St. John of the Cross Parish · 2015-09-30 · 5005 S. Wolf Road Western Springs, IL 60558 Parish...

5005 S. Wolf Road Western Springs, IL 60558 ▪ Parish Office: 708-246-4404 ▪ stjohnofthecross.org

St. John of the Cross Parish

The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.

Sunday, July 27, 2014 17 Sunday in Ordinary Time ...our mission is to love as Christ loved

and to proclaim the Good News.

Summer Mission Appeal this Weekend

This weekend we welcome Brother Thomas Greer, SC from the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Brother Greer will be sharing information about his life and work in the African countries of Kenya, Lesotho, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and asking for our prayers and financial support. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart are religious educators who direct and staff schools and other establishments and minister to street children and AIDS orphans, and run agricultural projects in over thirty countries. Our donations will benefit young men who are preparing to enter religious life and needy students. Thank you for your generosity to these missionaries.

Volunteer Opportunities In Our Area: Volunteer at SJC Youth Catechesis Office Help our YC office prepare supplies for the new school year! Any day: August 6 - 14 Any time: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Contact Janet Caschetta at [email protected] to coordinate your service.

Volunteer at Helping Hand, Countryside Volunteers are needed at Helping Hand in Countryside to help with assembling furniture, building shelves, cleaning and organizing classrooms, cabinets, and storage and organizing files. If you can help contact Carolyn Kline at 708-352-3580 x280. Volunteer hours are weekdays 8am-4pm, but evening volunteer hours could be arranged.

Volunteer for School on Wheels, LaGrange Park Area Volunteer as a tutor for School on Wheels Adult Literacy/English as a Second Language program, a ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph of LaGrange Park. Tutors are asked to teach one hour or more per week, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at locations in Brookfield, Cicero, Downers Grove, Hodgkins, Lombard, Villa Park, Summit, or Woodridge. No prior second language skills are needed, however, it is necessary to attend a two-day tutor training session from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, August 9 and August 16, 2014, at the Congregation of St. Joseph Center in La Grange Park. Further information is available by calling (708) 482-5060 or (708) 482-5077.

Local Outreach Opportunities

St. John of the Cross Parish July 27, 2014 www.stjohnofthecross.org

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a message to the “Mexico/Holy See Colloquium on Migration and Development”, urging protection for tens of thousands of unaccompanied children who are migrating North from Central America and Mexico in increasing numbers. In his message Pope Francis writes that globalization has rendered migration a “hallmark” of society today. Despite this, it is still seen as an emergency or as a circumstantial phenomenon. Above all, the Pope’s thoughts go to “the tens of thousands of children who migrate alone, unaccompanied, to escape poverty and violence”. He says, “this is a category of migrants …who cross the border with the United States under extreme conditions and in pursuit of a hope that in most cases turns out to be vain”. He notes that the numbers of children undertaking this hazardous journey “are increasing day by day.” Pope Francis calls for "the international community to pay attention to this challenge" and for measures to be taken by the countries involved. These include policies to inform the public of the dangers of the trip north and to promote development of the migrants' countries of origin. US authorities have detained some 57,000 unaccompanied minors since October, twice the number from the same period a year ago. Mexican authorities have picked up 8,000 child migrants in the first five months of the year, and more than half of them were traveling by themselves. Addressing the Colloquium, Cardinal Parolin stated: "Whether they are traveling because of poverty, or violence, or with the hope of reuniting with relatives on the other side of the border, it is urgent to protect them and help them because their vulnerability is greater and they are defenseless against any abuse or misfortune.”

Donations that Make a Difference

Take Action: (1) Pray for the children and their families, and (2) Join with the Archdiocese of Chicago in supporting the response of Catholic Charities in these border states to the needs of the children. The Archdiocesan Office for Immigrant Affairs, working in collaboration with the Priests for Justice for Immigrants in Chicago, are gathering financial donations to send to Catholic Charities in San Antonio. Please make checks to Office for Immigrant Affairs, and send to 3525 South Lake Park Ave., Chicago IL 60653. Please be sure to write on the envelope and check: “for unaccompanied children.”


Donations that Make a Difference

Backpacks can be dropped off in the church narthex or parish center in marked boxes before August 1st.

SJC Food Pantry Collection 46.5 million people live in poverty, the largest number seen in the 54 years for which poverty estimates have been published. Bring nonperishable food donations to our church narthex. During the month of July donations will be brought to our neighboring parish, St. Barbara’s food pantry in Brookfield. Thank you for helping us feed those who are hungry. Come, Holy Spirit, and open our hearts, minds, and souls to your presence. Grace us with the strength to follow the examples of Jesus. Like Jesus, may the Spirit provide us with a voice to cry out for justice for the poor. Remind us that what we do to the least of those among us, we do to you. Copyright © 2012 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. Used with permission.


Supply Brown Bag Lunches for BEDS: 8/1 and 8/15 Simple lunches are needed for BEDS Daytime Support Center. An ideal lunch would include a sandwich, chips or crackers, fruit (no apples) and one of the following, soft granola bar, pudding or jello cups. The number of lunches needed varies, but the general range is 12-15 lunches. Contact Laur ie Smil l ie at [email protected] to coordinate your service.

Host Family & Student Coordinator Needed The Council for Educational Travel, USA in Grand Rapids Michigan (www.cetusa.org) is seeking a volunteer family to host a 17 year old male high school student from Ecuador for the coming school year. The student, who would be attending a local public high school, speaks English, is Catholic, and has an excellent academic standing. Arriving in August, he would live with you and be a part of your family life. Students in the program arrive on the J-1 Visa program and have their own medical insurance and money for discretionary expenses. The Council is also looking for a Coordinator in our community who would be responsible for helping to locate a volunteer host family and then monitoring and supporting the student during his stay. The Coordinator would receive a stipend of $800. For more details please contact Karen Dake, Regional Director of The Council for Educational Travel, USA at [email protected] or 1-888-238-8721.

Are you satisfied with your faith? What are you seeking in this life? We all search for deeper meaning in our life; whether we know it or not, every action we take is driven by a desire to find purpose. Jesus Christ calls each one of us in a special way, inviting us into a lifelong relationship with Him that will transform the way we live and who we are at the very deepest level. He wants us to “Come and See.” This fall we will begin again the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This program is an opportunity for all those interested to explore the Catholic faith and enter into the process of coming into full communion with the Church. If you have ever thought about becoming a Catholic or if you know anyone who might be interested in learning more about our faith, consider this your personal invitation to come and see. RCIA is about more than just learning the teachings of the Church; it is about prayer, practice, discovery and relationship. Jesus Christ extends the hand of peace to each one of us, calling us into His presence. This fall explore the Catholic Church and learn how transformative a relationship with Jesus Christ in a supportive community of faith can be. Come and see where Jesus Christ is staying. It will change your life. Call Fr. Bill Vollmer at x120 for more information.

March 16, 2014 ~ SJC RCIA Class at the Cathedral for the Rite of Sending

Interested in Catholicism?


“The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ, joy is constantly born anew. ... No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.” The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step toward Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time…” ~ Pope Francis


What counts in life is not what we acquire, but what we become.

Some time ago a magazine ran a story about teenagers who belong to the Santa Clara Swimming Club. Every morning they get up at 5:30 and hurry through the chilly air to an outdoor pool. There they swim for two solid hours. After a shower and a quick bite to eat, they hurry off to school. After school they return to the pool to swim for two more hours. At 5pm they hurry home, hit the schoolbooks, eat a late supper, and fall into bed exhausted. The next morning the alarm rings at 5:30, and they start the whole thing all over again.

When asked why she follows such a disciplined schedule, one girl said, “My only goal is to make the Olympic team. If going to parties hurts that, then why go? There is no such thing as too much work. The more miles I swim, the better. Sacrifice is the thing.” Had Jesus lived now rather than in A.D. 30, today’s gospel might have been very different. Rather than talk about a pearl merchant who sacrificed all to buy a dream pearl, or a farmer who sold all to buy a field with a treasure in it, Jesus might have talked about a Santa Clara swimmer who sacrificed all to make the Olympic team. Why? What connection is there between a pearl merchant, a treasure seeker, and a Santa Clara swimmer? What do these three people have in common? The one thing they have in common is their total commitment to a dream. All three are willing to sacrifice everything for a goal they have set for themselves. In the case of the pearl merchant, it is to own the perfect pearl. In the case of the treasure seeker, it is to obtain a rare treasure. In the case of the Santa Clara swimmer, it is to make the Olympic team. This leads to the point Jesus wishes to make in today’s gospel. Citizenship in God’s kingdom involves total commitment on our part. We cannot pursue it as we do a part-time job. We cannot work at it as we do a hobby. We must give ourselves to it 100%. We must make it the top priority in our life. Being a Christian is like being a pearl merchant. Being a Christian is like being a treasure seeker. Being a Christian is like being a Santa Clara swimmer. It involves total dedication and commitment. But there is one big difference between a Christian and the other three. Paul refers to it in a letter to the Corinthians. “Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever” 1 Corinthians 9:25. That is the difference. The pearl merchant’s prize, the farmer’s treasure, and the swimmer’s medal are all perishable. When the merchant dies, his pearl will no longer have any value for him. When the farmer dies, his treasure will be as useless to him as the box he found it in. When the swimmer dies, her medal will be just another keepsake for her family or relatives. But when the Christian dies, the kingdom of God will shine brighter, and brighter and brighter.

Gospel Living “The kingdom of heaven is like . . . ” In these three parables, what motivates the actions of the person, merchant, and fishermen is that they have already come upon the extreme good which they seek: the treasure in the field, the pearl of great price, the catch of fish. So it is with us. We have already come upon the extreme good which we spend our lives seeking: the kingdom of heaven. The challenge is to give our all to attain it.

Advertising constantly whets our appetites for more and better goods. Notice the “s” on the end of good. We are not satisfied with one thing, we want many. With so many goods at hand, it is sometimes difficult to keep our sight on what is one good that is given to us already now, the one true treasure that leads to eternal satisfaction—being faithful disciples helping to make present God’s reign. What helps us keep the one good before us is growing in the realization that the goods of this world are passing, while the one good God offers us is everlasting. We must choose the eternity of risen Life over all things which die. This Sunday’s gospel suggests that living the Gospel is less something we actually “search” for and more something we live by responding to the great good we have already been given. If we are aware of our own dignity as members of the Body of Christ (given at baptism), then we can more easily treasure and uphold the dignity of others. If we are aware of the abundance of risen Life already given to us, then we can work in justice and peace to help others share in the goodness of that same Life. If we are aware of . . . ©Liturgical Press

Background On the Gospel

Today's Gospel concludes three weeks of readings from the 13th Chapter of Matthew's Gospel. Throughout these three weeks we have heard Jesus teaching crowds about the kingdom of heaven, and we have heard Jesus interpret some of his teachings for the disciples. In this week's Gospel, Jesus offers three more short parables. The first two parables describe the great value of the kingdom of heaven. In the first parable, Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like a buried treasure that is worth possessing even if it means giving up everything else. In the second parable, Jesus proposes that the kingdom of heaven is like a pearl of great worth for which one will sell everything else to possess. These parables teach us that we are to place everything we value in the service of the pursuit of the Kingdom of God. The third parable that Jesus proposes in today's Gospel is different from the first two, but it is reminiscent of the parable of the sower heard in last week's Gospel. The kingdom of heaven is compared to fishing with a wide net. After the fish have been collected, the good fish are kept and the bad fish are thrown away; so too, in the final judgment, will the wicked and the righteous be separated. Today's Gospel concludes with a curious statement about the scribe who understands the kingdom of heaven. Here a metaphor is offered: this scribe is like the head of a household who “brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” The scribes referred to here are experts of Mosaic law. It is possible that Jesus is here instructing the early Christian community on how to proceed in the interpretation of Jewish law with respect to Jesus' “new” teaching. Jesus' teaching about the kingdom of heaven does not replace the Jewish tradition; it interprets it in a different light. Loyola Press. Used with permission.

Monday Jer 13:1-11 Deut 32:18-19, 20, 21 Matt 13:31-35

Tuesday Jer 14:17-22 Ps 79:8, 9, 11 and 13 John 11:19-27 or Luke 10:38-42

Wednesday Jer 15:10, 16-21 Ps 59:2-3, 4, 10-11, 17, 18 Matt 13:44-46

Thursday Jer 18:1-6 Ps 146:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab Matt 13:47-53

Friday Jer 26:1-9 Ps 69:5, 8-10, 14 Matt 13:54-58

Saturday Jer 26:11-16, 24 Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34 Matt 14:1-12

Sunday Isa 55:1-3 Ps 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18 Rom 8:35, 37-39 Matt 14:13-21

Lifelong Learning

May we have the boldness and courage to seek the kingdom of heaven with all our hearts. May we have the wisdom to discern what is of lasting value.


Family Connection Like the person who found the buried treasure and the merchant who acquired the pearl of great price, we seek to find the signs of the kingdom of heaven in our lives. In fact, we even work to bring about God's kingdom in our actions and in our words. We pray that our family values reflect our pursuit of the kingdom of heaven. As Jesus' disciples, we place everything we value in the service of the pursuit of the Kingdom of God. As you gather as a family, talk about what your family values. Make a list together of those things that your family considers most important, such as family, friends, faith, trust, and love. Place this list before you as you read today's Gospel in its shorter form, Matthew 13:44-46. In these parables, Jesus teaches us that it is worth giving up even valuable things in order to possess the kingdom of heaven. Look at the list your family made and talk about how these things are important to the kingdom of heaven. What has your family given up to make these values important in your life? As Jesus' disciples, we place everything we value in the service of the pursuit of the Kingdom of God. Pray together for God's kingdom by praying the Lord's Prayer. Loyola Press

Strong Catholic Parent

Know the Words A rainy day teaching project for your children can center on the names and use of articles used at Sunday Mass. Have the kids look up the terms on your home computer and next Sunday have a contest to see who can spot the most sacred items on the list. Many of these liturgical articles have names with roots in the ancient languages of Latin and Greek. After Mass, give your kids a tour of our church. Alb Altar Ambry Ambo Chalice Chasuble Ciborium Cincture Corporal Decanter Font Lectionary Purificator Sacramentary Sacred Oils Sacristan Sacristy Sanctuary Stations of the Cross Tabernacle Other sacred articles used at funerals and other occasions: Aspergillem Censer Monstrance Pall Pyx

Inspiring Future Saints

Saint Philomena: August 11 Saint Philomena was a martyr who gave up her life at the age of thirteen. She was born in Corfu, Greece and her name means “loving friend.” Very little is known about her life because she died so young and so long ago. Some people have noted that Philomena was a Greek princess. Philomena is the patron saint of babies, infants, and youth death/sickness. In the year 1802 someone discovered, at the catacomb of Saint Priscilla on the Via Salaria, the remains of a young girl. Her grave was covered in stones, symbols, and writing. She also had a vial of dried blood above her grave. The symbols and writing pointed out that the girl was a martyr named Philomena. Her body was soon forgotten about because their was so little known about her. During this time their were many miracles attributed to her tomb which started to make people recognize her tomb again. One miracle due to Saint Philomena is one of a blind child. A mother and her child were at church and went outside beside Philomena’s tomb. The child was blind due to smallpox and it was said to be incurable. There was a lamp burning next to her tomb. The mother reached her fingers into the oil of the lamp and smeared it onto her child’s eyes. They both began to shout with joy as the child could now see. Saint Philomena had God’s grace to give up her life for God at the age of thirteen. She lived a short, but meaningful life, and she will now always be remembered for her bravery. She is admired and loved by many. Her feast day is August 11 and there is a shrine dedicated to her in Briggsville, Wisconsin. C. Sullivan


Prayer

This weekend’s story on St. Philomena was written by one of our high school student receptionists, Clare Sullivan, during some downtime this summer. Do you have a favorite saint? Email a short write-up to us about your saint and why you chose him or her. We’d love to print your saint story. Send an email to [email protected]

Hail, O Illustrious Saint Philomena,

who so courageously shed thy blood for Christ,

I bless the Lord for all the graces He has bestowed upon thee,

during thy life, especially at thy death, I praise and glorify Him

for the honor and power with which He has crowned thee,

and I beg thee to obtain for me from God

the graces I ask through thy intercession.

Amen.

Richard Rohr Meditation Our “myth” is the symbol system out of which we think and operate. It is largely unconscious and pre-rational, which is probably why the word “myth” (ineffable or unspeakable) is used, even if commonly misunderstood. Everyone has a myth, even those who fear the word. We have to have our myth because it creates a sometimes-livable world and it provides the frame of reference necessary for sanity—or insanity if we have a destructive one. Myths create a habitable and meaningful world for us. In contrast, a parable confronts our world and subverts it. It does not create but re-creates our destructive and illusory myths. It has a hard job, and so it usually does not call for discussion, debate, or questioning. Parable is not God-as-information. Rather it is God-as-invitation-and-challenge. A parable calls us to insight and decision. A parable doesn’t lead us to more and more mental analysis; it’s either a flashing insight or it’s nothing. It calls us more to decision and change of perspective. Jesus is never afraid to put things in a hard parabolic way. He seems to even prefer this method (Matthew 13:3, 34). Jesus is not afraid of using a word or idea that’s likely to be misunderstood (I wish I had that courage!). He puts his truth out there; and dealing with it is the listener’s problem (which is actually to respect the listener’s spiritual intelligence). Jesus is saying, in effect, “Struggle with what I’m saying!” In general, Jesus doesn’t spend a great deal of time qualifying his point and making sure everybody understands it clearly. As Rainer Maria Rilke might later describe it, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now.” (Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet, 1934)


God of all goodness,

hear our prayers.

Bless us with wisdom

to recognize your hand at work

in every dimension of our lives;

grant us the faith to understand

your will in all things,

so that, in you,

our lives may be complete

and our deepest hopes

may be fulfilled.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Online Donations YC News

You can make all the difference!

Donating Electronically: Parishioners are encouraged to make their offertory donations from their bank account through our online giving program on our parish website. Go to stjohnofthecross.org and 1. Click on the Sharing Picture, then 2. Click on the words, Sunday Offertory, on the left

side. You can schedule your donation to arrive at SJC on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis, and you can change or stop your donation with the click of your mouse. Giving electronically from your bank account (instead of using a credit card) is less costly for the parish which absorbs the credit card fees. E-giving is easy and convenient and helps our parish budgeting by providing a consistent revenue source and increased efficiency in recording of donations. You will receive an email acknowledgment each time you donate. Some parishioners prefer to fill out a paper form which can be downloaded from our website and then mailed to the parish center. Paper forms are also available at the parish center. We are ready to help you and answer any questions that you may have about your donations. We can also make any changes over the phone to your e-giving plan in the parish center office. Please call MJ x123 at the parish office with any changes or questions. “OLD” ACH to Online Giving: Years ago parishioners donated to the parish by filling out a paper form with their bank account information, directing our bank to automatically withdraw their donation on a weekly or monthly basis. If you donate through this “old” program, you are asked call MJ, and we will switch you over to the newer online program. If you are not sure which program you are in, give a quick call and MJ can look it up. 708-246-4404 x123. Plan Ahead: St. John of the Cross Parish would be honored to be remembered in your will or other long term giving plans. Call MJ for information.

Thank you for your generosity

to our parish .


Youth Catechesis Office [email protected] * 708-246-6760 * www.stjohnofthecross.org/yc

Jesus commanded His followers to go, proclaim the Gospel and

bring the Good News to all. We are seeking faith-filled men and women to do just that with Youth Catechesis students.

Catechists receive support, training, resources and planned lessons.

Some adults have no children in our program, but are answering a call to pass on faith.

All Adults and High School teens are also welcome to join our ministry!

Youth Catechesis (YC) has 21 classes:

Sunday, 10:15-11:30 am Monday 6:15-7:30 pm

There are also small groups that meet in homes 15 Sundays for Confirmation

Preparation during 7th and 8th grade. You are invited to pray about answering God’s call through volunteering to be a

Catechist Catechist’s Aide

Small Group Leaders Please call the YC office or email [email protected]

The benefits you will receive are

Out Of This World!!

God of all creation, we are made in your image and are

signs of your love. Bless these children who were given new life as your adopted sons and daughters through the

waters of Baptism. May they grow up to know your name and give you praise. Bless the mothers and fathers of these children. Fill them with your strength so that they

will be models of faith for their children, nurturing and teaching by word and example to know you and walk in

your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our parish community prayerfully supports and congratulates the following families who had their child baptized last Sunday! Pictured from the left are: Liam Joseph with parents Joseph and Noreen Smrz, Leila Marie with parents Darren and Jamie Linton, Abner Bradley with parents Benjamin and Kristin Ekelund, and Ava Grace with parents Stephen and Nicole Balsavich.

Preparing for Infant Baptism


As part of collaborative efforts across the parish that are focused on strengthening and supporting the vocation of all Catholic parents, we have developed new resources for parents bringing their infant for baptism. What do I need to do to have my baby baptized? Pre-baptism sessions are now offered for all parents whether it is your first child being baptized or a subsequent child. The sessions are offered on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1:30pm (noon during the summer). It is our expectation that both parents will attend this session. Feel free to bring your new baby and invite the godparents too. The session which runs under 2 hours is designed with input from parents like you who are eager to provide an environment that will foster faith in Jesus Christ. Parents are asked to register to attend a pre-baptism session. Simply call the parish center front office during regular business hours (9am-4pm). One of our full-time staff members will take all the necessary information and answer any questions you may have.

Free Resume Review

Interfaith Career Network invites you to join on Saturday, August 2 from 9-11 am. Come in for a helpful 20-minute one-on-one conversation with a HR, or other search related professional for some ideas and suggestions that may enhance or refresh your resume. Looking for some helpful job search strategies? Need some coaching with your elevator speech? This is a terrific opportunity. We hope to see you at St. Cletus Education Building (Room 201), in La Grange. Please use the flagpole entrance. www.interfaithcareernetwork.org.

Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 2:45pm at Holy Name Cathedral downtown. Couples married in 1964 who are interested in attending should contact the parish center office. More information is available online at www.marriagenadfamilyministries.org or by calling 312-534-8351.

Grow Closer to God Spiritual direction encourages you to explore a closer relationship with God. In the midst of a busy life, many people find it difficult to notice God’s action in their daily affairs. Yet, at the deepest level, all of us long for a more conscious experience of God’s presence and love. In spiritual direction, you reflect deeply on the experiences of your daily life. Gradually, as you contemplate, you may begin to recognize God’s presence and grace in your life. You may come to realize how God’s spirit is truly with you every day and everywhere. You discover that God has been waiting for you to seek this closer relationship. People come to spiritual direction for a variety of reasons, including to: identify and trust your own experience of God, integrate spirituality into your daily life, discern and make difficult choices, and share your hopes, struggles and losses. At St. John of the Cross Parish, Marianne Firlit is a certified Spiritual Director. To make an appointment contact her at [email protected] or call the parish center.

Used Uniform Sale Gently used parish school uniforms will be for sale in the parish center on August 11 from 2-8pm and August 12 from 9am-noon. All proceeds support the Art in the Classroom Program. Questions? Wendi Mulcahy at 312-513-2622 or [email protected].

Parish News & Notes Focus on the Sacraments

During the coming year, the fourth year of the Archdiocesan Strategic Plan, we will focus on the purpose and meaning of the Sacraments. Look for articles, programs and resources throughout the year across our parish ministries that will provide foundational teachings that will refresh your knowledge of our faith, enabling you to grow in holiness and be filled with the Holy Spirit.


Sacraments as Efficacious One reason why it is tricky to speak of the sacraments as signs is that signs ordinarily do nothing more than give us information. But these are no ordinary signs. The sacraments are signs that perform an action; they do what the sign says. The water of Baptism says "washing," and the Sacrament of Baptism washes away sin. That water also says "life," and the Sacrament of Baptism gives life. The oil of anointing says "health," and the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick heals. The bread and wine of the Eucharist say "food," and the Sacrament of the Eucharist feeds us. We can speak of the sacraments as signs as long as we keep in mind that something real takes place, something that goes far beyond the communication of information. There is an encounter in each sacrament with God, and the person as well as the entire community is changed in some way. Used with permission. Loyola Press.

Few thinkers have influenced me as profoundly as Robert L. Moore. Who is he? He's a scholar who has spent almost 50 years studying human energy from the perspective of psychology, anthropology, and spirituality. Few scholars are his equal in linking human energy, even when it is raw and grandiose, to the image and likeness of God inside of us. He merits an audience. Recently, I had the privilege of attending an Institute at which he keynoted. I share with you a couple of his insights: Our growing anxiety and our need to build "an arc" so as not drown in it: Our lives today are awash with anxiety and this is wreaking psychological and spiritual havoc everywhere. We are being assailed by "unregulated anxiety" and, as this anxiety is rising, our capacity to handle it is simultaneously going down. This is causing, in his words, a "pan-tribal regression", that is, we are seeing most everywhere groups huddle together in paranoia and self-protection. And what are the consequences of this? Studies have shown that when we feel threatened our capacity to listen to each other begins to shut down, even biologically. In brief, when we feel anxiety our brains instinctually move towards a more primitive place, namely, towards the reptile, more cold-blooded, part of us. This is further compounded by the fact that we have less cultural and spiritual vessels to help contain our anxiety. Many of our former cultural and spiritual rituals to deal with anxiety have either deteriorated or died. Hence, it is no surprise to see so much paranoia and violence in our world today. We are drowning in anxiety and lack the psychological and spiritual resources to deal with that. This, for Moore, can be called "Noah's flood" in our time, the world is drowning in anxiety and we need to learn to build a "spiritual arc" (an "inner psychic temple") in order to not drown and, like Noah, help preserve life on this planet. But, Moore warns, this won't be easy. We are still very much in a state of denial and, ironically, at one level that denial is actually healthily protecting us. As Moore puts it, if we punch through our denial and other defense mechanisms without first building an inner psychic temple, we can fall into psychosis because we can be overwhelmed by our archetypal energies. Our defense mechanisms are needed, at least for a while, to help safeguard our sanity. Fundamentalism is one of those safeguards: People are turning to rigid ways in order to try to remain sane. On our fear of God, our attempts to block off God

from our lives, and our naïve religion: We have many defense mechanisms against the "numinous", but that is understandable. When we are standing before God and trying to access that energy it is somewhat akin to a person standing before an electrical wire carrying 200,000 volts and trying to plug in a coffee maker. That's an image for our struggle to try to access and contain Godly energy. We are constantly pressured by this energy, from within and without, and need, inside of us, to construct a psychological chalice, a holy grail, an inner temple, to consciously hold our God energies. This psychological chalice is too the cup of the Eucharist. Beyond that, we must also ask the question: Why is there such a resistance in us regarding being aware of the great presence? Why our habitual refusal of the awareness of God? Why do we prefer to walk alone, without God? For Moore, this is really a key part of the mystery of iniquity: We habitually shut out a gracious God, preferring darkness to light. On the difference between science and theology: The difference between science and theology is the difference between a jet-engine and a rocket-engine. A jet engine needs oxygen and can only fly to a certain height; it has to remain inside our atmosphere. A rocket engine is powered in such a way that it can fly outside of the atmosphere. On how we are to build an inner psychic temple: We all have amazing potential, but are forever shooting low. It is possible to learn to walk in the way of beauty, to live elegantly because we are already sitting in radiance. There is a radical compassion already inside of us, but we must "awake" to it. We are already living in a huge love. The road home must already be home. And so we need to be really suspicious whenever we feel alone, because we are never alone. When we are feeling lonely we are being tricked. What are some steps towards living the way of beauty and compassion? In brief: Cut through your denial, recognize what you lack. Eliminate "the waffle" from your life, learn to hold the tension, balance opposites, and consciously (through prayer) try to abide in the Great Presence. Employ a "holy fierceness" in doing that. Few spiritual writers exhibit Moore's combination of depth and balance. He merits an audience.

Robert Moore on Human Energy

Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, and award-winning author, is President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com

Crossroads


Calendar of Events: July 26—Aug 2: Kentucky Work tour July 31-Aug 3: Kairos Retreat August 15: Crossroads Parent BBQ

Come friend the Crossroads profile on Facebook or follow it on Twitter! Posting helpful reminders or inspirational quotes here and there, it’s a great way to have faith and fun at the same time!

Relax a bit this

summer,

but don’t forget that

work is just as

important!

Habitat Work Tour Crew upon departure---they built, served, reflected and bonded! Many thanks for representing SJC so well!

Mary & Terry Stadler, p a r e n t s o f 5 , grandparents of many, both work and both LOVED being home group leaders so much that now they are serving as our Home Group Coordinators and are looking for awesome couples to accompany our teens. This ministry will positively affect you as a person, with your spouse and your family. Allow the goodness of teens' desire to connect with their peers & God to happen by saying YES to the call for home group leaders. Contact Mary at [email protected] to get all the details! Not all leaders are couples---we want adults who care about their faith & who are willing to listen to teens!

Pictured below are SJC teens who served on our Day of the Spirit Team last year. This year we have another awesome bunch of high school teens who are willing to meet 5 times & give a Saturday (Oct. 25) to help our 8th graders better understand and feel the joy and love of God through their preparations for confirmation. This team is in need of a few high school boys & 2 adults. Contact Katie Hayes to join this awesome retreat team!

Please pray for our group traveling to OLPH in Kentucky this week, for their health and safe trip.

mailto:[email protected]

Pray for our Sick

Mass Intentions Monday, July 28 7:45 Dolores Williams; Tom Baer Tuesday, July 29, St. Martha 7:45 Our Beloved Dead; Bob Cosgrove Wednesday, July 30, St. Peter Chrysologus 7:45 Alice & Al Sobey; Genevieve Ziemba Thursday, July 31, St. Ignatius of Loyola 7:45 Chester Kowal; Tom & Ted Baer Friday, August 1, St. Alphonsus 7:45 Frank Piszczor; Tony Adolf Saturday, August 2, St. Eusebius 8:00 Raymond & Irene Russell; Andy Perez & Ramon Perez 5:00 Robert McNulty; David Gibbons Sunday, August 3, Eighteenth Sunday Ordinary Time 7:30 Nena Perez; Baby Isaiah 9:00 Lester Boldebuck; Markey Foley Ringwood 10:45 Dr. Tony Sweeney; Angelia Baumer 5:00 Teresa Cullen; Jack Callahan, Sr. Italics—Living

This Week at SJC Monday, July 28 9:30 a.m. Senior Club Planning Meeting 10:30 a.m. Christian Meditation Step 11 2:00 p.m. Spiritual Journaling 2:30 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration Tuesday, July 29 Wednesday, July 30 2:00 p.m. Christian Meditation 7:30 p.m. Christian Meditation Thursday, July 31 Friday, August 1 Saturday, August 2 7:00 a.m. Christian Meditation Sunday, August 3 1:00 p.m. Ad Altare Dei Scout Meeting

Wedding Banns

Jeffery R. Margalus & Jennifer N. Torney Richard C. Savitt & Gail A. Trapp

Trying to get in touch with us? More info is on our website: www.stjohnofthecross.org Rev. David P. Dowdle, Pastor [email protected] Rev. Joseph F. McDonnell, Pastor Emeritus Contact Fr. Joe through the Parish Office Rev. William J. Vollmer, Associate Pastor [email protected] Deacon John Schopp, Deacon [email protected] Bill Bright, Director of Outreach Ministries [email protected] Janet Caschetta, Director of Youth Catechesis [email protected] Jim Clauer, Director of Worship [email protected] Laura Dragich, Reservations Coordinator [email protected] Kathleen Gorman, School Principal [email protected] Katie Hayes, Director of Crossroads Teen Ministry [email protected] Jessica Koch, Director of Music [email protected] MJ Martin, Director of Parish Operations [email protected] Elizabeth Russell-Jones, Welcome Coordinator [email protected]


Pray for our Beloved Dead

Bette Barron Morgan Finley Karen Hult Michael Janowiak Mary Catherine Warren

Joseph Robin, husband of Virginia Margaret Mary Woods, sister of Patrick Woods Elidia Zuniga, mother of Hermilo, Maria, Francisco, Oscar, Gloria, Delia, Norma, Ruth, Hector and Daniel Matthew Porebski, son of Lois Porebski and Thomas (Darlette) Porebski, brother of Michelle and Melinda John Hogan, father of Mary Jo (John) Cox and Robert (Mary) Hogan, grandfather of Courtney, Johnny, Kiley, Maggie, Colin, Patrick, Luke and Kevin

Blessed are you, Father Lord of heaven and earth;

for you have revealed to little ones

the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia, alleluia.

CHURCH NAME & NUMBER —

Saint John of the Cross #9239

ADDRESS —

5005 S. Wolf Road

Western Springs, IL 60558

PHONE —

708-246-4404

CONTACT PERSON —

MJ Martin 708-246-4404 x123 or Mary Beth Drafz x121

(Shirley is out of the office.)

SOFTWARE —

Microsoft Publisher 2003

Adobe Acrobat 6.0

Windows XP Professional

HP Scanjet 6200C

PRINTER —HP Laser Jet 6P

NUMBER OF PAGES SENT —

Cover through

SUNDAY DATE OF BULLETIN —

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS —

The St. John of the Cross Parish Beloved Retreat is for both men and women of our parish. It will be held on October 17—19, 2014 at the Carmelite Center in Darien. The weekend, led by Terry Nelson-Johnson, will be filled with prayer, listening, reflection, and discussion that invites a greater awareness of God’s great love and encourages us to be more and more like the One who knows us so well. Come and be filled. Come and discover your belovedness.

Retreat Dates: Friday, October 17 at 7pm through Sunday, October 19 at 2pm Location: Carmelite Center in Darien Register online or by dropping an envelope at the parish center with your contact information with a check for $100 (down payment). Register by July 31 to receive a $30 discount per person Per Person Cost: Private Room $280 or Shared Room $230 per person before discount Partial Scholarships are available through Fr. David Questions: Marianne Firlit at [email protected] or Andrea Gagliani at [email protected]

We hear many voices. Outer critics, inner critics. Hear the sacred voice that calls us all Beloved

DUPLEXELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishionerwww.duplexelectricservice.com

WANTED WWII VETS!A day to remember,

because we will never forget.Help us sign up our Chicagoland WWII veterans for

an unforgettable day of honor in Washington, D.C. —at no charge to the veteran

Contact us now for a Veteran Application. 773.227.VETS (8387) • www.honorflightchicago.org

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.

Restorative and Implant

General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd., Suite 120

Hinsdale, IL 60521

(630) 455-1666Homemade Sausage, Sauce,

BEEF Meatballs, Italian Ice & Gelato

PIZZA • PASTA • SALADS • SANDWICHESDelivery Sun-Th 11am-9pm

Fri & Sat 11am-10pm630.654.4600 • Catering32 E. Hinsdale Ave., Hinsdale

Everyday Special 16” Pizza & 1 Topping $12.99

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installationStaining & varnishing woodwork

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

baseboard & shoe moldings

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

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

630.323.7231 www.MaryAndMikeCare.comMichael & Mary Doepke, RN • ParishionersState Licensed

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

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

009239 St John of the Cross Church (B)

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Reconstruction• Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency

Indian Head Park708-246-1263

Law Office ofKevin J. Moore, P.C.

Parishioner• Business Law• Civil Litigation

708.246.15954365 Lawn Ave., Ste 7

Western Springswww.KJMooreLaw.com

Computer Color Match PaintLawn and Garden

Electrical & Plumbing SuppliesWindow & Screen Repair

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

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

835 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246-0892

www.truevalue.com/villagehdw

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

• PATIO • HOME • DECKStaining, Waterproofing

Services From$99.00

FREE Gutter Cleaning with Gutter Topper InstallationNever Be Without Power Again –

Whole House Generators InstallationFully Insured and Bonded • 708.485.0766

SENIOR

DISCOUNTS

Member FDIC

• Companionship • Medication Reminder • Meal Preparation• Bathing and Dressing Assistance • Transportation and Escort

• Light Housekeeping • And Much More708.482.7424 www.blueskyhomecare.com

Licensed • Insured • Bonded

Maloney & Company, Ltd.Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

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

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

Kitchens • Bathrooms • AdditionsDan MaddenParishioner 246.8898708ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICES

Experienced Polish GirlsHomes • Condos • Offices

Free EstimatesInsured 773.502.9369

708-352-4500

922 S. La Grange Rd.La Grange, IL 60525

www.awesomebraces.com

KEENAN ROOFING AND SOLARIF YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR IS UNBECOMING TO YOU

YOU SHOULD BE COMING TO US!• WINDOWS • SIDING • GUTTERS • SOFFIT • FASCIA

FREE CONSULTATIONSFX Parishioner 708.937.9400

Jim StilloBroker

Parishioner

More Than 2100 Properties Sold in Past 24 [email protected]

915 55th Street, Suite 102, Western Springs

708-334-9001Selling Your Home?Parishioner Discount

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

Depression - Anxiety - StressFamily - Separation - Divorce

Sub Abuse - Medicare - EspañolOakbrook Terr. 630.691.1114

TheCOMMUNITY BANK of WESTERN SPRINGS

A branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company®

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

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

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

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

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

Office 354-5575After Hours Emergency – 354-2281

Denise Pozen Photography“Your Parish Photographer”

To view and order photosfrom SJC events visit

http://vando.imagequix.com/Use Photographer ID s9y6e9f

and choose the galleryyou would like to view.

Also available for private events708-352-2771

Brian or Sally, coordinators

860.399.1785www.CatholicCruisesAndTours.com

an OfficialTravel Agencyof AOS-USA

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

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

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATEDPROVIDING DISTINGUISHED

SERVICE SINCE 1923COUNTRYSIDE DOWNERS GROVE

1025 W. 55th Street 301-75th Street708-352-6500 630-964-6500

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

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

www.VersaciDental.comComplete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

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

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

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

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSte. 5

Western Springs

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

Carolyn J.Newcome Sparks

has joined our team504 Hillgrove Western Springs

Mon & Wed 9-6 PMTuesday 9-7 PM

Friday 9-5 PM Saturday 8-1 PM

708-286-1100www.combseyecare.com

Comprehensive FamilyEyeCare for ages 3-103!

Most Insurances Accepted

Rob’s on the JobHandyman Service

Repairs - Maintenance - AssemblyWe’ll turn your “Honey Do” list into a “Honey Done” list

630-441-0648www.RobsontheJob.com

Insured Bonded

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

• BUSINESS LAW630-968-5553 Parishioner

CAMEOENDODONTICS

Practice Limited to Root CanalTherapy and Dental Implants

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

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

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

OPEN DAILY11:00 AMDAILY &SUNDAY2:00 PM

FOOD&

LIQUOR

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A)

915 BURLINGTON AVE.WESTERN SPRINGS, IL 60558

708-246-0380Mon.-Fri. 8-6 - Sat. 8-5:30Sundays (Seasonal) 10-4

www.caseymarketonline.com

ALLMAKEAPPLIANCE REPAIR

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

We SinceWelcome 1983Watching

Rosaria [email protected] Real Estate AdvisorCall Today!

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

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

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

Lic# 055-026066$$ Parishioner Discount $$

708-652-1444Weddings ✴✴ Proms✴✴ Special Events✴✴ Airport Transportation

708.828.2138www.LimoBellissimo.com

C A L L ✴ T E X T ✴ E M A I L : [email protected]

JOHN BERARDIOwner

LLCLIMO Bellissimo708.828.2138

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

Parishioner 708.482.32135201 S. Willow Springs Rd.

Suite 430 LaGrange

GARAGE DOORSAND OPENERS

Family Owned & Operated Since 1947ALL MAJOR BRANDS

CUSTOM GLASS SECTIONSSALES & SERVICE

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE708.458.2345 www.AR-BE.com

Ask For Parishioner Discount

Parishioner

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

Call For Free Market Analysis

8 East HinsdaleHinsdale, Illinois

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, ParishionerWestern Springs Resident

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

A Family You Can Rely On...Today and Tomorrow.

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester

708-562-5900Parishioner

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy Hanson

Matthew Conboy

Dog Walking • Pet Sitting • Pet Taxi • Errands (Pet Food/Supplies) • One-on-One PlaytimeMember and Insured through Pet Sitters Associates

Kathryn R. Engel, Attorney at LawFamily Law / Divorce / Mediation

Estate Planning / Wills & Trust / Real [email protected] 630.654.3501 www.kengellaw.com

708-246-1600 921 Burlington Ave., Western Springs

Carol L.KlimaMartin

Attorney At Law, Parishioner• Real Estate • Trusts • Probate Licensed in Illinois & Florida

(708) 246-7570

ZAWASKI & ZAWASKIReal Estate Appraisers & Consultants, Ltd.------------------------------------

3848 Lawn AvenueWestern Springs, IL 60558

Office: (708) 784-1445 • FAX (708) 784-1446

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and Variety

Wedding & Party Cakes825 Burlington Ave.

Western Springs 246-2894

Harper Hair StudioNew / First Time Clients

WOMENHaircut - Color - Highlight

$20.00 OFFMen’s Haircut

$10.00 OFF For appt. Call 708-246-62336972 S. Wolf Rd., Indian Head Park

COLDWELL BANKERMARY ELLEN “O’HARA” CONSIDINE

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

[email protected]

$25.00 offwith ad

Service* Licensed Plumbers* Guaranteed work

Same Day Service!708-579-33217 Days a WeekLa Grange Office

IL Lic.005017412

WaterHeaters

SumpPumps

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