The Lord God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky … · 2011-08-17 · The Lord God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.

The Lord God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. Gn 15:5-6

Public domain photo from the Hubble Telescope

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Mission Statement : The Roman Catholic Saint Thomas More Parish Family welcomes and invites every person to join us on our journey in faith and celebration. With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all, especially in loving service to those in need. As part of the Universal Church, we affirm the dignity of every person. All this we do to give glory and honor to God.

Pastoral Staff Pastor ....................................... Reverend Michael J. Yadron; Ext. 312

[email protected] Associate Pastor .......................... Reverend Richard C. Holy; Ext. 314

[email protected] Deacons .................................................................. Mr. Joseph Stodola ............................................................................ Dr. Napoleon Tabion ............................................................................ Mr. Daniel Zurawski Stewardship Director ...................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Pastoral Care Coordinator ............ Deacon Napoleon Tabion; Ext. 315 Director of Religious Formation ......... Mrs. Sandra Morgan; Ext. 332

Parish Office Staff Office Hours: Monday ~ Friday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Web Site www.stm-church.com E-mail address is: [email protected] Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax............ 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ............................................. Mrs. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309 E-mail address for bulletin is: [email protected] Daytime Receptionist ................................ Mrs. Susan Strain; Ext. 310 Evening Receptionist ............................. Ms. Veronica Brtos; Ext. 310

Pastoral Ministries Circle of Prayer ........................................ Mary Jo Humpfer 836-5002 Environment & Art ............................................ Jean Bados 836-8610 Eucharistic Ministers .......................................... Ruth Banas 836-5387 Hospitality Ministry ....................................... Ann D’Orazio 838-9343 Lectors ............................................................... Jim Kaspar 836-2343 Music Ministry .................... Miss Angie Lorandos 836-8610, Ext. 338 Nursery ................................................. Kaaren A. Mashura 836-5079 St. Vincent dePaul ............................. Mrs. Kathy Georgelas 836-8610 SVDP Youth Conference ................................. Janyne Little 838-0597 Vocations Committee .............................. Mrs. Mary Kochis 322-7262

2009-2010 Pastoral Council Tom Alexander ......................................................... Margaret Canady Kevin Cloghessy .................................. Elaine Herrmann, Chairperson Don Kopenec ................................................................ Jackie Kovach Phil McIntosh ....................................................................... Lucy Perz Dwight Reed .................................................................. James Secviar Joyce Stodola ................................................................. Timothy Rutz

St. Thomas More School Pre-School through 8th Grade Office Hours: M-F 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. School web site ~ www.stm-school.com School Phone ......... 836-9151 School Fax ......................... 836-0982 Principal ................................................... Mr. Chet Nordyke; Ext. 328 School Administrative Assistant…..Mrs. Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328 School Reception & Office Associate Mrs. Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 329 Dir. of Student Special Services ................. Mrs. Tina Boyle; Ext. 323 Home & School Association. ................. Mrs. Vesna Sopcic 864-1721 Parish & School Offices Associate ........ Mrs. Pam Wadycki; Ext. 339

Cornerstone Center 8635 Calumet Avenue ~ Munster, IN 46321 Phone .................................................................................... 836-2660 Fax ........................................................................................ 836-2655

St. Thomas More Religious Education Kindergarten through 8th Grade Office Hours:M-F 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Religious Education Phone ........................................................... 836-8610 Director ........................................................ Mrs. Sandra Morgan; Ext. 332 Administrative Assistant ................................ Mrs. Charlotte Herr; Ext. 336 Grades K through 8 ~ Wed. & Thurs. 4:30 ~ 6:00 p.m.

Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education ........................................................ Mrs. Elaine Caco Parish Life ...................................................................... Mrs. Marilyn Pajor Peace & Social Justice ..................................................... Mr. David Kapala Spirituality & Worship ................................................ Mrs. Margot Blocher Stewardship ............................................................................ Diane Houser

Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ........................................ Cindy Keilman 923-9862 Elizabeth Ministry ................................................ Pam Domasica 838-7940 Holy Name Society ..................................................... Joe Adams 865-3566 Senior Citizens ........................................................ Mary Wilson 838-9481 Respect Life ............................................................ Alice Wohler 836-5337 Knights of Columbus ..................................... Thomas Alexander 922-0686 Blue Army .................................................. Rose Marie Malburg 836-8779 Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Planned Giving ..................................................................... Ken Krupinski Building Maintenance .................................................... Bob Ray 924-6472 Boy Scouts ........................................................... Paul Liszewski 864-1082 Cub Scouts ................................................................ Curt Anglin 844-2178 Girl Scouts ......................................................... Barbara Jamrose 922-3783 Catering/Hall Rental ........................................ Kathleen Pagorek 972-0539 Mom’s Group ............................................................ Kim Power 838-5058 Ushers Club ......................................................... Jim Marmalejo 836-8607 Gabriel Project ..................................................... Kathy Trotman 836-4329

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321

Sacramental Information Confessions Saturdays ............................................................. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. First Friday ............................... 1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. Mass Baptisms ............................... First and Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Parents must be registered parishioners and regularly attending at least six months before the baptism. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic.

Pre Baptism Class ..................................... 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism. Marriage .............. Must be a registered, practicing member of the parish at least six months before beginning the six month preparation program for marriage.

Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound: Call the Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.

New Parishioner Registration To make it as convenient as possible for you, new parishioners may register at any time in the Parish Office. New Parishioner Orientation New parishioners are invited to attend a New Parishioner Orienta-tion at 9:00 a.m. in the Solar Room on the last Sunday of every month. If you have not yet registered and want more information about our parish, you are welcome to attend the orientation.

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Wednesday, March 3 ~ Lenten Mass 7:00 pm C. Lusk, M. McGrath, M. Perez MC ~ Greg

Friday, March 5 ~ Stations of the Cross 7:00 pm J. Surd, M. Switalla, J. Topor

Saturday, March 6 8:30 am B. Nowak, B. Riebe 5:30 pm B. Hanusin, E. & R. Jachna, C. Yothment, D. Owens MC ~ Joe

Sunday, March 7 6:30 am J. & V. Foster, M. O’Brien 8:00 am A. Bilse, M. Pukoszek, B. Seligman, L. Rouse, C. Slivka MC ~ Caleb 10:00 am B. & E. O’ Neill, J. & M. Peters, J. Ratajack MC ~ Nick 12:00 noon K., K. & M. O’Brien MC ~ Ted

SUNDAY, February 28 — Second Sunday of Lent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am William Koch (Ann.) by Paul & Janice Liszewski & Family 10:00 am Chester Wleklinski by All Seasons Chorale 12:00 pm Marian Veldkamp (Ann.) by Steffie, Linarae & Robert Mueller MONDAY, March 1 6:30 am Chester Wleklinski (Ann.) by Joann Wleklinski 8:30 am Joseph Pellar (Ann.) by John & Claudia Pellar TUESDAY, March 2 6:30 am Marie Stacher by Bernie & Kaaren Mashura 8:30 am Assunta Ferrara by Sisters Tina & Marie 10:00 am Joseph A. Durdov by Jeff & Mickie Stur (MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 4) WEDNESDAY, March 3 — St. Katherine Drexel 6:30 am Eugene Baker by Wife Vicki 8:30 am Kayla Pastor (Ann.) by Family 7:00 pm For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased THURSDAY, March 4 — St. Casimir 6:30 am Harry & Carol Ruges by Leroy & Mary Frank 9:00 am Elvira Ferrara (Ann.) by Daughers Tina & Maria FRIDAY, March 5 — First Friday 6:30 am Jose Alvarado (Ann.) by Art & Dorothy Giannini 8:30 am Mary & Joseph Rossi by Dorothy & John Jurkash SATURDAY, March 6 — First Saturday 8:30 am Richard Wilson (Ann.) by Wife Mary & Family 5:30 pm John Albizati (Ann.) by Family SUNDAY, March 7 — Third Sunday of Lent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Gene Baker (Ann.) by Wife Rosemary & Family 10:00 am Cyril Moran by Wife & Daughters 12:00 pm Eugene & Patricia Chudy by Ron Kornatowski

CELEBRANTS Saturday, March 6 5:30 pm Father Rick Holy

Sunday, March 7 6:30 am Father Rick Holy 8:00 am Father Rick Holy 10:00 am Father Mike Yadron 12:00 noon Father Mike Yadron

Second Sunday in Lent February 28, 2010

.

Greeters for March 6 and 7, 2010

5:30pm Main: Bill & JoAnn Karr

Chapel: Dick & Nancy Hemingway

6:30am Main: Val Rudakas Chapel: Joni Zurad

8:00am

Main: Dagmar Reay Chapel: Art & Mary Halpin

Choir: Mary Silvasi

10:00am

Main: Don & Carol Kopenec Chapel: The Ponce Family

Choir: Paula & Jose Serrano

12:00pm

Main: Diane Gralewski Chapel: Dominique Mercier

Choir: Pat Batchelder

“Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. Since the first century the Church has

affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is

gravely contrary to the moral law.” (Catholic Catechism, 2270-2271)

The Knights of Columbus are partnering with the Right to Life organization in manning the 40 Days for Life Vigil at Planned

Parenthood in Merrillville. Parishioners are asked to find time to spend at the vigil which began on Ash Wednesday. Please call

Right to Life at 838-1138 for more information.

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Second Sunday of Lent

Ten days into Lent, and we can't wait for Easter. Maybe it's that we haven't gotten used to the fasting yet. Or maybe it's that we haven't been as good at the extra prayer we promised ourselves that we would do. Even the church recognizes that we need a little boost to move us along. That's why we hear the Gospel of the Transfiguration on this Second Sunday of Lent. It is just a little foretaste, an appetizer, of what Easter is to be. For those of us who are already baptized, and for those who are preparing for baptism, the image of the glorified Christ stands as a beacon of what we are to become when we share in the fullness of the Resurrection. Paul writes to the Philippians that Christ "will change our lowly body to conform to his glorified body." That is the hope that is held out to us as we progress through Lent. In this season we unite ourselves to Christ so that we may become more like him. But we abandon this world, looking for some far-off promise of glory. Our almsgiving, our care for the poor, is a reflection of Christ's love for everyone. When we reach out a little more this Lent (often made possible because we've decided to give something up, and so have extra available to give away) we act like Jesus, who gave up his life for us. His suffering and death on the cross found fulfillment in his resurrection from the dead. When we care for others through our own sacrifice, we are helping to transfigure their lives, letting a little bit of God's glory be seen through our transforming love. The Transfiguration reminds us what awaits us after our own suffering if we are faithful to the commands of Christ.

Readings for the Week of February 28, 2010

Sunday: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18/Phil 3:17---4:1 or 3:20---4:1/Lk 9:28b-36 Monday: Dn 9:4b-10/Lk 6:36-38 Tuesday: Is 1:10, 16-20/Mt 23:1-12 Wednesday: Jer 18:18-20/Mt 20:17-28 Thursday: Jer 17:5-10/Lk 16:19-31 Friday: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a/Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 Saturday: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20/Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Next Sunday: Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15/1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12/Lk 13:1-9

P lease pray for the sick of our parish....

Chuck Heggi Eleanore Heggi Marie Henke Evelyn Hennes Robert Hesek Ray Humpfer Steve Izzo Dennis Jablonski Elizabeth Jacob Stanley Jayjack Rosemary Jerzak-Staszel Emery Johns Dorothy Jurkash Debbie Kaczka Robert Kalka Margaret A. Kapala Carol Keilman Rev. Matthew Kish Josephine Knesek Janet Knight Alice Kolember Ken Kors Dorothy Kovach Helen Krull Julia Kukta Jerome Kula Debbie Le Monier Mary Leahy Jo Lisiniewicz Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz Maria Lovell Gregory Mahoney Mary Manchak Brady Martin Kathryn McBride Joseph McShane Joseph Mendoza Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Olga Mihalo

Andrew Moll David Moll Gerald Moran Jean Narvid Donna Nichols Steven Nowaczyk Bella O’Bryan Valerie O’Donnell Danny Ogren Audrey Ostroff Johanna Petruch Andrew Pieczyrak Stanley Pilarczyk Elizabeth Pilones Adam Potapczak Helen Pukoszek Anthony Saklaczynski Ann Sardella Mary Sarnowski George Sauer Jean Schultz Marie Schultz Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz Zachery Scriff James Secviar Renee Shehan Cynthia Sindall Carolyn Smiley Deborah Stareck Carolyn Sutley Georgianne Suto Rose Theis Gerardo Trevino Anthony Ubuane Julia Vrbanich Adele Wall Sally Walters Lucille Wonnell Cecilia Ziegler

Coleen Alexander Margaret Amatulli Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio Irene Baker Cody Baldwin Norm Banas Antonio Belmonte Tom Bernacke Michael Berry Michael Blazevich Diane Bochnowski Michael Boston Cheryl Bostrom Stephany Burney Dorothy Campbell James Campbell Lorraine Caparelli Al Carollo Carol Carollo Kathleen Cecil Jacqueline Morrow Christian Frank Coman Vincent Corsello Mike Curtain Irene Dettmer Irene Dickey David Drewniak Marian Dzurovsak Sr. Beatrice Flahaven Elizabeth Follmer John Forde Phyllis Garber Andrea Garritano Joseph Gasiorek Karen Gianotti Dorothy Gillespie Howard Gralewski James Grunewald Ceil Guziar Amy Hayes

Phyllis DeAngelo Ronald E. Evans Gregory Nevers

Genevieve Putchaven

SUNDAY, February 28 All Masses St. Vincent DePaul Food Collection 9:00 am New Parishioner Orientation ~ Solar Room

MONDAY, March 1 7:00 pm Blue Army ~Chapel 7:00 pm Peace and Social Justice ~ Teachers’ Lounge 7:00 pm Vocation Comm. ~ Conference Room

TUESDAY, March 2 9:00 am Moms’ Group ~ Solar Room 9:15 am Eucharistic Adoration ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Video Bible ~ Conference Room 7:00 pm RCIA ~ Solar Room

WEDNESDAY, March 3 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 1:00 pm Senior Citizens ~ Solar Room 4:30 pm—6:00 pm ~Religious Education Classes 7:00 pm Lenten Mass ~ Church 7:00 pm Spring Fling Committee ~ Solar Room

THURSDAY, March 4 4:30 pm—6:00 pm ~ Religious Education Classes 7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church

FRIDAY, March 5 4:30—8:00 pm 8th Grade Fish Fry ~ Gym 2:15 pm School Stations of the Cross ~ Church 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross ~ Church

SATURDAY, March 6 8:00 am First Saturday Rosary ~ Church

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The Pastor’s Page

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE College student: "Hey, Dad! I've got some great news for

you!" Father: "What, son?" College student: "Remember that $500 you promised me

if I made the Dean's list?" Father: "I certainly do." College student: "Well, you get to keep it."

A PARISH MISSION In a few weeks we will host a Parish Mission. The mission will begin on Sunday, March 14th and continue through Tuesday, March 16th. Each evening, there will be a session at 7:00 p.m. The speaker for our mission is Rev. Martin Dobrzynski, the pastor of St. Michael Church in Schererville and the Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Gary. The topic of the mission is Liturgical Spirituality. We often hear that we need to go to Mass, that we are encouraged to attend other paraliturgical functions such as prayer services, Benediction, et cetera. However, we often do not have a good appreciation of why we need to do so. Many times people come to church more out of obligation than desire. In doing so, they get less out of the liturgy since it is more difficult to immerse oneself into the liturgy in the first place. As Fr. Marty leads us through the three evenings, he will look at liturgical spirituality as a whole. He will divide the evenings into three areas: 1. Where we have been liturgically 2. Where we are at the present moment 3. Where we are going Fr. Marty will touch on some of the changes that will take place in the Mass a year from this coming Advent as part of his looking ahead. It is his hope, and ours as well, that our attendance at the parish mission will give us a deeper understanding of the liturgy of the Church. This deeper understanding will then help us to have a richer experience of prayer and worship when we participate in liturgy in the future. Many times our parish missions have extended into Wednesday at which time we have had a penance service or a closing mission Mass. This year, since the mission is taking place in the midst of the season of Lent, we will not have a penance service since we have a communal penance service planned two weeks after our mission, during Holy Week, to prepare us for Easter. Throughout the season of Lent, we also add a Wednesday evening Mass to our calendar. Therefore, you will be invited to attend Mass Wednesday evening, March 17th, both to close the mission as well as to continue our preparation through the holy season of Lent. Speaking of liturgical opportunities during Lent, please do not forget that Stations of the Cross take place each Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. I truly hope to see you at the mission on March 14th through the 16th and at Mass on March 17th. May God bless your Lenten journey.

Priests and deacons have served the Diocese of Gary more than fifty years. Others have served in the territory that is now the Diocese of Gary. Please pray for those men who have been called to God and whose anniversaries of death are this week: February 28: Deacon Rufus Harris (1991) March 4: Msgr. Robert B. Weis (1992)

Second Sunday of Lent The end of crisis is cause for celebration. No one enjoys hard times; we wish them away and, once gone, try to forget them. Two biblical heroes in today's readings show us that personal suffering can serve the good of the community. Abraham, in the Genesis passage, is completely frustrated. God promised a great nation, yet he is still without a son. How could this man be confident in God's promise of a great nation when he could not even count a single son? In spite of the questioning, Abraham confirms again his faith in the Lord. Once Abraham opened himself completely by this act of faith, the promise took a new turn. Now Abraham would have not only countless descendants but also a huge tract of land. This faith in time of crisis became Abraham's heritage to Israel. Jesus' crisis is his pending passion, death, and resurrection. This awareness leads to prayer so intense that his appearance is changed in the Transfiguration. The prayer leads to the reassuring presence of the Father and the Spirit. Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. Both of them experienced crises and also found their solutions in God's presence. Jesus learned that his passion and death would not be the last word. They were steps leading to the glory of the Resurrection and Ascension (see Luke 24:26). Jesus' crisis is for the benefit of us all. We all know brokenness in relationships, in health, in finances, in self-confidence. We join Abraham and Jesus in victory over crises by trusting God and serving one another. This joining of our crises to those of the Redeemer means that we are able to stand with him on the mountain, that we are able to transform our dying into rising. This is the three-sided nature of covenant: self, God, and community.

~ John Craghan, Th.D., S.S.L. © 1995, Liguori Publications / Used with permission

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_

Sacrificial Offering for February 21, 2010

Adults $25,907.00 Loose $1175.00 Children $116.29 TOTAL $27,198.29

Church in East/Central Europe $5565.00 Thank you for your generosity

If any of your family or your friends are sick at home or in the hospital and cannot come to Mass, please call our Pastoral Care Office at 836-8610, ext. 315, and we will be glad to

bring them Communion.

We are looking for a few volunteers willing to help our annual festival in the capacity of chair people. The positions that we need to fill are the following:

Tent/Table Clean-up: Organize and schedule workers to clean tables and chairs, picnic tables, light set-up and maintenance of outdoor beer garden. Signs: Coordinate what signs are needed, installation during set-up, and take-down for winter storage.

Call the Parish Office at 836-8610 if interested

Girl Scout News The 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday,

March 7th has been designated as Girl Scout Sunday at STM. All Girl Scouts are encouraged to attend and process

into Church with Fr. Mike. Girls should wear their Girl Scout uniform, if they have one, and

arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. Meet in the Church vestibule and bring a signed permission slip from your

leader. Girl Scouts will sit in the front of the church in a reserved section. If you have a full Girl Scout uniform and would like to participate in Mass as a flag bearer/

guard, altar server, cantor, lector, petition reader or gift bearer, please contact Barb at 922-3783.

Lights, Camera, Fashion Style Show 2010

presented by the Andrean Parent’s Club

Sunday, March 14, 2010 Halls of St. George in Schererville, IN

Doors Open at 11:30 a.m. • Luncheon at 1:00 p.m. Cash Bar •$40 Reservation RSVP by March 1st

Bakery ● Basket Raffle ● Boutique

Fashions by: Dunhill, Elizabeth Fashions and A Pink Boutique

For more info contact Kathleen Pagorek at 972-0539.

My Two Cents Thoughts on Stewardship  

Share YOUR thoughts at: [email protected]

Have you spent some quiet time  with the Lord this past week? 

Are you reading the “Little Black Book”  daily?  

Remember, six minutes a day is all that you’re asked to give from now until Easter.   

ent becomes a joyful season when we feel that our relationship with God and one another has improved and we are working together to be peacemakers. Step One to achieve this: attend one weekday Mass in addition to our Sunday Mass.

Come hear the St. Thomas More Choir

sing God’s praises!

St. Cecilia Choral Fest February 28th at 3:00 p.m.

at St. John the Evangelist Church 10701 Olcott Avenue • St. John, IN

(219) 365-5678

The combined choirs of St. Thomas More, St. John the Evangelist, Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Michael and Nativity

of Our Savior come together for this Laudate Concert Series performance.

Free Will Offering • Fellowship Following the Concert

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Diocese of Gary

Teens Are People Too Retreat XXII

March 19-21, 2010 Camp Lawrence, Valpo

Registration information may be found at: http://dg-web.dcgary.org/youth/tapt/registration.htm

The Angel Award

The Office of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Gary is pleased to announce the third annual ANGEL AWARD process. The Angel Award, named in honor of the Holy Angels, the patrons of the Diocese of Gary, is given each year to recognize three outstanding, creative, and innovative teachers in the Diocese of Gary. Nominations for this award may be submitted by students (past and present), parents, colleagues, principals, school committee members, pastors, parishioners, anyone whose life has been touched by an outstanding Catholic school teacher. A nominated teacher must be a full-time, certified teacher in a Catholic School in the Diocese of Gary, who is actively engaged in the direct teaching of students. The nominee must have a minimum of ten years of service in any Catholic school in the Diocese of Gary, and model a Christian faith-filled life. The winners of the award will receive a monetary award, a scholarship award for classes at Calumet College of St. Joseph, a stipend for books, and a plaque suitable for display purposes, as well as public recognition. Nomination forms are available on line from the diocesan website: www.dcgary.org., Office of Catholic Schools, Resources: The Angel Award Nomination Form.

SEND COMPLETED NOMINATION FORMS TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AT THE SCHOOL WHERE THE NOMINEE TEACHES BY MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010.

The deadline for making reservations is March 18, 2010, so don't delay!

Visit the Garfield Conservatory in Chicago to en-joy the spring flowers, have lunch in the Walnut Room at Macy’s and then do a little shopping at nearby stores in the Loop. What a treat this will

be! The price of $42 includes transportation, lunch at Macy’s, taxes and all gratuities. Please make your reservations at the parish office ASAP and make your checks out to STM Travelers Club.

Traveling Club News

Thursday, March 25, 2010 8:15 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

My name is Michael Pukoszek. I am a Boy Scout here at St. Thomas More. I need your help finding as many old, unwanted bowling balls as possible for my Eagle Scout project. The bowling balls will be used for the beads in an outdoor rosary here. Please ask your relatives, friends, neighbors, and anyone you might know if they can check their basements, garages, and storage sheds for any old bowling balls they would like to donate to this project. Please call me at (219) 838-4784. We’ll be happy to come pick them up. I appreciate your old, cracked, or chipped bowling balls– the condition doesn’t matter. This would be a beautiful way to reuse and recycle. I appreciate your help very much.

ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BOWLING BALLS!!!

Senior Citizens Club Meeting

POT LUCK LUNCHEON

Wednesday March 3rd will be our annual pot luck luncheon after our regular meeting at 1:00 pm in the STM Solar Room.

The club provides the chicken and three members offered to bring the desserts. The rest of our members are requested to bring side dishes, vegetables, casseroles, salads or whatever they wish to bring. This is always a great time and popular event for our members to enjoy the recipes of our many good cooks.

After lunch we will play cards and enjoy this time with friends Thank you for your generous donations to the Church in Central

and Eastern Europe. Your gifts will support scholarships for Catholic students, innovative Catholic communications, and essential pastoral work in Europe and parts of Asia that were

once under Soviet control. To learn more about how funds are used, please visit www.usccb.org/nationalcollections.

Operation Rice Bowl Jesus’ transfiguration was a moment of hope for the disciples,

giving them the strength to endure the future sacrifices they would make as they formed the early Church. As we continue our

journey with Catholic Relief Services Operation Rice Bowl, let us be mindful that our Lenten sacrifices help to give hope to our

brothers and sisters in foreign countries. Learn more at www.crs.org.

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Religious Education Prayer is certainly the most wonderful medicine in the

world. And none of us ever grows strong enough to do without it.

~ Saint Hyacinth, Polish Dominican

Mark Your Calendar MAR. 3/4 Class 10/11 Class 17/18 Class 24/25 NO CLASS ~ SPRING BREAK 26 Confirmation Practice 6:00 p.m. for Sponsors and Confirmation Candidates 27 The Sacrament of Confirmation ~10:30 am Students should arrive at 10 a.m. 30 NO CLASS ~ HOLY WEEK

APR. 1 NO CLASS ~ HOLY WEEK 7/8 Class 14/15 Class 21/22 Class ~ Report Cards sent home 28/29 Class ~ Last class for 8th graders

Beginning February 24/25, 2010 from 4:00—6:30 we will begin to accept registration for the fall 2010-2011 school sessions. In an attempt to continue our lower tuition rates we are requesting early registration and full tuition payment at registration. If you are unable to pay the full tuition you may set up a payment plan.

• Tuition rate will remain current if students are registered by June 1, 2010. The rate is $80.00 for the first student and $25.00 for each additional member.

• Tuition after June 1, 2010 will increase to $105.00 for the first student and $25.00 for each additional member

• There is a Sacramental fee of $5.00 for First Penance and First Holy Communion and a $25.00 fee for Confirmation.

A Roman Catholic baptismal certificate is required with registration for all new students.

Registration will not be accepted without a baptismal certificate.

Religious Education Office — (219) 836-8610 Sandi Morgan-Director of Religious Education

St. Thomas More Church presents its annual

PARISH

“Enhancing Our Worship Experience” with presenter, Rev. Martin J. Dobrzynski,

Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Schererville, IN.

Fr. Dobrzynski attended St. Meinrad College and St. Meinrad School of Theology and earned an MA in Liturgy from the University of Notre Dame.

He was ordained in 1984. He is the Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of

Gary and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.

Sunday, March 14th — Tuesday, March 16th Evening Sessions at 6:45 pm

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN For information call - 219-836-8610

Help our STMS students get to Washington, D.C.

8th Grade

Fish Fry

Friday March 5, 2010

4:30 p.m. —8:30 p.m. in the St. Thomas More Social Center

Adults: $10.00 ● Children: $5.00

Dinner includes: Lake Perch, Fried Shrimp or Combo

French Fries, Cole Slaw, Beets, Bread & Butter Coffee and Condiments

Macaroni & Cheese Available Desserts for a Donation

Thank you in advance for your support! All proceeds benefit the 8th Grade class trip to Washington, D.C. in June.

Call Kathleen at 836-2660 for more information.

Carryouts

Will Be

Available

Irish Dancers At 6:30 pm

Respect Life Corner

Thank you to all pro-lifers who have been so supportive of late by: 1) joining our Living Rosary Association to pray pro-life decades of the rosary in the chapel three weeks ago, following the noon Mass; 2) attending, helping, bringing food for last Saturday's Family Life Conference at St. James the Less parish hall.

New License Plate Through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, one can now get a Choose Life license plate--that says:"IM4IT Choose Life" A portion of each plate sale will go directly to support pro-life pregnancy resources in Indiana.

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