St. John of the Cross Parish 5005 South Wolf Road ~ Western Springs 60558 ~ 708-246-4404 ~ www.stjohnofthecross.org

Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,

but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016

St. John of the Cross Parish Fall Liturgical Ministry Conference

For all Parish Lectors, Communion Ministers, Ushers, Musicians, Choir Members, Cantors, Ministers of Care, & Children’s Liturgy of the Word Leaders

Saturday, September 17

9:00am – Noon Parish Center

Spend quality time, build community, and reflect on the ministry to which you are called. Be inspired by widely acclaimed liturgist, author and teacher, Steven Janco whose message will renew, refresh and strengthen your role in liturgical ministry. Register on our parish website or in the Parish Center Office by September 10. “The ministry to which you have been called is present in every person and helps with the emergence of the Reign of God in our community and the world.” (Fr. Patrick Brennan)

Picture used with permission. “Divine Dynamic” Mary Southard, CSJ www.MarySouthardArt.Org Courtesy of www.MinistryoftheArts.org LaGrange Park, IL 60526-1721

Building the Body of Christ

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 2

Lifelong Learning

Living the Gospel At Jesus’ “wedding banquet” all who hear and heed Jesus’ admonition to humility, inclusivity, and generosity sit in the one “place of honor.” There is one “place of honor” because we are all one Body in Christ. There needs to be only one place near our Host, symbolizing our unity and strength in his one Body. Further, we can never exhaust the gift of this “place of honor.” It is a share in the very Life and ministry of our Host. This “place of honor,” therefore, is not a limited space, a single seat, a physical arrangement of host and guests one to another. It is a spacious relationship of all of us to the risen Jesus that is a share in his divine Life. This “place of honor” is given to all of us who have chosen to live and act as Jesus the Host. How blessed are we! To be invited to the one “place of honor” means that we must let go of anything that limits our relationship to our Host and to each other. If we wish God to raise us up, then we must live our lives raising others up. We must build strong relationships of unity. We must forget about seeking our own paltry honor and instead give ourselves over to the “place of honor” to which our Host invites us. Each Sunday we are invited to God’s banquet table. We ourselves are nourished at the same time that we are called to share the abundance of God’s Life by reaching out to others in need. We eat and drink in order to be gracious to others. This is the most profound blessedness! ©Living Liturgy

Background on the Gospel Meals played an important role in the society in which Jesus lived. More than a time for sharing nourishment, they were a time to share ideas and to model different aspects of social relationships. In Luke's Gospel, the places that a person ate (at the home of a tax collector, 5:29), the people with whom a person ate (sinners, 5:30), whether a person washed before eating (11:38), and, as is the case here, the place that a person sits while eating are all important. The narrator says Jesus tells a parable, but it is really wise advice to both guests and hosts about finding true happiness at the heavenly banquet. Jesus warns guests to wait before taking their places at the table lest they be asked to move if someone more important arrives. This is more than just a lesson about dinner etiquette. It is advice on how to find your true place in the Kingdom of God. Jesus advises hosts not to invite people who would be expected to repay them to dinner but to invite those who could not repay: the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. This is where real blessings can be found. In these sayings, Luke gives us not only advice on how to approach the end times but also on how to live according to Jesus' vision of a good society. Luke's Gospel also advises us how the Church must be part of bringing about this society. It is yet another example in Luke's Gospel of the reversal the kingdom brings about. Loyola Press

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” Whenever we pray these words, we are asking God to help us to live according to his will—being humble and giving without expecting repayment.

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 3

Monday 1 Cor 2:1-5 Ps 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 Mark 6:17-29

Tuesday 1 Cor 2:10b-16 Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14 Luke 4:31-37

Wednesday 1 Cor 3:1-9 Ps 33:12-13, 14-15, 20-21 Luke 4:38-44

Thursday 1 Cor 3:18-23 Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 Luke 5:1-11

Friday 1 Cor 4:1-5 Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 27-28, 39-40 Luke 5:33-39

Saturday 1 Cor 4:6b-15 Ps 145:17-18, 19-20, 21 Luke 6:1-5

23rd Sunday OT Wis 9:13-18b Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 Phlm 9-10, 12-17 Luke 14:25-33

Let us pray for the world,

that the peace of Christ

might take root in every human heart,

and put an end to all forms of

violence, greed and division.

May we live our lives in such a way as to witness to our being invited to sit at God’s heavenly banquet.

May we be gifted with God’s love and Life, and be moved

to share this with others.

Comfort the Sorrowful, Instruct the Ignorant “It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the spiritual … works of mercy.” Pope Francis The spiritual works of mercy developed as Christians cared for the world in which they lived – admonish the sinner, counsel the doubtful, comfort the sorrowful, instruct the ignorant, bear wrongs patiently, forgive all injuries, pray for the living and the dead. To reflect on these works includes doing them and then looking back on what we have done and who we have become. Take comforting the sorrowful. We have all found ourselves accompanying someone who has suffered a divorce, or lost a spouse to death, or was downsized, or was overlooked for the promotion they desperately needed, or was disappointed in their children’s behavior, or was driven by debilitating anxieties, or etc. In short, we and our family and friends suffer in one way or another; and we walk together. In comforting the sorrowful, we often don’t know what to say. We want to console and we bring forward whatever wisdom we have. We say things like, “Call me” or “If I can do anything, just let me know.” But we soon come to understand comforting the sorrowful is not about banishing grief but about walking with a person we love until what has come to pass is somehow integrated into a larger identity and purpose. Take instructing the ignorant. If we are teachers, the application is obvious. But this spiritual work goes beyond formal instruction. It means we communicate whatever knowledge we have in a way that empowers those who receive it. It may be a parent bent over and soft talking into the ear of a child, or a boss carefully explaining to an employee what needs to be done, or a friend pointing out the implications of a decision. We all have some knowledge that would benefit others; and, instead of keeping it to ourselves, we offer it in the hope that it will help. In comforting the sorrowful and instructing the ignorant we become other-centered; and, as every spiritual tradition knows, in becoming other-centered we enter into the deepest secret about ourselves. Being merciful is our true identity.

©John Shea

Lifelong Learning

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 4

Your Loving Support God, oh God, it is you I seek.

And, with your constant loving support I will even try to seek you in lost causes,

those dark and forgotten places that I can't imagine you present.

And yet you are there. Help me to be there too,

seeking, finding, proclaiming your goodness even as the day darkens

and my spirit draws back to my false safety of self. Fill me with wonder of your goodness,

replacing my self doubt with confidence in you and your sure and steady help.

-Unknown

One Word at a Time provides a key

Word related to the Year of Mercy,

along with reflections on how to put

that Word into practice in our

everyday lives. The Words can serve

as the spark for a discussion of faith at

home or as a personal reflection. Stop

in our church narthex to read all the

Words we have reflected on so far.

Richard Rohr

12 Step Spirituality: Step 12

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alco-

holics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Step Twelve tells addicts that they will never really come to appropriate the power and importance

of the first eleven steps until and unless they personally take it upon themselves to give it away to

other people in need. This necessary reciprocity, a pattern of outflow and inflow, is one that many

Christians have never committed to, and the whole religion has suffered because of it. I am con-

vinced that in neglecting the need to serve and to pay back, many Christians lose whatever they

might have gained in their private devotions; in fact they live inside a false peace, and sometime

even a well-disguised narcissism.

If I have grown at all in my decades of being a priest, it’s in part through this role of being a

preacher and teacher. I have had to stand before crowds for years and describe what I thought I be-

lieved, and then I often had to ask myself, “Do I really believe that myself?” In my attempt to com-

municate something, I usually found that I’d only scratched the surface of understanding it myself.

In sharing, in giving it away, you really own it for yourself and appreciate more fully its value, be-

yond what you ever imagined.

“Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery. A kindly act once in a while isn’t

enough. You have to act the Good Samaritan every day, if need be. It may mean the loss of many

nights’ sleep, great interference with your pleasures, interruptions to your business. It may mean

sharing your money and your home, counseling frantic spouses and relatives, innumerable trips to

court, hospitals, jails and asylums.” A little later the Big Book says, “Your job now is to be at the

place where you may be of maximum helpfulness to others.”

I have often said that the Twelve-Step programs are the best at helping people achieve sobriety

from an addictive substance. But if people do not seriously practice all the steps in their daily lives,

especially Step Eleven (prayer and meditation) and Step Twelve (action and service) they will not

progress.

Gateway to Silence: Thy will be done.

This is the last in our bulletin series on Twelve Step Spirituality. For Further Study: Richard

Rohr, Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps and Richard Rohr, Emotional Sobriety:

Rewiring Our Programs for “Happiness” (DVD, CD, MP3 download).

Look for new meditations from Richard Rohr each week in the bulletin.

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 5

Prayer

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 6

Friendships develop over time. Sometimes we don’t fully recognize how deep a friendship is until it is tested. Our human friendships can teach us valuable lessons about our friendship with God. The Holy Spirit calls us to friendship with God, and then it’s up to us how we will respond. Prayer is one way we keep our friendship with God healthy and strong. If we come to God with an open heart and are willing to be patient and to make the effort to keep our relationship alive, when our faith is tested we will discover what a faithful friend God is. What qualities of human friendship do I practice in my relationship with God? How do I show respect in my relationship with friends? with God? (Speak to Jesus using this prayer or one of your own.)

Jesus, you call us friends because you have taught us all that you learned from your Father. Help me to grow in that friendship and to remain faithful to prayer. Loyola Press

In the Fading Summer Sun

In the fading of the summer sun, the shortening of days, cooling breeze, swallows' flight and moonlight rays

We see the Creator’s hand

In the browning of leaves once green, morning mists, autumn chill, fruit that falls frost's first kiss We see the Creator’s hand

Author Unknown

Prayer Before Meals

Lord God and Giver of All Good Gifts, we are grateful as we pause before this meal, for all the blessings of life that You give to us. Daily, we are fed with good things, nourished by friendship and care, feasted with forgiveness and understanding. And so, mindful of Your continuous care, we pause to be grateful for the blessings of this table. Pause for silent reflection. May Your presence be the "extra" taste to this meal which we eat in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen. Hays, Edward, Prayers for the Domestic Church: A Handbook for Worship in the Home (Kansas: Forest of Peace Books, 1979), 110.

Prayer Before the Evening Meal

We have come to the last meal of this day, to our supper meal. Let us be mindful of how our Lord, at such a meal as this, washed His friends' feet in an act of holy service. As this food is about to serve us as nourishment, may we also serve one another. May the seal of God's love rest upon this food and upon this day now drawing to a close. May we and our gifts of food be under the tent of God's peace. Amen. Hays, Edward, Prayers for the Domestic Church

Hear our prayers O gracious Father. In all of creation ,

in your gift of life itself, you have shown your great love

for your human family. May we give you thanks for your many blessings by living lives that are

worthy of such love. We make these prayers to you

in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior.

Amen .

Never abandon prayer, even when it seems pointless to pray. Pope Francis @Pontifex Aug 18

Crossroads Outreach

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 7

The shelves at St. Francis Xavier Food Pantry are bare! All our food donations brought to the narthex will be delivered to SFX this week. No special requests: all the basics are needed...cereal, pasta, rice, tomato sauce, soup, veggies and canned fruit. Thank you for helping us feed the hungry!

Thank you to our parishioners who volunteered at the Back to School Food & Supplies event at St. Gall Parish! Over 20,000 pounds of food and school supplies were distributed to St. Gall parishioners and the surrounding community.

Leadership Team Kickoff Meeting Today Teen and adult leaders will gather at 4:00 today to prepare for the year. Registration is Open! Freshmen Experience begins on September 11, so register today at www.stjohnofthecross.org/crossroads. Parents are invited to join their teen on the 11th to learn more about Crossroads. Returning Crossroads members are reminded that you must register each year in order to participate. Your Home Group Leaders will be contacting you with specific times of your September 11 meeting. Coordinator Needed Help us ensure that our popular Church League Basketball program continues! In this volunteer position, you will meet with the league commissioner to coordinate scheduling, conduct a player/parent meeting and schedule scorekeepers. Read more at www.stjohnofthecross.org/crossroads/leadership/basketball-coordinators/ and contact Katie Hayes at 708-246-4404 if you can help. Share Your Faith with Teens We are in need of Home Group Leaders for our Freshmen. Leaders facilitate a small group of teenagers twice a month in their home. You can partner with your spouse, adult son or daughter, or a friend to lead a Home Group. Resources will be provided. Contact Katie Hayes for more details.

Mercy does not just mean being a “good person” nor is it mere sentimentality. It is the measure of our authenticity as disciples of Jesus. Pope Francis @Pontifex Aug 21

Sending our Parish School Graduates to College: Good Luck!!

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 8

A Prayer for Freshmen God, we ask for your blessing and guidance as we celebrate the beginning of our college career. We give thanks to parents, families, friends, guardians, mentors who helped make us who we are today. In our transition to college, we ask that you bless our move with order, speed, and ease. And as we settle in, help us to open our hearts so that we might be ready to say "goodbye" to what was, and be open to what will be. We pray that we might be inspired by new places, new things, new people, new opportunities, new challenges. Grant us accepting hearts and open minds, and give us the courage to truly act as we are called to be in the world. We pray that we will thrive academically, morally, and spiritually as we make the most of our college experience. Amen. Adapted from a prayer by Laura Birckhead at Xavier University.

A few weeks ago the SJC graduating class of 2012 was invited to a special Send-Off from our Parish School. Pictured below are many of our talented parish teens as they say farewell and head off to college. We pray for them that they may walk in prayerful gratitude for their many blessings that have made this moment real and filled with great potential. May they be guided by the Holy Spirit as they unfold the next chapters of their lives.

Parish School Family & Faith

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 9

Sunday Reflection for Families Most often the role of a parent is cast in humility. When we think back on our own childhoods, even if we have taken the time to tell our parents how much we appreciate all they did for us, children rarely take in the whole scope of what their parents do for them. Yes, in some cases we might even say what parents sacrifice for them, but it’s hard to call something a sacrifice when it’s given out of love. Still, parents know what it means to provide for someone who cannot repay us. We don’t expect our children to repay us financially for what we’ve given them in food, clothing, shelter, education, and entertainment. Not only is it not realistic, but it’s just not the way it works! We understand the meaning of this Gospel in connection with our children, but how much greater our understanding will be if we reach beyond our own family to provide for someone in our society who cannot begin to repay us. Adults: Has the hunger for status and influence in the world around you endangered your life as a Christian? Children: Does it make you a better person to be chosen first for a team or some other honor? Why or why not? Bringing the Gospel into Your Family Using your parish bulletin, local newspaper, or knowledge you have of your community, find someone or a group of people who cannot repay a kindness from you. Decide as a family what you will do to serve this person or group. Perhaps you can help serve a meal at a soup kitchen or hunger center. Maybe you can provide clothing or transportation to a family struggling at this time. You might look for non-profit organizations that rely on volunteers in order to provide services to the community. When you have finished your service experience, read this passage again and share together how you lived the Gospel message this week.

Welcome Back

Students and

Teachers!

Lord of all, your presence at our earthly banquet helps us to remember who should be given the highest priority. Help us to make room at the table for those less fortunate than us. Keep us willing to welcome others whom you embrace with your bounty of love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Week Ahead August 29-30 Preschool Begins August 30 Opening School Mass 9:15am September 1-2 Games Day September 5 Labor Day ~ No School

Adult Faith Formation Opportunities

St. John of the Cross Study Group

Please join us

Wednesdays at 3:30pm

September 14—December 17

SJC Parish Center

We will be studying

The Living Flame of Love of St. John of the Cross.

Come and learn much from the love poetry of

St. John of the Cross,

including the treasured passages of

St. Therese, The Little Flower, her favorite author.

We will continue to use

The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross

If you do not already have this book, please order from

Maureen Dunne, 708-256-0398 prior to the first class.

To register contact Joan Binder 708-699-1002.

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 10

A Look Ahead at SJC Sponsored Programs at The Well ~ Mark Your Calendar ~ No Cost to Attend

Science, Theology and Pope Francis’ Ecological Vision Thursday 7-8:30 pm September 22 Speaker: John Haught “Unless we feel that we truly belong to the natural world, as Pope Francis points out, we will lack sufficient incentive to take care of it as our home.” There is now a broken connection, however, between humans and nature, and it has been sanctioned by the academically endorsed suspicion that the universe has no point, no meaning, no purpose. It is difficult for living and thinking beings, after all, to feel a warm relationship with a universe that seems essentially lifeless and mindless. With the help of scientifically informed religious thinkers, such as Teilhard de Chardin and Alfred North Whitehead, this presentation explores Pope Francis’ courageous affirmation in “Laudato Si’” that the universe does indeed have a purpose: namely, to bring about the self-justifying value of beauty. “At the end,” he writes, “we will find ourselves face to face with the infinite beauty of God.” What does this mean ecologically, scientifically, and theologically? Blessed are the Merciful: Reflections on the Beatitudes Wednesday 7-8:30 pm October 26 Speaker: Ed Shea, OM When you examine your conscience, do you use the 10 Commandments? That’s not a bad start, but perhaps we could go a little further. Franciscan Father Ed Shea will reflect with us on what it might look like to have a “Beatitudes” way of life. Through music and Scripture we will be invited to go deeper in our own spiritual journey as we celebrate this Jubilee Year of Mercy. A New Dawning Saturday, 9-3:30 pm November 12 Facilitators: Carolyn Toben and Mary Southard, CSJ A huge new sacred story is unfolding in the midst of dark, strident, competing voices, and the tensions and radical transitions of our times. A new light is dawning as the spirit of renewal arises from the depths of the earth and our own intuitive natures. This dawning light brings faith, hope and healing to our individual lives and to our fragmented world. Inspiration, imagination, and community will deepen our participation with the spirit of renewal by weaving the wisdom of spiritual leaders with our own understandings. Art, nature experiences, singing, prayer and celebration will create new chapters in the unfolding sacred story of a new dawning of consciousness. Participants are asked to bring a favorite inspiring quotation, poem, or prayer to share.

1515 Ogden Avenue in LaGrange Park ~ Register by calling the Parish Center

Adult Formation Opportunities

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Wednesday Morning Bible Study Join us on Wednesdays from 9:15-noon in the Parish Center beginning Wednesday, September 7 as we begin a year long study of the Book of Isaiah. Our study includes a video presentation, at home study materials, commentary and questions for discussion. Please register today by dropping off an envelope with a check for $50 for materials and your contact information. Questions can be directed to Madonna Muscarello @630-325-7990. Little Rock Scripture Study Beginning Monday, September 12 from 1-2:30pm our Little Rock Group will study Jeremiah. With the exile of many in Judah, the prophet Jeremiah spoke on God’s behalf using words and symbolic actions to condemn the idolatry that was rampant in Judah. His ministry was deeply misunderstood and his arrest was the source of personal anguish for this prophet who also announced a new covenant to be written on the hearts of God’s people. Materials fee: $15 to the Parish Center with your contact information by September 6 or just come to the first session. Direct questions to Chris Sulak @708-246-4784 or Roberta Gilbert @ bertageorge@gmail.com Divorce & Beyond A new season of this support group will kick off on Friday, September 14 at 7-8:30pm in the Parish Center. Come and meet others who have shared your journey. Find support in new friendships and your faith. Questions? Call Steve Weigand in the Parish Center.

Becoming Catholic

Learn about the Catholic faith. Join our

community. Discover what a life of faith

is all about. Explore how Jesus may be

calling you into his life in a deeper way.

RCIA or the Rite of Christian Initiation of

Adults is open to those never baptized

or baptized in another Christian faith or

those baptized Catholic, but who have

not received First Eucharist or

Confirmation. Now is the time to give

Steve Weigand, Pastoral Associate, a

call to learn if RCIA is for you. Call 708-

246-4404 x137. RCIA sessions are on

Tuesdays beginning September 13

from 7-8:30pm in the Parish Center.

Ministry of Care Ministers of Care are trained volunteers who visit, pray with and bring Holy Communion to the elderly or patients at RML Specialty Hospital, LaGrange Hospital, Hines VA Hospital or their home. Ministers complete training that covers the theological, pastoral, and practical aspects of ministering to the sick and dying. Ministers also receive additional instruction from our Pastoral Associate, Steve Weigand. Scheduling is based on your availability. Training fees are paid by the parish. Upcoming training dates are Saturday, September 10 & 17 from 9am-1pm at the Carmelite Center in Darien or beginning Thursday, September 8 for 6 Thursday evenings from 7-9pm at St. Francis Xavier in LaGrange. Please call Steve Weigand for more information and to register. Diocesan policy suggests that every three years Ministers of Care receive updating for their ministry. Current Ministers of Care may take part in a renewal session on October 15 from 10-11:30am at the Carmelite Center in Darien. This opportunity will give current ministers a second look at the skills and theology of this important ministry. The parish covers the cost of the renewal session. Please call Steve Weigand for more information and to register.

Counseling Individual, couple and family counseling is available through Catholic Charities Holbrook Center throughout the Chicago area. To make an appointment call 312-655-7725. Through the LOSS Program, Catholic Charities also provides counseling and programming to adults and children who are grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Call 312-655-7283.

Parish News

8th

Annual Men’s Club BBQ & Bags Tournament

Friday, September 2 6:00pm

Food & beverages will be provided by the Men’s Club. Please bring a friend, lawn chairs and competitive spirit! We will also host our 8th Annual Two Man Team Bags Tournament. The Bags Competition will begin at 6:30 pm. The entry fee is $5/man or $10/team. Please RSVP if you plan to attend the BBQ to Dan Montgomery at tdm30550@gmail.com or 312.952.1435. Also, please let us know if you plan to participate in the Bags Contest. If you don’t have a partner, we will match you up with one. All festivities are on the East Lawn of the Parish Center.

Are you a New Volunteer or Coach?

Upcoming Protecting God’s Children Virtus Workshops at SJC Parish Center

Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 9am-Noon or 6:30-9:30pm, OR Monday, Sept. 19 from 6:30-9:30pm

Register at www.virtus.org. Select “First-time registrant,” choose “Begin the registration process,” and choose “Chicago, IL,” and follow steps. This workshop is for all parents, coaches and volunteers who have contact with children. Q? Call Mary Beth at 708-246-4404 or 708-246-4454. Seating is limited.

You can sing in the 5 Alive Choir!!

The 5 Alive Choir is a group of young adults & high school teens accompanied by terrific musicians. Practice is right before Mass at 4:15pm in church. No regular commitment needed. Come when you can. The start date is Sunday, September 11. Contact Ann Bourjaily-Maney at 708-246-4171 with questions.

Choir rehearsals resume soon! Children’s Choirs Did you know that SJC has two choirs available to all children in the parish? Mark your calendars as you schedule your kids for fall activities! Questions? Contact Ann Bourjaily-Maney at (708)246-4171 or bourjman@sbcglobal.net. Cherub Choir serves children in grades 1-3 and practices on Wednesdays from 3:45 – 4:30pm in the church. The start date is Sept. 7 with registration and a brief parent meeting at 4:20pm in church. Youth Choir serves students in grades 4-8 and practices on Thursdays from 3:45 – 4:30pm in the church. The start date is Sept. 8 with registration and a brief parent meeting at 4:20pm. Register on our website for the children’s choirs at http://www.stjohnofthecross.org/childrens-choirs/

Adult Choirs Traditional Choir rehearsals resume Wednesday, September 7. The Traditional Choir sings at the Sunday 10:45am Mass. Contemporary Ensemble rehearsals resume Thursday, September 8. The Contemporary Ensemble sings at the Saturday 5pm Mass. Refreshment and fellowship at 7:00pm and rehearsal begins at 7:30pm in church.

What’s the adult music ministry at SJC all about?

Both adult choirs are fun, supportive, and social groups who pray together and aim to foster prayer in our community through our love of music. No previous experience or music-reading skill required – just a desire to sing praise to the Lord! If you are interested in attending a rehearsal or want to find out more about Music Ministry, please contact Jessica Koch, Director of Music Ministries: jkoch@stjohnofthecross.org

Domestic Violence Awareness Group Our next committee meeting will be on August 29 at 7pm in the Parish Center. All are welcome. Contact Chairperson, Mary DeMars, for more information: demarsmaryp@yahoo.com.

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 12

SJC Boy Scouts Summer Recap

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As another summer comes to an end, our SJC Parish Scouts have had a terrific time together traveling on several camping trips, attending the National Youth Leadership Training Conference, the Rosaree Catholic Retreat-Campout, and selling concessions at the Women’s Club Annual Garage Sale. One of the big highlights from our summer was camping at the Owasippe Scout Reservation in Twin Lakes, Michigan. At Owasippe the boys enjoyed learning new skills and earning merit badges. They also helped serve by moving a staircase at the reservation to a new area, digging up the old posts, digging new post holes, and adding lashing on the new railings. The Scouts particularly liked saying grace before meals which hung at both ends of the dining hall. (pictured to the right) This fall our SJC Scouts are planning a full schedule of events that includes more camping, a Veteran’s Day Hike at Cantigny, rock climbing and rappelling in Wisconsin, and a trip to an old time arcade with a Pizza Party as well as monthly service projects. Please mark your calendar for the SJC Scout Annual Wreath Sale later this fall and our Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 20 after morning Masses in the Parish Center. Proceeds from these fundraisers help us cover the operating costs of our troop. Scouting uses fun, outdoor and other activities to focus on enhancing character development, physical fitness and citizenship, all while building leadership skills in the boys. Studies show that participation in scouting helps build character, positive attitudes, self-discipline, a greater ability to set and accomplish goals, a greater concern and appreciation for our environment, and many other positive attributes that will stay with the boys for a lifetime. If you would like more information about Scouting at SJC please contact John Spitkovsky at 708-579-3316, email: john.spitkovsky@mscsinc.com for Boy Scouts, or Kim Sarros at 630-258-3950, email: sarros@ameritech.net) for Cub Scouts. Congratulations!! SJC Boy Scout Troop 117 recently had a Court of Honor to recognize our four newest Eagle Scouts, Kevin Schick, Andrew Marquardt, Michael Gilger and Jonathan Krol.

St. John of the Cross Parish 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 14

It’s funny where you can learn a lesson and catch a glimpse of the divine. Recently, in a grocery store, I witnessed this incident: A young girl, probably around 16 years of age, along with two other girls her own age, came into the store. She picked up a grocery basket and began to walk down the aisle, not knowing that a second basket was stuck onto the one she was carrying. At a point the inevitable happened, the basket stuck to hers released and crashed to the floor with a loud bang, startling her and all of us around her. What was her reaction? She burst into laughter, exuding a joy-filled delight at being so startled. For her the surprise of the falling basket was not an irritation but a gift, an unexpected humor happily fracturing dram routine. If that had happened to me, given how I’m habitually in a hurry and easily irritated by anything that disrupts my agenda, I would probably have responded with a silent expletive rather than with laughter. Which made me think: Here’s a young girl who probably isn’t going to church and probably isn’t much concerned about matters of faith, but who, in this moment, is wonderfully radiating the energy of God, while, me, a vowed religious, over-serious priest, church-minister and spiritual writer, in such a moment, too often radiate the antithesis of God’s energy, irritation. But is this true? Does God really burst in laughter at falling grocery baskets? Doesn’t God ever get irritated? What’s God’s real nature? God is the unconditional love and forgiveness that Jesus reveals, but God is also the energy that lies at the base of everything that is. And that energy, as is evident in both creation and scripture, is, at its root, creative, prodigal, robust, joy-filled, playful, and exuberant. If you want to know that God is like look at the natural exuberance of children, look at the exuberance of a young puppy, look at the robust, playful energy of young people, and look at the spontaneous laughter of sixteen-year-old when she is startled by a falling basket. And to see God’s prodigal character, we might look at billions and billions of planets that surround us. The energy of God is prodigal and exuberant. Then what about the Cross? Doesn’t it, more than anything else, reveal God’s nature? Isn’t it what shows us God? Isn’t suffering the innate and necessary route to maturity and sanctity? So isn’t there a contradiction between what Jesus reveals about the nature of God in his crucifixion and what

scripture and nature reveal about God’s exuberance? While there’s clearly a paradox here, there’s no contradiction. First, the tension we see between the cross and exuberance is already seen in the person and teachings of Jesus. Jesus scandalized his contemporaries in opposite ways: He scandalized them in his capacity to willingly give up his life and the things of this world, even as he scandalized them equally with his capacity to enjoy life and drink in its God-given pleasures. His contemporaries weren’t able to walk with him while he carried the cross and they weren’t able to walk with him either as he ate and drank without guilt and felt only gift and gratitude when a woman anointed his feet with expensive perfume. Moreover, the joy and exuberance that lie at the root of God’s nature are not to be confused with the bravado we crank up at parties, carnival, and Mardi Gras. What’s experienced there is not actual delight but, instead, a numbing of the brain and senses induced by frenzied excess. This doesn’t radiate the exuberance of God, nor indeed does it radiate the powerful exuberance that sits inside us, waiting to burst forth. Carnival is mostly an attempt to keep depression at bay. As Charles Taylor astutely points out, we invented carnival because our natural exuberance doesn’t find enough outlets within our daily lives, so we ritualize certain occasions and seasons where we can, for a time, imprison our rationality and release our exuberance, as one would free a caged animal. But that, while serving as a certain release-valve, is not the ideal way to release our natural exuberance. When I was a child, my parents would often warn me about false exuberance, the exuberance of wild partying, false laughter, and carnival. They had this little axiom: After the laughter, come the tears! They were right, but only as this applies to the kind of laugher that we tend to crank up at parties to keep depression at bay. The cross however reverses my parents’ axiom and says this: After the tears, comes the laughter! Only after the cross, is our joy genuine. Only after the cross, will our exuberance express the genuine delight we once felt when we were little, and only then will our exuberance truly radiate the energy of God. Jesus promises us that if we take up his cross, God will reward us with an exuberance that no one can ever take from us.

Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser

God’s Nature – Exuberance or the Cross?

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 28, 2016 Page 15

Mass Schedule & Intentions Italics: Living Intention Monday, August 29 Passion of St. John the Baptist

7:45am John Doyle; Shirley Maloney Tuesday, August 30 Weekday

7:45am John Hermes; Charles Macke Wednesday, August 31 Weekday

7:45am Raymond Cochran; William Caplice Thursday, September 1 Weekday

7:45am Bill Moore; Our Beloved Dead Friday, September 2 Weekday

7:45am Ed Hoffman; Shirley Maloney Saturday, September 3 St. Gregory the Great

8:00am Jay Sendziak; Thelma & Don Ureel ~ Reconciliation follows the 8am Mass on Saturdays ~

5:00pm Robert Plechaty; Arlene Bishop Sunday, September 4 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

7:30am John Pecis; Hal McReynolds 9:00am Ted & Leona Rompala; Anne Kalis 10:45am Dragica Pozek; Bob Rooney ~ Our 12:15pm Mass will return after Labor Day on Sunday, Sept. 11 ~

5:00pm Thomas McCoy; Bruno Shukis Monday, September 5 Weekday Labor Day

9:00am Chester & Evelyn Kowal; Bernard Williams

Rev. David P. Dowdle, Pastor ddowdle@stjohnofthecross.org Rev. William J. Vollmer, Assoc. Pastor bvollmer@stjohnofthecross.org Deacon John Schopp, Deacon john.schopp@newhemispheres.com Bill Bright, Director of Outreach bbright@stjohnofthecross.org Janet Caschetta, Director of YC jcaschetta@stjohnofthecross.org Kathleen Gorman, Principal gorman@sjc.pvt.k12.il.us Katie Hayes, Dir of Crossroads khayes@stjohnofthecross.org Jessica Koch, Director of Music jkoch@stjohnofthecross.org MJ Martin, Director of Operations mjmartin@stjohnofthecross.org Steven Weigand, Pastoral Associate sweigand@stjohnofthecross.org Reservations sjcreservations@stjohnofthecross.org

Pray for Our Sick Rita Barnes Anna Marie Berland Daniel Burke Judy Burke Bradley John Burton Gloria Ann Byrd Addie Callahan Bill Cochran Crystal Deters Peg Dohe

Mildred Fitzgerald Lynn Freking Marie Frieh Christopher Gallagher John Gannon Kathleen Gros Robert Hartnett Randall Hemauer Alfred Hesse Karen Hult John Impens

Curtis Kerzich George Kojima Athie Lanahan Erin Lively Nancy Lohr Fillipa Lupetini Bobbie Misiora Ann McGuire Frank Mraz Frank Pipal Marge Pipal

Anthony Placek, Jr. David Sarros Kelly Seebruch Deloris Simonek Duane Szymakowski Mark Tomko Don Vollmer Monica Westell

Pray for Our Beloved Dead Robert Huck, father of Roberta Bellock, Linda Finn Wright, Nora Schneider and William Kyle Lane, wife of Roy, mother of Katherine Wicklander and Jason Catherine Heatherly, mother of 9, grandmother of 24, great grandmother of 3

Pray for Our Loved Ones Serving Our Country Sgt. Steven Foody, son of Tom & Sandra Foody Sergeant Sebastian Grabacki, son of David & Jan Grabacki Sr A Joshua Tischler USAF Pararescue, grandson of Betty & Frank Madler A Navy Seal, a relative of our parishioner & Mary Tischler Lance Corporal Daniel Pett, nephew of Kathryn Stimetz Capt. James Maicke, grandson of Phil & Mike Maicke Sgt. Robert Marburger, son of David and Kathleen Marburger Sgt. Larry Waszak, grandson of Bruno and Barbara Gacek Petty Officer 3rd Class Mathew Strafaci, grandson of Sandra & Jim Strafaci Lance Corporal David Strafaci, grandson of Sandra & Jim Strafaci

The Week Ahead Monday, August 29 10:30am Step 11 Christian Meditation 2:30pm Adoration 6:30pm YC 8th Grade Catechists 7:00pm Domestic Violence Committee 7:00pm LOSS Tuesday, August 30 9:15am All School Mass 7:00pm Family Festival 2017 Fest Planning 7:30pm Christian Meditation Wednesday, August 31 2:30pm Christian Meditation 7:00pm Communion Minister Captain Meeting Thursday, September 1 Fest Appreciation Dinner Friday, September 2 6:00pm Men's Club Men's Club BBQ/Bags Saturday, September 3 7:00am Christian Meditation Sunday, September 4 No parish babysitting today 12:00pm Baptism Monday, September 5 Labor Day 9:00am Mass No Adoration ~ Parish Office Closed On Sunday, September 11 parish babysitting (for children ages 1-5 years old during the 9am & 10:45am Masses) will return to the Garden Room of the rectory. The rectory is between the church and parish center. Ring the bell on the double glass front doors that face north to get buzzed into the building. SJC is looking to hire a security receptionist to work in our new school office on weekends during the school year. This job is perfect for a college student or a retiree. Contact the school or parish office today!

Marriage Banns Catherine Pusinelli & Mike Demkovich

Can you help us pass on the faith to our parish children

as a YC Catechist?

What are we leaving the children? What examples are we setting? Do we teach them to walk in faith and truth? Or do we teach them with words but allow our lives to go in another direction? A Christian has to take care of children, the little ones, and pass on the faith, pass on what he lives, what is in his heart. We cannot ignore the little plants that grow. We all have a responsibility to give our very best, and the very best that we have is our faith. Pope Francis

Calling fun, friendly and faith-filled adults! We invite YOU to prayerfully consider sharing God’s love with our youth. We would love to talk more about how YOU can share in the mission of the Church this year! The YC Staff provides 20 sessions for grades Kindergarten to 6

th grade, choosing

between Sunday from 10:15-11:30am or Monday 6:15-7:30pm; 15 sessions for 7th

grade for two hours on Sundays. All materials, supplies, lesson plans and resources are waiting for you. Our youth NEED you to show them the love of Jesus.

Give the YC Office a call today at 708-246-6760 or email

Janet Caschetta, Director of Youth Catechesis, at jcaschetta@stjohnofthecross.org

to volunteer your time.

DUPLEXELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishionerwww.duplexelectricservice.com

Member FDIC

A Place for Faithand Dialogue

Catholic Theological Union in Chicago,a graduate school of theology and

ministry, offers Certificates andDegrees on campus and online.

❖ Exceptional Faculty❖ Scholarships/Financial Aid

❖ Day & Evening Classes

www.ctu.edu773.371.5523

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installationStaining & varnishing woodwork

Complete painting/staining of exteriorsInstallation of chair & crown moldings,

baseboard & shoe moldings

John Wilsonjwilsonpainting@yahoo.comCell (630) 337-8946Office (708) 246-5604Parishioner

COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE• Meals • Personal Care • Companionship• Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Errands

708.783.1220 www.MaryAndMikeCare.comMichael & Mary Doepke, RN • ParishionersState Licensed

SCOTT MAZURMORTGAGE LENDER

PARISHIONER DISCOUNTPARISHIONER FOR 45 YEARS

708-692-7621WILL WAIVE CLOSING COST

FOR SJC PARISHIONERsmazur@perlmortgage.com

NMLS #755878

009239 St John of the Cross Church (B)

Quality Work – Reasonable Prices

DEMMISPLUMBING

& SEWERAsk for a

PARISHIONERDISCOUNT

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EMERGENCYSERVICE

Lic# 102246

Computer Color Match PaintLawn and Garden

Electrical & Plumbing SuppliesWindow & Screen Repair

Weber and Toro Sales & ServiceMonday-Friday 8am-7pm

Saturday 8am-5:30pmSunday 9am-4pm

835 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246-0892

www.truevalue.com/villagehdw

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN

SUNDAY BRUNCH10:00am-2:00pm

Craft Brunch CocktailsLunch 11am-3pm • Dinner 3pm-10pm

7 Days • Take Out & DeliveryPARTY ROOM For All Your Special Occasions

708.354.9990108 W. Burlington, La Grange

www.luccaspizzeria.com

Gregg Communications Systems, Inc.Telephone Equip. Voiceover IP (VoIP)

38 Years in BusinessMary Dine 630-571-7000 www.greggcomm.com

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

• Joyful Companionship• Personal Care • Light Housekeeping

• Meals • Laundry • ErrandsState Licensed

708.263.6055www.DestinySeniorCare.com

Lawrence R. LewandowskiCPA/PFS, CFP® 30 YRS. EXP.

INCOME TAX PREPARATIONPERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

708-860-6532lawlewcpa@comcast.net

John LinehanFinancial AdvisorDirect: (312) 630-7189john.linehan@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC,© 2013 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

Maloney & Company, Ltd.Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

Specializing in Personalized Accounting, Tax and Consulting ServicesFor Individuals and Family Owned Businesses

61 Ogden Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514Dan Maloney, Parishioner Email: dan@maloneycpa.com (630) 887-0500

Denise Pozen Photography“Your Parish Photographer”

To view and order photosfrom SJC events visit

vando.imagequix.com/s9y6e9fand choose the galleryyou would like to view.

Also available for private events708-352-2771

Shop Well Eat Well Live Well4700 Gilbert Ave.

Western Springs, IL708.246.6210

www.MarianosFreshMarket.com

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Reconstruction• Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency6961 Vine StreetIndian Head Park708-246-1263

JohnBourjaily

PROFESSIONALISM UNCOMPROMISED

630.915.5505www.bourjproperties.com

SJC Family Parishioners For Over 50 Yrs.

FAMILY DENTISTRYKevin E. Collins, DDS, PC475 W. 55th St., La Grange

Office 354-5575After Hours Emergency – 354-2281

Kitchens • Bathrooms • AdditionsDan MaddenParishioner 246.8898708

TheCOMMUNITY BANK of WESTERN SPRINGS

A branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company®

1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-7100

ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICESExperienced Polish GirlsHomes • Condos • Offices

Free EstimatesInsured 773.502.9369

Expert Interior Color Consultation(630) 687-8895 stylingcolor@gmail.com

“Quality Care YourLoved One Deserves!”

• Senior Care Staffing• Experienced Caregivers

Available 24/7• Live-In, Hourly,

Come-and-Go• Call Us For a

Free Assessment!

Family OwnedLicensed • Insured • Bonded

Over 20 Years Experience24/7 RNs on Call

630.717.9118www.byyoursidehc.com

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook • 630-325-6550

Providing Distinguished Service Since 19231025 W. 55th Street, Countryside • (708) 352-6500

www.HJfunerals.comFAMILY

OWNED &OPERATED

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs(708) 246-6006

www.VersaciDental.comComplete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

Individual - Marital - FamilyLorraine D. D’Asta, Ph.D.

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

708-352-00085440 S. LaGrange Rd., Countrysidewww.pisapizzacountryside.com

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSte. 5

Western Springs

Dr. Irene D. Combs....is pleased to announce

Carolyn J.Newcome Sparks

has joined our team504 Hillgrove Western Springs

Mon & Wed 9-6 PMTuesday 9-7 PM

Friday 9-5 PM Saturday 8-1 PM

708-286-1100www.combseyecare.com

Comprehensive FamilyEyeCare for ages 3-103!

Most Insurances Accepted

OPEN 7 DAYS

708.246.0380

The Freshest & Finest Meats,Poultry, Seafood, Deli & More

915 Burlington Ave.Western Springs

www.CaseysMarketOnline.com

Serving Up Good Old-Fashioned Customer Service

ALLMAKEAPPLIANCE REPAIR

All Major U.S. Brand Appliances Repaired708-579-5262 6934 Crest Road-Darien

We SinceWelcome 1983Watching

CAMEOENDODONTICS

Practice Limited to Root CanalTherapy and Dental Implants

• Evening and Saturday Hours• Most dental insurances accepted• Parishioner discount

Drs. Munaretto & Sommers, Parishioners• 475 W. 55th Street, Suite 208, LaGrange(708) 579-0488 www.cameoendo.com

Air Conditioned Restaurant & Carry Out-Seating for 200-Delivery ServiceCALL 354-4500 YOUR ORDER WILL BE READY 5525 LA GRANGE RD.

OPEN DAILY11:00 AMDAILY &SUNDAY2:00 PM

FOOD&

LIQUOR

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A)

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

Best Work • Best RateSatisfaction Guaranteed AsWe Do All Our Own Work

Lic# 055-026066$$ Parishioner Discount $$

708-652-1444

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.

Restorative and Implant

General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd., Suite 120

Hinsdale, IL 60521

(630) 455-1666

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and VarietyFull Service Bakery

825 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246.2894

NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTERRev. James Watzke, Ph.D.

Depression - Anxiety - StressFamily - Separation - Divorce

Sub Abuse - Medicare - EspañolOakbrook Terr. 630.691.1114

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

• Personal Injury• Wrongful Death• Probate• Estate Planning• Guardianship

Parishioner915 West 55th Street, Suite 202

Western Springs, IL 60558708.246.4911

www.covonelaw.com

WILD GINGERASIAN CUISINE & SUSHI

DINE IN • CARRY OUT • CATERING

630-323-188844 S. Washington St., Hinsdale

ORDER ON LINE:www.wildgingerhinsdale.com

OPEN: Mon-Thur 11am-9:30pmFri-Sat 11am-10:30pm • Sun 12noon-9pm

Parishioner

708-655-7947TrishORealEstate@GMAIL.COMFormer S.J.C. Women’s Club President

Call For Free Market Analysis

8 East HinsdaleHinsdale, Illinois

For beautiful and thoughtful gifts

921 Burlington Ave., W. Springs

708 246-1600BRIDAL REGISTRY • CLOTHING • HOLIDAY DÉCOR

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, ParishionerWestern Springs Resident

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

Family owned and operated since 1885Parishioner

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester

708-562-5900www.conboywestchesterfh.com

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy Hanson

Matthew Conboy

Hot Foods • Deli • DessertCatering Platters

Delicious Meats & CheesesProduce and GroceriesPolish and Lithuanian

Family Owned Business$5 OFF any purchase of $50 or more

7145 S. Kingery Hwy. Route 83Willowbrook, IL630.655.2200

Mon-Fri 8am-9pm • Sat 8am-8pm • Sun 8am-6pm

........ ........

PROTECTING SENIORS NATIONWIDEPUSH TALK 24/7 HELP

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60 South Grant Street | Hinsdale, Illinois 60521

(630) 323-0275www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com

CLEANOLOGY CORP.Home & Office

Cleaning Services

www.cleanologycorp.com6th Cleaning FREE W/this ad!

773-505-5658

Alexandria Z. Meccia, M.D.DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF LAGRANGE

Parishioner 708.482.32135201 S. Willow Springs Rd.

Suite 430 LaGrange

COLDWELL BANKERMARY ELLEN “O’HARA” CONSIDINE

Nee: CaplisCell # (773) 704-4250V. Mail (773) 687-5181

MaryEllen.Considine@cbexchange.com

THOMAS R. KRONE, ESQ.• REAL ESTATE • PROBATE

• BUSINESS LAW630-968-5553 Parishioner