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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
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