st. john of the cross parish · plan ahead for fall choir st. john of the cross parish 19th sunday...

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

For where your treasure is,

there also will your heart be.

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time August 7, 2016

St. John of the Cross Parish Morning of Meditation

Knowing Jesus —from your

Head to your Heart Presentation by Joan Binder

Also reflections by meditators, Periods of meditation,

and small group sharing

Saturday, August 20 Hospitality: 8:30am

Program: 9:00 -11:30am Parish Center

Free will offering accepted. Registration requested,

but not required [email protected]

or 708-246-5108

ALL ARE INVITED: Those who meditate, and those who want to learn

to meditate.

St. John of the Cross Parish 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time August 7, 2016

mailto:[email protected]

Plan Ahead for Fall Choir


Children’s Cherub Choir (Children in Grades 1-3) Practice is on Wednesdays from 3:45—4:30pm in church. The start date is Wednesday, September 7 with registration and a brief meeting at 4:20pm. Children’s Youth Choir (Children in grades 4-8) Practice is on Thursdays from 3:45–4:30pm in the church. The start date is September 8 with registration and a brief meeting at 4:20pm. 5 Alive Choir (Young adults, 8th grade and older) Practice is right before Mass at 4:15pm in church. No regular commitment

needed. Come when you can. The start date is Sunday, September 11. Contemporary Ensemble This group of singers, drums, guitars, and other instruments sings the best in contemporary worship music weekly at the Saturday 5 p.m. Mass and rehearses on Thursday evenings. Rehearsals resume on September 8 at 7:30pm in church. Traditional Choir This choir rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings and sings choral classics along with traditional hymns, spirituals and gospel style music each Sunday at the 10:45am Mass. Rehearsals resume on September 7 at 7:30pm in church. Resurrection Choir This choir leads singing at funerals and memorial liturgies. Any adult singer or instrumentalist whose schedule permits flexibility on some weekday and Saturday mornings is welcome and invited. Impromptu rehearsals take place prior to each individual funeral.

Questions for the Children’s Choirs and 5 Alive Choir can be directed to Ann Bourjaily-Maney at (708)246-4171 or [email protected]. Questions about the Adult Choirs can be directed to Jessica Koch, Director of Music, at [email protected].

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Psalm 98

mission of music ministries Proclaim the Gospel message through song by providing

vibrant music for worship in our parish. There is an opportunity for parishioners of all ages to participate: as a choir member, instrumentalist, cantor, or participant in congregational song.

mailto:[email protected]

Lifelong Learning


Background on the Gospel Jesus' instructions on how to be ready for the coming judgment continue in the stories and sayings found in today's Gospel. We are not to be like the greedy rich man in last Sunday's Gospel who planned to store his great harvest in barns rather than share it. We are, rather, to share our wealth with those in need. The antidote for the anxiety brought on by the coming judgment is to relinquish our possessions and provide for the needs of others. Our treasure will be in heaven where it will not wear out or be destroyed. The other major way to be ready for the coming judgment is to be watchful. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about watchfulness to begin making this point. We must be like servants waiting for the master's return from a wedding banquet, which, even now, can last for a few days in the Middle East. We must be watchful so that even if the master comes after midnight, we will be ready for him. This is what the coming of the Son of Man will be like. Peter asks if this parable is meant for the apostles or for the large crowd that has gathered to listen to Jesus. Without answering Peter's question, Jesus responds with another parable about servants awaiting the return of their master. It begins with a question: “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?” This parable adds to the theme of watchfulness; it explains how to wait and reminds us of the reward for the faithful follower at the heavenly banquet after the judgment. If it is addressed to the apostles, then it could also be addressed to leadership in the early Church. Either way, the parables reminds us that we should be found doing our jobs when the master arrives. If we are doing our jobs, our reward will be great. But if we relax, neglect our duties, and begin to act like the greedy rich man—eating, drinking, and making merry—we will not have a place in the kingdom. Watchfulness means living in such a consistently moral and obedient way that we are always ready to give an account to God of how we have lived. Loyola Press

Living the Gospel In both of these parables about a master’s absence, the critical issue is what the servants do while the master is away. They must be vigilant for the “master’s return” and faithful in doing “the master’s will.” But this faithful doing does not necessarily make the servants good servants. They might be vigilant and faithful in doing the master’s will out of fear of punishment. What the servants do must flow from who they are, their very being. They must be connected with their master in such a way that their doing is indicative of more than duty. Their doing is indicative of their desire for a wholesome, healthy relationship that is beneficial to both master and servant. When this relationship is in place, then even when the master is absent, servants who have appropriated his way of life will act as if the master were present. To belong to Jesus’ household— God’s kingdom—we must appropriate Jesus’ way of life. We are to be his living, saving Presence. In us, he is never absent. The real surprise of the gospel is that we ourselves, in our daily Gospel living of dying to ourselves for the sake of others, become more perfectly that presence of the very Master for whom we are vigilant. In a sense our vigilance is less about looking for Someone and more about being Someone. Our vigilance is for our own faithfulness. If we are preoccupied by possessions, schedules, work, sports, entertainment, and so forth, our hearts are already filled with exhaustible, insecure, and corruptible matters. The challenge of this gospel is to redirect our hearts to our true treasure, Jesus, and then be faithful disciples. The gift is great. Our Treasure is Jesus. ©Living Liturgy

Monday Ezek 1:2-5, 24-28c Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14 Matt 17:22-27

Tuesday Ezek 2:8–3:4 Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131 Matt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Wednesday 2 Cor 9:6-10 Ps 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9 John 12:24-26

Thursday Ezek 12:1-12 Ps 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62 Matt 18:21–19:1

Friday Ezek 16:1-15,60, 63 or Ezek 16:59-63 Isa 12:2-3,4bcd, 5-6 Matt 19:3-12

Saturday Ezek 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32 Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19 Matt 19:13-15

20th Sunday in OT Jer 38:4-6, 8-10 Ps 40:2, 3, 4, 18 Heb 12:1-4 Luke 12:49-53

May we be vigilant in doing God’s will and

always remain faithful followers of Jesus.

May we carry forward Jesus’ saving mission

with vigilance and fidelity.

Richard Rohr


Twelve-Step Spirituality: Steps Six and Seven Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings. Here again we see how Alcoholics Anonymous is aware of the power of powerlessness. All we can really do is be “entirely ready” to have God do the work. A. A. knows the limits of human willpower. For example, you don’t become loving by saying to yourself, “Be loving!” Instead, you recognize your “shortcomings,” the moments when you were totally unloving, and you weep over them. That doesn’t feel like power at all, does it? No one wants to go there. But it is actually a negative capability that creates space, desire, and momentum, like a stretched rubber band. You might say to yourself, “I just did it again! I treated that person as if they were inferior to me. Where does that come from inside of me? What is the part of me that needs to do that—that needs to control other people and think of myself as superior?” Until you catch yourself being unloving, I don’t think you will change. Unfortunately, most of us have been trained to strive for perfection by willpower and determination. In men’s work we call this the heroic journey. Self-assertion and striving characterize the young male, and this is the shape his ego takes. Yet all spiritual traditions at their more mature levels teach that the soul must be receptive before God and simply accept love, without heroic effort. It is a path of descent more than ascent, unlearning more than learning, letting go more than any performance principle. It takes a long time to believe this. If we try to fix ourselves, we’ll do it with the same energy that caused the problem in the first place—which only strengthens our ego style. Instead, the Twelve Steps ask God to do the work that only God can do. To reverse an old aphorism: We must pray as if it all depends on us, and work as if it all depends on God (yes, you read that correctly)! God is humble and never comes if not first invited, but God will find some clever way to get invited.

Gateway to Silence: Thy will be done.

God be in us this day

God ever with us stay

God be in the night

Keep us by thy light

God be in our hearts

Prayer


Prayer of St. Dominic May God the Father who made us bless us. May God the Son send his healing among us. May God the Holy Spirit move within us and give us eyes to see with, ears to hear with, and hands that your work might be done. May we walk and preach the word of God to all. May the angel of peace watch over us and lead us at last by God's grace to the Kingdom. Amen. Xavier University

Your Peace God, who is more than we can ever comprehend, help us to seek you, and you alone. Help us to stand before all that we could do and seek what you would do, and do that. Lift from us our need to achieve all that we can be and instead, surrender to what you can be in us. Give us ways to refrain from the busyness that will put us on edge and off center, give us today your peace. Amen. Xavier University

"I call on you, O God,

for you will answer me;

give ear to me and hear my

prayer."

- Psalm 17:6

Creator God, for the many wonders of our lives

we bless your name and find, in turn,

that we are blessed. Guide and strengthen us on life’s journey,

so that we may be the voice and face of Christ

in the world, through our actions, attitudes and presence. Give us the desire to be

instruments of your blessings in the places of our hearts and home,

both now and tomorrow. Amen.

Prayer for Parish Groups

This short blessing may be said by the parent at various times, such as when a child is going to play or to school, but especially when the child is going to bed each night. The parent makes the sign of the cross on the child's forehead or heart and says: May God bless you. May God keep you safe. God be with you. God be in your heart. May God bless and protect you. ~from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers

"So let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love, and once we begin to love each other naturally we want to do something." - Mother Teresa Who can I meet today with a smile and the beginning of love?

http://store.usccb.org/catholic-household-blessings-and-prayers-p/5-645.htm

Parish News

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Let us turn our hearts back to God and allow him to lead and guide us so that we can fulfill God’s plan and purpose for our lives and marriages. Sign up today to attend one of the upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends on August 12-14, 2016 or October 7-9, 2016 or December 9-11, 2016, all at Elk Grove Village, IL. Early registration is highly recommended. For reservations/information, call Jim & Kris at 630-577-0778 or contact us through http://wwme-chicagoland.org. Grief Support for Those Who Have Lost their Spouse Are you widowed? Do you need help moving on to the life God now sees for you as a single person? Attend the Joyful Again workshop/retreat and see the possibilities. Upcoming sessions are on August 13-14 at Mary Queen Parish in Elmhurst and October 22-23 at Nazareth Retreat House in Batavia. Register early as space is limited. Call 708-354-7211 or email [email protected]. Go to the website to see a short video to learn more at joyfulagain.org. Dominic's Doorway Bereaved Mom's Weekend Retreat Mothers who have lost a child to illness are invited to a special weekend small group retreat with other women who have experienced the same. The retreat, sponsored by Rustic Falls Nature Camp in Burlington Wisconsin (near Lake Geneva), provides a chance to connect with other moms and to share pictures and stories of your child. The camp is offered free of charge on Labor Day weekend from Friday, September 2—Sunday, September 4. Register online at: rusticfallsnaturecamp.org. Sacramental Formation for High School Teens Teens who are interested in receiving any of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation are encouraged to journey with other teens at Divine Providence Parish in Westchester. Please call Chris Schweihs-DeFoe at 708-562-3422 for more information. Prep sessions, which will be held on Wednesday evenings, will begin in September. Grief Support at Little Company of Mary, Evergreen Park Adults: Six consecutive Wednesdays beginning September 28 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Groups formed specific to loss. Registration required. ~ Children: Eight consecutive Mondays beginning September 19 from 6pm-7:30pm for children ages 5 to 18 years old who have lost a loved one. Early registration required. For more info and registration call 708-229-5484 or 708-229-4299. Protecting God’s Children Workshops at SJC Parish Center Thursday, August 25 from 9am-Noon or 6:30-9:30pm Wednesday, September 14 from 9am-Noon or 6:30-9:30pm Monday, September 19 from 6:30-9:30pm Register at www.virtus.org. Select “First-time registrant,” choose “Begin the registration process,” and choose “Chicago, IL,” and follow steps. This workshop is for all parents, coaches and volunteers who have contact with children. Q? Call Mary Beth at 708-246-4404 or 4454. Parish Domestic Violence Awareness Group Meeting Our next committee meeting will be on August 29 at 7pm in the Parish Center. Contact Chairperson, Mary DeMars, for more information: [email protected]. All are welcome.

Volunteer Opportunities The Dominican Literacy Center is in great need of women volunteers for its 2016-2017 session, which begins this September. This program offers tutoring in speaking and reading English to women in the Melrose Park area. It is unique in that it offers tutoring on a one-to-one basis for 1.5 hours per week. Four consecutive informative training sessions for volunteers will be held on Aug. 16, 18, 22 and 24 at 6:30pm. Volunteers need to attend all four training sessions. Tutoring and training sessions are held at the Dominican Literacy Center in Sacred Heart Parish. To volunteer or for more information, please call Sr. Judith Curran or Sr. Beverly Jeanne at 708-338-0659. Celebrating 50 Years? All couples married in 1966 are invited to attend the annual Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 2:45pm at Holy Name Cathedral. To register call the Marriage and Family Ministries Office at 312.534.8351. Job Help Interfaith Career Network invites everyone to hear speaker, Jim Fitzgerald, an accomplished Career Transition Specialist & Executive Coach, discuss “Nine Ideas A Smart Job Seeker Should Know” on Thursday, August 18 from 7-9pm in the Parish Center. Jim’s candid and insightful presentation promises to be very positive and helpful if you're looking to make a career transition. For more info go to interfaithcareernetwork.org. All ICN Programs are free and open to all.


http://wwme-chicagoland.org

http://wwme-chicagoland.org

http://www.rusticfallsnaturecamp.org

Outreach News


Thank You Notes Dear St. John of the Cross Partners, With the temperatures in the 90’s summer is here. Of course in the city summer brings on a host of other issues. The number of youth being admitted to Juvenile Detention Center always peaks during the summer months. Without any structure or meaningful opportunities to fill their days, trouble seems to find many youth in the city. The good news is that we are ready to embark on a summer program that looks to offer support and jobs to 25-30 youth. They will be in the academic vocational tracks, which will then continue in the fall. This program, with a lot of support from volunteers, will cover many areas of need: trauma, mentoring career exposure, academic support, etc. Each young person will also receive a small stipend. We are building off what we learned last year. The number of youth who are employed is growing. Our job readiness program is beginning to pay off. We have over 10 youth working in a variety of areas: construction, restaurants, warehouse maintenance, and urban gardening. It is exciting to be a apart of this experience. None of this could be possible without your support and encouragement. I thank you for your generous contributions to our PBMR Programs. Know that you and your families are in our prayers. Fr. Dave Kelly P.S. It was like when I was a kid—working on Joe’s bike last night in order for him to go to work today. Joe is a Jimmy John’s delivery person.

Thank You Notes Dear Fr. David, I am so grateful to you and everyone in your parish for contributing to the special collection for Catholic Charities on Mother’s Day. Thank you for sending your parish check for $25,774. These are difficult times for poor and vulnerable people and the organizations that help them. Words cannot express how much I appreciate your support and concern as we struggled to operate essential programs during the state budget impasse. If it were not for the generous hearts and offerings of your parishioners, Catholic Charities would not be able to preserve and expand the vital safety net of services that individuals and families rely on for food, shelter, child care, job training, substance abuse treatment, counseling, affordable housing and other needs. Your donation helps people recover dignity, gain stability, and attain the goals they set for themselves and their families. Thank you for your love, prayers, and generosity. May the love of Christ and His Blessed Mother bless your families and keep you close to each other and to God’s people in need. Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland President Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago Dear Friends, Thank you for your donation to Kolbe House. We appreciate your support for the jail ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Father Arturo Perez-Rodriguez retired on June 30. I became Director of Kolbe House and Pastor of Assumption BVM Parish on July 1. I am delighted to be assigned to the challenge of filling his big shoes. I am looking forward to getting to know these two communities and putting myself at the service of God’s people here. I am also most grateful for the faithful help of our friends. If I can be of service to you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be praying for you. Fr. Mark Bartosic Director

“At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made or how many great thing we

have done. We will be judged by “I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me I was homeless and you took me in.”

Jubilee of Mercy Ways to Get Involved

Sharing Parish St. Gall Volunteer Opportunities: Help St. Gall Parish and the surrounding community get ready for the new school year:

1. Volunteers are needed to assist at the Catholic Charities

Health Fair at St. Gall Parish School on Saturday, August 13 from 8am-1pm. Volunteers are needed for setup, registration, to greet and direct people, collect forms, give bilingual assistance, and clean up. Donations of water, coffee, and individual snack packages of trail mix for the doctors, nurses and volunteers can be dropped off at the Parish Center this week. To volunteer call Cathy Pesch 708-246-0432.

2. Many hands are needed on Wednesday, August 17 from

9am to 1pm at St. Gall Parish in Chicago for their Back to School Food & Supplies Event. All adults, teens, families, and confirmation candidates (with parent) are needed to help at this huge event, unloading and distributing 20,000 pounds of food bags, organizing and distributing school supplies, assisting any elderly, helping with clean up, etc. If you want to be a volunteer contact our Sharing Parish Representative: Cathy Pesch at 708-975-0432 or [email protected] by August 12. We will leave SJC parking lot by 7am to arrive for our 7:30am volunteer sign-in at St. Gall. Come be a part of a great day that benefits St. Gall parishioners as well as people in the surrounding community. Volunteer in the YC Office Assist the YC Staff as they prepare school supplies for the new year. Work in two hour shifts on August 9 or 11 from 9:30-3pm in the YC Office. Adults, teens, and confirmation candidates welcome. Call Liz Clawson at 708-246-6760 or [email protected] to sign up. Food Pantry Donations Bring healthy nonperishable food items to the church narthex. This month’s donations will go to St. Francis Xavier Parish Food Pantry in LaGrange.

God of Mercy, As you have forgiven us

So you send us forth To bear your message of mercy to all. Give us willing feet and gentle hands.

Bless us with listening ears and searching eyes.

Endow us with understanding minds. Ordain us with compassionate hearts.

In our acts and in our words Make us vessels of your mercy

To reach out to the broken On behalf of the Father who

wipes away our debts As lovingly as he wipes away our tears

And calls his children home. Help us lift your people in body and spirit. And so make every year a year of mercy.

Amen


God has blessed us with so much...how can I give thanks? I want to do something meaningful...where can I do that? With all the bad in the world I feel hopeless...where can I find hope again? THE ANSWER IS HERE: serving & mentoring our youth! Give thanks to God by sharing your faith with others. Supporting our youth in a major time of developmental transition is SO meaningful. Building positive lasting mentoring relationships will give you hope! We have places for adults to serve for a 1 time event, a 3 month activity, a year-long journey and a 4-year adventure. Contact Katie or Katie to get details on how you can join the Crossroads Youth Ministry leaders team! [email protected] [email protected]

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Ministry of Care

A year-long study of the Book of Isaiah will begin on Wednesday, September 7. Sessions, which will be facilitated by Madonna Muscarello, will be held every Wednesday morning from 9:15am-noon in the Parish Center. Register by August 19 by sending this form and a $50 check to cover materials to the Parish Center. The great Old Testament

Book of Isaiah, cited and applied in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament book, will be the subject of study by the Wednesday Morning Scripture Study group this year. Isaiah, summoned to be a prophet of the Most High God in the year 742 BC, was a counselor to four of the kings of the earthly kingdom of Judah in the years before the Babylonian invasions. His magisterial writings, however, point beyond the historical circumstances in which he prophesied to the Heavenly Kingdom, to the King of kings, and the to Counselor to surpass all others. The book of Isaiah prefigures in stunning imagery and prophecy the coming of Jesus Christ to such an extent that St. Jerome called it the Gospel of the Old Testament. This program is a publication of Catholic Scripture Study International and includes a weekly video presentation and a sturdy binder containing at-home study materials, commentary and questions for discussion. The commentary was written by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, and the video presentations are delivered by Fr. Patrick Winslow. Space is limited. Direct questions to Madonna Muscarello at 630.325.7990 or Steve Weigand at the Parish Center.

Book of Isaiah Scripture Study Registration Name: Phone: Email: Cash or Check to SJC for $50

Ministry of Care Ministers of Care are trained volunteers who visit, pray with and bring Holy Communion to the elderly or patients at RML Specialty Hospital, LaGrange Hospital, Hines VA Hospital or their home. Ministers complete 8 hours of training that cover the theological, pastoral, and practical aspects of ministering to the sick and dying. Ministers also receive additional instruction from our Pastoral Associate, Steve Weigand. Scheduling is based on your availability. Training fees are paid by the parish. Upcoming training dates are September 10 & 17 and January 14 & 21 from 9am-1pm at the Carmelite Center in Darien. Please call Steve Weigand for more information and to register. Diocesan policy suggests that every three years Ministers of Care receive updating for their ministry. Current Ministers of Care may take part in a renewal session on October 15 from 10-11:30am at the Carmelite Center in Darien. This opportunity will give current ministers a second look at the skills and theology of this important ministry. The parish covers the cost of the renewal session. Please call Steve Weigand for more information and to register.


Each one of us is called to bear the light of the Word of God and the power of grace to those who suffer, and to those who assist them – family, doctors, nurses – so that the service to the sick might always be better accomplished with more humanity, with generous dedication, with evangelical love, with tenderness. Mother Church, through our hands, caresses our sufferings and cures our wounds, and does so with the tenderness of a mother. Let us pray to Mary, Health of the sick, that every person who is sick might experience, thanks to the care of those who are close to them, the power of the love of God and the comfort of His paternal tenderness.. Pope Francis

Calm us Lord, and fill us with your presence. Heavenly Father, please grant me peace of mind and calm my troubled heart. My soul is like a turbulent sea. I can't seem to find my balance so I stumble and worry constantly. Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me. I trust your Love God, and know that you will heal this stress. Just as the sun rises each day against the dark of night. Please bring me clarity with the light of God. In your name I pray, Amen. -Unknown

Respect Life


As new parents, my husband and I are learning quite a bit these days. The past few weeks have been filled with new sights and sounds, new hopes and new fears. In the midst of it all, we are frequently offered advice that often is unsolicited, well-intentioned, and contradictory. And so we nod and we listen and let it wash over us, soaking in what seems worthwhile. And we are working first on listening to our son, trying to read his cues and coos as he learns to tell us what he wants in the best way he can. Of course, this kind of vigilance can be exhausting. A frequent conversation with my husband goes something like this: Me, speaking about our son, as my husband passes his crib: Is he breathing? My husband, pausing briefly: yes Me: Are you sure? My husband: yes Me: Can you just double-check? My husband, giving me a look and then dutifully pausing a second time: yes So I am trying to ask God to quiet those fears and worries, to help me to be present to my son, not out of worry, but with a sense of joy and love. Of course, God’s response to this is sometimes as hard to interpret as my son’s coos or cries. Still, I work toward finding that balance. Late one warm evening, the light from the alley outside our apartment sneaks through the window but is not enough to illuminate my son’s face as he lies sleeping in the co-sleeper in our room. And so I lean in close to him and hold my own breath for a moment in order to listen for his. And I hear his tiny breaths, and I smile and go back to bed. And then I hear a tiny coo and gurgle, my new favorite sounds. I bless him. Then I give thanks for that still, small voice that tells me so much without any words at all.

Kerry Weber is a Mercy Associate and Managing Editor of America magazine. Ignatian Spirituality

Almighty God, giver of all that is good.

We thank you for the precious gift of human life.

For life in womb, coming from your creative power

For the life of children, making us glad with their freshness and promise

For the life of young people, hoping for a better world

For the life of the handicapped and disabled, teaching us humility

For the life of the elderly, witnessing the ageless values of patience and wisdom.

Like Blessed Mary, may we always say yes to your gift.

May we defend it and promote it from conception to it's natural end

and bring us at last oh Father to eternal life, in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

The fight against abortion is part of the battle in favor of life from the moment of conception until a dignified, natural end. This includes the care of the mother during pregnancy, the existence of laws to protect the mother postpartum, and the need to ensure that children receive enough food, as well as providing healthcare throughout the whole length of life …On science being aware it is human life: A pregnant woman isn’t carrying a toothbrush in her belly, or a tumor…We are in the presence of a human being. Pope Francis

Crossroads High School Youth Ministry


Check out the great ways YOU can be involved this year: Freshmen: Join us for our Freshmen Experience....starting

Sunday, September 11 at 6pm in the Parish Center. Throughout your first semester we will introduce you to the

teens and adults who lead our ministry and will show you how you can continue on your journey of faith. It’s fun to

see old friends from junior high and new friends from high school that you didn’t even know are parishioners!

Throughout this first semester you’ll learn all the great

ways you can serve, grow and continue to experience God’s goodness.

Sophomores-Juniors-Seniors:

Plan to reconnect with your leaders & friends on Sunday,

September 11 at home groups—specific group times will come

from your leaders! Here are some additional ways

you can get connected: Join our Day of the Spirit Retreat

Team to lead the Oct. 22 retreat

for our 8th graders. Meeting dates are Aug. 21, 28*, Sept. 11, 18 Oct. 16, 18 from noon-

2pm in the Parish Center. Email Katie N if you are interested:

[email protected] Join our Freshmen Experience Team to introduce our

freshmen to the awesomeness of our ministry. You’ll

give ideas and suggestions as we plan out their first semester and help facilitate the start of their evenings

together. Email Katie H if you are interested: [email protected]

PLEASE REGISTER at www.stjohnofthcross.org/crossroads so we have parent permission and

support of our ministry!

ALL TEENS OF OUR PARISH ARE INVITED TO CONNECT WITH OUR SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

& SOCIAL EVENTS & MORE... WE ARE GEARING UP FOR A GREAT YEAR!!

COME BE A PART OF CROSSROADS!!

HEY HIGH

SCHOOLERS!!

CROSSROADS

IS CALLING!

The Little Plants that are Growing

What are we leaving the children? What examples are we setting? Do we teach them to walk in faith and truth? Or do we teach them with words but allow our lives to go in another direction? A Christian has to take care of children, the little ones, and pass on the faith, pass on what he lives, what is in his heart. We cannot ignore the little plants that grow. We all have a responsibility to give our very best, and the very best that we have is our faith. Pope Francis

Can you help us pass on the faith to our parish children as a YC Catechist or Aide?

A catechist is... A person who faithfully believes in Jesus and is a witness to His message.... A person who enjoys the company of children and youth.... A practicing Catholic willing to spend a couple of hours a week sharing faith they received... A person who wants to learn more about the Bible and Christ's teaching...... A parent, grandparent, single person, college student or high school student...

Answer God’s call today! You will enrich your life and the life of the children you teach. You will be successful! We will provide detailed, step-by-step lesson plans and all of the materials you need, ready-to-go. Class includes music, games, DVDs, crafts, special presentations, etc. You attend an orientation to familiarize yourself with SJC’s Youth Catechesis Program. Class times: Sunday mornings 10:15-11:30am or Monday evenings 6:15-7:30pm.

Give the YC Office a call today at 708-246-6760 or email Janet Caschetta, Director of Youth Catechesis,

at [email protected] to volunteer your time.


Hell is never a nasty surprise waiting for a basically happy person. Hell can only be the full-flowering of a pride and selfishness that have, through a long time, twisted a heart so thoroughly that it considers happiness as unhappiness and has an arrogant disdain for happy people. If you are essentially warm of heart this side of eternity, you need not fear that a nasty surprise awaits you on the other side because somewhere along the line, unknowingly, you missed the boat and your life went terribly wrong. Unfortunately for many us, the preaching and catechesis of our youth sometimes schooled us in the idea that you could tragically miss the boat without knowing it and that there was no return. You could live your life sincerely, in essential honesty, relate fairly to others, try your best given your weaknesses, have some bounce and happiness in life, and then die and find that some sin you’ve committed or mistake you’d made, perhaps even unknowingly, could doom you to hell and there was no further chance for repentance. The second of your death was your last chance to change things, no second chances after death, no matter how badly you might like then to repent. As a tree falls so shall it lie! We were schooled to fear dying and the afterlife. But, whatever the practical effectiveness of such a concept, because it really could make one hesitate in the face of temptation because of the fear of hell, it is essentially wrong and should not be taught in the name of Christianity. Why? Because it belies the God and the deep truths that Jesus revealed. Jesus did teach that there was a hell and that it was a possibility for everyone. But the hell that Jesus spoke of is not a place or a state where someone is begging for one last chance, just one more minute of life to make an act of contrition, and God is refusing. The God whom Jesus both incarnates and reveals is a God who is forever open to repentance, forever open to contrition, and forever waiting our return from our prodigal wanderings. With God we never exhaust our chances. Can you imagine God looking at a repentant man or woman and saying: “Sorry! For you, it’s too late! You had your chance! Don’t come asking for another chance now!” That could not be the Father of Jesus. And yet, the Gospels can give us that impression. We have, for example, the famous parable of the

rich man who ignores the poor man at his doorstep, dies, and ends up in hell, while the poor man, Lazarus, whom he had ignored, is now in heaven, comforted in the bosom of Abraham. From his torment in hell, the rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to him with some water, but Abraham replies that there is an unbridgeable gap between heaven and hell and no one can cross from one side to the other. That text, along with Jesus’ warnings about that the doors of the wedding banquet will at a point be irrevocably closed, has led to the common misconception that there is a point of no return, that once in hell, it is too late to repent. But that’s not what this text, nor Jesus’ warning on the urgency of repentance, teaches. The “unbridgeable gap” here refers, among other things, to a gap that remains forever unbridged here in this world between the rich and the poor. And it remains unbridged because of our intransigence, our failure to change heart, our lack of contrition, not because God runs out of patience and says: “Enough! No more chances!” It remains unbridged because, habitually, we become so set in our ways that we are incapable of change and genuine repentance. Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus actually draws upon a more ancient, Jewish, story that illustrates this intransigence: In the parallel Jewish parable, God does hear the rich man’s plea from hell for a second chance and grants it to him. The rich man, now full of new resolutions, returns to life, goes immediately to the market, loads his cart with food, and, as he is driving home, meets Lazarus on the road. Lazarus asks for a loaf of bread. The rich man jumps off his cart to give it to him, but, has he pulls a huge loaf of bread from his cart, his old self starts to reassert itself. He begins to think: “This man doesn’t need a whole loaf! Why not just give him a part! And why should he have a fresh loaf, I’ll give him some of the stale bread!” Immediately he finds himself back in hell! He still cannot bridge the gap. Kathleen Dowling Singh submits that in making a series of mental contractions we create our own fear of death. That’s true too for the afterlife: By making a series of unfortunate theological contractions we create our own fear of hell.

Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser


Our Fear of Hell

Mass Intentions Italics: Living Intention Monday, August 8 St. Dominic

7:45am Muriel Albertson; Our Beloved Dead Tuesday, August 9 St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

7:45am Charles Brody; Jill Smith Wednesday, August 10 St. Lawrence

7:45am John Gallagher; Anna Lee Thursday, August 11 St. Clare

7:45am Phil Donagan; Jeff Myeres Friday, August 12 St. Jane Frances de Chantal

7:45am Tara Bassi; Philip Corby Saturday, August 13 Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus; Blessed Virgin

8:00am Helen Bukovsky; Margaret Moore 5:00pm Shirley Kazragis; Mary Dowd Sunday, August 14 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:30am Vincent Domagal; Bubbles Sabath 9:00am Bob Rooney; Sylvester Ptak 10:45am Jill Jodlowski; Greg Perona (No 12:15pm Mass for the summer months) 5:00pm John Piszczor; Bubbles Sabath

Pray for Our Loved Ones Serving Our Country Sgt. Steven Foody, son of Tom & Sandra Foody Sergeant Sebastian Grabacki, son of David & Jan Grabacki Sr A Joshua Tischler USAF Pararescue, grandson of Betty & Frank Madler & Mary Tischler A Navy Seal, a relative of our parishioner Lance Corporal Daniel Pett, nephew of Kathryn Stimetz Capt. James Maicke, grandson of Phil & Mike Maicke Sgt. Robert Marburger, son of David and Kathleen Marburger Sgt. Larry Waszak, grandson of Bruno and Barbara Gacek Petty Officer 3rd Class Mathew Strafaci, grandson of Sandra & Jim Strafaci Lance Corporal David Strafaci, grandson of Sandra & Jim Strafaci

Rev. David P. Dowdle, Pastor [email protected] Rev. William J. Vollmer, Assoc. Pastor [email protected] Deacon John Schopp, Deacon [email protected] Bill Bright, Director of Outreach [email protected] Janet Caschetta, Director of YC [email protected] Kathleen Gorman, Principal [email protected] Katie Hayes, Dir of Crossroads [email protected] Jessica Koch, Director of Music [email protected] MJ Martin, Director of Operations [email protected] Steven Weigand, Pastoral Associate [email protected] Reservations [email protected]

Pray for Our Sick Rita Barnes Anna Marie Berland Tracy Bucciarelli Daniel Burke Judy Burke Bradley John Burton III Gloria Ann Byrd Addie Callahan Bill Cochran Crystal Deters Mildred Fitzgerald Lynn Freking Marie Frieh Christopher Gallagher John Gannon Kathleen Gros Robert Hartnett Randall Hemauer Alfred Hesse Karen Hult

John Impens Curtis Kerzich Byrd Kelly George Kojima Athie Lanahan Kyle Lane Nancy Lohr Fillipa Lupetini Bobbie Misiora Ann McGuire Frank Mraz Frank & Marge Pipal Anthony Placek, Jr. David Sarros Kelly Seebruch Deloris Simonek Duane Szymakowski Mark Tomko Don Vollmer Monica Westell

Pray for Our Beloved Dead Al Korenkiewicz, father of Alan and Robert, grandfather of 3, great grandfather of 1 Jerry Callahan, husband of Addie, father of Dave

Marriage Banns Eileen Boyle & Michael Perich


Monday, August 8 10:30am Step 11 Christian Meditation 2:30pm Adoration 7:00pm LOSS Meeting 7:00pm Seasons of Hope Tuesday, August 9 8:00am Office of Cath School Meeting 7:30pm Christian Meditation 7:30pm Ignite Wednesday, August 10 1:00pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 8:30am New School Staff Orientation 2:30pm Christian Meditation 6:00pm Class of 2012 Sending Thursday, August 11 Friday, August 12 Saturday, August 13 7:00am Christian Meditation 10:00am Used Uniform Sale Sunday, August 14 12:00pm Baptisms

Lord Jesus, who went about doing good and healing all, we ask you to bless your friends who are sick. Give them strength in body, courage in spirit, and patience with pain. Let them recover their health, so that, restored to the Christian community, they may joyfully praise your name, for you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Next Saturday!!

DUPLEXELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishionerwww.duplexelectricservice.com

Funeral, Cremation& Memorial Services

www.ZarzyckiManorChapels.com

Modern Service with Traditional DignitySM Since 1915

Chicago Willow Springs773-767-2166 708-839-8999

We are proud to be a local,family owned & operated business.

Member FDIC

A Place for Faithand Dialogue

Catholic Theological Union in Chicago,a graduate school of theology and

ministry, offers Certificates andDegrees on campus and online.

❖ Exceptional Faculty❖ Scholarships/Financial Aid

❖ Day & Evening Classes

www.ctu.edu773.371.5523

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installationStaining & varnishing woodwork

Complete painting/staining of exteriorsInstallation of chair & crown moldings,

baseboard & shoe moldings

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

COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE• Meals • Personal Care • Companionship• Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Errands

708.783.1220 www.MaryAndMikeCare.comMichael & Mary Doepke, RN • ParishionersState Licensed

SCOTT MAZURMORTGAGE LENDER

PARISHIONER DISCOUNTPARISHIONER FOR 45 YEARS

708-692-7621WILL WAIVE CLOSING COST

FOR SJC [email protected]

NMLS #755878

009239 St John of the Cross Church (B)

Quality Work – Reasonable Prices

DEMMISPLUMBING

& SEWERAsk for a

PARISHIONERDISCOUNT

[email protected]

EMERGENCYSERVICE

Lic# 102246

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

INCOME TAX PREPARATIONPERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

[email protected]

Shop Well Eat Well Live Well4700 Gilbert Ave.

Western Springs, IL708.246.6210

www.MarianosFreshMarket.com

Computer Color Match PaintLawn and Garden

Electrical & Plumbing SuppliesWindow & Screen Repair

Weber and Toro Sales & ServiceMonday-Friday 8am-7pm

Saturday 8am-5:30pmSunday 9am-4pm

835 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246-0892

www.truevalue.com/villagehdw

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN

SUNDAY BRUNCH10:00am-2:00pm

Craft Brunch CocktailsLunch 11am-3pm • Dinner 3pm-10pm

7 Days • Take Out & DeliveryPARTY ROOM For All Your Special Occasions

708.354.9990108 W. Burlington, La Grange

www.luccaspizzeria.com

Gregg Communications Systems, Inc.Telephone Equip. Voiceover IP (VoIP)

38 Years in BusinessMary Dine 630-571-7000 www.greggcomm.com

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

• Joyful Companionship• Personal Care • Light Housekeeping

• Meals • Laundry • ErrandsState Licensed

708.263.6055www.DestinySeniorCare.com

JohnBourjaily

PROFESSIONALISM UNCOMPROMISED

630.915.5505www.bourjproperties.com

SJC Family Parishioners For Over 50 Yrs.

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

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Reconstruction• Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency6961 Vine StreetIndian Head Park708-246-1263

Denise Pozen Photography“Your Parish Photographer”

To view and order photosfrom SJC events visit

vando.imagequix.com/s9y6e9fand choose the galleryyou would like to view.

Also available for private events708-352-2771

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

Office 354-5575After Hours Emergency – 354-2281

Kitchens • Bathrooms • AdditionsDan MaddenParishioner 246.8898708

TheCOMMUNITY BANK of WESTERN SPRINGS

A branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company®

1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-7100

ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICESExperienced Polish GirlsHomes • Condos • Offices

Free EstimatesInsured 773.502.9369

Expert Interior Color Consultation(630) 687-8895 [email protected]

“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

Saint MargaretSunday MissalAn ideal companionfor personal prayer.

In Stock & Ready to Order Today.

CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95

800-566-6150 • www.wlpmusic.com

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

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

Providing Distinguished Service Since 19231025 W. 55th Street, Countryside • (708) 352-6500

www.HJfunerals.comFAMILY

OWNED &OPERATED

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs(708) 246-6006

www.VersaciDental.comComplete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

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

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

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

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSte. 5

Western Springs

Dr. Irene D. Combs....is pleased to announce

Carolyn J.Newcome Sparks

has joined our team504 Hillgrove Western Springs

Mon & Wed 9-6 PMTuesday 9-7 PM

Friday 9-5 PM Saturday 8-1 PM

708-286-1100www.combseyecare.com

Comprehensive FamilyEyeCare for ages 3-103!

Most Insurances Accepted

OPEN 7 DAYS

708.246.0380

The Freshest & Finest Meats,Poultry, Seafood, Deli & More

915 Burlington Ave.Western Springs

www.CaseysMarketOnline.com

Serving Up Good Old-Fashioned Customer Service

ALLMAKEAPPLIANCE REPAIR

All Major U.S. Brand Appliances Repaired708-579-5262 6934 Crest Road-Darien

We SinceWelcome 1983Watching

CAMEOENDODONTICS

Practice Limited to Root CanalTherapy and Dental Implants

• Evening and Saturday Hours• Most dental insurances accepted• Parishioner discount

Drs. Munaretto & Sommers, Parishioners• 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange(708) 579-0488 www.cameoendo.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

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A)

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

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

Lic# 055-026066$$ Parishioner Discount $$

708-652-1444

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.

Restorative and Implant

General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd., Suite 120

Hinsdale, IL 60521

(630) 455-1666

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and VarietyFull Service Bakery

825 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246.2894

NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTERRev. James Watzke, Ph.D.

Depression - Anxiety - StressFamily - Separation - Divorce

Sub Abuse - Medicare - EspañolOakbrook Terr. 630.691.1114

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

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

Parishioner915 West 55th Street, Suite 202

Western Springs, IL 60558708.246.4911

www.covonelaw.com

WILD GINGERASIAN CUISINE & SUSHI

DINE IN • CARRY OUT • CATERING

630-323-188844 S. Washington St., Hinsdale

ORDER ON LINE:www.wildgingerhinsdale.com

OPEN: Mon-Thur 11am-9:30pmFri-Sat 11am-10:30pm • Sun 12noon-9pm

Parishioner

[email protected] S.J.C. Women’s Club President

Call For Free Market Analysis

8 East HinsdaleHinsdale, Illinois

For beautiful and thoughtful gifts

921 Burlington Ave., W. Springs

708 246-1600BRIDAL REGISTRY • CLOTHING • HOLIDAY DÉCOR

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, ParishionerWestern Springs Resident

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

Family owned and operated since 1885Parishioner

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester

708-562-5900www.conboywestchesterfh.com

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy Hanson

Matthew Conboy

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

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

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

Hot Foods • Deli • DessertCatering Platters

Delicious Meats & CheesesProduce and GroceriesPolish and Lithuanian

Family Owned Business$5 OFF any purchase of $50 or more

7145 S. Kingery Hwy. Route 83Willowbrook, IL630.655.2200

Mon-Fri 8am-9pm • Sat 8am-8pm • Sun 8am-6pm

60 South Grant Street | Hinsdale, Illinois 60521

(630) 323-0275www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com

THOMAS R. KRONE, ESQ.• REAL ESTATE • PROBATE

• BUSINESS LAW630-968-5553 Parishioner

CLEANOLOGY CORP.Home & Office

Cleaning Services

www.cleanologycorp.com6th Cleaning FREE W/this ad!

773-505-5658

Alexandria Z. Meccia, M.D.DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF LAGRANGE

Parishioner 708.482.32135201 S. Willow Springs Rd.

Suite 430 LaGrange

COLDWELL BANKERMARY ELLEN “O’HARA” CONSIDINE

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

[email protected]

John LinehanFinancial AdvisorDirect: (312) [email protected]

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC,© 2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

st. john of the cross parish · plan ahead for fall choir st. john of the cross parish 19th sunday...

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