1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr
C a t h o l i c C h u r c h
A Catholic community of faith striving
to witness to the Gospel. Our Baptism
and Confirmation calls us to bring
Christ’s Love to our families, our work
places and our community. Grateful for
God’s gifts, we seek to nurture those
gifts and to give back to the Lord by
sharing our time, talent and material
treasure. In all of our parish activities
we seek to develop a personal
relationship with the Lord who directs
our lives and a vision that sees the
world with the eyes of Christ and that
leads to a commitment to justice. We
seek a sense of unity in Christ that leads
us to be an open and welcoming people
and a sense of joy in being graced by the
gifts of God’s Love.
MASS SCHEDULE
November 16, 2014
Monday—Saturday: 8am (English)
Saturday Liturgy: 5pm (English)
Liturgy:
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday
English: 7am, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 6:15pm
Polish: 1pm
November 16, 2014 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
WE ARE A STEWARDSHIP PARISH
We at St. Stephen, are striving to be good disciples
of Christ. We focus on the spirituality of
stewardship, through the grateful sharing of our
time, our talent and our treasure, to help us
become better disciples of Christ. As good
stewards, we share our gifts responsibly with
charitable groups and with our church. We urge
our parishioners to consider remembering St.
Stephen in their wills. Please phone Fr. Jay in the
church office at 708.342.2400 for more
information.
Collections
For 11-9-20142014
Regular
$23,049.00
Kids
$206.53
Sharing
$55.00
All Souls
$198.00
All Saints
$90.00
Electronic
$4,913.50
Parish Center
$70.00
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Thank you for your continued Stewardship in support of St.
Stephen. Please visit our website to find other opportunities
for generosity through planned giving by remembering St.
Stephen in your will or living trust.
TIME, TALENT & TREASURE In addition to printing the collection, we are printing
the Sunday and Holy Day collections from the previous month and for the fiscal year to
date as well as budgeted amount needed for us to meet both our expenses & mortgage
payments. Mortgage payments are $41,500 per month (interest and principal).
The Archdiocese loaned us the money to start our parish and build our facilities on the basis of
a commitment to Stewardship by the parish. We thank everyone whose support enables us to
do the work of our
Actual
Budget
parish.
Last Month October
$117,377 $112,500
Year-to-Date July 1—October 31 $471,966 $459,600
BAPTISMS are celebrated every Sunday at 3pm in English and 1pm in Polish. Please contact
Deacon Ken in the parish office for the necessary preparations.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION is available on Saturdays, from 8:45—9:30am in the
church or by appointment.
FUNERALS can be arranged with the parish office.
MARRIAGES St. Stephen Parish welcomes the celebration of the weddings of both registered
parishioners and the children of registered parishioners. Information is available from one of
the priests or deacons.
PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK can be arranged for the sick, elderly and handicapped
desiring Communion by calling the parish office.
BULLETIN ARTICLE DEADLINE Articles are to be in the parish office noon on Friday for the
following week’s bulletin. E-mail: [email protected]
REGISTRATION OF NEW PARISHIONERS is held on the 2nd & 4th Sundays every month after
10am Mass. New parishioners unable to register at Sunday registration, may register at the
parish office on Mondays at 2pm, Tuesdays at 11am, Wednesdays at 8:30am or Thursdays
at 6:45pm. Please phone 708.342.2400 to make an appointment. We warmly welcome
new parishioners and cordially invite you to join us on our life-long journey to the Lord.
~ O UR
CHURCH
~
Parish Office
17500 South 84th Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60487
Office Hours: 8:30am-8:30pm Mon-Th;
8:30am-7pm Fri; 9am-5pm Sat
Office Closed: 12:30-1pm Mon-Fri
Office Phone: 708.342.2400
Office Fax 708.342.1545
Religious Ed. Phone: 708.342.1544
Website: www.ststephentinley.com
email: [email protected]
@ststephentinley
~ O UR
STAFF
~
~ O UR
Rev. James Finno, Pastor
Rev. Grzegorz Warmuz, Associate Pastor
William Engler, Deacon
Chuck McFarland, Deacon
William Schultz, Deacon
Joseph Stalcup, Deacon
Pete Van Merkestyn, Deacon
Kenneth Zawadzki, Deacon
Karen Opyd, Administrative Assistant to Pastor
Mary Jeanne Pazin, Director of Religious Education
Leslie Krauledis, Assoc. Director of Religious EducationTammy Burns, Admin. Assistant for Religious Education
Mark Gorka, Music Minister
Karen Dillon, Youth Minister
Dave Prete, Maintenance Director
SCHOOL
Cardinal Joseph
Bernardin Catholic School
9300 167th Street
Orland Hills, IL 60487
Phone 708.403.6525
Fax 708.403.8621
Ms. Mary Iannucilli,
Principal
~
November 16, 2014 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
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From Our Pastor
D
ear People of St. Stephen,
This week we join with all Chicago
Catholics in welcoming our new leader,
Archbishop Blaise Cupich. As all leaders in our
church and in our society, Archbishop Cupich will
face many challenges as he leads our archdiocese.
My impression is that his great faith, his personal
talents, and his humble spirit of service will make
him a fine leader for our local church. Please keep
him in your prayers. I also ask your prayers for
Cardinal George as he begins his retirement. I pray
that he may have renewed health and be granted
the opportunity to continue to serve the Lord in
his retirement years.
One of the challenges Archbishop Cupich faces is
to lead our church through the continuing impact
of the clergy abuse scandal. This challenge
presented itself again about 10 days ago when
about 15,000 pages of documents were released
by the archdiocese. The documents concern 36
priests who have substantiated allegations of sexual
misconduct with minors. All the priests are out of
ministry, and many are deceased. All these
documents relate to incidents that date back many
years. 92% of these incidents occurred prior to
1988. The release, in combination with the
January release of documents, covers all priests
who have substantiated allegations of sexual
misconduct with minors except for two priests
where ongoing legal processes do not permit
release. No priest with even one substantiated
allegation of sexual abuse of a minor serves in
ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago today. The
documents reiterate the tragedy of every incident
of sexual abuse and remind us of the sad mistakes
made in the past in dealing with abuse by
members of the clergy. The Archdiocese’s Office
for the Protection of Children and Youth provides
support to abuse survivors and their families, trains
adults and children on how to recognize and
prevent abuse, and conducts annual audits to
ensure that all parishes and schools comply with
Archdiocesan abuse policies. Since 2003, the
Archdiocese of Chicago has trained more than
173,700 priests, deacons, religious, lay
employees, and volunteers to recognize and to
prevent abuse. This was done in more than 3000
training sessions. Our challenge today is to
respond with compassion to abuse victims and to
prevent all child abuse in the future. If anyone has
any questions about these documents or would
like to discuss this issue, please contact me, Fr.
Greg, or any of the deacons. Please pray especially
for all victims of abuse.
Another challenge facing our Archdiocese is the
future of our Catholic schools. The challenge was
brought home very personally to me recently
when St. Lawrence O’Toole school, the parish
where I was pastor for over 11 years, was closed. I
was very sad to see that school close, yet I
recognize that the challenge there is very different
from 15 years ago when I moved from the parish
to St. Stephen. Though I do not have adequate
knowledge to comment intelligently on the
decision to close, I recognize the pain that
students, parents, and staff are going through. I ask
your prayers for all the people affected by the
closing of St. Lawrence O’Toole and the other
schools – both the students and especially the
teachers who have given many years of their lives
to the school. The challenge to us is how to plan to
make Catholic school education available and
sustainable in every area of the Archdiocese. For
me, a mistake made in the To Teach Who Christ
Is campaign was to begin the campaign before
developing a plan focusing on the long-term
viability of schools in all areas of our Archdiocese.
The vision of “one parish, one school” developed
over a century ago is no longer viable. Hopefully
the funds being raised in the To Teach Who Christ
Is campaign can be focused on making Catholic
education available to students in every area of the
Archdiocese. The purpose of the campaign – to
provide sustainability for our Catholic schools –
has great value for our church. As in our own area,
with the four parishes cosponsoring Cardinal
Bernardin School, cooperation among parishes
will help to keep alive our Catholic schools. Funds
raised in the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign
can play a valuable role in this effort.
As we prepare to celebrate our parishes 15th
anniversary on November 29 at the 5 PM Mass,
I’d like to continue to present some background
on various elements in our church sanctuary. The
pulpit or ambo is located to the left of the altar and
is prominent as the place for God’s Word to be
proclaimed. Built of the same wood as the altar,
the height of the pulpit can be adjusted to enable a
wheelchair-bound person or a child to read from it
comfortably. It provides a fitting place to affirm
the importance of God’s Word in the Bible.
The baptistry, to the right of the altar, is built of
cherry stained rift oak and stone and allows both
for the pouring of water over the forehead of a
child receiving the sacrament as well as an
opportunity to pour water over an adult receiving
the sacrament into the baptismal pool. The gates
installed at the entrance to the baptistery were
originally part of the communion rail from St.
Catherine of Genoa church in Chicago. The wood
carved Stations of the Cross placed around the
sides and the back of the church were also
acquired from St. Catherine of Genoa church
upon its closing in 2002. The Stations were
refurbished by DaPrato-Rigali Studios, the same
company who built our crucifix and the stained
glass window behind the altar, and are another
reminder of the heritage of faith upon which our
parish is built. I invite everyone, who is able, to
join us for the 15th anniversary celebration at the 5
PM Mass on November 29.
May God bless you and your loved ones.
Fr. Jay
You are cordially invited to the celebration of the
15th Anniversary of St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr Church
on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the 5 o’clock Mass.
Wine and Cheese Reception following in the Large Meeting Room.
Come celebrate this special occasion with your parish family.
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Pastoral Ministries
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The Leaning Towers …
Contact Deacon Ken Zawadzki
Pastoral Ministry Director
Phone: 708.342.2400 Ext. 136
Email: [email protected]
Donating to St. Vincent
de Paul has become
easier through our new
ONLINE GIVING.
Go to www.ststephentinley.com and
click on the ONLINE GIVING logo
to the left of the screen to register
and make your donation. Thank you
from our St. Vincent de Paul Society.
If you or a parishioner close to you is in
need, please contact SVdP
at 708-342-2400 ext.205.
A representative will return your call
as soon as possible to arrange a
confidential conversation.
Confidentiality and Compassion
are cornerstones of our ministry
The Gospel predicts end times;
our challenge though is to live
faithfully now. St. Vincent
often asked this simple question: “What
would Jesus Christ do, if he were in my
place now? Ask yourself “What would Jesus
Christ do?” and then put your gift in the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul poor box so
that those who are suffering will be able to
celebrate Thanksgiving .
The Tower of Pisa, one of the world's great landmarks, was originally
designed to stand up straight. In 1773, it began to lean shortly after the onset
of construction due to a poorly laid foundation. The word Pisa “, I've heard,
actually means "marshy land." This might explain why history's most famous
church bell tower started going off-kilter before it was even completed.
Several years ago it looked like the Tower of Pisa was headed for toppling.
Moving one-twentieth of an inch each year, it eventually ended up 17 feet
out of plumb. Alarmed architects and engineers puzzled over it, and in 1990,
created a plan to remove 38 cubic meters of soil from underneath to
straighten the tower by 18 inches. Now, they say, it is stable for another 300
years.
Perhaps you will be surprised to learn that the leaning Tower of Pisa is not
the most tilted tower in the world. In November 2007, the honor was given
to the leaning tower of Suurhusen in Germany. Though not as beautiful or
old as her sister in Pisa, the 15th century Suurhusen bell tower is the greatest
leaner on earth. You don't have to be pretty to be crooked. Once again, the
sway from vertical is due to marshy soil and a faulty foundation.
These twin towers teach us an important lesson. If you want to stand
straight, you need to have a firm foundation. Parents, if you want to grow
good adults, start your children when they're young. This is the most
important task for mothers and fathers. Teach your children the depths of
truth, character, integrity and faith. And most importantly, teach them about
God. When they are older, they will display it.
Engaged couples can build a great marriage by building on the firm
foundation of selfless love, faith and trust. Marriages built on shallow soil
seldom last. A life, built on the rock solid foundation of God, faith and the
Bible, will stand straight and strong through all the storms of life. If you've
started off wrong, and find yourself leaning, there's still hope but it always
goes back to the foundational issues.
Blessings,
Deacon Ken Zawadzki
People Soliciting for Money
At times, we have people outside church soliciting for money. We ask that you tell them to come into the church to see one of the priests or
deacons so we can get their name and have our St. Vincent de Paul Society contact them. This enables us to do some screening of the people’s
needs. Again, if people solicit for money, tell them to go to the church where they will be given the name of our St. Vincent de Paul Society
and someone will contact them. We encourage you not to give them money directly.
SENIORS YOUNG @ HEART
Our next meeting is Monday, Nov. 24th at 10AM and is our Game Day. Don't forget your cards, dice and games,
and refreshments are to be provided by the Board.
Four Winds Casino
St. Stephen Seniors, “Young @ Heart” will sponsor a trip to Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo Michigan on Thursday, February 12,
2015. All parishioners are welcome to join us. Cost is $35 per person which includes bur transportation, $15 in slot credit and $10
food credit. Bus will depart from St. Stephens’s parking lot at 9am and return at 4pm. Tickets will go on sale at the Young @ Heart
meeting on November 24 so bring your checks or cash. You may also purchase tickets by contacting Joan Kapala at 815-534-5111.
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Parish Transformation
The Parish Transformation Team is continuing their work in the three
areas of Mission, Finance, and Education. The group is using the survey results to ensure that they consider all the input
that is available on how we might improve our Parish. Each committee is outlining clear and measurable objectives along
with specific action steps to achieve those objectives. This process will continue for several weeks. Please continue to
pray for your Parish Transformation Team.
Seeking help for the 7am Mass
If you attend the 7am Mass each Sunday, you might notice an absence of an altar server. The fact is that we do not have boys or girls
willing to sign up for such an early Mass. To that end, I’m appealing to adults to become an adult server to help serve at the 7am
Mass on Sundays. John Lisicich has been serving in their place for a number of years. John only serves because his wife Pat is one of
the Mass coordinators for that Mass. We are grateful for his service. If we could get four adults to volunteer at the 7am Mass, it
would mean you would serve once a month. John would be willing to sit with you during Mass for a few weeks and show you the
way to serve. Please consider this appeal for help serving at the 7am Mass and make the Mass flow more smoothly helping the priest
and deacon. Please contact Deacon Ken Zawadzki at the parish office for more information 708-342-2400 ext. 136.
2015 Golden Book
We are again offering the New 2015 Golden Opportunities coupon book for only $25. It has hundreds of discounts at numerous
local merchants that you shop at everyday. The Dining Pleasures and Casual Dining section offer 2 for 1 dining, with many of them
having offers Valid Once A Month for the entire year. Please stop by the Parish Office to view a sample or to purchase this great gift
that you can begin to use immediately.
CHRISTMAS CARE PACKAGES FOR OUR MILITARY
If you, your family, group of friends or workplace is looking for a meaningful way to honor our men and
women serving in the military, stop by St. Julie Billiart (7399 159th St. Tinley Park ) starting this
weekend to pick up some Christmas Care Package boxes with a wish list. Our unit is pretty large this
year...464!
Thank you for your generous spirit!
Military Corner
Please pray for our Military men and women on a daily basis for their safe return.
Capt. Anthony J. Cesaro
Major Vincent Cesaro
1st Lt. Michael Chimienti
Lt. Amanda Griffith
Lcpl. Evan Grober
Capt. Michael Gryczka
Sgt. Joseph Malone
Capt. Christopher Mazurek
Sgt. Dominic Messina
Tsgt. Laura Langley
Ssgt. Carl Langley
PFC Matthew O'Boyle
Capt. Thomas Pierczynski
Tsgt. Stephen Vlaming
LCDR Marilyn Walsh
Major Thomas Walsh
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Thanksgiving Holiday
Thanksgiving Day Mass will be at 9am. The Parish and Religious Ed Offices will close at 12:30pm on Wednesday, November 26 and
will be closed on Thursday (11/27) and Friday (11/28). The Parish office will re-open on Saturday (11/29) at 9am.
Thanksgiving day mass and food blessing
In keeping with our theme of Stewardship at St. Stephen, we invite everyone to participate in our annual Thanksgiving food blessing.
It is appropriate to ask the Lord to bless our Thanksgiving dinner, for all our gifts are from the Lord. Items will be blessed after the
9am Mass. Please bring items such as bread, rolls, wine and any other non-perishable food items.
Family Prayer Service Around the Thanksgiving Table
Leader: We come to our table to welcome this feast of Thanksgiving with joy and with gladness. We have prepared this feast with good
food and drink. We have gathered together and come around this table to feast and to celebrate the many things for which we are grateful.
The Lord is our light and or salvation. May this light burn brightly in our hearts and around this table, both at this Thanksgiving and at all of
our family meals.
Grandparent or older child lights a candle.
Leader: We give thanks today for all of the many gifts that we have received.
Each person states one thing they are thankful for.
Leader: Let us also remember those members of this family and those loved ones who are not present at our table.
A silent pause, or the names of individuals are said aloud. Each person reads a verse of the following until the prayer is completed.
Blessing:
Lord of all blessings. From you has come a full harvest of gifts to us. With our uplifted hearts, we come today around this table to give
thanks to you.
We are grateful not only for the gift of our very lives but all the gifts of friendship, love, devotion, and forgiveness that we have shared.
On this thanksgiving and this day of giving thanks, we thank you for showing us how to return thanks by lives of service, by actions of
hospitality, by kindness to others, and by concern for each other.
If guests are present:
We thank you for the presence of (names of guests) who, by their being present in our home, have added to this feast of joy and
celebration. We are most grateful, today, for the way you our unseen God, have become visible to us in one another, both for our families
and our friends, in countless daily gifts, and in the marvels of creation itself. Come Lord of gifts, bless our table and all the food of this
feast. Let us thank the Lord today and all days.
Used with permission from Jubilee Day for Families – Catholic Bishops Family Ministries Office, Archdiocese of Chicago
May the hand of God always protect you and those you love.
Bible Study
Please join us as we study and explore Scripture. We meet on Friday mornings in Room 126 from 8:45 AM until 10 AM. Our
upcoming schedule includes some wonderful topics for the Christmas season. On Nov. 14 there will be an overview of the Old
Testament, Nov. 21 we will be viewing a fascinating video entitled “Star of Bethlehem.” We will not meet the Friday after
Thanksgiving. Dec. 5 begins a three week look at the Infancy Narratives. If you have been considering joining Scripture Study, this
will be a good time to do so. We learn from each other and from our facilitator, and have meaningful, interesting and at times fun
discussions. Our group is very welcoming. This class is for you whether you are new to Scripture or not. If you would like more
information please contact, Tom Mitus at 708-479-6980, or e-mail: [email protected].
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Dear Families of St. Stephen,
As we are about to begin the Advent season, it is time for us at St. Stephen to begin to prepare to
celebrate the birth of Jesus. Your children, grades 1 and up, are invited to be a part of the Christmas Eve
Nativity Liturgy. This year St. Stephen will be celebrating a 5pm Mass on Christmas Eve, at which the
children will be presenting the Christmas Gospel. We hope to involve many of our children in this
experience. All parts are non-speaking. A few special parts, grades 3 and up, will be selected by lottery.
While we have a few costumes, families will need to provide most costumes which are all
very basic.
Please consider the schedule of rehearsals below. All rehearsals are mandatory. Rehearsals will be
in church on the following dates:
Rehearsals for Christmas Eve Mass at 5 PM:
Thursday, December 11—6:30-7:00 PM (assignment of parts) - 125/126
Thursday, December 18—6:30-7:00 PM- Church
Monday, December 22—6:30-7:00 PM (dress rehearsal) - Church
At the dress rehearsal on December 22 costumes must be worn.
If your child(ren) are interested in participating in this special Mass, please come to the first practice for the Mass on December 11 at
6:30 PM. Adult helpers are needed and welcome.
If you have any questions, please call Fr. Jay at 708-342-2400 or Mary Jeanne Pazin at 708-342-1544, ext. 147.
Thank you and God bless, Fr. Jay and The Family Mass Team
ADVENT PRAYERS
As part of our Advent observance we invite everyone to write a prayer expression, personal intention or gratitude for
blessings on the sheets that are available on the table in the narthex. Please write your prayer and family name on the
sheet and place the sheet in the basket marked Advent prayers. These intentions will then be placed in a basket placed by
the altar. By posting our prayers we show our willingness to let “The Lord, shape us to transform our hearts and our
community” during Advent.
Advent Candle Lighting Sign-up Sheet
There is a sign-up sheet for those wishing to light the Advent Candles at the beginning of Mass.
Please check in with the usher no later than 10 minutes before Mass starts. This way they know that you are here;
otherwise, they will look for someone to take your place. The sign-up sheet will be in the back of the church on the
usher’s table. Please remember to honor your commitment.
“The Little Blue Book” - An Advent Prayer Book
Advent begins on Sunday, November 30TH which is just around the corner. By the way, “Happy New Year”, the first Sunday of
Advent begins a new year for the Church based on the Church’s calendar. Advent is a time of preparation for and reflection upon the
birth of Jesus. To aid in the prayerful preparation for Advent “The Little Blue Book” written by Bishop Untener of Saginaw Michigan
offers a brief prayer for each day of Advent. “The Little Blue Book” is available in the magazine racks on the west wall of the nartax.
Please take one and use it for daily prayer during Advent. A donation of $1 is requested to pay for “The Little Blue Book”.
Book Discussion “Everybody Needs to Forgive Somebody”
The next session of the book discussion “Everybody Needs to Forgive Somebody”, will be this Sunday, November 16. Like our book
discussion on “Rediscover Catholicism” last winter and spring, we will begin with a light supper at 4:30pm and conclude about
5:50pm on time for the 6:15pm Mass. The November 16 session will cover pages 69-92 in the book. The final discussion sessions will
be on November 30. Feel free to come as often as you are able.
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“To Teach Who Christ Is” Report
Progress on the Archdiocesan “To Teach Who Christ Is” drive as of October 31 ,2014 is as follows:
Amount Pledged:
$794,382
Amount Collected:
$472,570
60% of the funds from the parish remain in the parish and are designated toward saving for a parish
center. 40% of the funds go toward the educational mission of the Archdiocese, with the main focus
on a scholarship fund for Catholic schools in poorer areas.
Additional donations for the Parish Center:
$62,372
Parish Center METAL RE-CYCLING
This weekend November 15 & 16, 2014, will be our monthly recycling drive. We will begin winter hours:
Saturday, November 15th will be from 4:30 to 6:15pm and Sunday November 16th from 9am to 12:30pm. Our
drives are on the third weekend of each month. Please place empty metal cans into sealed plastic garbage bags. The
donations can be dropped off by the truck or van located by the garages in the back of the parking lot. An attendant
will be available to assist you. Thank you for your generous recycling donations. To date we have collected over
$4,500 toward the down payment on the parish center. If your having a party, family gathering, house cleaning,
moving or remodeling or just getting rid of things you no longer use, please bring them to our collection. If you
have items that are too large to bring (i.e. washing machines, dryers, stoves, etc.), please contact:
Andy Deluca (708-606-3755) or Bill Beavan (708-403-2073) to arrange for pickup.
St. Stephen’s Respect Life Ministry
“You are called to stand up for life!” -Pope John Paul II
St. Stephen’s Respect Life Ministry gathers for prayer and planning on the 3rd Wednesday each month in room 125 of the
parish office. The Respect Life Ministry focus is upon dignity of life issues. Our goal is to make concerns known, educate
our faith community on the particulars, and provide support and assistance for Catholic life concerns through prayer and
action. If you have any questions please contact Deacon Bill Schultz at the parish office.
Women’s social CLUB
”Tools for Recovery from Loss” The Women’s Social Club will be welcoming Pam Franckowiak, a parishioner
from St. Stephen, to speak to our group on ways to nurture yourself after experiencing a loss in your life.
Women are excellent at being caregivers, but when it comes to caring for themselves, sometimes they come
up short. Pam has been a facilitator of a grief-support group at Little Company of Mary Hospital for 15 years
and will share tips and techniques on how to better care for ourselves. We will also be playing a game or two
of Bunco. Please join us on November 20 at 10am in Rooms 125/126.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development
For over 35 years, CCHD has funded community and economic development programs that build strong communities through the
participation of low-income leaders and a focus on the root causes of poverty. CCHD invests in the dignity of the poor by providing
essential grants to community-based projects. CCHD funds organizations that work to address the root causes of poverty with
seniors, youth, immigrants, people with disabilities and low-wage workers in Cook and Lake Counties. All successes are only possible
through the generosity of parishioners. Because we are good and grateful stewards of God given gifts, we gratefully share our
blessings for the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. The collection will be taken on the weekend of Nov. 22
and 23 in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago. As a parish we will no longer have an actual second collection for this need, but
as a parish we will send a contribution based on previous years’ contributions. So we ask you to increase your regular donations
which become part of our parish’s donation to the CCHD and other eliminated second contributions. The work of the Catholic
Campaign for Human Development is important and they are grateful for our financial help.
November 16, 2014 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Teens Growing in Faith Upcoming Events
If you are interested in more information about the Youth Ministry, please contact
Dillon at: 708-342-2400, ext. 149 or at [email protected].
T.G.I.F.
Karen
Teens 7th grade through high school are invited to teen activities the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month following the 6:15 pm mass
from 7-9 pm! Come help us plan our activities for the year! Give your input on decorating and what we need in the new teen room!
Sunday, November 23rd: Movie Night 7:00-9:00pm in Rooms 158-159- We will watch the acclaimed movie “God’s Not Dead” with
popcorn & snacks with discussion to follow.
Wednesday, December 10th: Service Project at Catholic Charities Meal Program-St. Blasé Church. Meet in the Narthex at
4:30pm. We will drive together and return to church by 7:30pm. YOU MUST CALL TO RESERVE A SPOT AS SPACE IS
LIMITED! A PERMISSION SLIP IS REQUIRED. Counts as 3 hours of service.
Saturday, December 13th: Mom & Dad’s Night Out 6-9pm in Large meeting room. We play games, watch a movie, do crafts, have
a snack with younger kids(BABYSITTING). Lots of FUN and Counts as 3 hours community service.
PLEASE CALL TO SIGN UP AS SPACE IS LIMITED.
MERCY HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Once again the St. Stephen Teen Group is sponsoring a collection of stocking stuffers and small gifts for the teens who live at Mercy
Home for Boys and Girls. There will be collection boxes in the Narthex the weekends of Nov. 29 & 30 and Dec. 6 & 7. Everything
will be picked up by Mercy Home on Monday, December 8th. Items they have specifically requested this year are:
Small games like Uno, Jenga, Kid’s Sports Illustrated
Skip-Bo, Go-Fish
Disposable cameras
The Lego Movie
Water bottles
Head Phones/Ear Buds
Planners, Journals
Wallets
Umbrellas
Magazine subscriptions to
Mercy Home
ESPN Magazine
Game Pro
MP3s
Small cologne and perfume
Body Lotions
$15 Walmart gift cards
Slippers all sizes
Scrapbook supplies
Baseball Caps
Twin Size sheet sets.
Movie DVD’s
Muppets Most Wanted
How to Train Your Dragon 2
Maleficent
Facing the Giants
The Amazing Spiderman 2
Captain America Winter Soldier
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2014
Time
$15 Best Buy gift cards
Godzilla 2014
Socks- athletic for boys and more
colorful/playful for girls
National Geographic’s
$15 Target Gift Cards
Frozen
Video Games for:Xbox 360 or
Wii rated E or sports game
The gifts are best left unwrapped. Wrapping paper or medium to large gift bags are also welcome.
Please submit your unwrapped gift by Sunday, December 7th. Thank you!
Moms and Tots
Join us at Moms and Tots! Moms and Tots is a casual playgroup that meets on Tuesdays between 9:30 and
11:00. It is a fun free way to get out with your little one(s). New moms, dads, tots, and babies are always
welcome! We meet in the church, Room 158, however, if fall weather permits we may move to Kiwanis
Park. It is located near the southwest side of the church parking lot. We hope to see you there! If you have
any questions feel free to contact Julie at [email protected] or (708)299-9404.
Please help keep the church neat and clean.
Please do not leave bulletins and other papers on the pews or in the racks. Thank you.
November 16, 2014 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
P AGE 10
Welcome to the Marriage Center
Marriages: Robert & Jennifer Mikulskis
Living every day with
PASSION AND PURPOSE
Are you thriving or just surviving? Are you ready for more energy? A deeper sense of purpose?
More joy? A clearer understanding of God’s plan for your life?
Join us for one of our Passion and Purpose Live events. It’s not your typical church event! It has
been a life-changing event for tens of thousands of people. Living Every Day with Passion and
Purpose Live is presented by internationally acclaimed speaker and author Matthew Kelly and the
incredibly talented musician Eliot Morris.
About Eliot Morris
Eliot Morris is an acclaimed singer song writer who has
toured with the Counting Crows, John Mayer and James
Taylor. He is best known for his albums “What’s Mine is
Yours” and “All Things in Time”, which includes the hit “UP
from the Bottom”.
Martyr parishes.
Matthew Kelly’s presentation will be at St. Stephen Church
on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 7pm. The presentation is cosponsored by St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Francis of Assisi, St.
George, St. Julie Billiart and St. Stephen, Deacon and
Tickets are $39. Make checks payable to “Dynamic Catholic.” All proceeds go to support the work
of Dynamic Catholic. Tickets are available in the parish office.
Save the Date… Thy Kingdom Come…
March 21 & 22, 2015… St. Stephen’s Church
Thy Will Be Done on Earth… only if YOU are there! Kingdom is a two-day spiritual renewal that is open to anyone 18 years of
age or older (no overnight). (Single, married, divorced, separated or widowed). Come alone or bring a friend and discover GOD
working in your everyday life. More information and registration forms will be in the bulletin starting in January. It is a weekend of
Faith, Friendship, Fun and Food! Please mark your calendars for Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 2015.
“…The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2
November 16, 2014 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
P AGE 11
Informacje Dotyczące Duszpasterstwa w Parafii Sw. Śzczepana
W ciago calego roku Msza Św. w niedziele w języku polskim jest o godz. 1PM
-Pierwszy piątek miesiąca: Spowiedz of 7-8pm Msza o 8pm
-Pierwsza sobota miesiąca: od godz. 7pm-9:30pm
-W kazdy czwartek jest calodzienna adoracja Najswietszego Sakramentu
-Spowiedz w kazdą sobote of godz. 8:45-9:30am
-Chrzty w języku polskim odbywaja sie w kazdą niedziele miesiąca
-Nauki przedmalzenskie w języku polskim odbywaja sie za umuwieniem
-Ślub w języku polskim prosimy zglaszać sześć mięsicy wcześniej
-Po bliższe imformajce proszę dzwonić do biura parafialnego pod numer 1(708) 342- 2400 wew 137
Prawdziwa bojaźń Boża
Ciekawość życia, świadomość jego końca, nadzieje z tym związane – te uczucia towarzyszą nam przez znaczną część naszego
życia. Chcielibyśmy przeżyć życie dobrze, godnie, zdrowo i szczęśliwie, umrzeć w domu, na własnym łóżku, w otoczeniu rodziny i
przyjaciół. Ale czy to realne? Czy to możliwe? Czy też to tylko nasze „pobożne życzenia”?
Zbliżamy się do końca roku liturgicznego. Kościół przypomina nam słowa Pana wzywające nas do czuwania w oczekiwaniu Jego
powrotu. Powinniśmy przygotować się na to, dając zdecydowaną odpowiedź na wezwanie do nawrócenia, które Pan Jezus do nas
kieruje. Nie dajmy się zwieść ludzkiej ciekawości, dociekając, kiedy „dzień Pański” nadejdzie. Bezużyteczne byłoby to dociekanie,
bo chociaż pewnym jest, że przyjdzie niezawodnie, to jednak kiedy i jak – wie tylko Bóg. I chodzi tu nie tylko o ostateczne
przyjście Pana, ale także o Jego nadejście przy końcu życia ziemskiego każdego człowieka.
Ewangelia dzisiejsza mówi o talentach, aby uświadomić nam, że tych, którzy należą do Chrystusa w wierze i żyją aktywnie w
oczekiwaniu Jego powrotu, można porównać ze „sługą dobrym i wiernym”, który w sposób rozumny, sprawnie i owocnie zarządza
dobrami nieobecnego Pana. Co oznacza talent? Talent to jednostka wagi, która w wielu krajach starożytnych została przyjęta za
podstawę systemu pieniężnego, ale w kontekście ewangelicznym oznacza „dary”, które są udziałem każdego człowieka. To nasze
zdolności, w które, po ludzku mówiąc, wyposażyła nas natura. Obserwacja życia pokazuje wielkie bogactwo tych talentów. Czy
jednak uświadamiamy sobie, że każdy „talent” jest wezwaniem i zobowiązaniem do określonej pracy nad sobą samym i do pracy
dla innych?
Postępowanie sługi gnuśnego, człowieka, który nie dba o to, aby otrzymane dary pomnażały się i przynosiły owoc, może nam się
wydać znajome z naszych własnych doświadczeń. A jednocześnie pokazuje problem, z którym każdy z nas musi się zmierzyć –
konieczność odróżnienia bojaźni Bożej od bojaźni fałszywej. Fałszywa opiera się na rachubie ludzkiej i nieufności wobec Boga,
natomiast bojaźń Boża nie jest strachem, lecz darem Ducha Świętego, dzięki któremu człowiek boi się Boga obrażać, zasmucać i
nie wypełniać Jego woli. Prawdziwą bojaźń Bożą ma ten, kto „chodzi drogami Pana” (Ps 128), czyli postępuje tak, jak dwaj słudzy
pochwaleni przez Pana słowami: „Dobrze sługo dobry i wierny... wejdź do radości twego pana” (Mt 25,21 i 23).
Każdemu z nas na przejście drogi naszego ziemskiego życia Bóg udzielił pewnych talentów: daru życia, zdolności rozumienia i
chcenia, kochania i działania, różnych łask, miłości, osobistego powołania. Rozdzielił te talenty w różny sposób, ale nie jest to
niesprawiedliwe, bo każdy dostał tyle, ile jest mu potrzebne do zbawienia. Nie jest ważne, czy dostało się dużo czy mało, ale
ważne jest gorliwe używanie tego, co się otrzymało. Problem powstaje w momencie, gdy sami nie wiemy, jak ich używać, jak je
rozwijać, jak z nimi żyć.
Czasami nasze talenty wymagają rozwinięcia poprzez pracę, a czasami same wypływają na wierzch, ale to tylko od nas zależy, czy
je właściwie wykorzystamy, czy też zagrzebiemy w głębokim, dobrze ukrytym (także przed nami) schowku. I tylko wypada się
zastanowić, czy to fałszywa pokora, czy też małoduszność i lenistwo, by nie używać darów Bożych. Bóg wymaga, aby to, czego
każdemu z nas udzielił, zostało spożytkowane na służbę dla Niego i dla bliźnich. Kto otrzymał więcej, ma dać z siebie więcej –
wprawdzie wymaga to większego wysiłku, ale nagroda będzie niewspółmiernie większa. Nie zazdrośćmy innym ich talentów,
troszczmy się o własny rozwój, nie tylko fizyczny, ale także, a może przede wszystkim, o rozwój intelektualny i duchowy, aby
nasze życie było twórcze, abyśmy pomnażali DARY otrzymane od Boga i abyśmy zdołali zrozumieć, po co zostały nam dane.
NAJŚWIĘTSZA MARYJO, pomóż nam tak rozwijać nasze talenty duszy i ciała, abyśmy podążali śladem Jezusa Chrystusa.
November 16, 2014 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sun 11-16
P AGE 12
Baby Nursing #153 | 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM Can Collection Parking Lot
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Babysitting #158 | 10:00 AM Children's Liturgy of the Word #154,#155,#156
10:00 AM Growing with God #162/163/164/165/166/167 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM RCIA #125
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Baptism | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Book Discussion "Forgiveness" LMR
Mon 11-17 RE 4:15-5:30pm; 6-7:15pm Educ. Wing | 10:00 AM Young @ Heart Board #125
Tues 11-18 RE 4:15-5:30pm; 6-7:15pm Educ. Wing | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Moms & Tots #158
7:30 PM Highlanders #171,172,173,174
Wed 11-19 RE 4:15-5:30pm; 6-7:15pm Educ. Wing | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Choir Church/Choir Room
7:30 PM - 8:45 PM Portrait of Jesus book study #126
Thurs 11-20 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Adoration of Blessed Sac Daily Chapel with Rosary @ 8:30am
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM St. Stephen Women's Social Club #125
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Children's Choir Church
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM Benediction Daily Chapel followed by Divine Mercy Prayers
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM Parish Transformation Steering Comm LMR
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Parish Transformation Mtg LMR
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Praise Band Church | 7:00 PM Respect Life #153 |7:30 PM Baptism Prep #125/126
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM Scripture Study #126
Fri 11-21
Baby Nursing #153 | 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Portrait of Jesus book study Daily Chapel
Sat 11-22
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Advent Windows
Sun 11-23 Baby Nursing #153 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Babysitting #158
10:00 AM Children's Liturgy of the Word #154,#155,#156 | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Parish Registration LMR
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM RCIA #125 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Baptism
St. Elizabeth Seton Fair Trade Craft Fair
Light a candle of hope this Christmas with the Social Action Ministry of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish 9300 W. 167th St. in Orland Hills
as they turn their church hall into a Fair Trade store on Saturday, Nov. 22nd from 9am to 7pm and Sunday, Nov. 23rd from 8am to
1pm. For more information on Ten Thousand Villages, please visit www.tenthousandvillages.com.
11-23
Lector
5:00 PM
Compton,Julie
Griffiths,Maryann
Eucharistic Grady,Roberta
Genardo,Patricia
Baste,Choleen
Bulvan,Christine
Przybylski,Dianne
Jakocko,Donna
Bodinet,Rachel
Bodinet,Nicole
Smith,Patrick
Agresti,Helen
Jefferies,Michelle
Houlihan,Annette
Altar
House,Jayson
Richter,Zack
Laka,Tommy
Celebrant Fr Greg
Deacons
Dcn Bill E.
Greeters
Mary Tafoya
Joan Beck
Jean Coughlin
Peg Schmidt
7:00 AM
8:30 AM
Tierney,John
Pazin,Mary Jeanne
Bellettiere,Sam Lewitke,Jerry
Anderson,Mary Kay
Deanching,Minerva
Belling,Robert Miguel,Ihidia
Smajo,Jonathan Kapala,Joan
Smajo,Geri
Labriola,Sue
Smajo,Nicholas Labriola,Lawrence
Connolly,Bill
Biedron,Greg
Connolly,Marie Biedron,Janet
Erzinger,Ruth
Dometita,Levie
Hill,Rosemary
Leoni,Patricia
Gildea,Sue
Benkowski,Lisa
Bromberek,Katie
Riccelli,Mia
Juvida,Hannah
Fr Jay
Fr Jay
Dcn Chuck
Dcn Chuck
Jeanne Upreti
Jeanne Upreti
Mary Berger
Mary Berger
Flo Simosky
Flo Simosky
Helen Klimek
Helen Klimek
10:00 AM
Sportiello,Yolanda
Pursel,Jack
Dobersztyn,Joe
Marth,Lisa
Knauf,Judy
Panno,Mary
Meteisis,Pam
Bibzak,Ray
Bibzak,Joyce
Labriola,Daniela
Trump,Rick
Stephans,Kathy
Davidson,Jacqueline
Slechter,Ed
Von Borstel,Eric
LaPapa,Michael
McGuirk,Emma
Fr Tim Guthridge
Dcn Bill S.
Chris Losey
Mark Losey
Adam Shaal
Erin Shaal
11:30 AM
Conlin,Cathy
Witry,Ryan
Dillon,Karen
Gamino,Theresa
Barnes,Geraldine
Knawa,Kathy
Tierney,Abigail
Lachat,John
Burke,Linda
Lachat,Ann Marie
Kolloway,Rita
Romano,Rose
Novotny,Deborah
Kolloway,Mike
Bickham,Matthew
Dreher,Amanda
Dillon,John
Fr Jay
Dcn Bill S.
Judy Kluchins
Charlene Mueller
Theresa Buckley
Terri Buckley
1PM
Giba,Roman
Maciejewska,B.
Kita,Barbara
Kwiatkowski,S.
Boblak,Andrej
Sierakowski,T.
Fr Greg
Counters
Sun 11-16
Team #4
Sun 11-23
Team #1
November 16, 2014 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
11/16
P AGE 13
Sunday
7:00am For the People
Jim Dwyer
8:30am Joe Stalcup, Jr.
Wally Lakomy
10:00am Frank Emmett & Michael Emmett
Geoffrey Evert
11:30am Cynthia Kinney
Josephine Martinkus
Pray for Our Sick
req.by
req.by
req.by
req.by
req.by
req.by
req.by
Delores Michalski
Joe & Linda Stalcup
Mom
Bill & Kathy Chase
The Carr Family
Krystyna Soprych
Ann & John Lachat
req.by
req.by
req.by
The Family
The Family
Dcn Pete & Jan VanMerkestyn
req.by
req.by
Young at Heart
Emily Johnson
req.by
Jim McCauley, Jr.
Jim Dwyer
11/19 Wednesday
8:00am Cynthia Kinney
req.by
Donna Kuban
req.by
Krystyna Soprych
Joseph Schiller
11/20 Thursday
8:00am Ted Gildea
req.by
Lana Stack
req.by
Sue Gildea
Henry Wisniewski
11/21 Friday
8:00am Betty J. O'Leary
Charles J. Rehak
req.by
The Family
req.by
req.by
Fred & Lu Anne Frus
Ruth Berkus
Julia Wegner
11/22 Saturday
8:00am Philip Lamb
req.by
Ted Wegner
req.by
The Lamb Family
Robert Black
Int. of Gerri Bucci
5:00pm Ed Czochara
Francis & Rudy Grabowski
Adam, Josephine &
Sophia Pierczynski
Gerry & Ron Dylkiewicz
Ann, Steve & Marlene Frejlich
11/23 Sunday
7:00am For the People
req.by
req.by
req.by
req.by
req.by
Barb Black
M/M Ceska
The Family
The Family
The Family
req.by
req.by
The Family
The Family
req.by
The Family
req.by
req.by
req.by
req.by
req.by
req.by
Linda & Joe Stalcup
The Gildea Family
Pauline Cotrano
The Catania Family
The Family
Dore
req.by
req.by
Don Price
Helen Michalik
1:00pm Za Dusze W. Czyscu Cierpiace
Joseph Witkowski
6:15pm Agnes Skalski
Tom Walsh
11/17 Monday
8:00am Donna Depeder
Achille Perfetti
11/18 Tuesday
8:00am Jim McCauley
8:30am
10:00am
11:30am
1:00pm
6:15pm
Geoffrey Evert
Joe Stalcup, Jr.
Ted Gildea
Anna Krzyminski
Matt Kocher
Sophie Surdej & Joe Wasowicz
Katherine Kiec
Za Dusze W. Czyscu Cierpiace
Cislak & Juraszek Family
Justine Price
Sophie Emerson
Mike Abramowicz
Albert Agresti
Kristen Baldyga
Julie Barth
Arlene Beavan
Augustina Braccolino
Frank Braccolino
Kathie Brosius
Tammy Burns
John Czerniak
Janice Dorff
Joe Dorff
John Drahos
Cardinal George
Sue Gildea
Caroline Grady
Fran Grousnick
Marion Kummer
Lillian Kurzawski
Nathan Parry
Carmen Pignatiello
Judy Ratkovic
Kevin Renderman
Betty Ruzich
Terry Ryan
Mary Lu Schoettler
Nicole Siedschlag
Rachel Swallow
Joseph Tierney
Alex Udaykee
Jane Van Duch
MaryBeth Vasquez
Maeve Walsh
Kelly Weiss
And for all for whom our parish is asked to pray
To help keep the list of names read at Mass and
placed in the bulletin accurate and current, we will
keep the name of a non-parishioner who is an
immediate family member of our parishioner on the
list at Mass for two weeks and in the bulletin for
two weeks. For a parishioner, we will keep the
name on the list at Mass for four weeks and in the
bulletin for 60 days. We ask that an immediate
family member call after 4 weeks if you wish to have
the name continued to be read at Mass.
Pray for Our Deceased
Sandra Meagher
John Motal
Weekly Readings
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31/1 Thes 5:1-6
Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5/Lk 18:35-43
Rv 3:1-6, 14-22/Lk 19:1-10
Rv 4:1-11/Lk 19:11-28
Rv 5:1-10/Lk 19:41-44
Rv 10:8-11/Lk 19:45-48
Rv 11:4-12/Lk 20:27-40
Welcome to Our Newly Baptized
Shane Patrick Garrity
Jacob Alexander Kauth
Emily Carol Needham
Emma Cynthia Ostrowski
Aubree Elizabeth Peterman
Emma Rose Schuttler
Dean Timothy Varek
November 16, 2014 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
P AGE 14
AN OFFER FROM NANCY’S PIZZA
Nancy’s Pizza at 171st Street and 80th Avenue (in the Family Dollar Plaza) is making an offer to St. Stephen Parishioners. On any Monday through Wednesday,
present this coupon and 20% of the pre-tax amount (10% if a discount coupon is used) will be donated to the St. Stephen Parish Center Fund. You can enjoy a
pizza and support our parish. Nancy’s Pizza’s number is 708-614-6100.
Nancy’s Pizza and St. Stephen Pizza Coupon
20% of the pre-tax amount (10% if a discount coupon is used) to be donated to the St. Stephen Parish Center Fund on
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays!
COUNSELOR AVAILABLE
Michele L. Nowak, LCPC, is available to provide counseling to individuals and couples right here at St.
Stephen parish! Michele is an experienced professional counselor who has worked with all age groups and
issues. She is a staff member of The Hollbrook Counseling Center of Catholic Charities. Blue Cross / Blue
Shield accepted. Those without insurance are eligible for sliding scale fees based on income & number of dependents. Appointments
can be made by calling (312) 655-7725. The first session is free for all who are members of St. Stephen.
Pop Tabs collection to benefit the Ronald McDonald Houses of Chicago .
A collection bin for pop tabs is located in the nw corner of the narthex and in all RE classrooms.
Thank you for your support!
Please Recycle Your Newspapers, Magazines, etc. into our green and yellow recycling bins located in the Parking Lot.
Youth Ministry of St. Stephen will earn money from your donation.
Thank you to all who advertise in our bulletin. Please patronize our advertisers!