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SAINT THOMAS MORE Roman Catholic Church

8501 Calumet Avenue - Munster, Indiana 46321

Mission Statement

With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through

Sacred Scripture and Tradition, the Saint Thomas More Parish

Family welcomes all to join us on our journey in faith and celebration as we proclaim the Gospel

of Jesus Christ, especially in loving

service to those in need.

As part of the Universal Church, we

witness to the dignity of every person.

All this we do to give glory and honor to God.

December 21, 2003

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St. Thomas More Parish Munster, Indiana

Welcome to St. Thomas More Parish . . .

Pastoral Staff Pastor ........................................................Reverend Michael J. Yadron Associate Pastor ......................................... Reverend David G. Nowak Associate Pastor ............................................ Reverend Keith M. Virus Deacons ..................................................................... Mr. Joseph Sobek ................................................................................. Mr. Joseph Stodola ..............................................................................Dr. Napoleon Tabion Director of Development ................................ Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Pastoral Care .................................................Deacon Napoleon Tabion Dir. Religious Formation ... Sister Marilyn Hettinger, O.S.B.; Ext. 332

Parish Office Staff Office Hours:M-F 8:00 ~ 8:00 / Sat. 8:00 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. Web Site www.stm.bciinternet.com E-mail address is: parish.office@stm-church.com Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax ........... 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ............................................. Mrs. Candy Ally; Ext. 311 Bookkeeper .........................................Mrs. Barbara Gondeck Ext. 307 Daytime Receptionist .................................Mrs. Susan Strain; Ext. 337 Evening Receptionist ..............................Ms. Veronica Brtos; Ext. 337

Pastoral Ministries Circle of Prayer .........................................Mary Jo Humpfer 836-5002 Environment & Art ...........................................Jo Ann Long 836-8610 Eucharistic Ministers ...................................Mr. Jerry Reach 838-4340 Hospitality Ministry .........................................Jim D’Orazio 838-9343 Lectors ...........................................................Robert Mangus 972-9359 .............................................................Paulette Paquette 708-895-7646 Music Ministry ......................Ms. Angie Lorandos 836-8610, Ext. 338 Nursery ........................................................ Kaaren Mashura 836-5079 Organist ........................................................................Mr. John Clodig St. Vincent dePaul .............................. Mrs. Kathy Georgelas 836-8610 Vocations Committee .............................. Mrs. Mary Kochis 322-7262

Pastoral Council Margaret Brooks ............................................................Joellen Gulotta Joanne Blaesing ................................................... Thomas Keith Huard Allen Blocher ...................................................... Michael A. Martinelli Ann Chovanec .............................................................. Marilyn J. Pajor Pamela M. Curtis .......................................................Jean M. Thornton Christine I. Greenberg ................................................... Barbara Topete

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 ~ myschoolonline.com/in/stthomasmoreschool School Phone .......... 836-9151 School Fax .......................... 836-0982 Acting Principal ............................................ Ms. Tina Boyle; Ext. 322 Dir. of Religious Formation ....Sr. Marilyn Hettinger, O.S.B.; Ext. 332 School Administrative Assistant ........ Ms. Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328 School Reception & Office Associate ...Ms. Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 329 Dir. of Student Special Services .................. Ms. Tina Boyle; Ext. 203 Home & School Association. ...............................Kim Boyd 923-8142 Parish & School Offices Associate ...........Ms. Pam Wadycki; Ext. 339

Sacramental Information Confessions Saturdays ................................................................ 3:30-5:00 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 call the Parish Office to schedule your child’s Baptism Pre Baptism Session for Parents .............2nd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Marriage ............... Contact a priest at least six months in advance Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound. Call Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.

St. Thomas More Religious Formation Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade Office Hours:M-F 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Formation Phone ............................................................................. 836-8610 Director .......................................Sister Marilyn Hettinger, O.S.B.; Ext. 332 Administrative Assistant ..................................Mrs. Audrey Frigo; Ext. 336 Grades K through 8 ~ Wed. & Thurs. 4:30 ~ 6:00 p.m.

Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education ...................Sister Marilyn Hettinger, O.S.B.; Ext 332 Parish Life ....................................................................... Mr. Tom Domasica Peace & Social Justice ................................................ Mrs. Sylvia Komyatte Spirituality & Worship ..............................................................Jo Ann Long Stewardship ......................................................................Mr. Ken Krupinski

Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ...............................Tammy Wollersheim 836-0866 Elizabeth Ministry ..................................................Kathy Espiritu 924-9212 Holy Name Society .............................................Kevin Cloghessy 934-0601 Senior Citizens .................................................. Joan Mc Caughey 922-9026 Respect Life ..............................................................Alice Wohler 836-5337 Knights of Columbus .................................................Adam Kocal 836-5282 Blue Army ....................................................Rose Marie Malburg 836-8779 Finance .................................................................. Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Building Maintenance ..................................................... Bob Ray 924-6472 Boy Scouts .............................................................Paul Liszewski 864-1082 Cub Scouts ........................................................... Frank Pukoszek 838-4784 Girl Scouts .............................................................. Jane Surd 708-418-0910 Catering/Hall Rental ..........................................Kathleen Pagorek 972-0539 Mom’s Group .......................................................Patricia Austgen 712-0012 Ushers Club ...........................................................Jim Marmalejo 836-8607 Youth Group ............................................................ Pam Ratajack 923-2031

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

New Parishioner Registration New Parishioners may register on the last Sunday of every month in the Solar Room at 9:30 a.m. Call the Parish Office for more information.

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Fourth Sunday of Advent December 21, 2003

SUNDAY, December 21 ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family 8:00 am Edith Casey (Ann.) by Joe & Genevieve Biegel 10:00 am Katherine Jurkash (Ann.) by John & Dorothy Jurkash 12:00 noon Robert Hart III by Family MONDAY, December 22 6:30 am Deceased Members of Lipka Family 8:30 am Carolina Alvarado (Ann.) by Family

TUESDAY, December 23 ~ St. John Kanty 6:30 am Michael & Daisy Calovic by Myron DeGeorge 8:30 am Harry Larson (Ann.) by Pat & Gene Masterton 10:00 am Jeanne Ferraro by STM Altar & Rosary Society (Mass at Med-Inn Cafeteria, Group 4) WEDNESDAY, December 24 ~ Christmas Eve 6:30 am Bernice Drewniak (Ann.) by Husband & Family 8:30 am Anna & Edward Karcynski by Karczynski/Labeots Family 5:30 pm Paul Fischer Jr. by Pagorek Family 12:00 am Arline & Harold Lusk by Family

THURSDAY, December 25 ~ Christmas Day 6:30 am For Our Parish Family 8:00 am Thomas O’Connor by Wife Donna 10:00 am Eugene Burkat by Wife & Family 12:00 pm Intention of Celebrant FRIDAY, December 26 ~ St. Stephen 6:30 am Ann M. Nowick by John & Karen Nowick & Family 8:30 am Nikola Butkovic (Ann.) by Maria & Zvonko Jugovic & Family SATURDAY, December 27 ~ St. John, Apostle & Evangelist 8:30 am Catherine Oblon (Ann.) by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gauger 5:30 pm Albert Berg (Ann.) by Marilyn & Brian Stenberg SUNDAY, December 28 ~ The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 6:30 am For Our Parish Family 8:00 am Steve Posilovich by Wife 10:00 am Stephen Arent by Family 12:00 noon Marie Przybyl (Ann.) by Dan & Sharon Majchrowicz

Fourth Sunday of Advent Holiday meals have unspoken rituals, including who does what chores. It always falls to my father and me to carve the turkey. It is also part of an unspoken ritual that my younger brothers snitch a piece of meat before it even hits the platter, with the reverential excuses, "Smells too good!" from brother A, "Just a little taste" from Brother B, and the all inclusive "I just can't wait anymore" from Brother C. The names are changed to pro-tect the guilty! The readings for this Sunday are a little taste of Christmas. The prophecy of Micah describes in dramatic detail the glorious fate of Bethlehem, ending with the bold description of the one to be born as leader of the people, who shall be peace. The let-ter to the Hebrews reminds us of the purpose of His coming, while the story of the Visitation in the Gospel of Luke an-nounces Mary's faith and trust in the Lord. It is indeed a quick summary and a foretaste of the marvelous plan of salvation that is about to unfold before us. We need a small taste of Christmas, the spirit of generosity, compassion, hope and good will sustains us all year. A little taste beforehand can whet the appetite, pushing us more and more to live the season, and season the year. Allow the decora-tions, music, cards, greetings and yes, even shopping, to put you in the mood and in the spirit. A little taste is magic to those of us who just can't wait.

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

Grace Grant Marguerite Grothouse Virginia Hale Amy Hayes Virginia Henderlong Evelyn Hennes Irene Holland Betty Holt Ray Humpfer Elizabeth Jacob Marian Johnson Joseph Justynski Debbie Kaczka Madeline Kent Janet Knight Gertrude Kocal Peter Klobuchar Ann Krizmis Helen Krull Julia Kukta Jerome Kula Lois Kus Janice Leuser Maria Lovell Gregory Mahoney Kathryn McBride Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Olga Mihalo Clarence Miller Vernon Miller William Modrock Robert Mudroncik Ray Mueller Emily Mysliwy

Jean Narvid John Narvid Steven Nowaczyk Marcella Paluch Kathy Parker Marciala Perez Gertrude Peters Johanna Petruch Elizabeth Pilones William Retseck Bernice Rybicki Tony Saklaczynski Ann Sardella Mary Sarnowski Betty Schwoegler Mary Ann Sejda Grace Sheridan Wallace Skierge Joseph M. Smelko Joseph Sobek Deborah Stareck Georgianne Suto Gerardo Trevino Andrew Trgovich Anthony Ubuane Charles Ulrich Madeleine Vranken Nancy Wagner Adele Wall Helen Wallo Robert Weglewski Lucille Wonnell James Zabrecky

Father Damian Adugu Santa Agnello Rudolph Asanovich Doris Aurelio Maxine Bellamy Tom Bernacki Corinne Bjelich Agnes Blocher Edward Bonchik Michael Boston Alvina Brazina Kristina Brent Stephany Burney Mary Burosh Dorothy Campbell Carol Carollo Mary Ann Case Mary “Pat” Casey Jacqueline Morrow Christian Sarah Condes Vincent Corsello Mike Curtain Marian Dale Cecilia Fary John Fetzko Elizabeth Follmer John Forde Phyllis Garber Darla Garcia Andrea Garritano Joseph Gasiorek James Gaskey Doris Georgas Dorothy Gillespie

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St. Thomas More Parish Munster, Indiana

SUNDAY, December 21 ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:00 am Nursery during Mass ~ Bride’s Room 2:00 pm Queen of Peace Cenacle ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Advent Evening Prayer ~ Church MONDAY, December 22 7:00 pm Blue Army ~ Chapel 7:30 pm K of C Meeting ~ Solar Room TUESDAY, December 23 9:15 am - 6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:.00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel WEDNESDAY, December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES 6:30 & 8:30 AM, EVE MASS 5:30 PM; 12:00 AM MIDNIGHT MASS PARISH OFFICE CLOSED THURSDAY, December 25 A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE ~ 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 AM & 12:00 NOON PARISH OFFICE CLOSED FRIDAY, December 26 PARISH OFFICE CLOSED SATURDAY, December 27 SUNDAY, December 28 9:30 am New Parishioner Registration ~ Solar Room 10:00 am Nursery during Mass ~ Bride’s Room 1:00 pm SVDP Youth Conference ~ Conference Room

Monday, December 22 ~ Christmas Break 8:30 am N. & T. Klawitter Tuesday, December 23 8:30 am K. Nadratowski, H. Pagorek Devotions 6:30 pm M. Crabtree, M. & R. McIntyre Wednesday, December 24 ~ Christmas Eve. 5:30 pm T., K., E. & A. O’Shea, S. Taylor Midnight All Servers Thursday, December 25 ~ Christmas Day 6:30 am M. Brozovic, J. Williams, A. Wible 8:00 am B. & D. Wysocki, R. & S. Gorman, E. Kennedy 10:00 am J. & J. Dubish, N. & E. Etter, T. Grunewald 12:00 Noon A. & E. Ebert, M. & P. Kozlowski, B. Lopez Friday, December 26 8:30 am P. Fagan, M. Jerge Saturday, December 27 8:30 am E. & N. Gouwens 5:30 pm E. & K. Papesh, M. & C. Yothment, J. Trgovich Sunday, December 28 6:30 am P. & C. Kukla, B. Padove 8:00 am B. Burke, M. Majszak, M. Mlodecki, E. McCullough, J. Mulesa 10:00 am K. Hajduch, A. & J. Little, C. Mitchell, K. Murad 12:00 noon J. & L. Krismanick, M. Muta, Ka. O’Brien, S. Rodriguez

Christine Bonchik

CELEBRANTS Wednesday, December 24 5:30 pm Father Dave Nowak Thursday, December 25 Midnight Father Keith Virus 6:30 am Father Dave Nowak 8:00 am Father Keith Virus 10:00 am Father Mike Yadron 12:00 Noon Father Mike Yadron Saturday, December 27 5:30 pm Father Keith Virus Sunday, December 28 6:30 am Father Keith Virus 8:00 am Father Mike Yadron 10:00 am Father Dave Nowak 12:00 Noon Father Dave Nowak

ATTENTION ALTAR SERVERS

Any altar server wishing to serve midnight Mass De-cember 25th MUST attend practice on Wednesday, De-cember 24th at 9:30 am. If you have any questions please call Susan Burke at 322-6462.

THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON DECEMBER 24th, 25th & 26th

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THE PASTOR’S PAGE December 21, 2003 ISN'T IT IRONIC?

As you walk up the steps to the Capitol which houses the Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world's law givers and each one is facing the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view — it is Moses and the Ten Commandments!

As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door. As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall right above where the Supreme Court judges sit is a display of the Ten Commandments. There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C. James Madison, the fourth president, known as "The Father of Our Constitution" made the following statement: "We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid minister, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayers since 1777. Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were members of the established orthodox churches in the colonies. Thomas Jefferson worried that the Courts would overstep their authority and instead of interpreting law would begin making law, an oligarchy, the rule of few over many. The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said, "Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers." How then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for 200 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional? Let’s keep God in our lives!

Priests and deacons have served the Diocese of Gary for a number of years now. 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: December 21: Msgr. Albert Van Nevel (2000) December 22: Rev. Conrad Stoll (1956) December 25: Rev. Michael C. Gadacz (1971) Deacon John P. Beda (1972) December 26: Msgr. Francis J. Jansen, (1967) Rev. John P. Zubak (1976) December 27: Msgr. Francis X. Guerre (1956)

THE BIRTH OF A BABE . . . One of the focuses of Christmas is to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, people have asked the question, “What if?” What if Jesus decided not to die on the cross? What if Jesus were never born? We cannot imagine what it would be like not to have Jesus Christ born into our world. He did so much for us. Ultimately, He saved us. And yet, not a day goes by when some child’s life is taken in the act of abortion. What if? What if that child were allowed to live? Would a cure for all cancers have been discovered already? Would we have settlements on the planets? Would a long-standing peace have been known in our world? We will never know, because the people who may have been given to us to accomplish those deeds may have been killed. As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Christ, let us remember that all life is sacred and should be cherished!

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE An elderly man who lived in California called his son who lived in New York and said, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough." "Pop, what are you talking about!" the son screamed. "We can't stand the sight of each other any longer, " the old man said. "We're sick and tired of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you can call your sister in Chicago and tell her." With that, the father hung up the phone. Frantic, the son called his sister, who exploded on the phone, "Like heck they're getting a divorce," she shouted. "I'll take care of this." She called California immediately, and screamed at the her dad, "You are NOT getting divorced! Don't do a single thing until we get there. DO YOU HEAR ME?" And she hung up. The man hung up his phone and turned to his wife. "Okay," he said. "It worked. They're coming for Christmas and paying their own way."

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St. Thomas More Parish Munster, Indiana

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Fourth Sunday of Advent December 21, 2003

Readings for the Week of December 21, 2003 Mic 5:1-4a; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45 Monday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; Lk 1:46-56 Tuesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66 Wednesday: 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Lk 1:67-79 Thursday: Is 52:7-10; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 Friday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Mt 10:17-22 Saturday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Jn 20:2-8 Next Sunday: Sir 3:2-7, 12-14; Col 3:12-21; Lk 2:41-52

Religious Formation

Almighty God, bless us with the confidence and faith of Mary and Elizabeth. Let out hearts leap with joy

when we think about your Son and feel him near.

Confirmation: Confirmation for the 8th Grade students will be Saturday, April 3, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. The sponsor certificates need to be turned in to the Religious Formation Office as soon as possible. First Reconciliation and Communion: There will be a parent meeting on Thursday, January 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the gym. Mark your calendars: December 24/25 No Class Dec. 31/Jan. 1 No Class January 7/8 Classes Resume January 14/15 Class January 21/22 Class January 22 Parent Meeting – 1st Reconciliation and Communion January 28/29 Class

Confirmation: Confirmation for the 8th Grade stu-dents will be Saturday, April 3, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. The sponsor certificates need to be turned in to the Religious Formation Office as soon as possible. First Reconciliation and Communion: There will be a parent meeting on Thursday, January 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gym.

STEWARDSHIP: THE HEART OF MY LIFE OF FAITH

Choice of the heart: God is

#1 in my life

Study scripture and other sources

Use my gifts of time, talent, and/or treasure in the

Church

Evangelize/share faith by example

Use my Gifts of time and talent in the family

Use my gifts of time, talent, and/or treasure in the

community

Private prayer for self and others

Use my gifts of time & talent in the workplace

Participate in liturgy and other community prayer

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St. Thomas More Parish Munster, Indiana

8 days CURTAIN TIME IN LONDON

JUNE 22-29, 2004

Participants will visit: London: a guided tour of the city along the River Thames, Trafalgar Square, Chinatown, Covent Gardens: Windsor: the preferred Royal retreat castle, the British Museum and a guided tour of the Globe theatre. Curtain time in London: enjoy two theatre performances All the above, including airfare, hotels (double occupancy for adults) 2 meals a day, transporta-tion in England and tour guides for $1679 for young adults less than 25 years old, $1934 for older adults.

For more information/brochure of the trip, contact Sr. Viviana Custo at

219-392-7195 (during office hours) 219-473-7828 (after 6:00 pm)

Leave your phone number and she will return your call.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS

Donations for Christmas Flower Memorials will be taken in the Parish Office until December 20th. Please return this form ( or envelope in your packet) with donation. Extra forms will be available in the office. One memorial per $10.00. IN MEMORY OF:_______________________________________________ DONATED BY:_________________________________________________ AMOUNT ENCLOSED:____________ MEMORIALS ARE $10.00 EACH

The Youth Ministry is open to

ALL high school youth. Please join us at any meeting or event that you can or email

us at: STMyouth-owner @yahoogroups.com

Upcoming Events Monday, December 22nd Join us at the Cornerstone Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for some local Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and cookies. Dress warm - we will be going outside. Call Kate at 219-924-3494 with any questions.

May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you

throughout the coming year.

The St. Thomas More Youth Group

STM - YOUTH MINISTRY CORNE R