st. john of the cross parish · 3/15/2020 · scheduled for the parishes in our renew my church...

Third Sunday of Lent Sunday, March 15, 2020

St. John of the Cross Parish 5005 Wolf Road ~ Western Springs 60558 ~ 708-246-4404 ~ www.stjohnofthecross.org

Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst;

the water I shall give will become in him

a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

From the Desk of Fr. Marc Reszel

SJC WWW.STJOHNOFTHECROSS.ORG 708-246-4404 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 15, 2020 PAGE 2

Blessings on the Third Sunday of Lent We continue to climb the holy mountain of Easter. Throughout this Lenten season, we accept the disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving so that we may be better Disciples. Lent is a period of preparation and penance. As we prepare for the Triduum and Easter Seasons, we are invited to receive the Sacrament of Penance. Know that priest confessors are available here each Saturday following the 9:00am Mass. Additionally, two Reconciliation Services with individual confessions and absolution have been scheduled for the parishes in our Renew My Church grouping. Recall that St. John of the Cross Parish hosted the area service this past Advent. This Lent the area services are at 7:00pm on Monday March 16 at St. Cletus Parish (600 W. 55th St., LaGrange) and at 7:00pm on Tuesday March 24 at St. Francis Xavier Parish (124 N. Spring Ave., LaGrange). Fr. Gudime will be a confessor at the St. Cletus service and I will be a confessor at the St. Francis Xavier service. Looking ahead, it is the intention of the three parishes to rotate the Advent service with the other two parishes hosting the Lenten services. Especially in the current lectionary cycle of readings, the Gospel for the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent speak to how individuals come to faith. In a particular way these weeks draw our attention to those preparing for the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) at the next Easter Vigil or during the Easter Season. While our parish has no catechumens or candidates for the Vigil, we pray for the Elect throughout the Archdiocese and for our young parishioners preparing for their First Holy Communion this coming Eastertide. In addition to the rituals associated with the optional memorial of St. Patrick, Tuesday is also primary election day in Illinois. The Church (universal, national, diocesan, and parish) does not endorse candidates or political parties. She does, however, encourage believers to exercise Faithful Citizenship. Furthermore, we are encouraged to bring civility to the public forum. For some practical suggestions, visit: wearesaltandlight.org/civilize-it Let us continue to pray for one another and for our parish. Father Reszel

Ministry of Care

Additional ministers of care are needed to serve our parish. Training will take place in the Parish Center on two Saturday mornings, April 18 and 25, from 9am-1pm. Please consider being a part of this rewarding ministry. Ministers of Care bring Holy Communion, pray with and visit parishioners who are homebound and in hospitals. Share the love of Jesus with the elderly or ill in our parish. Sign up for training on our parish website at stjohnofthecross.org/ministerofcare/ or call the Parish Center office. Your care and comfort toward others will ease their loneliness and bring them peace. This training is offered by St. John of the Cross Parish in collaboration with the Vicariate IV Ministry Commission.

Lord, let me know

clearly the work

which You are calling

me to do in life.

And grant me every

grace I need to answer

Your call with

courage and love

and lasting dedication

to Your will.

Is God calling you to

the diaconate?

Listen.

Learn.

Attend an information

meeting.

March 25, 7:30pm Office of the Diaconate 816 Marengo Avenue,

Forest Park.

April 22, 7:30pm Ss. Cyril & Methodius

608 Sobieski Street, Lemont Parish Life Center.


Soup for the Soul Gather for a simple meal of soup and reflection using Bishop Barron’s Lenten Reflection Faith Sharing Book. Thursdays at noon-1:00pm in the Parish Center. Sign-up at www.stjohnofthecross.org/soup. Join us any week.

Stations of the Cross

Fridays in Lent at 7:00pm in Church.

Pray, Fast, Give Alms:

CRS Rice Bowl Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl invites us to live in solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Extra Rice Bowls are available in church. Fill your CRS box with spare change in a spirit of generosity to empower and transform the lives of our brothers and sisters in need. Go to our website and parish bulletin for daily reflections, prayers, meatless recipes and more. Return your Rice Bowl on Palm Sunday.

Yoga and Meditation Tuesdays during Lent at 7:00pm in the Parish Center. Enjoy 20-25 minutes of gentle yoga movement with the support of a chair. Yoga prepares the body and mind for silent meditation which follows. All levels of ability are welcome. No experience necessary. Mat optional. No registration. Join us when your schedule allows.

Family-Style Preschool

Preschool children and their parents (or grandparents) are invited to join us as we learn about Lent through activities, stories and songs on Saturday, March 21 from 10:45am-noon in the Parish Center. These sessions are a wonderful way to share your faith with your children. Sign up on our parish website.

Lenten Morning

of Meditation Saturday, March 28 at 9:30am-12:30pm in the Parish Center. Includes video talk by Fr. Laurence Freeman and periods of meditation.

Area Reconciliation Services Monday, March 16 7:00pm St. Cletus

Tuesday, March 24 7:00pm St. Francis Xavier

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Fr. Gudime: Reflecting on Prayer and Fasting


We begin the season of Lent with a special focus on returning to God. In the bible turning or returning to God has three components: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Both the first and second readings on Ash Wednesday focus on prayer and fasting. “Even now, declared the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” (Joel 2:12). In this article, I wish to focus on prayer and fasting.

Prayer: There are hundreds of books that give us many descriptions of prayer, but don’t define it in one way. Prayer is talking to God; listening to God; the communication of the human soul with the Lord who created the soul; the pouring out of one’s soul to the Lord; drawing near to God; an act of supplication or intercession directed towards a deity (god) or a deified ancestor; an exercise of faith and hope; the human heart before its maker; and asking for a change of heart. We need not drain our minds with defining prayer nor meditating its importance. Prayer is the breath of our human soul and without it we die spiritually. By living a life of prayer we respond to Christ’s work of salvation and communicate with the very source of and purpose for our existence. In prayer we understand God’s purpose for our lives. I remember someone asking me a question a few years ago about the postures of prayer (In India, this is always a concern) and I took time to answer the question as I needed some time to answer from the bible itself. Here was my answer: 1.Sitting: She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word (Lk: 10:39). 2.Kneeling: And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and cloak torn, and I fell on my knees and stretched out my hands to the Lord my God (Ezra 9:5). 3.Bowing: And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshipping the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:18). 4.Standing: And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord (Gen: 19:27). 5.Laying down: In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4: 8). 6.Walking: He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God (Daniel 3:25). In sum, do not drain your mind worrying about your posture. When to pray is yet another question I have faced at times and my answer would be—any time and all times. St. Augustine wrote “Prayer is essential for salvation, yet no one prays well enough, not me not you.” Since we probably don’t pray enough, we should pray any time and all times. What we need to understand is that God looks at the depth and intensity of our surrender to Him.

Fasting In the Catholic Church, we usually fast during Lent. During this time, we give up something we enjoy eating and proceed to give what we saved from not indulging in our habits. During this period we fast to pause and reset our spiritual life. We deny the flesh to strengthen the spiritual life. When we reach the age of 18 years till 59/60 years, we can fast by reducing the portions we eat. The Church defines this as one meal per day. Or two lesser meals that when put together do not exceed the one meal, such fasting is obligatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Many important figures in the bible participated in fasting: Moses, the People of Israel, Elijah, Daniel, the Ninevites, Paul and Barnabas, and of course most important of them all, Jesus Christ who fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. The benefits of prayer and fasting are two-fold: 1. Protection: In offering ourselves completely to God by prayer and fasting, God takes care of our deepest needs and protects us miraculously. 2. Victory over temptation: Our heavenly Father would give us enough strength to defeat Satan and its temptations through our prayer and fasting. To those who fast, Jesus says, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, instead put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others, but only to your Father, who is unseen, and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Mathew 6:17-18).

We need not pray

for what we need

because God

already knows

what we need

before we even ask.

We ought to

pray to increase

our desire to God,

so that we might be

able to receive what

he is preparing

to give us.

– St. Augustine

Lifelong Learning

Monday 2 Kgs 5:1-15b Ps 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4 Luke 4:24-30

Tuesday Dan 3:25, 34-43 Ps 25:4-5ab, 6 & 7bc, 8-9 Matt 18:21-35

Wednesday Deut 4:1, 5-9 Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Matt 5:17-19

Thursday 2 Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22 Matt 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Friday Hos 14:2-10 Ps 81:6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 Mark 12:28-34

Saturday Hos 6:1-6 Ps 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab Luke 18:9-14

4th Sunday of Lent 1 Sam 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 Eph 5:8-14 John 9:1-41


Open your ears. This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. Listen. We begin the season of Lent in the desert with Jesus. There, Jesus faces temptation and shows us how to avoid sin by staying focused on God and God’s ways. From the desert, we go to a high mountain, where we hear the voice of God urging us to listen to Jesus. Pray. During Lent, we set aside time for prayer, time to listen to God and search our life in response to God’s loving presence. Christ speaks to us in word and sacrament, through loving relationships, in joyful and challenging times. We must be ready to listen. Reflect. What is your desert? What tempts you? From what do you need to turn away in order to listen to the Lord more attentively and make a greater place for Jesus in your life?

Open your eyes. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks

into the heart. See. During Lent, we are invited to open our eyes, to pay attention to the grace of God in our midst and see the needs of others. In the Gospel we hear on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bartimaeus did not ask to be healed. Jesus saw his need and reached out to him. As a result, the man who was born blind could see, but those around him were blind to the truth of the Good News of Jesus Christ. They couldn’t believe what was before their very eyes. We may see the face of God in the poor and vulnerable, the eyes of a child, the Body and Blood of the Lord in the Eucharist. We must be ready to open our eyes to perceive God’s presence and to see others through the eyes of God, as precious and wonderful in his sight. Fast. In Lent, we fast from a favorite food, beverage, screen time, or activity in order to experience more fully our hunger for God and to become more willing to live as God’s holy people in the world. Reflect. How often do you fail to see the goodness of God’s love? In what ways might you more fully accept and share the mercy and forgiveness Christ freely gives?

Open your heart. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Feel. Lent is a time in which to open our hearts to Christ, to risk trusting in God and allow Jesus to change us. The Samaritan woman did not at first understand what was happening to her as she spoke with the Lord at the well. Yet, she did not run away, and opened her heart to Christ. Not only was her heart moved and her life changed, so were the people of her town whom she told of her encounter with Jesus. Give. During Lent, we give our time, money, and support to those who are poor, lonely, sick, in prison, the most vulnerable among us. We share our faith in Jesus and the impact of our faith in word and in deed, with friends, family, and especially with those to whom we reach out in charity this season. Reflect. How might you open your heart to encounter Jesus this Lent? Who needs to know Christ’s love and mercy through your giving and sharing? How might you go beyond yourself in care, compassion, and charity?

Catholic Faith and Impact

We know that water is vital for life. Water makes up more than 60 percent of the adult human body. Whereas a human person can survive for several weeks or more without food, going more than a few days without water can be life threatening. In the exodus, the Israelites were given miraculous water from a rock to sustain them in the desert. Now, Jesus himself is the source of life-giving water. A few chapters following today’s gospel, Jesus will announce to the gathered crowd, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink” (7:37). The invitation stands for us today. What are you thirsting for? ©Living Liturgy

Lord Jesus, you were recognized as prophet and Messiah by the woman at the well.

Her testimony led many others to faith. May we have the spirit of evangelization, sharing our

experience of you with others, so that this may lead others to faith. We have come to

believe you are the Savior of the world. Through this belief we have life in your name. Amen.

Prayer: Eucharistic Adoration

What is Eucharistic Adoration? Adoration is private prayer and time before Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament displayed on the altar.

Where and when does Adoration take place? Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Mary Chapel on Mondays year round from 2:30pm-9:00pm.

Why is Adoration important? Adoration is your personal time with Jesus. It brings together the entire faith community of St. John of the Cross Parish into one continuous prayer and unites our intentions and concerns. Many miracles and blessings have been witnessed with Adoration. Jesus asks “Could you not keep watch for one hour?” MK 14:37.

What blessings can come from Adoration? Some graces and blessings can include healing of troubled marriages, sicknesses and diseases, return of fallen away Catholics, conversions to the faith, employment found, increased vocations to the priesthood and religious life, incredible inner peace and much more.

Who can go to Adoration? Everyone is welcome! The Lord welcomes all ages. Adoration is for kids and whole families. Short visits are sometimes the best way to introduce little ones to Jesus in Adoration.

What do I do during Adoration? You can pray using formal or personal prayer, sit in silence, read a religious book, sit in silence, pray the rosary, pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, meditate on the Eucharist, or just bring your concerns to Jesus. This is your personal time with God. At SJC the Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed at 2:30pm and the Rosary at 8:45pm.


Come Holy Spirit, I need you,

Come, Holy Spirit, I pray

Come with your strength and your power

Come in your own special way.

Come like a spring in the desert,

Come to the weary of soul.

Lord, let your sweet healing power,

Touch me and make me whole.

Come holy Spirit, I need you.

Come sweet Spirit I pray.

Come with your light and your guidance,

Come in your own gentle way

Amen.

CRS Rice Bowl

We all need food to nourish us and

keep us healthy. Without food,

we find it hard to concentrate, study,

do our work or even play.

Jesus often shared meals with friends

and even strangers, and he teaches us

to be generous in sharing what we

have to eat with others.

Story of Hope in Kenya “CRS has changed my life—and the life of my family,” says Gaudencia who lives in Konjiko, a village in Kenya. “Before, I could tell my niece Yvone wasn’t healthy, but now, she’s active.” Gaudencia is proud of what she’s learned from the CRS program about healthy eating habits. She has taught her family to vary what they eat and include vegetables with every meal. Yvone’s grandfather, Eliakim, suffers from diabetes. The improved diet has helped make him healthier. “What I have learned is really good, and I have seen positive changes in my health,” says Eliakim. “I have benefited a lot from Gaudencia’s participation with CRS.” Eliakim also thinks the improved diet gives his grandchildren more energy for school and play. If the family is ever short an ingredient or has extra food, they borrow from and share with neighbors in the spirit of community. It’s that spirit—and good nutrition—that gives Yvone, her family and friends, a strong foundation from which to pursue their dreams and live a healthier life.

Focus on CRS in Africa Catholic Relief Services' humanitarian work reaches more than 30 countries in Africa. The continent is home to lush natural and cultural resources as well as great poverty and, in some areas, persistent conflict. CRS’ Africa staff work in some of the most remote and challenging regions. They employ both international workers and those who were born and raised in the country or region in which they serve. Hiring from within each country enables us to think globally and act locally all over Africa by employing people most familiar with the local residents and customs. In Africa, and wherever CRS serves, they strive to enhance human dignity. They empower the people they serve. And they strengthen and support partner organizations to maximize donor impact. A closer look at CRS’ humanitarian work in Africa reveals the full range and scope of their agency’s expertise, experience, innovation and commitment. In Africa, CRS' work includes three comprehensive areas: disaster relief, health and agriculture. Within those sectors, there are many specific projects and programs: food assistance and food security; shelter; peacebuilding; water and sanitation; HIV and AIDS, ebola, and malaria; mother and infant health and nutrition; farming and market innovations; information communications technology for Development; and refugee and displaced persons assistance.

Most gracious God,

who gives the fruits of the earth

for the benefit of all your creatures,

we give thanks to you for abundant harvests

and plentiful production on this earth.

We pray for those in our land

who are denied these gifts,

and seek your forgiveness

for our complicity in their want.

We pray for those whose voices are not heard

and for those who do not hear.

Forgive us when our choices are selfish ones,

and forgive us especially when we do not choose

to raise our own voice against the pain of

our brothers and sisters who suffer needless want.

Most of all, O God, we give you thanks for

the revelation of your love in Jesus Christ, who came that

everyone might have abundant life.

Amen. Pax Christi, USA


Random Acts of Kindness Lent is a good time to re-familiarize and recommit ourselves to knowing, living and sharing the fruits of the Holy Spirit. And one of those fruits is kindness (Gal 5:22). Throughout our Lenten journey, we will post a weekly list of ideas that you can employ to exercise those muscles of virtue and demonstrate kindness in action.

Week 2 Ideas: 1. Make a copy of a good photo of someone you know and send it to him/her. 2. Write letters of encouragement to those in prison or in the military. 3. Take flowers to a nursing home and ask who does not have regular visitors.

Deliver the flowers personally. 4. Give a few dollars to the homeless you encounter. 5. If you see someone whose car has broken down, call 9-1-1 to report their

location. 6. Be present and be patient with people you are generally impatient with. 7. Make a point of finding goodness in a co-worker or other person who

sometimes irritates you. 8. Pray for your family, friends, work team and others. 9. Make a point to say something kind to one of your co-workers. 10. Know someone with a new baby or other major life event? Offer a meal or

other assistance. 11. Do something nice for co-worker or another person, anonymously. 12. Make a point of offering praise to your mate or children in front of others. 13. Bring in treats for your coworkers for no reason. 14. Tell your boss how much you like working for him/her and how much you learn

from him/her. 15. Bake someone a cake for his/her birthday or special occasion. 16. Stop yourself from complaining/gossiping about anyone/thing for at least 24

hours. 17. Be the person who looks for and shares the good in a tough situation. 18. Leave only positive comments on blogs, Twitter, Facebook. 19. Stand up for the timid and the underdog. 20. Never bully or humiliate another and teach your kids to not bully. Michael Mackenzie:Archdiocese of Chicago

Journey through Lent Feeding the Hungry

Staying Healthy The Archdiocese of Chicago has issued guidelines to avoid spreading illness. 1. Refrain from physical

contact during the Sign of Peace (Note: the Sign of Peace can be exchanged without physical contact)

2. Refrain from distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful via the chalice

3. Given the frequency of direct contact with saliva in the distribution of Holy Communion on the tongue, every consideration should be given by each individual to receive Holy Communion reverently in open hands for the time being.

4. Refrain from holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer.

5. Refrain from using Holy Water fonts.

And a common sense

reminder: if you are sick you are not obligated to attend Mass.

Learn About Catholic Charities at St. Blase in Summit Hunger and food insecurity don’t discriminate: the need for food varies among children, older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, the working poor, and others in every community in Cook County. Sometimes it is episodic and often cyclical. Food insecurity is the condition where people cannot reliably access adequate, nutritious food because of a lack of financial and other resources. People who are food insecure struggle to avoid hunger, a more narrow physiological condition when you don ’t have enough to eat. 1 in 7 people will experience food insecurity this year. Chicago Catholic Charities is active at St. Blase Church with several programs aimed at assisting the residents of Summit and surrounding communities. Services include a food pantry, a hot meal program, special nutrition programs for seniors, and a child care facility. FOOD PANTRY The food pantry serves residents at no cost to recipients. St. Blase provides one food package per month that will include canned goods, dried goods, and usually frozen meat. In addition, clients can come to the pantry each day it is open for food that is donated by local grocers, restaurants, and bakeries. The person coming to pick up the food needs photo identification and the birthday of anyone else in the household who is receiving food. Pantry staff is fluent in Polish and able to accommodate Spanish speakers. The pantry is open three days a week. HOT MEAL PROGRAM Catholic Charities operates a hot meal program at St. Blase for the hungry and homeless on Wednesday evenings. Anyone is welcome to attend at no cost. There are no residency or registration requirements. CHILD CARE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE The St. Blase Child Development Center is a daycare and after school program for children ages 3 to 12. It is the only certified child care center in the area. SPECIAL FOOD PROGRAM FOR SENIORS Every Tuesday St. Blase offers a special program for low income seniors and mothers with small children. They can receive a special package of commodity foods that will last for an entire month.

During the month of March SJC’s food pantry collection will be delivered to

St. Blase. The pantry is always in need of canned tuna, beans, vegetables,

toiletries and diapers. This Lent make it a point to bring nonperishable food to

our church narthex to feed people in need.


High School Youth Ministry


POPE FRANCIS SUGGESTIONS FOR FASTING! It is never too late to give something up for Lent. Nor is there a rule that prevents you from changing your fasting objects during Lent. Here is a list of suggested items for fasting this Lent: Fast from hurting words and say kind words Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude Fast from anger and be filled with patience Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope Fast from worries and trust in God Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity Fast from pressures and be prayerful Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others Fast from grudges and be reconciled Fast from words and be silent so you can listen Attributed to Pope Francis

TONIGHT is our ALPHA for Teens Party!

Come celebrate the end of our ALPHA for Teens sessions

and the beginning of what’s to come!

All are welcome….

Come to the Parish Center following 5pm Mass, 6:15-7:30PM.

See you there!

Registration for Girls Basketball League is OPEN!

All High School girls are welcome to join our Church League.

Register on our Youth Ministry Website.

Summer Opportunities for Service and Leadership

ALL SJC Teens (Rising Sophomores through Graduating Seniors) are invited

to experience our Summer Mission Trip to Detroit, MI

with Young Neighbors in Action, June 21-26, 2020.

We have just a few spots left. Sign up today on our website.

Notre Dame Vision~ For five days, sharpen your spiritual vision to recognize

God’s grace at work in your life and immerse yourself in the Notre

Dame campus. Summer 2020 dates: June 15-19, June 22-26,

July 6-10, July 13-17. Registration is now open.

Early deadline is March 28, 2020.

One Call~ a week of formation at Saint John’s University, Collegeville, MN,

led by world renowned speakers,

inspiring prayer, and community, July 21-26, 2020.

One Call is an institute dedicated to the engagement, empowerment,

and ongoing support of young liturgical musicians.

Registration is now open. Early deadline is March 31, 2020.

Parish School Youth Catechesis


Register for YC TODAY! Registration for the 2020-2021 school year has begun. Come to the YC office to register your children today. Consider volunteering as a catechist or classroom aid next year. All are welcome—parents, grandparents, and parishioners.

Thank you to the Parish School Advisory Board and the Teacher Recognition Trust who hosted a fabulous Parish School Gala last weekend! Over three hundred attended the “Old Hollywood” themed evening in celebration of our Parish School and teachers. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the Teachers Recognition Trust (TRT) and to the school to help offset the cost to provide the excellent Catholic education at St. John of the Cross Parish School. Thank you to all who supported this event in so many ways. Your generosity is truly appreciated. Last Saturday our parish second graders attended a Day of Preparation before receiving the sacrament of First Holy Communion. Students and parents attended a special Mass, practiced how to receive communion and then watched a video on how communion is made! Our Parent Association will again be hosting a Fun Run for students on Wednesday, March 18. Pledges from family and friends will benefit school technology and safety projects. Pictured below is our Run Pep Rally held in the school gym.

Parish News

The Women’s and Men’s Clubs invite you to a Cooking Night on

Thursday, April 2 at 7pm in the Parish Center

Pick a recipe from the Barefoot Parties cookbook

and bring your home cooked dish for all to sample.

Serving utensils, plates, cups, and napkins will be provided.

BYOB. Sign up on the parish website to attend and pick your recipe.

Call Christine Cook with questions at 630-220-3560 or

[email protected]

COOKING NIGHT


Women’s Club Flower Sale It’s time to order your

summer flowers, herbs, and plants You will love our quality and prices.

Place your orders now through April 6

online or in the Parish Center. Pick up on May 7.

Proceeds benefit the WC High School Scholarship Fund and

outreach to mothers and children.

Encore St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

Tuesday, March 17 12-2pm Parish Center

Join fellow parishioners and friends (60 and over) for a wonderful afternoon of food, drink and Irish dancers.

Attend with friends or get out to meet some new faces! Stop in the Parish Center to RSVP.

$20 per ticket.


St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

Tuesday, March 17

Monday, March 16, 2020 9:30am Spiritual Journeying 10:30am Meditation as 11th Step 2:30pm Adoration YC Session Today! 7:00pm Boy Scouts Tuesday, March 17, 2020 12:00pm St. Patrick's Day Luncheon 6:00pm RCIA Enlightenment 7:00pm Lenten Yoga & Meditation Wednesday, March 18, 2020 10:00am Chicago Catholic Scripture School 10:00am Ladies Bridge 2:30pm Meditation 3:30pm Mystics Study Group 3:45pm Cherub Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm Alpha 7:30pm Traditional Choir Rehearsal Thursday, March 19, 2020 9:00am Flourish 12:00pm Lenten Soup for the Soul 3:45pm Youth Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Interfaith Career Network Program 7:00pm LOSS Monthly Support 7:00pm Men's Club Board Meeting 7:00pm Women's Club Board Meeting 7:30pm Ensemble Rehearsal Friday, March 20, 2020 9:00am School Staff Retreat 7:00pm Stations of the Cross Saturday, March 21, 2020 8:00am Christian Meditation 10:45am Family Style Preschool Sunday, March 22, 2020 12:15pm Baptism Prep

Be Part of the Parish Advisory Council (PAC) The Parish Advisory Council is an advisory body to our pastor and is responsible for ensuring the parish is living out its mission. All are invited to serve on the Council. We meet three times per year. You will learn all that is going on in the parish, give your opinions on important topics, and meet fantastic friends. Email Chairperson Mike Francis if you would like to learn more! [email protected]

Exploring Lent: A Season of Hope and Healing St. Cletus CCW invites all to a Day of Hope and Healing with Vinita Wright, author, spiritual director and Loyola Press contributing editor on Saturday, March 21, 8am Mass followed by the session which begins at 9:30am through 2pm. The $10 fee includes light breakfast, lunch and presentation/handouts. To register call or email: Pat McLamore at [email protected] or 708-205-9678. Attendees are invited to bring items for Constance Morris House that include phone chargers, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair brushes, deodorant, and slippers/flip flops.

Better Resumes Resumes submitted online are often screened by an applicant tracking system (ATS). ATS software ranks your resume according to a variety of criteria such as keywords and skills, depending on the needs of the employer. Studies show that up to 75% of qualified job seekers may be overlooked by an employer because their resume did not follow ATS rules. Join us on Thursday, March 19 from 7-9pm in the Parish Center.

Parish News

YC Classes Sunday 10:15-11:30am - March 15 & Apr. 19, 26 Monday 6:15-7:30pm - March 16 & Apr. 20, 27 Adapted Catechesis - Sun. 9:00-10:00am - March 15 & April 19 7th and 8th gr Small Groups - March 15 (service day) in homes

Infant Baptisms

We also congratulate Patrick and Melinda McDermott who had Eve James baptized on March 1 by Deacon John Schopp assisted by Baptism team leaders Elizabeth and Andy Turcich. Also pictured are Eve’s big sisters and godparents.

SJC congratulates Lorenzo and Elicia Ovalle who had Sol Isabel baptized by Deacon Rich Voytas on March 8 assisted by Baptism team leaders Nancy and Joe Polacek. Also pictured is Deacon Voytas blessing the water with the children.


God of all creation,

we are made in your image

and are signs of your love.

Bless these children

who were given new life

as your adopted sons and daughters

through the waters of Baptism.

May they grow up

to know your name and

give you praise.

Bless the mothers and fathers

of these children.

Fill them with your strength

so that they will be models

of faith for their children,

nurturing and teaching

by word and example

to know you and

walk in your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

New Baby? Ready for Baptism? Call Theresa or Mary Beth in the Parish Center during regular business hours. Read about baptism on our parish website.

Interested in Becoming a Parishioner?

Welcome! Stop in the Parish Center office or register online. Our Welcome Coordinator Elizabeth Russell-Jones will share the many ways you can become involved at our parish and how we can serve you!

We all fear judgment. We fear being seen with all that’s inside us, some of which we don’t want exposed to the light. Conversely, we fear being misunderstood, of not being seen in the full light, of not being seen for who we are. And what we fear most perhaps is final judgment, the ultimate revelation of ourselves. Whether we are religious or not, most of us fear having to one day face our Maker, judgment day. We fear standing naked in complete light where nothing’s hidden and all that’s in the dark inside us is brought to light. What’s curious about these fears is that we fear both being known for who we are, even as we fear not being known for who we really are. We fear judgment, even as we long for it. Perhaps that’s because we already intuit what our final judgement will be and how it will take place. Perhaps we already intuit that when we finally stand naked in God’s light we will also finally be understood and that revealing light will not just expose our shortcomings but also make visible our virtues. That intuition is divinely-placed in us and reflects the reality of our final judgment. When all our secrets are known our secret goodness will also be known. Light exposes everything. For example, here’s how the renowned poet and spiritual writer, Wendell Berry, foresees the final judgment: “I might imagine the dead waking, dazed into a shadowless light in which they know themselves altogether for the first time. It is a light that is merciless until they accept its mercy; by it, they are at once condemned and redeemed. It is Hell until it is Heaven. Seeing themselves in that light, if they are willing, they see how far they have failed the only justice of loving one another. And yet, in suffering the light’s awful clarity, in seeing themselves within it, they see its forgiveness and its beauty and are consoled.” In many ways, this wonderfully captures it: When, one day, we stand in the full light of God, stripped naked in soul, morally defenseless, with everything we have ever done exposed, that light will, I suspect, indeed be a bit of hell before it turns into heaven. It will expose all that’s selfish and impure inside us and all the ways we have hurt others in our selfishness, even as it will expose its opposite, namely, all that’s selfless and pure inside us. That judgment will bring with it a certain condemnation even as it brings at the same time an understanding, forgiveness, and consolation such as we have never known before. That judgment will be, as Berry suggests, momentarily bitter but ultimately consoling. The one nuance that I would add to Berry’s idea is a something taken from Karl Rahner. Rahner’s

fantasy of our judgment by God after death is very similar to Berry’s, except that, for Rahner, the agent of that judgment will not so much be God’s light as it will be God’s love. For Rahner, the idea is not so much that we will be standing in an unrelenting light that sears and pierces through us, but rather that we will be embraced by a love so unconditional, so understanding, and so gracious that, inside that, we will know instantly all that’s selfish and impure inside us even as we know all that’s pure and selfless. Therese of Lisieux used to ask God for forgiveness with these words: “Punish me with a kiss!” Judgment day will be exactly that. We will be “punished” by a kiss, by being loved in a way that will make us painfully aware of the sin within us, even as it lets us know that we are good and loveable. For those of us who are Roman Catholics, this notion of judgment is also, I believe, what we mean by our concept of purgatory. Purgatory is not a place that’s separate from heaven where one goes for a time to do penance for one’s sins and to purify one’s heart. Our hearts are purified by being embraced by God, not by being separated from God for a time so as to be made worthy of that embrace. As well, as Therese of Lisieux implies, the punishment for our sin is in the embrace itself. Final judgment takes place by being unconditionally embraced by Love. When that happens to the extent that we’re sinful and selfish that embrace of pure goodness and love will make us painfully aware of our own sin and that will be hell until it is heaven. As a lyric by Leonard Cohen puts it: Behold the gates of mercy, in arbitrary space, and none of us deserving the cruelty or the grace. He’s right. None of us deserves either the cruelty or the grace we experience in this world. And only our final judgment, the embrace of unconditional love, God’s kiss, will make us aware both of how cruel we’ve been and how good we really are. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser

Judgment Day


Mass Remembrances Monday, March 16, 9:00am Lenten Weekday

† Jeremiah and Mary Albertson † Louis Perona and Lena Kuffel Tuesday, March 17, 9:00am Lenten Weekday

† John Doyle † Martha Okoh † Patricia Rogers † Pattie Turano † Bridget Gallagher † Patrick Woods Wednesday, March 18, 9:00am Lenten Weekday

† John Doyle † Joseph Nuzzo † Tony Banda † Curtis Kerzich Thursday, March 19, 9:00am Lenten Weekday

† Jacque Walsh and Jack Walsh † Joseph Russo † Eleanor Scalise Friday, March 20, 9:00am Lenten Weekday

† Bill and Jeanne Caplice † Fr. Ed Fealey Saturday, March 21, 9:00am Lenten Weekday

† Our Beloved Dead 4:00pm Mass of Anticipation † Theresa Scavuzzo † Frances Bielawski † Francis Reilly † Elsie Radtke † Frank Reilly † Norma Menendez Sunday, March 22 Fourth Sunday of Lent

7:30am † Fr. David Dowdle 9:00am † Liselotte Lisa Kotynek 11:00am † Norma Menendez † Mary Bass Cook † Patrick Woods † Victor Laurinaitis † Mary Ellen Sebastian † Gene Gallagher 5:00pm † John Doyle † Mary Joanne Berger Living Remembrances in Italics

Prayer Requests We Pray for Our Sick Rodrigo Ajates, Kathy Antczak, Beth Beutell, Robert Bright, Amanda Cook, Sarah Cook, Jean Culligan, Fran Domanskis, Baby Peter Eberhardt, Aggie Frolik, Frank Gembala, Magdalena Goslawski, Tommy Grady, Karen Hult, Thomas Ivaska, Cheri Jeffrey, John Johnson, Kathleen Johnson, Peggy Koucky, Lee Lepinske, Nancy Lohr, Jesse Lurito, Russ Meyers, Bobbie Misiora, Ernie Misiora, Rita Munch, Irene Musur, Loretta Palekas, Al Piorkowski, Alison Saegebrecht, Rachael Schopp, Michael Sheehan, David Skrzypcznski, Wendy Workman Stulgim, Shawn Sweeney, Jawara Vashhani, Robert Vitale We Pray for Our Loved Ones Serving Our Country Staff Sgt. Steven Foody, Sergeant Sebastian Grabacki, Staff Sgt. Joshua Tischler USAF Pararescue, Sgt. Daniel Pett, MAJ. James Maicke, Staff Sgt. Larry Waszak, Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Strafaci, Seaman Riley Strafaci, Seaman Emily Strafaci, Sgt. Michael Grabarek, Spc. Douglas Junius, PFC Kevin Lawinger, Lieutenant James Viano, First Lieutenant Caroline Lorenzini, Captain Emily Kopec, Petty Officer 2nd Class John Ilg, LCDR Kyle Harken, US Navy, Fr. Filbert Ngwila, Army Chaplain, ETN3 Joseph Kula, US Navy, Col. Mark Blanek, US Army, 2nd Lt. Nathaniel Greenberg, US Army, Chandler Muszynski, Master of Arms US Navy We Pray for Our Beloved Dead James Barron, father of Kathleen Brown, grandfather of 22 Harold Dohe, brother of Maureen Dohe Ruth Rosco, mother of Janice Hemauer, grandmother of 3 Wayne O’Connor, husband of Phyllis, father of John and Elizabeth, grandfather of 6

The soul that walks in love

neither tires others nor grows tired.

–John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross Parish Center 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-4404 Parish School Office 708-246-4454 Youth Catechesis Office 708-246-6760 Mass Schedule Weekday Mass: Monday-Saturday 9:00am Sunday Mass Times: 4:00pm Saturday Evening Mass 7:30am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 5:00pm

Rev. Marc W. Reszel, Pastor [email protected] Rev. Jesudas Gudime, Associate Pastor [email protected] Senior Deacon Joe Pepitone [email protected] Deacon John Schopp [email protected] Deacon Rich Voytas [email protected] Bill Bright, Director of Outreach [email protected] Janet Caschetta, Director of Youth Catechesis [email protected] Marguerite Chrusciel, Finance Manager [email protected] Frank DiPompeo, Plant Manager [email protected] Mary Beth Drafz, Digital Communications Coor [email protected]

Kathleen Gorman, Principal [email protected] Jessica Koch, Director of Music [email protected] MJ Martin, Director of Parish Operations [email protected] Katie Pruitt, High School Youth Minister [email protected] Theresa Reyes, Front Office Coordinator [email protected] Elizabeth Russell-Jones, Welcome Coordinator [email protected] Christina Turlek, Financial Assistant [email protected] Gale Voytas, Parish Ministry Assistant [email protected] Steven Weigand, Pastoral Associate [email protected]


Join fellow parishioners in the Community Room of church

after Mass on Sunday mornings for a cup of coffee and

conversation!

009239 St John of the Cross Church (B) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs

(708) 246-6006www.VersaciDental.com

DUPLEX ELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishioner www.duplexelectricservice.com

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installation

Staining & varnishing woodwork

Complete painting/staining of exteriors

Installation of chair & crown moldings,

baseboard & shoe moldings

John [email protected] (630) 337-8946Office (708) 246-5604Parishioner

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

Family owned and operated since 1885Parishioner

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester708-562-5900

www.conboywestchesterfh.com

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy HansonMatthew Conboy

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

708-352-00085440 S. LaGrange Rd., Countrysidewww.pisapizzacountryside.com

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

Best Work • Best RateSatisfaction Guaranteed AsWe Do All Our Own Work

Lic# 055-026066$$ Parishioner Discount $$

708-652-1444

• Personal Injury• Wrongful Death• Probate• Estate Planning• Guardianship Parishioner

915 West 55th Street, Suite 202Western Springs, IL 60558708.246.4911

www.covonelaw.com

“Quality Care YourLoved One Deserves!”

• Senior Care Staffing• Experienced Caregivers

Available 24/7• Live-In, Hourly,

Come-and-Go• Call Us For a

Free Assessment!

Family OwnedLicensed • Insured • Bonded

Over 20 Years Experience24/7 RNs on Call

630.717.9118www.byyoursidehc.com

DR. KEVIN J. SALVINOHinsdale Foot and Ankle Specialist

Board Certified630-789-1700

Affiliated with Hinsdale Hospital

SUNDAY & SATURDAY BRUNCH10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Brunch Menu & New Kids MenuHAPPY HOUR

Monday - Thursday • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PMAppetizers 1/2 OFF

EVENTS ON AND OFF PREMISES

Catering • Groups 20 to 150Funeral Lunches • Baby Showers

DISCOUNTS on Large Pizza OrdersDINE IN, TAKE OUT & DELIVERY

Open 7 Days708-354-9990

WWW.LUCCASPIZZERIA.COM

Residential • Commercial • IndustrialLic. #104000585

630.530.5944111 Maple Ave., Elmhurst

FEZEROOFING.COM

FREE ESTIMATES

Compassionate Home Care• Personal Care • Light Housekeeping• Errands • Meals • Laundry• Companionship

708.783.1220State Licensed | Highly Rated

homehelpershomecare.com/hinsdale

Western Springs

Striving to bethe Best in

Customer ServiceBROKERS

JEN MCGINN JEN HUBL 312.622.0326 708.655.0163 Lifetime Parishioner

[email protected] • www.Jen2homes.com

Say Good-bye to Clogged Gutters!• LeafGuard®

is guaranteed never to clog or we’ll clean it for FREE*

• Seamless, one-piece system keeps out leaves, pine needles, and debris

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Receive a $25 Lowe's Gift Cardwith FREE in-home estimate!

All participants who attend an estimated 60-90 minute in-home product consultation will receive a $25 gift card. Retail value is $25. Offer sponsored by LeafGuard Holdings Inc. Limit

one per household. Company procures, sells, and installs seamless gutter protection. This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. If married or involved with a life partner,

both cohabitating persons must attend and complete presentation together. Participants must have a photo ID, be able to understand English, and be legally able to enter into a contract.

The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of Company or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a Company

in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former Company customers. Gift may not be extended, transferred, or substituted except that Company may substitute a gift of equal or greater value if it deems it necessary. Gift card will be mailed to the participant via first class United States Mail within 21 days of receipt of the promotion form. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount of any kind. Offer not

sponsored or promoted by Lowe's and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation. Expires 3/31/20.

CALL BY 12/31 TO RECEIVE75% 50% OFF

LABOR**After 12/31/19 customer will be eligible

for 50% off labor. Does not include cost of material.

Offer expires 3/31/20.

x

BREAKFAST & LUNCHOpen 7 Days | 7am - 3pm

900 Plainfield Rd.Willowbrook 630.541.8958www.LumesBrunchCafe.com

Napleton’s Countryside Mazda6060 S. LaGrange Rd., Countryside

708.354.2700www.napletonscountrysidemazda.com

Buy Local from the

St. John of the Cross Family!

Get this weekly bulletin delivered by email - for FREE!Sign up here:https://www.jspaluch.com/BulletinSubscribe.aspxCourtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.

GREAT COVERAGE - 97% of all households attending church take at least onechurch bulletin home every Sunday. GREAT VALUE - 70% of all households are aware of and look at the advertising inthe church bulletin and 68% of households surveyed when making a choice betweenbusinesses are inclined to choose the one who advertised in the church bulletin.

Learn More About Advertising In Your Parish BulletinCall us at 1-800-621-5197

Email: [email protected]

IN YOUR LOCALCHURCH BULLETIN?WHY ADVERTISE

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATEDProviding Distinguished Service Since 1923

1025 West 55th Street, Countryside708-352-6500

www.HJfunerals.com

Air Conditioned Restaurant & Carry Out-Seating for 200-Delivery ServiceCALL 354-4500 YOUR ORDER WILL BE READY 5525 LA GRANGE RD.

OPEN DAILY11:00 AMDAILY &SUNDAY2:00 PM

FOOD&

LIQUOR

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY • Reconstruction • Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency

6961 Vine StreetIndian Head Park708-246-1263

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.Restorative &

Implant General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd.,Suite 120

Hinsdale 630-455-1666

Complete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

Individual - Marital - FamilyLorraine D. D’Asta, Ph.D.

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

FAMILY DENTISTRYKevin E. Collins, DDS, PC475 W. 55th St., La Grange

Office 708-354-5575After Hours Emergency – 708-408-3676

Maloney & Company, Ltd.Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

Specializing in Personalized Accounting, Tax and Consulting ServicesFor Individuals and Family Owned Businesses

61 Ogden Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514Dan Maloney, Parishioner Email: [email protected] (630) 887-0500

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook • 630-325-6550

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSuite 5

Western Springs

Pebble ValleyWealth Management

Kirk A. Kreikemeier, CFP®, CFA, FSAFinancial Planning & Investment Mgt

Fee-Only RIA & Parishioner

Root Canal Treatment, Dental Implants,

Wisdom Teeth Extraction, Emergency

Treatment, & Sedation

• Evening and Saturday Hours

• Most dental insurances accepted

Drs. Munaretto & Sommers, Parishioner 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange(708) 579-0488 www.cameods.com

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, Parishioner

Western Springs Resident

ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICESExperienced Polish Girls

Homes • Condos • OfficesFree Estimates

Insured 773.502.9369

Lawrence R. LewandowskiCPA/PFS, CFP® 30 YRS. EXP.

INCOME TAX PREPARATIONPERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

[email protected]

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and VarietyFull Service Bakery

825 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246.2894

COLDWELL BANKERMARY ELLEN “O’HARA” CONSIDINE

Nee: CaplisCell # (773) 704-4250V. Mail (773) 687-5181

[email protected]

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

Networking • WIFI • Internet(630) 789-3971 Tom

[email protected] www.pcmd.comWE STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS!

THE SUSAN SEMANATEALLSTATE AGENCY

915 55th St., Ste. 101 • Western Springs

708.246.8800

Quality Work – Reasonable Prices

DEMMISPLUMBING

& SEWERAsk for a

PARISHIONERDISCOUNT

708.420.0806www.demmisplumbing.com

EMERGENCYSERVICE

Lic# 102246

“Protecting yourReal Estate investmentfrom purchase to sale”

Camden Law Office, LLC630-789-5896

www.camdenlawoffice.com

Tina TzinaresAgentAUTO • HOME • LIFE • BANK

201 E. Ogden Ave., Unit 15Hinsdale, IL 60521630-789-1866www.tinainsuresme.com

PromptEfficientAffordableReliable

Jim Gruszka, Handyman(708) 601 8833

[email protected]

(630) 323-0275 | www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com

60 South Grant Street | Hinsdale, IL 60521

Terrence M. Sullivan • Brian D. Sullivan

Parishioner & School Family

Serving Families Like Yours for Four Generations

Yourad

couldbe in this

space!

Consider RememberingYour Parish in Your Will.

For further information, please call the Parish Office.

st. john of the cross parish · 3/15/2020 · scheduled for the parishes in our renew my church...

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