02-20-11 - St. Thomas More Church

The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the whole
Israelite community and tell them: Be holy,
for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.
Lv 19:1-2
The Cathedral of St. Leger — Lucerne, Switzerland

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321
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 .................................... Carole Mackey 923-8816
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 de Paul ........................... Mrs. Bernadine Barrett 836-8610
Vocations Committee .............................. Mrs. Mary Kochis 322-7262
2010-2011 Pastoral Council
Tom Alexander, Co-Chair .................... Kevin Cloghessy, Chairperson
Timothy Etter .................................................................. Don Kopenec
Jackie Kovach ................................................................ Phil McIntosh
Dwight Reed ............................................................... Susan Rousseau
James Secviar .............................................................. Linda Stefanich
Joyce Stodola ............................................................ Joann Wleklinski
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
Assistant Principal…………………….…...Mrs. Tina Boyle; Ext. 328
School Administrative Assistant….Mrs. Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328
School Reception & Office Associate…..Mrs. Sandra Steele; Ext. 329
Home & School Association. ..... ...Mrs. Mary Beth Ginalski 864-0941
Parish & School Offices Associate……Mrs. Mary Jo Biscan, Ext. 311
Parish & School Offices Associate ........ Mrs. Pam Wadycki; Ext. 339
Weis Center
8635 Calumet Avenue ~ Munster, IN 46321
Phone .................................................................................... 836-2660
Fax ........................................................................................ 836-2655
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 Orientation
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.
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. Barbara Topete
Parish Life ................................................................. Mrs. Elaine Herrmann
Peace & Social Justice ...................................................... Ms. Mary Silvasi
Spirituality & Worship ................................................ Mrs. Margot Blocher
Stewardship .................................................................. Mrs. Noreen Bickel
Parish Organizations
Altar & Rosary Society ........................................ Cindy Keilman 923-9862
Elizabeth Ministry ................................................ Pam Domasica 838-7940
Holy Name Society ..................................................... Joe Adams 865-3566
Senior Citizens ....................................................... Tina Candella 922-7814
Respect Life ............................................................ Alice Wohler 836-5337
Knights of Columbus .................................. Gregg Blocher (219) 902-1171
Blue Army .................................................. Rose Marie Malburg 836-8779
Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200
Planned Giving ..................................................................... Ken Krupinski
Building Maintenance .................................................... Bob Ray 924-6472
Boy Scouts .............................................................. Roger Jachna 322-0769
Cub Scouts ............................................................... Steve Hrinda 923-6438
Girl Scouts ......................................................... Barbara Jamrose 922-3783
Catering/Hall Rental ........................................ Kathleen Pagorek 972-0539
Moms’ Group ......................................................... Leticia Kotso 924-5732
Ushers Club ......................................................... Jim Marmalejo 836-1463
Gabriel Project ..................................................... Kathy Trotman 836-4329
The Travelers Club…………………………………..Lois Quinn 836-7902
Please remember St. Thomas More Page in 2 your Will and Estate Planning

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time February 20, 2011
Saturday, February 26
5:30 p.m. Fr. Mike Yadron
Sunday, February 27
6:30 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron
8:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron
10:00 a.m. Fr. Rick Holy
12:00 Noon Fr. Rick Holy
MONDAY, February 21
8:30 am M. Reynolds, F. Beckman
SATURDAY, February 26
8:30 am A. & B. Sikora
5:30 pm B. & R. Caraher, M. Garcia, B. Hanusin,
C. Erickson
MC ~ Steve
SUNDAY, February 27
6:30 am A. & A. Chronowski, J. Kleszynski
8:00 am K. & M. Yaeger, E. & V. Zaczyk, A. Zaleski
MC ~ Caleb
10:00 am J., N. & S. Smith, M. Switalla, J. Topor
MC ~ Ryan
12:00 noon M. McDevitt, C. & S. O’Brien
MC ~ Ted
Custodian Needed
Part-time custodial person needed for school &
parish. Responsibilities include cleaning offices and
restrooms and event set-ups. Experience a plus. This is a
part-time position, working primarily the afternoon /evening
shift. Send resume to or apply at:
St. Thomas More Church
8501 Calumet Ave. • Munster, IN 46321
Y
Sacrificial Offerings
February 13, 2011
TIME, TALENT & TREASURE
Adult $ 25,183.00
Loose $ 1,209.00
Children $ 174.70
TOTAL $ 26,566.70
Thank you for your generosity.
Respect Life Corner
or those who care for the sick with gentleness and
compassion… that they may see themselves as
Apostles of Life; we pray to the Lord...
SUNDAY, February 20— Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased
8:00 am Patrick Quinn (Ann.) by Wife Lois
10:00 am John J. Rybicki (Ann.) by Wife & Family
12:00 pm Bertha Pepa Struble (Ann.) by Daughter
MONDAY, February 21— St. Peter Damian
6:30 am Ellen Biggerstaff by Ann Biggerstaff
8:30 am Leroy Gauger by Robert & Virginia Gauger
TUESDAY, February 22 —The Chair of St. Peter, Apostle
6:30 am Deceased Members of the Cortiletti Family by Mona
Powers
8:30 am Jo Ryan Smith by 7 th & 8 th Grade Team
10:00 am John Fetzko by STM Holy Name Society
(MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 3)
WEDNESDAY, February 23 — St. Polycarp
6:30 am Willis Miller by Tony & Dorothie Pobereyko
8:30 am Eleanor Schlatter by Claire P. & Ted W. Korabel
THURSDAY, February 24
6:30 am Harry Kender by Jim & Arlene Kender
9:00 am Robert Gregor by STM Altar & Rosary Society
FRIDAY, February 25
6:30 am Sister Jean Matteson, OSB by Deacon & Mrs.
Napoleon Tabion
8:30 am Jacqueline Ruth Holman by Mary Jo Biscan &
Charlotte Herr
SATURDAY, February 26
8:30 am Dorothy Jurkash by Lisa Triezenberg, Kristen Shaw,
Natalie Banas, Laura McAdams
5:30 pm Irene Yohnke (Ann.) by Family
SUNDAY, February 27— Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
6:30 am John Podlasinski by Diane Malinowski
8:00 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased
10:00 am Kayla Pastor (Ann.) by Family
12:00 pm Jonas Neverauskas by Joseph Neverauskas
Pastoral Care Ministry
Please contact our Pastoral Care Office at 836-8610, #315
if you would like Communion brought to a relative or friend
who is sick or shut-in and cannot make it to Mass.
Book of Petitions
Do you know where the Parish Petition Book is?
Did you know that the Parish Petition Book
is located just inside the door of the Chapel
near the Infant Jesus of Prague statue?
Feel free to add your petition
requests to the book.
Page 3

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
It's not a question you ask in polite company. Actually, it’s probably
not a question you ask at all, except possibly in counseling or
psychotherapy. The question is, "Who do you hate?" The quick
response is, "Well, I don't hate anybody. There are some people I
dislike, and some folks I don't get along with, but I don't really hate
anyone." So maybe a better way of asking the question is, "Who is it
that you don't love?" If we truly look into our hearts and start
cataloging, that list just might start to add up. Of all the commands of
Jesus, it is likely that the one in today's Gospel is the most difficult.
"Love your enemies," he says to his followers. That may be possible
in the theoretical; it is really, really difficult in actual life. While dayto-day
slights that take place don't rise to the level of making someone
an enemy, there are, in fact, folks that raise one's ire. And there are
people whose conduct truly makes them an enemy, either to a
particular individual, or to a whole group of people. And that is hard
to accept. If there is a situation that requires thorough conversion of
heart, then it comes for the Christian when he or she tries to fulfill
Jesus' command to love one's enemies. So now that the challenge is
out there, what's to be done about it? Well for starters, the beginning
of Lent is only two-and-a-half weeks away. Maybe you'd like to start
now by making an enemies' list-not like Richard Nixon did in an
attempt to neutralize people-but for your own prayer, as a way to
begin to love. It won't be easy, and some past angers may return, but it
could be a very productive Lent if you begin to take the people on that
list and pray for them one by one as Jesus commands.
c
Coleen Alexander
Margaret Amatulli
Doris Aurelio
Maria Aurelio
Irene Baker
Cody Baldwin
Antonio Belmonte
Tom Bernacke
Michael Berry
Michael Blazevich
Michael Boston
Cheryl Bostrom
Stephany Burney
Dorothy Campbell
James Campbell
Barbara Cak
Thomas Cak
Al Carollo
Carol Carollo
Kathleen Cecil
Jeff Chastain
Joseph Cwiok
Jacqueline Morrow
Christian
Frank Coman
Vincent Corsello
John Costa
Mike Curtain
Irene Dettmer
MaryPat Devoy
Irene Dickey
Jeanine Doescher
David Drewniak
Debra Dunn
Alex Eiland
John L. Estrada
Sherlon Evans
Elizabeth Follmer
John Forde
Phyllis Garber
Andrea Garritano
Dorothy Gillespie
Margaret Good
Howard Gralewski
James Grunewald
lease pray for the sick of our parish...
Ceil Guziar
Eileen Hasse
Amy Hayes
Chuck Heggi
Eleanore Heggi
Marie Henke
Evelyn Hennes
Ray Humpfer
Steve Izzo
Dennis Jablonski
Elizabeth Jacob
Barbara Jamrose
Stanley Jayjack
Rosemary Jerzak-Staszel
Emery Johns
Debbie Kaczka
Robert Kalka
Margaret A. Kapala
Carol Keilman
Rev. Matthew Kish
Josephine Knesek
Janet Knight
Alice Kolember
Dorothy Kovach
Miller Krizmanic
Rose Krizmanic
Julia Kukta
Jerome Kula
Debbie Le Monier
Mary Leahy
Jo Lisiniewicz
Edward Liskiewicz
Stanley Liskiewicz
Maria Lovell
Carole Mackey
Gregory Mahoney
Mary Manchak
Brady Martin
Alex Mau
Joseph McShane
Faye Meny
Sandi Merlo
Stephanie Mueller
Olga Mihalo
Andrew Moll
David Moll
Jean Narvid
Donna Nichols
Steven Nowaczyk
Valerie O’Donnell
Danny Ogren
Ruth Ospalski
Audrey Ostroff
John Pavcak
Johanna Petruch
Andrew Pieczyrak
Elizabeth Pilones
Genevieve Platek
Sylvester Porras
Adam Potapczak
Eileen Puskedra
Kristen Rubin
Anthony Saklaczynski
Ed Sandrick
Ann Sardella
George Sauer
Marie Schultz
Marianne Schwartz
William Schwartz
Zachery Scriff
James Secviar
Renee Shehan
Lydia Skorupa
Carolyn Smiley
Deborah Stareck
Charles Stevens
Florence Stevens
Carolyn Sutley
Georgianne Suto
Rose Theis
Gerardo Trevino
Anthony Ubuane
Julia Vrbanich
Adele Wall
Sally Walters
Sue Wass
Lucille Wonnell
John Zajac
Cecilia Ziegler
SUNDAY, February 20
1:30 pm Queen of Peace Cenacle ~ Chapel
MONDAY, February 21
No School — President’s Day
5:00pm Spirituality & Worship ~ Conference Room
7:00 pm Blue Army ~ Chapel
7:00 pm Holy Name Society ~ Solar Room
7:00 pm Religious Formation ~ Conference Room
TUESDAY, February 22
9:15 am Eucharistic Adoration (until 6:30 pm) ~ Chapel
1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel
6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel
7:00 pm RCIA ~ Conference Room
WEDNESDAY, February 23
9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room
4:30-6:00 pm Religious Education ~ Classes
7:00 pm SpringFest ~ Solar Room
THURSDAY, February 24
Very Special Persons Day at STMS
4:30-6:00 pm Religious Education ~ Classes
7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church
FRIDAY, February 25
6:30 pm STMS Daddy/Daughter Dance ~ Gym
SATURDAY, February 26
9:00 am Pastoral Council ~ Conference Room
SUNDAY, February 27
St. Vincent De Paul Food Collection at All Masses
Blue & Gold Banquet at 4:00 p.m. in the Gym
9:00 am New Parishioner Orientation ~ Solar Room
1:00 pm SVDP Youth Group ~ Teachers’ Lounge
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat
If the emotional and spiritual wounds of abortion have been sapping
faith, virtue and joy from your life, plan to attend the next
retreat on April 8—10, 2011.
Contact kdruz@att.net or (219) 558-0625 for information.
Readings for the Week of
February 20, 2011
Sunday: Lv 19:1-2, 17-18/1 Cor 3:16-23/Mt 5:38-48
Monday: Sir 1:1-10/Mk 9:14-29
Tuesday: 1 Pt 5:1-4/Mt 16:13-19
Wednesday: Sir 4:11-19/Mk 9:38-40
Thursday: Sir 5:1-8/Mk 9:41-50
Friday: Sir 6:5-17/Mk 10:1-12
Saturday: Sir 17:1-15/Mk 10:13-16
Next Sunday: Is 49:14-15/1 Cor 4:1-5/Mt 6:24-34
Page 4

THREE-MINUTE LITURGICAL CATECHESIS
Article 6: Thanks and Praise at the Beginning
Well, we've been presenting these three-minute teachings for
a few weeks now, so it must be time for a short quiz. Can you
remember the meaning of the word “Eucharist"? If your
memory is sharp, you may recall that it comes from a Greek
word meaning thanksgiving. When we gather for Eucharist, we
gather to give God thanks and praise.
Two of the components of the entrance rites at the beginning
of Mass reflect those themes of thanksgiving and praise. Those
two elements are the Penitential Rite and the Glory to God.
The Penitential Rite
It is easy to misunderstand the purpose of the Penitential
Rite at Mass. Most people realize that it is not intended to be a
replacement for the sacrament of penance. It is also not
intended to be a time for us all to feel terrible about our
sinfulness. That would not help us to enter into a spirit of
celebration as we begin the Mass.
We do acknowledge our sinfulness, of course, but we do so
in light of the wonder of God's forgiveness. It is God's mercy
that enables us to stand in God's presence and share in the
worship of Christ. None of us really deserve to be here, but the
emphasis is less on our sins than it is on God's merciful love.
We are here because God has forgiven our sins. We are here
because of God's grace poured out in our lives. We do not
deserve this gift, but we rejoice in God's goodness and love.
Thus the Penitential Rite serves to remind us of a basic
reason we have to give thanks to God. The emphasis is on the
reconciliation Christ has won for us rather than on our sins.
Listen, for example, to the language of the missal for the
invocations for the third form of the Penitential Rite:
You were sent to heal the contrite; You came to call sinners;
You plead for us at the right hand of the Father; You came to
gather the nations into the peace of God's kingdom; You come
in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness, You will
come in glory with salvation for your people; You came to
reconcile us to one another and to the Father; You heal the
wounds of sin and division; and on and on—always focusing
on Christ and on God's forgiveness. This gives us good reason
to give God thanks.
The Sprinkling Rite
Sometimes we replace the Penitential Rite with the
Sprinkling Rite. This ritual action reminds us of our baptism,
which freed us from the power of sin and made us God's
adopted children. This rite, too, leads us to express our
gratitude to God for forgiveness and for new life.
The Glory to God
After the Penitential Rite or the Sprinkling Rite, on most
Sundays we take time to praise God with the ancient hymn
known as the Gloria. This is a song of almost pure praise of
God, with only two general requests for God to have mercy on
us and hear our prayer. It reminds us of the wonder of God and
the privilege it is for us to come into God's presence. Like the
Penitential Rite, the Gloria leads us to give God thanks and
praise.
© 2004 Lawrence E. Mick. Revised 2006. This series was originally written by Fr. Mick
for the Worship Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Distributed by the Federation
of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) 415 Michigan Avenue, NE, Suite 70,
Washington DC 20017. www.fdlc.org; email: publications@fdlc.org; voice: 202-635-
6990; fax:202-529-2452. FDLC #4300.
The Pastor’s Page
Page 5
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Two of our grades — third and eighth — are in the
process of preparing for the receptions of their sacraments
this year.
Our third graders celebrated their First Confession a
week ago on Saturday, February 12th. They will receive
their First Communion in May.
Our eighth graders are preparing for the sacrament of
Confirmation. They will be confirmed by Bishop Melczek on
the Saturday of Palm Sunday weekend (April 16th).
Please keep all of our students in your prayers. Most
especially, please pray for our students preparing for their
sacraments.
May the joy of the sacraments fill their
hearts and help them to lead holy lives!
AMERICAN HEART MONTH
February is American Heart
Month, an observance that
Congress has required the
president to proclaim each
February since 1963. Sponsored
by the American Heart Association, American Heart Month
is intended to raise awareness of the nation's number one
killer: cardiovascular diseases, which together account for
about 630,000 deaths each year in the United States.
These diseases include coronary artery disease (CAD), the
leading cause of heart attacks, and strokes.
You are at higher risk of heart disease if you are:
A woman age 55 or older, or a man age 45 or older. Have a
relative with a history or early heart disease.
You can help prevent heart disease by:
Watching your weight, quitting smoking and avoiding
secondhand smoke, controlling your cholesterol and blood
pressure, drinking alcohol only in moderation, getting and
staying physically active, eating a heart-healthy diet that's
low in cholesterol and saturated fat, talking to your doctor
about daily, low-dose aspirin therapy, and managing stress.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
The wife chewed out her husband at the company picnic
awhile back. "Doesn't it embarrass you that people have
seen you go up to the buffet table five times???"
"Not a bit," the husband replied. "I just tell them I'm filling
up the plate for you!"

Greeters for February 26 & 27, 2011
5:30 pm Mass
Chapel: Rob & Dorothy Mangus
6:30 am Mass
Main: Val Rudakas
Chapel: Joan McLaughlin
Choir: Marilynne Ciric
8:00 am Mass
Main: Denise & Allison Rusnak
Chapel: Margaret Gray
Choir: Dolores Fulte &
Cecilia Guziar
10:00 am Mass
Main: Bev & Rich Lasky
Chapel: Joan Mucha &
Gen Gogolak
Choir: The Avila Family
12:00 pm Mass
Main: Diane Gralewski
Chapel: Cindy Kula
Choir: Pat Batchelder
Seder Meal Preparation
We welcome anyone interested in being involved with
the preparation and planning of the
Seder Celebration
to be held on
Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
(Palm Sunday)
This is a beautiful way to remember and celebrate our own
redemption, as we travel the journey of the liberation of our
ancestors from slavery to our own freedom through the passion,
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you would like to be a
part of this well-attended and meaningful celebration, please call
Catherine Pfister at (219) 836- 1219.
Religious Education
February
March
23/24 Class
2/3 Class
9/10 No Classes ~ Ash Wednesday
16/17 Class ~ All School Lenten Prayer
Service at 5:30 p.m.
23/24 No Classes—Spring Break
30/31 Class
Beginning February 23, 2011 from 4:00-6:30 p.m. on class
days, we will begin accepting registrations for the Fall
2011/2012 School Sessions. We will have a table outside
of the school office where you may register. In an attempt
to continue our lower tuition rates we are requesting early
registration and full payment at registration. Mailing of
bills creates a strain on our budget with paper, envelopes,
ink and postage. If you are unable to pay the full tuition
you may set up a payment plan.
• Tuition rates will remain current if students are
registered by May 1, 2011. The rate is $80 for the
first student and an additional $25 for each additional
family member.
• Tuition after May 1, 2011 will increase to $105 for
the first student and $30 for each additional family
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 to
accompany the registration form for new students.
Registration will not be accepted without a baptismal
certificate. If your child was baptized at St. Thomas More
you only need to indicate this on the registration and we
will verify the baptism within the office.
St. Vincent De Paul Society
Meeting Change
The SVDP meeting scheduled for
Wednesday, February 23rd has been cancelled.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, March 9th at 6:30pm
in the Conference Room.
My Two Cents
Thoughts on Stewardship
Living Stewardship
Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
In today’s first reading, the Israelites are urged to love their
neighbors as themselves. In the Gospel, Jesus spells out how we
are to do that—to give generously to those who ask of us, and not
to turn our backs on those who seek to borrow and are in need.
Share YOUR thoughts at: mytwocents@stm-church.com
Page 6
2011-2012
Tuition Assistance Program
Now Underway
Tuition assistance application forms for the 2011/2012 school
year are now available in the parish
office. Catholic families who belong to
a Diocese of Gary parish and have
children enrolled in any diocesan school,
grades 1 through 12, may apply.
Kindergarten and preschool students are
not eligible. 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 Monday, February 21, 2011.
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, 2011.

February 20, 2011
St. Thomas More School
The St. Thomas More Home & School Association Presents
SpringFest ‘11
Saturday, March 5th
3:00—9:00 p.m. in the Gym
• Games for All Ages
• Bounce Carousel
• Face Painting
• Pick-A-Prize
• Raffles Cake Walk
Lots of Food:
• Pizza
• Walking Tacos
• Hot Dogs
• Pretzels & Beverages
To donate raffle items, become an event sponsor
or for more information, contact
Chairperson Tara Hurubean at (219) 864-4366.
Fun for the Whole Family! Everyone is Invited!
QSP Fundraiser
Magazines, Music CDs & Books
Anyone can participate. Over 600 magazines to choose from.
Hurry and order today to help St. Thomas More School!
New Orders and Renewals
Order on-line for convenience and a faster delivery time. Order at:
www.qsp.com
Account # 425023250
or pick-up a catalog or order form
in the in the School or Parish Office. Credits from parishioners
who are non-school families will be allocated to the St. Thomas
More Home and School Association. STMS earns 40% of each
order.
Renew your favorite subscription, order a new title or give a gift!
Order February 9th through February 23rd.
For more information, contact Sue Doherty at (219) 922-0729.
Page 7

Immigration Myths and Facts
Perceived Myth:
Catholic Bishops (Church) support illegal immigration
Known Fact:
The Catholic Church and the Bishops do not condone unlawful
entry or circumventions of our nation’s immigration laws.
The bishops believe that reforms are necessary for our immigration
system to respond to the realities of separated families and labor
demands that compel people to immigrate to the United States in an
authorized and unauthorized fashion.
(Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
For the series of Eight Myths/Facts, you may go to:
https://filemanager.capwiz.com/filemanager/file-mgr/
indianacc/3_Perceived_Myths_2011_bulletin_version.pdf
Squires & Knights of Columbus
The Columbian Squires Circle 4101 of St. Thomas More Church
will be having a
Meeting & Pizza Party
On Thursday, February 24th at 7:00 p.m.in the Solar Room.
We will be discussing the upcoming Knights Fish Fry on Friday,
March 11th, as well as the Indiana State Squires Convention in
Indianapolis on April 15th, 16th and 17th.
The Squires now have a Facebook page. Come and check us out!
Membership in the Squires is open to all boys between the ages of
10 and 17. You do not have to be the son of a
Knight of Columbus to join the Squires.
If you have any questions concerning the Squires or the Knights of
Columbus, please contact Grand Knight, Gregg Blocher at (219)
902-1171 for further information.
Knights of Columbus Anniversary Dinner
Save the date for the 20th Anniversary Knights of Columbus Dinner
on Saturday, April 30th. Watch the bulletin for more details.
Northwest Indiana Catholic
Rich in history with a tradition that goes back over 2,000
years, learning a bout the Catholic
faith is the work of a lifetime. One
way to stay current on the work of
the Church and more fully explore
the many fascinating and sacred
beliefs of Catholics is through the
Northwest Indiana Catholic
newspaper, coming into your
home 43 times each year.
Enjoy photographs from around the
world that tell the many stories of our faith in action along
with unique perspective of Catholic writers and columnists.
Subscribe now, until March 13th, for
only $26 through your parish.
Credit or debit card users go to www.nwicatholic.com.
Holy Name Society
Our next meeting will be on
Monday, February 21, 2011
at 7:00 p.m. in the Solar Room.
Join us for the praying of the Rosary, followed by the regular
meeting at 7:30 p.m. New members are always welcome.
We will be discussing the Annual Fish Fry.
Holy Name Fish Fry and Raffle
Friday, March 25, 2011
Altar & Rosary Society
Chili Bingo
6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2nd in the Cafeteria
Travelers Club
Get Ready to Travel Again!
After a long and difficult winter are you ready for the first trip
of the year? Plans are underway to travel to many interesting and
extraordinary destinations during 2011, so get ready!
Our first trip will be Thursday, March 31st to Lindenwood Retreat
House and Conference Center in Donaldson, IN. Sister Coletta will
inspire us with a Lenten talk in
preparation for Easter. We will tour
the Retreat House, Chapel and shop
in the Gift Shop. The cost is $40 per
person, which includes
transportation, lunch and gratuities.
Please sign up at the parish office.
Your check, made out to “The
Travelers”, will confirm your
reservation.
More details will be in future bulletins. Join us for an invaluable
spiritual experience!!
Chili Bingo tickets are now on sale for
$5.00 each in the Parish Office.
The evening will begin with the Rosary being said promptly
at 6:45 pm and then let the games begin; Bingo that is!
Chef Kathleen Pagorek will once again be making her
fabulous Chili for all of us to enjoy while we play
Bingo. All ladies attending are asked to bring a
New Door Prize with them, valued at $10.00 or less.
Please give your door prize to Cindy Keilman.
For information, please call Cindy Keilman at 923-9862.
Future Events:
Sunday, April 10 at the 8:00 a.m. Mass
Please make your reservations at the Church Office for
Breakfast in the Cafeteria after Mass
Spring Ethnic Pot Luck Dinner
Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Solar Room
Page 8

Emmaus Program
Spring Series
“Understanding the Mass Through the
Lens of the Missal”
The classes will examine and renew our celebration of the
Eucharistic Liturgy that stands at the heart of Christian life, by
looking at the new revised text and how it brings us closer to
the “full, conscious, and active participation”
in the liturgical action.
Monday Evenings at Queen of All Saints, Michigan City
February 28, March 7, 14 & 21 from 6:30—8:30 p.m.
Fr. Michael Driscoll, Presenter
Professor—Liturgical Theology at the
University of Notre Dame
Thursday Evenings at Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville
March 24 & 31 and April 7 & 14
Fr. Bill Vollmer, Presenter
Liturgist & Associate Pastor, St. Norbert in Northbrook
Registration Form
Name____________________________________________
Address__________________________________________
Career
Networking
Group
For those who are unemployed (in transition), new to the job
market, employed or who can offer employment opportunities
through their current professional connections. Have your Cover
Letter, Resume or Thank You Note critiqued by a professional.
The Next Meeting is:
Thursday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Don Pelka, Project Management Professional
Topic: The Value of Certification Credentials
Six Sigma, Project Management (PMP)
Stand out from other candidates by meeting your career goals.
Learn the significance of Six Sigma certification, earning a Green
Belt or Black Belt, and the importance of PMP certification.
Watch future bulletins for more information.
Where: St. Thomas More Weis Center
8635 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN
When: The 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
E-Mail: STMCareerGroup@gmail.com.
Free. Open to All.
City_________________ State________ Zip____________
Phone____________________________________________
E-mail____________________________________________
I will be attending: Site_______________________________
Dates__________________ Instructor___________________
Fee: $20 for each of the four-week sessions.
Return to:
Emmaus Program, 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN46410 or
e-mail averbeke@dcgary.org. For info call 769-9292, #280.
These classes are open to everyone!
Senior Citizens Club
Monday Luncheon
Our next luncheon will be on Monday, February 28th at Dante’s
Restaurant,1734- 45th Street in Munster, at 11:30 a.m.
There will be a buffet luncheon. Guests are welcome and no
reservation is needed. Come “break-up” these lingering days of
winter and visit with some old, and new, friends.
Next Regular Meeting:
Wednesday, March 2 at 1:00 p.m.
New members are always welcome. We meet twice a month in
the Kish Funeral Home’s Community Room at 10000 Calumet
Avenue in Munster, unless otherwise noted (use side entrance).
Page 9
Gabriel Project
The Gabriel Project is in need of baby cribs &
mattresses. If you have one that you no longer
want and could donate it to help someone in
need, call Marilyn Glennon at (219) 972-2473.
IMPORTANT: If you are able to pass a pop can
through the crib side rails, we cannot use it.
Please remember our Moms and their children
in your prayers.
The Angel Award
The Office of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Gary is pleased
to announce the fourth annual Angel Award process.
The Angel Award, named in honor of the Holy
Angels—the patrons of the Diocese of Gary — will
be given this 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.
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, a plaque and public recognition. Nomination
forms may be picked up from any school principal or on line
from the diocesan website:
www.dcgary.org.,Schools Office Resources.
Forms are due (to school principal) by Monday, March 7th.

Living a Life of Stewardship:
Mission Trip Preparation
Two young St. Thomas More parishioners will soon be traveling
abroad to help those in some of the world’s poorest areas. If you
would like to help defray the costs of their upcoming mission
trips, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Sarah Sikora is a 2006 graduate of St. Thomas More School
and is currently a freshman at Saint Louis University.
She will be traveling in March to the Toledo district
of Belize to work in conjunction with members of the
local St. Peter Claver Parish, assisting Mayan
villagers there. Funds are needed to offset her travel
costs and for much needed supplies and building
materials needed to complete construction projects. Donations
can be sent to: Sarah Sikora,1002 Treadway, Munster, IN 46321.
Questions? Contact: sarah5900@comcast.net or (219) 512-0494.
Allison Bickel is a 2003 graduate of St. Thomas
More School and will be graduating in June with a
degree in Secondary Education from Indiana
University. She will be traveling in June to Tanzania
with Child Reach International as a member of their
volunteer team, working to improve the education and healthcare
for children in rural communities there. Funds are needed for
children’s healthcare items, books and building supplies to
complete school renovations, with hopes of improving school
attendance. To learn more about, or to donate to, Ali’s trip go to:
http://www.active.com/donate/FuturebuildingTZ/ABickel3
Feeding God’s Children
Volunteer with Catholic Order of
Foresters, St. Mathias Court 102
members as we participate in
Feeding God’s Children, Catholic
Order of Foresters’ national
community service day. Together,
we hold the power to change things
for the better.
National Community Service Day
Saturday, May 7, 2011
from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
join us at St. Michael Church Cemetery, Schererville, IN to
beautify the cemetery grounds.
Please bring a canned good to contribute to the needy in our area.
Volunteer alone, as a family, with friends, or classmates.
We welcome all helpers—youth and adults, Court 102 members
and non-members.
Refreshments will be served.
To volunteer, or to learn more, contact:
Julie Buksa at (219) 922-1182 or 4juldan@sbcglobal.net
Respond before March 7, 2011 to receive a free
participant Feeding God’s Children T-shirt.
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THE JOY OF
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“…Those who believed shared.” Acts
There are three basic attitudes that describe stewardship:
1. Acknowledging God as the provider of all we have.
2. Being grateful for his many gifts and blessings.
3. Giving a portion back to God through our offerings of
time, talent and treasure.
Our parish is beginning the Stewardship of Treasure phase of
our Parish Stewardship process. The first step in this phase is
to reflect upon our attitude towards giving.
How do you decide what to give?
• Do you put $5 in the collection no matter when or where
you attend Mass?
• Do you contribute only when Fr. Mike convinces you that
the parish has a particular need?
• Do you feel that you are doing your part by paying a
sizable tuition to send your child to a Catholic school?
• Do you put in the collection whatever you happen to have
in your wallet or purse?
• Do you and your spouse prayerfully and thoughtfully
regularly review your income, and select a percentage to
give back to God in thanksgiving for the many blessings
God has given you?
The last choice illustrates the concept of sacrificial giving.
This concept involves contributing from one’s substance rather
than one’s abundance. It’s giving “off the top” rather than from
what is left over. It may also involve forgoing some pleasure or
luxury. Have you ever calculated how much you spend each
month on gourmet coffee, cable, dining out, or cell phone
packages in comparison to how much
you give back to God?
During the coming week, we invite you to reevaluate your
motivation for sharing your treasure with your parish. Christ
does not condemn our possession of material goods, but
He pronounces harsh words for those who use them in
a selfish way.
Does Your Child Need a Coat?
If you have a child who wears a size 6 to 14,
and is in need of a winter coat, please contact
Catholic Charities in Gary at
(219) 886-3549, # 221 for help.
You will be asked to provide proof of income,
current Indiana photo ID, and either birth
certificates for your children or proof of food stamps.
Page 10