A Faith Community

Second Homily

Dear Parish Family of St. Thomas,

All of our Golden Anniversary Committees have been meeting, discussing, planning and deciding on our behalf. It will all be here before you know it, and we want to be sure that everything is in order. I hope that somewhere (You probably don’t have a 2011 calendar yet!) you marked the special events dates — September 10 the Cardinal comes and September 17 for the big anniversary dinner dance bash! Next weekend, I will be preaching at all of the Masses as we launch the beginnings of our STV50 Anniversary Campaign in our efforts to be sure that we are ready to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish. As you know that I like to use a gimmick in my homily, I want to let you know that my homily will include a gimmick — a special visitor. Be in the right pew (upfront) in the right Church next weekend. You are also invited to spend some extra time in prayer on this Friday, March 12, as we pray for the success of our campaign. All registered parishioners may have received a letter in the mail from me this week asking for your Lenten prayers. See the cover of this bulletin for more information.

I am so proud of our school children. Our Student Council and our entire school recently sent a check of $1500.00 to Catholic Relief Services for the needs of the people of Haiti. This money was raised by them at the recent bake sale, out of uniform days and other school events. I congratulate our children on their awareness and commitment to peace and justice issues and helping those in need throughout the world.

Lent is our opportunity and invitation to spend more time in prayer Have you done that? What are you praying for? Who are you praying for? How about offering your prayers in solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI? Why not pray for the Pope’s month of March intentions — General: that the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equity, taking account of the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest. Mission: that the churches in Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and justice in every part of that continent. Happy Praying.

By now, you have heard about (and probably played but not yet won) the big new State of Illinois Power Ball lottery. Not to be outdone, I would like to remind you of our School Lottery. The new year-long lottery begins next weekend so you can still purchase your tickets. Our Family School Association has sponsored this lottery for over thirty years. And the ticket price has not changed in that time. It is still only ten bucks and you can win big bucks every month. The first drawing of this lottery year is March 15, so buy your ticket now at the Parish Office or School Office. Your chances of winning are better than the state lottery — so why not take a chance.

Don’t forget to come to Mass hungry next Sunday morning. Our Knights of Columbus will be cooking up a storm of pancakes for your taste buds. Their breakfast is better and cheaper than IHOP or Walker Bros – and it includes free parking. So support our Knights and go away with a full tummy – and maybe you will also go away with some CUBS tickets from their breakfast raffle. Thanks to all of you who shared their ?kindnesses? to me. Thanks to you who remembered my birthday with cards, gifts, thoughts, prayers and special cakes (I could have opened up a bakery last weekend.). Also thanks to those who sent me congratulations and prayers on my recent appointment as the national Spiritual Director of the Christian Family Movement of the United States of America. You are a thoughtful and loving people.

Your Pastor,


Your Pastor,
Father Tom Rzepiela

 

Pastor Fr. Tom

 
Make Christ your Friend
in Two Thousand and Ten.