Fifth Sunday of Lent March 22nd, 2015

Pastor: Fr. Gene Dyer Weekend Associate: Fr. Luke Kleczka, SDS Pastor Emeritus: Fr. Gerald Rogala

Deacons: John X. Rottman, Robert Cnota, Steven Wagner and Michael McManus

Business Manager-Mr. Joe Wojtowicz School Principal: Mr. Dan Gargano Music Director: Mr. Aaron Dixon Religious Education Coordinator: Mr. Ron Mazzoni Mass Schedule:

Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.,

11:30 a.m. (Mass in Polish)

Monday through Saturday: 8:30 a.m.

Holy Days: Please see the bulletin

Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Tue. - Sat. following 8:30a.m. Mass Adoration: Wednesday 1:00 to 3:00p.m. followed with Benediction Confessions: Saturday 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. Spowiedþ: po polsku –Niedziela 11:00-11:25a.m. Office Hours and Addresses: Church: 6725 W. Devon Ave. Chicago, IL 60631 Parish Office: 6333 N. Newcastle Ave. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30am - 7:30pm (773) 792-3077, FAX: (773) 792-3820 e-mail: parish@saintthecla.org School: 6323 N. Newcastle Ave., (773) 763-3380 Visit us on the web at: www.saintthecla.org

The Order of Mass is on page 2.

The month of March is dedicated to the Devotion of

St. Joseph A litany can be found on page 4.

The Order of Mass

2

Fifth Sunday in Lent

The Introductory Rites

Processional Hymn: Sanctuary

“Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.

© Copyright 1982 Whole Armor Music and Full Armor Music Administered by The Kruger Organisation, Inc. International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission-364729

Sign of the Cross and Greeting

Penitential Act: Please Kneel The Confiteor followed by the Kyrie Eleison

Gloria (omitted during Lent)

Collect At the conclusion, all reply: Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD The readings can be found on page 90 of the Breaking Bread Hymnal.

Responsorial Psalm: Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15

“Create a clean heart in me, O God.” Gospel Acclamation (Stand) Glory and Praise to you, Lord, Jesus Christ. Chant Verse, R/. Homily

Profession of Faith Universal Prayer At the conclusion, all recite the “Hail Mary.”

THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Preparation of the Gifts

The Offertory Chant (Psalm 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19) (Sing as a responsorial)

R/: “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved” Chant Verse, R/.

Stand V. Pray brothers and sisters… R/. May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, and for our good and the good of his holy Church. Prayer over the Gifts At the conclusion, all reply: Amen.

The Preface

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.

The English translation and chants of The Roman Missal 2010, International Commission on English In the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

3

The Eucharistic Prayer (kneel)

At the Consecration, the Holy Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross is made present again.

Memorial Acclamation V. The mystery of faith. R/. We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection, until you come again.

The English translation and chants of The Roman Missal 2010, International Commission on English In the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. The Doxology At the conclusion, all reply: Amen.

The Communion Rite The Lord’s Prayer

The Sign of Peace At the fraction, the Agnus Dei begins.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace. The English translation and chants of The Roman Missal 2010, International Commission on English In the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Holy Communion V. Behold the Lamb of God R/. Lord, I am not worthy, that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed. Communion Antiphon (Ps. 85: 9-14) R/. “ Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.” Chant Verse, R/. Communion Hymn 363 Seed Scattered and Sown

Silent Prayer

Prayer after Communion At the conclusion, all reply: Amen.

The Concluding Rite

Hail Holy Queen and Prayer to St. Michael (on next page 4)

The Blessing and Dismissal

Retiring Procession: 629 Whatsoever You Do

4

Prayers

A Prayer Before Mass

Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I come to receive Your beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see Him face to face in glory, who lives and reigns with

You for ever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer After Receiving Holy Communion

Anima Christi Soul of Christ, be my sanctification;

Body of Christ, be my salvation; Blood of Christ, fill all my veins;

Water of Christ's side, wash out my stains; Passion of Christ, my comfort be;

O good Jesus, listen to me; In Thy wounds I fain would hide; Ne'er to be parted from Thy side;

Guard me, should the foe assail me; Call me when my life shall fail me;

Bid me come to Thee above, With Thy saints to sing Thy love,

World without end. Amen. A Spiritual Communion Prayer for those unable to receive

the Eucharist My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to re-ceive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Hail, Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears! Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. V: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R/: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

LITANY TO ST. JOSEPH We invite you to pray this at home dur-ing the month of March.

When this litany is prayed in public, the con-gregation responds to a leader with the words in italics.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us (after each line) Saint Joseph, Renowned offspring of David, Light of Patriarchs, Spouse of the Mother of God, Chaste guardian of the Virgin, Foster-father of the Son of God, Diligent protector of Christ, Head of the Holy Family, Joseph most just, Joseph most chaste, Joseph most prudent, Joseph most strong, Joseph most obedient, Joseph most faithful, Mirror of patience, Lover of poverty, Model of artisans, Glory of home life, Guardian of virgins, Pillar of families, Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick, Patron of the dying, Terror of demons, Protector of Holy Church, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. V. He made him the lord of His house: R. And ruler of all His substance. Let us pray. O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouch-safe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may de-serve to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as our defender on earth: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Highlights for the coming week

Sunday, Mar.22nd Blood Pressure Screening after Mass Children's’ Choir Practice, 4:00-5pm - church

Monday, March 23rd School Open House 8:30-10:30am Rekolekcje wielkopostne, 7:00pm - church

Tuesday, Mar.24th Cub Scouts-6:15-8pm-QoP Rekolekcje wielkopostne, 7:00pm - church Knights Officers meeting -7:30-9pm-PDR

Wednesday, Mar.25th Adoration 1 to 3pm followed with Benediction Rekolekcje wielkopostne, 7:00pm - church

Thursday, Mar.26th Al-Anon Mtg-9:30-11am-SJW Adult Choir-7-9pm-church (set up 6 - 7pm) Bible study-7-9pm-PDR Boy Scouts-7-8:30pm-gym Boy Scouts-7-7:30pm-RH

Friday, Mar.27th Bible Study (Polish)-6:30-9pm-QoP Living Stations Of the cross, presented by St.

Thecla 8th graders - 6:30pm in church 8pm Stations of the Cross in Polish – church

Saturday, Mar.28th Gen. Anders Polish School-9am-12:30pm-QoP,

SJW, RH Gen.Anders-Swieconka-9-3pm-gym Gen. Anders Dance Class -12:30-3pm-QoP,

SJW

Sunday, Mar.29nd - Palm Sunday 10am Family Mass - (Religious ed. students

gather in school prior to Mass at 9:15am) Confessions in church from 11:30am to 3:00pm

Weekly Parish Information

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — I will make a new covenant; I will write my law upon their hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

Psalm 51 — Create a clean heart in me, O God Second Reading — Christ learned obedience and be-came the source of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:7-9)

Gospel — If a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it produces much fruit (John 12:20-33)

For all our deceased family members and friends

Mass Intentions

Mon. Mar. 23 8:30am Nalewajko Family

Tue. Mar. 24 8:30am +Michal Kowcz & Kowcz Family

Wed. Mar. 25 8:30am + John Soens

Thur. Mar. 26 8:30am +Robert Mader

Fri. Mar. 27 8:30am SI: Matthew Geurtsen

Sat. Mar. 28 8:30am +Walter & Irene Mastalarz

5:00pm +Mary & John Vincent Sun. Mar. 29 8:00am +Wictoria Jurecki

10.00am +Bernice Borucki +Robert M.Balow,Sr.-24th anniversary +Jim Lutke +Sara & Bruno DeMaertelaere +Robert & Joan Musker +John & Helen Pierzchala +Eugenia & Antoni Klokowski SI:Hilario Family and Cevilla Family

11:30 a.m. Mass in Polish

+Jan, Genowefa, Wincenty Gwozdz +Stanislawa & Stanislaw Zielinski +Marianna Buczkowska SI: Barbara SI: Rodzina Malik

Blood Pressure Screening this Weekend

Volunteers will be checking blood pressures this weekend after the 5 p.m., 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses. High blood pressure is known as a “Silent Killer” since very often the individual experiences no symptoms. Getting your blood pressure checked is a short and simple health screening that you should do regularly. Plan to stop in the back of Church next weekend. Remember, it is a quick way to monitor your health!

Ever wonder who the Knights of Columbus are? Ever consider becoming a member? To find out who these men are and for more infor-mation about joining contact Tony Mangiaracina—Field Agent at (773) 202-0234.

Parish Life

The St. Thecla Women's Council Lenten Service Project: We are collecting items for Kolbe House; a house that helps inmates during their transition time. Some items on their wish list are writing supplies, stamps, men's underwear sizes M, L, XL, white athletic socks, and gift certificates to Payless Shoes, or Office Max/Office Depot. Any monetary/gift certificates can be dropped of at the Parish office in on envelope marked "Women's Council". We will have a box in the usher's room for the above mentioned items. Thank you for your help and support. Questions please call Diane at 773-774-5205.

ST. THECLA SCHOOL IS HERE TO STAY

INVITE NEW FAMILIES TO GROW WITH US

CALL 773-763-3380 FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT OR

COME TO THE OPEN HOUSE MONDAY, MARCH 23rd

8:30 to 10:30am

Join us for a Dine-and-Earn Thursday, March 26 at the

Iron Horse Ale House. 6158 N Northwest Hwy

(773) 763-1800 15% of all proceeds will

be donated to St. Thecla!

Enrichment Courses at St. Thecla School Saint Thecla School provides students with many opportunities to participate in a vari-ety of different enrichment courses after school. In these classes students explore vari-ous activities such acting, sewing, film making, and martial arts. One of these extra-curricular programs is called Young Actor's Studio. In this course, students have been preparing a monologue to present to the group, and possibly at the school's variety show. The students play many acting games that help them develop skills in facial ex-pression, different tones of voice, accents, and even singing. Molly Fay said, "We have a lot of fun! It is nice to make each other laugh, and get to know more kids out-side of school."

In Sewing Club, the students have learned to use a sewing machine as well as to sew by hand. They have made a pillowcase, tote bags, and a stuffed bunny. The stuffed bunny was completely sewn by hand. Emma Lizak said, "I've never used a sewing ma-chine before. I like that I know how to now! I will carry all of my arts and crafts sup-plies in my new tote bag. It is made of jean material, and has sequin butterflies at-tached."

In the Movie Creation Club, the students have been using iPads to create their own films with the iMovie app. The students develop and write their own story, bring in props and costumes, and set the scenery for their movie. The students star in their films, record, and edit their work. On the last day, they sit back, and enjoy their

exciting film creations.

In the Karate Kids Club, the students have been working hard to develop coordination, balance, and knowl-edge of self-defense. The class has practiced many new moves including: the front kick, the side kick, the high block, the knife hand, punches, and more. Grace Lizak said, "I like when we do the karate walk across the gym, because it really helped boost my karate skills. My favorite new move is the "high knee." Five year old, Ryan Roth said, "I learned the side kick, and how to make a loud "hi-ya" noise. Karate is fun."

Children’s Choir Students Grades 1 - 8

Upcoming Mass Dates Palm Sunday, March 29th---9 AM Call May Crowning, May 3rd---9 AM Call

Rehearsal Schedule Sunday, March 22nd, 4 PM

Sunday, April 12th, 4 PM Sunday, April 26th, 4 PM

We also encourage students (including high school and college) who play an instrument or have a vocal talent to consider presenting a musical selec-tion at any of the 10 AM Masses. Please contact me for more information at the parish office at 773-792-3077 x203. Warmest regards, Mr. Aaron Dixon, Music Director

Weekly Contributions: March 15th , 2015 Total Collection…....…..................$ 7,926.25 Maintenance Fund……………… $ 0.00 School Fund…………………… $ 86.00 Children’s Envelopes...………… $ 0.00 Parking Lot Fund…………………$ 239.00 Sharing Parish………….…………$ 15.00 Aid for Church in Central/Eastern Europe…………...$ 1,652.42 Thank you for your generosity to help meet our weekly financial goals. Please remember St. Thecla in your will.

Sign up for Automated Giving by visiting www.parishpay.com or by calling 1-866-parish-1

Dear St. Thecla Parishioners,

St. Thecla is the quintessential neighborhood parish and school. It is our 90th year and we are here to stay! There is always room for growth and we are looking at ways to build the enroll-ment of students in the school and encouraging newcomers to join the parish. Remember all of the “you” are an integral part of the “we” that keep the tradition of passing on the Catholic Faith.

The Finance Council and I have regularly made you aware of the significant financial progress the parish has made in recent years and our plan to keep the parish on a sound financial footing. Thank you for the sacrifices that you make to help the parish financially. As you have heard before, one of our key areas of financial focus for the parish is the Church collections. There is good news and bad news regarding Church collections this fiscal year.

The final numbers are in for our Christmas collection and the good news is that the $35,500 donated exceeded both our budget and prior year’s Christmas collection. Thank you for your generosity! We are hoping for – and we need – similar generosity with the upcoming Easter collection.

The bad news is that our regular weekly collection continues to fall short of where we need it to be. We have fallen $31,000 short of our weekly collection budget so far this fiscal year – and our year-to-date weekly collec-tions continue to run lower than last year. It is likely that this harsh winter may have periodically impacted our parishioners’ ability to get to church and make their intended weekly donation. We do need to make up this year-to-date collection budget shortfall somehow.

To help reduce our collection shortfall and the impact that it could have on our parish finances, we are conducting a special “budget gap” collection. Mailed to your homes recently, with a letter from me was a “budget gap” Special collection envelope for your use. The Special budget gap collection envelopes will also be placed in the pews for your use. Please be as generous as your means allow and return the Special collection envelope with your donation either by mail, to the parish office, or in the regular weekly church collection basket – whichever is easier for you.

Please continue to use your weekly contribution envelopes or consider enrolling today in ParishPay our electronic giv-ing option and consistently prioritize your support of St. Thecla parish. Are you able to increase your Sunday contri-bution this year if you haven’t done so already? Thank you for giving this your consideration.

St. Thecla parish is a blessed community with many parishioners willing to share of themselves and their blessings. Your sharing of a portion of what God has blessed you with is greatly appreciated and I sincerely thank you. You are in my prayers and I ask our Lord to bless you and our parish abundantly during this Easter season.

Yours in Christ, Fr. Gene

Keep in mind. . .

We keep those who are serving in the military in our prayers. Please print the name of your loved one and drop it in the collection basket or return it to the Parish Office. Their names will remain on the list until you notify us of their return or if their rank changes.

Sick List - We pray for all those in nursing homes, homebound or who require extended care and those who care for them: Help us with the responsibility of keeping the list up to date and accurate. Please call the office when the status of someone’s health changes.

Prayer List, US Military United States Air Force: SrA Michael J. Archam, A1C Heather Bosh, SrA Nicole Coreil A1C Scott Frisco A1C Shane Garrison, SSgt. Adam Krey, 2ndLt. Peter A. Schroeder, SSgt. James E. Stay SSgt. Sentara Stay SSgt. Matt Tredwell AIG. Keith Daniel Garrison

United States Army: MAJ. Terence W. Bacon, SGT. Sean Doherty, SGT. Rachel Hall, CPT. Gina Marie Healy, SGT. Robert Lach, CPT. Jared Lampe, WO. Steven Larmay, SPC. Thomas J. Lyons III, PFC. Raymond Rau, SPC Thomas Rohl, 1LT. Michael Spiwak SPC. Neil A. Dunn Jr. United States Marines: 2ndLt. Philip E. Blais, 2ndLt. Kevin Bowler, PFC Michael T. Brennan,

Pvt. James Dinela, LCpl. Kyle Elmer, SSgt. Benjamin Juhasz, LCpl. Nathaniel J. Juncer, Maj. Michael C. Mroszczak, Cpl. Brian Pasterczyk, Capt. Craig V. Platt, LCpl. Jose Rivera, MSgt. Richard L. Sroka, SSgt. James E. Stonehouse United States Navy: SN E-3 Joseph J. Daly CAPT. Steven Stancy

Joseph Augustin Barbra Ammemdola Maria Baratti Frank Bednarczyk Frank Bednarz Gino Belcaster John Belcaster Christina Bennett Rosemary Besyk David Bergthal Stella Bieniek Frank Bieniek Franciszek Bosak Marian Brown Laurence Brueck Daniel Burke Krzysztof Bylica Herlinda Castellanos Irena Chmielowski Susan Christ Therese Ciborowski Eileen Cobb Kevin Connolly Jodi Chmiel Susan Carroll

Eileen Conway Mike Curtin John Dooley Sophie Dembek Jackie Dubiel Burke Daniel Donald Edsey Kristen Formanski Nicolette Garrigan Frank Gibbons Joan Giuntoli Loretta Golubski Ann Gosciniak Joseph Guidice Ireta Gross Patrick Hall Gerald Halvey Dorothy Hennessey Frank Herbig Gerald Halvey Teresa Jozefczak Tommy Kernan Wladyslawa Kielar Beverly Kisiel Rita Koch Mary Kozlowski

Stephanie Krupa Sophie Lally Anita Lapiszko Mary Lavalle Joan Lonasney Arlene Lewandowski Elizabeth Link Dorothy Lyjak Wanda Marshall Martin McCaffrey Eileen McGovern Edward McManis Imleda Mizones Lillian Morris Gerrick Mueller Katharina Mueller James Mullins Kim Murphy Julie Muza George Marcin Walter Malinowski Robert Motto Catherine Neumann Kathleen Numec Therese Neiman

Danuta Okrzesik John Orloff Patricia O’Toole Bob Paige Kevin Peterson Giselle Piekarski Estella Plaza Caroline Plodzien Thomas Podgorny Roman Poniatowski Vincent Platt Gisele Piekarski Raymond Prybil Joe Pulizzano Virginia Romarynowski Stanley Sadej Anthony Sansone Mary Sarlo Peter Schroeder Eugenia Siemianowski Janina Sikora Laura Smith John Tentele Dorothy Taylor Janina Sroka Helena Starzynska

Helen Surdey Dorothy Struck Patricia Timm Janis Taylor Judith Wolff-Stenzel Cecilia Walega Christine Wasowski Mary Widelka Anthony Wiorski Irene Wlezien Edward Wnek Julia Wojtanowski Paul Wyncott Julia Zeler Rose Zemba

Confessions Saturdays 4:00 to 4:45pm (English) Sundays 11:00 to 11:30am (Polish)

Bible Study (parish office) Thursday 7:00pm in English Friday 6:30pm in Polish (except 1st Friday)

Lent and Holy Week

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2015

Friday, March 27

1:30 and 6:30pm Living Stations of the Cross presented by

St. Thecla 8th grade students 8:00pm Stations of the Cross in Polish

Palm Sunday Weekend (March 28-29)

Sat. Mass at 5:00pm Sun. Mass at 8:00, 10:00am (in English) 11:30am (in Polish) Confessions 11:30am to 3:00pm (in English & Polish)

Holy Thursday, April 2

8:30am Morning Prayer 7:00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Washing of

the Feet Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament follows Mass

until midnight

Good Friday, April 3

8:30am Morning Prayer Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, Veneration of the

Cross and Holy Communion 3:00pm in English 5:00pm in Polish

7:30pm Stations of the Cross (in English) Holy Saturday, April 4

8:30am Morning Prayer 11:30am to 12:30pm Blessing the Easter Food Bas-

kets 8:00pm Easter Vigil Mass (fulfills Sunday obliga-

tion) Easter Sunday, April 5

5:30am Procession and Easter Mass in Polish 8:00 and 10:00 Masses in English 11:30am Mass in Polish

Rekolekcje wielkopostne -beda prowadzone w jezyku polskim przez ksiezy Salwatorianow od poniedzialku –23 marca do srody –25 marca o godzinie 7 wieczorem kazdego dnia w naszym kosciele. Temat rekolekcji : “Milosc nie jedno ma imie”. Rekolekcje poprowadzi Ojciec Pawel Wrobel-Salwatorianin.Wszystkich serdecznie zapraszamy .

General information

To register as a parishioner; call the Parish Office for more information at 773-792-3077.

How to Become a Catholic: Adults or teenagers interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, or Eucharist) or those who are interested in the Catholic Faith should call the Parish Office for more information about the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).

Homebound/Communion Visitations: St. Thecla Church has several ministers of care who can regu-larly take communion to those in need. Please call the Parish Office to arrange for communion for yourself or a homebound loved one.

Baptisms:

Please contact the Parish Office to arrange a Baptism.

Baptismal Prep Class: Will be confirmed at time of Registration of the Baptism.

THANK YOU, BULLETIN ADVERTISERS

This bulletin is subsidized completely by those companies whose advertisements appear on the last two pages. If you have the opportunity, you may thank them in the name of our parish by using their products or services. Should you desire to participate as a sponsor of our bulletin, you may contact J.S. Paluch Company at 1-800-566-6170.

Bulletin Deadline: All articles must be e-mailed or dropped off at the Parish Office by 10:00 a.m. on Fridays (8 days prior to publication date). Holidays subject to longer lead times. Please e-mail articles to parish@saintthecla.org. Note - articles subject to editing. For more information call the office at (773) 792-3077. website: www.saintthecla.org

Marriages: The Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation for the Archdiocese of Chicago ask that a minimum of 4 months be set aside for personal preparation for marriage. Couples should refrain from setting a firm date or making any other arrangements until after they have met with a parish priest or deacon to discuss marriage plans. Please note that Weddings do not take place during Lent.

St. Thecla School

Save the date Saturday, June 6th - St. Thecla Neighborhood Block Party Annual raffle tickets are on sale after Mass and at the

School Office

Just $25 a ticket! $3,000 grand prize $1,500 second place

$500 third place $100 to 4th - 10th places

Early Bird drawings for $100 on the 15th of March, April & May For every 8 tickets that you sell, your name is put in the incentive raffle; win $1,000 (with the option

of using it as a tuition credit for St. Thecla School or General Anders Polish School)

News from our fabulous 4th grade.....

Students have been very busy lately. In the middle of February, students began their Lenten journey of fasting, praying, and alms giving. During this time, they will be silent in the hallways to remember those who cannot communicate. They will also raise both money and items to support Chicago Canine Rescue to remember those animals in need of shelter, food, and families. If you are inter-ested in donating, please let Mrs. Adams know : jmiller@saintthecla.org. They also colored stained glass im-ages to decorate our hallway bulletin board.

At the end of February, we were visited by a special guest from Heartland Alliance- Meesha Abad, a pre-senter about oral health. She came and spoke to the students in grades kindergarten through fourth about how to keep their teeth health and clean. Our own Will Sadler was chosen to help our presenter model a large set of teeth while she discussed proper brushing techniques.

On March 13, the fourth graders, along with our entire St. Thecla school, community, came together to raise money and show support for those suffering from childhood cancer. Ten of the fourth grade boys chose to have their heads shaved to show support and solidarity for those effected every day. Great job, boys!

Thank you, Mrs. Adams 4th Grade Teacher

The year in 4th grade

4th grade is great; from Terra Nova to religion, art, math and spelling. If I could, I would start 4th grade over! -Mike Curry St. Thecla 4th grade student