Page Two TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 14, 2016

CORCORAN’S CORNER Young Adult Mass TONIGHT… We invite all young adults, single or married, ages 21 to 40, to a “Young Adult” Mass this Sunday, Aug. 14, at 7:00 PM, in our church. However, all are welcome to join us! The Feast of the Assumption... This Monday, Aug. 15, is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because this Holy Day Feast falls on Monday this year it is not con-sidered a Holy Day of Obligation. The only Mass on Monday, August 15, is our normal 9:00 AM Mass. Back To School… Many of our parish college-aged students are al-ready on their way back to begin the new academic year. Our local grade and high school students are also about to begin, and on Monday, Aug. 22, Cardinal Jo-seph Bernardin School will resume. Enjoy these waning days of summer break, before the new academic year starts in earnest. The Parish Picnic… Thanks to all who made last week’s Parish Picnic a success. Thanks to Linda McKeague and our choir for leading song and to Claudia Nolan for setting up our liturgy for our Outdoor Mass. Thanks to Loren Gent of “Fun, Fun, Fun, DJs” for arranging for the DJ, who kept everyone on their feet. Thanks to the Men’s Club for providing the repast of 180 hamburgers and 200 hot dogs, with the trimmings, plus great summer water-melon. Thanks to the Seniors of Seton for the lavish and wonderful sweet/dessert table. And thanks to the Women’s Club for providing the liquid libations of pop and water. Thanks to the Tucker Family for the shaded tent space, and the ever popular “Bouncie House” for the little ones. Thanks to Bruce Hall and the teens for pro-viding for the Water Balloon Toss Competition. Thanks to all who joined their neighbors for a fun and relaxing afternoon — it will be something to fondly recall during the dark, cold days of February. And — thanks be to God who provided glorious weather for the picnic. You could not have ordered better weather. Religious Education Program Catechists... Thank you, thank you, thank you! Our Religious Education Program begins on Monday, Sept. 19. There are two sessions: 4:30-6:00 PM and 7:00-8:30 PM, on most Monday nights through early April. As of Aug. 7, over a month before we begin, we are FULLY staffed with catechists for the coming year! Thanks for your response to our call to assist. We could still use office “secretarial” help, and building Hall Monitors during the

two time period sessions. If interested please contact our Director of Religious Education Sue Matthews [708-403-0137]. Children’s Liturgy of the Word Catechist… Every Sunday, from just after Labor Day to just be-fore Memorial Day, we offer Children’s Liturgy of the Word at our 10:00 AM Mass. Different people sign up to be a catechist or a helper on weekends that they are free to participate. While the program runs each week, the teaching tasks are shared by a team. These are brief sessions of about 20 minutes focusing on the scripture of that weekend Mass, but at a young child’s level. Each week we need an adult catechist, and adult/teen helpers. If you ever see the children leaving Mass to attend these sessions, they go happily bouncing out of the church. They enjoy these sessions. We only have a few remaining openings for these Sunday morn-ing sessions. Again, if the Lord is leading your heart to consider this ministry, contact our parish Director of Religious Education, Sue Matthews [708-403-0137]. The Parking Lot Project… As of last weekend, the contractor doing the park-ing lot replacement project has made a liar out of me. By last Saturday the entire east side of the lot was com-pleted, and if all went well [decent dry weather, and few surprises] the entire job may be completed by this weekend. In any job of this size there are always “discoveries,” especially when you start digging. We found for example, that the driveway by the church bell tower did not have loose stone under the asphalt, but clay fill. The problem with that is that clay does not al-low for water absorption/penetration, so we needed to dig out the clay fill and replace it with stone. Also along the way the electrical line for the bells got damaged and had to be replaced. But these are normal hiccups in a big project. So far the project has gone along wonder-fully well. Thanks again to our parish Maintenance Director Ray Yanowsky and to Fr. John Zurek for their over-sight and excellent communication about the work be-ing done. When I was in Ireland and England I spent over 100 international minutes, and had many e-mail messages about the contract and work. Steve Gross from the Archdiocesan Construction Office downtown, and Kevin Holly were invaluable for their technical construction advice. Teresa Lang form the Vicariate Office expedited contract form approvals, and the Vil-lage of Orland Hills was exceedingly cooperative with our project, as they have done before in the past. Even the weather has smiled on us so far. As for where we will be this weekend, we shall see. If things hit snags, you may need to exert caution and patience depending on the condition of the west part of the parking lot.

August 14, 2016 TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Three

Sports Corner… The combined St. Elizabeth Seton and St. Stephen Parish teen softball team had a great season. After getting off to a bad start, they ended their regular season with eight wins and two losses! Not even a professional baseball team wins 80% of their games! Like some professional teams that we as Chicagoans know of, our parish team went into the final “playoff” tournament weekend last Sunday and lost all three games. Well you can’t win them all! Thanks to our Parish Youth/Young Adult Minister, Kyle Groves, for his work with the teens all through this summer.

The Summer Lull… At one time parish schedules went into a summer lull between Fathers Day in mid-June and the reopening of schools and religious education programs in mid-August. Somehow our parish did not get that memo this summer. Between wrapping up the “To Teach Who Christ Is” Capital Campaign; the Lifetouch Family Photo Directory for our Thirtieth Jubilee as a parish, the Parish Picnic last Sunday [which was well-attended by all ages]; the Mercy Monday Taizé Prayer evening [with an overflow crowd of 70 people in the Stations Chapel and was truly a beautiful, meditative prayer service]; the “Wisdom and Wine” event by our Social Action Ministry last Tuesday [with approx. 100 in attendance] offering a discussion with guest speaker Fr. John Kartje on Science and Religion; the Young Adult Mass this Sunday evening; the massive parking lot replacement project; and the cleaning and repairing of the school building for the upcoming CJB School and Religious Education program year — the parish has been abuzz. I deliberately planned my vacation time this summer with the thought that it was the “lull time”, this was not true this year. Thanks to all who did so much to bring life to the parish over these summer break months.

Ireland/England Wrap-Up… Many parishioners commented how they liked hearing about my trip to the “Land of Saints and Scholars.” In the three weeks visiting Ireland, I was able to see and have a sustained visit with 26 of my 27 first cousins who reside in both Ireland and England. In total I saw 101 family members that included my first cousins, their spouses, children, and grandchildren. In addition, I caught up with four friends. The family made a great fuss over me. My last visit there was in 2013. Over the years I have attended the wakes and celebrated or concelebrated 11 funerals of aunts, uncles and first cousins; attended, celebrated or concelebrated nine weddings of first cousins or their children; attended a

first cousins’ Ordination to Priesthood; attended a 25th Anniversary Celebration of Priestly Ordination; “crashed” a 50th Wedding Anniversary party; attended two 70th birthday parties; and baptized a first cousin’s child. I have been there for happy occasions, and for sad ones as well. For some families I am like an “American Uncle”, for others I am like a “grandpa” bringing the varied strands of the family together. My extended family here and abroad keep me rooted in the reality of family life, and trips like this are a real tonic for me. They are done at a hectic pace, and I pack a lot into each day. But they are very renewing. My current vacation days with a priest classmate in Cape Cod will be to the other extreme. My goal is to be like a slug, and barely move at all. I try to do one thing each day: a bike ride; exploring dunes; go to a concert; and the rest of the day relax and read. I will certainly be recharged for the coming year. I hope that you have done likewise this summer.

Keep Smiling,

Page Four TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 7, 2016

THIS SUNDAY! AUGUST 14, 7:00 PM

Young Adult Praise Band with popular contemporary Christian music

Refreshments following the liturgy

in the Church Narthex

If you are a young adult interested in serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Greeter or Lector, please email Kyle Groves at kgroves@steseton.com by 8-10-16.

PRAYER FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by you, always follow your plans and perfectly

accomplish your holy will. Grant that in all things, great and small, today and all the days of my life, I may

do whatever you require of me. Help me respond to the slightest prompting of your grace so that I may be

your trustworthy instrument for your honor. Amen. - St. Teresa of Avila

At ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHURCH 9300 W. 167th St., Orland Hills

St. Stephen/St. Elizabeth Seton Youth/Young Adult Ministry

Page Five TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sat., Aug. 13 (5pm) Jane Vanduch; Walter Molo Sun., Aug. 14 (7:15am) Antonio Espina, Jr.; Raymond Keane (8:30am) O’Sullivan-Keating Families; Helen Baser (10am) For All Parishioners; Rose Handzik (11:30am) Amelia Rust; Eleanor Sutcliffe Mon., Aug. 15 (9am) Dolores Ernst; Daniel Pawers (Living) Tues., Aug. 16 (9am) Frank and Kazimerz Galowicz; Ralph Matul Wed., Aug. 17 (9am) Agnes Esposito; Terry Burns Thursday, Aug. 18 (9am) James Smith; Alice McDonald Friday, Aug. 19 (9am) Ann and Bill Drabik; William Miller Sat., Aug. 20 (5pm) Ken Graves; Krystyna Soprych (Living) Sun., Aug. 21 (7:15am) Mary Pat Gorman; Sylvia Schaffer (8:30am) Antonio Espina, Jr.; George Erickson (10am) Margaret Slattery; The Purgatorial Society (11:30am) Dave Finatri; For All Parishioners

MASS INTENTIONS

We remember the sick, infirm, and those recommended to our prayers, that they may experience the healing power of Christ: Phillip Talley Joan Cronin Regina Marozalek Fred Schuster Susan Grigola Angela Cesario Walden Alice Betley Jackie Bukowiecki Sandy Skurnicki Gerry Grabowski Daniel Bochlas Ron Grencik

And for our deceased: Juanita Kincaid Margaret Burkhalter “Heavenly Father, accept the prayers which we offer for them.”

PLEASE PRAY FOR

STEWARDSHIP

COLLECTION FOR 8-7-16: $17,735.17

KIDS COLLECTION: $17.26

Thank you for your generosity.

August 14, 2016

WELCOME

Chad and Mary Joyce Turner (Child: John Turner)

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to these parents on the baptism of their child on 8-7-16: Chelsea Ann, child of Jason and Christine Volkman

WEDDINGS

Please pray for the following couple as they prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony: Casey Champ and Ethan Gregerson; 9-3-16

WHO BECOMES A CATHOLIC TODAY?

...Young People who are engaged to marry Catholics.

At this important time in their lives, young couples want to share their faith lives and values.

...Young parents expecting their first child or have children starting school.

Young parents often find that this is the time to join a faith community that will help them find God in their lives and establish common religious values in their home.

...People who are baptized either in the Roman Catholic religion or another

Christian denomination, but were not formally educated in their religion.

Often they wish to return to their religious roots. The Catholic Church offers to walk with them on this journey.

...people from all backgrounds who are seeking God in their lives as they look

more seriously at life and death questions.

HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME A CATHOLIC?

RCIA is the process in which the Church welcomes new members. You are invited to explore this process.

RCIA EVENING OF WELCOME Sept. 13 at 7:30pm in the Cornerstone

For more information please call Deacon Joe Truesdale at 708-403-0101.

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Monday, August 15 9:00 am Mass

(As the Feast Day falls on a Monday, this year it is not a Holy Day of Obligation)

Mary had the unique role in the history of salvation of giving birth to Emmanuel: God-with-us. One might say that because of the Incarnation, Mary’s physical existence had a role in salvation surpassed only by that of Jesus. Opening her soul to God would not have been enough to fulfill God’s purposes. She had to be open to God with the totality of her being.

“Holy Spirit, enkindle us with the fire of the same love that burned within the Virgin Mary, so that we might rise up to God in prayer. Amen.”

Page Six TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 14, 2016

August 14, 2016 TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Seven

Would you like the privilege to have Traveling Statue of Our Lady of Fatima visit in the privacy of your home for one week? The statue is in the area of the St. Elizabeth Seton Parish community. For more information please call Tom at 312-720-5767.

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENT

Open Gym Night August 21

Seton Gym, 6-8pm

For information please contact Kyle Groves

by phone or email: Kgroves@steseton.com,

or 708-403-0101 x 104

Branches Summer Events

ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHURCH SOCIAL ACTION MINISTRY

SOUP KITCHEN UPDATE

July Soup Kitchen Brings Great Joy...

Some special high school friends of Matthew Kocher, the 15 yr. old St. Elizabeth Seton parishioner who tragically died in Lake Michigan a few years ago, came to work as a team for our July Soup Kitchen to honor Matt’s memory and all were wearing shirts bearing his name. Their compassion made a great difference helping us cook and serve our 200 hungry guests with smiles of joy. That Sunday, guests were served a delicious Beef Stroganoff dinner complete with mushroom gravy over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, fresh cauliflower and carrots in butter sauce, lettuce salad, garlic bread, water-melon slices followed with ice cream sundaes and many sweets. One guest said our food was “like a taste of heaven.”

THE NEXT SOUP KITCHEN IS SUNDAY, AUG. 21… VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

Service hours can be earned at the Day Break Center Soup Kitchen on the third Sunday of each month by calling or emailing Nancy Arredia at 708-873-1957 or accarred@aol.com. Adults can volunteer by contacting Bernadette Kemp at 708-925-2341 or 708-532-5635 or at bakemp01@sbcglobal.net. Please call so we know how many people we can count on.

Newborns In Need

The Seton Sowers Chapter of Newborns in Need will meet Monday, Monday, Aug. 15, at 9:15am in the downstairs

Church Hall meeting room. We are hoping that some new volunteers will be able to join us. If you knit, crochet, or sew, we can use your skills to make clothing/blankets for newborn

babies who need to spend time in the hospital because they are

premature or sick. We also help those newborns whose

families are financially in need. We can use donations of yarn, fabric, baby toiletries and supplies. For more information call Carol Dimer at 708-479-6994.

Page Eight NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 14, 2016

GOD AS VICTIM By Rev. Ronald Rolheiser

“And there shone on them in that dark hour a light that has never darkened; a white fire clinging to that group like an unearthly phosphorescence, blazing its track through the twilights of history and confounding every effort to con-found it with the mists of mythology and theory; that shaft of light or lightening by which the world itself has struck and isolated and crowned it; by which its own enemies have made it more illustri-ous and its own critics have made it more inexplicable; the halo of hatred around the Church of God.”

G.K. CHESTERTON wrote those words

more than sixty years ago. One of the things that, for him, gave the Church credibility is the fact that, invariably, it is surrounded by a halo of hatred. I quoted his words not as an attempt to offer an apolo-gia for the Church today as it suffers through a period within which it is frequently an object of intense hatred. Defensiveness is not the purpose here since I am one of those persons who is not entirely sorry that a lot of anger is currently being directed towards us in the Church. Some of this anger is justified, after a few centuries of privilege, and all of it will, I submit, be helpful in fuelling an important period of purification within the Church. I would rather be a priest in a time of anti-clericalism than in a time within which priests and Church are unduly privileged since it is far easier to live the Gospel in the former situation. Thus, we, inside the Church, should have a curious gratitude for all that anger that is being directed against us today. Besides, as Chesterton points out, paraphrasing Jesus, the Church will always be hated. The point here is not to defend the Church, but to make a critical point about God and the theology of God —a theology which is often grossly misunderstood. AND THE POINT IS THIS: Christianity is the only religion which worships the scapegoat, the one who is hated, excluded, spat upon, blamed for everything, ridi-culed, shamed, and made expendable. Christianity is the only religion that focuses on imitating the victim and which sees God in the one who is surrounded by the halo of hatred. There are some important lessons to be learned from this, not the least of which has to do with where we see

God, truth, and goodness. We need, today, some correctives since we live in a culture which, not unlike most cultures in the past, scapegoats some persons to the benefit of the others and then identifies God and holiness with those who have created the scapegoats.

G OD is not to be confusedly identified with the myths of success, power, glamour,

and popularity. Never confuse God and what is holy with current cul-tural religion which, antithetical to Christ, worships the included, the glamorous, the ones who aren’t shamed and ridiculed, and the ones who seem important and indispensa-ble. The God of our culture and the

God that is preached in so many of our churches is not the God who dies on a cross, is hated, spat upon, and is excluded and scapegoated in ignorance. No, our culture does not worship a crucified God. The God Jesus re-vealed, is still, in our very own culture, excluded, mocked, scapegoated, made expendable, and often killed, mostly in the name of God and truth. Where do we see this? Our own culture, like every other culture past and pre-sent, creates a category of persons that it deems expend-able and then subsequently victimizes through exclusion, ridicule, scapegoating, and often through actual death. Who constitutes that category shifts slightly from time to time, but there is always a common denominator, it includes always those who are the weakest.

T HUS, for instance, our culture, marginalizes and scapegoats the sick, the poor, the handi-capped, the unborn, the unattractive, the non-

productive, and the aged. These we deem expendable and subsequently decertify in terms of full status within the human race. Worse still, we identify God and holiness with those who are doing the excluding. But that is antithetical to true religion — and true wisdom. WHERE IS GOD? God is on the side of the victim, standing with the one who is excluded, specially present in the one being ridiculed, and dying in the one who is being put to death. TRUE CHRISIANITY KNOWS THIS: It worships the scapegoat—the one who is surrounded by the halo of hatred.

“I have come to set the earth on fire, And how I wish it were already blazing!

There is a Baptism with which I must be baptized, And how great is my anguish until it is accomplished.”

Page Nine August 14, 2016 TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

REGISTER NOW FOR SETON

SCRIPTURE STUDY!

The Gospel ofThe Gospel ofThe Gospel of Saint JohnSaint JohnSaint John

September 8September 8September 8

to to to November 17November 17November 17

Thursday Morning Sessions:Thursday Morning Sessions:Thursday Morning Sessions: 9:459:459:45---11am11am11am

Thursday Evening Sessions:Thursday Evening Sessions:Thursday Evening Sessions: 7:307:307:30---9pm9pm9pm

The Gospel According to Saint John has been called the “Spiritual Gospel” by many of the Fathers of the Church.

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “I am the Good Shepherd.” “I am the Bread of Life.” “I am the True Vine.” The whole purpose of the Gospel of John is to fully reveal the identity of Jesus Christ for us, His followers. We invite you to join with us for the study of this Gospel that has provided so much spiritual nourishment to all who ponder this sacred treasure written by the Beloved Disciple.

PLEASE REGISTER NOW!

Registration Deadline: Monday, August 15. Materials ready for pickup on Thursday, August 25.

Name _______________________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________ City _____________________ Zip ____________

Home Phone ________________________________ Cell Phone ________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________________________________________

Please check one:

Thursday Morning Session (9:45-11am) _______ Thursday Evening Session (7:30-9pm)________

REVISED COMMENTARY AND STUDY GUIDE ARE $20 (Please make check payable to ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHURCH).

For information, contact Mary Vlaming, 708-460-6235 or Father Gubbins, 708-460-9485.

Page Ten TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 14, 2016

Did you miss out on scheduling your photo session to be included in our directory?

WE HAVE GREAT NEWS! SEPTEMBER DATES NOW OFFERED!

At Lifetouch, our mission is to bring your families together, reach out to new families, and help you thrive and grow.

DATES HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR SEPTEMBER:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 2:00-9:00 pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 9:00 am-5:00 pm

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 During all Mass times (8:00 am-2:30 pm)

Photo session taken in the Cornerstone.

September dates are not yet on listed on the website. Call the parish office to register at 708-403-0101.

Page Eleven August 14, 2016 TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

UPCOMING EVENTS

Seniors of Seton

SAINT OF THE WEEK

SAINT CLARE OF ASSISI (1194-1253)

THE BEGINNING OF ST. CLARE’S RELIGIOUS LIFE WAS A STORY OF WHAT MOVIES TODAY ARE MADE.

Having refused to marry at 15, she was moved by the dynamic preaching of Francis. He became her lifelong friend and spiritual guide. At 18, she escaped one night from her father’s home, was met on the road by friars carrying torches, and in the poor little chapel called the Portiuncula received a rough woolen habit, exchanged her jeweled belt for a common rope with knots in it, and sacrificed the long tresses to Francis’ scissors. He placed her in a Benedictine convent, which her father and uncles immediately stormed in rage. She clung to the altar of the church, threw aside her veil to show her cropped hair and remained adamant. End of movie material. Sixteen days later her sister Agnes joined her. Others came. They lived a simple life of great poverty, austerity and complete seclusion from the world, according to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order (Poor Clares). Francis obliged her under obedience at age 21 to accept the office of abbess, one she exercised until her death. The nuns went barefoot, slept on the ground, ate no meat and observed almost complete silence. (Later Clare, like Francis, persuaded her sisters to moderate this rigor: “Our bodies are not made of brass.”) The greatest emphasis, of course, was on gospel poverty. They possessed no property, even in common, subsisting on daily contributions. When even the pope tried to persuade her to mitigate this practice, she showed her characteristic firmness: “I need to be absolved from my sins, but I do not wish to be absolved from the obligation of following Jesus Christ.” Contemporary accounts glow with admiration of her life in the convent of San Damiano in Assisi. She served the sick, waited on table, washed the feet of the begging nuns. She came from prayer, it was said, with her face so shining it dazzled those about her. She suffered serious illness for the last 27 years of her life. Her influence was such that popes, cardinals and bishops often came to consult her—she never left the walls of San Damiano. Francis always remained her great friend and inspiration. She was always obedient to his will and to the great ideal of gospel life which he was making real. A well-known story concerns her prayer and trust. She had the Blessed Sacrament placed on the walls of the convent when it faced attack by invading Saracens. “Does it please you, O God, to deliver into the hands of these beasts the defenseless children I have nourished with your love? I beseech you, dear Lord, protect these whom I am now unable to protect.” To her sisters she said, “Don’t be afraid. Trust in Jesus.” The Saracens fled. On her deathbed, Clare was heard to say to herself: “Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me.”

The St. Elizabeth Seton Parish SENIORS of SETON is a group of over 200 seniors that gather the first Tuesday of the month for fun meet-ings and activities throughout the year. Our dues are only $15 per person per year and you can come as a guest to see what we do, meet new people, before joining. The doors open to the Parish Life Center (east of the front church entrance) at 9:30 AM right after the 9AM Mass. The meeting starts at 10AM follow by entertainment.

Membership is open to all ages who want to meet new people and have fun. Come join us.

SOS MEMBERSHIP REMINDER Meetings will resume September 6, 2016.

A mailing will be going out to existing members asking them to sign up for the 2016-17 year. Please return these envelopes promptly.

DOOR COUNTY TRIP —SOLD OUT—

WAITING LIST FORMING The Seniors return to Door County for three fun-filled days/two nights: Sept. 28/29/30. Includes Fish Boil-Show-Boat Tour-Apple Orchard-Cheese Castle and much more. One and two bed-two Bath suites. $375 pp double/$525 single. SOLD OUT! Waiting list being formed. Anna will be at the membership table at the Parish Picnic August 7 to answer questions. For trip information please call 708-532-6731.

UPCOMING TRIP

They Have Arrived! 2017 Golden

Opportunities Books! Still Only $20!

Available in the parish office! Golden Opportunities Coupon books offer local restaurants offering discounts of 50% off or 2-for-1. In addition, great savings at movies, grocery stores, sporting events, and more! Many coupons valid once a month. And… it makes a great gift!

Page Twelve TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 14, 2016

Jesus shows us a heavenly banquet that just might have a lot of attendees we don’t expect to see; Those who, by the way they lived, showed God’s grace and mercy to the world around them.

NEXT WEEK: LIP SERVICE OR LIFE SERVICE?

Do you give lip service or life service to following Jesus and living the Kingdom of God? That is, do your actions confirm your words? Saying that “We ate and drank in your company” is not enough. We strive to enter the narrow gate by doing our best to live the values of God’s Kingdom that Jesus showed us. Living the ways of the Kingdom that Jesus’ words and deeds proclaimed takes discipline. Many talk about going to the gym, taking time to practice their craft, eating in a more healthy manner, or making more time for prayer. These practices have positive effects in our lives. At other times they seem like too much, or we bite off more than we can chew rather than the amount that will help us make progress in the end. The same is true of the disciplines of faith. Scripture tells us that God invites people from all nations, faiths, and ways of life to enter the Kingdom. Practices like prayer, fasting, almsgiving, living the Commandments and turning to God in need are counted among the disciplines of faith. They help us tell the Good News of Jesus Christ so that others can glorify God and live on God’s holy mountain. We cannot earn a place at the heavenly banquet, because faith is a gift God offers to all. We take on these faith disciplines in gratitude for that gift. Then when people see, hear, or encounter us, they see, hear, and encounter Jesus. That’s the difference between life service and lip service. What discipline can I take on today so that my life and lips proclaim, “I follow Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Let God help you reinforce success rather than failure.

Brothers and sisters of every race and language will be brought to Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:18-21). In this reading, written shortly after the return of the exiles from Babylon, we hear of how God will reach out to all of the nations. Yahweh is the only God who exists, and He is therefore the God of all peoples upon the

earth. God will bring them to His holy city and make them part of His holy people. They will even be invited to be priests and Levites, to serve God in the holiest places in the temple.

Be strong and endure your trials as the "discipline" of a loving God (Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13).

Reflections for TWENTY FIRST

SUNDAY IN ORDINARY

TIME August 21,

2016

The Lord uses discipline with us, just as a parent might discipline a child. The parent does not punish the child because it makes the parent feel good but rather because it is in the best interest of the child. If a child is not punished, then he or she might not learn to distinguish between right and wrong. That

would be a form of child abuse. Obviously, our understanding of what punishment means today is significantly different from what would have been understood when this passage was written. Nevertheless, it remains true that children need clear boundaries if they are to develop a balanced moral life.

SECOND READING

FIRST READING

REFLECTION

GOSPEL People from east and west, north and south, recline at table in the kingdom of God (Luke 13:22-30). In spite of the fact that Jerusalem is the chosen city, the chosen people should be cautious. Jesus speaks of how those who

consider themselves to be chosen will find themselves excluded at the Final Judgment. At the same time, many of those who were considered to be excluded (the Gentiles) will be part of the promise. They will be invited to recline at the table of the heavenly banquet. What does it mean that the door to heaven is narrow? Jesus tends to speak in a Middle Eastern manner, which often says one thing in one verse and then the opposite in the next. By saying that few would be saved, Jesus was emphasizing that entering the Kingdom is not a question of belonging to a certain group of people, but a question of committing oneself to the Kingdom, if that costs all that one has.

Readings for the Week August 15-August 20: Mon.: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; 1 Cor 15:20-27; Lk 1:39-56 Tues.: Ez 28:1-10; Mt 19:23-30 Wed.: Ez 34:1-11; Mt 20:1-16 Thurs.: Ez 36:23-28; Mt 22:1-14 Fri.: Ez 37:1-14; Mt 22:34-40 Sat.: Ez 43:1-7ab; Mt 23:1-12

Jesus, we desire to eat

and drink in Your company for all eternity.

Show me the way to live so that,

nourished by You, I can feed others with Your all-

inclusive and un-conditional love.

Amen.

What a GENEROUS Response!

We now have catechists for all grade levels, BUT…

There are still a few non-teaching positions available on MONDAYS at these times:

Building Supervisor 4:30-6:00 pm

(3) Hall Monitors 4:30-6:00 pm

RE Office Secretary 7:00-8:30 pm

(2) Hall Monitors 7:00-8:30 pm

We are always in need of substitute catechists as well.

To volunteer or for more information please contact Sue Matthews (DRE)

at smatthews@steseton.com or 708-403-0137, x115.

Classes begin on September 19.

August 14, 2016 TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Page Thirteen

Preschool Instructor Needed Applications are currently being taken for the Orland Hills Preschool Program. Early education experience preferred. The program consists of a 3 year old class which meets Tuesday and Thursday and a 4 year old class which meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Program hours are 8 am–12 Noon. The program begins in September and continues through May. For information contact the Orland Hills Recreation Department at 708-349-7211.

Part-Time Receptionist/Secretarial Needed St. Anthony Church, 7659 Sauk Trail, Frankfort has an open position for part-time Receptionist/Secretarial work. Job description includes: Answer main phone switchboard; Greet visitors; Pick up, sort mail, assist w/large mailings. Skills/Qualifications: Excellent communication/organizational skills; Experience with Microsoft Office Suite; Data entry and Data Base experience; Multi task; Must be friendly, confidential, professional, courteous, and efficient when working with people and employees. Please email resume: lindsay@stanthonyfrankfort.com or call 815-469-3750 ext. 147.

Page Fourteen TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 14, 2016

ST. ELIZABETH SETON PRAYER/OUTREACH MINISTRIES

Social Action Ministry How we serve: Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen in Joliet; Sharing Parish with St. Procopius Church; Pro Life Ministry includes: COURAGE Program, Mother’s Day Flowers For Life; Life Chain Sunday, Diaper Drive; Respond Now Out-reach; SWIFT (South West Interfaith Team); Environmental Ministry; Speaker nights.

Seton Rosary Group All are invited to join in praying of the Holy Rosary. We meet each Tuesday and Thursday in the church, by our statue of the Mary, following the 9am Mass.

Chaplet of Divine Mercy The Divine Mercy Chaplet is recited every Wednesday morning in the church, following the 9am Mass.

Heart Warmers Meal Ministry Heart Warmers is an outreach program where Seton volun-teers deliver homemade meals to people of our parish com-munity when they are experiencing times with medical, health, new baby, recovery, or grief issues. To schedule re-ceiving a meal or to become a meal provider contact Barb Cristofaro at 708-349-7493 or heartwarmers-ses@att.net.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Shawls are prayerfully created, blessed, and distributed to those who have a need for the spiritual, physical or emo-tional comfort. Knit or crochet in your home and/or at the twice-monthly meetings. To become a knitter or to obtain a shawl, call Sharon Leone at 708-226-4836.

Seton Sowers-Newborns in Need If you knit/crochet/sew, your skills to make clothing/blankets for premature newborn babies at the University of Illinois Hospital. We meet monthly in the Church Hall. Donations of yarn/fabric/baby toiletries/supplies accepted. For information/meeting dates, contact Carol Dimer at 708-479-6994.

HOPE Employment Ministry HOPE is open to everyone. All of our services, to both job seekers and employers, are free. We meet the first Tues-day of each month in the Church Hall at 7pm. Our meetings consist of networking, resume review, guest speakers and open forums. Contact Lee Junkans at ajunkans@aol.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous If you have a problem with alcohol and feel a sincere desire to stop drinking, you are welcome to attend a meeting of Al-coholics Anonymous (AA) in the downstairs St. Elizabeth Seton Church Hall on Thursdays, from 7:30-8:45pm. AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover. The only requirement is a sincere desire to stop drinking.

Families Anonymous If your life has gone astray due to living with someone who has a substance abuse problem, attend a Families Anony-mous on Mondays from 7-8:30pm at Palos Hosp. 123rd and 80th Ave., Palos Heights (Ambulatory Care Center, Rm. 1). Call 708-429-2507 or 708-269-9853.

St. Vincent de Paul Society Anyone within parish boundaries in need of assistance from SVDP, may call the parish office at 708-403-0101.

ST. ELIZABETH SETON PARISH INFORMATION

New Parishioners We welcome new members. All are invited to participate in the life and mission of the parish. A complete listing of parish services and organizations is available in the parish office and on our parish website. Please visit the parish office to register or obtain the registration form on the parish website. Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturday, between 4:15-4:45pm. Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated twice monthly at 1pm. Reserve your time by calling the parish office Center early. Limited to six children per Sunday. Baptismal Preparation Couples preparing for the birth of their child should contact the Pastoral Center to register for a one night seminar, focusing on a parent’s role in faith development. This session is mandatory prior to the Baptism. Anointing of the Sick is available in the Church every Monday after the 9am Mass. For those who are ill or facing hospitalization, it is appropriate to receive the sacrament once every six months. Call 708-403-0101 for information. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Adults, 18 and older, who wish to become Catholic are enrolled in a formation process (RCIA) that includes prayer, dialogue, instruction, and introduction to the Church’s life and values, rituals and traditions. For in-formation call the parish office 708-403-0101. Ministry of Care is available to give Communion to the housebound, to visit and pray for hospitalized and/or to arrange for the Anointing of the Sick. Please call the Pastoral Center for assistance. In the Hospital? Because of HIPAA Privacy regu-lations hospitals can no longer contact the parish re-garding your hospitalization. It is the responsibility of you or a family member to notify our parish. We desire to offer whatever spiritual support we can. Please call the Pastoral Center. Sacrament of Marriage Couples planning to marry are asked to make arrangements six months in advance. Wedding Workshops are offered throughout the year. They provide engaged couples with guidelines and suggestions for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage. The workshop covers topics ranging from readings and music to flowers and video taping. Adult Choir sings at all 10am Sunday Masses, as well as at a number of special liturgies. Teen Choir sings at the 11:30am Sunday Masses.

Moving? Please call the office at 708-403-0101.

9300 West 167th St., Orland Hills, IL 708-403-0101

www.steseton.com

Page Fifteen August 14, 2016 TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Pastoral Staff Rev. William T. Corcoran, Ph.D, Pastor Rev. John Zurek, Associate Pastor Rev. William Gubbins, Resident Priest Rev. William T. O’Mara, Pastor Emeritus Deacon: Frank Gildea Deacon: Dennis (Barb) Cristofaro Deacon: Joe (Mary) Truesdale

Liturgy Staff Claudia Nolan, Director of Liturgy

Music Staff Linda McKeague, Director of Music

Parish Office Staff Donna Stolinski, Business Manager Darlene Raila, Communications Director Joan Nemec, Morning Receptionist Karen Mirecki, Afternoon Receptionist

Youth/Young Adult Ministry Kyle Groves, Director Bruce Hall, Coordinator

Religious Education Staff Susan Matthews, Director of Religious Education Diana Barracca, Administration Assistant Mary Vlaming, Secretary

Athletics Bob Myjak, Director

Maintenance Staff Raymond Yanowsky, Director of Maintenance Laurie De Mik-Renn, CJB Day Maintenance Supervisor Marie Makuch, Staff Joseph Shake, Staff

REGULAR MASS SCHEDULE Monday-Friday:

9:00 am Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday:

7:15, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30am

St. Elizabeth Seton Church 9300 W. 167th Street Orland Hills, IL 60487

Parish Office: 708-403-0101 WEBSITE: WWW.STESETON.COM Religious Education: 708-403-0137

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:30AM-4:30PM SATURDAY: 1PM-6PM SUNDAY: 8:30AM-1PM

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School WEBSITE: WWW.CJBSCHOOL.ORG 708-403-6525 Principal, Mary Iannucilli Administrative Assistant, Cindy Labriola Devlin

8/20 & 8/21 5:00PM 7:15AM 8:30AM 10:00AM 11:30AM

GREETERS R. Coe S. Hermann E. Herman S. Klean W. Krol R. Lamparski J. Schuman P. Staszewski

C. Chor G. Lukasiewicz L. McGhee S. McGhee B. Tenuta

K. Fox/ M. Fox D. Gurka M. Gurka P. Gurka M. Gurka J. Klomes J. Klomes L. Klomes M. Klomes A. Lloyd A. McCoy D. Minnick

R. Chehy P. Havlin B. Krueger S. Lorenz N. Lorenz J. Moran D. Weber

I. Cox K. Cox B. Findura M. Gniady K. Ivancich B. Ivancich S. Klean M. McMahon

LECTORS R. Coe T. O’Connell

K. McSwain D. Roti D. Stefanovich

L. Junkans K. Panko

M. O’Sullivan A. Lietz

ALTAR SERVERS

G. Kehoe J. Zufan J. Pala

H. Ryan C. Stroz E. Ryan

J. Durkin N. Kaslewicz D. Rediger

T. Jaeger A. Rihani G. Hamilton

A. Cozzolino A. Cozzolino P. Baggio

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

D. Pott AJ Kunde F. Ward M. Gabrione T. Lundgren C. Lundgren M. Garcia J. Murphy G. Yakes B. Raymond L. Coe C. Innis

P. Rodgers C. Nolan K. Nanfeldt D. Houha T. McMahon D. Ceglarski D. Skrzypiec L. Skrzypiec

V. Patrizi W. Dendler S. Arcos A. Roti B. Kandel T. Cohoon P. Bergamini J. Misiunas J. Juds C. Kirk J. Kelly K. Kelly

R. Grill L. Gent M. Fehrenbacher E. O’Connor J. Kocher K. Kocher M. Ihnat P. Ihnat J. Krusenoski D. Pacholski R. Ulrich D. Ulrich

M. Merino K. Hall J. Bilas D. Sigourney T. Scorzo M. O’Connor K. James G. Talley A. Talley R. Dollah

Attention All Ministers!

Ministers schedules available at: www.steseton.com Then visit: Music and Liturgy