04-21-13 - St. Thomas More Church

Jesus said:“My sheephear my voice;I know them,and theyfollow me.I give themeternal life,and they shallnever perish.No one cantake them outof my hand.My Father,who has giventhem to me, isgreater thanall, and no onecan take themout of theFather’s hand.The Father andI are one.”Jn 10:27-30Blessed Sacrament Page St. Meinrad Archabbey

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321Mission Statement : The Roman Catholic Saint Thomas More Parish Family welcomes and invitesevery person to join us on our journey in faith and celebration. With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and throughSacred Scripture and Tradition, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all, especially in loving service to those in need.As part of the Universal Church, we affirm the dignity of every person. All this we do to give glory and honor to God.Pastoral StaffPastor ............................. Reverend Michael J. Yadron, KHS; Ext. 312myadron@stm-church.comAssociate Pastor ......................... Reverend Benjamin J. Ross; Ext. 314bross@stm-church.comSenior Deacon..................................................... Dr. Napoleon TabionDeacons ......................................................... Mr. David Kapala, KHS..................................................................... Mr. Joseph Stodola, KHS................................................................... Mr. Daniel Zurawski, KHSStewardship Director ..................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330Pastoral Care Coordinator .................. Mrs. Madeleine Moya; Ext. 313Director of Music ......................................... Angie Lorandos; Ext. 338Director of Religious Formation ......... Mrs. Sandra Morgan; Ext. 332Parish Office StaffOffice Hours:Monday-Friday 8:00 am-8:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am-4:00 pmWeb Site .......................................................... www.stm-church.comEmail address .................................. parish.office@stm-church.comEmail address for bulletin ...................... bulletin@stm-church.comOffice Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax .................... 836-9185Bulletin Editor ............................................ Mrs. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309Daytime Receptionist ................................ Mrs. Susan Strain; Ext. 310Evening Receptionist ............................. Ms. Veronica Brtos; Ext. 310Pastoral MinistriesEnvironment & Art ............................................. Jean Bados 836-8610Eucharistic Ministers ................................... Carole Mackey 923-8816Hospitality Ministry ....................................... Ann D’Orazio 838-9343Lectors ...................................................... William McDunn 922-9459Nursery .................................................. Kaaren A. Mashura 836-5079St. Vincent de Paul .......................... Mrs. Bernadine Barrett 836-8610Vocations Committee .............................. Mrs. Mary Kochis 322-72622012-2013 Pastoral Council MembersDaniel Buksa ................................................................. Timothy EtterJohn Kovach ...................................................................... Mary KretzPaul Liszewski ................................................................. Bill McDunnAndrea Mazerik ........................................................Krystal QuagliaraSusan Rousseau, Chairperson ...................................... Linda StefanichJoann Wleklinski ......................................................... Ruth YothmentSt. Thomas More SchoolPre-School through 8th GradeOffice Hours: Monday– Friday ~ 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Web Site ........................................................... www.stm-school.comSchool Phone ......... 836-9151 School Fax .......................... 836-0982Principal ......................................... Mr. Chet Nordyke, KHS; Ext. 328Assistant Principal…………………….…...Mrs. Tina Boyle; Ext. 328School Administrative Assistant….Mrs. Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328School Reception & Office Associate…..Mrs. Sandra Steele; Ext. 329Home & School Association…..….Mrs. Kris Miller; 312.-909-8156Parish & School Offices Associate……Mrs. Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 311Parish & School Offices Associate ......... Mrs. Pam Wadycki; Ext. 339School Admissions…………………...…….Mrs. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309Weis Center8635 Calumet Avenue ~ Munster, IN 46321Phone ..................................................................................... 836-2660Fax ......................................................................................... 836-2655St. Thomas More Religious EducationKindergarten through 8th GradeOffice Hours:Monday, Tuesday & Friday — 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Wednesday & Thursday — 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Religious Education Phone ............................................................ 836-8610Director ........................................................ Mrs. Sandra Morgan; Ext. 332Administrative Assistant ..................................... Carolyn McGill; Ext. 336Grades K through 8 ~ Wednesday or Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.Pastoral Commissions ChairpersonsFormation/Education ................................................... Mrs. Barbara TopeteParish Life ................................................................ Mrs. Elaine HerrmannPeace & Social Justice .......................................................Ms. Mary SilvasiSpirituality & Worship .............................................. Mrs. Kaaren MashuraStewardship ................................................................... Mrs. Noreen BickelParish OrganizationsAltar & Rosary Society ....................................... Cindy Keilman 923-9862Blue Army ................................................... Rose Marie Malburg 836-8779Boy Scouts.............................................................. Roger Jachna 322-0769Building Maintenance .............................................. Dale Slosser 836-8610Career Networking Group…………………… Christine Spencer 836-8610Catering/Hall Rental ......................................... Kathleen Pagorek 972-0539Circle of Prayer………………………………..Mary Jo Humpfer 836-5002Cub Scouts.............................................................. Chris Bedenk 836-6247Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200Garden Club…………………………………………...Al Carollo 836-8268Gabriel Project ..................................................... Kathy Trotman 836-4329Girl Scouts ................................................................. Julie Buksa 922-1182Holy Name Society .................................................... Joe Adams 865-3566Knights of Columbus ..................................... Stan Lewandowski 836-1878K of C Columbian Squires………………….....Richard Alvarado 614-3743Moms’ Group ......................................................... Leticia Kotso 924-5732Oblates……………………………………………...Denise Gard 836-9115Respect Life ............................................................ Alice Wohler 836-5337Senior Citizens ............................................................ Joan Klein 923-5993The Travelers Club…………………………………..Lois Quinn 836-7902Ushers Club .......................................................... Jim Marmalejo 836-1463Page 2Sacramental InformationConfessionsSaturdays ............................................................ 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.First Friday .............................. 1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. MassBaptisms .............................. First and Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m.Parents must be registered parishioners and regularlyattending at least six months before the Baptism. At leastone of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic.Pre Baptism Class ..................................... 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m.Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism.Marriage .............. Must be a registered, practicing member of theparish at least six months before beginning the six monthpreparation program for marriage.Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound: Callthe Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.New Parishioner RegistrationTo make it as convenient as possible for you, new parishioners mayregister at any time in the Parish Office.Please remember St. Thomas More in your Will and Estate Planning

Fourth Sunday of Easter April 21, 2013Saturday, April 275:30 p.m. Fr. Ben RossSunday, April 286:30 a.m. Fr. Ben Ross8:00 a.m. Fr. Ben Ross10:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron12:00 Noon Fr. Mike YadronSATURDAY, April 278:30 am M. McDevitt, J. Kleszynski5:30 pm B. Novak, D. Owens, T., T. & T. PappasMC ~ Joe O.SUNDAY, April 286:30 am N. & N. Anglin, A. Pedraza8:00 am A. & M. Nahnsen, B., J. & M. PetersMC ~ Evan10:00 am E. & W. McComis, A., S. & W. McDunnMC ~ Joey12:00 pm M., G. & T. O’Brien/ MC ~ MikeCare MinistryIf a friend or loved one would like to receive Communionat home, please call Pastoral Care at (219) 836-8610, #313.Bann I — Brooke Becchino & Steve HarkelVocations CommitteeThis is the World Day of Prayer for VocationsLord, give me the courage to reject mediocrityand to hear the imploring voices of your people.Give me the strength to follow my vocation. Ifyou invite me to follow you as a priest, brotheror sister, missionary orlay consecrated, give mea generous heart and make me discover theriches of your love. AmenSacrificial Offerings — April 14thAdult $ 23,363.00Loose $ 1,901.00Children $ 212.57TOTAL $ 25,476.57Thank you for yourgenerosity and stewardship to our parish!Page 3SUNDAY, April 21 — Fourth Sunday of Easter6:30 am John Grzych by John & Karen Nowick8:00 am Jim Halpin (Ann.) by Father Art and Family10:00 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased12:00 pm In Honor of Frederick Ozanom by STM St. Vincentde Paul SocietyMONDAY, April 226:30 am Eugene Walczak (Ann.) by Jim & Arlene Kender8:30 am Zvonimir Jugovic (Ann.) by FamilyTUESDAY, April 236:30 am Ernest Fenyes by Family8:30 am Michael & Mickey Lipay by Family10:00 am Richard Pesenko by Dennis & Joyce Trelinski(MASS AT MED-INN Chapel, Group 2)WEDNESDAY, April 246:30 am Michelina Mancini by Montella Family8:30 am Norman Banas by Wife Ruth & FamilyTHURSDAY, April 25 — St. Mark6:30 am Donald Angel by Agnes Hamacher9:00 am Dolores Biegel by Edward & Barbara PelozaFRIDAY, April 266:30 am Mary de Graves by Kennedy Family8:30 am Eliodoro Godinez by Leonor Godinez-PlathSATURDAY, April 278:30 am Marcia Etter (Ann.) by Husband Tim5:30 pm Ted Leask (Ann.) by Lorraine Leask & FamilySUNDAY, April 28 — Fifth Sunday of Easter6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased8:00 am Graciela Castaneda by Jose & Paula Serrano10:00 am John Nelson (Ann.) by Wife Helene12:00 pm Donald Struble (Ann.) by Daughter ShirleyChildren’s ChoirThe Children’s Choir sings at the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass.Practices are at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the Mass in theConference Room. Upcoming dates:May 11 • May 25Readings for the Week of April 21stSunday: Acts 13:14, 43-52/Rv 7:9, 14b-17/Jn 10:27-30Monday: Acts 11:1-18/Jn 10:1-10Tuesday: Acts 11:19-26/Jn 10:22-30Wednesday: Acts 12:24--13:5a/Jn 12:44-50Thursday: 1 Pt 5:5b-14/Mk 16:15-20Friday: Acts 13:26-33/Jn 14:1-6Saturday: Acts 13:44-52/Jn 14:7-14Next Sunday: Acts 14:21-27/Rv 21:1-5a/Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

Fourth Sunday of EasterStudies done at the Université de Montréal in Canada in 2010 and atthe Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, in 2012, showamazing correlations of voice processing and the understanding ofmaternal speech in infants. The Canadian study showed that newbornsdistinctly process their mother's voice differently from the voice ofstrangers. The Hungarian study provided evidence for understanding ofa mother's speech in an infant even before vocabulary was beingformed. Along with other investigations, researchers are uncoveringinformation about the strong connection between mother and child, abond that allows a child to recognize his or her mother long before theidentification is made through words and concepts. In the Gospel, Jesussays, "My sheep hear my voice" (Jn 10:27). Medieval theologians andmystics like St. Anselm of Canterbury or Julian of Norwich wouldspeak about the generative and nurturing qualities of Christ whobrought forth life in his people through the power of his resurrectionand keeps them close to himself as a mother cherishes her child. As theGospel this weekend relates, the shepherd gives the sheep eternal lifeand no one can take them from the shepherd's hand. The scientificstudies on infants and mothers keep coming back to the closeconnection that exists between those who bear children and bring themforth into the world. In this Easter season, when we celebrate the newbirth given to each of us through the waters of baptism, we recognizethat we have been joined to Christ in a sacramental way. The font isboth tomb and womb where we die to sin and are born anew in Christ.Because he brings us forth as newborn sons and daughters of God, itonly makes sense that we would "hear his voice," because he has beenspeaking to us from the moment we were born in him. Christ nurturesus in our life of grace and helps us mature in him.cMargaret AmatulliDoris AurelioMaria AurelioIrene BakerJohn BakerAntonio BelmonteTom BernackeMichael BerryMichael BlazevichLaverne BlumkaMichael BostonCheryl BostromRobert BoyleStephany BurneyDorothy CampbellJames CampbellThomas CakAl CarolloCarol CarolloJanet CattanachJacqueline MorrowChristianFrank ComanVincent CorselloMike CurtainJoseph CwiokMargaret DemkovichLucille DetterlineIrene DettmerAnn DeVoyMaryPat DevoyIrene DickeyJeanine DoescherAlex EilandJohn L. EstradaSherlon EvansVirginia FitzgeraldAnn Marie ForburgerJohn FordePhyllis GarberDenise GardAndrea GarritanoDorothy GillespieJacqueleen Gonzalezlease pray for the sick of our parish...Margaret GoodHoward GralewskiJames GrunewaldEileen HasseAmy HayesEleanore HeggiMarie HenkeEvelyn HennesMary Jo HumpferSteve IzzoDennis JablonskiLucas & Landon JablonskiElizabeth JacobBarbara JamroseStanley JayjackRosemary Jerzak-StaszelPenny JurkashDebbie KaczkaRobert KalkaCarol KeilmanJanet KnightAlice KolemberMiller KrizmanicJerome KulaAnnika LeMonierDebbie LeMonierGene LeahyMary LeahyJo LisiniewiczEdward LiskiewiczStanley LiskiewiczMaria LovellCarole MackeyCharlene MaduraMary ManchakBrady MartinAlex MauFaye MenySandi MerloStephanie MuellerOlga MihaloAndrew MollElissa MollDavid MollJean NarvidDonna NicholsSteven NowaczykValerie O’DonnellDanny OgrenEmily OroscoIrene OrzelAudrey OstroffJohanna PetruchAndrew PieczyrakElizabeth PilonesSylvester PorrasTimothy RibbleKristen RubinAnthony SaklaczynskiRita SajnaAnn SardellaGeorge SauerMarie SchultzMarianne SchwartzWilliam SchwartzZachery ScriffJames SecviarJim SeulRenee ShehanThomas SkarbekNick SkinnerLydia SkorupaCarolyn SmileyGeorge SperlDeborah StareckFlorence StevensGeorgianne SutoCeline SzczepaniakCarrie SzumeldaRose TheisGerardo TrevinoKathie TrudgianAnthony UbuaneTony Vanden HeuvelJulia VrbanichPam WadyckiAdele WallJuanita YonkeCecilia ZieglerPage 4SUNDAY, April 218:00 am Holy Name Society Corporate CommunionMass and Breakfast6:00 pm Taizé Prayer Service ~ ChurchMONDAY, April 227:00 pm Schola Choir ~ Church7:00 pm Pastoral Council ~ Conference Room7:00 pm Catholics Coming Home ~ Teachers’ Lounge7:00 pm Blue Army ~ Chapel7:30 pm Knights of Columbus ~ Solar RoomTUESDAY, April 239:15 am Eucharistic Adoration (until 6:30 pm) ~ Chapel1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel7:00 pm RCIA ~ Conference RoomWEDNESDAY, April 249:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.)Last Class Except 3rd Grade5:00 pm RCIC Class ~ Conference Room6:00 pm Handbell Practice ~ Church6:30 pm St. Vincent De Paul Society ~ Conference Room7:00 pm Eagle 5K Run Committee ~ Teachers’ LoungeTHURSDAY, April 254:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.)Last Class Except 3rd Grade6:30 pm Scripture Study ~ Conference Room7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ ChurchFRIDAY, April 269:00 am Gifts of Love & Warmth ~ Conference RoomSATURDAY, April 279:00 am Pastoral Council ~ Conference RoomSUNDAY, April 21St. Vincent De Paul Food Collection at All MassesYour Help is Needed!Your parish needs your assistance as anExtraordinary Minister of Holy Communionat either the 6:30 a.m. and 12:00 Noon Mass.You attend Mass anyway, why not consider sharing your timeand faith with your church in this most meaningful way?To help, please contact Deacon Dan Zurawski at (219) 742-6005.My Two CentsThoughts on Living StewardshipFourth Sunday of EasterPaul and Barnabas encountered both violent rejection, andjoyful acceptance of the message that they preached. We, too,may meet with mixed reactions when we use our gifts in theservice of God. But the Gospel assures us, the reward for thosewho follow faithfully is eternal life.

The Pastor’s PageWHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD?On Tuesday of this past week, we heard the news of abombing at the Boston Marathon.This is just another example of rampant violence in thisworld of ours. Many innocent people have been affectedand are being affected by violent acts all the time.This prompts many of us to say, “What is wrong with theworld today?!”I think that is a very valid question.What IS wrong?Our world has been drifting farther away from God everyday. We are more and more concerned with our ownselves. We often do not care about others.Sooner or later, that kind of attitude comes back and bitesus all.We have evidence that our careless regard for others hasaffected all sorts of areas of our lives.That leads to one of the follow-up questions that oftengets raised at these times: “Is there any hope for us?”The short answer to that question, quite simply, is: “Yes!”There is hope.This is a season of hope, a season celebratingresurrection. Jesus has already defeated sin and death. Ifwe want to participate in that victory, all we need to do iscling to the Lord, rather than to our own ways of doingthings.Have heart. Hold firm. Hope in the Lord!TAIZÉ PRAYER SERVICETaizé Prayer is a peaceful, ecumenicalprayer that helps one to center upon theloving presence of God.The service typically lasts around ahalf hour and is composed of simplechant, readings, and sung petitions andacclamations.If you have not taken the opportunityyet to attend one of these services, youhave a chance to do so tonight at6:00 p.m. in our church.“The exchange with God becomes real for us in prayer:by his Holy Spirit, God comes to dwell within us. By hisword and by the sacraments, Christ gives himself to us.In return, we can surrender everything to him.”~ Brother Alois, Letter from CochabambaON THE LIGHTER SIDEThe following was attributed to Julie Andrewssupposedly singing it on her 69th birthday.Although that is not true, this parady of “MyFavorite Things” from the Sound of Music ishilarious and certainly hits home for manypeople experiencing the problems of aging. Itwas written anonymously. Enjoy!Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,Bundles of magazines tied up in string,These are a few of my favourite things.Cadillacs and cataracts and hearing aids and glasses,Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,These are a few of my favourite things.When the pipes leak,When the bones creak,When the knees go bad,I simply remember my favourite things,And then I don't feel so bad.Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions,No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring,These are a few of my favourite things.Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin',Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,When we remember our favorite things.When the joints ache,when the hips break,When the eyes grow dim,Then I remember the great life I've had,And then I don't feel so bad.PLEASE REMEMBER THEMPlease pray for the priests and deacons whohave served the Diocese of Gary so faithfullyand whose anniversaries of death are thisweek:April 21: Rev. Edwin E. Eisenhardt (1963)April 22: Rev. John F. Bart (1970)April 25: Rev. Joseph P. Casey (1983)April 26: Rev. Luke Brickel (1976)April 27: Rev. John A. Costello (1972)Rev. Aloysius J. Nondorf (2012)Page 5

Lectors& Greeters for the WeekSaturday, April 27th5:30 pmRichard Gard &Jay GianottiSaturday, April 27th5:30 pm MassChapel: Tom & Linda BradySunday, April 28th6:30 am MassMain: Joni ZuradChapel: The Covelli Family8:00 am MassMain: Dennis & Lucy PerzChapel: Art & Mary HalpinChoir: Mary SilvasiSunday, April 28th6:30 am MassMark & Gabriella Bittner8:00 am MassRichard Lasky & Alice Wohler10:00 am MassJulius Ballanco & Theresa Kowalski12:00 Noon MassBernadine Barrett & Adriane Blaesing10:00 am MassMain: The Lusk FamilyChapel: Joan MuchaChoir: Joe Arent12:00 Noon MassMain: Sandra & JusticeWhittemoreChapel: Dominique MercierChoir: Pat BatchelderAltar & Rosary SocietySpring Ethnic Pot Luck DinnerWednesday, May 8, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the CafeteriaAll women of the parish are invited to join us for our annualSpring Ethnic Pot Luck Dinner.Please bring your favorite familydish or dessert.We are also asking that you bring anew Baby Gift to this meeting, aswell. The meeting will begin withthe Rosary promptly at 6:45 p.m.,followed by our dinner and meeting.New Event Agenda’s will be givento all members who attend. This will be a good time foreveryone to meet our new Altar & Rosary Ambassadors.For information, please call Cindy at (219) 923-9862 orKaaren at (219) 836-5079.Save the date!St. Thomas More’s Vacation Bible Schoolwill be held from 8:30a.m. to 12:00p.m.Monday to FridayJuly 8 th — July 12 thGet ready for fun andadventure in the Wild West!Registration will beaccepted soon.Watch the bulletin formore details!Page 6Religious EducationApril Schedule24/25 Last Class except First CommunicantsTaizé Evening PrayerAttend our Taizé Evening Prayer serviceTonightSunday, April 21st at 6:00 p.m. in the Church.If you have not yet attended this beautiful and meditativeprayer service, plan to join us.The Gabriel ProjectThe next regular meeting of the Gabriel Project ministry will beSaturday, May 11th, at 9:30 a.m. in the Solar Room.Anyone interested in finding out more about our work iswelcome to join us. If you know of anexpectant mother who could benefit fromour aid, please let us know by callingKathi Trotman at (219) 836-4329.We have a new expectant mom, due inSeptember, who is in need of a crib. Ifyou have one that you are thinking of getting rid of, we can helpyou with that! For safety purposes, please check to be certainthat you cannot pass a pop can between the crib's rungs. If youare able to do that, we cannot use the crib.You may set up a pick-up time by calling Marilyn Glennon at(219) 972-2473. Please keep our moms, their babies and theirfamilies in your prayers.2013 Catholic Services AppealSharingOur FaithThank you to all thathave already shared your faithand made a pledge tothis year's CSA!We need a response from EVERY parish family regarding thecampaign. Please call the Parish Office with your pledge; or ifyou are unable to give this year, just let us know so that we don’thave to make a follow up phone call to you. Parishioners thathave not submitted a pledge or responded will be contacted byphone. Your response and/or pledge is greatly appreciated!You do not have to pay for your total pledge immediately. Mostpeople prefer to pay their CSA pledge in monthly installments.If you choose this method of payment, the diocesan CSA Officewill send you payment reminders in June through January.Please assist the works of spiritual growth, social outreach andthe many other services provided by the Diocese of Gary with apledge to the CSA. Thank you!PLEASE SUPPORT THE 2013 CSA

April 21, 2013St. Thomas More SchoolEveryone in the Parish is invited to the2013 St. Thomas More School LibraryVisit the Book Fair!Next Weekend in the Solar Room!Saturday, April 27 th —12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Sunday, April 28 th — 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.If you can volunteer to help, assistance is needed for setup on Friday, April 26 th after school (3:15) untilapproximately 4:30 p.m. Volunteers are also needed as cashiers and for customer help onSaturday and Sunday (in 2-hour shifts). Volunteers must be VIRTUS trained & over 18-years old.Anyone interested can contact Tony Forszt at (219) 836-1810 or amforszt@att.net. Thank you !!“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”— RichardVolunteers are needed to help in the St. Thomas More School Library onMondays from 10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10:30am-12:45pm.These time slots include Kindergarten (10:40-11:10), 2 nd or 4 th grade (11:25-12:00) and 3 rd grade (12:15-12:45).Duties include reading to the children, helping with an activity or selecting books and checking books in/out.It is not necessary that you be available for all 3 classes. Helping with even one class would be appreciated.You must, however, be VIRTUS trained. If you are interested please contact Tony Forszt (see information above).Church BuddiesA Bond Between Students that Lasts for YearsFor as long as anyone can remember, kindergarten students at St.Thomas More School have had the rare opportunity to make a longand lasting friendship with an “upper-classmen”. At the beginningof each school year, every kindergarten student is matched with a6th grader to be theirChurch Buddy for theyear, accompanyingtheir older counterpart tochurch each week andspending quality timethroughout the year withactivities and projects.These friendships havebeen amazing.8th GradeBake SaleHelp the St. Thomas More School8th Grade students defer thecost of their end-of-yearfield trip to Chicago.Find delicious homemadebaked goods in the schoolhall & in the church narthexSaturday & SundayApril 26th & 27thafter theSaturday 5:30 p.m. Mass and theSunday 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.& 12:00 Noon MassesPage 7

Respect Life CornerLiving Will PresentationPlease join us for this informative and importantLiving Will Presentation to help you make wise and beneficialend of life arrangements. Presented by members of theFranciscan St. Margaret's Hospital. A question/answer sessionwill follow the presentation.NOTE: Date has changed to Saturday, April 27thfrom 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noonat the STM Weis Center of St. Thomas More. All are invited.Objectives: Describe the progression of life-limiting illnesses,Describe how to go about making care decisions, present anillustrative case study and provide a spiritualframework for contributing to care.Mother’s Day CardsMother’s Day Cards are now available in theParish Office. Remember your mother orsomeone who has been like a mother to you.Cost of card is $3.00. Bulletin deadline isFriday, May 3rd at 8:00 p.m.Senior CitizensMeetings are held in the Kish Funeral Community Room,located at 10000 Calumet Avenue in Munster at 1:00 p.m.Monthly Senior LuncheonJoin us for our April monthly luncheon onMonday, April 22nd at Jedi Garden at 11:30 a.m.The restaurant is located at the corner ofRidge Road & Cline Avenue in Griffith.Wednesday, May 1stLuncheon & Installation of Officers to be held at Michael’sRestaurant, 2040 45th Street in Highland.Advanced reservations are required.Planting Possibilities Spring SaleTake advantage of an on-line opportunity to order your summerBlooming Bulbs.Planting Possibilities earns 50% of all sales. All products are100% guaranteed & ship directly to your home. FlowerPoweronline sales run until April 26th.To order, visitwww.plantingpossibilities.orgPlanting Possibilities is a localnon-profit organization focused on thegoal of building a commercialgreenhouse that employs and job-trainsadults with intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities.Watch for our upcoming event in May:Geranium Sale on May 4thoffering heirloom tomato plants and salsa garden kits atSarkey's Florist. Pre-orders and cash & carry.Watch our parish bulletin for more details to come.Your support is, as always, greatly appreciated.STM CareerNetworking Group80% of Jobs are Unadvertised70% of Jobs are Found through Networking15% Found through Search Firms • 10% Found through Want Ads4% Create Their Own Jobs • 2% Blindly Send ResumesMyers-BriggsType Indicator® AssessmentThursday, May 16, 20137:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Weis Center• Most widely trusted career assessment tool• Discover a career path that suits your qualities and strengthsA representative from IUN will be administering theMyers-Briggs Indicator Assessment tool which determinesone’s career path. We will be evaluating the results thatevening and you can arrange for a “free” follow up consultationto review your results. Space is limited to 60 persons.Forward any questions to STMCareerGroup@gmail.com.Cost: $15.00.Make checks payable to: HelenMarie HarmonMail to: St. Thomas More ChurchAttn: Career Networking Group8501 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN 46321Checks must be received by Tuesday, May 7th.Name: _____________________________________________Email: _____________________________________________Phone: _____________________________________________Where: STMS Weis Center8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, INWhen: The 3rd Thursday of Every MonthEmail: STMCareerGroup@gmail.comRegular Meetings are Free! Open to All!For those who are unemployed (in transition), new to the jobmarket, employed or who can offer employment opportunitiesthrough their current professional connections.Have your resume reviewed by a professional.Holy Name SocietyThe final meeting of the year will take place onMonday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m.Festival Early Bird RaffleYou should have already received your Festival Raffle Ticketsin the mail (or will receive them very soon).The first Early Bird Drawing will be on Monday, April 29th andwill continue every Monday until the Festival. Don’t delay!Page 8

St. Thomas More ChurchPastoral CouncilNomination BallotWould you consider becoming a member of theSt. Thomas More Pastoral Council?The Pastoral Council members are parishioners who are willing• to participate in prayer and spiritual formation• to listen to others and new ideas• to understand and accept the mission of our parish• to work as team members and• to make a commitment of time and talent to the Council,the Parish and the Church.This is a 3-year commitment.A series of three evenings of prayer, education and faith sharingconstitute STM’s Discernment Process.It is mandatory that a candidate participatein all three evenings.The Discernment Sessions give the candidates an opportunityto learn more about the Pastoral Council.These sessions will be held on the following:Tuesday, April 30 • Tuesday, May 7 • Tuesday, May 14at 7:00 p.m. in the Solar Room.On Pentecost Sunday, May 19th, new Council members willbe chosen at the 10:00 a.m. Mass.Nominees must be a practicing Roman Catholic, a registeredmember of St. Thomas More Parish, not separated from theSacraments and be at least 18 years of age.The nominees cannot be a full-time employee of the parish orschool. Nominees will be contacted to verify their acceptance ofthe nomination.Members of our parish can nominate themselves or others bycompleting the Nomination Form below.1. Nominee: _________________________________________Phone:____________________________________________2. Nominee: ________________________________________Phone:___________________________________________3. Nominee: _________________________________________Phone:___________________________________________Please deposit the Nomination Forms in the Red Ballot Boxes,located at each church entrance.The Nomination period will end onSunday, April 21 after the 12:00 p.m. Mass.Save the Date!50th Anniversary of Scouting at St. Thomas MoreAll past and present Scouts and Scouters, as well as ourparishioners, are invited to a dinner celebrating50 years of scouting at our parish onSaturday, June 1st after the 5:30 p.m. Massin the STM Gym.Cost is $5 per person. Please RSVP to Paul Liszewski beforeMay 18th at (219)864-1082 or plisze1037@aol.com.Garden Club RecruitmentThe growing season is upon us and the long dormant weedsand other invasive species are marshaling their forces for anattack on the parish grounds. The Garden Club is planning tocounter attack. To accomplish our mission we needreinforcements. Anyone who can blink their eyes meets thephysical requirements but the mental and social requirementsare rigorous. They must be ableto tolerate lousy food, coldcoffee, bad service and filthyworking conditions. Being able totolerate non-constructivecriticism and sarcasm is a plus.The Club recently voted to amendour constitution to grow ourmembership from the current compliment of 16 to 20 workers.Any recruit fortunate enough to be accepted into this year canbecome a charter member upon completion of their training atthe end of the growing season. Last year the governing bodyalso voted, and by a narrow margin, agreed to accept femalemembers.Any workday the Club fails to accomplish its goals, an angelloses its wings, so we take our mission seriously.This could be your last chance opportunity to enhance yourprestige and self-esteem and to possibly be on a Wheaties Box.Our battles are fought onWednesdays and Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and Noon.Should you want to compete for a membership, reportto the “Barn” on the designated days.The Emmaus ProgramThe Emmaus Program is a four week adult formationprogram for parishioners, teachers and catechists.The Spring Program will be offered in May atOur Lady of Consolation Parish — 8303 Taft in Merrillville.Topic:Dei Verbum: Interpreting Scripture After Vatican IIFr. Kevin Scalf, C.PP.S.— PresenterThe three session program will identify the main pointsof the above Vatican II document and its impact on theinterpretation of Biblical text.Dates:Monday, May 6th from 6:30 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.Monday, May 13th from 6:30 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.Wednesday, May 15th from 6:30 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.Registration FormName:_______________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________Phone: ______________________________________Email: ______________________________________Parish: ______________________________________Fee: $20 for the three classes. Please make checkspayable to the Diocese of Gary.Return form to: Emmaus Program9292 Broadway • Merrillville, IN 46410For more information, call (219) 769-9292, ext. 280Page 9

Music Ministry ConcertSave the Date — Saturday, May 18thJoin us on Saturday, May 18that 7:00 p.m. in the Churchfor an inspiring concert performed by the manymusical groups of our parish. Groups to perform:Adult & Student Handbell ChoirsAll Seasons Chorale • Schola CantorumStudent Choir • Funeral ChoirBishop Noll InstituteWarrior Winnings RaffleFirst Prize — $1000 CashSecond Prize — $750 Cash • Third Prize — $500 CashTickets are $10 each. Hurry! Drawing is Friday, April 26, 2013.Proceeds to benefit BNI Scholarship Fund. For details rules,visit: www.bishopnoll.org. Tickets available in the Parish Office.DCCW Quarterly MeetingThe Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will have theirquarterly meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd at 10:00 a.m. atSt. Peter & Paul, 5885 Harrison in Merrillville.All women over 18 from the Gary Diocese are invited to attend.Call Rosemary Petrovich at (219) 663-1097 to learn more.May CrowningSunday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas MoreCelebrate the 96th Anniversary of Fatima.Join us for a candlelight procession in the STM Church. AllFirst Communicants are invited to participate.Please wear your First Communion attire andarrive at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the GaryDiocese-Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatimaand the Msgr. Weis Knights of Columbus.Questions? Call Rose Marie at (219) 836-8779.Wounded HealersThe next session of Grief Support meetings will begin onWednesday, April 24th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and will meet bimonthlyuntil July 3rd. Groups are separated to assist those grievingfrom loss of a: spouse, parent, sibling, friend, child or grandchild.Additional groups will meet for those dealing with the loss of afamily member due to suicide and for teens dealing with suicide. Allgroups meet at St. James Church in Highland (corner of 45th &Kennedy). For information, please call (219) 924-5577 oremail: www.woundedhealers-nwi.com.Cooking ShowSt. James Manor & Villas, 1251 E. Richton Road in Crete will behosting a cooking show, “Spring from the Farm”, with newspapercolumnist & author Philip Potempa on Friday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m.in the chapel. Free admission. Potempa’s noted recipes, cooking tips& door prizes. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Seatinglimited. R.S.V.P. to (708) 672-6700.St. Rita Summer CampsSt. Rita High School in Chicago is offering summer camps inacademics & athletics including: Math, business (earn an AppleiPad), Theater, Band, Recreation, Baseball, Basketball, Football,Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Speed & Agility, Strength & Jump Training,Volleyball, Wrestling, Swimming and Water Polo. See the websitefor details: www.stritahs.com/camps.Mother’s Day DinnerThe Ladies Rosary and Polish Women’s Alliance invites you to aMother’s Day Dinner on Saturday, May 4th at the K of C Hall, 1104K of C Drive in East Chicago. Doors open at 12:00 noon; dinnerserved at 1:00 p.m. Menu: baked chicken, Polish sausage & kraut,roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, salad, beverage and dessert.$35 for adults/ $17.50 for children (5 to 11)/ free for those 4 & under.Reservations are due by April 22nd. For info or to order tickets, callDolly at (219) 398-9069. Please leave a name and phone number.Las Vegas NightSt. James in Highland is hosting “Casino Royale” Las VegasNight on Saturday, May 4th in their parish hall from 6:10 p.m.to 12:00 midnight. All your favorite casino table games, pluslive poker. $10 donation includes all foods & beverages. Mustbe 21 or older to attend. Call (219) 924-4220 to learn more.Polonica Bus TripThe Polonica Pilgrimage Society is hosting a bus trip onWednesday, May 15th, 2013. Depart by luxury coach bus at8:30 a.m. from All Saints Catholic Church in Hammond.Return at 5:15 p.m. to Hammond. Featured stops atMarytown/St. Maximilian Kolbe Shrine, MundeleinSeminary, lunch at the White Eagle Restaurant in Niles, IL,Katyn Monument in St. Adalbert’s Cemetery; shopping atAvenue Food Mart (Polish owned), time permitting-Alexandra Foods (famous for pierogi & more; bring a cooler).Cost is $60 per person and includes lunch, tips & donations.Reservations are due by May 6th and must be called in priorto sending payments. Info & reservations: (219) 464-1369.Men’s Golf OutingSt. Mary Men’s Club in Griffith is sponsoring their annualGolf Outing on Sunday, May 19th at Sherwood Golf Coursein Schererville beginning at 12:00 noon.Join a foursome for $85 per person and includes snacks &dinner in the clubhouse. Proceeds donated to area charities.Call Tom at (219) 924-3929.St. Ann’s 100th AnniversaryHelp St. Ann Church in Lansing celebrate its 100thAnniversary by placing an ad in the hard cover CentennialAnniversary Book which will chronicle the parish from itshumble beginnings in 1913 to present day. Contact Jim Bis at(219) 808-6639 or jim@jimbisart.com for info.April 30, 2013 deadline for ads.Page 10