First Sunday of Advent O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Oberammergau, Germany Page

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church

8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321

Mission Statement : The Roman Catholic Saint Thomas More Parish Family welcomes and invites every person to join us on our journey in faith and celebration. With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all, especially in loving service to those in need. As part of the Universal Church, we affirm the dignity of every person. All this we do to give glory and honor to God.

Pastoral Staff Pastor .......................... Reverend Michael J. Yadron, KCHS; Ext. 312 [email protected] Associate Pastor......................... Reverend Jordan C. Fetcko; Ext. 314 [email protected] Senior Deacon............................................ Dr. Napoleon Tabion, OFS Deacons ................................................................ David Kapala, KHS ............................................................................ Joseph Stodola, KHS ......................................................................... Daniel Zurawski, KHS Director of Finance ........................................ Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Pastoral Care Coordinator.........Deacon David Kapala, KHS; Ext. 313 Director of Music......................................... Angie Lorandos; Ext. 338 Director of Religious Education .................... Emily Hackett; Ext. 332 Director of Development ............................. Amanda Herbst; Ext. 342

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 .................................. [email protected] Email address for bulletin ...................... [email protected] 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……………………...Mike Popovich 836-8610

Pastoral Ministries Environment & Art ................................................................836-8610 Eucharistic Ministers ........................ Deacon Dan Zurawski 742-6005 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

2015-2016 Pastoral Council Members Joe Dubczak, Chairperson ............................................ Deborah Jarvis Wendy Jasinski ...........................................................Nancy Klawitter Jim Landowski.............................................................. Paul Liszewski Joe O’Brien ....................................................................Kurt Popovich Jim Secviar ...................................................................... Dwight Reed Cheryl Staniszewski.................................................. Cindy Thompson

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 President ........................................................ Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Principal............................................................... Jay Harker; Ext. 328 Assistant Principal ......................................... Cynthia Block; 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 School Admissions .............................................. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309

Weis Center — Preschool & Pre-K 8635 Calumet Avenue ~ Munster, IN 46321 Phone .....................................................................................836-2660 Fax .........................................................................................836-2655

Sacramental Information Confessions Saturdays ............................................................ 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. First Friday .............................. 1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. Mass Baptisms .............................. First and Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Parents must be registered parishioners and regularly attending at least six months before the Baptism. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic. Pre Baptism Class ..................................... 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism. Marriage .............. Must be a registered, practicing member of the parish at least six months before beginning the six month preparation program for marriage. Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound: Call the Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.

New Parishioner Registration To make it as convenient as possible for you, new parishioners may register at any time in the Parish Office.

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 .............................................................. Allen Blocher Parish Life ......................................................................... Elaine Herrmann Peace & Social Justice................................................................ Mari Casas Spirituality & Worship ....................................................... Kaaren Mashura Stewardship ........................................................................... Noreen Bickel

Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ........................................ Cindy Keilman 923-9862 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 ……………………...Kevin Ranos [email protected] Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Gabriel Project………………………………... Marilyn Glennon 836-8610 Garden Club ............................................................ Paul Mazerik 644-8409 Gifts of Love & Warmth……………………..Bernadine Nemeth 513-6544 Girl Scouts............................................................. Renee Whelan 796-6809 Holy Name Society ....................................................................... 836-8610 Knights of Columbus .................... W. Frank Lewandowski (708)466-7039 Oblates……………………………………………...Denise Gard 836-9115 Respect Life ................................................. Leslie Dernulc (219)741-3739 Senior Citizens ........................................................... Herb Cleve 670-2982 The Travelers Club…………………………………..Lois Quinn 836-7902 Ushers Club ..................................................... ….Jim Marmalejo 836-1463 Venture Crew……………………………………....Fr. Ben Ross 322-4505

Please remember St. Thomas More Page in 2 your Will and Estate Planning

First Sunday of Advent

November 27, 2016

Saturday, December 3 5:30 p.m. Fr. Jordan Fetcko Sunday, December 4 6:30 a.m. Fr. Jordan Fetcko 8:00 a.m. Fr. Jordan Fetcko 10:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 12:00 Noon Fr. Mike Yadron

SATURDAY, December 3 8:30 am E. Gossman, A. Korfiatis 5:30 pm G. & I. Scalzo, E. & T. Zabrecky, D. Urbaniak MC ~ Elizabeth B. SUNDAY, December 4 6:30 am J. & M. Connelly, P. Cullars 8:00 am D. Smith, E. Sopko, J. Serrano, T. Walsh, J. Cipowski/MC ~ Elizabeth Z. 10:00 am C. Osmulski, A., C. & E. Powell, K. Cano MC ~ Joey 12:00 pm N. Brough, C. & J. Diaz /MC ~ Matthew H.

Andrew Jack Son of Andrew & Krystan Bacevich

Zoe Malee Daughter of David & Natalie Wyzgowski

Bennett Alexander Son of Nicholas & Allison Kubacki

Eugene Jurek • Gerald Jasinski Mary Catherine Moore

SUNDAY, November 27 — First Sunday of Advent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Deceased Members of Holler & Johnsen Families by Johnsen Family 10:00 am Nancy Winiecki by Slough Family 12:00 pm Aileen Walczak (Ann.) by Jim & Arlene Kender MONDAY, November 28 6:30 am Armand & Linda Artuso by Smitley Family 8:30 am Intention of Michael & Antoinette Mercier TUESDAY, November 29 6:30 am Josephine Michalik by Rose Yothment 8:30 am Margie Eich by Rose Newman 10:00 am Clara Blastick by STM Altar & Rosary Society (MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 1) WEDNESDAY, November 30 — St. Andrew 6:30 am Doreen Jurkash (Ann.) by Jurkash Family 8:30 am Helen Pullen by Family THURSDAY, December 1 6:30 am Raymond Mueller (Ann.) by Linarae Mueller 9:00 am Cecilia Zick by Michalik Family FRIDAY, December 2 — First Friday 6:30 am Robert Bragiel by Helen Rich 8:30 am Mary Costelloe by Ben & Ann Schmid SATURDAY, December 3 — St. Francis Xavier First Saturday 8:30 am Eugene J. Szczepaniak by Family 5:30 pm Josephine M. Wleklinski by Joann Wleklinski SUNDAY, December 4 — Second Sunday of Advent 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Helen Stolarz by Tom & Linda Murray 10:00 am Bernadine Henson by Jean Mrvan 12:00 pm Billy Durham by Joseph & Carole Janusonis

Nursery Schedule The parish Nursery is open during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, located off the narthex. To volunteer, call Kaaren at 836-5079. Sunday, December 4

Katherine Pala • Laci Pala Allison Rusnak • Aubrey Rivera

Readings for Week of November 27 Sunday: Is 2:1-5/Ps 122/Rom 13:11-14/Mt 24:37-44 Monday: Is 4:2-6/Ps 122/Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72/Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Rom 10:9-18/Ps 23/Mt 4:18-22 Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Ps 118/Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24/Ps 27/Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Ps 147/Mt 9:35--10:1, 5a, 6-8 Next Sunday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72/Rom 15:4-9/Mt 3:1-12

Sunday, December 11

Ann Harkenrider • Kim Cipowski Sunday, December 18

Susie Kinsella • Jennifer Anderson Sunday, December 25

Merry Christmas Kaaren Mashura • Jennifer Boswell Page 3

First Sunday of Advent "Stay awake! ... Be prepared." The advice is clear enough. We'd like to be vigilant. We'd like to be ready. But on its own, the desire to be alert isn't necessarily enough to keep us from drifting off into a spiritual siesta. When the ultimate Advent comes--when Jesus returns--we don't want to be the one left standing alone in the field. Advent is a time to pay attention. Jesus asks us to be ready to greet him at any hour. Especially in this month of holiday hustle and bustle, how can we stay constantly focused on welcoming Christ? St. Paul gives us a hint in today's epistle: "Put on the armor of light... Put on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 13:12, 14). Just as light hinders physical sleep, so too the light of Christ prevents spiritual slumber. When we invite Jesus' Spirit into our hearts, it's like keeping a vigil light flickering in the window of our souls. We may go about our business, but that expectant flame never burns out. So when Jesus comes again--even like a thief in the night--he will find us ready and waiting.

Bulletin Deadlines Due to the upcoming holidays, your bulletin articles must be submitted via email at least 2 weeks in advance to: [email protected]. Thank you for your help.

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

Joshua Alvarez Margaret Amatulli Frieda Andersen Mary Anhalt Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio Antonio Belmonte Michael Berry Michael Billedo Michael Blazevich Laverne Blumka Cheryl Bostrom Robert Boyle Linda Braun Stephany Burney Paul Burns Dorothy Campbell James Campbell Thomas Cak Al Carollo Janet Cattanach Jacqueline Morrow Christian Willie Colby Vincent Corsello Mike Curtain Lucille Detterline Irene Dettmer Ann DeVoy MaryPat Devoy Jeanine Doescher Jim D’Orazio Alex Eiland Sherlon Evans John Forde Phyllis Garber Denise Gard Andrea Garritano Margaret Geary Emily Gibson Dorothy Gillespie Margaret Good Howard Gralewski Margaret Gray Susan Graff James Grunewald Amy Hayes

Eleanore Heggi Marie Henke Marisol Hernandez Becky Hill Megan Homcho Mary Jo Humpfer Charlotte Hunt Betty Ingbretson Steve Izzo Dennis Jablonski Elizabeth Jacob Barbara Jamrose Stanley Jayjack Carol Keilman Kelly Jean Irene Kerps James Klein, Sr. Janet Knight Susan Kolodziej Miller Krizmanic Isabella Lappo Annika LeMonier Chris LeMonier Debbie LeMonier Nicklas LeMonier Mike Lewis Jo Lisiniewicz Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz Maria Lovell Marilyn Madsen Charlene Madura Mary Manchak Brady Martin Larkin McKenzie Jenny Mendoza Faye Meny Sandi Merlo Erin Meyer Ann Miskovich Andrew Moll David Moll Elissa Moll Genevieve Mrvan Jean Narvid Donna Nichols Steven Nowaczyk Clare O’Brien

Valerie O’Donnell Danny Ogren Emily Orosco Maryann Pancheri James Pancheri Marty Pavovic Johanna Petruch Angelo Petrungaro Andrew Pieczyrak Elizabeth Pilones Ron Plewniak Sylvester Porras Dennis Powell John Ray Jerry Reach Timothy Ribble Jackie Roach Shirley Romanyak Ann Sardella George Sauer Marie Schultz Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz Zachery Scriff James Secviar Jim Seul Renee Shehan Ruth Siorek Nick Skinner Lydia Skorupa Carolyn Smiley Deborah Stareck Georgianne Suto Florence Stevens Barbara Szypczak Rose Theis Gerardo Trevino Kathie Trudgian Anthony Ubuane Tony Vanden Heuvel Raymond Vanderbok Julia Vrbanich Adele Wall Stephanie Wisniewski Don Woszczynski Cecilia Ziegler Cody Ziemkowski

SUNDAY, November 27 — First Sunday of Advent St. Vincent de Paul Food Collection at All Masses MONDAY, November 28 5:45 pm Handbell Practice (until 7:00 p.m.) ~ Church 6:30 pm Blue Army ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Schola Choir ~ Church 7:00 pm Formation/Education Comm. ~ Conference Room 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus ~ Solar Room TUESDAY, November 29 All School Mass of the Toys at 8:30 a.m. 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 RCIA ~ Conference Room WEDNESDAY, November 30 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 pm) 5:00 pm RCIC ~ Teachers’ Lounge 7:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul Society ~ Conference Room 7:15 pm Handbell Practice ~ Church (until 8:30 pm) THURSDAY, December 1 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 pm) 6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church FRIDAY, December 2 9:00 am Gifts of Love & Warmth ~ Conference Room SATURDAY, December 3 8:00 am First Saturday Rosary ~ Church SUNDAY, December 4 — Second Sunday of Advent 6:00 pm Taizé Prayer ~ Church

Campaign for Human Development Thank you for your contributions to the collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)! Your generous gifts will help CCHD break the cycle of poverty in the United States through better education, improved housing and economic development. Through CCHD and its beneficiaries, we demonstrate Catholic social teaching and carry out Jesus’ mission to “bring glad tidings to the poor...to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18).

Pastoral Care Ministry The Pastoral Care Ministry is composed of caring lay ministers whose primary function is to distribute the Eucharist to parishioners who are hospitalized or unable to attend Mass, either temporarily or permanently. If you or a loved one would like to receive Communion at home or while hospitalized, contact Deacon Dave Kapala at (219) 836-8610, # 313 or [email protected]. Page 4

The Pastor’s Page WALK IN THE LIGHT OF THE LORD For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Is 2:3b-5)

Advent. It is a holy season that begins a new liturgical year. It is a season of preparation for the coming celebration of Christmas. It is a season that helps us to focus on our journey of faith. The ability to focus is becoming a lost art for so many people. The world is filled with a lot of noise, distraction, and confusion. It is hard to see our way clearly many times. We all know that when we lose focus, we often go astray. God's people lost focus and strayed quite often. They found themselves enslaved, lost, defeated, and nearly destroyed time and time again. And yet, they could not seem to see clearly and save themselves from the terrors that came their way. That is where we trip up as well. As humans, we suffer from the illusion that we can save ourselves. We cannot. The only one who can save us is God. Yet, we do not look to God for instruction, for guidance, or for encouragement. We often continue to look at the world and all the distractions therein. Isaiah knew all of this. He knew that Israel's lack of focus landed them in hot water. They were involved in wars and conflicts and that appeared to be their lot in life. He told them that did not have to be the case. Instead of marching to the beat of the worldly drummers, they should walk in the light of the Lord. Doing so, they would be able to cast aside their instruments of war and become a people of peace. Peace. Is that not something we all long for in our own lives? If we truly want peace, we have to turn to the source of all peace: God. God gave us His Son so that we would be able to see the way. This Advent season, let us do all that we can to walk in the light of the Lord so that our path to the kingdom may always remain clear! FAITH ACTION: If you have not already done so, make an Advent wreath so that you can reflect upon the light of the Lord each day you light the candles.

THE ADVENT WREATH It is traditional to make an Advent wreath and light it each day (usually at dinner with all the household gathered) in order to mark the days and weeks of the season in anticipation of Christmas. Throughout this week, light the first candle of the wreath and pray: Heavenly Father, at the beginning of this Holy Season, we ask you to give us the grace to recognize your presence in our lives. Help us to respond to your presence by serving one another in holy love. Help us to be prepared for the coming of your Son when He appears in His glory. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Afterwards, sing together: O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel. That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee, O Israel.

As always, our cast and crew provided us with a wonderful experience of theatre in their production of James and the Giant Peach, Jr. Thank you to all who helped make the musical a reality and to all who came out to support our students. To the cast and crew: BRAVO! ON THE LIGHTER SIDE It was the beginning of December and little Susie walked up to her parents with great solemnity and gave them the following note: “I, Susie, promise to be on my best behavior and to do all my chores happily and immediately. You will find me to be a new and improved daughter.” In fine print, she wrote, “This offer expires December 26th.”

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: November 27: Rev. Joseph H. Hammes (1991) Rev. William E. Vogt (2004) December 1: Rev. Wilfred P. Mannion (1959) Rev. Francis M. Lazar (2007) December 3: Msgr. Leo P. Hildebrandt (1979) Rev. Chester P. Zurawiec (1993) Page 5

Religious Education

Lectors for the Week Sunday, December 4 6:30 am Mass Jayne Gardner & Phil McIntosh 8:00 am Mass Linda Stefanich & Sue Wilson

November Schedule 30 Class

December Schedule 1 6 7/8 14/15 21/22 28/29

Class Confirmation Retreat (All 8th Graders) 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the STM Gym No Class—Holy Day Feast of the Immaculate Conception Class No Class — Christmas Break No Class — Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 3 5:30 pm Mass Steve & Gloria Pestikas

No Class— Christmas Break Class Class Class

Catholic Services Appeal The Catholic Services Appeal Campaign officially ends on January 31, 2017. Only payments received by 12/31/16 can be claimed as a tax deduction for 2016. New: Request tax receipts for donations at www.dcgary.org/csa.htm.

Altar & Rosary Society Annual Christmas Pot Luck Dinner

12:00 Noon Mass Christopher Balbo & Cal Bellamy Sunday, December 4 6:30 am Mass

Main: Leilani Suchanuk Chapel: Tom & Linda Brady

January Schedule 4/5 11/12 18/19 25/26

10:00 am Mass Julius Ballanco & Hope Terzo

Saturday, December 3

5:30 pm Mass Main: Bill & Chris Retseck Chapel: Don & Carol Kopenec Choir: Ed Lebryk & Judy Millspaugh

8:00 am Mass Main: Dennis & Karen McNeil Chapel: Mary Silvasi Choir: Rosemary Barker 10:00 am Mass Main: Szorc/Rusnak Family Chapel: Miller Family Choir: Joe Arent 12:00 Noon Mass Main: Lois Quinn

Vocations Committee How can we all have a fresh start and make the world a better place to live in? The answer was given us by God when He essentially said, “Live by the Ten Commandments that I have placed before you and you will live rich, full lives in friendship with me and the world will be better for everyone.” And we might add, “and religious vocations may come forth.”

6:30 p.m. in the Solar Room

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

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

Monday, December 19th at 7:00 p.m. As usual, we will begin with the Rosary, followed by our regular meeting and pizza/beverages.

Save the Date: Fish Fry & Raffle on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Gym. At the request of Fr. Mike, please continue to pray for vocations. All ladies of the parish are invited to join us. The evening will begin with the Rosary being said promptly at 6:45 p.m. followed by a short meeting, dinner, and a Christmas presentation and door prizes.

Ladies attending are asked to bring: • A favorite main dish, salad or vegetable. Altar & Rosary will provide the desserts. • NEW children’s hats, scarves, and gloves. For information, please call Therese (219) 844-7715 or Kathleen (219) 972-0539. Page 6

Send Us Your Anniversary Info Celebrate your love and share the joy of your marriage with our parish community! Email your wedding photo, anniversary date and the year and location of your wedding to: Pam Pasyk at [email protected]. It will be posted on the parish/school Facebook page on your anniversary. Why not celebrate the success your marriage with your fellow parishioners? Whether it’s been one or 65+ years, we want to hear from you!

November 27, 2016

St. Thomas More School Happy Thanksgiving to All in Our School, Parish & Community At St. Thomas More School we feel particularly blessed by: Our Wonderful Students and their Families • Teachers, Administrators and Staff who Bring Love & Joy to Educating Our Children A Parish that Supports Our School with Care and Enthusiasm • A Community that Helps Our Students Strive in Safety Pictured below are guests at our recent Pilgrim Party. We are grateful for the great group of children and their parents who attended.

Happy (Belated) 60th Birthday, Fr. Mike! From small to tall, the entire student body of nearly 500 children, all dressed in orange as “Fr. Mike’s Pumpkin Patch” sang an energetic rendition of Happy Birthday and presented Fr. Mike with cards. Belated Happy Birthday, Fr. Mike!

Page 7

Fr. Mike Needs Your Help! Please consider paying your pledge in full early or make a pledge, if you haven’t already done so. A Spring 2017 construction start date is needed!

As you can see, Fr. Mike is at wits end! In order to start the Campaign Project in the spring of 2017, we must have two thirds of our goal in the bank before the That means we must have $4,200,000 in cash before we can approach the Bishop. At this time, we need to raise an additional $550,000 in cash pledges. We are trying to keep our buildings fully operational until the project starts, but with our failing systems, that is not easy. We have lost air conditioning in the Solar Room and have rented a temporary unit in order to be able to use the room. As the project start date is extended, we continue to throw money away and “duct tape” our failing equipment just to keep our buildings functional.

Please help Fr. Mike by:

 Paying off your pledge early, if you can.  Pledging, if you have not done so already.  Increasing your pledge or making an additional pledge, if you can.

Thank you for all that you have done and will do!

Make a Difference Today! This project has been in process for a long time. We hope that you can help us get started this coming Spring.

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Knights of Columbus

Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale Sale began Friday, November 25th — 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday-Friday: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. • Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Hurry-in for the best selection! Supplies are limited.

Christmas Trees Scotch Pine

5 to 6 Feet

$25

Douglas Fir Tree

6, 7 or 8 Feet

$40

Frasier Fir Tree

6 to 7 Feet

$55

Frasier Fir Tree

7 to 8 Feet

$65

Frasier Fir Tree

9 to 10 Feet

$100

Frasier Fir Tree

10 to 12 Feet

$125

Wreaths & Garlands Wreath w/Bow

Small (12”)

$20

Wreath w/Bow

Large (16”)

$25

Wreath — Noble w/Bow

Small (12”)

$25

Wreath — Noble w/Bow

Large (16”)

$30

Frasier Fir Rope/Garland

Per Foot

$1

3’ Diameter

$75

Decorated Wreath

Special Order Limited No.

Wreath Stands & Tree Stands —$10. We have proudly kept the same prices since 2002. Checks should be payable to: Knights of Columbus Thank you for your support. Msgr. Robert Weis Council 10596 Page 9

STM Career Networking Group

Senior Citizen News All senior members of our parish are invited to join. Meetings are held twice a month at the Kish Community Room, 10000 Calumet in Munster at 1:00 p.m. (unless noted). In addition, we meet monthly for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

80% of Jobs are Unadvertised 82% of Jobs are found through Networking 15% Found through Search Firms • 10% Found through Want Ads 4% Create Their Own Jobs • 2% Blindly Send Resumes

Monthly Luncheon Our November luncheon will be held on

Monday, November 28th at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, December 15, 2016 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Jedi Restaurant 444 W. Ridge Road in Griffith (corner of Ridge & Cline) No reservations required; come for the food and fun!

Salary Negotiations Better Compensation Tactic • Negotiating Beyond Pay Discussing Salary • Common Mistakes Where:

Christmas Luncheon Wednesday, December 7th

When: Time: Email:

12:00 Noon — 4:00 p.m. at Teibel’s Restaurant Entertainment by Remember W hen Quartet Cost is $20 per person (Lake Perch Dinner) or $15 per person (Teibel’s Chicken or Beef Tips Dinner) Deadline for reservations is Friday, December 2nd. Advance reservations required (must be current with annual dues paid to attend). Hope to see you there!

STM Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN The 3rd Thursday of Every Month 7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. [email protected]

Regular Meetings are Free! Open to All! For those who are unemployed (in transition), new to the job market, employed but changing careers or those who can offer employment opportunities through their current professional connections. Have your cover letter, resume or thank you note critiqued by a professional.

Wednesday, January 11th

Your Help is Needed ASAP!

Business Meeting Guest Speaker: Representative & Tax Consultant (Retired IRS Employee)

If you like watching Fr. Mike walk amongst the poinsettias at Christmas and are inspired by the lit trees at the midnight Mass, then we need you! For many, many years, Jean and Ron Bados have generously led our Environment & Art ministry at STM, but have recently retired. To date, no one has volunteered to fill the position of the Art & Environment Coordinator.

Saturday, January 21st Social Gathering 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Solar Room. Details to follow.

Bishop Noll Events Purchase your raffle tickets in the STM Parish Office for a chance to win and help the students of BNI.

We need someone now! Advent begins in just a couple of weeks and without a coordinator, our church will not be decorated for Christmas and other upcoming liturgical seasons. The request is simple and there will be plenty of guidance along the way:  No design experience is necessary, just an interest to enhance the visual aspect of our celebrations.  Workers are also needed.  Contact the Parish Office ASAP if you can help. Please don’t let the holidays approach without a coordinator.

Reach for the Stars Fall Raffle Grand Prize: $20,000 • 2nd Prize: $5,000 • 3rd Prize: $2,000 4th to 7th Prizes: $500. Donation is only $10. Drawing is November 29, 2016 (winner need not be present). Proceeds benefit the school. Find complete rules at www.bishopnoll.org.

Open House Bishop Noll Institute will be hosting its next Open House for prospective students and their parents

Thursday, December 1st — 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 1519 Hoffman Street • Hammond • (219) 932-9058 Visit the campus and meet faculty & coaches. Bishop Noll has a 100% graduation rate and BNI students collectively earn millions of dollars in scholarship opportunities annually. BNI offers a STEM, engineering and graphic arts classes. A Four Star School & Indiana Choice Scholarship Participant

Circle of Prayer Needs You! A parishioner is needed to lead the Circle of Prayer prayer chain so that the prayer chain is not broken or interrupted. If you can help, please call Carolyn Smiley at (219) 923-6175.

Page 10

Travelers Club

Oblates of St. Benedict

Sanfilippo Christmas Lunch & Concert

Saturday, December 10th

Our trip is filled but we invite you to sign up for our waiting list in the event there is a cancellation (you will be notified via phone). Date of the trip is December 8th with a cost of $108 per person which includes transportation, lunch, the concert and all gratuities. The bus will leave the STM North Parking lot at 9:00 a.m. & return at 6:00 p.m. Lunch includes salad, beef entree, potato, vegetable, wine, coffee and dessert with a tour of the elegant Sanfilippo Home and a brief history of the home to follow lunch, culminating with the famous 90-minute live Wurlitzer Organ Christmas Holiday Concert.

Knights of Columbus

10:00 a.m.– 12:00 Noon in the STM Teachers’ Lounge ALL are welcome as we study the Book of Psalms. Bring the Kids • Bring your family • Bring your neighbors

Open to Everyone

Saturday, December 3rd 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 4th 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (after Masses) Children can shop in a safe holiday environment for their family & friends. Parents can find great stocking stuffers, too!

All boys and girls of the parish, ages 9-14 are invited to enter the Knights of Columbus Council

Free Throw Contest

Synod 2017

in the STMS Gym. This event is free.

Saturday, January 21st at 6:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Gregg Blocher at (219)902-1171.

St. Vincent de Paul Society The Society of St. Vincent de Paul appreciates your continued support of our mission to help the needy.

Our pantry is low! The following non-perishable items are needed: Peanut Butter Meal Helpers Jelly Pancake Mix/Syrup Pasta Sauce Rice (small bags) Spaghetti/Pasta Potato Chips (small bags) Diced Tomatoes Canned Vegetables Pork’n’Beans Canned Fruit Granola Bars Body Soap Cereal Toothpaste Soups Personal Care Items

Bishop Donald Hying is pleased to announce 100 percent of the parishes in our diocese hosted sessions to discuss the eight ecclesial areas of focus for the synod. One of the positives to come out of the discussion at St. Maria Goretti in Dyer is that life can be like a roller coaster with so many ups and downs, but the church is a stabilizing force; it feels like home. At St. Thomas More, feedback from our session included many wonderful ideas and discussions as well, and these will be shared with our parishioners in the months to come. Stay up to date on the progression of the Synod at dcgary.org/synod.htm or Facebook at facebook.com/garydiocese.

Pierogi Sales Order your pierogis from St. Josaphat Ukranian Catholic Church early for the holidays. Call orders in by Wednesday of each week and pick up on Friday between Noon and 4:00 p.m. at the church. Leave your order (quantity and flavor) on the machine at (219) 838-9811. $9/dozen or $5/half-dozen. Choose between potato, kraut, cheese or prune.

Specific Thanksgiving Basket Needs: Cake Mixes/Icing • Cranberry Sauce Sweet Potatoes (large cans) • Canned Green Beans Please! No Canned Pumpkin!

Craft Fair at St. Matthias St. Matthias, 101 W. Burrell Drive in Crown Point is hosting a Craft and Vendor Fair on Saturday, December 3rd 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, December 4th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon.

Caps for Kids St. Vincent de Paul Caps for Kids is starting early this year so that we have plenty of time to distribute the winter hats, scarves and gloves in time for Thanksgiving and hopefully provide more at Christmas. Boxes will be located at all church entrances and by the Parish Office. May our Lord shower you with abundant blessings for your generosity.

Christmas Signing The Shrine of Christ’s Passion will host a Fontanini Signing Event on December 8th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Christmas Cookie Walk St. Andrew’s is holding a Christmas Cookie Walk and Craft Show Saturday, December 10th from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. in Ameling Hall, 801 W. 73rd Avenue in Merrillville. Space is $15 (plus one donated item to be used in the raffle) and includes two tables and chairs. (219) 791-9077. Page 11

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

2016 4

5

6:00 pm Taizé Prayer

5:45-7:00 pm Handbell Practice Church

6

6:30 pm Blue Army-Chapel 7:00 pm Schola Choir Church

7 8:30 am-2:30 pm 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat

9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations-Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel 6:30 pm Parent Association Solar Room 7:00 pm RCIA-Conference Room

Thursday

Friday

1

2

3

4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed Classes

9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room

8:00 am First Saturday Rosary Church

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10

9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room

9:00 am Pastoral Council Conference Room

STMS Band Concert 9:30 am & 7:30 pm

10:00 am Oblates Teachers’ Lounge

6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale Church

8

9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

5:30 pm Vigil Mass for Holyday

Masses: 6:30 & 9:00 am 5:00 & 7:00 pm

7:15-8:30 pm Handbell Practice Church

7:00 pm Jr. High Dance Gym

No Religious Ed Classes/RCIC

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12

13

14

15

16

6:00 pm Taizé Prayer

5:45-7:00 pm Handbell Practice Church

9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel

9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room

4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed Classes

9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room

6:30 pm Blue Army-Chapel

1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel

4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed Classes

7:00 pm Schola Choir Church 7:00 pm Vocations Conference Room 7:30 pm K of C—Solar Room

6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel 7:00 pm RCIA-Conference Room

7:00 pm Christmas Program Gr. K-3—Gym

5:00 pm RCIC Teachers’ Lounge 6:45 pm Altar & Rosary Solar Room

6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale Church

7:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul Conference Room 7:15-8:30 pm Handbell Practice Church

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20

21

22

6:00 pm Lessons & Carols

5:45-7:00 pm Handbell Practice Church

7:15-8:30 pm Handbell Practice Church

6:45 pm All Seasons Chorale Church

St. Vincent de Paul Food Collection All Masses

6:30 pm Blue Army-Chapel

9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 9:15 am School Confessions Adults Welcome

7:00 pm Holy Name-Solar Room

Merry Christmas!

26

6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel

27 Parish Office Closed

23

24 5:30 pm Vigil Mass for Christmas

1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel

No Religious Ed Classes/RCIC

7:00 pm Penance Service 25

17

7:00 pm Career Networking Weis Center

18

7:00 pm Schola Choir Church

Parish Office Closed

Christmas Break • No School 28

29

31

30 Parish Office Closed

9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel

Parish Office Closed 5:30 pm Vigil Mass for Solemnity of Mary

1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel

Masses: 12:00 am (Midnight) 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 am & 12:00 Noon

Saturday

6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel

Christmas Break • STMS No School • No Religious Education Classes /RCIC/RCIA Page 12