruiters evaluate a candidate for an open position. Walk away with insight, knowledge and ideas for your next career. This meeting is open to all and there is no fee to attend. We look forward to welcoming you at St. John of the Cross Parish Center. American Legion Pancake Breakfast Sunday, November 18, 8 a.m.—Noon Robert E. Coulter American Legion 900 S. La Grange Rd. in La Grange Enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, coffee tea, milk and orange juice. Adults $6 Children: ages 4 to 12 $4, Under 3 free The Legion will also be collecting many items for the patients and homeless veterans in Hines Hospital. Check stjohnofthecross.org for the donations that you can bring. Prayer after the Election God of all nations, Father of the human family, we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy in these United States of America. We ask for your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves to the common good, working for justice and peace at home and around the world. We lift up all our duly elected leaders and Public servants, those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges, those in the military and law enforcement. Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord, with a common purpose, dedication and commitment to achieve liberty and justice in the years ahead for all people, and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst. Amen. UCCB Publishing www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 14 Pray for our Sick Mass Intentions God of love, ever caring, ever strong, stand by us in our time of need. Watch over who is sick, Look after him/her in every danger, and grant him/her your healing and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Monday, November 12, St. Josaphat 6:30 Our Beloved Dead; William King 7:45 Fr. Edward Flannery & Fr. William Bennett George Gallagher Tuesday, November 13, St. Frances Cabrini 6:30 Dorothy McLaughlin 7:45 William Waunn; Betty Knott Wednesday, November 14 6:30 Claire & John Martin 7:45 Nick & Marie Strafaci; Jack McDonnell Thursday, November 15, St. Albert the Great 7:45 Maura Clark; Angie Waunn Friday, November 16, St. Margaret of Scotland 7:45 Marie Schuster; Kathryn Christensen Saturday, November 17, St. Elizabeth of Hungary 8:00 William Sugrue; Jean Finn 5:00 Julia Esposito; Muriel Albertson Sunday, November 18, Thirty-third Sunday in OT 7:30 Mimi O’Neill; Sharon Sullivan Haggarty 9:00 Philip James; Paul, Rose & Sam Messina 10:45 Gora & Maier Families; Patricia Hamilton 12:15 SJC & Holy Cross (Uganda) Parishioners 5:00 Freda & Margaret Jandris; Philip James Angie Babicz Melissa Beacom Tracy Bucciarelli Garth Christie Connie Crane Ashley Davis Mary Sue Donohue Kimberly Edwards Karen Hult Ruth Ilg Tom Jass Emily Johanns Lois Corrine Johnson Helen King Rita Koziol Ray Kula Cathy Laskey Greg LaValle Yvonne Lowry Chick Meehan Moon Meehan Marie Miller Joan Nicholson Tommy Niemeyer Jean Onesto Fabian Saldana Greg Palaschak Kathie Saldana Rita Shelhouse Bob Sturenfeldt Italics—Living Eternal Rest Grant unto These, O Lord Pat Catezone, father of Gail Tuohy and grandfather of Connor, Danny and Ryan Edward Landahl, husband of Cecilia Michael Lombardo Maurice W. McGrath, father of Mo, grandfather of Colleen, Erin, Emmett and Ellen Patrick McNamara, father of Sheila Geoghegan grandfather of Anne, Sara, Shane & Liam Mary Kay O’Meara, sister of Bill O’Meara Maureen O’Malley, sister of Tom O’Malley Thomas O’Hara, uncle of Richard O’Hara Catholic Charities Stands Ready to Address Immediate Community Needs Left by Hurricane Sandy in the US To support our efforts and help restore desperately needed hope, please call 1-800-919-9338 or visit our website at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org to see how you can help. Donations for the Caribbean can be sent to: Attn: Emergency Hurricane Sandy Catholic Relief Services 3525 S. Lake Park Chicago, IL 60653 Trying to get in touch with us? More info is on our website: www.stjohnofthecross.org Fr. David P. Dowdle Fr. Filbert F. Ngwila John Schopp Bill Bright Janet Caschetta Jim Clauer Kathleen Gorman Katie Hayes Jessica Koch MJ Martin Pastor Associate Pastor Deacon Outreach Director of Youth Catechesis Worship School Principal Crossroads High School Music Operations ddowdle@stjohnofthecross.org fngwila@stjohnofthecross.org john.schopp@newhemispheres.com bbright@stjohnofthecross.org jcaschetta@stjohnofthecross.org jclauer@stjohnofthecross.org gorman@sjc.pvt.k12.il.us khayes@stjohnofthecross.org jkoch@stjohnofthecross.org mjmartin@stjohnofthecross.org www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 15 Purgatory as Seeing Fully for the First Time Imagine being born blind and living into adulthood without ever having seen light and color. Then, through some miraculous operation, doctors are able to give you sight. What would you feel immediately upon opening your eyes? Wonder? Bewilderment? Ecstasy? Pain? Some combination of all of these? ourselves in something beyond what we can control and guarantee for ourselves? And isn't charity a reaching out beyond what affectively feeds us? We now know the answer to that question. This kind of sight-restoring operation has been done and is being done and we now have some indication of how a person reacts upon opening his or her eyes and seeing light and color for the first time. What happens might surprise us. Here is how J.Z. Young, an authority on brain function, describes what happens: St. Paul, in describing our condition on earth, tells us that here, in this life, we see only as "through a mirror, reflecting dimly" but that, after death, we will see "face to face". Clearly in describing our present condition here on earth he is highlighting a certain blindness, an embryonic darkness, an inability to actually see things as they really are. It is significant to note too that he says this in a context within which he is pointing out that, already now in this life, faith, hope, and charity help lift that blindness. "The patient on opening his eyes gets little or no enjoyment; indeed, he finds the experience painful. He reports only a spinning mass of light and colors. He proves to be quite unable to pick up objects by sight, to recognize what they are, or to name them. He has no conception of space with objects in it, although he knows all about objects and their names by touch. 'Of course,' you will say, 'he must take a little time to learn to recognize them by sight.' Not a little time, but a very long time, in fact, years. His brain has not been trained in the rules of seeing. We are not conscious that there are any such rules; we think we see, as we say naturally. But we have in fact learned a whole set of rules during childhood." (See: Emilie Griffin, Souls in Full Flight, p. 143-144) These are of course only questions, perhaps equally upsetting to Protestants and Roman Catholics alike. Many Protestants and Evangelicals reject the very concept of purgatory on the grounds that, biblically, there are only two eternal places, heaven and hell. Many Roman Catholics, on the other hand, get anxious whenever purgatory seems to get stripped of its popular conception as a place or state apart from heaven. But purgatory conceived of in this way, as the full opening of our eyes and hearts so as to cause a painful reconceptualization of things, might help make the concept more palatable to Protestants and Evangelicals and help strip the concept of some of its false popular connotations within Roman Catholic piety. Might this be a helpful analogy for what happens to us in what Roman Catholics call purgatory? Could the purification we experience after death be understood in this very way, namely, as an opening of our vision and heart to a light and a love that are so full so as to force upon us the same kind of painful relearning and reconceptualization that have just been described? Might purgatory be understood precisely as being embraced by God in such a way that this warmth and light so dwarf our earthly concepts of love and knowledge that, like a person born blind who is given sight, we have to struggle painfully in the very ecstasy of that light to unlearn and relearn virtually our entire way of thinking and loving? Might purgatory be understood not as God's absence or some kind of punishment or retribution for sin, but as what happens to us when we are fully embraced, in ecstasy, by God, perfect love and perfect truth? True purgation happens only through love because it is only when we experience love's true embrace that we can see our sin and drink in, for the first time, the power to move beyond it. Only light dispels darkness and only love casts out sin. Indeed isn't this what faith, hope, and charity, the three theological virtues, are already trying to move us towards in this life? Isn't faith a knowing beyond what we can conceptualize? Isn't hope an anchoring of Therese of Lisieux would sometimes pray to God: "Punish me with a kiss!" The embrace of full love is the only true purification for sin because only when we are embraced by love do we actually understand what sin is and, only there, are we given the desire, the vision, and the strength to live in love and truth. But that inbreaking of love and light is, all at the same time, delightful and bewildering, ecstatic and unsettling, wonderful and excruciating, euphoric and painful. Indeed, it's nothing less than purgatory. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, and award-winning author, is President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com. www.stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 16 Crossroads gave a great start to our Crossroads Class of 2016! Nov. 16 Box Night 6-7:30 p.m. Thanks to our team of teens Nov. 17 Harvest Saturday Schedule & adults: Peter Bornhoff, Meet 9:30 a.m. & Prep for 10 a.m. Mass Michael Thomas, Pete Mannebach, Clare Mikulski, Dan & 10:30 a.m.-1 Collect, Sort, Box Wendy Duquette, Nora White, Ev Williams, Mark 1-2 p.m. Load trucks Henneghan, Carol Patten, Jamie Sovcik & Emma Kaiser! 2-6 p.m. Delivery See THE FACTS below! Nov. 18 Home Groups Meet CROSSROADS CALENDAR: Dec. 2 Home Groups Meet Crossroads Youth Ministry Registration CONTINUES! Parents of high school teens are invited to log onto our website at www.stjohnofthecross.org/ crossroads What did you do with your last day off of school? Many thanks to the teens & moms who took their time to serve at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. It was a fabulous afternoon packing food that will make a difference. Individuals, families & church groups can serve. We shared space with a group of 10 & 11 year old girls who were celebrating Emily’s 11th Birthday! They sang to her & cheered her on during the work time and donated money to FMSC in place of gifts. Emily is a giver & we were glad to celebrate with her! Thanks to our team for packing 25 boxes! Listening to intro information, loading bags, smiling as we worked, teamwork at its best!!! PARENTS OF TEENS: CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED ONLINE SUPPORT Parent volunteer, Steve McGee, is going to post ways for you to bring faith conversations from home groups into your family time! www.stjohnofthecross.org/crossroads on the PARENT TAB FLYER DAY WAS AWESOME! Did you notice the change to the flyer attachment with the rubber band? We hope this helps more people know we are on our way next Saturday! THE FACTS: 3 groups of freshmen teens will begin meeting next weekend 2 sets of leaders couples on board & have been in training during our Freshmen Experience 1 more couple needed! Two single adults, a married couple with or without children, the combination does not matter! www.stjohnofthecross.org PLEASE KEEP THE PRAYERS & INVITATIONS COMING! 708-246-4404 OR khayes@stjohnofthecross.org 11/11/12 17 DUPLEX ELECTRIC 708-387-9400 Expert Troubleshooting Electrical Rehab/Repair Greg Fiflis – Parishioner www.duplexelectricservice.com CHICAGO TILE BROKERS HAS MERGED MARY ANN COVONE WITH Enhancing Our Ability to Provide the Highest Level of Service in the Following Areas of Law: • Personal Injury • Mediation • Estate and Guardianship Litigation • Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration 708.246.4911 www.clgattorney.com 630.571.0222 JOHN C. SKREKO, DDS 708.259.8955 WESTERN SPRINGS ADRIAN GONZALEZ, PARISHIONER Our Family Keeping Your Family Comfortable Since 1951 Special Parishioner Discount • Reconstruction • Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency Call Hoekstra Today! (630) 968-0896 Handyman Service 708-246-1263 FREE CONSULTATION SFX Parishioner 708.937.9400 John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S. Full Service Women, Men & Children Restorative and Implant First Time Client Only - Offering General Dentistry Repairs - Maintenance - Assembly $5.00 Off Men & Children Cuts $10.00 Off Women Cuts $15.00 Off Chemical Services We’ll turn your “Honey Do” list into a “Honey Done” list Callahan & Sons Residential Window & Gutter Cleaning 630-441-0648 “Exceptional work at an affordable price” www.RobsontheJob.com 630-962-7235 Insured James Apostal Paolo Romano Susie Karey Lauren Ottley Bonded Blessed Art Thou Mother, Lady, Mystic, Queen Art by Brother Michael O’Neill McGrath, OSFS Prayers by Father Richard N. Fragomeni Hardcover book $39.95 800-566-6150 GUITAR - BASS - VOCALS - KEY - DRUMS ENROLLING NOW! 20% OFF Enroll Early and Save World Library Publications the music and liturgy division of J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. www.wlpmusic.com 116 S. WASHINGTON ST. HINSDALE 630.750.7625 WWW.SCHOOLOFROCK.COM FAMILY DENTISTRY Kevin E. Collins, DDS, PC 475 W. 55th St., La Grange Office 354-5575 After Hours Emergency – 354-2281 IF YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR IS UNBECOMING TO YOU YOU SHOULD BE COMING TO US! • WINDOWS • SIDING • GUTTERS • SOFFIT • FASCIA Rob’s on the Job Indian Head Park (630) 789-3971 Tom support@pcmd.com www.pcmd.com WE STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS! KEENAN ROOFING AND SOLAR Valuable Coupon Save $10 Off Your Annual Furnace or A/C Tune-Up, Save $25 Off A Combo! GENERAL DENTIST Since 1981 CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Insured CUSTOM INSTALLATIONS • NATURAL STONE • GLASS • CERAMIC Attorney At Law • Parishioner PC MD PC & MAC Sales & Service Networking • WIFI • Internet 708-784-0777 Call for Convenient Appointments and Walk-Ins Welcome 923 Burlington Ave., Western Springs 930 N. York Rd., Suite 120 Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 455-1666 ALLMAKE APPLIANCE REPAIR GENERAL DENTISTRY All Major Kitchen And Laundry Appliances Repaired (708) 246-6006 www.VersaciDental.com 579-5262 325-5100 VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PC 4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs EMIL J. COGLIANESE, JR. Hardscapes, Inc. COGLIANESE Forever • Patios • Driveway FUNERAL HOME POLSKI WYROB WEDLIN FRESH & SMOKED POLISH SAUSAGE HOMEMADE PIEROGI EUROPEAN IMPORTED FOODS DINNERS TO GO PARTY PLATTERS / CATERING 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 7145 S. Kingery Hwy., Willowbrook 630.655.2200 Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd. Practice specializing in orthodontics 708-352-4500 922 S. La Grange Rd. La Grange, IL 60525 www.awesomebraces.com Kevin J. Moore, P.C. Parishioner • Business Law www.LassakDeli.com • Civil Litigation 708.246.1595 323-4610 4365 Lawn Ave., Ste 7 Restoration & Collision Work Western Springs 515 Blackhawk Dr., Westmont www.KJMooreLaw.com Al Machacek, Owner Maloney & Company, Ltd. Certified Public Accountants & Consultants Specializing in Personalized Accounting, Tax and Consulting Services For Individuals and Family Owned Businesses 7650 S. County Line Road, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Email: dan@maloneycpa.com (630) 887-0500 Dan Maloney, Parishioner COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE • Meals • Personal Care • Companionship • Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Errands 630.323.7231 www.MaryAndMikeCare.com Michael & Mary Doepke, RN • Parishioners State Licensed Jesus A to Z Michael O’Neill McGrath, OSFS A colorful Catholic ABC book for kids and families! Includes a glossary of questions to help adults pass on their Catholic faith. 007199 9 x 12 Hardcover $16.99 each • Special Offer — 2 for $25.00! 800-566-6150 www.wlpmusic.com JC Dr. Thomas S. Flach Dr. Clodagh T. Ryan Family Practice • Pediatrics • Women’s Health • Adult Medicine • Geriatrics Most Insurance PPO, HMO, Medicare 512 Hillgrove Ave. 708.246.4376 Western Springs Parishioner HEATING & COOLING www.JCComfort.com 708.352.3131 ASK FOR 708 246.8898 Gregg Communications Systems, Inc. Telephone Equip. Voiceover IP (VoIP) 38 Years in Business Mary Dine 630-571-7000 www.greggcomm.com Independent Senior Living in Downtown LaGrange Free Estimates 630-908-7950 www.foreverhardscapes.com LIZA’S TOUCH Full Service Hair Salon Anniversary Sale Spring Sale at Liza’s Perms, Color or Hilites $45.95 and up. 708.783.1910 NEW MANAGEMENT UPDATED MENU QUALITY MEALS PREPARED DAILY 5545 S. LAGRANGE ROAD COUNTRYSIDE • 708.352.3600 WWW.BEEFNBRANDY.COM VEHICLES WANTED DISCOUNT 630.691.1114 • All Work Guaranteed • Install • Design • Restoration Kitchens • Bathrooms • Additions Dan Madden Parishioner $500 to $5,000 • Cars • Vans • SUV’s • Trucks $50 DONATED Rev. James Watzke, Ph.D. Oakbrook Terr. • Natural Stone • Bluestone Inside Hair Salon Suites NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTER 009239 St John of the Cross Church (B) • Accessories • Brick Pavers 6972 S. Wolf Rd. Indian Head Park PARISHIONER Depression - Anxiety - Stress Family - Separation - Divorce Sub Abuse - Medicare - Español • Retaining Walls Law Office of (SE Corner Plainfield & Rt. 83 Next to Michael’s) John Wilson jwilsonpainting@yahoo.com Cell (630) 337-8946 Office (708) 246-5604 Parishioner 7508 SOUTH COUNTY LINE RD. BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 630-654-8484 to Parish at Closing 708.354.7600 www.jspaluch.com www.lagrangepointe.com 708.516.8888 For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170 CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTER FUNERAL HOME WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS We Are Casual Dining On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave. 3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook • 630-325-6550 ZAWASKI & ZAWASKI ALLAN E. POWER Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants, Ltd. Plumbing & Heating Western Springs, IL 60558 Plumbing Repairs, Sewer Rodding Bathroom Remodeling Lic #058-132085 -----------------------------------3848 Lawn Avenue Office: (708) 784-1445 • FAX (708) 784-1446 352-1670 $5.00 OFF your total bill when you spend $25.00 or more. MUST BRING IN THE COUPON TO BE VALID AND CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. • Small Banquets • Gift Certificates Available 800 Hillgrove Ave., Ste 100 Western Springs 708.783.1500 www.800westrestaurant.com 804 Arlington, La Gr. Peter Conboy Matthew Conboy Jean Conboy Hanson A Family You Can Rely On... Today and Tomorrow. 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester 708-562-5900 Parishioner ED THE PLUMBER ED THE CARPENTER • On-Site Adult Care Facility • Homemaker Services • Senior Social Activities • Personal Care (At Home or At Our Facility) Alexandra Sulik, RN MSN NP FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED 708.299.4364 PROVIDING DISTINGUISHED www.youngathearthc.info SERVICE SINCE 1923 Complete Psychological Evaluation & Treatment COUNTRYSIDE DOWNERS GROVE Individual - Marital - Family Lorraine D. D’Asta, Ph.D. 1025 W. 55th Street 301-75th Street 708-352-6500 and Associates 655-9040 630-964-6500 HINSDALE • Communions • Graduations Attorney At Law • Birthdays • Trusts • Wills • Taxes • Picnics Parishioner 630-357-8668 • Backyard Fun • Concessions Pisa Pizza Jackie or Patti WE DELIVER Our Lady of the Woods Parishioners 708-352-0008 800.383.DINO (3466) 5440 S. LaGrange Rd., Countryside www.dinojumpchicagoland.com www.pisapizza.samsbiz.com Val Vlazny pvwealthmgt.com 708.246.2366 4365 Lawn Ave Western Springs Barbara’s Elegant Touch Custom Catering 5 Star • Event Planner • Servers • 3 Chefs • Bartenders Set Up • From Appetizers to Desserts Formal Dining 2 to 400 people 12 Yrs. Experience www.barbaraseleganttouchstaffing.com Practice Limited to Endodontic Therapy and Dental Implants (708) 579-0488 GARAGE DOORS AND OPENERS Family Owned & Operated Since 1947 ALL MAJOR BRANDS CUSTOM GLASS SECTIONS SALES & SERVICE FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE 708.458.2345 www.AR-BE.com Ask For Parishioner Discount 630-341-3337 Alexandria Z. Meccia, M.D. DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF LAGRANGE Parishioner 708.482.3213 5201 S. Willow Springs Rd. Suite 430 LaGrange academy of special needs planners National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. Charter Member Since 2006 MEMBER CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER 708.253.2561 BRICK PAVERS AND OUTDOOR MASONRY • LANDSCAPE DESIGN & BUILD • PAVER MAINTENANCE & SEALING Owned & Operated By • INSTALLATION OF FREE ESTIMATE 708.354.2182 www.prairiepathgroup.com FRANK TRAMONTANA, Parishioner of Western Springs ACT-SAT TEST PREP (The Route to a Higher Score) Individual Sessions Flexible Scheduling Local Availability 708-505-4351 higherscore@comcast.net Attorney At Law, Parishioner Keith Sommers, DDS, Parishioner • 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange • Real Estate • Trusts • Probate • 3116 Oak Park Ave., Berwyn Licensed in Illinois & Florida • 7234 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park (708) 246-7570 www.cameoendo.com Dwight A. Frey, DDS, PC Massage Therapy and Spiritual Direction 630.323.4060 28 W. Chicago Avenue • Hinsdale FreyOrtho.com 915 BURLINGTON AVE. WESTERN SPRINGS, IL 60558 708-246-0380 Mon.-Fri. 8-6 - Sat. 8-5:30 Sundays (Seasonal) 10-4 www.caseymarketonline.com PATH TO RELAXATION • Deep Tissue • Pregnancy • Swedish • Energy Work 708.417.8441 Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured Since 1990 Carol L. Klima Martin CAMEO ENDODONTICS 708-652-1444 Barbara Gilleece Hired for Private Parties CLEANING SERVICES Homes, Condos, Offices Honest, Family Owned Business Excellent References, Low Prices 312-296-8042 (New Number) General Contractors • Construction Managers Distinctive Residences • Renovations • Additions Remodeling for Handicap Accessibility Seniors • Disabled Veterans • Safety Inspections Craig J. Workman, Parishioner • 630.421.3400 Best Work • Best Rate Satisfaction Guaranteed As We Do All Our Own Work Lic# 055-026066 Parishioner Discount Complimentary Exam and Consultation BILL BRENNAN, Agent • Auto • Home • Life • Health • Long Term Care • Bank 643 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange 708.354.1180 Billinsuresme.com Bill@Billinsuresme.com Village HARDWARE Sr. M. Clancy, SSND IN PRACTICE SINCE 1990 “Help is just around the corner” 835 Burlington • Western Springs • 708-246-0892 LaGrange Park Homer Glen Gift Certificates Available 708.288.9065 MON. THU. 8 AM-8 PM; TUE. WED. FRI. 8 AM-7 PM SAT. 8 AM-5:30 PM; SUN. 9 AM-3 PM The KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERY Quality and Variety COMMUNITY BANK of WESTERN SPRINGS Wedding & Party Cakes A branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company® 825 Burlington Ave. 1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-7100 246-2894 Western Springs FOOD & LIQUOR 009239 St John of the Cross Church (A) • Siding • Soffit • Fascia • Gutters • Roofing FREE ESTIMATES 708.670.4146 Ask For Parishioner Discount www.goreckiexteriors.com Air Conditioned Restaurant & Carry Out-Seating for 200-Delivery Service CALL 354-4500 YOUR ORDER WILL BE READY 5525 LA GRANGE RD. www.jspaluch.com OPEN DAILY 11:00 AM DAILY & SUNDAY 2:00 PM For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170 HARVEST SATURDAY Saturday, November 17th CALLING ALL PARISHIONERS: Shop & gather your food! The non-perishables we collect go to numerous local & city food pantries who serve the hungry. Place your food donations on your porch before 10:30am. We will pick up donations from your Western Springs home. All others are encouraged to drop your food donations in the boxes at school or the Parish Center. All are welcome to join the fun and help on Saturday! Schedule for Harvest Saturday 9:30 a.m. Meet in Parish Center to organize 10:00 a.m. Harvest Mass 10:30 a.m. -1 p.m. pick-up, drop-off, sort & box food 1:00-2:00 p.m. load vans & trucks, eat pizza 2:00-6:00 p.m. deliver food to the city (MANY strong hands needed!) YOUR HELP IS NEEDED: Adults willing to drive next weekend please contact home group leaders Teens willing to do extra tasks like set-up & clean-up & food delivery Contact teen leaders Maggie Long, Cara Rafanelli, Katie & Molly McAuliffe! Contact info for leaders & details are on our website: www.stjohnofthecross.org/crossroads/service Have questions? Call the Parish Center!