Parish Events - St. Thomas of Villanova

St. Thomas of Villanova A Catholic Parish Family
1201 East Anderson Drive . Palatine, IL . 60074 Phone: 847-358-6999 Fax: 847-934-4919 www.stov.org
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time—October 7, 2012

ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA
1201 E. Anderson Dr, Palatine, 60074
Phone: 847-358-6999 Fax: 847-934-4919
Website: www.stov.org
Priests:
Pastor: ………………......Rev. Tom Rzepiela
Associate Pastor: …....Rev. Wojciech Oleksy
Pastor Emeritus:……...…...Rev. Ray Yadron
Weekend Associate: ….. Rev. James Presta
Permanent Deacons:
John Breit Len Marturano
Tom Dunne Rich Willer
Tom Maloney
Director of Ministry of Care:
Deacon Thomas Dunne….….847-358-6999
Music Minister:
Marcy Weckler Barr ……..….847-358-6999
.
Parish Manager:
Ron Schaefer………….……..847-358-6999
Religious Education:…..…..847-358-2386
Mary Strybel, Coordinator
Lisa Lechowicz, Administrative Assistant
Email: stvrec@yahoo.com
Youth Minister:
Jeff Walczynski…………....….847-358-6485
Parish Office Staff……….....847-358-6999
Joseph Spano, Receptionist
Meaghan Spano, Administrative Assistant
Suzie Walczynski, Administrative Assistant
Connie West, Administrative Assistant
Carol Wilson, Financial Secretary
Parish Pastoral Council
Norbert Krogstad — 847-414-3406 (co-chair)
Cheryle Seiling—847-845-1291 (co-chair)
School:…………………………...847-358-2110
John LaRoche, Principal
Trish Moore, Secretary
stvoffice@stvschool.org, FAX 1-847-776-1435
1141 E Anderson Dr, Palatine, IL 60074
PARISH INFORMATION
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday 5:00pm
Sunday 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:15am
1:30pm (Polish)
Weekday 6:30am (Communion Service)
8:00am
RECONCILIATION
Saturdays 8:30am—9:30am
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Thursday 9am—8pm
Friday
9am—5pm
Saturday
9am—1pm
BAPTISM
Parents are required to attend a Baptism
Preparation class. Baptism is celebrated every
Sunday following the 11:15am Mass.
Call the Parish Office for information.
MARRIAGE
Arrangements for the celebration of marriage
should be made at least six (6) months prior to
your planned wedding date.
NEW PARISHIONERS
Call the Parish Office to set up an appointment
to register and learn more about our Parish.
COMMUNION FOR HOMEBOUND
Ministers of Care are available to bring
Communion to the homebound. Contact the
Parish Office for more information.
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
Due to patient privacy, only the person or, in
case of their incapacitation, the person
delegated for their medical care, can call the
Parish Office to add their name.
PRAYERS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
If you know someone serving in the military,
please contact the Parish Office so our faith
community may pray for them.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
Articles for the bulletin are due by Friday-
9 days before publication date and can be
emailed to: suzie@stov.org
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Dear Parish Family of St. Thomas,
Second Homily
Hey, did you hear me at Mass today? Did you listen? Did you really listen up? Did you
hear what I was trying to say? Did you understand what I was trying to present? It is all
about us as a Parish Family and how through stewardship we all help to provide for each
Parish Family member as well as the needs of others. Yes, I am “preaching” the same
message at all of the Masses. We are all called to be disciples and stewards. As Christian
stewards, we receive all of life and God’s gifts gratefully. But we must care for them responsibly and share
them lovingly with others. Yes, each of us is called to share our time, our talent and our treasure.
I would like to share with you thoughts on Stewardship from the viewpoint and wisdom of different people:
“How much good one powerful person can do if he is willing to spend his power and wealth fully in the service of
the Lord! How many poor people he can feed! But the wealthy do not consider the riches of this world to be a gift
they have received. They do not think of themselves as stewards but as lords. Nor are they concerned about the
account they will have to render to God. God will demand an account also from those who enjoy favor with the
wealthy if they do not intercede for the poor.” - Saint Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)
“How can we expect our children to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the great
pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving?” - James Cash Penney– Founder of J.C. Penney Stores
“Open your hearts to the love God instills in them. God loves you tenderly. What he gives you is not to be kept
under lock and key, but to be shared. The more you save the less you will be able to give. The less you have, the
more you will now have to share. Let us ask God, when it comes to ask God for something, to help us to be
generous.”—Mother Teresa
“To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us—and He has given us everything.
Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense
graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening
to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by
hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” - Thomas Merton—Trappist Monk & Author
For the past several weeks I have invited several different families to write about their sense of stewardship
and giving to God and our Parish Family. In today’s bulletin, you will read about an imaginative way to give.
They created a separate bank account which they call the “Lord’s Account.” Be sure you read it!
Thank you for your generous giving ways of life and love. Christ is truly present in our Parish Family
because of all of you!
And a special thank you to our Parish Finance Committee chaired by Cathy Edbrooke, for their wisdom and
commitment to our Parish Family.
Each registered family will be receiving a letter and the financial report from me from the 2012 fiscal year
which ended June 30th. You will also receive a Declaration of Intention Card which I ask you to return next
Sunday in the collection basket—but only after you have prayerfully thought about your call to discipleship
and faithful stewardship.
Your Pastor,
Rev. Thomas R. Rzepiela
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Parish Events
PARISH CALENDAR
Monday, October 8
2:45pm STV School Sports RAC
7:00pm Just Neighbors Workshop MRA & B
7:00pm STVSS Scripture Study MRD
Tuesday, October 9
10:00am Making Music, Praying Twice MRA
2:45pm STV School Sports RAC
7:00pm STVSS Scripture Study MRB
9:00pm Men’s Basketball RAC
Wednesday, October 10
11:30am Come As You Are MRD
1:00pm Golden Villanovans MRA & B
4:00pm Teen Drop-In TR, RAC
5:00pm Polish Children’s Choir SH
8:00pm A.A. (Closed) MR4
Thursday, October 11
2:45pm STV School Sports RAC
7:00pm Adult Choir Church
Friday, October 12
8:45am STVSS Scripture Study MRA—D
Saturday, October 13
8:30am KAIROS Prison Ministry Team MRA & B
8:30am Deacon Meeting Deacon Office
8:30am Saturday Bible Study MRC
8:40am STVSS Scripture Study MRB
7:00pm October Baby Movie RAC
7:00pm Singles Night Out MRA & B
Sunday, October 14
9:15am Religious Education Classes School
9:40am Children’s Liturgy of the Word MRD
10:00am RCIA Catechism Meeting MRC
3:00pm STV School Sports RAC
6:00pm Men’s CRHP MRC
VOICES—High School Youth Group
Sunday, October 7th
FAMILY
Depart—6:00pm
Return to STV—11:00pm
Cost: $30 includes bus, hayride & food
Join us for a relaxing night under the crisp
Autumn night sky as we travel to Patch 22
Farms in Wadsworth, IL. The night will
include a cozy flatbed hayride, towering
bonfire, hot dogs, caramel apples, hot
chocolate and cider and full use of a two story
barn. Visit the Voices website at
www.STVOICES.org for more information, as
well as access to the permission form.
MASS
STV SCHOOL
HERSHEY CANDY SALE
THIS
WEEKEND
After All
Masses
$2 Each
Please help us raise funds for our school!
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Saturday
Oct. 14
9:30am
Theme:
How do we
get there?
Inspired by Mark 10: What is eternal life
and how do you get there?
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Hospitality following Mass in the Gathering Area

Parish Events
6th GRADE
RELGIOUS EDUCATION
Sunday, October 14th
9:30am Mass
On Sunday, October 14th at the
9:30am Mass, all 6th Graders will be
attending Mass in lieu of their Religious Education
classes. This is also our monthly Family Mass, so
you will see 6th Graders participate in the liturgy as
readers, gift bearers, etc. See you there!
VOICES High School Youth Group’s
PUMPKIN FUNDRAISER
Baby Bottle
Collection
to Support the
Women’s Center
The baby bottle collection to support the Women’s
Center of Chicago begins this weekend. The center
supports mothers in need and their children from
conception and throughout childhood. Baby bottles
are at the Church exits. Please take a bottle and fill
the bottle throughout the month of October with
loose change and bills. We will collect the bottles at
the end of the month on October 27 and 28.
Please support this worthy cause.
Thank you.
Come Enjoy an Up-Lifting Movie!
Picked right off the vine and…
brought here to you! ...
“Life can be so much more than
what you have planned.”
When: Saturday, October 13
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Rowley Activity Center
Cost: FREE & Free refreshments
Contact: Mary Ann 847-991-9732
Maureen 847-221-5420
October 13/14 After all Masses
Look for us on the front lawn!
BOWLERS WANTED!
St. Thomas’ Couples League—Saturday Night Team
* Teams consist of 2 men and 2 women
* Bowling Once a month September – June
* Great banquet held at end of the year
* League bowls at Beverly Lanes in Arlington Hts.
Contact Julie Suokas @ 847-289-9248
5
"OCTOBER BABY will change
you ... just open your heart." Judie Brown,
President, American Life League; Author, The Broken Path
Rated PG-13: Suitable for ages 13 and up.
Jointly sponsored by the Respect Life Committees of
St. Theresa and St. Thomas Villanova.
GOLDEN
VILLANOVANS
Monthly Meeting
Wednesday October 10th, MRA & B
Special presentation from Tom Smith, Director of
Palatine Emergency Safety and Management—
” All About Your Safety” For more info, contact
Ken Doruff 847-358-3852.
ALL ARE WELCOME!

Living Faith
Winter Clothing Drive
For St. Angela’s School
October 27/28
More details in next week’s bulletin. Stay tuned..
Back by popular demand…
Angels for Angela’s—December 8th, 2012
Mark your calendar!
Eucharistic Adoration
Every Wednesday
6:00—7:00pm
Adoration will take place in the church.
All parishioners are invited to come and
pray with the Lord present in the
Holy Sacrament.
No Eucharistic Adoration on October 24 & 31.
Kairos Prison Ministry
Stateville Correctional Facility
Corporal Work of Mercy # 6 = Visit The Imprisoned
WE NEED COOKIES!
Cookie recipes are available in the Gathering Area.
Please bake cookies and drop them off in the Gathering
Area by October 18th or contact Lee Fialek at
847-358-0227 or lwfialek@yahoo.com
Subscribe today! Still only $25/year
Visit: www.catholicnewworld.com or pick up a
subscription envelope at all exits.
ROSE FOR LIFE
In loving memory of
BROTHER JOSEPH PASKA
6
Knights of Columbus Membership Drive
The Knights of Columbus are having a membership
drive on October 13/14. The Knights are the world’s
largest fraternal organization of Catholic men.
Membership is open to all men 18 and older who are
practical Catholics.
Members will be in the Gathering Area after all
Masses next weekend to answer questions and
hand out membership materials. Stop by and find
out how you can make a difference.
The Knights of Columbus –
the Experience of a Lifetime.
AROUND OUR TOWN
20th Annual Mass for Mental Illness Awareness
Sunday Oct. 14 at 2 :00PM at St. Gertrude Church,
6200 N. Glenwood & 1400 W. GranvilleChicago, IL
For more information call Ken Doruff at 847-358-3852
Saint VIator High School—Fashion Show & Fundraiser
Friday, Oct. 19 at 5:00pm, The Meadow Club
2950 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows
For more information call Andrea: 630-327-4460
Marriage Moment
"October is Respect Life Month.
Sometimes spouses can be so busy
taking care of children and trying
to save the world that they get
lazy about giving each other
respect. Speak respectfully to and
about your spouse today. This can include
courteous actions, honoring your spouse's time,
and giving preference to his/her needs.”
A Parenting Pointer
One of the Spiritual Works of Mercy is to
"Counsel the Doubtful." Parents can sometimes
doubt whether they are being too strict or too
lenient with discipline; too generous or too tight
with giving their kids money... Check your
doubts with other wise parents.

Catholic Conference of Illinois
7

Living Faith
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Mon: Gal 1:6-12; Ps 111:1b-2, 7-9, 10c; Lk 10:25-37
Tue: Gal 1:13-24; Ps 139:1b-3, 13-15; Lk 10:38-42
Wed: Gal 2:1-2, 7-14; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Lk 11:1-4
Thu: Gal 3:1-5; Lk 1:69-75; Lk 11:5-13
Fri: Gal 3:7-14; Ps 111:1b-6; Lk 11:15-26
Sat: Gal 3:22-29; Ps 105:2-7; Lk 11:27-28
Sun: Wis 7:7-11; Ps 90:12-17; Heb 4:12-13;
Mk 10:17-30 [17-27]
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Our Ministries
FINANCE COMMITTEE
MEMBERS:
Ann Johnson
Dave Obernesser
Ron Jozwiak
John Harahan
Ron Tragasz
Cathy Edbrooke, Chairperson
Fr. Tom Rzepiela, Pastor
Fr. Wojciech Oleksy, Associate
Ron Schaefer, Parish Manager
Carol Wilson, Parish Financial Sec.
Have you ever wondered who is responsible for the finances of our Parish Family . . . . ? Who monitors the budgets? Who looks at
the spending? Who sets the weekly Sunday Sacrificial Giving target amounts posted in the bulletin? Who makes sure the Parish
Family has adequate funds for all its operations?
The answer to that is simple . . . the pastor is the person ultimately responsible for all aspects of parish life, including the finances.
However, here at St. Thomas of Villanova, we also have a Parish Finance Committee that oversees the financial position of the
Parish Family and acts as an advisory committee to the pastor regarding all financial issues.
The finance committee consists of:
• Pastor
• Associate Pastor
• Parish Manager
• Parish Financial Secretary
• Six to eight parishioners
All members of the Finance Committee are appointed by the pastor. The pastor, with the assistance and help of the finance
chairperson, seeks out parishioners with strong financial backgrounds that they think will provide positive contributions to the financial
issues facing our parish. There is no specific tenure or term limits for this committee. However, most committee members normally
serve on the Finance Committee between five to twelve years.
The Finance Committee meets monthly. The parish financial secretary provides monthly income and expense reports and cash flow
reports to the committee that are discussed and reviewed at every meeting. Deviations from budgets are discussed. The Finance
Committee also provides a forum for any ministry that wants to request additional funding that was not contained in the annual
budget.
Each of the parishioners on the Finance Committee is assigned specific ministries or activities that they are responsible for
monitoring. Committee members are assigned to REC, Music, Liturgy, Youth Group, STV School, Ministry of Care, Facilities and
Grounds, consolidated incomes, consolidated expenses and cash flow to name a few. Committee members meet regularly with the
leaders of their assigned ministries to understand the needs and expenses of each group. They work with the ministry leads in
preparing the budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. Then they review the monthly income and expense summaries provided by the
parish financial secretary with the leaders to understand the rationale behind any deviations from budget. One committee member
also serves as the Finance Committee representative to the Parish Pastoral Council.
An audit is performed by the archdiocese when there is a change in pastor at the parish. The Finance Committee is apprised of the
results of the audit. The new pastor can establish his own Finance Committee. In practice, however, new pastors often retain those
members of the prior Finance Committee to serve on the new Committee to provide continuity in the financial area.
If you have any questions about the Finance Committee or its purpose, please feel free to contact any of the members listed above.
It is an honor to serve the parish as a member of the Finance Committee. We thank all of the current Finance Committee members
for their dedication to this ministry!
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As long as I can remember, my parents modeled
and taught me to tithe. When I was young, my
dad would give us our $1 weekly allowance in
coins so we could put a dime in the basket at
church. I remember feeling a sense of pride in
being able to give something that I had earned
when the basket was passed to me every
Sunday. Years later, when allowance turned to
income (from babysitting and working at the
church), tithing remained a part of my life.
I honor lots of the qualities my parents have
instilled in me- hard work, self-sacrifice, the
meaning of family and deep faith in God. So
when Steve and I got married, we decided to
model our giving to the church after that of my
parents. We created a separate bank account
which we call the “Lord’s account.” Every month
on payday, 10% of our income is automatically
transferred to this account. Besides allowing us
to be consistent in our giving, it makes us “miss”
the money less. That is because we don’t view
the money in the Lord’s account as our money.
We have been richly blessed and believe to
whom much is given, much is expected.
children to daily mass and still have people tell
me that it’s wonderful to see us! It is a place
where we will remember a beautiful baptism and
a celebratory funeral. It is easy to support a
place that aids in our most important marriage
and family relationship – the one we have with
God. As parents, it would be our greatest joy to
see our children cultivate real relationships with
God throughout their lives. This is why we
volunteer within the church with our time and
talent and feel called to offer our treasure.
Choosing to tithe can be a tough decision if you
haven’t really “budgeted” for God, but one of my
favorite truths is “God will not be outdone in
generosity.” When you give to Christ, you allow
yourself to be blessed by Him; you are given
grace and a clearer ability to come to know Him
more! Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with
all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and
He will make your paths straight.”
The analogy may be a bit premature for the
season but I’m sure you are familiar with the
story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Even
after the Grinch stole Christmas from the Who’s
in Whoville, he continued to notice their joy and
happiness. They kept their contentment because
they gave to one another. This so touched the
calloused Grinch that he turned around and
started giving Christmas back to the Who’s.
When he did this, his heart grew three times in
size.
When Steve and I made the decision that I would
be a stay-at-home mom last fall, we talked about
money a lot, but never discussed giving less than
10% to the church. We have had to be frugal in
many areas of our lives, but our family has
become closer as a result. We are creative and
get to spend a lot of time together – days that are
sometimes crazy, but years I know I will never
get back with my young children. And years that
we are grateful to have the St. Thomas
community in which to raise them!
In giving to Christ, we have felt our hearts grow.
We hope you do, too!
Lisa & Steve Korney—Parishioners
SUNDAY SACRIFICIAL GIVING (SSG)
September 2 $ 24,301.01
September 9 $ 23,900.48
September 16 $ 18,668.32
September 23 $ 16,856.23
September 30 $19,686.80
The community of fellowship at St. Thomas in
which Steve grew up and the kids and I have
come to know is warm and faith-nurturing. It is a
place where I can bring my sometimes loud
10
Sunday Budget $329,000.00
YTD Actual $293,807.60
$- 35,192.40
Thank you!

Parish Events
All married and engaged couples are cordially invited to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage
at the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday, October 20, 2012.
After Mass, you are invited to continue this celebration with an Old-Fashioned Pot Luck Dinner
to be held in the Rowley Activity Center.
What a great time we’ll have – enjoying community and tasting all the homemade goodies! Come on,
everyone, get creative and let’s show off those cooking talents. Bring a dish from the list below that matches
the first letter of your last name:
A-G Main Course (casserole, meat dish, etc.)
H-L Dessert
M-Q Vegetable
R-Z Salad/Appetizer
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your dish is to be already prepared and ready to serve in a disposable container. We
request that you bring enough food for 8-10 people. Please drop your dish off at the kitchen before Mass and
we will keep it hot or cold for you.
Please confirm your attendance by calling John or Donna Breit at 847-359-2870 by October 17th .
Sponsored by STOV Marriage Ministry
“Come As You Are”
Come As You Are is a small group ministry that has
been active at St. Thomas for over 20 years.
Groups of parishioners meet in each other’s homes
once a week for six weeks prior to Advent and six
weeks during Lent. We spend about an hour and a
half studying the next Sunday’s Scriptures. This is
not a formal Bible study, but a relaxed time of
exploring how the bible impacts our lives. Our time
together makes the Scripture we hear proclaimed at
Mass much more meaningful. Groups will start the
week of October 15 and are available on Monday,
Tuesday and Wednesday evening, and during the
day on Wednesday. Consider whether this might
be a way to enrich your time in the Word of God.
Call Earl Schaffnit at 847-991-0055 to sign up. If
you were part of a group in Lent, there’s no need to
sign up again: your group leader will contact you.
11
B.Y.O.B.
Coffee, pop, water & lemonade
will be provided.
Join us as we pray the
Living Rosary
Wednesday, October 24th
7:00 pm in the Church
Everyone is invited to take part in this beautiful STV
event. Come, pray with us from a pew, or
participate in a special way by signing up to “be a
bead” and recite the Hail Mary as the rosary winds
its way around the church. Families, singles,
couples; all are welcome to “be a bead” at this
special parish gathering.
Call Elayne Maruska to sign up to “be a bead”.
847-358-0089 or bemaruska@earthlink.net

Our Weekly Prayers
Monday, Oct. 8
6:30am Communion Service
8:00am † Carlos Murguia
Tuesday, Oct. 9
6:30am Communion Service
8:00am † Mary Bourke
Wednesday, Oct. 10
6:30am Communion Service
8:00am † John Moriarty
Thursday, Oct. 11
6:30am Communion Service
8:00am † Benefactors of St. Thomas of Villanova
Friday, Oct. 12
6:30am Communion Service
8:00am † Cole Deacon; † Ron Neurauter
Saturday, Oct. 13
8:00am Francis Cardinal George
5:00pm † Norbert Johnson; † Joseph Falvo;
† Chester Zara; † Carlos Murguia
Sunday, Oct. 14
7:30am † David Sladky
9:30am All Living & Deceased Parishioners
11:15am † Samantha Gage; † Emily Gage;
† Genevieve Mosten; Mesella family
1:30pm Mass in Polish
BAPTISMS
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we welcome
into the Christian Community:
James Alexander Bar
Charles Joseph Crane
Emma Lillian DeLuga
UPCOMING MARRIAGES
II
Kim Bertucci—Adam Costello
REST IN PEACE
Please remember to pray for those who have died
recently and for their families.
John Patrick Moriarty
Janusz Piotr Beben
Daniel Doles
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PRAY FOR OUR SICK
Remember to pray for all who are sick, hospitalized,
convalescing and homebound, especially the
following:
Chic & Lou Anderson, Bruno Dul, Francis Cardinal George,
Bea Hauser, Carole Konieczny, Susan Kordell, Harold
Lewis, John Oslovich, Betty Rasmussen, Elaine
Romanchek, Loretta Rutkowski, Dan Schaffer, Shirley
Serena, Robert Szott, Sharon Tadsen, Art West
IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
We pray for the loved ones serving in our Armed
Forces. Protect them that they may be the joy of
those who love your name. Psalm 5:12b
• Lt. Kevin Brandwein, USN;
• PFC Ryan Camis-Sutherland,
U.S. Army;
• Major Joey Cross, USMC;
• CPL David Crouse;
• PFC Evan P. Crouse;
• SPC Brian J. Dankowski,
U.S.Army;
• Lt. Commander John-Paul
Falardeau, USN;
• TSGT Dan Fialek, USAF;
• Msgt. Matthew Grelck, USAF;
• Sgt. Thomas Grygowski,
USMC;
• Commander Jason Haen,
USN;
• Colonel William D. Hibner;
• Lt. Erin Lynn Keane, USAF
• Joseph Kilcullen III, Green
Beret;
• PFC Jeffrey Daniel Krantz,
USMC;
• Specialist Dustin Lyles, U.S.
Army;
• SrA Ryan C. Maloney, USAF;
• SPC Michael Medina, U.S.
Army;
• SN Gregory Minott, USN;
• Staff Sgt. Darrel J. Moe,
USAF;
• Lt. Robert D. Muchow, USN;
• ENS Kevin O’Brien, USCG;
• A1C Brian R. O’Donnell, Jr.
USAF;
• LCPL Conor O’Neill, USMC;
• LCPL Kevin M. Potter, USMC
• Lt. Col. Robert T. Quinnett;
• Ltd. James Ruetshe, Ranger;
• Sgt. Nicholas Regini, USMC;
• Captain Louis J. Schager, Jr.,
USN;
• Lt. Colonel Jeffrey D.
Stockwell, USAF;
• 2nd Lt. Tina Stowick, U.S.
Army
• Matthew Walz, USAF;
• CPL Corey A. White, USMC
• LCPL James N. Wyant,
USMC
Congratulations…To the newly married
Kyle & Brian Koselke

On Marriage Rules
Copyright 2012 by John B. Reynolds (john@jrwrites.com)
Maybe my folks gave it to me. Or else I got it in a church mailing. Either
way, I must have put it in my nightstand drawer and then forgot it
because that’s where it surprised me recently as I was looking for something
else. It’s a small laminated card. It has a picture of Jesus sitting at
a table with what appears to be a bride and groom. Mary is standing
behind her son, and with water jars on the floor, the scene is probably
meant to represent the wedding feast at Cana. The headline bolded on
the reverse side of the card reads: Rules for a Happy Marriage, and ten
short directives follow along.
Let me say for starters that I’m not big on rules dictating this or that
circumstance because every this or that circumstance
is unique in its own way. Which is not to say that I
hold scientific rules--like, say, Newton’s rule of gravity
or the rule of Pythagoras or Archimedes’ Principle--
suspect. The science I’ve learned over the years
always hold true. No, I’m cool with these rules. It’s the
rules intending to tell me how I’m supposed to fit into
a given situation that bother me. You know. Like
these Rules for a Happy Marriage. My wife and I are married thirty-one
years next month. In the great scheme of things, it’s not long, but it’s still
long. And by and large, we’ve been happy. Just the same, now I wonder
if we’ve been living by the rules…
1. “Never be angry at the same time.” This is unavoidable at times.
2. “Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.” Yelling’s a
relative term.
3. “If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your spouse.” But
what if I’m right?
4. “If you have to criticize, do it lovingly.” No comment.
5. “Never bring up mistakes of the past.” No comment.
6. “Neglect the whole world rather than each other.” Conceptually, I
get it.
7. “Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.” OK.
8. “At least once every day try to say one kind/complimentary thing to
your life’s partner.” OK.
9. “When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and
ask for forgiveness.” OK
10. “It takes two to quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who
does the most talking.” I’m not talking…
Marriage talk in general, however, often leads to
divorce talk, and divorce talk is never easy. I’ve seen
good marriages (and good people) end up over, and
in all cases, it was--and still is--a rough road. “Is it
lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” the
Pharisees ask Jesus in today’s Gospel. While Christ
acknowledges the lawfulness of it, he clearly couches
marriage as a covenant meant for the long haul. “What God has joined
together,” he says, “no human being must separate.” Nonetheless, 50%
or so of new marriages these days--depending on which survey you
read--come apart. As a guy whose marriage has seen some rough
times (and whose hasn’t?), I’d have to say that the Rules for a Happy
Marriage are more guidelines than rules, but even guidelines are good.
Archimedes’ Principle always works. May God guide more and more
marriages the same.
October 13/14 SATURDAY 5:00 PM SUNDAY 7:30 AM SUNDAY 9:30 AM SUNDAY 11:15 AM
SUNDAY 1:30 PM
Polish
PRESIDER Visiting Priest Fr. Ray Yadron Fr. Tom Rzepiela Visiting Priest Fr. Wojciech Oleksy
DEACON John Breit Tom Dunne Len Marturano
HOMILIST Visiting Priest Visiting Priest Fr. Tom Rzepiela Visiting Priest Fr. Wojciech Oleksy
LECTORS
Bill Pocklington
Chris Fisher
Sue Cotugno
Iris Osberg
Family Mass
Lee Fialek
Maureen Treanor
MINISTERS OF
COMMUNION
Mick Lasiewicz
Sharon Lasiewicz
Carol Gabiner
Layne Gabiner
Michael McGee
Sharon Reiber
Mary Bragiel
Jane Candela
John Davis
Greg Korney
Betty Kunzweiler
Mark Orr
Carole Parsons
Boni Quiaoit
Mila Quiaoit
Gay Sladky
Bob Slanicky
Rita Snyder
Family Mass
Kaylyn Dunne
Mary Carlson
Carol Schaffnit
Earl Schaffnit
Donna Casey
Jean Pope
Carol Guziak
Jeanie Landeweer
Joyce Miller
Tom Nolan
Marilyn Marturano
SERVERS
Gretchen Fisher
Therese Banea
Becca Messick
Sophia Mavromatis
Chloe Osberg
Hanna O’Brien
Cecilia Walczynski
Zach Walczynski
Parker Sanchez
Amanda Schallmoser
Angelina Nahulak
Joey McDonald
GREETERS
M
G
N
Maureen Penkava
J & R Redmond
Sue Langowski
Boni & Mila Quiaoit
T & M Greener
Bob & Margo Stanek
Paul Pazderski
B & K Sauerland
R & K Schappert
T & N Hulsebosch
L, D & D Klotz
J & J Landeweer
13

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS
St. Thomas of Villanova Church #925150
1201 E. Anderson Drive
Palatine, IL 60074
TELEPHONE
847 358-6999
CONTACT PERSON
Suzie Walczynski
EMAIL: suzie@stov.org
SOFTWARE
MSPublisher 2007
Adobe Acrobat 8
Windows XP
PRINTER
Konica Minolta C252
TRANSMISSION TIME
Wednesday 12:00
SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION
October 7, 2012
NUMBER OF PAGES SENT
1 through 14
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
14