St. Paul the Apostle
Parish
www.stpauljoliet.com
815-725-1527 parishoffice@stpauljoliet.com
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Stop Throwing Stones
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We are quickly moving towards the end of Lent. How are we doing? The Scriptures for the last few weeks focus on God’s mercy. God is not out to get us. Jesus told Nicodemus that “God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him (Jn 3:17).” Fr. Mark spoke of God’s mercy in the context of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The point of that parable is that the Father (God) not only forgives our sins, but He picks us up, brushes us off, puts a ring on our finger, a robe on our back, sandals on our feet and celebrates our return.
This Sunday’s Gospel relates the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. This woman is brought before Jesus, really to trap Jesus. The Jewish law called for her to be stoned to death. Will Jesus support the law and call for her stoning or not? But Jesus avoids the trap and tells the crowd ready to stone her, “let him without sin cast the first stone.” They were convicted and one by one they all left. Jesus was left with the woman and asks her “has no one condemned you?” She replied “no sir” and he responds, “neither do I.” Jesus demonstrates the perfect mercy of the Father.
As we know, the Gospel of the Prodigal presents two sons, the one who squanders his father’s inheritance on a “life of dissipation.” The other son keeps the rules but lacks the father’s love and mercy. We have probably identified with one or the other brother at times in our life. At this point in my life, I better identify with the older brother. I generally can “keep the rules” but it’s my attitudes that need some work. I find myself judging others who don’t “keep the rules” or believe as I do. I’ve even caught myself thinking of others, “they are getting what they deserve.” I am like the crowd in Sunday’s Gospel, ready to throw stones. In my case they are stones of self-righteousness, pride, judgement, and prejudice, to name a few. That’s not the mercy of God, that’s not the mercy of Jesus and that’s not what’s on God’s heart for those who are suffering.
I need a lot of work regarding my attitudes, and I suspect that I’m not alone. At the end of the Gospel Jesus tells the woman to “go and from now on do not sin anymore.” That’s what Jesus is telling us. Through prayer, the sacraments, through acts of mercy, the Holy Spirit can bring about a transformation. God can change our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. We can be merciful as the Father is merciful. During Holy week we will once again witness the depth of God’s love and mercy in the passion and death of Jesus. Let us enter fully into this holy time and allow God to renew us, transform us and raise us up on Easter Sunday.
Your brother in Christ,
Deacon John
Have a beautiful week and please let the parish office know if there is anything we can do for you. God bless ~
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The Gift That Keeps on Giving |
Thank you to the Ardaugh boys who built their St. Joseph craft and then gifted them to
Fr. Mark!
We have been hearing stories of this happening and it warms our hearts!
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March Madness Squares Extention! |
What better way to enjoy the last 3 games than by supporting St. Paul's and purchasing a March Madness Square for $20.
The deadline has been extended to Thursday, March 31st.
Please call the school office for information to join the fun! You do not need to be present to win. Good Luck!
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With Palm Sunday fast approaching (April 10, ) everyone is invited to bring in our blessed palms from previous years. These will be offered up in the Vigil Mass fire on Holy Saturday (April 16, 7pm.) Let's Pray Together |
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Stations of the Cross are a 14 step devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man. The 14 stations focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. Let's Pray Together His journey on the Via Dolorosa every Friday during Lent.
Please join Deacon John this Friday, April 1st, at 7pm as he leads our Stations of the Cross. The Youth Group will be doing Live Stations on April 8.
(Each night of stations is anticipated to be approx. 30 mins.)
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Hop on Over for Paulites Dinner! |
Hop on over and rest your tail while enjoying a homemade ham dinner (with all the sides and dessert) while being entertained by Dennis Koppo. Join us Wednesday, April 6th at 5:30pm in A4.
$8 per person / $10 walk ins. Please RSVP to the Parish Office by March 31st.
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Święconka (pronounced [ɕfjɛnˈt͡sɔnka]), meaning "the blessing of the Easter baskets", is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions on
Holy Saturday during Easter.
Deacon John will be blessing baskets Saturday, April 16th at 3pm.
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Look at the "old way" Confession was heard compared to the "new way".
You now can be face to face or not, which ever you are more comfortable with.
And while you are in there, you can admire the gorgeous window of The Apostle's Creed -
The Forgiveness of Sins
-Crossed keys. The power of the church to forgive and to retain sins.
-Cross and drops of blood, the atonement through the blood of Christ.
-Hand of Priest. Stole suggesting the Absolution: Ego the Absolve.
*Frs Mark, Larry and Dennis will serve at our Lenten Reconciliation Service on Monday, April 4th 7-8pm
Also confessions are heard every *Saturday 8:30-9:30am (except April 16th) or by appointment
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Click HERE to watch Kelly Kramerich speak about Forgiveness. |
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Rosary & Personal Hour of Prayer |
The Rosary is being prayed after masses on Fridays in Lent.
Our Personal Prayer Hour is so peaceful, so beautiful. Collectively we are individually praying the Rosary, Stations, Bible and contemplative meditation.
Fridays noon-1pm during Lent.
God bless you wherever you are.
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Prayer Cards
There are prayers cards in the narthex. Prayer cards are helpful when our
own words fail us.
Please take for yourself or to gift them to a loved one or friend.
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Made With Love, Shared With Blessings
There are just a few prayer blankets left in narthex.
Please take one for you or a loved one.
Made with love, for those who can use the warmth of prayer being wrapped around them.
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Get it while you still can... only 3 more left! |
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Our Parish Mass & Prayer Intentions ~ |
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MASS
INTENTIONS
Sunday, April 3rd
8am Ed Norcross
10am Rodger Nahas
Bill & Jackie Hickey
Monday, April 4th
People of St. Paul
Tuesday, April 5th
Brunch Lehman
Wednesday, April 6th
8:15am Intentions of Fr. Mark
9:30am People of St. Paul
Thursday, April 7th
Richard Jachinowski
Friday, April 8th
Beverly Scholtes
Saturday, April 9th
Anna Bayci
Edward Shroba
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Josephine Allegretti
Britney Breseman
Norine Ceplecha
Robert Corcoran
Isaiah Cwik
Steve DeChiara
Bill DeLaurenti
Mary Beth Gracey
Ken Graham
Monica Hernandez
John Horvatin
Sr. Norma Janssen
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Kenneth Kelch
Beverly Kero
Daniel Kero
Constance Kozikowski
Dr. Dale Layman
Fr. James Lennon
Richard Lundgren
Helen Malinowski
Sheila Mellor
Mary Meyer
Annette Nigro
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Darin Peterson
Jeanine Piscotti
Val Rand
Rebecca Ruggiero
Joann Sulaica
Rebecca Tako
Alley Varela
Howard Walker Jr.
James Weglewski
Kenneth Welch
Adlar Williams
Lois Yakich
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Thank you for your continuous prayers for our parishioners in need of your comfort and concern. God who loves all, hears all.
If there is someone you would like to add to the prayer list, please contact the Parish Office at 815-725-1527 or email parishoffice@stpauljoliet.com
Prayer intentions will remain on the list for 6 weeks. Please call the parish office if the intention needs to be extended. God bless.
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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord~
We remember in prayer all who have passed before us.
St Paul, pray for us.
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Liturgical Ministry Schedule
Saturday, April 2nd & Sunday, April 3rd: Fifth Sunday in Lent
(* Lead Hospitality Minister)
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4/2, 4:30 pm
Lector
Dave Lagger
Hospitality
Peter Wilda*
Rick Klimek
Tena Klimek
Sr. Ordelia Kloc
Dave Lagger
Cathy Wilda
EMHC
Liz Freund
John Markley
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4/3, 8:00 am
Lector
Ed Dollinger
Hospitality
Linda Deiss*
Leon Briick
Gail Crobie
Marian Heinzel
Ginna Jones
Ron Jones
Frank Theobald
EMHC
Pat Stroud
Anne Prock
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4/3, 10:00 am
Lector
Dave Skorupa
Hospitality
Jacquelyn Klika*
Kristen Ardaugh
Bill Bodach
Patsy Bodach
Annette DeLaurenti
Robert Hobbs
Jay Ormins
Matthew Ormins
EMHC
Joseph Glenn
Nancy Glenn
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SEEKING PART-TIME PARISH SECRETARY
St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Lockport is seeking to hire a part-time parish secretary. This person will be responsible for answering phones, maintaining sacramental and parish records, gathering information for upcoming parish events, providing secretarial assistance for pastor and parish ministries, managing parish calendar, managing parish website, and editing parish bulletin. Person applying should have ability to communicate, along with organizational skills, experience using Microsoft Office Suite and Publisher, bookkeeping skills, and willingness to learn parish software. Understanding of the Polish Language is a plus. For further details and to apply, submit resume and cover letter to Father Steven Bondi at stevo1359@gmail.com
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Career Opportunities at Catholic Charities’ St. Elizabeth Residences
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet (through its partnership with Evergreen Real Estate Services) is seeking applicants for a part time leasing agent at St. Elizabeth Residences, an affordable senior living community in Channahon. All candidates must enjoy working with seniors. The leasing agent candidates must possess strong business and office skills; and preferably have experience working in the leasing and/or affordable housing industry.
Part time hours for the leasing agent position are four or five days per week from mid-morning until mid-afternoon. Interested individuals should contact Debbie Wenzlaff at Evergreen Real Estate Services at 312-989-4883.
We are a faith-based organization providing service to people in need and calling others of good will to do the same.
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Seasonal Cemetery Field Workers – Positions available in Joliet, Kankakee, Romeoville & Wheaton
Diocese of Joliet, Il
The Diocese of Joliet Cemetery Office is seeking to hire Seasonal Cemetery workers (positions available in Joliet, Kankakee, Romeoville and Wheaton). These positions consist of the performance of seasonal work in the cemetery beginning in March through mid-November. A valid Illinois drivers’ license is required. Must be 18 years of age to apply. To view a full job description, visit: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet in Illinois. Normal 40-hour workweek. Ninety-day (90) probationary period. Union membership is required. Applicants meeting the necessary qualifications please submit cover letter, resume and/or application to: eholloway@dioceseofjoliet.org. To mail resumes and/or applications, mail to: Office of the Director: 200 W. Romeo Rd. Romeoville, IL 60446.
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Illinois Right to Life cordially invites you to it's 53rd Annual Leaders for Life Banquet which will be held on Friday, April 29th, 6:00 pm, at The Carlisle in Lombard. Dan Proft, radio talk show host for AM 560, will serve as master of ceremonies and Dennis Prager will be featured as keynote speaker. Dennis Prager is a best-selling author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host in the USA and co-founder of the Internet phenomenon, PragerU. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://illinoisrighttolife.org/Banquet or call
(312)-422-9300.
We do also have sponsorship and ad book opportunities available! To view our sponsorship opportunities, click here. To view our ad book opportunities, click here. The opportunities can also be found on our banquet webpage!
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