Page

You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own,

so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness

into his wonderful light. 1 Pt 2:9

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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, KHS; Ext. 312 myadron@stm-church.com Associate Pastor ......................... Reverend Benjamin J. Ross; Ext. 314 bross@stm-church.com Senior Deacon............................................ Dr. Napoleon Tabion, OFS Deacons ................................................................ David Kapala, KHS ............................................................................ Joseph Stodola, KHS ......................................................................... Daniel Zurawski, KHS Stewardship Director ..................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Pastoral Care Coordinator .......................... Madeleine Moya; Ext. 313 Director of Music ......................................... Angie Lorandos; Ext. 338 Director of Religious Education .................... Emily Hackett; Ext. 332

Parish Office Staff Hours: Mon-Friday 8:00 am-8:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am-4:00 pm Web Site .......................................................... www.stm-church.com Email address .................................. parish.office@stm-church.com Email address for bulletin ...................... bulletin@stm-church.com Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax .................... 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ..................................................... Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309 Daytime Receptionist ........................................ Susan Strain; Ext. 310 Evening Receptionist .................................... Veronica Brtos; Ext. 310 Building Maintenance………………………….Dale Slosser 836-8610

Pastoral Ministries Environment & Art ............................................. Jean Bados 836-8610 Eucharistic Ministers ................................... Carole Mackey 923-8816 Hospitality/Greeters ................................... Chris Shearman 923-1419 Lectors ...................................................... William McDunn 922-9459 Nursery .................................................. Kaaren A. Mashura 836-5079 St. Vincent de Paul ................................. Michael Martinelli 836-8610 Vocations Committee ...................................... Mary Kochis 322-7262

2013-2014 Pastoral Council Members Daniel Buksa ................................................................ Leslie Dernulc Christi Kordeck ......................................................... Michael Korfiatis John Kovach ...................................................................... Mary Kretz Paul Liszewski, Co-Chair ................................................ Bill McDunn Andrea Mazerik ....................................................... Jesse Montenegro Krystal Quagliara, Chairperson ................................... Ruth Yothment

St. Thomas More School Pre-School through 8th Grade

Office Hours: Monday– Friday ~ 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Web Site ........................................................... www.stm-school.com School Phone ......... 836-9151 School Fax .......................... 836-0982 Principal ................................................ Chet Nordyke, KHS; Ext. 328 Assistant Principal…………………….…………Tina Boyle; Ext. 328 School Administrative Assistant………..Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328 School Reception & Office Associate………...Sandra Steele; Ext. 329 Home & School Association…..………Kris Miller; (312) 909-8156 Parish & School Offices Associate………….Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 311 Parish & School Offices Associate ................. Pam Wadycki; Ext. 339 School Admissions…………………...………….Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309

Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue ~ Munster, IN 46321

Phone ..................................................................................... 836-2660 Fax ......................................................................................... 836-2655

St. Thomas More Religious Education Kindergarten through 8th Grade

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Friday — 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday & Thursday — 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Religious Education Phone ........................................................... 836-8610 Director .................................................................. Emily Hackett; Ext. 332 Administrative Assistant ...................................... Carolyn McGill; Ext. 336 Grades K through 8 ~ Wednesday or Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education ........................................................... Barbara Topete Parish Life ........................................................................ Elaine Herrmann Peace & Social Justice ............................................................. Mary Silvasi Spirituality & Worship....................................................... Kaaren Mashura Stewardship ........................................................................... Noreen Bickel

Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ...................................... Kaaren Mashura 836-5079 Blue Army ................................................... Rose Marie Malburg 836-8779 Boy Scouts ................................................................ Curt Anglin 902-5126 Career Networking Group…………………… Christine Spencer 836-8610 Circle of Prayer………………………………..Mary Jo Humpfer 836-5002 Cub Scouts .............................................................. Chris Bedenk 595-2470 Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Gabriel Project ............................................... Carolyn Grskovich 836-8610 Garden Club ................................................................. Al Carollo 836-8268 Gifts of Love & Warmth……………………..Bernadine Nemeth 513-6544 Girl Scouts ................................................................. Julie Buksa 922-1182 Holy Name Society ..................................................... Joe Adams 865-3566 Knights of Columbus ............................................... Dave Kritzer 838-4409 K of C Columbian Squires………………….....Richard Alvarado 614-3743 Moms’ Group ......................................................... Leticia Kotso 924-5732 Oblates……………………………………………...Denise Gard 836-9115 Respect Life ............................................................ Alice Wohler 836-5337 Senior Citizens ........................................................... Herb Cleve 670-2982 The Travelers Club…………………………………..Lois Quinn 836-7902 Ushers Club .................................................... ….Jim Marmalejo 836-1463 Venture Crew…………………………………….....Fr. Ben Ross 836-8610

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.

Please remember St. Thomas More in your Will and Estate Planning

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Fifth Sunday of Easter May 18, 2014

Saturday, May 24 5:30 p.m. Fr. Mike Yadron

Sunday, May 25 6:30 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 8:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 10:00 a.m. Fr. Benjamin Ross 12:00 Noon Fr. Benjamin Ross

SUNDAY, May 18 — Fifth Sunday of Easter 6:30 am Thomas Boblink by Charles & Barbara Boblink 8:00 am George A. Hawley (Ann.) by Lois Quinn & Family 10:00 am Anne Baranowski (Ann.) by Ed & Carolyn Smiley 12:00 pm For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased

MONDAY, May 19 6:30 am Mary O’Donnell by Veronica Brtos 8:30 am Eduardo Esteban Vera (Ann.) by Ruby Vera

TUESDAY, May 20 6:30 am Cecilia Zuklin by Kvasnica Family 8:30 am Connie Richwine by Bill & Barb Stoffel 10:00 am Ruth Ospalski by STM Altar & Rosary Society (MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 1)

WEDNESDAY, May 21 6:30 am Matt & Mayme Gonsiorowski by Marilyn & Tony Standerski 8:30 am Raymond Peciulis by Peciulis Family

THURSDAY, May 22 6:30 am Constancia M. Lozano (Ann.) by Serrano Family 9:00 am Deceased Members of Dominiak Family by Emily Conway

FRIDAY, May 23 6:30 am Josefina Antonio by Aquino Family 8:30 am Michael D. Ramirez by Mr. & Mrs. O. E. Ramirez

SATURDAY, May 24 8:30 am Patricia Masterton by Family 2:00 pm Bassetto/Quasny Nuptials 5:30 pm Deceased Members of Schelfo Family by Rose Terranova

SUNDAY, May 25 — Sixth Sunday of Easter 6:30 am Elaine Caco (Ann.) by Stephen Caco 8:00 am Michael Jurkash by Jurkash Family 10:00 am Patricia S. & John J. Thomas by Maura & Michael Rowley 12:00 pm For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased

SATURDAY, May 24 8:30 am S. Donovan, S. Becker-Toro 5:30 pm J. Bernarte, M. Caraher, M. Childs, A. & L. Forszt/ MC ~ Steven

SUNDAY, May 25 6:30 am K. Yaeger, V. Zaczyk, A. Zajakowski 8:00 am A. Bilse, E. & M. Buksa, N. Kunas, S. Lyons MC ~ Lauren 10:00 am A., M., S. & W. McDunn, J. Olivencia MC ~ Joey 12:00 pm N. & N. Anglin, N. Brough/ MC ~ Alyssa

Bann III Julie Bassetto & Douglas Quasny

Bann II Elizabeth Alonzo & Adam Klobucar

Bann I Danielle Niemann & Kevin Dunne

Joseph Crnarich

Sacrificial Offerings

Thank you for your generosity and stewardship to our parish!

Adult $ 25,150.00 Loose $ 2,755.00 Children $ 201.74

TOTAL $ 28,106.74

May 11, 2014

Mother’s Day Collection Women’s Care Center

$ 7,781.00

Readings for the Week of May 18 Readings for the Week of May 18, 2014 Sunday: Acts 6:1-7/1 Pt 2:4-9/Jn 14:1-12 Monday: Acts 14:5-18/Jn 14:21-26 Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28/Jn 14:27-31a Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6/Jn 15:1-8 Thursday: Acts 15:7-21/Jn 15:9-11 Friday: Acts 15:22-31/Jn 15:12-17 Saturday: Acts 16:1-10/Jn 15:18-21 Next Sunday: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17/1 Pt 3:15-18 or 1 Pt 4:13-16/Jn 14:15-21

Pastoral Care Ministry If you or a family member would like to receive home

Communion, please call the parish at (219) 836-8610, #313.

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Fifth Sunday of Easter "I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be." Now this is something to look forward to: being

where Jesus is, in heaven. What could be more satisfying, more beautiful, more perfect? Heaven is where we find the "fulfillment of

the deepest human longings" (Catechism of the Catholic Church §1024). Our longing for love that doesn't fail, our longing for peace that doesn't end, our longing for happiness that doesn't fade away-all of this is awaiting us. Today, Jesus tells his disciples that he is going

to "prepare a place" for them. We are his disciples too, and so we also have a spot in the "Father's house." But we need to make sure we

know how to get there! This is what Thomas the (doubting) Apostle asked about in

today's Gospel: "How can we know the way?" Thomas wants to be sure about things. He is looking for a kind of spiritual roadmap to give him the confidence that he's on the right path. This is what we have in Jesus. He responds to Thomas' question with these words: "I am the

way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." In other words, Jesus is like an infallible heavenly GPS.

He gets us where we want to go. By heeding Christ's teachings and following his example, we can

navigate through the many competing "ways" that vie for our attention. But more than just serving as a spiritual signpost, Jesus

wants us to be in a real relationship with him. As he asks Philip today, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know

me?" If Jesus himself is the way, then it is only by truly knowing him that we will find our way to heaven where we will finally

behold him face-to-face.

lease pray for the sick of our parish... c Margaret Amatulli

Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio

Irene Baker John Baker

Antonio Belmonte Michael Berry

Michael Blazevich Laverne Blumka Michael Boston Cheryl Bostrom

Robert Boyle Stephany Burney

Dorothy Campbell James Campbell

Thomas Cak Al Carollo

Carol Carollo Janet Cattanach

Jacqueline Morrow Christian

Frank Coman Vincent Corsello

Mike Curtain Margaret Demkovich

Ann D’Orazio Lucille Detterline

Irene Dettmer Ann DeVoy

MaryPat Devoy Irene Dickey

Jeanine Doescher Alex Eiland

Sherlon Evans John Forde

Phyllis Garber Denise Gard

Andrea Garritano Margaret Geary Emily Gibson

Dorothy Gillespie Jacqueleen Gonzalez

Margaret Good Howard Gralewski James Grunewald

Amy Hayes Eleanore Heggi Marie Henke

Evelyn Hennes Becky Hill

Megan Homcho Mary Jo Humpfer

Steve Izzo Dennis Jablonski Elizabeth Jacob Barbara Jamrose Stanley Jayjack

Rosemary Jerzak-Staszel Penny Jurkash Debbie Kaczka Robert Kalka

James Klein, Sr. Carol Keilman Janet Knight

Susan Kolodziej Miller Krizmanic

Jerome Kula Dorothy Larson

Annika LeMonier Debbie LeMonier Virginia LaVigne

Gene Leahy Mary Leahy

Jo Lisiniewicz Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz

Maria Lovell Charlene Madura Mary Manchak Brady Martin

Jenny Mendoza Faye Meny Sandi Merlo

Stephanie Mueller Olga Mihalo Andrew Moll Elissa Moll David Moll Jean Narvid

Donna Nichols

Steven Nowaczyk Valerie O’Donnell

Danny Ogren Emily Orosco

Irene Orzel Christine Osmulski

Johanna Petruch Andrew Pieczyrak Elizabeth Pilones Sylvester Porras Timothy Ribble

Jackie Roach Burt Robinson Kristen Rubin Ann Sardella George Sauer Marie Schultz

Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz

Zachery Scriff James Secviar

Jim Seul Renee Shehan

Thomas Skarbek Nick Skinner

Lydia Skorupa Carolyn Smiley Deborah Stareck Florence Stevens Georgianne Suto

Celine Szczepaniak Carrie Szumelda

Barbara Szypczak Rose Terranova

Rose Theis Gerardo Trevino Kathie Trudgian Anthony Ubuane

Tony Vanden Heuvel Raymond Vanderbok

Julia Vrbanich Pam Wadycki

Adele Wall Don Woszczynski

Cecilia Ziegler

SUNDAY, May 18 Eagle Dash at Wicker Park in Highland Registration -11:00 am • Race Begins- 1:00 pm 6:00 pm Taizé Prayer Service ~ Church

MONDAY, May 19 7:00 pm Schola Choir ~ Church 7:00 pm Religious Formation ~ Conference Room 7:00 pm Holy Name Society ~ Solar Room

TUESDAY, May 20 9:15 am Eucharistic Adoration (until 6:30 p.m.) ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Pastoral Council Discernment ~ Solar Room

WEDNESDAY, May 21 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 6:00 pm Handbell Practice ~ Church

THURSDAY, May 22 7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church

FRIDAY, May 23 9:00 am Gifts of Love and Warmth ~ Conference Room

SUNDAY, May 25 St. Vincent De Paul Food Collection at All Masses

Ruth Mulhern $100 Winner May 12, 2014

Festival Early Bird Raffle Festival Early Bird drawings will take place every Monday until the Monday before the festival. Return tickets to the Parish Office, send to the office via the mail or place in the collection basket. Main Drawing-June 22nd at 9:00 p.m.

Bulletin Articles To accommodate vacations and summer printing schedules, all

bulletin articles must be submitted two weeks in advance to guarantee inclusion in the appropriate issue. Thank you.

You Did It for Me Jennifer* is an immigrant to this country, studying to become an

ESL instructor through classes at a local community college. Initially, she was told she was ineligible for tuition subsidies,

putting her dream of becoming a teacher out of reach. But thanks to a Catholic Charities immigration services coordinator working with her to find alternative documentation to receive the tuition

assistance, she is now on track to graduate with her certificate next year.

Catholic Charities agencies provide nearly a half million client services to immigrants and refugees every year. To learn more,

please visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org

Page 5

The Pastor’s Page

PLEASE REMEMBER THEM Please pray for the priests and deacons who have served the Diocese of Gary so faithfully and whose anniversaries of death are this week:

May 18: Rev. Henry A. Smartz (1967) May 19: Msgr. Ignatius L. Urbonas (2012) May 22: Rev. Joseph Herod (1988) May 23: Rev. John N. Chylewski (1965) May 24: Deacon Joseph Rapal (1992) Rev. Albert J. Zimmerman (2002)

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE Every time four-year-old Cindy said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after she had finished the nightly prayer, Cindy would say, “And all girls.” This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. Her parents’ curiosity got the best of them and they asked her, “Cindy, why do you always add the part about all girls?” Her response, “Because everybody always finishes their prayers by saying ‘All Men’!”

NEXT YEAR’S PILGRIMAGE I am planning to host a pilgrimage to England and Scotland April 13-23, 2015. What follows is a preliminary schedule. If interested, kindly contact the parish office. Day 1 Depart from Chicago to London Day 2 Arrival into London for a panoramic tour of London before transferring to your hotel for check in. Day 3 Morning tour of Westminster Abbey. Continue to nearby Westminster Cathedral, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church in Britain. Afterwards we embark on a tour of the parts of London associated with St. Thomas More including Lincoln Inn where he studied, Crosby Hall, St. Dunstan's Church. Afternoon visit Tower Bridge and the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. It was here that St Thomas More was imprisoned before his execution. Day 4 Full day excursion first to Alyesford to visit the chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We celebrate Mass here before continuing on to Rochester, home of St John Fisher who along with St Thomas More were the only Bishops in England to oppose King Henry VIII. We drive to Canterbury to see the magnificent Cathedral dating back to early Christianity in England. Day 5 After Mass this morning travel west across the Salisbury Plain to Stonehenge. We continue on to Bath to view the Abbey and the Roman Baths. See the magnificent cathedral in Wells before arriving into Tewksbury to visit the Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Day 6 Morning drive to Stratford upon Avon, home of William Shakespeare. Visit the Marian Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham. Day 7 Lincoln via York to Bamburgh on the East Coast, just south of the Scottish border. Depending on the tides, cross the tidal causeway to the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne, an important center of early Christianity and home of St. Cuthbert. After your visit here, you cross the border and head into Scotland continuing to Edinburgh. Day 8 Morning tour of Edinburgh to include the castle and St. Mary's Cathedral. This afternoon drive to Roslyn Chapel, built in the 15th century, for a visit to this newly restored chapel. Day 9 Depart Edinburgh and head to the city of Oban where you check in for the ferry crossing from Oban to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. From here, head to Fionnphort on the other side of the island to take the ferry to Iona. Visit the Abbey, one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites founded by St. Columba in AD 563. Day 10 Board your ferry to cross back to the city of Oban. Continue driving past Loch Lomond towards Glasgow. Quick tour of the city, before checking into your hotel for some leisure time before farewell dinner and overnight. Day 11 Morning transfer to the airport in Glasgow for your return flight to the USA.

CONGRATULATIONS! To all the students from our parish grade school and religious education programs, congratulations upon the reception of your First Communion on either May 3 or May 10. I pray that the joy of that day will bring you back to the Table of the Lord often throughout your lives. God bless you and keep you!

“If angels could be jealous of men they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.” (St. Maximilian Kolbe) “Jesus has made Himself the Bread of Life to give us life. Night and day, He is there. If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist.” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta) “In this world I cannot see the Most High Son of God with my own eyes, except for His Most Holy Body and Blood.” (St. Francis of Assisi) “When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.” (St. Francis de Sales)

TAIZÉ PRAYER Come and spend some time reflecting upon God’s great love for you. Taize prayer is a peaceful half-hour of song and reflection. It will be at 6:00 p.m. this evening, Sunday, May 18th, in the church.

Page 6

Register Now for Fall Religious Education 2014-2015 Religious Education Year

The registration form can be found on the parish website. Register early to ensure that you get your day of preference.

If you are new to the program, a Baptismal certificate is required for registration. Payment in full is required at the time of

registration. We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Religious Education

Respect Life Corner Pro-Life Rosary

Please join our group Pro-Life Rosary, in honor of Mary, the Blessed Mother, after the Noon Mass

Today —Sunday, May 18th at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Thomas More Chapel. All are invited to attend.

Father’s Day Cards Now Available Purchase cards in the Parish Office for $3 per card. You may list favorite parent, grandparent or friend,

etc., living or deceased, for our parish bulletin on the corresponding day.

To be printed in the bulletin, Father’s Day Cards must be purchased no later than Friday, June 6th.

Holy Name Society Our next meeting will be in the Solar Room on

Monday, May 19th at 7:00 p.m. We will begin with the Rosary, followed by our regular

business meeting with election of new officers and refreshments will follow. This will be our final meeting for the

“season”. Meetings will resume on Monday, August 18th.

Nominations have been extended.

STM Pastoral Council Nomination Ballot

Would you consider becoming a member or the St. Thomas More Pastoral Council?

The Pastoral Council members are parishioners who: • Are willing to participate in prayer and spiritual formation

• Are willing to listen to others and new ideas • Understand and accept the mission of our parish

• Are willing to work as team members • Are willing to make a commitment of time and talent to the

Council, the Parish and the Church. This is a 3-year commitment.

A series of three evenings of prayer, education and faith sharing constitute STM’s Discernment Process.

The Discernment Sessions give the candidates an opportunity to learn more about the Pastoral Council.

These sessions will be held on the following Tuesdays: May 27, June 3 and June 10.

On the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, Sunday, June 15th, New Council members will be chosen at the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

Nominees must be a practicing Roman Catholic, a registered member of St. Thomas More Parish, and be at least 18 years of

age. The nominees cannot be a full-time employee of the parish or school. Nominees will be contacted to verify their acceptance

of the nomination.

Members of our parish can nominate themselves or others by completing the Nomination Form below.

Nominee: ____________________________________________

Phone:_______________________________________________

Nominee: ____________________________________________

Phone:_______________________________________________

Nominee: _____________________________________________

Phone:________________________________________________

Please deposit Nomination Forms in the Red Ballot Boxes, located at each church entrance.

The Nomination period will end on Sunday, May 18th after the 12:00 Noon Mass.

God is love God is love, and whoever remains

in love remains in God and God in him. 1 John 4:16

Catholic Services Appeal Continues Thank you for your generosity during the pledge weekends! There is one more opportunity to make a pledge! Volunteers

will be calling parishioners that have not responded to the CSA. Call Night - Monday, May 19th

Calls will continue over the next couple of weeks. To avoid a phone call:

Please call the Parish Office with your total pledge amount or let us know that you are unable to give this year.

You do not have to pay for your total pledge immediately. Most people prefer to pay their CSA pledge in monthly installments. If you choose this method of payment, the

diocesan CSA Office will send you payment reminders in June through January.

God bless you for your generosity and thank you for sharing your love through the Catholic Services Appeal!

Vocations Committee The Sacrament of Holy Orders enables the priest to speak

in the name of the whole community, the whole body! He is ordained to say prayers to which all respond, “Amen.”

Because of Holy Orders the priest possesses the authority to act in the place and power of Christ himself.

Is God calling you? Please pray, pray, pray and you may know.

Page 7

St. Thomas More School May 18, 2014

On Saturday, May 3rd, fifty-five St. Thomas More School third grade students celebrated the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.

Special thanks to our third grade teaching staff for their caring guidance in preparing our students for this important step along

their spiritual journey. Congratulations students and may God bless you as you continue to

feast at the Lord’s table.

First Holy Communion St. Thomas More School Third Grade

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Page 8

Senior Citizens The last social event of the year until the annual Picnic!

All members are invited to join us for our Annual Senior Citizen Picnic

12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Solar Room. Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Please note the change in location. Watch the bulletin for more details coming soon.

Parish Musical Auditions Announcing our summer Parish Musical! Participation is open to ALL

parishioners of all ages. Come and be a part of this year’s production

“Children of Eden”. Rehearsals will begin on June 2, 2014.

Performances will be August 1-3, 2014. Please attend a brief

Informational Meeting on Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00 p.m.

in the Solar Room or contact Angie Lorandos at (219) 836-8610 x338.

Lectors & Greeters for the Week

Saturday, May 24 5:30 pm Mass Rob Mangus & Virgil Ramirez

Sunday, May 25 6:30 am Mass

Angela Kvasnica & Phil McIntosh

8:00 am Mass Tony Liszewski & Michael Madura

10:00 am Mass Bill McDunn &

Jesse Montenegro

12:00 Noon Mass Mark Gillies & Marilyn Pajor

Greeters Saturday, May 24

5:30 p.m. Mass Main: Dato Family

Chapel: Catherine Delgado Choir: Tom & Louisa Jurich

Sunday, May 25 6:30 am Mass

Main: Marilynne Ciric Chapel: Carla Covelli

8:00 am Mass Main: James & Nancy Kaczka

Chapel: Mary Silvasi Choir: Christie & Katie Kordeck

10:00 am Mass Main: Debi Lemonier

Chapel: Ron & Diane Adley Choir: Cheryl Steinhauer

12:00 pm Mass Main: Diane Gralewski

Chapel: Dominique Mercier Choir: Pat Batchelder

Breath of Hope Fundraising Benefit for the Lusk Family Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser in Loving Memory of

Colleen Lusk

Everyone is invited! Silent Auction • Raffle Pizza & Pasta Buffet

Sunday, June 8, 2014 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Bullpen Luxury Bar

1013 W. US Highway 30 (near corner of Routes 41 & 30) Tickets are only $15 per person

Tickets available at the door. All proceeds will go directly

to the Lusk family.

Monthly Luncheon Join us at Baker’s Square

(corner of Ridge Road &Wentworth in Lansing) on Wednesday, May 28th

for a delicious lunch & great conversation. It’s “Pie-Rush” Wednesday so plan accordingly.

No reservations are needed, just come for the fun!

St. Vincent de Paul Society Spring is upon us providing sunshine, new life and

smiles to many faces. As Jesus rose and brought us new life and hope, so does Spring.

The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society hope to bring smiles to faces, also, by providing food, utility/rent assistance or playing Bunco with the elderly. Please consider assisting us to

place smiles on the faces of the less fortunate with your contribution of food.

We are currently in need of any of the following: Soup • Cereal • Peanut Butter • Jelly • Boxed Potatoes • Rice Meal Helpers • Canned Meat • Canned Fruit • Any Toiletries

Toilet Paper • Bar Soap • Shampoo • Liquid Dish Soap Thank you for your generous assistance!

It’s Never Too Late Spring training tryouts have begun for new members.

The Garden Club mission is improving and maintaining the parish grounds. To perform its mission it needs new members,

male or female, between the ages of 21 and 99. New recruits must be capable of walking, talking and stalking

(weeds that is) and distinguishing between plant life that should be nourished or eradicated.

Bending over and having a digestive system capable of consuming coffee and

doughnuts is an asset, but not an absolute requirement. If you believe you can measure up to these standards and

have a burning desire to become a participant in this elite group, present

yourself on any Wednesday or Friday morning at

The Barn (next to the parish rectory) at 9:00 a.m. We disband at noon.

Attendance records are not kept and fines are not levied for being absent or having differences of opinion with others in the group. Seize the moment, challenge yourself, fulfill one of your lifelong

dreams, give your dormant psyche a spring tonic!

Join today & sign-up for free wheelbarrow rides!

Page 9

St. Thomas More School News

Register Now for the 2014-2015

School Year Only a few spots remain in the

Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten classes. At St. Thomas More School,

our students are here because they want to learn!

Our outstanding educational programs, spiritual development and many extracurricular activities allow each child to flourish and grow

into well-rounded, successful students. To learn more, or to schedule a school tour,

please contact Pam Pasyk at (219) 836-9151, #309 or

email: ppasyk@stm-school.com.

Pastoral Care Ministers If you have in your possession a pyx that is the property of St.

Thomas More Church, and that you are not currently using, please return it to the Parish Office as soon as

possible. Thank you for your assistance.

STM Employment Networking Group

80% of Jobs are Unadvertised 82% of Jobs are found through Networking

37% Use Social Media 15% Found through Search Firms • 10% Found through Want Ads

4% Create Their Own Jobs • 2% Blindly Send Resumes

Where: STM Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN

When: The 3rd Thursday of Every Month Email: STMCareerGroup@gmail.com

Regular Meetings are Free! Open to All! For those who are unemployed (in transition), new to the job

market, employed or who can offer employment opportunities through their current professional connections.

Thursday, May 22, 2014 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Note change of location! Weis Center-8635 Calumet Avenue in Munster

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Forward questions to: STMCareerGroup@gmail.com Attendees must have made an advanced reservation.

St. Thomas More High School Youth Ministry

We’re ready to launch a new youth ministry program, and we’re seeking teens & adult mentors to serve as pioneers as we

explore new lands! “What’s it all about?” St. Thomas More School and St. Thomas More Religious Education provides a foundation of Catholic faith

and education. The St. Thomas More Youth Ministry will help high school students take their faith to the next level, enabling

teens to bring God into their daily lives.

Walk an exciting new journey with others who will support you every step of the way. Ready to be a pioneer?! Contact Emily Hackett for more information at

(219) 836-8610, ext. 332 or ehackett@stm-school.com

Divine Mercy Chaplet St. Faustina has obtained the beautiful gift of

Divine Mercy for us! Join us every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel

when we have the privilege to recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet as a group right here at St. Thomas More.

The Blessed Sacrament is exposed while we pray for approximately half an hour and then close with the

Benediction.

Step Up to the Plate It’s never too late to become an active member of your parish.

Just stop in the parish office, pick up a Ministries Booklet, find something that fits your interests & talents and join!

You’ll be glad you got involved & will realize the rewards of helping others.

Eagle Dash is Today! Sunday, May 18th at 1:00 p.m.

Wicker Park in Highland Registration from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

It’s not too late to be a part of this exciting healthy family event.

Same day registrations cheerfully accepted. Awards & lots of fun activities for everyone.

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SignSign--Up to Help at the Festival NOW!Up to Help at the Festival NOW! It’s time to sign-up to help work at our annual Parish Festival. Meet fellow parishioners, help your parish and have lots of fun, too! Many, many volunteers are needed to ensure the success of this important parish event.

Remember the Stewardship Prayer and don’t be afraid to Step Up to the Plate Step Up to the Plate to help your parish!

ST. THOMAS MORE FUN DAYS – June 18-22, 2014

Festival Volunteer Sign-Up

Name: ________________________________________________________ Home/Cell Phone ___________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________________________ Best time to call: ____________________________________

Your help is needed for the success of our annual festival. We can’t do it without you! Here is your chance to meet other members of our parish community, to contribute to the festival, and to have fun at the same time. Place completed form in the collection basket or return to the church office. If you have any questions, call Carol or Don Kopenec at 922-6091. Return this form as soon as possible to insure your time preference.

Just fill in the circle when you are available. Times marked by an “X” are already filled. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 5:45 8:15 5:45 8:15 4:45 8:45 l:45 5:45 8:45 12:45 4:45 7:15

Bingo** X X O O O O O O O O O O

Cash Raffle** O O O O O O O O O O O O

Casino/Wheel** O O O O O O O O O O O O

Children’s Games O X O X O X O O X O O O First Aid O O O O O O O O O O O O Grounds Clean-up O O O O O O O O O O O O MegaPass O O O O O O O O O O O O

Pull/Peel Tabs** O O O O O O O O O O O O

Tent/Tables Clean-up O O O O O O O O O O O O

Youth Volunteer* O O O O O O O O O O O O

Wherever needed O O O O O O O O O O O O

Beer Garden O 6:00-11:00 O 6:00-11:00 O 5:00-12:00 O 6:00-12:00 O 5:00-10:00 Volunteer before/after Festival: Construction ______ Electrical______ Set-up______ Take Down ______

*Bingo snacks, children’s games, grounds clean-up, tent/tables clean-up (circle choice)

**For all gaming areas you must be a parishioner for at least 6 months and will be asked to provide driver’s license number and date of birth.

EVERY VOLUNTEER WILL BE CALLED BY THE RESPECTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON TO CONFIRM SHIFT TIME.

Festival Committee Needs You! Ed and Debra Pilawski are the new General Chairs for the Parish

Festival. The Festival Committee is in need of special help as chair people in two areas. Please consider assisting your parish! It’s fun and you will have the help and

support of every committee member.

Tent & Table Co-Chair Person This co-chair position for Tent & Table Clean-Up

entails coordinating volunteers to assist in cleaning tables in the tent area during the Festival

and other light duties regarding the tent. Sign Chairperson

This chairperson is responsible for procuring sign permits from the town, printing the signs for our

sponsors and coordinating the placement of signs. For information about these volunteer opportunities, contact Ed at force1e@sbcglobal.net or call (219) 718-9952.

Tickets

Festival

My Two Cents Thoughts on Living Stewardship

Fifth Sunday of Easter “The one who has faith in me will do the works I do, and for

greater than these.” Jesus tells his disciples. That is quite an assignment for us as Christian stewards.

Catholic Charities Counseling The Counseling Program of Catholic Charities serves

individuals, couples, families and children. Minor stresses or major disruptions are helped through counseling and life

management skills. Therapy is provided by experienced and licensed therapists. Day and evening hours are available. Call

our office at (219) 844-4883 to schedule an appointment for any of the Catholic Charities’ locations.

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Free Band Concert & Spaghetti Dinner Bishop Noll Institute is holding a FREE Band Concert in the

BNI Auditorium, 1519 Hoffman Street in Hammond on Sunday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m.

A Spaghetti Dinner will precede the concert from 3:30 –5:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria for only $7/per person

(please enter through Door C). Proceeds raised will go the BNI Band. For more information, call (219) 932-9058.

St. Casimir Spring Festival May 17th — Latin Night from 6:00 p.m. to Midnight with live

bands, including La Imagen del Norte. May 18th is Polish Day —Noon to 8:00 p.m. with live polka music by Take 5, auction, raffles, tips, kids’ activities, beer

garden & ethnic food.

Wounded Healers Our spring schedule has begun with the next meeting slated for

Wednesday, May 14th. Wounded Healers, a non-denominational grief support group,

holds separate groups for those dealing with the loss of a spouse, parent, sibling or friend, child or grandchild, with additional

groups for those dealing with the loss of a friend or family member from suicide (separate teen group). All sessions are

held on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at St. James the Less in Highland, corner of Kennedy and 45th.

Future Wednesday meetings: May 28, June 11, June 25 and

July 9th (with a speaker) Schedule & info at:

www.woundedhealers-nwi.com.

Memorial Day Mass Everyone is invited to St. John/St.

Joseph Diocesan Cemetery’s Annual Outdoor Memorial Mass On Monday, May 26th at 10:30 a.m. Mass will take place on the cemetery lawn nest to the office, located at 1547-167th Street in

Hammond. For more information, call (219) 844-9475.

Mass in the Polish Language A Mass in the Polish language will be celebrated by Rev. Steve Kosinski at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1st at All Saints Catholic

Church, 570 Sibley Street in Hammond. For more information, call (219) 932-0204.

Come & See Vocation Retreat  

Sisters of St. Benedict in Beech Grove, IN is hosting a retreat on June 3 – 8, 2014 for single, Catholic women ages 18 – 44.

Are you interested in learning more about religious life? Come on retreat at Our Lady of Grace Monastery and share in the life and prayer of the sisters. Enjoy the opportunity of talking with others who are discerning the call to religious life. If you can’t come for the whole time you are welcome to come for part of

the week, the weekend or just for a day. For more information or to register contact: Sister Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSB

(317) 787-3287, ext. 3032 or go to: vocations@benedictine.com

Fr. Kevin McCarthy’s Anniversary With gratitude to almighty God,

Fr. Kevin McCarthy and his parish family of St. Teresa of Avila in Valparaiso

invite you to the celebration of his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood

Sunday, June 8, 2014 — 10:00 a.m. Mass followed by a light lunch reception in Avila Hall

St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center 1604 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN

Your presence at a Mass and Reception is your gift to Fr. Kevin. Fr. McCarthy served at St. Thomas More Parish for

approximately one year in 1992.

Book Discussion The Polish-American Cultural Society of NWI will host a book discussion and signing with Richard S. Post, author of "West of Goose Island: A Chicago Story” at 5:30 p.m. June 25th at the

Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving Street in Portage. Post’s tales of life growing up in a Polish immigrant

neighborhood of Chicago are part nostalgia, part history lesson, and a journey to a simpler time. From swimming in the Chicago

River to attending parochial school to working in the neighborhood pharmacy, the 1940s and 1950s were a pretty great

time to grow up! Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served.

Books may be purchased for $12.95 each (cash or check) at the event.

Seating is limited. Reservations are recommended. Contact Theresa Child

at (219) 464-1369 or polamnwi@yahoo.com.

Starke/Pulaski County Polish Masses

Every Saturday at 6:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time) St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 406 E. Washington Street in Knox, IN offers a unique Mass option in the Polish language for those vacationing at Bass Lake, Tippecanoe State Park and

other campgrounds in the Starke/Pulaski county area. For more information call (574) 772-4134.

Homemade Pierogi St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church (corner of Ridge & White Oak in Munster) offers homemade pierogi for only

$9.00/dozen or $4.50/half-dozen. Potato, kraut, cheese or prune. To order, please call (219) 838-9811 weekdays before 9:00 a.m. on Thursday. Leave your name, phone & quantity desired. Pick-

up orders Fridays between 12:00 Noon & 4:00 p.m.

Share your Blessings Open your heart to a foster child by providing a safe, nurturing and stable environment for a child who can no longer remain in his/her home due to risk or neglect. You can make a difference.

A Foster Parent Informational Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 29th from 11:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. at The Patio, 7706

Broadway in Merrillville or by contacting the IN Department of Child Services at (888) 631-9510 or fostercare.in.gov.