St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church . Naperville IL . 630.355.8980 All Saints Catholic Academy . Naperville IL . 630.961.6125 Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon, Bishop . Most Rev. Joseph Siegel, Auxiliary Bishop . Most Rev. Joseph L. Imesch, Bishop Emeritus First Sunday of Lent - February 22, 2015 St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 e-mail: [email protected] 630 355-8980 (Main Office) Visit us on the internet at www.stapostle.org 630 305-6318 (Religious Education) 630 355-0521 (Facsimilie) Parish Staff Sacrament of Reconciliation Reconciliation is available Saturday, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., Priests in Residence in the Reconciliation Room of the Chapel. Our priests Rev. Don E. McLaughlin – Pastor, x102, [email protected] are available during the week by appointment. Commu- Rev. Rodolphe Arty, C.S.C. – Parochial Vicar, x 103, [email protected] nal Penance services are held occasionally during the Priests Assisting on Weekends year. Rev. Bob Colaresi, O. Carm. – Weekend Associate, [email protected] In the Hospital or Home Bound Rev. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M. Call the Church Office to receive prayer/Eucharist Rev. Matthew Lorenz from a priest, deacon or Minister of Care. Permanent Deacons Baptism Michael (Kathryn) Barrett – x220, [email protected] Baptisms are usually celebrated 2-3 Sundays each Jim (Mary Jo) Breen – 630.486.3133(vm225), [email protected] month at a 12:30 p.m. service. On selected dates, Larry (Susan) Kearney – x225, [email protected] Baptisms are celebrated at weekend Masses. Parents Chuck (Sue) Lane – x220, [email protected] are required to attend an awareness and renewal Pat (Mary Jo) Lennon – 630.901.3223, [email protected] evening prior to the Baptism. Call the Church Office Liturgy a few months in advance to make arrangements. Scott Knisley – Director of Liturgy and Music Ministries, x111, [email protected] Matrimony Lori Culberson – Liturgy Coordinator, x120, [email protected] A couple planning on being married at St. Thomas Faith Formation should contact the church six months in advance. Sandy Renehan – Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy 630.961.6125 One year is preferred. Either the bride or groom, Patti Dougherty – Director of Religious Education, x109, [email protected] or their parents, must be a registered parishioner Brett Adams – Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, for at least three months prior to calling to set a date. x117, [email protected] Religious Education Peggy Goralski – Director of Middle School Faith Formation, Call the 630.305.6318 to register. x123, [email protected] RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Chari Rosales – Director of Adult Education & RCIA x138, [email protected] Any person wanting to learn more about the Catholic Marge Coronado – Religious Education Assistant, x118, [email protected] Faith, or to join our Catholic community should call Outreach and Social Justice the church at 630.355.8980. Michael Ryder – Director of Outreach & Social Justice, x121, [email protected] Counseling Service Anne Schultz – OSJ Partner, x113, [email protected] Call Samaritan Interfaith 630.357.2456 or Jan Olah, Claire Kryczka* – OSJ Financial, x137, [email protected] Pastoral Care 630.355.8980 x 124. Pastoral Care Sunday Nursery Jan Olah – Director of Pastoral Care, x124 Nursery care is available for your child age one Felicia Lawlor*, M.S., R.N. – Faith Community Nurse, x104, [email protected] (walking) to four at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Administration For more information call the church office. Janet Simmons – Finance/Business Officer, x106, [email protected] Diane McQueen – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x101, [email protected] Kathy Ferguson – Gen Office Administrative Asst, x100, [email protected] Angie Tuttle – Bulletin and Web Editor, Liturgy Asst, x110, [email protected] Elizabeth Fisher* – Evening/Saturday Receptionist Liturgy Schedule Mary Wright* – Evening/Saturday Receptionist Daily Mary Derwinski* – Administration Asst, x143, [email protected] Marilyn DeMeo* — Database Coordinator (T/Th), x107, [email protected] (Monday — Friday) Bob Hartmann* – Facility Manager, x133, [email protected] Communion Service — 6:30 a.m. Pastoral Leadership Community (Parish Pastoral Council) Rosary — 8:10 a.m. Ron Davis Aileen Rominger Mass — 8:30 a.m. Mike Murray Matt Smilak (Saturday) Commission Representatives Mass — 8:30 a.m. Gail Jindrich—Worship and Liturgy Weekend Chris Baker—Faith and Spiritual Formation Joanne Bordage—Service and Outreach Saturday Vigil — 4:30 p.m. Jeff Berta—Stewardship Sunday — 8:00, 9:30, and 11:15 a.m. Mike Myers—Finance Council/Administration and 6:00 p.m. Ex-Officio and 6:00 p.m. Fr. Dof Arty—Parochial Vicar Fr. Don McLaughlin—Pastor Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday, 9:00 — 5:00 p.m. *indicates part-time staff From the Pastor’s Desk... Last week I spoke about the relevance of our Catholic tradition of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as well as the practice of ab- staining from meat on those two days as well as all the Fridays in Lent. Fasting (one full meal a day) links us with those who are forced to fast by their poverty and those who suffer from injustice. Fasting leads us to have concern and to do something First Sunday in Lent for those who suffer. The prophet Isaiah insists that fasting without changing our behavior is not pleasing February 22, 2015 to God. I’m always amused we’ve often taken on the Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; practice of “giving up something” for Lent (usually teach me your paths. smoking or unhealthy eating or drinking) only to in- — Psalm 25:4 dulge once again on Easter Sunday. So we really did- n’t change our behavior! Today I want to offer a dif- ferent take on fasting by offering this Lenten opportu- nity……. Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ (cid:131) dwelling in them! Welcome Guests and Visitors! Fast from differences; Feast on the unity of all (cid:131) We’re so glad you’re here and invite life! you to walk the path of faith with us. Fast from words that pollute; Feast on the (cid:131) St. Thomas strives to provide a spiritual phrases that purify! home where all are welcome, where the Fast from discontent; Feast on patience! (cid:131) healing, reconciling, liberating love of Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism! (cid:131) God is shared by all. We believe the Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation! (cid:131) church is the sacrament of God’s saving (cid:131) Fast from negativity; Feast on the positive! presence in the world, join us! Fast from stress; Feast on prayer! (cid:131) Fast from hostility; Feast on cooperation! (cid:131) Would you like to Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion! (cid:131) become a parishioner? Fast from anxiety; Feast on eternal truth! (cid:131) Join us, March 8 (cid:131) Fast from discouragement; Feast on hope! in the gym, with donuts anytime (cid:131) Fast from depression; Feast on delight! between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. or (cid:131) Fast from laziness; Feast on enthusiasm! 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Fast from suspicion; Feast on trust! (cid:131) Fast from weakness; Feast on inspiration! (cid:131) Fast from sorrow; Feast on contentment! (cid:131) Fast from gossip; Feast on complimenting! (cid:131) Fast from overwhelming problems; Feast on (cid:131) the Spirit! Now here are some behaviors that fasting can lead us to change! Blessed Lent!! Worship Commission—Liturgy & Music A Prayer for Our Parish Lord, thank you for all the wonderful things you have put in my life. I try hard, Lord, not to stumble in my walk with you. Yet I find myself facing temptation in ways that lead me away from you. The temptation and the desire are strong. Lord, please help me know the right way to turn. I know that it would be so easy for me to give in and stumble yet again, But today I ask for your strength and your guidance. I know I cannot make my walk alone, Lord. I know you are there to take my hand when I need you most. I know you are there to carry me when I cannot go on alone. I ask for the strength you had in facing temptations in the desert. Thank you, Lord, for being here for me in my hour of need. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. Lenten Taizé Prayer With Healing Service St. Thomas will have a Taizé style prayer service on Lenten Regulations Monday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lighthouse. Come begin the Advent Season with this unique style of 1. Everyone 14 years of age or over is bound to ab stain peace-filled, meditative prayer. New this year: at this from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. service, anyone in need of physical, emotional, spiritual, 2. Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 years of age is or relational healing may ask to be prayed with. After bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. the reflection, people seeking special prayers are invited 3. On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full to stand. A prayer comes to the person to pray with meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, suf- them. The entire community prays silently for the per- ficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to son’s confidential intention. each one’s needs, but together they should not equal an- other full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on Temple Keepers these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or ability to work would St. Thomas is in need of a few more Temple Keepers. be seriously affected, the law does not oblige. Some jobs are difficult, some not – but all tasks are necessary in keeping a clean, hospitable environ- ment in our church, chapel, and sanctuary areas. The Stations of the Cross church gets cleaned on the 2 & 4th Fridays of the month following 8:30 Mass. Please contact the Liturgy Office Stations of the Cross will be held each Friday of Lent at if you are able to help. 7:30 p.m. in the Church. Prayer, response, song, move- ment, and art will be used to help us reflect on Jesus’ greatest act of love for us. Having a simple meal (observing Friday as a day of fasting) and attending this Presider’s Schedule February 28/March 1 service yourself or with family/friends can be a wonder- 4:30 pm – Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, Deacon Pat Lennon ful Lenten practice. 8:00 am – Fr. Dof Arty, Deacon Mike Barrett 9:30 am – Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, Deacon Larry Kearney 11:15 am – Fr. Bob Colaresi 6:00 pm – Fr. Don McLaughlin Schedule is subject to change. Changes are posted to the St. Thomas website www.stapostle.org Page 4 — February 22, 2015, Pray for Our Parish: For the sick… For Our New Parishioners: Denny Miller, husband of Sharron The Romero Family Deacon Jim Perry, friend of St. Thomas The Kozy Family Msgr. John Dalton, friend of Jennie Sirois and The Morales Family Benita Williams Dorathy O’Sullivan Sharon Wortsmith, friend of Patti Kelly Henry & Frieda Gosciniak Brian Carbone, friend of Elizabeth fisher Bob Partyka & Joann Gras Joseph Dane, son of Art and Judy The Jose Hernandez Family Pat Oswalt, mother of Deb Scheckel David & Megan Carr Barb Shannon, mother of Lisa Mike Cecil Kathleen Casper For the deceased… The Grandas Family Tom Kenny, brother of Fr. Don Kenny Mindy Carton Marlene Fuentes of the Amaya Family Bina Callaghan, friend of Elizabeth Fisher Frank Fresso, father of Lois Doyle Liturgy Schedule & Mass Intentions First Sunday of Lent Please Pray for our Men and Women Monday, February 23, 2015 Serving in the Military (Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr) Our parish community would like to recognize and 6:30am Communion Service 8:30am Special Intention 69th Anniversary for remember the following individuals in prayer: Harry & Lorraine Brozynski U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brooke Sica Lt. Joseph Zito Tuesday, February 24, 2015 AB Jon Babiarz, Special Forces Joseph Michalowicz 6:30am Communion Service Cpt Joseph Bennington (Reserve) Cpt Bradley Crosson 8:30am †Harold Russell, by Buddy & Mely Mallorca Technical Sgt. Shanna Crones Wednesday, February 25, 2015 Air Force National Guard 6:30am Communion Service Senior Airman Jacob Brancaleon Major Eric H. Dolan 8:30am †Rich Larsen, by Mom & Dad †Norma Adducci, by Al Adducci U.S. Army Cpt. Lynnea Jensen Matt Nelson Thursday, February 26, 2015 Cpt. Alanna Casey Sgt. William Stuart 6:30am Communion Service Staff Sgt. Aaron Simms 1st Lt. Chris Turley 8:30am †James Berg PFC Sean Wesley SPC Zachary Howell Special Intention for Pete & Micki Casey by Army Ranger Medic Jeremy See Cpt. Mike Reilly Jan, Felicia & Diane Cpt. Matthew Haselhorst Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Crones Friday, Febuary 27, 2015 U.S. Marine Corps 6:30am Communion Service Capt Brad Rothman John Osborne 8:30am †Bill Bolger, by Family & Friends Lt. Colin Miller-Ratcliffes Jennifer Slown LCpl Brandyn Tagliavia Pvt. Sonia Carrillo Saturday, February 28, 2015 LCpl Oliver Buckley LCpl Cody Kolar 8:30am †Loretta Newsham, by Fr. Don 4:30pm Vigil: 2nd Sunday of Lent LCpal Tommy Baldacci Capt. Kevin Martin †Rita Armstrong, by Bob, Terri & Tony Col James Arthur Hogberg †James A. Marbach, by Mary Kay & Mike U.S. Navy Wojciechowski Ensign Jason Coons SN Joel Curry Alex Metzger STG SN Jeffrey Bates Sunday, March 1, 2015 (2nd Sunday of Lent) Airman Alex Dworak CMDR Brendan Curran 8:00am †Jerry Luzeniecki, by Rich Murawski Naval Reserve †Willie Johnson, by Dennis & Marilyn DeMeo CDR Lance Klosterman, MD 9:30am †Fr. Don Kenny, Voices of Faith †Dave Sevening, by Bob & Loretta Kurland U.S. Coast Guard 11:15am For the People of St. Thomas 6:00pm †Ryan Steffy, by Guarascio Trust Call the parish office 630.355.8980 to include someone you love in the Military prayer list. Page 5 — February 22, 2015 Faith and Formation Commission—Adult Seek. Ask. Find. C.A.R.E. CORNER The GOSPEL for the 1st and 21st Centuries To prepare for next Sunday’s homily, read the Gospel If we take a look at chapter 5 of Matthew’s gos- several times during this week, and let your mind and pel, we find eight statements of blessing. To refresh spirit begin to nurture the seeds of God’s word. our memories, here are the eight statements: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of March 1—Mark 9:2-10 heaven; Blessed are those who mourn, for they will Mark’s gospel today is the Feast of the Transfiguration. be comforted; Blessed are the meek, for they will Jesus draws the Old Testament into the New with inherit the earth; Blessed are those who hunger and Moses and Elijah. This is an early glimpse of Jesus’ thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled; Resurrected Glory. Now is the time to listen to God’s Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown Beloved Son. What are you listening for? What do you mercy; Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see believe about Jesus? God; Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God; Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This passage in Matthew ends with Jesus saying “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you be- cause of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” You may also have heard these statements referred to as the Beatitudes. The Irish Mass at St. Thomas word “beatitude” means some sort of declaration of The West Suburban Irish will celebrate blessedness or joy. We could substitute the word an Irish Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle “joyful” for “blessed.” Jesus preached that those who Church in Naperville, honoring struggle with all sorts of needs and those who seem St. Patrick, on Wednesday, March 11, to go against the grain of society are the ones who beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be a Soda are truly blessed in God’s eyes. Does that make any Bread Reception held afterwards, along with sense to you? entertainment. All are invited to attend. Reporting Sexual Abuse Anyone who has reasonable cause to suspect the sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy or other Church personnel is urged to report the matter immediately. To inform the Diocese of Joliet, call Sr. Mary Frances Seeley, OSF (Victim Assistance Coordinator) at 815.221.6118 or write the Diocese of Joliet, Blanchette Catholic Center, 16555 Weber Rd. Crest Hill, IL 60403. Also contact DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) at 1.800.252.2873 or call the office of the local County States Attorney. Page 6 — February 22, 2015, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Mission 2015 March 2-4 with Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M. Be sure to join Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, OFM, March 2-4, as he presents our Parish Mission 2015 – “I Am St. Tho- mas.” What do the words of St. Thomas himself, as found in the Gospel of John, tell us about what it is to be an apostle - one sent on a mission by Jesus. To do what? To go where? To serve how? Choose either the morning session (9:15-10:30am) or the evening session (7:15-8:30pm) to explore these questions with Fr. Lawrence, a popular homilist, columnist, and teacher. Monday’s session will include Adoration and Benediction. Tuesday’s session will feature a Lenten Examination of Conscience. Wednesday’s session will conclude with Mass. If you wish free child care at these sessions, registration is required by Feb. 23 A special Family Mission will be on Tues., March 3, from 5-6:30pm and includes dinner. A $5 per person or $15 family registration is required. Contact Marge Coronado in the R.E. Office for reservations. News From All Saints Catholic Academy What are the Components of a Great Education? Challenging academics that push your student to achieve what they are capable of, and beyond (cid:131) A partnership with parents - school and family working together towards the good of the student (cid:131) All of the extras that add to a student’s growth and successes, today and forever – music, art, competitive sports (cid:131) Moral formation – what kind of person is this student becoming (cid:131) A sense of family – a place where students and their families are known (cid:131) A place of safety and of love – where students and their parents feel that they are home (cid:131) This and more can be found at All Saints Catholic Academy. Find out more about how you and your child(ren) can become part of the All Saints Family. Registration for the 2015-2016 School Year Registration is now open for all grade levels – preschool 3’s through grade 8, all are welcome. If you missed the recent open house, it is not too late! Please contact the school at 630.961.6125 to arrange your personal tour, a shadow visit for your student, or a class- room observation. Registration forms can be found at the school website - www.ascacademy.org, and will continue to be accepted as openings remain. All Saints is located in the heart of downtown Naperville at 1155 Aurora Avenue. Page 7 — February 22, 2015 Faith and Formation Commission—Youth It’s Cookie Time! First Grade Fun Fair Girl Scouts from All Saints First Graders in the Religious Education Program, Catholic Academy will be in the Gathering along with a parent, are invited to attend the 1st Grade Area on February 21 and 22 after all Fun Fair on Saturday, March 7 in the gym at St. Tho- masses. Buy your favorites to enjoy or buy mas any time between 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the some to donate to St. Thomas’ Care Pantry games will be held at the gym door for each child. on your behalf. Questions may be directed to the First Grade Coordina- tor, Rosemary Karl (630 357-4321) or to Patti Dough- Family Mission: erty in the R.E. Office (630 305-6318), [email protected] March 3 Save the Date! Prizes Needed for Fun Fair What: The family mission is a chance for your family The First Graders in the Religious Education Pro- to come gram have a Fun Fair as part of their year of Faith For- together, reflect and pray, and mation. There is a need for large and small gently used create a family prayer journal. prizes, so if you have any usable toys suitable for first When: Tuesday, March 3, graders, we would love to have them. Please drop off at 5:00-6:00 pm with dinner the Faith Formation / Religious Education Office by following from 6:00-6:30 pm Monday, March 2. Mark it “First Grade Fun Fair”. Cost: $5/person or $15/family Thank you! to cover the cost of the dinner Sign-up Deadline: Middle School Religious Sunday, February 22 Education Class Schedule Monday, February 23, March 2, March 9: RE classes meet at All Saints, 7:15 pm Families: Take some time to discuss Saturday, March 7: and reflect on the readings. ? 6th grade RE classes meet at St. Thomas, Question of 8:30 & 10:30 7th and 8th grade classes meet at All Saints, the Week... 8:30 & 10:30 am What are some ways you can live our lent? There are no middle school RE classes Meet an Amazing Young Person… Allison Reynolds Berry As she was growing up, Allison participated in Religious Education and Quest at St. Thomas. She facilitated a Quest group, assisted with Liturgy of the Word for Children, was part of the Liturgical Planning Team, and was a team member of the first Haiti Youth Mission. While in college, she took part in alternative break immersion trips and led a trip to El Salvador. Allison is the recipient of several awards including the Lumina Award for Leadership. Allison had the opportunity to study abroad in El Salvador and volunteered there for one year. During that time, she held spirituality nights and studied lib- eration theology. One of the ways that Allison lives her faith is in her work. She works with Hispanic women who are victims of domestic violence and strives to build com- munity, raise awareness, and improve communication. She currently leads re- treats for youth. Allison is married to a social worker and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Page 8 — February 22, 2015, Volunteers Needed for Living Stations of the Cross Middle school stu- dents are invited to be Just5Days Middle School Mission Trip part of the Living Sta- WHO: Students completing grades 6, 7, 8 tions of the Cross Service which takes place on Good WHEN: July 6-10 Friday, April 3. The Stations are ‘acted out’ with still- WHERE: St. Joe, Michigan poses (no speaking required!). This is a wonderful op- WHAT TO EXPECT: a 5-day portunity for students to come to a deeper understand- experience of service, hands-on ing of the depth of God’s love for us. Practices will be learning, prayer, liturgy, and community held on Wednesdays, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, beginning building, an unforgettable week, and a February 25. If you are interested or would like more whole lot of fun! information, contact Peggy Goralski at COST: $285 SIGN-UP DEADLINE: March 1 REGISTRATION FORMS: outside of Peggy Goralski’s office QUESTIONS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Go to www.just5days.org or contact Peggy at pgoral- [email protected] or 630.355.8980, Ext. 123. 40 Days For Life, an ecumenical, faith-based effort, includes 40 days of: Catholic • Prayer and Fasting for an end to abortion. Vocabulary Test • Peaceful Vigil at Planned Parenthood. From February 18 to March 28, there will be daily HOLY WATER: prayer from 7 am until 7 pm in front of Planned Par- A liquid whose chemical enthood, 3051 East New York Street in Aurora. formula is H20LY. Please sign up to provide prayerful witness to the value of the life of the unborn child and his/her par- ents. For more information, phone Mary Ellen O’Rourke at 630-851-8262, or go to www.40daysforlife.com/ aurora. Mother’s Day Project 2015 Parishioner Rose Bagley is again organizing the Mother’s Day Project. See below. Again this year, we are joining with Companions to provide packets of stationery and note cards for women in prison. This allows them to write to their children and other loved ones, thus strengthen the family bond through a difficult time. There will be a collection box in the Gathering area for the following supplies: Pens, single cell with a cap (no click pens or pens that have any metal on them) Stationery (do not need to be complete sets) Cards (blank, “thank you”, “thinking of you”, Mother's Day) Gallon size Ziploc bags Postage stamps Please avoid cards or stationery with images of Caucasian families on them or which have anything pasted or glued on them. The collection will end on March 22, 2015! If you are able, please join us on Monday, March 23 at St. Thomas from 9:00 to Noon, to prepare these kits. Questions? Call Rose – 630 355-5023 or email [email protected]. Page 9 — February 22, 2015 Service Commission—Outreach & Social Justice SAVE THE DATE Do you know of someone St. Thomas 5th Annual Holes-For-Hope Charity Golf Outing in need of a good career Monday July 20, 2015 job opportunity? Holes-for-Hope benefits St. Thomas Cares as it continues to provide vari- Career Connect is a nonprofit organization committed ous emergency funding services in- to finding solutions for individuals seeking meaningful, dividuals and families in need in the long-term careers. They serve the unemployed, under- local area. employed, and otherwise struggling individuals, and are committed to finding good jobs for good people. St. Thomas Cares Training is given in skills that provide the necessary Parishioner Carolyn has been going through some diffi- qualifications for manufacturing jobs with good wages cult times. She is divorced from an abusive husband and benefits, with advancement opportunities, and with and has been dealing with child support issues in the career-long potential. court system. She lost her job not too long ago, but has The next Recruiting Session is at St. Thomas on since found another full time job and has started a sec- Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. Contact Joe Dutra ond part time job. She was in danger of losing her at [email protected] apartment due to her unemployment period. St. Thomas For more information pick up a flyer in the Gathering Cares, partnering with St. Thomas SVDP and Naper- Area or contact Mike in the Outreach and Social Justice ville CARES paid her past due rent. Office ([email protected], 630.355.8980 x121) Mentors Needed St. Thomas Transitional Housing Ministry currently supports two families. We would like to support a third. To do that we need two additional mentors. Men- tors work in teams of two or three. Contact Frank Szymanek 815-592-7154, [email protected]. Mentor training provided by Bridge Communities is Saturday, March 14 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. If that time is not convenient, other arrangements can be made. No commitment is required. One does not necessarily have to become a mentor simply because of attending the training. You can give it a try without making a commit- ment! Attend a mentor meeting with a transitional Housing family. Homeless Alliance Information Last January a group of St. Thomas parishioners met around the issue of homelessness. The DuPage Homeless Alliance ministry has evolved from that beginning. One issue of interest is the fact that in Naperville and most other municipalities in DuPage County can discriminate against potential renters simply because they have a Section 8 Voucher. Section 8 vouchers are provided to qualified low income families through federal HUD funds. Families are required to pay 30% of their income for rent. The Section 8 Voucher pays the rest. Parishioners Mary Ann Rempe and Dee Huie met with Kenneth Coles, Executive Director of the DuPage Housing Authority that administers Section8 vouchers in DuPage County. Key points of interest were: (cid:131) The major problem is finding affordable units where vouchers are accepted. There are enough affordable units but not enough landlords willing to take Section 8 vouchers. (cid:131) Landlords have limited knowledge of Section 8 Housing and how it works. To qualify landlords need to meet the federal Housing Quality Standards (HQS) that focus on safety and sanitation. And they must agree to the rent agreement with the Housing Authority. (cid:131) Landlords can get a reduction on their own Real Estate Taxes in DuPage County if they accept Section 8 vouchers. (cid:131) Some landlords do discriminate solely on the basis of a Section 8 voucher. Mr. Coles knows that is true because some land- lords have told him. For complete notes from the meeting with Mr. Coles, go to www.stapostle.org and type “DuPage Housing Author- ity” in the Search Window. For complete minutes from the 01-27-15 Homeless Alliance Meeting, go to www.stapostle.org and type” Homeless Alliance Meeting” in the Search Window. Page 10 — February 22, 2015,