Page

Communities of

Faith, Knowledge

and Service

Catholic Schools

St. Thomas More School

Open House Today, Sunday, January 26th

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon

Our next Open House will be on Tuesday, February 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tour the school, meet our teachers and find out why St. Thomas More School students are so happy and successful!

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Mission Statement : The Roman Catholic Saint Thomas More Parish Family welcomes and invites every person to join us on our journey in faith and celebration. With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all, especially in loving service to those in need.

As part of the Universal Church, we affirm the dignity of every person. All this we do to give glory and honor to God.

Pastoral Staff Pastor ............................. Reverend Michael J. Yadron, KHS; Ext. 312 myadron@stm-church.com Associate Pastor ......................... Reverend Benjamin J. Ross; Ext. 314 bross@stm-church.com Senior Deacon............................................ Dr. Napoleon Tabion, OFS Deacons ................................................................ David Kapala, KHS ............................................................................ Joseph Stodola, KHS ......................................................................... Daniel Zurawski, KHS Stewardship Director ..................................... Noreen Bickel; Ext. 330 Pastoral Care Coordinator .......................... Madeleine Moya; Ext. 313 Director of Music ......................................... Angie Lorandos; Ext. 338 Director of Religious Education .................... Emily Hackett; Ext. 332

Parish Office Staff Hours: Mon-Friday 8:00 am-8:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am-4:00 pm Web Site .......................................................... www.stm-church.com Email address .................................. parish.office@stm-church.com Email address for bulletin ...................... bulletin@stm-church.com Office Phone………. 836-8610 Office Fax .................... 836-9185 Bulletin Editor ..................................................... Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309 Daytime Receptionist ........................................ Susan Strain; Ext. 310 Evening Receptionist .................................... Veronica Brtos; Ext. 310 Building Maintenance………………………….Dale Sl sser 836-8610 Catering/Hall Rental……………………..Kathleen Pagorek 972-0539

Pastoral Ministries Environment & Art ............................................. Jean Bados 836-8610 Eucharistic Ministers ................................... Carole Mackey 923-8816 Hospitality Ministry ....................................... Ann D’Orazio 838-9343 Lectors ...................................................... William McDunn 922-9459 Nursery .................................................. Kaaren A. Mashura 836-5079 St. Vincent de Paul ................................. Michael Martinelli 836-8610 Vocations Committee ...................................... Mary Kochis 322-7262

2013-2014 Pastoral Council Members Daniel Buksa ................................................................ Leslie Dernulc Christi Kordeck ......................................................... Michael Korfiatis John Kovach ...................................................................... Mary Kretz Paul Liszewski, Co-Chair ................................................ Bill McDunn Andrea Mazerik ....................................................... Jesse Montenegro Krystal Quagliara, Chairperson ................................... Ruth Yothment

St. Thomas More School Pre-School through 8th Grade

Office Hours: Monday– Friday ~ 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Web Site ........................................................... www.stm-school.com School Phone ......... 836-9151 School Fax .......................... 836-0982 Principal ................................................ Chet Nordyke, KHS; Ext. 328 Assistant Principal…………………….…………Tina Boyle; Ext. 328 School Administrative Assistant………..Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 328 School Reception & Office Associate………...Sandra Steele; Ext. 329 Home & School Association…..………Kris Miller; (312) 909-8156 Parish & School Offices Associate………….Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 311 Parish & School Offices Associate ................. Pam Wadycki; Ext. 339 School Admissions…………………...………….Pam Pasyk; Ext. 309

Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue ~ Munster, IN 46321

Phone ..................................................................................... 836-2660 Fax ......................................................................................... 836-2655

St. Thomas More Religious Education Kindergarten through 8th Grade

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Friday — 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday & Thursday — 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Religious Education Phone ........................................................... 836-8610 Director .................................................................. Emily Hackett; Ext. 332 Administrative Assistant ...................................... Carolyn McGill; Ext. 336 Grades K through 8 ~ Wednesday or Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Pastoral Commissions Chairpersons Formation/Education ........................................................... Barbara Topete Parish Life ........................................................................ Elaine Herrmann Peace & Social Justice ............................................................. Mary Silvasi Spirituality & Worship....................................................... Kaaren Mashura Stewardship ........................................................................... Noreen Bickel

Parish Organizations Altar & Rosary Society ...................................... Kaaren Mashura 836-5079 Blue Army ................................................... Rose Marie Malburg 836-8779 Boy Scouts .............................................................. Roger Jachna 322-0769 Career Networking Group…………………… Christine Spencer 836-8610 Circle of Prayer………………………………..Mary Jo Humpfer 836-5002 Cub Scouts .............................................................. Chris Bedenk 595-2470 Finance ................................................................ Barbara Shaver 838-9200 Gabriel Project ............................................... Carolyn Grskovich 836-8610 Garden Club ................................................................. Al Carollo 836-8268 Gifts of Love & Warmth……………………..Bernadine Nemeth 513-6544 Girl Scouts ................................................................. Julie Buksa 922-1182 Holy Name Society ..................................................... Joe Adams 865-3566 Knights of Columbus ............................................... Dave Kritzer 838-4409 K of C Columbian Squires………………….....Richard Alvarado 614-3743 Moms’ Group ......................................................... Leticia Kotso 924-5732 Oblates……………………………………………...Denise Gard 836-9115 Respect Life ............................................................ Alice Wohler 836-5337 Senior Citizens ........................................................... Herb Cleve 218-7341 The Travelers Club…………………………………..Lois Quinn 836-7902 Ushers Club ......................................................... Jim Marmalejo 836-1463

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321

Sacramental Information Confessions Saturdays ............................................................ 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. First Friday .............................. 1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. Mass Baptisms .............................. First and Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Parents must be registered parishioners and regularly attending at least six months before the Baptism. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic.

Pre Baptism Class ..................................... 2nd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism. Marriage .............. Must be a registered, practicing member of the parish at least six months before beginning the six month preparation program for marriage.

Communion calls and visits to Hospitals and Homebound: Call the Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.

New Parishioner Registration To make it as convenient as possible for you, new parishioners may

register at any time in the Parish Office.

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

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Third Sunday in Ordinary Time January 26, 2014

Saturday, February 1 5:30 p.m. Fr. Mike Yadron

Sunday, February 2 6:30 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 8:00 a.m. Fr. Mike Yadron 10:00 a.m. Fr. Benjamin Ross 12:00 Noon Fr. Benjamin Ross

SUNDAY, January 26 — Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Catherine Flynn (Ann.) by Family 10:00 am Edward & Carrie Wisniewski by Helene Nelson 12:00 pm Yale Bailey by Bailey Family

MONDAY, January 27 — St. Angela Merici 6:30 am Joan Costa by Patti Beckman & Joanne Blachly 8:30 am Rose Marie Arent (Ann.) by Family

TUESDAY, January 28 — St. Thomas Aquinas 6:30 am Deceased Members of Saksa Family 8:30 am Rita Kinney by Bunny Schultz 10:00 am Carole Barsic by STM Altar & Rosary Society (MASS AT MED-INN CHAPEL, Group 3)

WEDNESDAY, January 29 6:30 am Bill Yothment by Saunders Family 8:30 am Raymond Kudlo by Dan & Marie Karulski

THURSDAY, January 30 6:30 am Mary Kuric by Amy Bales 9:00 am Donald E. Bates (Ann.) by Family

FRIDAY, January 31 — St. John Bosco 6:30 am Cynthia Devito by Mr. & Mrs. Peter Reardon 8:30 am Roland Kwasny (Ann.) by Wife Evelyn & Family

SATURDAY, February 1 — First Saturday 8:30 am Gene G. Sepaniak by Family 5:30 pm Luke Trimbur by Trimbur Family

SUNDAY, February 2 — The Presentation of the Lord 6:30 am For Our Parish Family Living and Deceased 8:00 am Frank Kish (Ann.) by Wife and Family 10:00 am Cletus O’Drobinak (Ann.) by Wife Mary & Family 12:00 pm Josephine Knesek by Veldkamp Family

SATURDAY, February 1 8:30 am E. & W. McComis 5:30 pm E., M. & T. Zabrecky, M. Childs, S. Donovan MC ~ Steven

SUNDAY, February 2 6:30 am R. Jachna, S. O’Rourke, J. Olivencia 8:00 am A. Korfiatis, N. Kunas, S. Lyons, A. & M. Nahnsen/ MC ~ Elizabeth 10:00 am A., M., S. & W. McDunn, C. Olsen MC ~ Joey 12:00 pm E. Long, M. & T. Muta/ MC ~ Alyssa

Dorothy Sweet • Alvina Mularski Joseph Cwiok

Alanna Daughter of Loren Moore & Erica Caldwell

Kevin Gregory Son of Gregory & Amy Vitale

Lydia Iris Daughter of

Ricky White & Alyssa Broderick

Readings for the Week of January 26

Sunday: Is 8:23--9:3/1 Cor 1:10-13, 17/Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 Monday: 2 Sm 5:1-7, 10/Mk 3:22-30 Tuesday: 2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19/Mk 3:31-35 Wednesday: 2 Sm 7:4-17/Mk 4:1-20 Thursday: 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29/Mk 4:21-25 Friday: 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17/Mk

4:26-34 Saturday: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17/Mk 4:35-41 Next Sunday: Mal 3:1-4/Heb 2:14-18/Lk 2:22-40

or 2:22-32

Sacrificial Offerings

Thank you for your generosity and stewardship to our parish!

Adult $ 21,224.00 Loose $ 2,681.00 Children $ 180.98

TOTAL $ 24,085.98

January 19, 2014

Special Collection for Aid to Latin America: $ 5,519.00

Pastoral Care Ministry If you or a family member would like to receive home

Communion, please call the parish at (219) 836-8610, #313.

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Third Sunday in Ordinary Time "He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him." James and his brother John dropped everything to follow Christ. In leaving their boat, they also left their livelihood. In leaving their father, they said farewell to the comforts of home and family. They embarked on this unknown

journey with Jesus, traveling "around all of Galilee," with neither stability nor security. All they had was trust. How

remarkable this is! They had such great faith in this man who "called them" on the seashore. Clearly, their encounter with

Christ was life-changing, even before they knew the full truth of who Jesus was.

We, on the other hand, already know. We have the benefit of being on the other side of Christ's life. We know about his

miracles, his resurrection, and the whole history of Christian faith. In a sense, it should be easier for us to "leave our nets"

than it was for the sets of brothers in today's Gospel. We have so many reasons to believe that Jesus was truly the Son of God. But yet how often do we resist the call to surrender our lives to

Christ? How attached we are to our regular routines and our predictable plans. Yet, where would we be today if the apostles had tried to part-time it with the Lord? What if they had only followed him on the weekends? Would the Christian message

have spread at all? So much was accomplished through the sincere faith of these humble fishermen. What could we

accomplish if we trusted in Jesus as they did?

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

Doris Aurelio Maria Aurelio

Irene Baker John Baker

Antonio Belmonte Michael Berry

Michael Blazevich Laverne Blumka Michael Boston Cheryl Bostrom

Robert Boyle Stephany Burney

Dorothy Campbell James Campbell

Thomas Cak Al Carollo

Carol Carollo Janet Cattanach

Jacqueline Morrow Christian

Frank Coman Vincent Corsello

Mike Curtain Margaret Demkovich

Ann D’Orazio Lucille Detterline

Irene Dettmer Ann DeVoy

MaryPat Devoy Irene Dickey

Jeanine Doescher Alex Eiland

John L. Estrada Sherlon Evans

Virginia Fitzgerald John Forde

Phyllis Garber Denise Gard

Andrea Garritano Margaret Geary Emily Gibson

Dorothy Gillespie Jacqueleen Gonzalez

Margaret Good

Howard Gralewski James Grunewald

Eileen Hasse Amy Hayes

Eleanore Heggi Marie Henke

Evelyn Hennes Megan Homcho

Mary Jo Humpfer Steve Izzo

Dennis Jablonski Elizabeth Jacob Barbara Jamrose Stanley Jayjack

Rosemary Jerzak-Staszel Penny Jurkash Debbie Kaczka Robert Kalka

James Klein, Sr. Carol Keilman Janet Knight

Susan Kolodziej Miller Krizmanic

Jerome Kula Annika LeMonier Debbie LeMonier

Gene Leahy Mary Leahy

Jo Lisiniewicz Edward Liskiewicz Stanley Liskiewicz

Maria Lovell Charlene Madura Mary Manchak Brady Martin

Jenny Mendoza Faye Meny Sandi Merlo

Stephanie Mueller Olga Mihalo Andrew Moll Elissa Moll David Moll Jean Narvid

Donna Nichols Steven Nowaczyk

Valerie O’Donnell Danny Ogren Emily Orosco

Irene Orzel Christine Osmulski

Johanna Petruch Andrew Pieczyrak Elizabeth Pilones Sylvester Porras Timothy Ribble

Jackie Roach Kristen Rubin

Anthony Saklaczynski Rita Sajna

Ann Sardella George Sauer Marie Schultz

Marianne Schwartz William Schwartz

Zachery Scriff James Secviar

Jim Seul Renee Shehan

Thomas Skarbek Nick Skinner

Lydia Skorupa Carolyn Smiley George Sperl

Deborah Stareck Florence Stevens Georgianne Suto

Celine Szczepaniak Carrie Szumelda Rose Terranova

Rose Theis Gerardo Trevino Kathie Trudgian Anthony Ubuane

Tony Vanden Heuvel Julia Vrbanich Pam Wadycki

Adele Wall Don Woszczynski

Cecilia Ziegler

SUNDAY, January 26 St. Thomas More School Open House from 9:00 a.m.-Noon Ushers Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. St. Vincent De Paul Food Collection

MONDAY, January 27 7:00 pm Blue Army ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Schola Choir ~ Church 7:30 pm Knights of Columbus ~ Solar Room

TUESDAY, January 28 9:15 am Eucharistic Adoration (until 6:30 p.m.) ~ Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations ~ Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet ~ Chapel 7:00 pm RCIA ~ Chapel 7:00 pm Gabriel Project ~ Teachers’ Lounge

WEDNESDAY, January 29 9:30 am Bible Study ~ Conference Room 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.) 5:00 pm RCIC ~ Conference Room 6:00 pm Handbell Choir ~ Church

THURSDAY, January 30 4:30 pm Religious Education Classes (until 6:00 p.m.) 6:30 pm Scripture Study ~ Conference Room 7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale ~ Church

FRIDAY, January 31 9:00 am Gifts of Love & Warmth ~ Conference Room 6:30 pm STMS Father/Daughter Dance ~ Gym

SATURDAY, February 1 8:00 am First Saturday Rosary~ Conference Room 9:30 am First Penance for STMS & Religious Education Third Grade Students 6:30 pm Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest ~ Gym

February Nursery Schedule

Sunday, February 2 Holly Harle & Michelle Wendlinger

Sunday, February 9 Kathy Pala & Courtney Weinberg

Sunday, February 16 Ann Harkenrider & Susie Kinsella

Sunday, February 23 Jill Colontuono & Casey Perz

Located in the Bride’s Room during

the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Blood Drive Rescheduled Due to the recent blizzard, the St. Thomas More Blood Drive

has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2014

8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon in the St. Thomas More Gym. Walk-ins are welcome. A valid photo ID is required to donate.

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The Pastor’s Page

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Schools are communities — small families in their own right, but also members of the larger community of home, church, city and nation. Faith, knowledge and service are three measures by which any Catholic school can and should be judged. This is at the very heart of the logo for Catholic Schools Week this year. It is a good reminder to us all that we must embody the Lord in all that we say and do. Our Catholic schools give us the opportunity to live and express the faith in a way that is not always possible in a public school setting. Because of that, our faculty, staff, and students are always under scrutiny because they should be living the values that we profess. That is one of the reasons we always remind our students, when they are off grounds on fields trips and the like, that they must be on their best behavior because they represent the school wherever they go. As believers, we should make sure that we represent God wherever we go. We celebrate our Catholic school this week. We celebrate the freedom that we have to express our faith while in our school. We give thanks to God for leading us and guiding us.

PLEASE REMEMBER THEM Please pray for the priests and deacons who have served the Diocese of Gary so faithfully and whose anniversaries of death are this week:

January 29: Rev. Edward M. Boney (1971) January 30: Rev. Joseph Zobel (1967) Rev. Clarence Mazur (2001) January 31 Rev. Joseph R. Niezgoda (2008)

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE The pastor was concerned about sparse attendance, so he published this item in the church bulletin: This is the way the church sometimes looks to the preacher when he goes onto the pulpit. Itwouldlooklikethisifeverybodybroughtsomebodyelsetochurch

Taizé Prayer is a peaceful half hour of song, scripture, and reflection designed to give rest to the soul. Are your days getting too hectic? Do you need some quiet time with God? Come to church this evening (Sunday, January 26) at 6:00 p.m. and spend some time with God.

OUR PARISH EXPO There were many people who worked long and hard to make our parish expo such a success. Thank you to all who worked tirelessly on our DVD, on the presentation bags, on setting up for the expo, on manning the tables at the expo, and at taking down after the expo.

Thanks to our various musicians and choir members who shared their talents with us at the expo. Thanks, as well, to all who attended the expo. If you have submitted your name for any ministry or ministries, you will be contacted by the ministry head(s) shortly. We are in this together and together we will continue to bring the Lord to our brothers and sisters in our parish as well as in the community in which we live. Thanks, again, to all!

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Religious Education

January Schedule 29/30 Class

February Schedule 1 Sacrament of First Penance at 9:30 a.m. ~ Church 5/6 Class 12/13 Class 19/20 Class 26/27 Class

Confirmation Date We have received word from the Bishop that

Confirmation will take place on Saturday, April 12th at 10:30 a.m.

Religious Formation Speaker The STM Religious Formation/Education Commission presents

An evening with Fr. Ed Shea. Fr. Shea is a Franciscan priest, ordained in 1987, who attended

Fenwick High School and the University of Notre Dame. His work has been primarily in parishes in

Illinois and he is currently working at St. Peter’s Church in the Chicago Loop.

Fr. Shea loves to sing, tell stories, but especially thrives on celebrating the sacraments of the Church and finding reasons to rejoice in the goodness of God’s presence in our world.

His topic of discussion for his visit will be “The Four Commandments of Contentment.”

So you want to be happy for the rest of your life? Are you looking for ways to improve your spiritual life?

Fr. Shea will share his insights into how we can be happy and fulfilled right now.

We have all heard of the Ten Commandments; but what about the commandments of contentment?

Wednesday, February 5th— 7:00 p.m. in the Church Refreshments will follow the presentation in the Narthex.

My Two Cents

Thoughts on Living Stewardship

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time The watchword today is “immediately.” Peter and Andrew,

James and John will respond immediately to the call of Christ. May I be as open to God’s call and as ready to use my

talent in His service as those first disciples were!

Lectors for the Week

Saturday, February 1 5:30 pm Mass

Julie Blanford & Jay Gianotti

Sunday, February 2 6:30 am Mass

Mark & Gabriella Bittner

8:00 am Mass Judy Buksa & Jim Kaspar

10:00 am Mass Charles Helms & John Kovach

12:00 Noon Mass Niko Ingoglia & Marilyn Pajor

Pancake Breakfast Today, January 26th!

Enjoy the best pancakes and sausage in Northwest Indiana. 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

in the St. Thomas More Gym. Cost: Free will offering. Ushers Club Raffle, too!

And don’t forget to tour St. Thomas More School before or after Mass & pancakes. School Open House — 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon

St. Vincent de Paul Society It was a busy season for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

We provided food baskets, assisting 115 families at Thanksgiving & 98 families at Christmas

because of your generous support and we thank you! Additionally, hats, gloves, scarves, and toys were given to the

families served at Christmas.

Our pantry is always in need of replenishing. If you are able to provide assistance,

donations of the following are appreciated.

Rice • Boxed Potatoes Macaroni & Cheese

Spaghetti Sauce • Canned Meat or Fish

First Reconciliation will take place on Saturday, February 1st at 9:30 am.

Students should be at Church no later than 9:15 a.m. We will be celebrating a holy and joyful occasion.

Please dress accordingly. No jeans.

Holy Name Society Annual Fish Fry

Watch the bulletin & save the date for another great Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, March 14th.

Altar & Rosary Society Altar & Rosary will not have meetings in January & February.

Watch the bulletin for our next event: Chili Bingo on Wednesday, March 12, 2014

at 6:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria Advance reservations required.

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Join Us for an Open House: Sunday, January 26, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and

Tuesday, February 25, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Make a Difference in the Future of Your Child St. Thomas More School Our First Priority is an Excellent Education Taught with Christian Values

“A” Four-Star Rating from the Indiana Department of Education & Superior ISTEP+ Scores Fully Accredited by the State of Indiana with State-Licensed Faculty & Dedicated Staff Newly Up-Graded Security & Mandatory VIRTUS (Safe Student Environment) Training for All Volunteers Roman Catholic Values Stressed in a Safe & Caring Christian Environment Sacramental Preparation, Regular Attendance & Participation in Mass Full-Time Spanish, Art, Music, Computer, Physical Education & Library/Study Skills Teachers Full-Time Principal & Assistant Principal Active Involvement of Parish Priests & Deacons Excellent Student/Teacher Ratio with Small Class Sizes State-of-the-Art Technology with Computer Lab, Mobile Laptop Carts & Interactive White Board Technology in Every Classroom Honors Programs in Grades 6 to 8/Departmentalized Learning in Grades 5 to 8 Special Services Department Providing Educational Services & Students Aid On-Site Speech Services Provided by Westlakes Special Education Full-Day & Half-Day Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten Classes Tuition Reduction Incentive Program & Family Discounted Tuition Rates “Kid’s Time” Before & After School Care National Junior Honor Society/Peer Tutoring/Student Council Athletics for Boys & Girls Beginning in 5th Grade: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Track & Volleyball Award-Winning Band, Choir & Acclaimed Fall Musical D.A.R.E. Program Extra-Curricular Activities, Clubs & Special Events: Art Club, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Chess Club, Math Club, Science Olympiad Teams, Junior High Dances, Education Fair, Walk-A-Thon & More Student Community Service Projects Active Parent Association & Many Family Social Activities Full Service Cafeteria/Hot Lunch Online Grade & Info System Indiana School Choice Program (School Vouchers)

St. Thomas More School

A Roman Catholic School

Main Building (Grades K—8)

8435 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN (219) 836-9151

Weis Center (Preschool & Pre-K)

8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact: Pam Pasyk at (219) 836-9151, ext. 309 or

email: ppasyk@stm-school.com

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Thanks to All Those Who

Stepped Up to the Plate! Thank You!Thank You! A special thank you to the many

parishioners who have Stepped Up to the Plate

to make our Parish Expo another great success:

• Parish Expo Committee • All Ministry Chairpersons &

• Ministry Members • The STMS Choirs for their exciting

performances • Niall McShane for printing our poster

• Parish Welcome Ministry for overseeing and serving refreshments • Ben Heighway for creating the fun

and creative Step Up to the Plate DVD • All those who starred in the

Step Up DVD as “guest voices” • The Religious Education &

St. Thomas More School students for their wonderful essays, artwork &

contributions to the SVDP Food Pantry

...and the record number of people who attended our Expo!

We hope that you were inspired by your fellow parishioners to learn more

about our Ministries.

Student Winners

Drawing Contest Arroya Mongerie Cavin McNulty Audriana Erving Dillan Murray Marisa Walsh

Essay Contest Gabriela Herrera

Connor Fife Sofia Sanchez Plesha

Elizabeth Zaczyk

Pizza Party Winner of the

SVDP Pizza Party is Mrs. Cheryl Steinhauer’s 1st Grade Class for donating the

most non-perishable food items to the St. Vincent De Paul

Food Pantry.

School Raffle Congratulations to Joe &

Cheryl Peters, winners of two tickets to the STMS Parent Association Casino Night.

If you are still unsure about how God is calling you, contact one of the Stewardship members listed below for

information on discernment options. Noreen Bickel

nbickel@stm-church.com • (219) 836-8610 Christi Kordeck

ckordeck@neurology.bsd.uchicago.edu • (219) 689-7387 Krystal Quagliara

Krystal.quagliara@gmail.com • (219) 616-6027 Agnes Seitz

Jacob1412@comcast.net • (219) 730-4305 Pam Yerga

jpy021282@comcast.net • (219) 972-0333

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Senior Citizens If you are a senior in our parish family, and you have not yet

joined our group, we invite you to come and join us. Meetings are held at 1:00 p.m. at the Kish Community Room at

10000 Calumet in Munster. Annual dues are $10.00.

Upcoming Meetings:

Monday, January 27th Monthly Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the

Jedi Restaurant in Griffith (Corner of Cline Avenue & Ridge Road)

All are welcome. There are no reservations required to attend.

Wednesday, February 5th Regular Business Meeting with Guest Speaker

Jorge (George) Ramos of Comfort Keepers

Saturday, February 22nd Pizza Party at the Weis Center for all current members from

12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5th Regular Meeting

STM Employment Networking Group

80% of Jobs are Unadvertised 82% of Jobs are found through Networking

37% Use Social Media 15% Found through Search Firms • 10% Found through Want Ads

4% Create Their Own Jobs • 2% Blindly Send Resumes

Thursday, February 20, 2014 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

How to Manage Your Cover Letter & Resume

Where: STM Weis Center 8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN

When: The 3rd Thursday of Every Month Email: STMCareerGroup@gmail.com

Regular Meetings are Free! Open to All! For those who are unemployed (in transition), new to the job

market, employed or who can offer employment opportunities through their current professional connections.

A. Accomplishments Measuring Impact on the Organization Client Satisfaction/Public Presence B. The Money Earnings in an Organization / Industry How can the difference be measured in $$$$ C. The Mission Do I see merit to the organization’s Mission? Do I believe the Organization’s Mission/Goal? Can I support the Organization’s Mission

Tuition Assistance Program Now Underway for the 2014/15 School Year

Tuition assistance application forms for the 2014-2015 school year are now available in the Parish Office. Catholic families

who belong to a Diocese of Gary parish and have their children enrolled in any diocesan school, Kindergarten through Grade 12,

may apply. Preschool students are not eligible. A $27.00 non-refundable processing fee must accompany the

application. Approximately $500,000 is distributed on the basis of need to assist Catholic parents in providing Catholic faith

formation, strong academic programs and safety for their children in our Catholic schools.

The filing deadline is Monday, February 17, 2014. This is the date that completed applications must be returned to

the pastor. PSAS will not accept any applications mailed directly to the company. This deadline will be strictly enforced. Parents

will be notified of the results in writing by April 30th.

Casino Night The St. Thomas More School Parent Association is

hosting its inaugural Roaring ‘20s Casino Night

Saturday, February 22nd in the STM Social Center Everyone in the parish is invited to attend this adult event

(must be 21 to attend). Traditional Casino Games • Silent Auction • Raffles • 50/50

$15 Ticket includes all food & beverages. To purchase tickets: www.stm-school.com

Cash only accepted for chip purchase. Check & VISA/MC accepted for Silent Auction items. Casual attire.

Donations Requested Donations are requested for the Casino Night Silent

Auction. Donations of gift cards, merchandise, certificates for services or monetary donations will be accepted and

appreciated by the STMS Parent Association. All proceeds from the Casino Night will benefit the school.

To donate, please contact: Renee Whelan at (219) 796-6809/whelanliuna41@att.net.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Y or the Gospel of Life, which we proclaim as we sadly recall the anniversary of the legalization of

abortion, that the culture of life may overcome the culture of death…we pray to the Lord.

Respect Life Corner

Altar & Rosary Society Altar & Rosary will not have meetings in January & February.

Watch the bulletin for our next event: Chili Bingo on Wednesday, March 12, 2014

at 6:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria Advance reservations can be made in the Parish Office.

Page 10

Parish Appreciation Dinner

The St. Thomas More Parish Life Commission Presents the

33rd Annual

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Featuring St. Thomas More “Stars”

Join us for a Red Carpet Party

6:15 p.m. in the

St. Thomas More Social Center Dinner with All the Trimmings

Dancing • The Famous STM “Candy Bar” • Beer & Wine Entertainment by Jim Balunda

Hollywood Photo Booth

Everyone who assists in our parish is invited to attend!

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Parish Appreciation Dinner

The St. Thomas More Parish Life Commission Presents the

33rd Annual

Will you be joining us?

Name/s________________________________________________________________________________

Number Attending _________ Your Parish Ministry ___________________________________________

Please respond by returning this portion to the Parish Office or place in the Sunday collection basket no later than Sunday, January 26th.

Page 11

Grief Support Wounded Healers, a non-denominational grief support group, is

holding its Winter Series at St. James Church in Highland (corner of 45th and Kennedy) to help those dealing with loss. Separate sessions for those dealing with the death of a spouse,

death of a parent, sibling or friend or death of a child or grandchild. In addition, there are sessions for those dealing with loss due to suicide and teens who are dealing with loss due to

suicide. All meetings are held at the church on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Remaining Dates for the Winter Series: February 5th, February 19th, March 5th and March 19th (with a speaker).

Call (219) 924-5577 or email: www.woundedhealers-nwi.com.

Super Raffle Party St. Mary’s Men’s Club at St. Mary Church in Griffith is

sponsoring their annual Super Raffle Party in their Parish Hall. All are invited to attend the event on Sunday, February 2nd at

St. Mary-Hildebrant Hall, 525 N. Lafayette Street. Winners will receive a total of $3,750 in winnings. Tickets are $10 each or 3/$20 and are available at the Rectory Office. Watch the big game

on our 7-foot screen TV and enjoy plenty of food, drinks and door prizes, along with the Super Raffle drawing.

Tickets are $15 until January 26th and $20 afterwards. Contact Joe at (219) 838-7733 or Tom at (219) 924-3929.

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat™ February 7-9, 2014: Rachel’s Vineyard™ is an extraordinary opportunity for any person who struggles with the emotional

and spiritual pain of abortion. The weekend provides an effective process designed specifically to help you experience

the mercy & compassion of God while forgiving yourself and/or others. Help your soul transform the pain of the past into hope! For info or to register, contact nwinrv@outlook.com or Rosanne at (219) 765-1396. All inquiries are confidential.

Sisters of St. Benedict Events The Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, IN

For information on the following programs, call Sister Michelle Sinkhorn at (800)738-9999 or www.thedome.org/vocations,

where you can register online or email: vocation@thedome.org. High School Come & See Weekend: February 14-16, 2014 for high school girls, freshmen to seniors. Learn what it is like to be

a nun in today's world. Pray, eat, and recreate with the sisters. Parent permission is required.

Come & See Event: March 14-16, 2014 for single, Catholic woman ages 18 to 40. Get to know our Benedictine sisters,

share in our community life & prayer & meet other women who are considering religious life with no pressure or commitment! Summer Camp for Girls: Camp Marian is June 16-18, 2014!

Winter Extravaganza St. John Bosco School is sponsoring an evening of fun on Saturday, February 22nd in the Cafeteria at 171st Street &

Columbia Avenue in Hammond (use Door “G”). Enjoy the hit play, Late Night Catechism, with dinner, auction & gaming

tables from 5:30 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. Raffle tickets available for $10 with a $5,000 Grand Prize.

Event tickets are $30. All are welcome. Call Jessica at (219) 844-4237 for info.

Bishop Noll News Placement Exam

Bishop Noll Institute will be holding a placement exam for the 2014/15 School Year on Saturday, February 1st at the school.

Prospective students should arrive not later than 7:45 a.m. and bring two #2 pencils and a calculator.

Students can pre-register anytime in the BNI main office for $20. The walk-in exam day cost for the test is $25.

For questions, contact the high school: Bishop Noll Institute

1519 Hoffman Street • Hammond, IN 46327 • (219) 932-9058

Catholic Services Appeal The 2013 Catholic Services Appeal will officially end

January 31, 2014. If you have not yet fulfilled your pledge, please be sure to mail your payment to the CSA Office to be

received no later than January 31st. The IRS requires written acknowledgement for charitable

donations of $200 or more only. The CSA will provide a letter for you, if necessary, but we do not issue one to all parishioners in our effort to be good stewards of your donations. You may request the

letter by contacting the CSA Office at (219) 769-9292, # 268 or jillyes@dcgary.org.

Vocations Committee Our attendance and prayers before the Blessed Sacrament on

Tuesdays is very poorly attended. Praying can be the answer for so much pain, so many problems.

There is much concern and worry about the shortage of priests; it can be frightening.

As our Lord asked, “Can you not spend one hour with me?” A special Prayer Service is offered at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays to

pray for more to enter into religious life. Please make an effort to attend and pray for that very purpose.

Mass & Holy Hour for Vocations On Sunday, February 2, 2014, the Feast of the Presentation of the

Lord, the Diocesan Vocation Office will be sponsoring a Holy Hour for Vocations

at Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary. The morning begins with the celebration of the

Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. After Mass, there will be a Holy Hour led by Bishop Melczek. Everyone is welcome to come together as Christ’s Body in the

Diocese of Gary, and pray that God will grant us even more loving priests and consecrated religious.

Please join us as we ask God for His blessing

Girl Scout Cookie Sale The Girl Scouts of STM

will be selling Girl Scout Cookies

the weekend of February 15th & 16th

after all Masses in the Church narthex.

Page 12

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

8:00 am First Saturday Rosary Church

9:30 am First Penance

STMS & Religious Education 3rd Grade

6:30 pm Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest Gym

2 3 7:00 pm Schola Choir-Church

7:00 pm Festival Solar Rm

7:00 pm Parish Life Conference Room

7:00 pm Blue Army Chapel

7:00 pm Vocations Sacristy

4 9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel

1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel

6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel

6:00 pm Parent Association Cafeteria

7:00 pm RCIA-Chapel

5 9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room 4:30-6:00 pm Religious Education 5:00 pm RCIC Conference Room 6:00 pm Hand Bells Church

6 4:30-6:00 pm Religious Education 6:30 pm Scripture Study Conference Room 7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale Church

7 9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room

8 10:00 am Oblates Conference Room

6:30 pm Volunteer

Appreciation Dinner

Gym

9

Blood Drive 8:00 a.m. — Noon

Gym Rescheduled from

January 5th

10 Market Day Pick-Up

Gym 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

7:00 pm Religious Formation Conference Room

7:00 pm Schola Choir-Church

7:00 pm Blue Army-Chapel

7:30 pm Knights of Columbus Solar Rm

11 9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel

1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel

6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel

7:00 pm RCIA-Chapel

7:00 pm Baptism Prep Teachers’ Lounge

12 9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room

4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed

5:00 pm RCIC-Conference Rm

6:00 pm Hand Bells Church

7:00 pm SVDP Conference Room

13 4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed 6:30 pm Scripture Study Conference Room 7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale Church

14 9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room

15 7:00 pm

Jr. High Dance Gym

16

6:00 p.m. Taizé Prayer

Service Church

17 No School

Presidents Day

5:00 pm Spirituality/Worship Conference Room

7:00 pm Holy Name Solar Rm

7:00 pm Schola Choir Church

7:00 pm Blue Army Chapel

18 9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel 6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel 7:00 pm RCIA Chapel

19 9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room 4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed 5:00 pm RCIC Conference Room 6:00 pm Hand Bells Church

20 4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed 6:30 pm Scripture Study Conference Room 7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale Church 7:00 pm Employment Networking Group Weis Center

21 9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room

22

Casino Night 6:00-11:30 p.m.

Gym

23 4:00 pm

Blue & Gold Banquet

Gym

SVDP Food Collection

All Masses

24 6:00 pm Religious Ed Teacher Meeting Cafeteria

7:00 pm Schola Choir Church

7:00 pm Blue Army Chapel

7:30 pm Knights of Columbus Solar Room

25 9:15 am-6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration Chapel

1:00 pm Prayer/Vocations Chapel

6:00 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet Chapel

7:00 pm RCIA Chapel

26 9:30 am Bible Study Conference Room

4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed

5:00 pm RCIC Conference Room

6:00 pm Hand Bells Church

7:00 pm SVDP Conference Room

27 4:30-6:00 pm Religious Ed 6:30 pm Scripture Study Conference Room 7:00 pm All Seasons Chorale Church

28 9:00 am Gifts of Love/Warmth Conference Room 6:30 pm 4-H Cafeteria

February 2014