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St. John of the Cross Parish
5005 South Wolf Road ~ Western Springs ~ 708-246-4404 ~ www.stjohnofthecross.org
Blessed
are those who
have not seen
but still believe.
Second Sunday of Easter
April 12, 2015
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
April 12, 2015
Page 2
Congratulations Ellin and Eric!!
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
April 12, 2015
Page 3
From the Desk of Jim Clauer
Greetings,
What an incredible Holy Week and Easter celebration we had last weekend. The music was
great. The church was wonderfully decorated. Your participation was incredible. But great
liturgies don't just happen. It takes so many people working a lot of hours behind the scenes to
make the celebrations at St. John of the Cross what they are. So it is important that the hard
work of so many dedicated people is recognized.
Thank you to the talented Art & Environment people, led by parishioner Heidi Drescher, who
had to decorate, set-up, take down, and decorate again for all the different liturgies of Holy
Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday in both the Church and the school.
The liturgies could not happen without all the liturgical ministers who give of their time and
talent to help us celebrate. To all the lectors, extraordinary ministers of communion, ushers,
sacristans and altar servers a big THANK YOU! Your assistance and help was invaluable. A
special thank you to Val Vlazny who coordinates the ushers, and Rich Bornhoff for
coordinating the sacristans.
To Jessica Koch, Director of Music and our musicians, choir, and cantors: a huge thank-you
for the uplifting and inspiring music which set just the right tone for each of our liturgies. Thank
you for helping us to "pray twice" by leading us in singing. Also helping out Jessica was Ann
Bourjaily-Maney who works with our children and teens.
On a personal note, this winter I began a discernment process about my future. Much has
changed in my life over the past four years, both professionally and personally, and I needed
to look at where I am going with my ministry. Working in ministry has always meant following
God’s will and not my own. When I came to serve St. John of the Cross over four years ago, I
did so in a capacity that allowed me to focus on Liturgy in an all-encompassing sense. This
meant no longer being as tangibly involved with the music as I had been at previous churches.
There are many parishioners who may not even be aware that I am a classically trained
musician. This absence of being involved with music is something that has weighed on me for
quite a while. The music program at St. John of the Cross is second to none, and Jessica
Koch is one of my closest friends on the staff. Unfortunately, due to the size of the parish, and
the scope of my job as Director of Worship, there merely is not time for me to be involved with
music here in addition to the duties of my job.
Having spent much time in discernment and prayer, it is with bittersweet emotions that I
inform you that I have accepted the position of Director of Liturgy and Music at Holy Cross
Parish in Deerfield, IL. I am excited for this new chapter in my life, and yet saddened to leave
the place I have called home for over four years. And most importantly, it will allow me to do
what I feel God has called me to. Upon experiencing worship at Holy Cross, I was still not sure
about leaving SJC, but when the choir began singing Take O Take Me As I Am, I knew it was
not my decision to make.
I am sincerely grateful to Fr. David for giving me the opportunity to work with the wonderful
people of St. John of the Cross. I have built many friendships here that will last a lifetime. I
have also grown professionally, personally and most of all spiritually into the person that I want
to be.
I will be with St. John of the Cross until the end of April and will do as much as possible to
make the transition smooth. I cannot say “thank you” enough for all that you have shared with
and given me.
May God bless you and those you love.
Jim Clauer
Director of Worship
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
April 12, 2015
Page 4
Lord help us to be instruments of your peace.
Thank You!!
Parishioner, Ed Usonis, and Bill
Bright, Director of Parish Outreach,
are pictured above the week before
Easter loading 100 Easter hams that
were delivered to families at Our
Lady of Charity, St. Mark, St.
Thaddeus, St. Barbara, Pilsen
Community Center and St. John of
the Cross. Each Thanksgiving Ed
graciously donates 100 turkeys and
at Christmas and Easter 100 hams to
those in need.
During the spring and summer months,
SJC will be collecting new or gently used
gym shoes (all sizes, all types, all colors)
that will be donated to those in need
through Sharing Connections in Downers
Grove as well as at Precious Blood
Ministry of Reconciliation and Kolbe
House Prison Ministry in Chicago. Drop
off your donation today at the Parish
Center.
Thy word is a light unto my feet
and a lamp unto my path. Psalm 119
Parish Food Pantry Collection
During the month of April our food donations brought to the church narthex will be delivered to our neighboring
parish, St. Cletus. Remember to bring nonperishable food to church when you come to Mass so that those in
need in our community do not go hungry.
Thank You for Your Help!
Thank you to all those who brought in Jewel Saver Stamps to the Parish Center. With your help we were
able to purchase 15 sets of pots and pans that were donated to the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement
in Chicago. The Refugee Resettlement Program assists families forced
from their homeland because of religious and political oppression. In
addition to the pots and pans, through the kindness of our parish
Women’s Club, we were also able to donate nine boxes filled with eight or
more place settings of dinnerware and silverware.
Receiving our donations in the photo to the right is Tek who works for
the Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP). Tek, who arrived in the U.S.
six years ago from Bhutan, is part of the RRP social work team that
ensures school enrollment, move in assistance, and other adaptive
services. He is also a translator for those arriving from Nepal. Tek loves
his work, especially meeting new families at O’Hare.
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
April 12, 2015
Page 6
Outreach News
Love in Action is Service
SJC Receives Kinship Award
On Saturday, March 21 our parish received the Kinship
Award from Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR)
in Chicago, a ministry that our parish has partnered with since
2013. The award was given to our parish for accompanying the
Precious Blood Center in living its mission of offering hope,
healing and hospitality to youth in Chicago’s Back of the Yards/
New City neighborhood and for generously donating financial
resources and supplies, and sharing time and expertise.
About PBMR
The mission of Precious Blood is to promote a safe place
 Where stories can be told and heard with respect
 Where victims and offenders can meet
 Where harm done can be repaired and
 Where healing can begin.
The staff is committed to seeking out and responding to
violence, especially among young people, their families, and in
the community. In addition to direct service to incarcerated
youth, PBMR also serves the community by being a safe place
where restorative justice practices can be learned and
practiced; where people can be trained in peacemaking circles;
and offenders and victims can come together in circles of
understanding and reconciliation. In a neighborhood rampant
with poverty, gangs and drugs, youth can find safety at the
Center and encouragement to finish their education and follow
their dreams. Youth released from detention or those on
probation also find welcome and assistance at PBMR to turn
their lives around.
SJC’s Partnership
Our parish has supported PBMR’s mission through:
 Ongoing mutual prayer
 Donations of clothing, food, homemade food, vegetable and
flower plants, and
 Financial donations that enable the work at PBMR to
continue and to grow.
SJC continues to learn about PBMR and understand the
needs of the young people served through the relationships
built by Bill Bright, Shawn Sweeney, and members of our
Parish Outreach Advisory Ministry group and Fr. Kelly, Sr.
Donna, and the staff at Precious Blood Center. In addition:
 Last year our Parish Advisory Council visited Kolbe House
and Precious Blood Center on a field trip.
 Parish confirmation candidates met the PBMR staff and
learned about their mission. The students then shared
written reflections on poetry created by incarcerated youth.
 Last summer our parish Vacation Bible School children
wore t-shirts made by Precious Blood’s fledgling t-shirt silk
screening operation which provides at risk youths with a job
opportunity. Several of the youth visited SJC during VBS to
see the shirts worn by the kids.
We are hoping to become more involved with PBMR and
identify new ways our parish can support ministries that change
lives.
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
As part of the Kinship Award, SJC
received a framed piece of original
artwork created by Alberto Alanez, a
teacher at PBMR. Pictured with Fr.
David is parishioner, Shawn Sweeney,
a member of the Outreach Ministry
team, who with Rose Horvath and Bill
Bright are dedicated to overseeing our
service to Precious Blood and Kolbe
House Prison Ministries. (Shawn also
oversees our parish food pantry
collection in the church narthex,
organizing, checking expiration dates
and delivering the food to area food
pantries.) The artwork was hung in the
main area of the Parish Center office
so parishioners can stop in to see it.
Watch
the
bulletin
for
more
information on this original painting.
April 12, 2015
Page 7
Affective Prayer
One of the classic definitions of prayer tells us
that prayer is raising mind and heart to God. In
essence, that says it all. The problem is that often
we raise our minds but not our hearts. Our prayer
tends to be intellectual but not affective and we
tend to think of prayer more as a way of gaining
insight than as way of being touched in the heart.
But prayer is ultimately about love not insight. It is
meant to establish friendship. Friendship, as we
know, is not as much a question of having insight
into each others’ lives as it is of mutually touching
each other in affection and understanding.
Friendship, as John of the Cross puts it, is a
question of attaining “boldness with each other.”
When we have touched each others’ lives deeply,
we can be “bold” with each other. We can then ask
each other for help, ask for each other’s presence
without needing an excuse, share a feeling, share
an insight, or even just share a joke. Good
friendship inspires “boldness”.
The object of prayer is precisely to try to attain
this kind of “boldness” with God, to try to reach a
point where we are comfortable enough with God
to ask for help, to share a feeling, to share an
insight, or even to share a joke, just as we would
with a trusted friend. But to reach this kind of trust
we must first let God touch us in the heart, and not
just in insight. This means that prayer is not so
much a question of having beautiful thoughts about
God as it is of feeling God’s affection for us. Sadly
that is precisely what we generally miss in prayer,
the experience of God’s affection.
What is common in prayer is the tendency to talk
to ourselves rather than to God. For example:
When we are at prayer and we begin to have
various feelings and insights, the almost-automatic
reaction is to begin to speak to ourselves about
what’s happening in us, saying things like: “This is
wonderful!” “This scares me!” “I shouldn’t be feeling
this way!” “I can’t wait to write this down!” When
this happens we end up speaking to ourselves
rather than to God.
This point was clarified for me recently on a
retreat given by Bob Michel, of St. Paul University,
Ottawa, a highly-respected mentor in the art of
prayer. He suggests that perhaps the number one
problem in prayer, among those who seriously try
to sustain private prayer, is precisely the tendency
to constantly talk to ourselves rather than to God.
Quoting Leon Bloy, who once said: “There are
St. John of the Cross Parish
persons who adore themselves before the Blessed
Sacrament,” he suggests that too often in prayer
we say things to ourselves that we should be
saying to God. In prayer, he says, we should never
say things like this to ourselves: “This is
wonderful!” “This scares me!” We need to say them
to God. The key to prayer, in his view, is to turn
from ourselves to God.
And the pivotal part of that turning is that we
must ask God to touch us affectively and not just
intellectually. When we go to pray what we most
need to ask for is to hear God’s voice within us
saying: “I love you!” Nothing would heal us more
and nothing would make us more “bold” before
life’s mystery and goodness than hearing those
words from God. Our very capacity to love
depends upon it.
Thomas Merton, commenting upon our struggle
to love and forgive each other, one said: “The
beginning of the fight against hatred, is not the
commandment to love, but what must necessarily
come before in order to make the commandment
bearable and comprehensible. It is the prior
commandment to believe. The root of Christian
love is not the will to love, but the faith that one is
loved … until this discovery is made, until this
liberation has been brought about by the divine
mercy, men and women are imprisoned in hate.”
The gospels agree. The first words out of Jesus’
mouth in John’s gospel, are a question, the most
timeless of all questions, “What do you
want?” (Also translated as “What are you searching
for?”). Jesus asks the question at the beginning of
the gospel, but doesn’t fully answer it until the end.
His answer? The word he speaks to Mary Magdala
early on the morning of the resurrection. She has
been searching for him, is bewildered, and now
when she finds him doesn’t recognize him. He
repeats for her the question he began the gospels
with: “What are you searching for?” and then
supplies the answer himself. With deep affection,
one-to-one, he pronounces her name: “Mary”.
In the end, that’s what we are all searching for
and most need. We need to hear God,
affectionately, one-to-one, pronounce our names.
Nothing would heal us more of our deep
restlessness and bitterness than to hear God call
us by name and say: “I love you!”
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
www.stjohnofthecross.org
April 12, 2015
Page 8
Lifelong Learning
Living the Gospel
On Easter evening, the risen
Jesus appears and shows the
disciples “his hands and his side.” It
is Jesus who makes the first,
convincing move to enable the
disciples to believe that he has truly
risen from the dead. It is he who
wants the disciples to see him, to
regain their confidence and peace.
To this end, he bestows upon them
the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thomas is
a convenient stand-in for all of us
as we strive to deepen our belief in
the risen Lord. Unlike Thomas,
however, we do not literally “see”
the risen Lord. Whether we see
clearly like the gathered disciples,
or only through doubting like
Thomas, the risen Jesus is,
nevertheless, always present in our
midst removing all obstacles to
belief.
Belief always goes beyond what
we can prove, and often means we
must go out on a limb. Belief in the
risen Lord means that we die to self
so that we can encounter the risen
Jesus around us. This means, at
times, that we ourselves might have
“nail marks” from being wounded.
The challenge of this gospel is that
we put aside our own fears and
embrace belief, with all its
consequences. Just as the risen
Jesus was relentless in bringing the
disciples from disbelief to belief, so
is he with us. We have experienced
once again Easter joy, a glimpse
and promise of the fullness of Life
to come. This glimpse of the
fullness of Life gives us the confidence to believe, to live the Life
given us now, to embrace the risen
Jesus. ©Living Liturgy
Monday
Acts 4:23-31
Ps 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b9
John 3:1-8
May we come to deeper belief
in the risen Jesus
who dwells in us
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
May we rejoice in the risen Jesus,
be changed by his Spirit,
and receive new Life .
Background on the Gospel
Today's reading from the Gospel of John is proclaimed on the Second
Sunday of Easter in each of the lectionary cycles. This fact alone should
alert us to the significance of the encounters with the resurrected Jesus that
are described in this reading. This Gospel combines two scenes: Jesus'
appearance to his disciples after his Resurrection and Jesus' dialogue with
Thomas, the disciple who doubted.
Part of the mystery of Jesus' Resurrection is that he appeared to his
disciples not as a spirit, but in bodily form. We do not know, however,
exactly what this form looked like. Earlier in John's Gospel, when Mary of
Magdala first encountered the risen Jesus, she did not recognize him until
he spoke to her. In Luke's Gospel, the disciples walking along the road to
Emmaus did not recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them. We know
from readings such as today's that in his resurrected form, Jesus was not
bound by matter; he appeared to the disciples inside a home even though
the door was locked. Yet the disciples could still touch the marks of his
Crucifixion.
In today's Gospel, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. Jesus
then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun; as
Jesus was sent by God, so Jesus sends his disciples. He gives his disciples
the gift of the Holy Spirit so that they will be able to accomplish this task.
Jesus' words to his disciples also highlight the integral connection between
the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. With the grace of the
Holy Spirit, we can share forgiveness and reconciliation with others.
Thomas, the doubting disciple in today's reading, represents the reality of
the Church that comes after this first community of witnesses to Jesus. All
but the first disciples of Jesus must believe without seeing. Like Thomas,
we may doubt the news that Jesus, who was crucified and buried, appeared
to his disciples. Our human nature seeks hard evidence that the Jesus who
appeared to his disciples after his death is indeed the same Jesus who was
crucified. Thomas is given the opportunity to be our representative in
obtaining this evidence. He gives witness to us that the Jesus who was
raised is the same Jesus who died. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we
are among those who are blessed, for we have not seen and yet believe.
Used with permission. Loyola Press.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Acts 4:32-37
Acts 5:17-26
Acts 5:27-33
Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5 Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7,
Ps 34:2 and 9, 17John 3:7b-15
8-9
18, 19-20
John 3:16-21
John 3:31-36
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
Friday
Acts 5:34-42
Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
John 6:1-15
Saturday
Acts 6:1-7
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 1819
John 6:16-21
April 12, 2015
3rd Sunday of
Easter
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Ps 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9
1 John 2:1-5a
Luke 24:35-48
Page 9
Programs for Adults
Participants should try
to read the first two
chapters for our first
session. Stop in the
Parish Center to pick
up your copy today!
Have you ever thought about the impact that the Eucharist has on
your work days, Monday through Friday, or on your relationships in
your family, neighborhood, or the world?
Noted Chicago author, William Droel, has written a great book,
Monday Eucharist: Connecting Sunday Liturgy with Daily Work
and Relationships. It's a short book, an easy read, but it contains
much insight and wisdom about what Henri Nouwen describes as a
"Eucharistic Life." Droel's presentation is all about the integration of
our spiritual lives with our personal and human lives.
Our parish will be offering a book discussion where we will read the
book and discuss its impact on our lives. Our discussions will span
three weeks and will be offered two times each week. You may
attend either session each week.
Mondays at 7 pm: April 27, May 4, and May 11
Thursdays at 1 pm: April 30, May 7 and May 14
This series is being facilitated by Terry Stadler. Terry has been a
parishioner for 32 years, along with his wife, Mary of 47 years. He
has 11 years experience in directing adult spirituality development
and growth.
The book is being offered to our parishioners for $7. Please sign up
for this exciting discussion group by dropping off an envelope with
your contact info and payment for the book to the Parish Center by
April 15th.
Name: ________________________________________________
Phone:_____________ Email: _____________________________
Prefer Mondays ________ Thursdays________
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
Our parish is sponsoring two
programs this spring at The Well.
There is no cost to our parishioners.
Simply call the Parish Center office
with your name a few days before
the program to sign up. The Well is
located at 1515 Ogden Avenue,
LaGrange Park.
Living the Risen Christ
Saturday, April 18; 9- Noon
Facilitator: Jack Shea
The Gospel stories of the Risen Lord
are not meant to be memories of
something that happened in the past
or assurances of a post-death
existence in the future. They are
revelations of a way of thinking and
acting that are meant to give life and
love into the present. But in order for
that revelation to be received, we
must ponder the symbols of the
stories and test out their invitations in
our experience. During our morning
gathering, that is precisely what we
intend to do.
Cost: $40 Free to parishioners.
Jack Shea is a theologian and storyteller
who
lectures
nationally
and
internationally on storytelling in world
religions, faith-based health care and
contemporary spirituality.
Saturday, May 2
at 1:30 – 3 pm
Facilitator:
Author, Joyce Rupp
Join Joyce Rupp for
a
mini-retreat
exploring
her
book, Fly While You
Still
Have
Wings. There will be
time for prayer, group interaction,
book signing and a presentation by
Joyce.
The book is available on Amazon so
you can read it ahead of time!
April 12, 2015
Page 10
News
All SJC Music Ministers and any child,
second grade and older, are invited to
sing with the Combined Choirs of St.
John of the Cross Parish for our
upcoming First Eucharist liturgies.
Saturday, May 2
11am & 2pm
Rehearsal at 10:30am and 1:30pm
Saturday, May 9
11am & 2pm
Rehearsal at 10:30am and 1:30pm
Children who plan to sing should also
attend one rehearsal on either
Wednesday, April 29 or Thursday, April
30 in church from 3:45-4:30pm.
Thank you for sharing your gift of song
with our littlest ones!
Tower Chorale to Visit SJC
Next Sunday, April 19 members of the Tower Chorale
will provide special music at the 10:45am Mass. The
Tower Chorale is a 90-voice community chorus
comprised of amateur and professional singers,
including former members of the Chicago Symphony
Chorus, Grant Park Symphony Chorus, Light Opera
Works, Chicago Opera Theater, various community
theater and music organizations, and singers from
several of the local churches. Known for musical
diversity, this non-profit organization has been one of the
premier music groups in Chicago’s western suburbs
since 1986.
Share Your Talents with our Parish! Serve on the PAC! Make a Lasting Impact!
The Parish Advisory Council (PAC) meets three times a year to support implementation of the Parish Vision and
Mission Statement. The Council serves to assist, represent and discern parish needs as an advisor to the Pastor.
The PAC also fosters communication and collaboration among Parish Staff, volunteer leaders and parishioners.
Council members include the Pastor, Associate Pastor, Parish Deacons, Pastoral Staff, Representatives from active
Ministerial Committees, the Archdiocesan Parish Council Representative, Parishioner Apostles and At Large
Representatives. If you would like to become involved contact PAC Chairperson, Ann Marie Calistro, at 708-2469311. Elections will be held on May 16-17.
HAPPY SPRING!
Volunteer with our Gardening Angels! Help keep our parish
grounds beautiful, well-manicured, weed-free and watered. You
can help on a weekly basis or just when your schedule permits.
Confirmation candidates and high school teens welcome! Call
Jan Grabacki—708-246-4610 (Home) or 630-204-5264 (Cell).
Job Openings at SJC
Go to our parish website to read the full job descriptions
for: part-time School Technology Assistant and part-time
Crossroads Coordinator. Either position might be a
perfect fit for you.
Parish Scouts say Thanks!
Our parish Scouts extend a big thank you to all who
purchased Girl Scout cookies at the Parish Center. Proceeds
from the cookie sales help support scouting activities.
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
Motherless Daughters Workshop
Morning workshop at Loyola Medical
Center in Maywood for adult women
who have lost their mother on Saturday,
May 9 from 9-12:30pm. Register by May
4th with Amy Carlozo at Loyola Hospice
708-216-5413. No charge to attend.
April 12, 2015
Page 11
Women’s Club
Women’s Club
20TH ANNUAL
FLOWER SALE
Locally Grown Landscape Quality
Flowers & Baskets
Color photos, plant descriptions & care
instructions for all plants at the parish website:
www.stjohnofthecross.org
·
·
Order Online by Thursday, April 30
OR return order form to the school or
parish office
Pick-up flowers Wednesday, May
6th from 1:00 to 5:00 in the
handicapped parking lot north of the
church. Orders not picked up by
5:00pm will be donated to church.
Please make other arrangements
if you are unavailable to pick up
your order.
Thank You for Prom Dress Donations
With your help the SJC Women’s Club was
able to donate 170 prom dresses, 10 pairs of
shoes, 18 purses and assorted beautiful
accessories, gloves and scarves to The Glass
Slipper
Project
which
is
an
organization that
gives away free prom
dresses and accessories to high school juniors
and seniors in Chicago.
Area News
Job Opening at All Saints Church
All Saints Church in Western Springs is looking for a part-time
Children’s Formation Director. Go to the home page of our
parish website to read the job description.
Interfaith Career Network Programs
Baby Boomers - Meet the New Millennials
Jim Starkey, author of the book, “High Performance
Interviewing,” will share insights on how to present yourself
confidently and assertively and be perceived as a valued asset
to your future employer. Thursday, April 16 from 7-9 pm at St.
Cletus Education Building
Career Transition Boot Camp
Five sessions begin Tuesday, April 14 from 7-9 pm. First
Presbyterian Church of La Grange
20 Minute Free One-on-One Resume Review
Saturday, April 25 from 9-11 am. St. Cletus Education Building
Prevent Child Abuse Prayer Service
The Office of Assistance Ministry and the Safe Environment
Office along with the Healing Garden Committee are hosting
their annual Prevent Child Abuse Prayer Service at the Healing
Garden at Holy Family Parish in Chicago. The Prayer Service
will be held on Friday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Annual Respect Life Conference
Attend the Annual Respect Life Conference at St. Paul of the
Cross Parish in Park Ridge on Saturday, April 18 from 9am4pm. Guest speakers include Professor Janet Smith, Dr. Pilar
Calva and Thomas Brejcha. A 4:30pm Mass follows.
www.respectlifechicago.org
St. Hugh Spring Luncheon
St. Hugh Parish invites all to their Society of Catholic Women’s
Spring Salad Luncheon parish benefit on Saturday, April 26 at
11:30am. Tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for children
12 and younger, can be purchased at the door. Fr. Marc
Reszel, pastor of St. Hugh’s, grew up at SJC and helps our
priests minister at RML Specialty Hospital every month.
Ignatian Volunteer Corps
Volunteer in poor and marginalized communities 2 days a week
(Sept-June), reflect, pray, and meet monthly with other IVC
members and a spiritual reflector. IVC members serve as
tutors, employment counselors, food pantry volunteers, elderly
companions, hospital chaplains, and more! Call for more info at
312-961-6206.
Lord, help us to live the virtue of generosity, to love
without limits. Pope Francis @Pontifex - Apr 6
Life is a precious gift but we realize this only when we
give it to others. Pope Francis @Pontifex - March 27
April 12, 2015
Page 12
Interfaith Community Partners Benefit
ICP is sponsoring a Ladies Shopping Night on Thursday, April
30 from 5-9:30pm at the Village Club in Western Springs. 15%
of all sales will be donated to ICP. Admission is $10. ICP’s
mission is to maximize the independence and well-being of
older adults by enabling connections with others in our
community. Trained volunteers provide escorted transportation
to medical appointments, therapies and necessary errands to
sustain independent living. If you are a Senior in need of
transportation call 708-579-8929.
Parish School
Crossroads
During Holy Week, our students prepared for
Easter in many ways. Our sixth graders led a
prayer service on the Resurrection of Our
Lord. First and eighth graders worked together
on an Easter project. Third graders shared
their Resurrection Egg projects with our
preschool and first graders. The first graders
also created sculptures of The Last Supper.
Our fourth and eighth graders illustrated the
Stations of the Cross for display in their
classrooms. And our Kindergarten classes
made their own palms. These are just a few
projects that helped students understand Holy
Week.
This Week at SJC
April 13
Classes Resume
April 17
Out of Uniform Day
Calendar of Events
April 19
Home Group Meetings
April 26
Year End Meeting
Youth Rally Today. We’ll depart from the Parish Center
at 1:30pm for a rally at St. Celestine. Join us!
Parents of Teens
As the parent of a Catholic teenager, do you ever wonder
how you can continue to support and enhance the faith
journey of your son or daughter in high school and beyond?
Does your teen think that one’s faith journey ends after
Confirmation? Come join parents of teens in our parish as
we explore answers to these and other questions!
Tomorrow, Monday, April 13 from 7-8:30 pm in the Parish
Center. Our guest speaker, Mike Patin, uses energy, humor
and stories to affirm God's goodness and presence among
us. Hospitality will be provided and there is no charge for
this event. Questions?
Contact Beth Korenchan at
[email protected].
Jewelry & Rosary Sale
We will be selling a variety of jewelry including Catholic
medals, crucifix necklaces, bracelets, rosaries and more in
the Parish Center before and after all Masses the
weekends of April 18/19 and 25/26. These beautiful items
make great Mother’s Day and First Communion gifts.
Proceeds support our Work Tours.
Work Tours for Teens and Adults
We have openings at Habitat for Humanity in WV, July 1218 and Our Lady of Charity in Cicero, July 20-24. Get your
application in now before it’s too late. There are also a few
spots open at NPH in Guatemala June 8-15. See our
website, www.stjohnofthecross.org/crossroads/work-tours/
for registration forms.
Thank You!! Boys and girls from the Off the Street Club were
excited and most grateful to receive Easter baskets that the
Crossroads teens and Parish 3rd & 4th graders made for them.
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
April 12, 2015
Page 13
YC Registration Fair
for
2015-2016 Year
R E M
E
B E
R
M
YOUTH CATECHESIS REGISTRATION ~ APRIL 12 & 13
Youth Catechesis is SJC’s religious education program for children. Our volunteer catechists and catechist
aides are engaging and inspiring as they lead your children to a closer relationship with Jesus. “Catechists
discover with their witness of life, the joy of helping others meet and fall in love with Christ” (Pope Francis).
All Youth— Kindergarten through 8th grade!!
Please stop at the School Multi-Purpose Room this Weekend
Sunday, April 12th from 9:00am until Noon or
Monday, April 13th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm
to register your child in YC for the fall.
New families, please bring a copy of each child’s baptismal certificate if not baptized at SJC.
To get priority session placement, please pray about sharing your time and talents!! All are encouraged to
volunteer! We also welcome catechists and aides who are parents, those without YC students, and high
school teens - JOIN US!
YOU are
special!
Volunteers
Needed
Share
Your Gifts
Spread
the Good
News
Thank You to All Our Catechists, Aides, Substitutes, Office Helpers, Hall Monitors, and Parking Lot
Attendants! Thank you also to the following individuals who were omitted on our list in last week’s bulletin:
Julia Amico, Ann Marie Calistro, Georgann Grecco, Garrett Kiely and Nicole Stork.
St. John of the Cross Parish
www.stjohnofthecross.org
April 12, 2015
Page 14
Monday, April 13, 2015
9:30am Spiritual Journaling
10:30am Step 11 Christian Meditation
2:30pm Adoration
6:15pm YC Classes
7:00pm Crossroads Speaker Mike Patin
7:00pm Boy Scouts
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
9:05am Tuesdays with Mary Rosary
12:30pm Imagine Hospitality
1pm Imagine Idea Generation Session
6:30pm Imagine Hospitality
7:00pm Imagine Idea Generation Session
7:00pm Boy Scouts Parent Pack Committee Meeting
7:00pm RCIA
7:00pm SJC Teacher Recognition Trust
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
9:30am Bible Study
11:00am Ladies Bridge
2:00pm Christian Meditation
7:00pm Chicago Catholic Scripture School
Thursday, April 16, 2015
9:00am Flourish
7:00pm Career Networking
7:00pm WC April in Provence Gardening Event
Friday, April 17, 2015
Parish Directory Photos Today
Saturday, April 18, 2015
7:00am Christian Meditation
8:30am Imagine Hospitality
9:00am Imagine Idea Generation Session
6:00pm Scouts Blue & Gold Dinner
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Parish Directory Photos Today
10:15am YC Classes
1:30pm Baptisms
6:00pm Beloved Gathering
Wedding Banns
Mass Intentions
Monday, April 13 St. Martin I, Pope & Martyr
7:45am Frank & Mary Szela; Sr. Anna O’Brien
Tuesday, April 14 Easter Weekday
7:45am Paul Adducci; Stephen Siedlaczck
Wednesday, April 15 Easter Weekday
7:45am Henry & Rosina Weber; Our Beloved Dead
Thursday, April 16 Easter Weekday
7:45am Jame Piszczor; Norbert Pozen
Friday, April 17 Easter Weekday
7:45am Patricia Wehner; Anthony Placek
Saturday, April 18 Easter Weekday
8:00am Sophie Grandys; Deceased members of the Sumpay
family
5:00pm Richard Sprague; Don Cisek
Sunday, April 19 Third Sunday of Easter
7:30am Gustavo Perez; Jane Glancy
9:00am Gloria Turlek; Lenny Kamenjarin
10:45am Jim Sikes; Rosemary Schick
12:15pm Steve Ryan; Bette Conrad
5:00pm Zack Perry; John Encarnacao
Italics: Living
Pray for our Beloved Dead
Marguerite McGuire, mother of Sheila Hansen, grandmother of
Katie Leff and Susan Sherlock, great grandmother of Caroline,
Tommy, Matthew, Luke, Kate and Evan
Van Domanskis, father Al, grandfather of Marie and John
Tina Walsh, sister of Brian, aunt of Erin, John and Patrick
Jill Jodlowski, daughter of Eugene and Elaine Jodlowski
Maria Hanson, mother-in-law of Rita
Brandon Hemstreet, nephew of Kitty Vecchio
Edward Peters, husband of Gertrude, father of Kathleen Fanone
Paige Hodum and Kevin Petzold
Pray for our Sick
Ron Burchart
Rodney Cullens
Lee Lepinske
Yvonne Micheal
Edward Peters
Mae Smith
Parish Directory
Call the Parish Center office today to schedule
your family photo for the new Parish Directory or
register on-line for your photo
appointment and
receive a $10
coupon to use toward the purchase of
additional photos. Visit our parish
website home page.
Rev. David P. Dowdle, Pastor
[email protected]
Rev. Joseph F. McDonnell,
Pastor Emeritus
Rev. William J. Vollmer,
Associate Pastor
[email protected]
Deacon John Schopp, Deacon
[email protected]
Bill Bright, Director of Outreach
[email protected]
Janet Caschetta, Director of YC
[email protected]
Jim Clauer, Director of Worship
[email protected]
April 12, 2015
Laura Dragich, Reservations
[email protected]
Kathleen Gorman, Principal
[email protected]
Katie Hayes, Dir of Teen Ministry
[email protected]
Jessica Koch, Director of Music
[email protected]
MJ Martin, Director of Operations
[email protected]
Elizabeth Russell-Jones,
Welcome
[email protected]
Page 15
All parishioners should have received a mailing a few weeks ago with
background on the upcoming archdiocesan-wide To Teach Who Christ Is
Campaign. As detailed in the brochure, 40% of the funds raised will go to
the archdiocese to strengthen our vocation of teaching who Christ is in
parishes, schools and our wider community. 60% of the money raised will
remain at our parish for the needs of our community.
We are asking for your help in identifying and prioritizing
ideas that will enable us to apply these funds to better live
out our mission in the future.
Come
IMAGINE
our future.
We will gather informally at 12:30pm and 6:30pm this
Tuesday and at 8:30am this Saturday morning to connect
with fellow parishioners for about a half hour. The formal
process will begin at 1:00pm and 7:00pm on Tuesday and at 9:00am on
Saturday morning. You need only participate in one of three time slots
being offered.
We look forward to seeing you!!
Extra brochures on the Campaign can be found at church exits today.
DUPLEX
ELECTRIC
PC MD
PC & MAC Sales & Service
Networking • WIFI • Internet
(630) 789-3971 Tom
708-387-9400
[email protected]
www.pcmd.com
WE STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS!
Expert Troubleshooting
Electrical Rehab/Repair
Charism Homecare Services
Visit us online
www.charismhomecare.com
630.541.3683
Greg Fiflis – Parishioner
www.duplexelectricservice.com
Free In-Home Assessment
Alzheimer’s, ADLs, Personal Care
JOHN C. SKREKO, DDS
Sal’s
Powerwashing
GENERAL DENTIST Since 1981
CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
FREE GUTTER CLEANING WITH INSTALLATION
Service and Installation • Whole House Generators
Gutter Cleaning & Installation
Call for Appointment 708-485-0766 www.rhinogutterguard.com
708-246-1263
KEENAN ROOFING AND SOLAR
DR. JOSEPH E. KIZIOR, ORTHODONTIST
IF YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR IS UNBECOMING TO YOU
YOU SHOULD BE COMING TO US!
• WINDOWS • SIDING • GUTTERS • SOFFIT • FASCIA
Orthodontics for Children and Adults
Metal or Clear Brackets • Flexible Hours • Most Insurance Accepted
4365 Lawn Avenue, Western Springs
708.246.1000
Bright Horizons at
Western Springs
Programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and kindergarten prep
• Reconstruction
• Root Canals
• Extractions, Oral Emergency
6961 Vine Street
Indian Head Park
Strong Dependable Gutter Protection
Exclusive Rhino Distributor • Fully Insured and Bonded
FREE CONSULTATION
SFX Parishioner
708.937.9400
ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICES
Experienced Polish Girls
Homes • Condos • Offices
Free Estimates
Insured
773.502.9369
Now Enrolling!
4700 Commonwealth Avenue,Western Springs
(708) 246-4710
www.brighthorizons.com/wscb
Lawrence R. Lewandowski
CPA/PFS, CFP® 30 YRS. EXP.
INCOME TAX PREPARATION
PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING
708-860-6532
[email protected]
Shop Well
Eat Well
Live Well
4700 Gilbert Ave.
Western Springs, IL
708.246.6210
www.MarianosFreshMarket.com
FAMILY DENTISTRY
INTERIOR / EXTERIOR
Member FDIC
Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork
Computer Color Match Paint
Wallcovering removal & installation
Lawn and Garden
Staining & varnishing woodwork
Electrical & Plumbing Supplies
Complete painting/staining of exteriors
Window & Screen Repair
Installation of chair & crown moldings,
baseboard & shoe moldings
Weber and Toro Sales & Service
John Wilson
[email protected]
Cell (630) 337-8946
Office (708) 246-5604
Parishioner
Monday-Friday 8am-7pm
Saturday 8am-5:30pm
Sunday 9am-4pm
835 Burlington Ave.
Western Springs
www.truevalue.com/villagehdw
708-246-0892
NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTER
Rev. James Watzke, Ph.D.
Kevin E. Collins, DDS, PC
Depression - Anxiety - Stress
475 W. 55th St., La Grange
Family - Separation - Divorce
Office 354-5575
Sub Abuse - Medicare - Español
630.691.1114
After Hours Emergency – 354-2281 Oakbrook Terr.
• Companionship • Medication Reminder • Meal Preparation
• Bathing and Dressing Assistance • Transportation and Escort
• Light Housekeeping • And Much More
708.482.7424
www.blueskyhomecare.com
Licensed • Insured • Bonded
Maloney & Company, Ltd.
Certified Public Accountants & Consultants
Specializing in Personalized Accounting, Tax and Consulting Services
For Individuals and Family Owned Businesses
61 Ogden Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Email: [email protected]
(630) 887-0500
Dan Maloney, Parishioner
COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE
State Licensed
• Meals • Personal Care • Companionship
• Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Errands
630.323.7231 www.MaryAndMikeCare.com
Michael & Mary Doepke, RN • Parishioners
Denise Pozen Photography
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Additions
Dan Madden
Parishioner
708
246.8898
“Your Parish Photographer”
To view and order photos
from SJC events visit
http://vando.imagequix.com/
Use Photographer ID s9y6e9f
and choose the gallery
you would like to view.
Also available for private events
708-352-2771
Brian or Sally, coordinators
CLEANOLOGY CORP.
Gregg Communications Systems, Inc.
Telephone Equip. Voiceover IP (VoIP)
38 Years in Business
Mary Dine 630-571-7000 www.greggcomm.com
009239 St John of the Cross Church (B)
Home & Office
Cleaning Services
773-505-5658
www.cleanologycorp.com
860.399.1785
www.CatholicCruisesAndTours.com
The
COMMUNITY BANK of WESTERN SPRINGS
A branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company®
6th Cleaning FREE W/this ad! 1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558
www.jspaluch.com
an Official
Travel Agency
of AOS-USA
708-246-7100
For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170
CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTER
FUNERAL HOME
WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS
On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.
3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook • 630-325-6550
• Personal Injury
Peter Conboy
• Wrongful Death
Matthew Conboy
• Probate
• Estate Planning Jean Conboy Hanson
• Guardianship
Parishioner
708.246.4911
FAMILY
OWNED &
OPERATED
Family owned and operated since 1885
Parishioner
10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester
708-562-5900
www.conboywestchesterfh.com
ED THE PLUMBER
ED THE CARPENTER
Best Work • Best Rate
www.covonelaw.com Satisfaction Guaranteed As
We Do All Our Own Work
Providing Distinguished Service Since 1923 Alexandria Z. Meccia, M.D.
Lic# 055-026066
1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside • (708) 352-6500
www.HJfunerals.com
DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF LAGRANGE
Parishioner
708.482.3213
5201 S. Willow Springs Rd.
Suite 430
LaGrange
$$ Parishioner Discount $$ $0 Enrollment!
708-652-1444
VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PC
GENERAL DENTISTRY
(708) 246-6006
www.VersaciDental.com
Complete Psychological
Evaluation & Treatment
Individual - Marital - Family
www.AnytimeFitness.com
7145 S. Kingery Hwy. Route 83
Willowbrook, IL
630.655.2200
Mon-Fri 8am-9pm • Sat 8am-8pm • Sun 8am-6pm
Pisa Pizza
ANN HOGLUND
WE DELIVER
Real Estate Broker
25 Year Parishioner
(708) 828-5773 CELL
[email protected]
708-352-0008
5440 S. LaGrange Rd., Countryside
www.pisapizzacountryside.com
pvwealthmgt.com
708.246.2366
4365 Lawn Ave
Ste. 5
Western Springs
708-286-1100
Comprehensive Family
EyeCare for ages 3-103!
Most Insurances Accepted
Parishioner
504 Hillgrove Western Springs
Mon & Wed 9-6 PM
Tuesday 9-7 PM
Friday 9-5 PM Saturday 8-1 PM
Restorative and Implant
General Dentistry
708-655-7947
Committed to Seeing You Home.
[email protected]
Michael J. Dusza
Former S.J.C. Women’s Club President
Call For Free Market Analysis
930 N. York Rd., Suite 120
Mon.-Fri. 8-6 - Sat. 8-5:30
Sundays 10-4 Year Round
www.caseymarketonline.com
THOMAS R. KRONE, ESQ.
8 E. Hinsdale Ave. • Hinsdale
www.coldwellbankeronline.com/AnnHoglund
Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.
Dr. Irene D. Combs
....is pleased to announce
Carolyn J.
Newcome Sparks
has joined our team
John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.
915 BURLINGTON AVE.
WESTERN SPRINGS, IL 60558
708-246-0380
Hinsdale, IL 60521
(630) 455-1666
We
Welcome
ENDODONTICS
Loan Officer (NMLS/MLD #222954)
Parishioner
A LENNAR FINANCIAL SERVICE COMPANY
ALLMAKE
Skilled at Educating Customers ■ Variety of Programs
Call me for a Complimentary Pre Approval
Email: [email protected] www.EagleHomeMortgage.com/MichaelDusza
630.842.5473
Since
1983
708-246-1600
KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERY CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER
FOOD
&
LIQUOR
009239 St John of the Cross Church (A)
708.417.8441
Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured
Frank Tramontana, Parishioner
Western Springs Resident
Attorney At Law, Parishioner
• Real Estate • Trusts • Probate
Licensed in Illinois & Florida
(708) 246-7570
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
921 Burlington Ave., Western Springs
Carol L.
Klima
Martin
Quality and Variety
Wedding & Party Cakes
825 Burlington Ave.
246-2894
Western Springs
Practice Limited to Root Canal
Therapy and Dental Implants
• Evening and Saturday Hours
• Most dental insurances accepted
ZAWASKI & ZAWASKI
• Parishioner discount
Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants, Ltd.
Drs. Munaretto & Sommers, Parishioners -----------------------------------3848 Lawn Avenue
• 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 579-0488 www.cameoendo.com Office: (708) 784-1445 • FAX (708) 784-1446
I’m dedicated to making
your home move financing
experience a pleasant one.
■
8 East Hinsdale
Hinsdale, Illinois
• REAL ESTATE • PROBATE
Watching
APPLIANCE REPAIR
• BUSINESS LAW
All Major U.S. Brand Appliances Repaired
630-968-5553 Parishioner 708-579-5262
6934 Crest Road-Darien
CAMEO
Open 24/7
Call Us! 708.483.6148
$5 OFF any purchase of $50 or more
Lorraine D. D’Asta, Ph.D.
and Associates
HINSDALE
655-9040
www.combseyecare.com
For a Limited Time Only... Hurry In
31ST WOLF RD.
WESTCHESTER
Hot Foods • Deli • Dessert
Catering Platters
Delicious Meats & Cheeses
Produce and Groceries
Polish and Lithuanian
Family Owned Business
4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs
Bring This In
and Receive
$25.00 off
with ad
Service
* Licensed Plumbers
* Guaranteed work
Same Day Service!
708-579-3321
7 Days a Week
Sump La Grange Office Water
Heaters
Pumps
IL Lic.005017412
OPEN DAILY
11:00 AM
DAILY &
SUNDAY
2:00 PM
For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170