JUNE 7, 2020 — THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

Parish StaffPriests in ResidenceRev. Philip Danaher, Pastor, x102, pdanaher@stapostle.orgRev. Joseph Kappilumakkal, CMI, Parochial Vicar, x103, jkapp@stapostle.org

Priests Assisting on WeekendsRev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm., Weekend Associate, robco@robco.orgRev. Matt Lorenz, Senior Vicar, Archdiocese of Chicago

Permanent DeaconsMichael (Kathryn) Barrett — 630.355.8980, x145, meabarrett@att.netJim (Mary Jo) Breen — 630.486.3133, jimb4853@gmail.comJoe (Carolyn) Cuzzone — 630.355.8980, x224, DeaconJoeCuzzone@gmail.comLarry (Susan) Kearney — 630.355.8980, x225, lrkearney@comcast.netChuck (Sue) Lane — 630.355.8980, x223, chuck.lane2@icloud.comPatrick (Mary Jo) Lennon — 630.901.3223, presence.now@gmail.com

Liturgy and MusicJim Clauer, Director of Liturgy and Music, x111, jclauer@stapostle.orgSamantha Delke, Associate Director of Liturgy and Music, x120, sdelke@stapostle.org

Faith FormationMelissa Santos, Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy, 630.961.6125Patti Dougherty, Director of Religious Education, x109, pdougherty@stapostle.orgPeggy Goralski, Director of Middle School Faith Formation, x123, pgoralski@stapostle.orgDorothy Grantham, Director of Youth/Young Adult Ministry, x117, dgrantham@stapostle.orgChari Rosales, Director of Adult Education and RCIA, x138, crosales@stapostle.orgMarge Coronado, Religious Education Assistant, x118, mcoronado@stapostle.org

Outreach and Social JusticeMichael Ryder, Director of Outreach and Social Justice, x121, mryder@stapostle.orgAnne Schultz, OSJ Partner, x113, aschultz@stapostle.orgSally Meno, OSJ Associate, x137, smeno@stapostle.org

Pastoral CareJan Olah, Director of Pastoral Care, x124Felicia Lawlor,* Faith Community Nurse, x104, flawlor@stapostle.org

AdministrationJanet Simmons, Finance/Business Officer, x106, jsimmons@stapostle.orgDiane McQueen, Gen Office Administrative Asst., x101, dmcqueen@stapostle.orgKathy Ferguson, Gen Office Administrative Asst., x100, mainoffice@stapostle.orgCasey Braun,* Communications Coordinator, x110, cbraun@stapostle.orgElizabeth Fisher,* Evening/Saturday ReceptionistMary Wright,* Evening/Saturday ReceptionistMary Derwinski,* Administration Asst., x143, mderwinski@stapostle.orgSue Sportiello,* Financial Asst., x143, ssportiello@stapostle.orgMarilyn DeMeo,* Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, mdemeo@stapostle.orgBob Hartmann,* Facility Manager, x133, facility@stapostle.org

Parish Pastoral CouncilBarbara Mambu, Chair Alison OhlTodd Galer Anne ScanlanDavid Johanneson

Commission RepresentativesLinda Bailey, Service Deb Scheckel, Parish LifeJeff Balsewicz, Worship Susan Wood O’Leary, StewardshipMary Beth Nagai, Faith Formation

Ex-OfficioFr. Philip Danaher, Pastor Rev. Joseph Kappilumakkal, Parochial Vicar*indicates part-time staff

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 | 630.355.8980 (Main Office) | 630.305.6318 (Religious Education) | 630.355.0521 (Fax)

Office Hours: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, Monday–Thursday; 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Fridayemail to mainoffice@stapostle.org or visit us at www.stapostle.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois • Most. Rev. Richard E. Pates, Apostolic Administrator

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 pm, in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Our priests are available during the week by appointment. Communal Penance services are held occasionally during the year.

In the Hospital or Home Bound: Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care.

Baptism: Baptisms are usually celebrated two to three Sundays each month at a 12:45 pm service. On selected dates, baptisms are celebrated during weekend Mass. Parents are required to attend a Baptismal awareness and renewal session prior to the Baptism. Call Kathy Ferguson in the Church Office a few months in advance to make arrangements.

Matrimony: A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas should contact the church six months in advance. One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, or their parents, must be a registered parishioner at least three months before setting a date. Call Diane McQueen to schedule.

Religious Education: Call 630.305.6318 to register.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call the church at 630.355.8980.

Counseling Service: Contact Jan Olah, Pastoral Care 630.355.8980, x124.

Sunday Nursery: Nursery care is available for your child age one (walking) to four at the 9:30 and 11:15 am Masses. For more information call the church office.

Our Outreach Twinning Parishes:St. Thomas the Apostle has an ongoing twinning relationship with the following parishes:

St. Marie Madeleine in Duchity, HaitiSt. Agnes on the Lakota Indian Reservation, Manderson, South DakotaSt. Nicholas in Aurora, Illinois

Our Parish School:All Saints Catholic Academy1155 Aurora AveNaperville, IL 60540630.961.6125

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Liturgy ScheduleCancelled until further noticeDaily(Monday–Friday)Communion Service: 6:30 amRosary: 8:10 amMass: 8:30 am Divine Mercy Chaplet: 9:00 am

(Saturday)Rosary: 8:10 amMass: 8:30 am Divine Mercy Chaplet: 9:00 am

WeekendSaturday Mass of Anticipation: 4:30 pmSunday: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:15 am, 6:00 pm

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every First Friday

Welcome Guests and Visitors!We’re so glad you’re here and invite you to walk the path of faith with us. St. Thomas strives to provide a spiritual home where all are welcome, where the healing, reconciling, liberating love of God is shared by all. Join us!

Would you like to become a parishioner?Call Kathy Ferguson in the General Office at 630.355.8980, x100

Dear Parish Family,

“Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

Along with the Lord’s Prayer and the Hail Mary, this short prayer to the Trinity is one of the prayers which many of us learned from our parents. In fact it almost seemed automatic that all three prayers were said one after the other; a “trinity” of prayers.

The second part of the prayer contains the word “it.” What does the “it” stand for? “As it was in the beginning, is now….” Certainly, we would never think of God as “it.” The word “it” could mean the existence of God, an existence which always was and always will be. The readings for today’s Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity give another possible meaning of the word “it.”

In the first reading from Exodus, the Lord tells Moses how rich He is in mercy and kindness. In the second reading from St. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes that God is a “God of love and peace.” We hear in the gospel that God’s love is so great that He even gave His only Son to the world so that the world will enjoy eternal life.

So another meaning of the word “it” could be God’s love, something which we can always depend on, from our God who loved us first.

Sharing God’s love is something we are all called to do, and some are called to share that love in a special way. One of those who shared God’s love in a special way with many has been Patti Dougherty, our Director of Religious Education, who recently announced her retirement after many faithful years of service to our St Thomas the Apostle community. Patti’s last day will be August 1. While we are saddened by Patti’s departure and wish her well, we also warmly welcome Lorraine Katz as our new DRE.

As we say good-bye to Patti and as we welcome Lorraine, may our prayer for them be the closing words from the second reading: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with both of you.”

In the Word,

This year marks the 35th Anniversary of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Throughout this commemorative year, we as a parish family will explore the CHERISHED, CHARGED, CHALLENGED theme through liturgy, service and study.

with fr danaher

The Most Holy TrinityJune 7, 2020God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. — John 3:16a

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Readings for TodayFirst Reading — The LORD, merciful and gracious, rich in kindness and faithfulness (Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9).Psalm — Glory and praise for ever! (Daniel 3).Second Reading — Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Live with one another in peace, and the God of peace will be with you (2 Corinthians 13:11-13).Gospel — God did not send the Son to condemn the world, but to give it abundant life (John 3:16-18).

The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Readings for the WeekMonday: 1 Kgs 17:1-6; Ps 121:1bc-8; Mt 5:1-12Tuesday: 1 Kgs 17:7-16; Ps 4:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 5:13-16Wednesday: 1 Kgs 18:20-39; Ps 16:1b-2ab, 4, 5ab, 8, 11;

Mt 5:17-19Thursday: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Ps 65:10-13; Mt 5:20-26Friday: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-16; Ps 27:7-9abc, 13-14; Mt 5:27-32Saturday: 1 Kgs 19:19-21; Ps 16:1b-2a, 5, 7-10; Mt 5:33-37Sunday: Dt 8:2-3, 14b-16a; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; 1 Cor 10:16-17; Jn 6:51-58

Worship Commission — Liturgy and Music

Liturgy Schedule and Mass IntentionsDue to the cancellation of all Masses, the intentions below will be honored during the Mass that is being celebrated and recorded for our parishioners this weekend. The Mass will be made available on the St. Thomas website.

Monday, June 8, 20208:30 am Shirley Shepard, by Charlie and Libby Haydon

Tuesday, June 9, 20208:30 am Vito Battisto, by The Battisto Family

Wednesday, June 10, 20208:30 am For Peace and Safety in our Country

Thursday, June 11, 2020Saint Barnabas, Apostle8:30 am †June Edwards, by Judy Zeno

Friday, June 12, 20208:30 am For All People in the World

Saturday, June 13, 2020Saint Anthony of Pactua, Priest and Doctor of the Church8:30 am For Safe Opening of Churches4:30 pm Mass of Anticipation †Elizabeth Ritscherle, by Deborah DeRosa

Sunday, June 14, 2020The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Sunday8:00 am For Understanding and Working Together9:30 am For the People of St. Thomas11:15 am Jim and Angeleene Butler, by Chris and Kathy Singer

Reflection on the ReadingsRelationships — even genetic ones — are a mystifying reality, and the best efforts to explain them are often poetic. They are often described in terms of their results, as in today’s readings on this celebration of God as a community. God’s love, peace, truth and hope deepen our relationship to one another, the Earth and all creatures. We don’t need to understand this, only to believe and live it.

A Prayer for Our ParishLiving Love,

beginning and end,giver of food and drink, clothing and warmth, love and hope:

Life in all its goodness – we praise and adore you.

Jesus, wisdom and word;lover of outcasts, friend of the poor; one of us yet one with God;

crucified and risen:Life in the midst of death –we praise and adore you.

Holy Spirit, storm and breath of love;bridge-builder, eye-opener,

waker of the oppressed,unseen and unexpected,

untameable energy of life –we praise and adore you.

Holy Trinity, forever one,whose nature is community;

source of all sharing,in whom we love, and meet, and know our neighbor:

Life in all its fullness, making all things new:We praise and adore you.

by Brian Wren, Christian Aid Prayers, 1980.

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Faith and Formation Commission — Adult

C.A.R.E.CORNER

The gift of God’s Spirit is the gift of God’s own Self. For several weeks now, this column has been focusing on the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave his disciples their marching orders. Those orders have been handed down through all generations of disciples for the past 2000 years. We are his modern day disciples, so we are charged with the same marching orders. Powered by the Holy Spirit, we can charge into our mission – rush in forcefully – and pick up where Jesus left off.

Jesus did not have an easy life on his human journey. He met with frequent opposition. He was betrayed and abandoned. He was tested and ridiculed. He suffered both emotional and physical abuse. In order to endure all of that, he relied on the power and strength of divine Spirit. We need that same power and strength to face all the obstacles that the world throws at us so we too can live in an ethical, virtuous and compassionate way. So that is where this column is headed – to the third and last piece of our Parish theme – CHALLENGED. There is much work to be done. So, stay with us!

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Ministry Sign UpAs we have learned the past few months, even with the church building closed, there are so many ways that St. Thomas continued to be church, being the hands and feet of Christ to our faith community and in the world. We need to continue that spirit of service, perhaps now more than ever.

We need you. There are talents and gifts unique to you that are needed at St. Thomas. A wonderful way to use those talents and gifts would be to volunteer for a ministry. The brochure outlining the ministries at St. Thomas is updated and online. The actual sign-up process can also take place online. Consider sharing your gifts and talents with our faith community. We need you!

Pray for Our First CommunicantsOur First Communicants will be receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist in September or later. Because they were unable to receive this spring, we will remember them on The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, celebrated on June 14. We invite you to pray for these children now. The names of our First Communicants are below. Please pick a name and pray for that child or pray for all of them.

ElisaMollyNorah ShaeGarrettLukeKellyAlexAndreBenitoAveryHudsonAlanJaimeJiselleEvan

LoganAudreyBennettEvangelineAvaIsabellaMatthewJoeyJosieGrahamAnaSydneyEllaSamAlexa

NoahGabrielaMcKaylaNathanAidanEvelynCrosbyGraceLilyZoeyClaireAbigailDantePiperAdrian

PaulaAustinAverieCharlesKelseyMalleyMelissaKristalPerlaJamesonSophiaFionaCarmenJohanKyle

WilliamMeliaJenCarlosRianaaThomasBradyHannaMcKennaSophiaWilliamDannyDon HenryAlexanderHaileyMolly

AveryFeliciaLunaJasmineTaylorScarlettCadenJulianneJackAddieOwenEmmaZacharyLuca

??Question of the week ...Memorize John 3:16

Faces of St. ThomasThe Pentecost Sunday reading from Acts of the Apostles begins, “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.” Although we cannot be all in one place together physically, we can be together in Spirit, virtually. Check out the ‘Faces of St. Thomas video’ on the parish website (www.stapostle.org). You will see faces of people who you’ve gathered with for liturgies, for committee meetings and Donut Sundays. You will see people you recognize from your child’s RE class, school class or sports team. We are all still gathered together in Spirit, patiently waiting for the time when we can be together in person.

As you watch the Faces of St. Thomas video, you will also notice that faces are missing. If one of those faces is yours, send us your picture. You will gladly be added to the video. Pictures can be sent to cbraun@stapostle.org.

You are St. Thomas! We are St. Thomas! Come Holy Spirit!!!

Religious Education RegistrationBecause of the uncertainty of what the school learning environment will be for this coming school year, plans for RE registration for 2020–2021 are still uncertain. As soon as viable plans for RE session can be put forward with some confidence, the RE registration packet (for grades Pre-K through grade 8) will be updated and made available to you. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Camp Rock 2020What: Camp Rock is a 4-day, 3-night camp for middle school students sponsored

by Joyful Hope Presentations

When: August 6-9

Who: Any student currently in grades 6, 7, or 8

Where: Dickson Valley Camp, Newark, IL (near Plano, IL)

Cost: $350

Registration: Go to www.camprock.me.

Questions: Contact John Lamperis at john@camprock.me .

Activities: Prayer, Bible study, mass, swimming, canoeing, archery, campfire, indoor gym and climbing wall, hiking, sports, music, skits, crafts

High School Community LIFE Night Zoom Meetings:On Thursdays at 6:30 pm,throughout the stay-at-home period, we will be gathering by a Zoom meeting. If you are a teen and would like to join us, email Dorothy Grantham at ym@stapostle.org to be added to the invite.

Sunday Night YM Project LiveJoin the largest Youth Group virtual meeting with great, inspirational National Speakers on Sunday Nights at 7:00 pm. Use this link to join: https://projectym.com/live/

Youth Ministry Newsletters and Informational EmailsDuring the stay-at-home order, the Youth Ministry office is emailing various ideas and resources for both teens and parents to stay connected with faith at this unprecedented time as well as some resources posted on our parish website. During this difficult time we are reminded that our Church does not stay just within the walls of St. Thomas. We are the Church. We take courage and strength through the Resurrection of Christ. We can be that light of Christ and we can be creative in doing just that. If you aren’t receiving the Youth Ministry emails and newsletters, please contact Dorothy Grantham at ym@stapostle.org.

Young AdultThere are some good faith resources online for Young Adults. Continue to check out our parish website along with resources from the Diocese of Joliet http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/yam/index.php

Solidarity on Tap is offering virtual meetings: “Socializing meets Social Justice on a screen!” Use this link to check it out: https://ignatiansolidarity.net/solidarity-on-tap/

If you would like to be added to the Young Adult Ministry GroupMe, contact Dorothy Grantham at dgrantham@stapostle.org.

Faith and Formation Commission — Youth

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Service Commission — Pastoral Care

Thank you, LordFor one enchanted moment

To lift my eyesToward the veiled horizon

And give you praiseFor another God-given day!

Source: Lord, It keeps Happening and Happening by Ruth Harms Calkin

From the Behavioral Health Ministry:June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness MonthPost-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, persist or interfere with day-to-day functioning, they may have PTSD. (mayoclinic.org)

COVID-19 Pandemic might lead to or worsen PTSD.According to a 2020 article from the American Psychological Association, COVID-19 is transforming every aspect of our lives. Given the rapid acceleration of transmission, and the lack of preparedness to prevent and treat this virus, the negative impacts of COVID-19 are rippling through every facet of society. Although large numbers of people throughout the world will show resilience to the profound loss, stress and fear associated with COVID-19, the virus will likely exacerbate existing mental health disorders and contribute to the onset of new stress-related disorders for many including PTSD.

American Psychological Association, APA.orgTrauma may result from the environment that the COVID-19 pandemic has created, such as being unable to see loved ones, isolation or the death of loved ones. (medicalnewstoday.com)

TreatmentPost-traumatic stress disorder treatment can help you regain a sense of control over your life. The primary treatment is psychotherapy, but can also include medication. Combining these treatments can help improve your symptoms. You don’t have to try to handle the burden of PTSD on your own. (mayoclinic.org)

National Men’s Health Week, June 10-16National Men’s Health Week is observed each year leading up to Father’s Day. This week is a reminder for men to take steps to be healthier, but they don’t have to do it alone! Whether it’s your husband, partner, dad, brother, son or friend you can help support the health and safety of the men in your life.

Set an example with Healthy HabitsEat healthy and include a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat and alcohol.Regular physical activity has many benefits. Adults need 2½ hours of physical activity each week.Set an example by choosing not to smoke. Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits. You lower your risk for different types of cancer, and don’t expose others to secondhand smoke.Physical or emotional tension are often signs of stress. Learn ways to manage stress including finding support, eating healthy, exercising regularly and avoiding drugs and alcohol.

Remind men to get regular checkupsEncourage men to see a doctor or health professional for regular checkups and to learn about their family history. Checkups help identify issues early or before they can become a problem.It’s important for men (and women) to understand their family health history. It is helpful to talk with family members about health history, write this information down and update it from time to time.

Know the Major Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back• Feeling weak, light-headed or faint• Chest pain or discomfort• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder• Shortness of breath• If you think you or someone you know is having a heart attack call 911 immediately.

Encourage men to seek help for depressionDepression is one of the leading causes of disease or injury worldwide for both men and women.

• Signs of depression include persistent sadness, grumpiness, feelings of hopelessness, tiredness and decreased energy, and thoughts of suicide.

• If someone you care about is in crisis, please seek help immediately.• Call 911• Visit a nearby emergency department of your health care provider’s office• Call the toll free 24 hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1.800.273.8255

to talk to a trained counselor.

Source: cdc.gov/features/healthymen/index.html

Service Commission — Outreach and Social JusticeOutreach and Social Justice Office Open for Business!The Outreach and Social Justice Office (Mike and Anne) will be able to access email and voicemail even with the St. Thomas building closed. Due to COVID-19, there is an increase in the number of area families (including parishioners) in need of food and financial assistance. If you are in need of help or if you are aware of anyone else in need of help, please call or email the OSJ Office. Do not hesitate to contact us in these challenging times. The SPIRIT is with you!

Mike: mryder@stapostle.org, 630.355.8980, x121Anne: aschultz@stapostle.org, 630.355.8980, x113

St. Thomas Cares and Care Pantry DonationsMany organizations are in need of funds to allow them to help others in this extraordinary situation. Consider making a donation as you are able.

If you would like to make a donation to St. Thomas Cares (includes the Care Pantry), there are two ways:

1. Checks can be written to “St. Thomas OSJ” with “St. Thomas Cares” in the memo and sent to St. Thomas OSJ – ATTN: MIKE (1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville, IL 60563).

2. Go to www.stapostle.org and click “Please Give” box on the home page. Select “Click here to setup your online giving account.” You have the choice of setting up an account or “Quick Give.” Click the “funds” drop down list and select the “St. Thomas Cares” fund. (Shortcut url: https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/1479/Home/NewQuickGive.) Be aware there is a 3.4% credit card usage charge deducted from on-line donations.

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Project Love Father’s Day CardsHelp Moms in Need

Parishioner Eileen McGleam is Director of Project Love, the charitable program of Illinois Right to Life.

Normally, Project Love offers beautiful Father’s Day cards at local churches. This year I am offering you an alternative opportunity to receive these beautiful cards. We will send you all the Father’s Day cards that you would like in the mail.

We ask that you please send $5 for each card. If you would like to make an additional donation to Project Love, we would be most grateful. Checks should be made payable to: “Illinois Right to Life,” with “Project Love” on the memo line and sent to the address below with your order.

There are two ways to order:• Go to www.stapostle.org and type “Project Love” in the Search Window. That will give you

access to an order form as well as a selection of cards to choose from.• Simply send your check with a note indicating the number of Father’s Day cards you would like.

We will select cards for you.

Thank You!Eileen McGleam7180 Springside Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois 60516

PATH Job Search and Support ProgramsThe PATH Group is part of the Compass Church Support and Recovery ministries. PATH Group programs are conducted utilizing the Zoom platform and require advance registration. Interested parties should contact fred.c.johnson50@gmail.com in order to receive the required email link and associated registration information.

June 9, 2020, Meeting: 7:00–8:45 pm‘Job Search Ronin: Riding the Waves of Workplace Change’ — Speaker: Jim Fergle (WorkNET DuPage)

Based on Dr. Beverly Potter’s book, “The Way of the Ronin: Riding the Waves of Change,” the presentation will discuss the similarities between the samurai of medieval Japan and the workers of today. Jim will focus on how organizations operate today; the difference between an employee and a free agent; and, strategies to become more adaptable and employable in today’s New Norm.

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church June 7, 2020 | 9

The Other Pandemic – RacismWhere Do We Go From Here?The recent death of George Floyd once again exposed another pandemic that has plagued the world long before the corona virus … racism. We were all shocked and outraged at the manner of his death. Contrast the last words of Mr. Floyd, “I can’t breathe!” with the Pentecost Jesus who appeared to the Apostles in that closed room and “breathed on them.” Jesus breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave them the courage to go out and change the world. That same Holy Spirit is within us and gives us the courage to go out and change the world.

Benny White is a Naperville City Councilman and a graduate of West Point. He spoke at the peaceful rally at the Carillon protesting the recent racism incidents in our country and in Naperville.

Following the recent racist events that have taken place this week, I have finally found the words to summarize my thoughts on these heartbreaking incidents.

I’m tired of seeing stories of how the lives of African Americans have been traditionally minimized and marginalized.

African Americans have been victims of police brutality for a long time. There are still some police departments across the country who have accepted bad leadership, rogue cops or a combination of both. These missteps have led to the deaths of countless Black men and women, victims who could easily be my wife, my sister, my son, my daughter, ME … the list goes on. Although the use of video has brought many of these injustices to light, Blacks are still being murdered at the hands of the police and the majority of these killers have not been convicted of a crime. When they have, it has often been for a lesser offense than murder.

Many police departments around the country have made great strides in this area and I would like to personally thank Chief Robert Marshall and the Naperville Police Department for the work they have done, including the implementation of de-escalation and implicit bias training. I will continue partnering with the department to ensure we are fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

The question on the table — where do we go from here? I acknowledge that we have made tremendous progress, but clearly, we have a long way to go.

We need the non-Black members of our community to increase their understanding of the challenges faced by their Black and Brown neighbors. We are not okay. We are sick of dying. We are tired of living in fear.

Challenge your own biases. Confront your inner circles when inappropriate things are said. Discuss and learn from one another. Read the books. Listen to the podcasts. Follow activists on social media. Do the research. Speak out when you see racism, and don’t tolerate it in our community. Get involved in organizations that are trying to make a difference in our community. Organizations like Naperville Neighbors United, Unity Partnership, Indivisible Naperville, Naper Pride, and the Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association are just a few of many organizations you can go to and check out. Come to City Council Meetings and stay abreast of what’s happening and let your voice be heard.

To paraphrase Angela Davis, “it’s not enough to not be racist — you need to be antiracist”. To those of you in our community who have not been a part of the “uncomfortable” conversations. The time is NOW to become a part of the discussion.

Make a commitment to unpacking your own racial prejudice and bias by utilizing these resources: “How to Be an Antiracist” by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi“White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

Pray for justice and peace!

Care PantryDrive-Thru Donations SuccessfulOn Tuesday May 26, Care Pantry volunteers accepted drive-thru food donations for two hours in the morning and one hour in the evening. Specific items that could not be purchased from the Northern Illinois Food Bank were requested. The event was a great success!

104 cars and one walk-thru pedestrian brought donations totaling 266 bags of food and 89 packages of toilet paper! The Senior Center is full of food that was quarantined for five days before being shelved.

The pedestrian donor was a youth who had walked from his nearby Brookdale home. One Brookdale neighbor had texted her friends who brought donations to her front porch. She then brought a large SUV load of food to St. Thomas. Thanks to all who were able to participate.

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Stewardship and AdministrationLast weekend’s stewardship of financial gifts

Weekly Sunday Offertory

May 31, 2020

Sunday Collection Offering* $0

Credit Card On-Line Giving $18,890

Automatic Direct Debit none this week (5th and 20th each month)

Mailed in and stock donations $12,380

Total for the week $31,270 *Based on Collection Counters Reports prior to bank confirmation

Fiscal Year (7/1 to 6/30) $1,732,954

Weekly Average 7/1/2019 to date $36,103

Offertory Goal Year to date $1,772,304

Over/short of goal to date ($39,350)

Goal for Fiscal Year 7/1 to 6/30 $1,920,000

$ of Annual Sunday Offertory Goal 90%

Remaining for Fiscal Year goal $187,046

This week, the Sunday collection is $39,350 behind goal so far this year. Capital needs restricted gifts were $250 this past week. We are grateful to those who recognize the need and responded.

Diocesan Appeal 2020

Parish Appeal Goal $174,600

Pledges Received $123,942

% of Goal pledged to date 70.99

Unpaid pledges $27,397

Paid to Date $96,545

Percent of goal paid to date 55.29

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

—1 Corinthians 12:4-7

How are your gifts demonstrated to others? What can you do to show the world (or our parish) the gifts of the Spirit?

In order to open our church building we are in dire need of a group of volunteers to assist in our “new normal.” We need volunteers to help set up for Mass, to greet attendees as we check them in and remind them of the protocol (where to sit, wearing masks, how to receive Communion) and to assist in wiping down the pews and other surfaces after Mass. The Diocese will not allow us to open without a team in place. Please consider, if you are able, to volunteer. It would be the manifestation of the Spirit to St. Thomas and the world.

Please Continue Giving During COVID-19We miss you at Mass! Our weekend Masses are cancelled in response to directives from the Diocese of Joliet to reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We pray you are healthy and remain so until we can again joyfully celebrate Mass together. There are two easy to use options to continue giving so you can support St. Thomas during the social distancing period:

Option 1: Sign Up For Online GivingTHE EASIEST AND BEST OPTION! St. Thomas partners with Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) which gives an online interface where you can create a secure account to enter your credit card number and manage your giving.

Option 2: Mail Your EnvelopesEven though you weren’t able to drop your donation envelopes in the collection basket, you can still mail your donation using one of the postage paid return envelopes in your envelope packet. Please note that St. Thomas continues to receive and check mail daily.

The parish address is:St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church1500 Brookdale RoadNaperville, IL 60563

St. Thomas Is Grateful For YouWe are very grateful for your continuing support, especially through this health crisis, to be the vibrant and engaging faith home you come to for spiritual nourishment. Let us continue to pray for the day when we can once again lift our voices to God in praise as a community of faith.

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Make it a habit to check these advertisers when you need a product or a service. And when you purchase, be sure to mention you saw their ad in the St. Thomas bulletin!

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Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

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Get this weekly bulletin delivered by email - for FREE!Sign up here:https://www.jspaluch.com/BulletinSubscribe.aspxCourtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.

If you own a business or know of a local business that might like to supportyour local Catholic parish by advertising in its parish bulletin, please contactJ.S. Paluch. Grow your business by advertising in the church bulletin andcreate strong connections with your target audience. Benefits include:

GREAT COVERAGE - 97% of all households attending church take at least one church bulletin home every Sunday.

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Please Cut Out This “Thank You Ad”and Present It The Next Time YouPatronize One of Our Advertisers

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512069 St Thomas the Apostle Church (A) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

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