He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm, with terrifying power, with signs and wonders; and bringing us into this country, he gave us this land flowing with milk and honey. Therefore, I have now brought you the firstfruits of the products of the soil which you, O LORD, have given me.’ And having set them before the Lord, your God, you shall bow down in his presence.”

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

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

myadron@stm-church.com Associate Pastor .......................... Reverend Richard C. Holy; Ext. 314

rholy@stm-church.com Deacons .................................................................. Mr. Joseph Stodola ............................................................................ Dr. Napoleon Tabion ............................................................................ Mr. Daniel Zurawski Stewardship Director ...................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Pastoral Care Coordinator ............ Deacon Napoleon Tabion; Ext. 315 Director of Religious Formation ......... Mrs. Sandra Morgan; Ext. 332

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday, February 24 ~ Lenten Mass 7:00 pm M. Boyd, M. Doherty, A. Hajduch MC ~ Joe

Friday, February 26 ~ Stations of the Cross 7:00 pm AJ. & M. Argamasilla, M. Kish

Saturday, February 27 8:30 am R. Hamill, E. Johnson 5:30 pm B. & S. Caraher, GW. & M. Childs, C. Erickson MC ~ Kellie

Sunday, February 28 6:30 am A. & W. McDunn, K. Loughlin 8:00 am K. & M. Yaeger, A. Zaleski, M. & M. Blocher MC ~ Evan 10:00 am D., E. & S. Trivunovic, T. Bolanowski, M. Lee MC~ Quinn 12:00 noon J. Malungcot, M. O’Brien, S. O’Brien MC ~ Patrick

SUNDAY, February 21— First Sunday of Lent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am David G. Wysocki (Ann.) by Family 10:00 am John Rybicki (Ann.) by Wife & Family 12:00 pm Leroy Gauger (Ann.) by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gauger MONDAY, February 22—The Chair of St. Peter, Apostle 6:30 am Agie Marron by Ben & Ann Schmid 8:30 am Brother Boniface Bozacki OFM BY Lois Matz TUESDAY, February 23—St. Polycarp 6:30 am Richard Carrillo by Hough Family 8:30 am Julia Lyle by STM Senior Citizens 10:00 am Harry Kender by Jim & Arlene Kender (MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 3) WEDNESDAY, February 24 6:30 am William Farquhar by Tom & Joan Keilman 8:30 am Ruben Rangel by Ed & Joan Keilman 7:00 pm For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased THURSDAY, February 25 6:30 am William & Richard Manchak by Wife & Mother 9:00 am Ann Dobos (Ann.) by Daughter Kay Dobos FRIDAY, February 26 6:30 am Sr. Jean Matteson (Ann.) by Tabion Family 8:30 am Beverly Brock by Dorothy Duffala SATURDAY, February 27 8:30 am Intention of Virginia Holy by Family 5:30 pm Eugene Marlowe (Ann.) by Wife SUNDAY, February 28—Second Sunday of Lent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am William Koch (Ann.) by Paul & Janice Liszewski & Family 10:00 am Chester Wleklinski by All Seasons Chorale 12:00 pm Marian Veldkamp (Ann.) by Steffie, Linarae & Robert Mueller

CELEBRANTS Saturday, February 27 5:30 pm Father Rick Holy

Sunday, February 28 6:30 am Father Mike Yadron 8:00 am Father Mike Yadron 10:00 am Father Rick Holy 12:00 noon Father Rick Holy

First Sunday in Lent February 21, 2010

.

Greeters for February 27 & 28, 2010 5:30pm

Main: Rob & Dorothy Mangus Chapel: Chris & Charles Shearman

Choir: The Szala Family

6:30am Main: Frances & John Plisky

Chapel: Irene Renwald Choir: Karen & Tim Rutz

8:00am Main: Wayne DeGraaf Chapel: Pat Strange

Choir: Bev & Sam Maravilla

10:00am Main: The Faso Family

Chapel: Joan Mucha & Gene Gogolak Choir: MaryAnn & Dwight Reed

12:00pm Main: Diane Gralewski

Chapel: The Krieg Family Choir: Pat Batchelder

“Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This

teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a

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

The Knights of Columbus are partnering with the right to Life organization in manning the 40 Days for Life Vigil at Planned Parenthood in Merrillville. Parishioners are asked to find time to spend at the vigil which began on Ash Wednesday. Please call Right to Life at 838-1138 for more information.

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First Sunday of Lent

So what's your temptation? Chocolate ice cream? Gossip? Alcohol? Petty thievery? Pornography? Or just plain ignoring God? Gratefully, none of us has to stand up in front of the whole assembly and confess the specifics of our sins (just to be clear, chocolate ice cream isn't one!). We simply admit to our sinfulness before we enter into the celebration of the Eucharist, leaving the specific confession of sin to the privacy of the sacrament of penance when we speak individually with a priest. Sunday's Gospel directs our attention that Jesus truly was a human person just like all of us. He was subjected to temptation, just like we are. In our desire to conform our lives to be more like Christ, we seek to avoid temptation, just like he did. For those of us who are already baptized, this Lenten season is one of renewal. We are praying more, fasting, and helping others so as to recover our baptismal innocence. These forty days are meant to get us ready for the renewal of our baptismal promises at Easter. In those promises we rejected Satan, his works, and his empty promises. We rejected sin so as to live in the freedom of God. These forty days will test our fortitude, but we don't go into them alone. We are surrounded by an entire community of faith, all of us working together to become even better Christians. Sometime during this season, we'll each confess our sins with a priest. But as we begin Lent, it might not hurt to tell one other person what you're striving for during this season. Ask them to pray for you, and to help you by being ready to ask how your Lent is going on a weekly basis from now until Easter.

Readings for the Week of February 21, 2010

Sunday: Dt 26:4-10/Rom 10:8-13/Lk 4:1-13 Monday: 1 Pt 5:1-4/Mt 16:13-19 Tuesday: Is 55:10-11/Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10/Lk 11:29-32 Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25/Mt 7:7-12 Friday: Ez 18:21-28/Mt 5:20-26 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19/Mt 5:43-48 Next Sunday: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18/Phil 3:17---4:1 or 3:20— 4:1/Lk 9:28b-36

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

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

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

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

SUNDAY, February 21 1:30 pm Queen of Peace Cenacle ~ Chapel 4:00 pm Blue and Gold Banquet ~ Gym MONDAY, February 22 7:00 pm Blue Army ~Chapel 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus ~ Solar Room STMS Education Fair TUESDAY, February 23 9:15 am— 6:30 pm ~Eucharistic Adoration ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Video Bible ~ Conference Room 7:00 pm RCIA ~ Solar Room STMS Education Fair WEDNESDAY, February 24 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 4:30 pm—6:00 pm ~Religious Education Classes 6:30 pm SVDP ~ Conference Room THURSDAY, February 25 4:30 pm—6:00 pm ~ Religious Education Classes 7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church FRIDAY, February 26 4:30—8:00 pm Holy Name Fish Fry ~ Gym 2:15 pm School Stations of the Cross ~ Church 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross ~ Church SATURDAY, February 27 9:00 am Pastoral Council ~ Conference Room SUNDAY, February 28 All Masses St. Vincent DePaul Food Collection 9:00 am New Parishioner Orientation ~ Solar Room

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The Pastor’s Page

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE The pastor told the search committee, "If I am voted in as pastor of this church, I will work hard to bring us into the 20th century." Someone spoke up, "Uh, Preacher, don't you mean the 21st century?" The pastor replied, " Let's take it one century at a time."

WHAT SHOULD I GIVE UP? This is a question that priests often get asked as we enter the season of Lent. Because Lent, after all, is supposed to be a season of denial, of sacrifice, of giving things up. However, is that really true? I know that is the way so many of us learned about the season of Lent. When I was growing up, that was most definitely hammered in our minds in grade school. We had to give up favorite things, do penance, and all of that. The problem with that is it puts such a negative spin upon a beautiful and holy season. No, I am not saying that giving things up for Lent is not good. Yes, I am saying that self-denial can help us all. However, I am also saying that the giving up, the self-denial should not be the be all and end all of the season. Because if it is, we all know what happens. At the end of Lent, we go back to our old ways. We once again take in the things that we have given up (until next Lent). We once again indulge instead of deny. Lent should be a season that changes us for the better. When Lent is over, we should maintain the new person that we have become instead of reverting to old ways. So our sacrifice, our self-denial, has to be something deeper than just surface things. Instead of giving up candy, soft drinks, and the like, we are called to give up hypocrisy, self-serving attitudes, injustices, hatred, bigotry and the like. We need to give up the need to dominate and control others. We need to give up the desire and numerous attempts to make our God conform to our will rather than embrace His will. That makes the season a time of penance. That makes the season a time of self denial. That makes the season a time of immense holiness. Please remember that there are opportunities to express our contrition and our desire to conform ourselves to the Lord throughout these weeks. One of those ways is to follow wholeheartedly the laws of abstinence on the Fridays of Lent. Another way is to make time to reflect upon the passion and death of the Lord. A passion and death, I might add, which was necessary for our salvation. A wonderful way to recall this is to come to the Stations of the Cross each Friday of Lent at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Christ gave Himself up willingly because He loves us. Let us do our many Lenten works because of our love for Him. Pray, be holy, set an example for your spouse, your family, your friends, you co-workers, your fellow parishioners. Then we will be doing what the Lord asks of us in this holy season of Lent.

Priests and deacons have served the Diocese of Gary more than fifty years. Others have served in the territory that is now the Diocese of Gary. Please pray for those men who have been called to God and whose anniversaries of death are this week: February 27: Rev. Ambrose T. McGinnity (2000)

God does not believe in atheists; therefore, they do not exist!

First Sunday of Lent In a time of crisis, will I remain true to my principles, no matter the cost? The first and third readings on this Lenten Sunday pose this challenging question. The selection from Deuteronomy is a presentation prayer. Recalled are the experiences of slavery in Egypt and of victory in the Promised Land where the Israelites settled down to farming. The prayer was recited as the first-fruits of the harvest were offered. The reading urges the Israelites to preserve their values and principles against the false gods of the Canaanites who also inhabited the land. Luke shows how Jesus succeeds in his desert experience, in contrast to Israel. Jesus would not be bought off by Satan's offer of political power in the second temptation. Jesus' ultimate victory against evil will come in the passion (see Luke 22:53). Temptation is real in our human experience. Our free will means a choice between selling out or remaining true. We also have a choice of roles, to be the tempter or the spirit-giver!

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

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Events at Area Parishes

St. John the Evangelist Divine Mercy Day of Reflection and Spirituality on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at St. John the Evangelist. Pre-Registration Required - $20.00 includes lunch

Check-In at 8:30 am/Conference from 9:00 am-3:00 pm To register or for info, call MaryAnne at (219) 730-3381

or Cindy at (219)365-9251. This day of reflection will enrich the spiritual lives of those attending.

Our Lady of Grace All adults 18 & older are invited to OLG’s WATCH

(We Are The Church) Retreat on Friday Evening , February 26th (6:30 p.m.—9:00 p.m.)

Saturday, February 27th (8:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.) Sunday, February 28th (8:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.) At OLG, 3025 Highway Avenue, Highland, IN

WATCH offers a weekend focused on sacraments, yourself, your relationship with God, and a Christian family. Reservations required by Monday, February 22nd. Call (219) 838-0395 to register and for more

information. There is no charge, but a free will donation will be accepted.

Sacred Heart Lenten Tuesday Scripture Series presented by Fr. Jerry

Schweitzer Tuesdays: Feb. 23, March 2 & 9 on St. Paul’s Pastoral Letters. Bring your Bible and a friend

for this inspirational series. Sacred Heart Rose Room at 1739 LaPorte Ave., Whiting from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Questions? Contact Margaret at 659-4138.

Sacrificial Offering for February 14, 2010

Adults $24,285.00 Loose $1195.00 Children $76.73 TOTAL $25,556.73

Thank you for your generosity!

Tuition Assistance Program Now Underway

Tuition assistance application forms for the 2010-2011 school year are now available in the parish office. Catholic families who belong to a Diocese of Gary parish and have their children enrolled in any diocesan school, grades 1 through 12, may apply. Kindergarten and preschool students are not eligible. A $21.00 non-refundable processing fee must accompany the application. Approximately $500,000 is distributed on the basis of need to assist Catholic parents in providing Catholic faith formation, strong academic programs and safety for their children in our Catholic Schools. The filing deadline is TOMORROW, Monday, February 22, 2010. This is the date that completed applications must be returned to the pastor. This deadline will be strictly enforced. Parents will be notified of the results in writing by April 30, 2010.

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

bring them Communion.

Traveling Club News

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

THE DEADLINE FOR MAKING RESERVATIONS

WILL BE MARCH 18, 2010

We are looking forward to our next trip to visit the Garfield Conservatory in Chicago, enjoying the Spring Flowers they

will be featuring and the many other interesting green plants. After this visit we will have lunch in the Walnut

Room at Macy’s in the Loop. What a treat this will be. We will then have time to shop in Macy’s and at nearby stores

before leaving for Munster. The price of $42 includes transportation, lunch at Macy’s, taxes and all gratuities. Please make your reservations at

the parish office and make your checks out to STM Travel-ers Club. We know this has been a difficult winter so this

trip should be a good way for us to enjoy being together and doing some Easter shopping at Macy’s.

My Two Cents Thoughts on Stewardship  

Share YOUR thoughts at: mytwocents@stm-church.com

You should have received the  “Little Black Book”  in the mail this past week. 

 

All it takes is six minutes a day.   That’s what you’re asked to give from now until Easter.  Each 24 – hour day has 240 “six minute” packages.  During Lent, please give this small fraction of your 

time to the Lord in prayer and reflection. 

Page 7

St. Thomas More School February 21, 2010

STMS 60th Party Calling all alumni, parents of

alumni, and current STMS parents: The first organizational committee meeting

for the St. Thomas More School’s 60th Birthday Party slated for April 24th

will be held on

Thursday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the Solar Room.

For more information, contact Pam Pasyk at

ppasyk@stm-school.com.

Congratulations STMS Alumni

The following St. Thomas More School alumni have achieved Honor Roll status at

these area high schools for the second quarter of the 2009/2010 school year:

Jihan Dubose Robert Fink

Anthony Galullo Ian Gurley

Adam Mc Devitt Anne O’Shea* Patrick O’Shea

Sean O’Sullivan Ashley Pradhan

Rachel Pritza Everett Senetar

Jacqueline Silverman Emma Young

* Indicates AP Scholar

Marian Catholic High School

Kevin Toney Eileen O’Neill

David Mysliwy Brendan O’Neill

Summa Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

William Kasprzycki Thomas Merkelis

Thaddeus Wleklinski III Jordan Kusiak

Cum Laude

Chad Mateja Chloe Johnston

Shannon Whelan

Walter Kasprzycki Zachary Scriff

Bishop Noll Institute

Register Now for the 2010/2011 School Year

Registration Fee is only $100 until February 28th. Don’t delay; some classes fill very quickly!

For a personal tour or for more information, contact: Pam Pasyk at (219) 836-9151, #309

or e-mail at ppasyk@stm-school.com.

Each year during Catholic Schools Week nearly 8000 Catholic schools nationwide celebrate the importance of a values-based Catholic education and the positive impact our students

have on their communities and the nation.

On Sunday, January 31st, St. Thomas More School hosted its annual Open House to kick-off the beginning of Catholic Schools Week.

Classrooms were filled with artwork and a variety of classroom projects for all to see as students and their families circulated throughout the building visiting teachers and staff. Nearly 100 prospective families also attended

the Open House at both the main building and the Cornerstone (Weis) Preschool building to see why STMS students continue to excel.

2010 Catholic Schools Week Open House

You’re Invited Please feel free to join us for the following:

Mass with Bishop Melczek on Tuesday, February 23rd at 8:30 a.m. and for the St. Thomas More School

Education Fair on February 22nd & 23rd

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Diocese of Gary

Teens Are People Too Retreat XXII

March 19-21, 2010 Camp Lawrence, Valpo

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

THE ANGEL AWARD

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

TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AT THE SCHOOL WHERE THE NOMINEE TEACHES

BY MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010.

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

7th has been designated as Girl Scout Sunday at St. Thomas More Church.

All Girl Scouts are encouraged to attend and process into Church with Fr. Mike.

Girls should wear their Girl Scout uniform, if they have one, and arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. Meet in the Church vestibule and bring a signed permission slip from your leader. Girl Scouts

will sit in the front of the church in a reserved section. If you have a full Girl Scout uniform and would like to

participate in Mass as a flag bearer/guard, altar server, cantor, lector, petition reader or gift bearer, please

contact Barb at 922-3783. Cookie Sale

This weekend, February 20th & 21st, the Girl Scouts will be selling cookies after the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass and after the 8:00 a.m.,

10:00 a.m. and Noon Masses on Sunday at the main entrance.

Thank you for your support of our Girl Scouts.

IN THE LOOKOUT FOR BOWLING BALLS!!!

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

Special Collection

Great needs remain in the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. Some parishes still need a proper

place to celebrate Mass; some dioceses cannot maintain necessary social and charitable works; most cannot support basic pastoral work. Today, we ask you to

donate generously to the collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. Give faith to the future.

Page 9

Religious Education

Without prayer nothing good is done. God’s works are done with our hands joined,

and on our knees. Even when we run, we must remain spiritually kneeling before Him.

~Saint Luigi Orione, Priest

Mark Your Calendar

FEB. 24/25 CLASS

MAR. 3/4 Class 10/11 Class 17/18 Class 24/25 NO CLASS ~ SPRING BREAK 30 NO CLASS ~ HOLY WEEK

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

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

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

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

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

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

Registration will not be accepted without a baptismal certificate.

Religious Education Office — (219) 836-8610

Sandi Morgan Director of Religious Education

2010 LENTEN

FISH FRY AND RAFFLE Sponsored by

Holy Name Society

Carry Outs

Available

Tickets Available

at the Door

North Atlantic Cod Shrimp

French Fries Cole Slaw

Beets Bread & Butter

Condiments Coffee ● Milk Soft Drinks

Adults —$8.00 Children —$4.00

(13 and Under)

Refreshments Beer & Wine Available

Friday, February 26th

St. Thomas More Social Center

4:30 to 8:00 p.m

Operation Rice Bowl

In Luke’s story of the temptations of Jesus we see how we can be tempted by wealth, power, and esteem just as He was. Lent

calls us to focus on our faith life by living it in deeper ways. As we begin our journey with Catholic Relief Services’ Operation

Rice Bowl, let us pray and sacrifice so that through our faith life we can make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in need. Log on to www.crs.org to learn how Catholic Relief

Services is helping in Haiti.

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

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

Call the Parish Office at 836-8610 if interested

Soup, Bread, & Sexuality; Transforming our lives through the Church’s

teachings on Love.

When: Saturday, February 27th Coffee and Donuts at 9:30 a.m. Conference begins at 10:00 a.m.

with Lunch and Speakers to follow.

Hosted by: St. James (the Less)

Where: St. James Parish Hall

9640 Kennedy Avenue Highland, IN 46322

To Register: $5 Suggested Donation Seating Limited to 300

E-mail your name and number of guests attending to:

respectlife@live.com

Men, Women and the Mystery of Love: John Paul II’s Vision for Love and Marriage Dr. Edward Sri Former St. Thomas More parishioner, currently a professor of Theology in Denver, CO and author of books relating to topics of Family Values, Theology of the Body and Sacrament of Married Life.

A Eucharistic World View Father Thomas J. Loya Byzantine priest and accomplished author from Flossmoor, IL presenting a wonderful message for Catholics of all ages on the valued importance of family.

Faith and Fertility: Debunking the Myths of Natural Family Planning Kelly Florek RN, MS, FCP Nurse and teacher at Purdue Calumet University. Conducts sessions on the Creighton method of natural family planning.

Senior Citizens Club Notice

Italian Luncheon

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Another get-together luncheon will be held on

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010. We will meet at 11:30 a.m. at the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 16601 N. Torrence Avenue in Lansing, Illinois.

The phone number is (708) 895-6110. Please notice the change to a Tuesday.

No reservations are needed. Just come and enjoy an Italian lunch

with other seniors.

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Fish Fry Dinner

Friday, February 26, 2010 Let’s continue to support our Holy Name Society on

the 26th at the Fish Fry. We invite our members to meet at 4:30 to enjoy a

delicious meal together. Please call your friends and join us for another fun get-together. See you then!

Our Holy Name Society helps support various STM activities including the Cub and Boy Scout troops, St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Joseph Soup Kitchen and the Pastoral Care Ministry. We thank the Society for

all the good they do for so many organizations.

The devil said to him, "All this will be yours, if you worship me."

Jesus said to him in reply, "It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God,

and him alone shall you serve." - Lk 4:6a, 7-8