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Blessed Sacrament St. Meinrad Archabbey

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life. Freely will I offer you sacrifice; I will praise your name, O Lord, for its goodness. Ps 54:6-8

At Linderhof Castle, Germany

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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, KHS; Ext. 312 myadron@stm-church.com Associate Pastor ......................... Reverend Benjamin J. Ross; Ext. 314 bross@stm-church.com Deacons ......................................................... Mr. David Kapala, KHS ..................................................................... Mr. Joseph Stodola, KHS ............................................................................ Dr. Napoleon Tabion ................................................................... Mr. Daniel Zurawski, KHS 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-8:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am-4:00 pm Web Site .......................................................... www.stm-church.com Email address .................................. parish.office@stm-church.com Email address for bulletin ...................... bulletin@stm-church.com Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax .................... 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ............................................ Mrs. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309 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 ................................... Carole Mackey 923-8816 Hospitality Ministry ....................................... Ann D’Orazio 838-9343 Lectors ...................................................... William McDunn 922-9459 Music Ministry ............................ Angie Lorandos 836-8610, Ext. 338 Nursery .................................................. Kaaren A. Mashura 836-5079 St. Vincent de Paul .......................... Mrs. Bernadine Barrett 836-8610 Vocations Committee .............................. Mrs. Mary Kochis 322-7262

2012-2013 Pastoral Council Members Daniel Buksa ................................................................. Timothy Etter John Kovach ...................................................................... Mary Kretz Paul Liszewski ................................................................. Bill McDunn Andrea Mazerik ........................................................Krystal Quagliara Susan Rousseau, Chairperson ...................................... Linda Stefanich Joann Wleklinski ......................................................... Ruth Yothment

St. Thomas More School Pre-School through 8th Grade

Office Hours: Monday– Friday ~ 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Web Site ........................................................... www.stm-school.com School Phone ......... 836-9151 School Fax .......................... 836-0982 Principal ......................................... Mr. Chet Nordyke, KHS; Ext. 328 Assistant Principal…………………….…...Mrs. Tina Boyle; Ext. 328 School Administrative Assistant….Mrs. Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328 School Reception & Office Associate…..Mrs. Sandra Steele; Ext. 329 Home & School Association…..….Mrs. Kris Miller; 312.-909-8156 Parish & School Offices Associate……Mrs. Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 311 Parish & School Offices Associate ......... Mrs. Pam Wadycki; Ext. 339 School Admissions…………………...…….Mrs. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309

Weis 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 ..................................... Carolyn McGill; Ext. 336 Grades K through 8 ~ Wednesday or Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education ................................................... Mrs. Barbara Topete Parish Life ................................................................ Mrs. Elaine Herrmann Peace & Social Justice .......................................................Ms. Mary Silvasi Spirituality & Worship .............................................. Mrs. Kaaren Mashura Stewardship ................................................................... Mrs. Noreen Bickel

Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ....................................... Cindy Keilman 923-9862 Blue Army ................................................... Rose Marie Malburg 836-8779 Boy Scouts.............................................................. Roger Jachna 322-0769 Building Maintenance .................................................... Bob Ray 924-6472 Catering/Hall Rental ......................................... Kathleen Pagorek 972-0539 Cub Scouts.............................................................. Chris Bedenk 836-6247 Career Networking Group…………………… Christine Spencer 836-8610 Elizabeth Ministry ................................................ Pam Domasica 838-7940 Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Gabriel Project ..................................................... Kathy Trotman 836-4329 Girl Scouts ................................................................. Julie Buksa 922-1182 Holy Name Society .................................................... Joe Adams 865-3566 Knights of Columbus ..................................... Stan Lewandowski 836-1878 K of C Columbian Squires………………….....Richard Alvarado 614-3743 Moms’ Group ......................................................... Leticia Kotso 924-5732 Planned Giving ..................................................................... Ken Krupinski Respect Life ............................................................ Alice Wohler 836-5337 Senior Citizens ............................................................ Joan Klein 923-5993 The Travelers Club…………………………………..Lois Quinn 836-7902 Ushers Club .......................................................... Jim Marmalejo 836-1463

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 at-tending 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.

Please remember St. Thomas More in your Will and Estate Planning

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Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 23, 2012

Saturday, September 29 5:30 p.m. Fr. Ben Ross

Sunday, September 30 6:30 a.m. Fr. Barry Evers 8:00 a.m. Fr. Barry Evers 10:00 a.m. Fr. Ben Ross 12:00 Noon Fr. Ben Ross

SUNDAY, September 23 — Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Eugene J. Szczepaniak by Wife Celine 10:00 am In Honor of St. Vincent de Paul by STM St. Vincent de Paul Society Members 12:00 pm Intention of Michael Ferrantella

MONDAY, September 24 6:30 am Joan & Ed Wolak by Biedron Family 8:30 am Daniel Orzel (Ann.) by Irene Orzel

TUESDAY, September 25 6:30 am Joan Wolak by Michael Wolak 8:30 am Anthony & Irene Pernalby Claudia Pernal 10:00 am Intention of Joe Colontuono by Gwen Perz (MASS AT MED-INN Cafeteria, Group 2)

WEDNESDAY, September 26 — Sts. Cosman & Damien 6:30 am Frank Matusiak by Michalek Family 8:30 am Dennis Biggerstaff by Family

THURSDAY, September 27 — St. Vincent de Paul 6:30 am Ed Seulewski by Perry & Barbara Hatfield 9:00 am Marya Holda (Ann.) by Daughter & Granddaughter

FRIDAY, September 28 — St. Wenceslaus 6:30 am Kevin Sullivan by Barbara Peloza 8:30 am Robert Wierzbinski (Ann.) by Wife & Family

SATURDAY, September 29 — Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels 8:30 am Casimir & Lillian Wujek by Daughter Audrey Slusarczyk 5:30 pm Walter Nalezny by Marcy Nalezny

SUNDAY, September 30 — Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Judith A. McAllister by Diane Malinowski 10:00 am Gregory & Lillian Molinaro by Frank & Bonita Molinaro 12:00 pm Jack Tobin by Wife Dorothy & Family

SATURDAY, September 29 8:30 am D. & K. O’Shea 5:30 pm C. Erickson, L. Forszt, M. Hrinda, R. Jachna, J. Kleszynski/ MC ~ Joe. O.

SUNDAY, September 30 6:30 am E. Diaz, D. Dy, A. Berkley 8:00 am E. & V. Zacyzk, A. Zaleski, A. Bilse, M. Blocher/ MC ~ Lauren 10:00 am AJ & M. Argamasilla, J. Burns, S. Cloghessy, M. DiCarlo/ MC ~ Nick 12:00 pm K. Kennedy, E. Long, J. Malungcot MC ~ Mike

Thank you for your generosity.

Adult $ 25,318.00 Loose $ 1,252.00 Children $ 147.17

TOTAL $ 26,717.17

Sacrificial Offerings - September 16th

Lucas James Son of Hossein & Julie Fatemi

Bauer Jacob Son of Brandon & Anne Spike

October Nursery Schedule

Sunday, October 7 Holly Harle & Courtney Weinburg

Sunday, October 14 Eileen Hinojosa & Izabella Hinojosa

Sunday, October 21 Ann Harkenrider & Casey Perz

Sunday, October 28 Kathy Pala & Michelle Wendlinger

Walter F. Metz

The Nursery is located in the Bride’s Room in the church narthex and is open during the Sunday 10:00 a.m. Mass.

Pastoral Care Ministry If a friend or loved one would like to receive Communion at home,

call the Pastoral Care Office at 836-8610, #315.

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Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Certain selections in the Sunday funnies will occasionally show a harried mom racing around the house to complete the cleaning,

laundry, dishes, and cooking. Hi and Lois is one such example. So is Hagar the Horrible. Helga, Hagar’s wife, is usually portrayed with an apron girding her waist, while she holds a cooking spoon or broom for sweeping. Helga is industrious, while Hagar, her husband, is off

on adventures (from which he usually returns empty-handed) or hanging out with his crew. This caricature of married life resonates

with so many people, not because it is an accurate portrayal, but rather because there is just enough credibility to give the plot some

credence. Helga is stuck waiting on Hagar hand and foot, while he is lord of the manor.

This Sunday-comics understanding of serving is not what Jesus is describing to his disciples in the Gospel today. As the Gospel story

for today shows, there is a connection between the death of Jesus and being of service to others. A true servant is filled with devotion, as

Jesus himself was. He gave everything, including his life, not because we deserve it, but because he loved us so completely.

And that’s where the Sunday-comic caricature gets it wrong. Being a servant is not about oppression or domination, but about love. In

marriage, that love is mutual. It is a two-way street, not one spouse only serving the other, but both spouses loving and caring completely

for one another. In a couple that exhibits this kind of love, you’ll sometimes hear one or the other of the spouses say, “I don’t deserve her (or him).” And he or she would be absolutely right! None of us deserves the love that is expressed. But because we are devoted to

each other our service to one another is the sign of our love.

lease pray for the sick of our parish... c Coleen Alexander Margaret Amatulli

Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio

Irene Baker John Baker

Antonio Belmonte Tom Bernacke Michael Berry

Michael Blazevich Laverne Blumka Michael Boston Cheryl Bostrom

Stephany Burney Dorothy Campbell James Campbell

Thomas Cak Al Carollo

Carol Carollo Joseph Cwiok

Jacqueline Morrow Christian

Frank Coman Vincent Corsello

Mike Curtain Margaret Demkovich

Lucille Detterline Irene Dettmer Ann DeVoy

MaryPat Devoy Irene Dickey

Jeanine Doescher Alex Eiland

John L. Estrada Sherlon Evans

Virginia Fitzgerald John Forde

Phyllis Garber Andrea Garritano Dorothy Gillespie

Margaret Good Howard Gralewski James Grunewald

Eileen Hasse Amy Hayes

Eleanore Heggi Marie Henke

Evelyn Hennes Ray Humpfer

Steve Izzo Dennis Jablonski Elizabeth Jacob Barbara Jamrose Stanley Jayjack

Rosemary Jerzak-Staszel Debbie Kaczka Robert Kalka

Margaret A. Kapala Jim Kaspar

Carol Keilman Patricia Kerr

Rev. Matthew Kish Josephine Knesek

Janet Knight Alice Kolember

Miller Krizmanic Jerome Kula

Roland Kwasny Debbie Le Monier

Gene Leahy Mary Leahy

Jo Lisiniewicz Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz

Maria Lovell Carole Mackey

Charlene Madura Gregory Mahoney

Mary Manchak Brady Martin

Alex Mau Joseph McShane

Faye Meny Sandi Merlo

Stephanie Mueller Olga Mihalo

Andrew Moll Elissa Moll David Moll Jean Narvid

Donna Nichols Steven Nowaczyk Valerie O’Donnell

Danny Ogren Emily Orosco

Irene Orzel Audrey Ostroff Johanna Petruch

Andrew Pieczyrak Elizabeth Pilones Sylvester Porras Timothy Ribble Kristen Rubin

Anthony Saklaczynski Rita Sajna

Ann Sardella George Sauer Marie Schultz

Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz

Zachery Scriff James Secviar

Jim Seul Renee Shehan Nick Skinner

Lydia Skorupa Carolyn Smiley Deborah Stareck Florence Stevens Georgianne Suto

Celine Szczepaniak Rose Theis

Gerardo Trevino Anthony Ubuane

Tony Vanden Heuvel Julia Vrbanich Pam Wadycki

Adele Wall Cecilia Ziegler

SUNDAY, September 23 9:00 am 8th Grade Religious Education Class 6:00 pm Taizé Prayer Service ~ Church MONDAY, September 24 7:00 pm Schola/Exultation ~ Church 7:00 pm Blue Army ~ Chapel 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus ~ Solar Room TUESDAY, September 25 9:15 am Eucharistic Adoration (until 6:30 p.m.) ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel 7:00 pm RCIA ~ Conference Room WEDNESDAY, September 26 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.) 6:00 pm Handbell Choir Practice ~ Church 6:30 pm Scripture Study ~ Conference Room 6:30 pm St. Vincent De Paul ~ Teachers’ Lounge THURSDAY, September 27 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.) 7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church FRIDAY, September 28 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry ~ Gym from 4:30-8:00 p.m. SUNDAY, September 30 St. Vincent De Paul Food Drive at All Masses Blood Drive ~ Gym from 8:00 a.m.- Noon

Readings for the Week of September 23rd Sunday: Wis 2:12, 17-20/Jas 3:16---4:3/Mk 9:30-37 Monday: Prv 3:27-34/Lk 8:16-18 Tuesday: Prv 21:1-6, 10-13/Lk 8:19-21 Wednesday: Prv 30:5-9/Lk 9:1-6 Thursday: Eccl 1:2-11/Lk 9:7-9 Friday: Eccl 3:1-11/Lk 9:18-22 Saturday: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rv 12:7-12a/Jn 1:47-51 Next Sunday: Nm 11:25-29/Jas 5:1-6/Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

My Two Cents

Thoughts on Living Stewardship

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Following Christ requires hard work, commitment,

perseverance and courage. Success in the Christian life is achieved by becoming not the greatest but the servant of all. The prize is eternal life. “For this very reason, make every

effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual

affection, mutual affection with love.” 

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The Pastor’s Page

Why Does the Church Teach About Issues Affecting Public Policy? The Church’s obligation to participate in shaping the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith, a part of the mission given to us by Jesus Christ. Faith helps us see more clearly the truth about human life and dignity that we also understand through human reason. As people of both faith and reason, Catholics are called to bring truth to political life and to practice Christ’s commandment to “love one another” (Jn 13:34). According to Pope Benedict XVI, “charity must animate the entire lives of the lay faithful and therefore also their political activity, lived as ‘social charity’” (Encyclical Deus Caritas Est, no. 29). The United States Constitution protects the right of individual believers and religious bodies to participate and speak out without government interference, favoritism, or discrimination. Civil law should recognize and protect the Church’s right and responsibility to participate in society without abandoning our central moral convictions. Our nation’s tradition of pluralism is enhanced, not threatened, when religious groups and people of faith bring their convictions into public life. The Catholic community brings to the political dialogue a consistent moral framework and broad experience serving those in need.

Who in the Church Should Participate in Political Life? In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. As Catholics, we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group. In today’s environment, Catholics may feel politically disenfranchised, sensing that no party and few candidates fully share our comprehensive commitment to human life and dignity. Catholic lay women and men need to act on the Church’s moral principles and become more involved: running for office, working within political parties, and communicating concerns to elected officials. Even those who cannot vote should raise their voices on matters that affect their lives and the common good.

© “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States”

PLEASE REMEMBER THEM Please pray for the priests and deacons who have served the Diocese of Gary so faithfully and whose anniversaries of death are this week:

September 23: Rev. Joseph P. Murphy, SCJ (1977) September 24: Deacon David Brown (1997) September 27: Rev. Emil E. Bloch (1990)

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE Letter from kids...

• Dear Pastor, I know God loves everybody but He never met my sister.

• Dear Pastor, Please say in your sermon that George Johnson has been a good boy all week. I am George Johnson.

• Dear Pastor, My father should be a minister. Every day he gives us a sermon about something.

• Dear Pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance?

• Dear Pastor, My mother is very religious. She goes to play bingo at church every week even if she has a cold.

• Dear Pastor, I would like to go to heaven someday because I know my brother won't be there.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS Our RCIA program will begin again the first Tuesday of October (October 2nd) and meet each Tuesday thereafter from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Conference Room.

There will be an informational session this coming Tuesday, September 25th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Conference Room for those who may be thinking about coming into the program and who were not able to attend last Tuesday. Who is invited to attend the weekly classes? Those who have never been baptized and wish to

become baptized in the Roman Catholic Church. Those who have been baptized and who are or were

members of another Christian denomination but may desire to become Roman Catholic.

Those who have been baptized Catholic but who have never received any of their other sacraments (First Confession, First Communion, and/or Confirmation) and now wish to finish their sacramental journey.

Those who are non-Catholic but who are married to Catholics and who may have children in Catholic schools. This gives them an opportunity to learn what their children are learning.

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Thinking of Adoption? Catholic Charities has the compassion and experience to help birth parents and adoptive families. Birth-mothers may choose

and meet loving adoptive parents pre-approved by Catholic Charities, a licensed child placement agency.

All information is confidential and provided under no obligation. Contact us at (219) 844-4883 or email:

jpivarnik@catholic-charities.org.

Holy Name Society Attention Men of the Parish...

You are invited to an inspirational Evening of Reflection Retreat

Tuesday, September 25th at 6:00 p.m. Carmelite Shrine in Munster

Our retreat leader will be Fr. Stephen Kosinski, Pastor of All Saints Church in Hammond.

Please arrive promptly for a mini-tour of the Pope John Paul II Memorial with Mass at 6:30 p.m.

Dinner will follow. The Rosary and Benediction will close the evening.

A free-will donation will be accepted. Reservations will be accepted until September 23rd by contacting

Captain Bob Ray at (219) 924-6472 or Captain Al Carollo at (219) 836-8268.

Art & Crafters Wanted Art and Crafters are wanted for the 27th Annual

Holiday Bazaar Juried Art & Craft Fair

to be held on November 3 & 4, 2012 at St. Thomas More. Sponsored by the STM Altar & Rosary Society

Please call (219) 836-5079 for information and an application.

• Catechists and Hall Monitors are still needed for the 2012-2013 school year. If you can help your parish by being a part of the Religious Education Ministry, please contact our office to learn more.

Contact the Religious Education Office at (219) 836-8610 Mrs. Sandi Morgan (Ext. 322) -Director of Religious Ed

Mrs. Carolyn McGill (Ext. 336)—Administrative Assistant

Religious Education

5:30 pm Mass Christopher Balbo &

Cal Bellamy

6:30 am Mass John Brooks & Linarae Mueller

8:00 am Mass Jim Kaspar & Richard Lasky

10:00 am Mass Theresa Kowalski & Maryanne Topor

12:00 Noon Leonard Czapkowicz & Mike Skurka

Lectors for September 29 & 30

September Schedule 26/27 Class

October Schedule 3/4 Class with 5:00pm Mass Confirmation Commitment Mass 10/11 Class-Lessons on the Rosary 11 Parent First Penance/Communion Meeting 7:00 p.m. — Gym 17/18 Class 24/25 Class 31 No Class

STM Travelers Club Apple Holler Farm Market

October 18, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please note time change to 8:00 a.m.

Take an interesting fall trip into yesteryear as we travel to Apple Holler Family Farm Market in Sturtevant, WI!

Please join us for a casual day touring the orchards, picking apples, visiting Grandma’s

Pantry, an old-fashioned country store and bakery.

Purchase fresh apple cider, confections, Wisconsin cheese,

handmade crafts, featured wines and other specialties. Doesn’t this sound like a perfect way to spend a

beautiful fall day? What could be better? Plan to eat a delicious homemade lunch at the Farm Market

(lunch is not included in the cost & will be on your own). The cost of the trip is $42 per person and includes

transportation, gratuities and our entrance fee. Please sign up at the STM parish office; your check will

assure your reservation for the trip. Join us for this perfect fall excursion. See you October 18th!

Catholic Charities Counseling The Counseling Program of Catholic Charities serves individuals,

couples, families and children. Minor stresses or major disruptions are helped through counseling and life management

skills. Therapy is provided by experienced and licensed therapists. Daytime and evening hours are available. Call (219)

844-4883 to schedule an appointment at any of our Catholic Charities locations.

Vocations Committee The Pope’s heartfelt wish at this time

is that prayer for vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life be intensified. Few problems in the Church have proven more

vexing and worrisome than the decrease in vocations to ordained ministry, the Priesthood.

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St. Thomas More School September 23, 2012

St. Thomas More School Students Remember…

The Democratic Process at Work

Students at St. Thomas More School had a first-hand opportunity to participate in the democratic process as members of our fifth through eighth grade student body

voted in the recent Student Council elections. The process started as two representatives were elected from each homeroom, providing

six Student Council members from each grade. The process continued as those same students had the opportunity to elect Student Council officers.

After a round of very well-prepared and insightful speeches from each of the candidates, students voted on the presidential and vice-presidential candidate that they felt would best

serve the students of St. Thomas More. Congratulations to our winners and to all of our very deserving candidates.

Student Council Candidates for President: Mariah Villaroman, Mark McDevitt, Gabrielle Maiolo and Meredith Lee

Student Council Candidates for Vice-President: Evan Jones, Meredith Osmulski, Kayla Pettis and Frank Reardon

Student Council President Mariah Villaroman

Student Council Vice-President Kayla Pettis

In observance of the anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our country, students at St. Thomas School held special classroom remembrances. At the Weis Center, our preschool and pre-k students prayed and sang patriotic songs in front of a giant handmade

flag, commemorating an event that occurred long before they were born and changed our country forever.

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St. Vincent De Paul 5th Annual “Friends of the Poor” Walk

Saturday, September 29, 2012 The 5th annual walk to benefit the needy and suffering

in Northwest Indiana will take place Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Lemon Lake County Park in Crown Point. Ask

relatives and friends to join you or sponsor you for the Walk.

Every dollar raised from the Walk will benefit someone in need. Our Food Pantry is always in need of donations!

Our most immediate needs include:

Noodles & Boxed Pasta • Macaroni & Cheese • Canned Fruit Peanut Butter & Jelly • Pork & Beans • Meal Helpers

Cookies & Crackers • Jello • Pancake Mix & Syrup • Cereal Tuna & Canned Meats • Spaghetti & Sauce

Laundry Soap & Bar Soap • Personal Hygiene Items

Donations can be dropped off in bins outside the Parish Office. Please check expiration dates on items used from your own pantry. Your immediate attention is greatly appreciated.

Donations Are Requested Free Food & Clothing Giveaway & Spaghetti Dinner will take place on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the Hammond Civic Center on Sohl Avenue in Hammond from 10:30 a.m. to

3:00 p.m. for any persons in need of food/clothing. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off in the marked bin

near the Chapel entrance. If you can donate clothing items or volunteer to help, please contact STM parishioner, Lucy Perz at

(219) 838-6602 or (219) 381-4670.Thank you.

Respect Life Corner Planning to Vote in the November Election?

Undoubtedly everyone wants to vote in the upcoming election this year. If you are not registered, registration forms are

available in our main vestibule. Remember that it is the sole responsibility of each individual to complete the form and bring

it, or send it, to the County Clerk's Office. For any information or assistance, please contact Jim at 836-2343.

Forty Days for Life Will take place between September 26th and

Election Day, November 4th. Watch the bulletin for more details and plan to take part in this important event!

March for Life 2013 in Washington, DC The Office of Pro-Life Activities for the Diocese of Gary and Rev. Theodore Mens invite you to join them on their annual pilgrimage to Washington, DC from January 22-25, 2013. Attendees will attend a Pro-Life Mass at the Basilica of the

National Shrine, tour historic war memorials, the Smithsonian Institute, meet legislators and attend the Youth Rally & Mass.

Cost is $325 for 3-days, transportation and lodging. Contact Fr. Mens or Barbara Kolisz at St Mary Church in

Griffith at (219) 924-4163 or visit SMGRIFFITH.org to make a reservation (by November 30th) or to learn more.

Circle of Prayer Ministry

The Circle of Prayer ministry is in need of your help to pray for those in need in our community. If you are interested please

contact Mary Jo Humpfer at (219) 836-5002.

Your Assistance is Needed The Religious Education program is still in need of several

catechists & hall monitors for the current school year. If you can donate your time to help educate our young parishioners in the Catholic faith, please contact Mrs. Sandi Morgan, Director

of Religious Education at (219) 836-8610, ext. 322.

Dinners include: French Fries, Cole Slaw, Beets, 3-Bean Salad, Bread & Butter,

Coffee/Tea and Condiments. Soft Drinks and Desserts will also be available.

FISH FRY

Knights of Columbus

Friday, September 28th 4:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. in the Gym

Lake Perch or Shrimp —$12/Adult Baked Cod — $10/Adult

Children’s Meals — $6 (Macaroni & Cheese Available)

Second Prize — $10,000 Third-Fifth Prize — $5,000 Sixth-15th Prize — $1,000 16th -35th Prize — $500 36th -5th Prize — $250

Grand Prize — $100,000

All proceeds to benefit every Andrean High School club, organization and team. Winner need not be present. Drawing

held on October 13th. Winner need not be present. Tickets available in STM Parish Office!

Andrean High School

Super Raffle XVII

Ticket Donation-$100 • Split one with your friends!

Page 9

STM Career Networking Group

80% of Jobs are Unadvertised • 70% of Jobs are Found through Networking 15% Found through Search Firms • 10% Found through Want Ads

4% Create Their Own Jobs • 2% Blindly Send Resumes

Our next regular meeting: Thursday, October 18, 2012

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The Importance of an Elevator Speech for Networking by Joe Labas

and Opportunities While in Transition

by Linda Newman Independent Representative of Pimerica Financial Services

• Not Where You Thought You’d Be? • How We Think About Money

• Redefining the Difference between “wants” and “needs” • The Solution….

Where: St. Thomas More Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN When: 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.� E-Mail: STMCareerGroup@gmail.com

Free! Open to All! For those who are unemployed (in transition), new to the job

market, employed or who can offer employment opportunities through their current professional connections. Have your resume

reviewed by a professional.

September Blood Drive Next Sunday is a St. Thomas More Blood Drive.

Sunday, September 30th in the STM Gym from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.

To make an appointment, call the Parish Office at (219) 836-8610.

Walk-ins are also welcome. Must have a picture ID. All donors will receive a $5 Walmart Gift Card.

Altar & Rosary Society 2012 Altar & Rosary Events

Wednesday, October 10th in the Solar Room Guest Speaker: Michele Towle from Total Home Health Care

Saturday & Sunday, November 3 & 4 Holiday Bazaar

Wednesday, November 14th in the Solar Room Guest Speaker: Susan Anglin will speak on the T.R.I.P. Gift Card

program that benefits STM School.

Wednesday, December 12th in the Solar Room Christmas Supper and Holiday Program

Fall 2012 Emmaus Program The Emmaus Program is a

four week adult formation program for parishioners, teachers, and catechists.

As the Year of Faith continues, the fall Emmaus Program will be a four part overview of:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church Tuesday Evenings

October 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Consolation Hall in Merrillville

Presenters: Mr. Bob Rabe, M.A. Theology

Mr. David Cronan, M.A. Theology

Both speakers have been frequent presenters in the Emmaus Program and both have Masters degrees in Theology from

St. John University in Collegeville, MN.

Registration Form

Name ____________________________________________

Phone_____________________________________________

Email_____________________________________________

Address___________________________________________

City___________________ State______ Zip____________

The total fee for the four sessions is $20.

For more information, please contact Anne Verbecke, Office of Lay Ministry at: (219) 760-9292, ext. 280 or

email: averbecke@dcgary.org. Brochures are available in the Parish Office.

Save the Date All are invited to attend. Come & be inspired!

Sr. Nancy Murray performs

St. Catherine of Siena A Woman for Our Time

An inspiring one-woman show for people of all ages.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

St. Thomas More Church.

Bishop Noll Tailgate All BNI alumni & friends are invited to the

BNI Homecoming Tailgate Friday, September 28th following the football game.

Must be 21 to attend. Ticket are $20 and can be purchased at the door (food and beverages are included).

Call Meghan or Matt at (219) 932-9058, ext. 1005 or email www.bishopnoll.org for tailgate/class reunion information.

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Crafters Wanted

St. Mary Home & School Association in Griffith St. Mary School is seeking quality crafters for their annual

“Harvest of Crafts” to be held on Saturday & Sunday, October 13th & 14th at St. Mary-Hildebrandt Hall in Griffith.

All proceeds will benefit the school. To apply or find out more, please call Yvonne at (219) 923-5735.

Cell Phone Reminder

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this Month. All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies. You will start to receive sales calls and may be

charged for these calls. To prevent this, call the National Do Not Call List at (888) 382-1222 from your cell phone. It takes one minute and will block your number for 5 years. You must

call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked.

Introduction to Scripture

The Diocese of Gary is sponsoring faith formation sessions on Wednesdays,

October 3rd & 10th at St. Mary Hildebrandt Hall at 525 N.

Lafayette in Griffith from 6:30 t0 8:30 p.m. Cost is $15. Explore

the central themes and messages of the Bible and why the Bible is

the holy book of the Christian community. Please bring your own Bible; a booklet & DVD will be furnished for study at

home. Contact (219) 922-2277 or register online by September

28th at www.dcgary.org.

Calumet College Climate Awareness In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis, patron saint of those

who promote ecology, Calumet College is sponsoring a viewing of the documentary, Sun Come Up, depicting the

“climate refugees” in Papua New Guinea who have been aided by the Catholic Church. Film at 3:30 p.m. on October 4th . No admission. Discussion to follow. Contact Walter Skiba at (219)

473-4270 or wskiba@ccsj.edu and visit catholicclimatecovenant.org.

Come and See Weekend Events Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, IN

October 19-21, 2012 for single, Catholic women between the ages of 18 & 40. Get to know our Benedictine Sisters, share in

our community life and prayer and meet other women considering religious life. No pressure, no commitment.

Register online at www.thedome.org or call Sister Michelle at (800) 734-9999.

Sisters of Benedict in Beech Grove, IN The Benedictine Sisters at Our Lady of Grace Monastery are

hosting an exploratory weekend for women, age 18 to 40 considering a religious life. No pressure. Call Sister Jennifer at

(317) 787-3287, ext. 3032 or email: vocations@benedictine.com.

Wounded Healers Fall Sessions Wounded Healers, a grief support group, has begun for the fall.

Separate groups dedicated to those dealing with the loss of a child or grandchild, spouse, parent, sibling or friend, suicide.

Special teen sessions. Meetings are at St. James Church in Highland from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on: October 3rd & 17th.

A special meeting will be November 11th for guidance to help survivors manage through the holidays.

Catholicism Ten Week Catholicism DVD video series, featuring presenter Fr. Robert Barron, will take us around the world and deep into

our faith. Tuesday evenings during September, October and November. Come alone or with a friend to the Sacred Heart

Church ‘Rose Room’ in Whiting at 6:30 p.m. for a most enriching experience. Info? Call Margaret Saliga 659-4138.

Novena to St. Therese of

the Little Flower You are invited to pray a Novena at the Shrine of St. Therese of the

Little Flower daily, September 23rd –30th at 11:00 a.m. for a Novena with Exposition, and

October 1st at 11:00 a.m. for the Feast Day Mass with Novena. St.

Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Avenue in Chicago. All are welcome. Secure/ample parking. Call (773) 925-6600.

OLG Rummage Sale

The Fall Rummage Sale will take place in the Our Lady of Grace

School Cafeteria located at 3025 Highway Avenue in Highland on Tuesday, September 25th from

9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, September 26th from 9:00 a.m. until Noon. Wednesday is “Dollar a Bag” Day.

Please use the north Cafeteria doors. Call (219) 924-7688.

Fall Harvest Crafts & Griffith Railroad Fair Griffith Boy Scout Troop 264 is hosting a Fall Harvest Festival Craft Fair on Saturday, September 29th & Sunday, September

30th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. . Handmade crafts, great lunch menu and live music. Free shuttle to Griffith Railroad

Fair. Railroad vendors, hobo stew and barrel train ride for kids.

Event at Bethany Retreat House Everyone is invited to our 20th anniversary celebration on

Sunday, September 30th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Hammond at 2:00 p.m. Fr. Jerry Schweitzer and Vinita Wright will speak. Refreshments to follow. Tickets-$20.

www.bethanyretreatouse.org or (219) 398-5047.

Casino Royale A Las Vegas-style gaming night will be held at St. James Hall, 45th & Kennedy in Highland, on Saturday, October 6th from

6:10 p.m. to Midnight. Favorite casino table games, live dealer’s choice poker and more. $10 donation includes food & beverages. Must be 21 years or older to attend. Call (219) 924-4220 during office hours or contact Frank Behr at (219) 718-

3787 or frankjobehr@sbcglobal.net to learn more.