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St. Thomas the Apostle ChurchSeptember 19, 202125th Sunday Ordinary Time815-455-5400/www.stthomascl.churchSt. Thomas the Apostle Church Baptismal Font CircMission StatementWe are a Catholic family, living our awareness of Christ’s presencethrough worship, service, evangelization & community for thebenefit of all.

Pastor’s CornerAt the end of Matthew’s Gospel, we have the Commissioning of the Disciples.Matthew 28: 19 is basically the Mission Statement of the Universal CatholicChurch. “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching themto observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always,until the end of the age.”This is our call to Evangelization, which is the primary responsibility ofdisciples of Jesus Christ. By virtue of our baptism, we are all called to bedisciples, and we are called to spread the Good News of the Gospels, throughour words, our actions and our attitudes. Our call to evangelize is connected to every celebration andsacrifice of the Holy Mass, when we are recommissioned right after the final blessing. There we willhear words such as, “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” Or “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” Or“Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”Religious Education or Catechesis is an integral part of Evangelization. They work together toappeal to our minds, our hearts, and our souls in integrating the Gospels into our daily patterns ofliving. The ways we are called to do this far exceed what is listed on our blue Time and Talent form.However, I do very much appreciate all who have been involved in the efforts listed on these forms andwould like to acknowledge them this weekend.In the area of Evangelization and Spiritual Enrichment, we acknowledge all involved in; Light of theWorld, Men’s Group, That Man is You, Mom’s Group, Marian Group, Our Lady’s Rosary Makers, Seven SistersApostolate, Vocations Awareness Ministry, RCIA.At St. Thomas the Apostle School, we acknowledge all involved in; Alumni Committee, SubstituteTeachers, Recess Supervisors, Marketing & Development, Education Commission.In the area of Religious Education, we acknowledge all involved in; Catechists, Co-Catechists,Family Catechesis, Classroom Assistants, Child Care, Special Events volunteers, Home Study Sessions,Rainbows.In the area of Youth Ministry, we acknowledge all involved in; SPRED Ministry, TOTUS TUUS, AdultYouth Ministry Leaders, High School Youth Ministry Leaders, Confirmation Leaders.We do very much need more people involved in many of the ministry opportunities listed above!Even if you are not directly involved in any of the above, we do ask for your sincere prayers for all theseefforts. I also ask each of you to please seriously reflect upon the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus,and precisely what does it mean for each one of us. Our call to be disciples and to be involved in thework of evangelization extends well beyond the scope of any Time and Talent sheet.Peace be with you, Fr. Bob JonesTHANK YOU!!!P.S. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Sarah and Alex Rattana, Pat Haviland, the Knights ofColumbus, the band “Every Sunday” and all who helped plan and organize this past weekend’s St.Thomas Fest! Thanks also to all who attended! It was a very enjoyable evening and thank the good Lordfor a perfect weather night. It was a great celebration of St. Thomas, our families and our friends!

Mass Intention for the WeekMonday September 20;SS AndrewKim Tae-gon & Paul ChongHa-sang6:3012:10Francis X. Barciak, Special Intention Phil Weyna Nicolas AdupeTuesday, September 21; St.Matthew Apostle & Evangelist6:308:30 Patricia Durava Nicholas DodaroMadelyn Moran, Special IntentionWednesday,September 226:3012:10 Joshua Antongiovanni Anton MlinarichThursday,September 23; St. Pius ofPietrelcina6:308:30 Phyllis Strzepa Steve Bright Ernest FuesFriday, September 246:3012:10 Zofia Bylina Doris McGinn Joan Robaczewski George WolfSaturday,September 257:304:30Chmiel Family, Special Intention Gene Baseggio Gregory M. ParkinsonThere is something about being first. Whether it be first in line,first to be picked for the team, or the first one to finish theirwork, great satisfaction is achieved. Our egos love being first.It somehow sets us apart from everyone else, gives us a senseof pride and positions us to feel better than others. When weare first, we can glory in our efforts, skills, and achievements.Isn’t that what really matters? After all, we are taught from avery young age to be proficient, stay on top, be the best atwhat we do, and win the praise and esteem of others. This isthe stuff that makes us successful and provides us with acomfortable, satisfying life.Jesus wants none of it. All of the details we anguish over meanlittle to the kingdom of God. You want to be first? Then, be aservant and welcome a child. All of this is the opposite of ouroften vehement pursuits. If we are serious about followingJesus and living the Gospel, then we must put the needs ofothers before our own. If we continue to listen only to thenoise of the world, we are going to continue to believe theillusions we inherit. Those illusions come in many forms, butall have things in common: me before you, being on top andnot the bottom, us versus them, personal security overuniversal harmony and peace. When are we going to learn thatalways striving to be the best and first is an empty pursuit inour struggle for happiness? While satisfying our ego with thismomentary boost of esteem may feel good for a moment, is itwhat we really desire?If we can break from the world’s noise and create a space ofsacred silence in our lives, we can begin to listen and see thatwe are being called in another direction. What we really desireis not the bolstering of our egos but the innocence we lostsomewhere along the way. When we can be playful, joyful, andeven somewhat carefree, life is good. We want ourrelationships to work, a place to call home, and to livepeaceful lives with our sisters and brothers. Only a servant cando this. The servant’s prayer seeks to detach fromself-concern in order to be used by God. Rather than worryingabout being first and coming out on top, we can be inspired,guided, empowered, and led to do good works. Stop worryingabout being first and put greater energy into feeling joy. LPiPlease pray for the deceasedSunday, September267:309:0010:30Noon5:30 Susan Kieffer HenryThe People of St. Thomas Parish,Living & Deceased Robert Otis Rosie LopezBenkert Family, Living & Deceased Beverly Wasilk Ernest & Marguerite FuesMartin (Tom) BarrettFather of Julie (Michael) HermannCharles DuceyNicholas DodaroMary KempPlease pray for the sick:

Celebrants: September 20,-September 25, 2021:9/20-6:30 am-Fr. Hernandez, 12:10 pm -Fr. Jones9/21-6:30 am-Fr.Fitzpatrick, 8:30 am-Fr.Hernandez9/22-6:30 am-Fr.Jones, 12:10 pm- Fr.Hernandez9/23-6:30 am-Fr.Fitzpatrick,8:30 am-Fr.Hernandez9/24- 6:30 am -Fr.Tunarosa, 12:10 pm- Fr.Fitzpatrick9/25-7:30 am-Fr. JonesSunday Masses: September 25,-September 26, 20214:30 pm: Fr.Fitzpatrick-Lector;Lou Bianchi7:30 am: Fr.Jones -Lector;Lori Gajdzik9:00 am: Fr.Fitzpatrick-Lector; Greg Ives10:30 am: Fr. Hernandez-Lector; Judy WiedenfeldNoon: Fr.Hernandez-Lector; Joanna Majewska5:30 pm: Fr.Jones -Lector;Lisa DaltonEM Schedule: September 25,-September 26, 20214:30 pm:L. Kirk, A. O’Connell7:30 am: D. Dunlea, M. Genzler9:00 am: V. Kosin, P. Slowey, B. Frey, M.Johnson10:30 am: M.Carpenter, M. Turk, J. Arza, I. CarlinoNoon:M. Klepitsch5:30 pm:Volunteer Needed

Weekend CollectionSeptember 12, 2021Sunday Budget: 39,231.00Collection:EFT:On-Line:Actual: 20,913.00 2,522.00 1,269.50 24,704.50Overage: Budget Shortage - 14, 526.50As of April 7, 2021Hispanic Collection 2,908.97Prayer for CatechistsGod of our fathers and mothers,today we mark Catechetical Sunday,the day we recommit ourselvesto teaching and forming disciplesto continue your work in this world.9/13-9/25AdorationCandle IntentionsCandleWolf Family,IntentionsJames Canizaro,Frank Catenzard & Slowey FamilyIn the beginning, you created manto please you and offer you companionship.We turned away from youwithout knowing the great love you had for us.Help us to recapture that understandingof your love for us and for creation.Give us wisdom to hand on to the next generationthat love you freely give us.We ask all that is goodto come upon our catechetical leadersand the people whom they lead to the faith.We ask all this in the nameof the primary teacher of the faith,Jesus the Christ.Amen.

Classes begin this week!Will ewe be there?Contact us for more info815-455-9787Women’s Club LuncheonPlease join us for our Women’s Club Luncheon!Wednesday, October 13th at Hickory Hall11:30 Gathering – 12:00 LunchTickets are 20.00 and can be purchased at the ParishCenter Office.Tickets must be purchased by September 27th!Please join us for a Women's Evening of RecollectionMonday, September 20 at 7 o'clock pmSt. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church453 Pierson StreetWhat is a recollection?It is a time of silent prayer and reflection. It includes meditations led by a priest ofOpus Dei, an examination of conscience, and a brief talk.Confessions and spiritual direction will be available.

2021 – NATIONAL LIFE CHAINThe Life Chain is a national event that is a peaceful show ofsolidarity in the Christian community for the sanctity ofhuman life. We will stand in prayer to honor the millions oflives that have been lost to abortion, while holding signssuch as “Abortion Hurts Women, Adoption the LovingOption, Jesus Forgives & Heals, Pray to End Abortion” etc.Date: Sunday, October 3 - Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PMLocation: Rt. 14 & Teckler Blvd. in Crystal Lake in front of theHobby Lobby StoreSigns are provided and will be distributed from the HobbyLobby Store parking lot.Please park in the Hobby Lobby parking lot.For more information, contact Stephanie Hanlon815-261-8275 or go to www.lifechain.netSecond Collection to be held next weekendSeptember 25 and 26, 2021The Diocese of Rockford’s Missionary Cooperation Plan assigns missions to the parishes to comeand speak and ask for financial assistance. We are pleased to welcome Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky to our parish the weekend of September 25 and 26.The Diocese of Lexington was established as a mission diocese in 1988, and spans 50 counties (40 ofwhich are in the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Kentucky). Catholics represent only 3% of thetotal population. Next weekend we will have a second collection for the Diocese of Lexington.Please make checks payable to: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Mission Coop. Thanking you inadvance for your support and prayers.

BLESSING OF ANIMALSSaturday, October 2, 20211:00 pm—Oak St. ChurchGroundsNear the Feast of St. Francis ofAssisi (October 4), we gather tobless all our pets and animals.Mark your calendars --you areinvited to bring your animals ofevery type to the grassy sectionof our lot at the Oak St. Churchon Saturday, October 2, at1:00 pm for our AnnualAnimal Blessing. All peopleand animals are welcome!

Orange Ruler Success Story!St. Thomas PK-8 SchoolThanks to the generosity of families and friends far and wide, St.Thomas School was able to meet 150% of their goal in their annualfundraiser!Students and families worked together to spread the word about theOrange Ruler event through social media. No one needed to collectmoney or go door to door. This was a safe campaign that ended lastFriday with a Fun Run and a pig race . . . .mechanical pigs, of course!