All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and ...

Feast of All Saints November 1, 2009CELEBRANTSSaturday, November 75:30 pm Father Mike YadronSunday, November 86:30 am Father Mike Yadron8:00 am Father Mike Yadron10:00 am Father Dennis Blaney12:00 noon Father Rick HolyMonday, November 2 ~ Mass of Remembrance7:00 pm B. & S. Caraher, L. Rouse ~ MC ~ Joe & EvanFriday, November 68:30 am M. Szala, M. ZabreckySaturday, November 78:30 am K. Alanza, C. Erickson5:30 pm J. & T. Beckman, GW. & M. Childs, R. HamillMC ~ KellieSunday, November 86:30 am B. & E. O’Neill, M. Perez8:00 am A. Bilse, I. & N. Hinojosa, M. Pukoszek,B. Seligman ~ MC ~ Caleb10:00 am J. & M. Peters, J. Ratajack, A. & B. SikoraMC ~ Patrick12:00 noon A., N. & N. Anglin ~ MC ~ TedAva Rae, daughter of Joseph & Sara BrunettiSUNDAY, November 1 ~ Feast of all Saints6:30 am Evelyn Alikpala (Ann.) by Tabion Family8:00 am Robert Wohler (Ann.) by Family10:00 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased12:00 pm Andrew Norman by Parents & GrandparentsMONDAY, November 2 ~ Commemoration of all the FaithfulDeparted6:30 am William Wyherek by Phillis Krakowiak8:30 am Dolores Young by Hajduch FamilyTUESDAY, November 3 ~ St. Martin de Porres6:30 am Marcia Etter by Annette Lynch8:30 am Carleen Kozlowski by Husband Lawrence & Family10:00 am Aeneas Guiney by Tom & Joan Keilman(MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 2)WEDNESDAY, November 4 ~ St. Charles Borromeo6:30 am Patrick Pollio by Mr. & Mrs. David Little8:30 am Asuncion F. Serrano (Ann.) by Serrano FamilyTHURSDAY, November 56:30 am Michael Kwiatkowski (Ann.) by Mr. & Mrs. JohnGryn9:00 am Richard Wilson by Wife Mary & FamilyFRIDAY, November 6 ~ First Friday6:30 am Ed Donnovan by Donna Kelly & Jim Hardy8:30 am Rosemarie Arent by FamilySATURDAY, November 7 ~ First Saturday8:30 am Edward Holy by Family5:30 pm John Kenda (Ann.) by Tom & Kathy BassettoSUNDAY, November 8 ~ Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased8:00 am Anne Evanich (Ann.) by Vickie Nordyke10:00 am Joseph Pellar Sr. (Ann.) by John & Claudia Pellar12:00 pm Michael & Helen Lesko by Eugene & GeraldineLesko & FamilyPhilomena RamannaRoseann TuckerIf any of your family or your friends are sick at homeor in the hospital and cannot come to Mass, pleasecall our Pastoral Care Office at 836-8610, ext. 315,and we will be glad to bring them Communion.Entertainment Books are available inthe Parish Office! $20Page 3

FOR ALL THE SAINTS,WHO FROM THEIR LABORS RESTI have always loved that particular hymn. It is so majesticand filled with splendor. It has a great lifting of the voice toGod. It fills me with wonder and awe.The saints do that to me as well. I guess that was never ahard concept for me to accept.I know, for many people, that the concept of theCommunion of Saints is really hard to consider and accept.The idea that there is a great throng of people surroundingthe Lord that can act as intercessors for us is a foreign one.After all, some would say, why bother going to the saints?Why not just cut out the “middle man” and go straight tothe Lord?Well, there is something to be said for that.However, for many of us, we long for that earthlyconnection in our prayer life and in our spiritual life. Weneed to touch and feel. We need to think about the witnessand example of someone who was of flesh and blood whilehere on earth.The idea of the saints is a comforting one for us.We think about the people who have gone before us —especially the ones that we can put a name to — and wefeel that much more connected to eternity.We celebrate those people today. All of the souls whowalked this earth, remained faithful to God, and have beencalled to the Lord to live in heaven. Each and everyone oneof those souls is a saint.They are our strength. They are our witnesses. They areour inspiration. They are our heroes.Remember, each and every soul who gets to heaven is asaint. That means that, if we remain faithful to God, we,too, have the opportunity to become a saint one day.We are all “saints-in-the-making.” On thismost happy day, I say to you, Happy FeastDay!The Pastor’s PageWhy were the saints, saints?Because they were cheerful whenit was difficult to be cheerful, patientwhen it was difficult to be patient;and, because they pushed on whenthey wanted to stand still, and keptsilent when they wanted to talk, andwere agreeable when they wanted tobe disagreeable.That was all.It was quite simple and always willbe.ON THE LIGHTER SIDESometime after Robert died, his widow, Sally, was finallyable to speak about what a thoughtful and wonderful manher late husband had been."Sidney thought of everything", she told them. "Justbefore he died, Bob called me to his bedside. He handedme three envelopes.""Sally," he told me, "I have put all my last wishes in thesethree envelopes. After I am dead, please open them and doexactly as I have instructed. Then I can rest in peace.""What was in the envelopes?" her friends asked.Sally replied, "The first envelope contained $5,000 with anote, 'Please use this money to buy a nice casket'. So Ibought a beautiful mahogany casket with such acomfortable lining that I just know Bob is resting verycomfortably.""The second envelope contained $10,000 with a note,'Please use this for a nice funeral'. I purchased a verydignified funeral service for him and bought all his favoritefoods for the funeral luncheon.""And the third envelope?" asked her friends."The third envelope contained $25,000 with a note,'Please use this to buy a nice stone'. At that point, Sally heldup her hand and pointed to her ring finger, on which was aten carat diamond ring. "So", said Sally, "You like mystone?"Priests and deacons have served the Diocese of Gary morethan fifty years. Others have served in the territory that isnow the Diocese of Gary. Please pray for those men whohave been called to God and whose anniversaries of deathare this week:November 5: Msgr. Timothy F. Doody (2004)November 7: Msgr. Joseph J. Viater (1996)Page 5

Health Care ReformYour involvement neededCongress is reaching a critical time in the debate on health carereform!The U.S. Bishops' Conference has concluded that all committeeapprovedbills are seriously deficient on the issues of abortion andconscience protection, as well as on access to health care forimmigrants and the poor. Genuine health care reform should protectthe life and dignity of all people from the moment of conceptionuntil natural death. The bills must be changed during floorconsideration.Senator Bayh can be instrumental in making a difference. It isimportant that he hear from his constituents.How You Can RespondCall Senator Bayh at 202-224-5623 or email at www.bayh.senate.govAsk him to:1. Exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and incorporatelongstanding policies against abortion funding and in favor ofconscience rights. No one should be required to pay for or participatein abortion. No current bill meets this test.2. Adopt measures that protect and improve people’s health care.Reform should make quality health care affordable and accessible toeveryone, particularly those who are poor and vulnerable.3. Include effective measures to safeguard the health of immigrants,their children and all of society. Ensure that legal immigrants andtheir family members have comprehensive, affordable, and timelyaccess to health care coverage. Maintain an adequate safety net forthose who remain uncovered.Be sure to check the Indiana Catholic Conference website for upto-dateinformation and action alerts at www.indianacc.orgReligious EducationCheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes uspersevere in a good life. Therefore the servantof God ought always to be in good spirits.~Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595), PriestMark your CalendarNov. 4/5 ClassAll eighth grade—Commitment inthe Church11/12 Class18/19 Class28/29 NO CLASS—HAPPYTHANKSGIVINGDec. 2/3 ClassWe are in need of Substitutes and Hall Monitors forReligious Education Evenings.Nov. 21Virtus Training 10:00 a.m.Saint Thomas More Solar RoomCall the Religious Education Dept at836-8610 X 336 to register.Religious Education Office—836-8610Sandi MorganDirector of Religious Education“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs isthe kingdom of heaven. …Blessed are thepeacemakers, for they will be called childrenof God.”Mt 5: 3, 9Holy Name NewsSacrificial Offering for October 25, 2009Adults $24,546.00Loose $1,062.00Children $78.71TOTAL $25,686.71Thank you for your generosity!Our next meeting will take place onMonday, November 16th in the SolarRoom. The meeting starts at 7:30 pm.Come early at 7:00 pm for the praying ofthe rosary. Video and pizza/refreshmentswill conclude the meeting. New membersare welcome! Our discussion will includeour next fundraiser, our Annual Lenten FishFry and raffle. Please “save the date”Friday, February 26th, 2010.Page 6

November 1, 2009St. Thomas More SchoolWalk-A-Thon 2009Each year the students of St. Thomas MoreSchool raise money for a worthy cause byparticipating in the October Walk-A-Thon. Lastyear’s funds were added to the Parish FloodRelief Fund. This year the proceeds weredeposited into the STMS Angel ScholarshipFund to aid school families who have sufferedjob loss, reduced hours and salary cuts due tothe current economic conditions.Despite a string of inclement days, studentswere finally able to get outside to walk theirmany laps to help fellow classmates and theirfamilies.Thank you to everyone who has generouslydonated to assist others. Your kindness is verymuch appreciated.[tÜäxáà ZtÄtSave the Datefor this year’s STMS musical!Look for committee members sellingBountiful Harvest Raffle Tickets in the Church Narthex.Tickets can be purchased through the school or parish offices or in thechurch narthex this weekend (October 31st/November 1st).Purchase your raffle tickets to win a variety of cash prizes in ourUÉâÇà|yâÄ [tÜäxáà etyyÄxGrand Prize of $50002nd Prize of $10003rd Prize of $500Ticket stubs must be submitted by 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6th..November 19th, 20th and 21stat St. Thomas More SchoolAn original play by parishioner, Kristyn EstesMusic by STMS alum, Jonathan AlexanderCan you help?We are looking for some costume pieces for our playto have donated or to borrow:1950’s women’s hats, fedoras, trench coats,shirt-waist dresses, solid colored A-line skirts andmen’s or boy’s short sleeve, plaid, button-down shirts.Questions? Contact Angie Lorandos atalorandos@stm-church.com or (219) 836-8610, #338.Page 7

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphereand God calls me to work there. This past August, Iaccompanied a mission group to Haiti and saw childrendying, not from any exotic diseases, but simply becausethey had no access to the barest of necessities: food,shelter, clothing and basic hygiene. Having seen what Isaw and knowing what I now know, I cannot live incomfort and excess. Rather than feeling depressed andoverwhelmed, I am excited and empowered; for years Ihave struggled to recognize God's plan for me. Now Iknow; my eyes and mind have been opened: God wantsme to work with the least of His children. However, tofulfill my mission, I need your help.Mr. Michael Fedele, the CEO of Life for the World,informs me that as a long-term volunteer, I must haveaccess to $1000 a month for living expenses. I will usethis money to buy food, water, housing, tools,transportation and educational materials. Any excessdollars would support the mission activities such asteaching English, establishing hydroponic farms, andshowing the Haitians how to raise chickens and goats asa sustainable food supply. Life for the World has severalprojects already in place that need staffing and financialsupport, and a long-term plan of creating a self-sufficientand self-sustaining complex that would address thepresent needs of the Haitians as well as assisting inimproving their standard of living. For now, I need yourhelp to get me and keep me in Haiti for at least sixmonths.Would you help sponsor me? As I write this, I amstruck by the irony of the saying that God's ways are notour ways. For here I am, a 28-year-old young man withmy own business living a very comfortable life wanting todo a job that I must pay to do! Surely this is the call of theLord because it doesn't really make a whole lot of sensein human terms! And yet, I can't imagine beinganywhere else doing anything else.If you or someone you know is interested in or is ableto support my vocation to work and live with our brothersand sisters in Christ, please send what you can andmake your check out to Life for the World Inc, P.O. Box4025, Hammond, IN 46324. Any contribution would beappreciated and is tax-deductible. It may also be eligiblefor corporate matching, for Life for the World is a 501(c)(S) organization (Tax ID No. 74-S0742SS) whose solepurpose is to serve the poor, the widows, and theorphans of Haiti. Please note that one hundred percentof your donation to Life for the World goes directly to thepoor. Please help me go where I know God is calling me.Help me be His hands and heart to people who have nochance to survive unless they get some help.May God bless you in your generosity as you, too,serve Jesus in Haiti as we find Him in the mostdistressing of disguises.The Lord be with you,Aaron Shultz,VolunteerMy Two CentsThoughts on Stewardship of TreasureWhat I believe about stewardship comesfrom Romans 12:8"If your gift is to encourage others, beencouraging. If it is giving, givegenerously. If God has given youleadership ability, take the responsibilityseriously. And if you have a gift forshowing kindness to others, do it gladly."Bill BurkeShare YOUR thoughts at:mytwocents@stm-church.comSENIOR CITIZENS CLUB NEWSWe will have our next meeting on WednesdayNovember 4 th in the STM Solar Room at 1 p.mAfter the meeting we will enjoy refreshments &play cards.At this meeting we will be signing up for ourChristmas Party December 2 nd at Teibels. Thisparty will be only for members of the SeniorCitizens Club. This will be another way for us tocelebrate the coming Holiday Season and it givesus an opportunity to wish each other a blessedChristmas.The two co-chairpersons have made many plans tomake this another special time for all ourmembers. What a beautiful way for us show ourlove for the birth of Jesus.ST JOSEPH SOUPKITCHEN MINISTRYYou are invited to the 2 ND annualPot Luck Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 12 th at6:30 p.m. in the Solar Room. Current membersand those interested in joining our ministry, areinvited. Please join us and bring your favoritedish.Questions, call Marilyn at 934-0738.Page 8

Liturgy of RemembranceNovember is a special time of year for theRoman Catholic Church. It commemorates thosewho have gone before us in special ways as itcelebrates the Feast of All Saints and All Souls.After the Feast of All Souls (November 2 nd ) theremainder of the month is dedicated toremembering the faithful departed.Remembering our loved ones is so veryimportant to us. When we take the time to bringthem to mind, we experience a multitude offeelings that help lead us to come to terms with ourgrief and to bring us healing.The entire parish community of St. ThomasMore invites you to participate in our annualLiturgy of Remembrance on All Souls Day –Monday, November 2 nd at 7:00 pm.Following this Liturgy of Remembrance will bea reception for our bereaved families. We ask thatour parishioners contribute by bringing some bakedfinger goods to the Parish Office by2:00 pm on Monday, November 2 nd .THE MINISTRIES FAIR WASA HUGE SUCCESS!Thank you to everyone thatparticipated in or attended theministries fair!Eye catching displays and lively discussions withthe members of the current Commissions andMinistries were outstanding! We have over 51different Ministries at St. Thomas More and itwas a great opportunity to see what they have tooffer! Over 120 people signed up to work in ourministries.We are truly blessed to have so many dedicatedparishioners that give of themselves.THANK YOU!“WAIT” to CELEBRATEAn Advent ReflectionWhat if we broaden our thinking toexperience Advent and the sacraments ofthe Church together? During our timetogether, we will explore how we understandand experience the Sacraments of theChurch as well as Advent.Celebrate an Advent Reflection onSaturday, December 5 th , as St. ThomasMore Parish and Our Sunday VisitorCurriculum Division, formerly HarcourtReligion Publishers, welcomes Sr. JaneMarie Osterholt from 8:30-11:30 at St.Thomas More Parish in the Gymnasium.There will be a $10.00 registration fee.Continental Breakfast and check in will befrom 8:30-9:15.Sponsored by the Spirituality andWorship Commission.RESPECT LIFE CORNERForty Days for LifeWell, the 40 Days of Prayer has officiallyended today. But we encourage you tocontinue to pray privately, and/or with othersfor the pro-life cause. And that includes notonly abortion, but euthanasia, infanticide,the death penalty as well--all affronts toGod's Will for any and all of us here onearth.Our Living Rosary "Celebration"Thanks and God's special blessing to allwho participated in our second LivingRosary Prayer together. Surely Mary waspleased to have us observe her Month ofthe Rosary in such a pleasant, prayerful wayfor the cause of and the right to life!!Page 9

SVDP "YOUTH" CONFERENCE"CAPS FOR KIDS": During the month ofNovember, we will be collecting "NEW" hats,gloves, and scarves for kids of all ages, andalso for adult women and men. Boxes arelocated at each entrance of the church. Sortingwill take place at the Chancery on Monday,December 7.St. Thomas More Moms!REMINDER:The next meeting of the STM Moms’ GroupTuesday, Nov. 3, 20099:00 am to 11:30 amSolar RoomHope to see you there!NOVEMBER NURSERYVOLUNTEER SCHEDULEfor the 10:00 am Sunday MassWe are located in the Brides Room.SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1Kaaren Mashura & Nathalie KauzSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8Tracy Cole & Marelle CervenSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15Tara Hurubean & Allison MudroSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22Kim Power & Haley BolanowskiSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29Eileen & Caleb HinojosaWelcome to our New Volunteers* Kim Power, * Nathalie Kauz and* Allison MudroATTENTIONAll high school youth, grades 9th-12th!Please come and represent St. Thomas More atLife Ministry’s—It’s About Life “Addictions”lock-in retreat. Life Ministry is hosting a lockinretreat November 14-15th, 2009. Check inis at 6:30 pm and ending after 9:00 am Masson Sunday. This lock-in will be held at St.James the Less Catholic Church in Highland,Indiana.St. James the Less9640 Kennedy Ave.Highland, IN 46322You may register at www.Life-Ministry.org orwww.facebook.com/LifeMinistry. For moreinfo call Joe Kern 219-803-4100 or 708-932-9683 cell.Page 10