st. john of the cross parish · 3/29/2020 · st. john of the cross parish 5005 wolf road western...

I am the resurrection

and the life;

whoever believes in me,

even if he dies, will live,

and everyone who lives

and believes in me

will never die.

St. John of the Cross Parish

5005 Wolf Road Western Springs, Illinois 708-246-4404 www.stjohnofthecross.org

March 29, 2020 5th Sunday of Lent

From the Desk of Fr. Marc Reszel

St. John of the Cross Parish www.stjohnofthecross.org March 29, 2020 Fifth Sunday of Lent

Our Offertory Collections on Holy Thursday & Good Friday On Holy Thursday (as on Thanksgiving) the offertory collection will support our parish Caritas Needy Family Fund. Using the Latin word for “charity” as its name, this fund provides financial support to our parishioners, who through unplanned circumstances face difficulty meeting a critical financial obligation. Please send your check to the Parish Center or go to the Giving tab on our parish website. Once a year on Good Friday, we are called to support Christians in the Holy Land as requested by Pope Francis. Our Good Friday donations support the work of the Franciscans in the Holy Land, housing and feeding the poor, providing religious formation and education, maintaining shrines and parishes, and conducting pastoral ministry. For more information, visit www.MyFranciscan.org.

Fast & Abstinence Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent. Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one‘s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. The special Paschal fast, as well as abstinence, are prescribed for Good Friday and encouraged for Holy Saturday.

Blessings on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Since 1999, when I began my first pastorate, I have enjoyed writing a weekly bulletin column. This space is not intended to be a homily, but I have often offered liturgical commentary as we considered a given Sunday and/or looked at the events of the week. Often this column includes promos for parish events with details found on an inside page. In addition to parish news, I have often tried to connect readers with the concerns of the larger church: diocesan, national, universal. As I write, there is little joy, but much uncertainty. I resent the isolation caused by the response to the Covid-19 virus but understand the need to comply. I miss celebrating the sacraments within a community of believers. I miss our publicly praying with and for one another. Quite simply, I miss you. While following the directives for the Archdiocese of Chicago regarding public worship that are based on the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control, the members of the parish staff and I continue to communicate with our parishioners including video recordings of liturgical rites from St. John of the Cross Parish. Avail yourself of the many Lenten resources at stjohnofthecross.org. At this time, I cannot promote any other parish activities. Holy Week rites (including Mass on Easter Sunday) will not be celebrated publicly. This applies to services at Holy Name Cathedral and at our parish church. Ordinations and First Communions are in Liturgical Limbo. For updated information, please check the parish website. Information is also sent electronically to those who have provided us a valid email address. Today we hear the familiar story of the raising of Lazarus. The events at Bethany remind us to remain hopeful during these difficult times. We continue to move to Jerusalem, to the Triduum, and to the promise of resurrection and new life. Let us continue to pray for one another and for our parish. Father Reszel

http://www.MyFranciscan.org

Parish Updates & Resources


Resources for You Sunday Mass from Holy Name Cathedral https://radiotv.archchicago.org/television/broadcast-masses 4pm on Saturdays and 9:30am on Sundays on ABC 7 Daily at 10am from the arch website archchicago.org Vatican News Live Streaming Pope Francis’ Masses https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxIsefyl9g9A5SGWA4FvGIA/videos Catholic TV Mass https://www.watchthemass.com/ The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception https://www.nationalshrine.org/mass/ University of Notre Dame Masses http://catholictv.org/masses/notre-dame-mass St. Patrick’s Cathedral New York https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/live Adorecast – Live Perpetual Adoration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4A6RIOwC2E&feature=youtu.be The Face of Prayer (with Bp. Frank Caggiano) https://thefaceofprayer.com/?nr=0 Word On Fire Daily Masses https://www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass/ USCCB Daily Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/ USCCB Daily Readings Audio http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings-audio.cfm Liturgical Press: Give Us This Day https://giveusthisday.org/Digital Magnificat https://us.magnificat.net/free The Word Among Us https://wau.org/meditations/ A Scriptural Way of the Cross for Lent http://www.usccb.org/about/justice-peace-and-human-development/upload/cchd-scriptural-way-of-the-cross.pdf

With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. Psalm 130

Please help keep an eye out for older family members and neighbors. Offering to pick up their groceries, medicine or pet food or giving them a call to check in are great ways to help them stay safe and connected during this time. A group of caring parishioners at SJC have stepped forward to run an errand for groceries or prescriptions for anyone who cannot or should not go out. Please email MJ Martin if you need help at [email protected]

While following the directives for the Archdiocese of Chicago regarding public worship that are based on the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control, the members of the parish staff will continue to be in communication with our parishioners including video recordings of liturgical rites from St. John of the Cross Parish. Avail yourself of the many resources including our weekly bulletin at stjohnofthecross.org. By state order: effective through (at least) Tuesday, April 7: · Our church must be closed and locked until the

order is lifted by the governor. Private prayer in any parish building is discontinued until the order is lifted.

· There can be no live Stations of the Cross or any other gatherings anywhere on parish/school property.

· All weddings and baptisms must be postponed and can be re-scheduled only once the order is lifted. There are no exceptions to this, regardless of the size of the group. In the case of an extreme emergency for baptism contact Fr. Reszel.

· Funerals and wakes must be postponed until the order is lifted.

· Anointing of the sick and confession/absolution guidelines will be forthcoming.

· Priests are encouraged to continue celebrating Mass privately and to livestream their Masses for their parishioners, if possible.

· Parish offices must be closed until the governor’s order is lifted.

Mass Remembrances can be arranged online and we will mail the Mass card for you. Or you can call the Parish Center office. Be sure we have your current email address so that you can receive updates from us with new information as well as our parish bulletin. As always, we encourage you to mail your Sunday offertory donation or give electronically on our website. Your ongoing support and generosity to SJC allows us to continue providing a place of solace and prayer.

United in Prayer


Cardinal Cupich has announced a call for common prayer and the ringing of church bells five times a day in an effort to unite all in prayer, especially at a time when we are isolated. By pausing and lifting up in prayer all those affected by the pandemic, we can offer those in need our support and let them know that they are not alone. The prayer times are at 9:00am and continue every three hours each day, with the last bells rung at 9:00pm. Each of the five prayer times are dedicated to a specific group particularly impacted by the pandemic as listed below. Because some churches do not have bells, parishioners are invited to set their alarms so that they can stop for a moment to join in this common prayer.

9:00am - Prayer for those infected with the virus and all who are ill Lord, place your healing hand on those who suffer illness. Bring them to full health and ease their anxious hearts. May our prayer and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary encourage them that they are not alone. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN 12:00pm - Prayer for health care workers and those attending to the sick Lord, we are ennobled by those who put their lives at risk in caring for the sick. Keep them safe and embolden them when they are weary. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN 3:00pm - Prayer for first responders and essential workers Lord, we pray for those who run to danger to keep us safe and those who serve the common good. Embrace them with your mantle of protection and comfort the fears of their families. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN 6:00pm - Prayer for people of every nation and their leaders Lord, the pandemic opens our eyes to see each other as brothers and sisters in one human family. We pray for people of every nation and their leaders, asking that they be inspired to seek the good of all and quell the voices of division. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN 9:00pm - Prayer for those who have died today Lord, we grieve the passing of our sisters and brothers who have died this day. We commend them to your tender mercy, confident that nothing, not even death, will separate us from your love. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN

Father of endless love and compassion, hear the prayers of your family. May we imitate your Son by taking up our crosses with

joyful obedience, seeking your justice in all things; may we embrace his example of loving humility, praising you in the compassionate

care we extend to one another. Amen.

Prayer

St. John of the Cross Parish www.stjohnofthecross.org March 29, 2020 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page 2

May we receive hope and strength from Jesus’ promise of resurrection and new

life. May we come to a deeper belief in Jesus as the resurrection and the life.

Come,

come as you are,

just come.

Jesus is your friend;

he is here for you.

He is waiting for you.

The words echoed in my head for days. I didn’t have to be perfect—perfectly prepared, perfectly dressed, perfectly anything—to go to Mass or to pray. I just had to go into the presence of the Lord. How freeing! Jesus doesn’t demand perfection. We don’t need to be perfect or wait for the perfect time or spot to approach Jesus. We don’t need to wait to be able to attend Sunday Mass to talk with him. Throughout the day, each day, there are countless opportunities to check in with Jesus wherever we find ourselves. This Lent, remember these words: “Come, come as you are, just come. Jesus is your friend; he is here for you. He is waiting for you.” Don’t keep him waiting. The time to respond is now. Jesus, the night before your death, you asked your friends to remain with you. This Lent, in the midst of all the busyness, remind me to be present with you, And stay with you, To remain with you. Here. Now. Amen.

Ignatian Spirituality

Peter (said) to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit.” Acts of the Apostles 2:38

The Holy Spirit came upon Peter at Pentecost, and he proclaimed the need for repentance and Baptism. Like the earliest Christian converts, we share in Jesus’ divine life through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. United to the death and resurrection of Jesus, we become incorporated into the Church and share in her mission. We join in the work of stewardship, sharing our time, money and goods, and talents in ways that serve God’s kingdom on earth.

In Baptism I became a “new creation” and “put on Christ.” How well do I wear that garment in my daily life? What is my responsibility for meeting the needs of others?

Loving God, you pour out mercy and grace through water and the Holy Spirit. Cultivate in me a loving and generous heart. Amen. Loyola Press

Christ our Redeemer, you cried for your friend, Lazarus: cry for us and with us in our confusion and despair. Risen Lord, you raised your friend from the tomb: raise us up from the tombs of sin and death to your life of understanding and hope. Hear the prayers we offer to you, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit as the one God, for ever, and ever. Amen.

Father, it's so hard to love the world sometimes and to love it the way Jesus did seems impossible. Help me to be inspired by his love and guided by his example. Most of all, I want to accept that I can't do it alone, and that trying is an arrogance of self-centeredness. I need you, dear God, to give me support in this journey. Show me how to unlock my heart so that I am less selfish. Let me be less fearful of the pain and darkness that will be transformed by you into Easter joy. Creighton


Lifelong Learning


“I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” “Martha, Martha,” a professor frequently teased as I bustled in for an early afternoon class. I understood the reference, and perhaps a little too like Martha, could not see beyond the challenges of my days, balancing parish ministry with theological studies. It was only much later that I decided to reflect on Martha and what we might learn from her. Yes, she was the sister who hurried about, anxious and worried about many things as she took care of Jesus and the disciples while her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet. She is also the one whom we hear on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, proclaiming faith in Jesus as the Christ, the one who first says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give to you.” (Jn 11:1-46) It seems to me that Martha understood that the Lord wanted her to be truly herself with him. Martha trusted Jesus, enough to speak honestly with him. Others might have sugar-coated their remarks but Martha spoke her heart, a heart filled with grief in her brother’s death; a heart, too, that loved and believed in Jesus. Martha was a good steward of her time and her faith. She relied on her relationship with Jesus and with confidence in him, she grew in her relationship with the Lord and in her sense of vocation — of being who she was called to be. As a result, we have her journey of faith in Jesus and her firm declaration of belief to ponder. Each of us has a vocation - a unique call and purpose in life. Let us learn from Martha, trust firmly in the Lord, be honest with God in prayer, and live Christ’s mission as only we can, as good stewards of the mystery of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. ©Catholic Impact and Faith

Today’s Gospel narrative asks us to confront death and, like Martha, declare our faith in Jesus, the

Christ, the one who has power over death. Connecting with Everyday Life: Take to heart the truth of our belief in Jesus as the Anointed One of

God, who removes all distance between God and humanity, and who has the power to destroy

even death itself. Reflect on the story through the eyes of Martha, whose honest trust in Jesus and

declaration of faith is striking, particularly in light of the many who cannot accept Jesus’ true

identity.

Reflect Martha went to meet Jesus when she heard he was coming. Where do you

meet Jesus in your every day life?

How can you be more open to God’s will in your life?

Lent is a time for reflection and

restoration. Reflect on what strengthens your faith and ways in which you can continue to build a strong foundation.

Lord Jesus, you are the

resurrection and the life.

You give meaning to our existence

and you give hope to

an eternal future.

Your ways are far above our own,

so we ask for the grace

to live as your disciples

in the midst of the world,

confident of our destiny

to be with you

and those we love for all eternity.

Amen.

Monday Dan 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 John 8:1-11 In this last week of Lent before Holy Week, take stock in your Lenten journey so far. Are you keeping to the spiritual goals you set at the beginning of the season?

Tuesday Num 21:4-9 Ps 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21 John 8:21-30 “In every act we do in every step we take, let our hand trace the Lord’s cross.” (St. Jerome, Letters, 22.37)

Wednesday Dan 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 Dan 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 John 8:31-42 “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 18:14, NABRE)

Thursday Gen 17:3-9 Ps 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 John 8:51-59 “By devoting more time to prayer, we enable our hearts to root out our secret lies and forms of self-deception, and then to find the consolation God offers. He is our Father and he wants us to live life well.” (Pope Francis, Message for Lent, 2018)

Friday Jer 20:10-13 Ps 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7 John 10:31-42 “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so everyone who believes in him might have eternal l i f e . ” ( J n 3 : 1 6 ,

Lectionary)

Saturday Ezek 37:21-28 Jer 31:10,11-12abcd, 13 John 11:45-56 Today, we remember St. Isidore of Seville, patron of a medium that didn’t exist when he lived, the internet! Read what Pope Benedict XVI has to say about this saint.

Palm Sunday Matt 21:1-11 Isa 50:4-7 Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Phil 2:6-11 Matt 26:14–27:66 In one week, we will celebrate Easter Sunday. Pray that the Lord allows you to accompany him serenely dur i n g th ese Eas t e r mysteries and you may emerge from them renewed in faith, hope and charity.

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will never die. VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity — that the peoples of this world are our brothers and sisters, that we are all one family under God. God does not abandon us, he goes with us even now in this time of trial and testing. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him, and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives. United with our Holy Father Pope Francis, let us pray in solidarity for our brothers and sisters here and around the world who are sick. Let us pray for those who have lost loved ones to this virus. May God console them and grant them peace. We pray also for doctors, nurses, and caregivers, for public health officials and all civic leaders. May God grant them courage and prudence as they seek to respond to this emergency with compassion and in service to the common good. In this time of need, I invite all the faithful to seek together the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and I share this prayer with you:

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,

Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.

We fly to you today as your beloved children.

We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,

as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother,

and gain for our nation and world,

and for all our families and loved ones,

the protection of your holy angels,

that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,

we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.

Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,

wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,

teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.

Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,

knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,

health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,

keep us in the embrace of your arms,

help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19):

Statement from the USCCB


Prayer Cardinal Cupich Message


A Different Fasting The Word became flesh and came to dwell among us— Now, in our isolated, enfleshed dwelling-places we forget the God incarnate, disremember the Divine in flesh, and dis-incarnate our already-fearful-of-flesh-lives. We are exiled from This, my Body This, my Blood… captives to fasting not merely from bread and cup but from those embodied, breathing sacraments who stood with us, knelt with us, prayed with us, listened with us, sang with us, who spoke the Risen Word “Peace” with us. Let us see beyond this time of flesh – as contagion, – as crisis, and be invigorated, as Christ, in memory of those who will again one day join with us, repent with us, praise with us, thank with us, eat with us drink with us; their unmasked breath the Spirit who makes us one. In this time of distance let us recall and crave a love that impelled the celestial embrace who fused with our flesh, fused us all in the font, and still fuses us now in this fasting. Once freed from this fast, our self-giving, not self-serving must rouse our rising to go, to help, to heal, to lift, to live renewed. —Word who became flesh, come, dwell among us: Now, then forever, Amen. Alan Hommrding Pray Tellblog.com

Dear Friends in Christ, During this time of uncertainty and anxiety, I pray that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. This crisis challenges us to act responsibly by following the social isolation guidelines while striving to stay close emotionally and spiritually to our families, our friends and our communities. Please join me in praying for those affected by COVID-19, as well as our first responders, health care workers and individuals who have lost income due to precautionary closures. Times such as these highlight the need for the spiritual sustenance and community connectivity our Archdiocese parishes provide every member of our Catholic community. To protect the safety of our community, most pastoral services are currently being performed virtually. I invite you to visit our website, www.archchicago.org, for up-to-date information on televised liturgies and other resources. It is critically important that our parishes and pastors receive the offertory support they need to remain operational and sustainable despite the suspension of weekly Masses. The Archdiocese has developed a universal online offertory page where the faithful can make an offertory donation to any parish in the Archdiocese. These donations will assist the parishes with ongoing expenses related to ministry, maintenance, staff and other pressing needs, that depend on regular offertory support from parishioners. Many of our parishes are suffering significant financial hardship during this challenging time. Your online support will make a critical difference. Additionally, as we are sensitive to the financial hardship suffered by many in recent days, we have also launched a Coronavirus Emergency Fund. This fund will support members of our community who have been negatively affected by the pandemic. For example, the fund will support parents of Catholic school students who might struggle with tuition payments because of unexpected job loss, ministries providing the needy with sustenance or parish communities deeply harmed by the pandemic. Our neighbors down the street and across the Archdiocese need our support at this critical moment. Your donation can help provide them with that support. Please visit www.archchicago.org/coronavirus/donate to support parish offertory, the Coronavirus Emergency Fund or both as your means allow. Your generosity is needed now more than ever. Our Archdiocese community has always come together to support one another during times of need, and I ask you to do so again. Please continue to pray for each other, as I continue to pray for you. Sincerely Yours in Christ, Cardinal Cupich Archbishop of Chicago

Giving at SJC

Please send your offertory donations to the Parish Center office at 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558. Or you may go use our e-giving on our parish website by simply going to the Giving Tab. Or you may TEXT to Give at 708-286-5778.

CRS Rice Bowl: Pray ~ Fast ~ Give Alms


Trinh will be different than me. I want her to be fully educated and not drop out of school. It’ll be hard for us at home—but I’m prepared to work to make Trinh’s dreams come true. -Tien, Trinh’s mother Trinh dreams of becoming a doctor. “I want to be a doctor to help poor patients,” says Trinh. “When my father is in pain, I want to cure him.” She knows that if she wants to achieve her dream, she’ll need to attend university. Trinh’s parents are ready to help her get there. “Trinh will be different than me,” her mother, Tien, says. “I want her to be fully educated and not drop out of school. It’ll be hard for us at home—but I’m prepared to work to make Trinh’s dreams come true.”

Jesus calls each of us to

use our gifts and talents

in the service of others.

What gifts and talents have

you been blessed with?

How might you use your gifts

to help other people?

What is Catholic Social Teaching? Catholic social teaching stems from Sacred Scripture, papal encyclicals, Vatican II, and documents from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It is an extension of the Eucharistic liturgy; “The Eucharist, celebrated as a community, teaches us about human dignity, calls us to right relationship with God, ourselves and others, invites us to community and solidarity, and sends us on mission to help transform our communities, neighborhoods and world.” Catholic social teaching guides us in our attempt to share the Eucharistic celebration in a transformative manner. It is typically divided into seven major intertwining themes.

1 Life and Dignity of the Human Person Catholics believe in the right to live a life of dignity from conception to natural death. A life of dignity begins with the protection of the unborn, includes the right to basic needs, such as food, water, health care, and education, and ends with the right to die a natural death.

2 Call to Family, Community, and Participation The Catholic tradition recognizes that people are sacred and social. How we organize our society, including our economic and political systems, directly impacts human dignity. As Catholics, we must actively participate in our society by, among other things, voting and advocating for policies and laws that protect human life and dignity and promote the common good.

Read about the next 5 teachings in upcoming bulletins.

This year due to the Coronavirus, we ask that all parish families count their alms collected in their Rice Bowl. Instead of bringing your Rice Bowl to SJC, please mail a check for the amount in your Rice Bowl to the Parish Center or go on our website to make your donation to CRS electronically.

Find more stories of hope, recipes and prayers on our parish website at stjohnofthecross.org/ricebowl/

Lord make me an instrument of your peace.

For Families


Read Sunday's Gospel: John 11:1-45

Gospel Summary In this Gospel, John tells the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The story is significant because it is likely that his action was his last miracle before Jesus began the journey toward his own death. Jesus was called to Bethany to save his friend, but instead waited several days to return. This action confused Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, because they knew that Jesus could have healed their brother. Jesus used the incident to strengthen the faith of Mary, Martha, and all who believed. He made sure that Lazarus was raised from death so that the people could witness God's glory.

Reflection for Families The healing power of Jesus brings new life to all of us. Are there some things in our lives that cause us to die to others? Perhaps we are impatient, ungrateful, critical, or quick to anger. Maybe we're proud, boastful, or envious. Jesus promises us new life if we trust in him and allow our actions to follow his ways.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family If there are members of your extended family who have died, share with one another what this passage might mean for them. What hope does the reading give us for ourselves and for our loved ones? How does new life that we can see this spring help us know what Jesus promised? As you did last week, bring some symbols of God's promise to your prayer table.

Discussion Starters 1. The best example I saw of the new life Jesus promises was... 2. Like Mary and Martha, my faith was strengthened when... 3. This story brings me hope because...

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus,

by your cross and resurrection

you have set us free.

You are the savior of the world.

Amen.

How does the cross represent the

suffering and resurrection of

Jesus?

How do we share in Jesus’

suffering?

How do we share in Jesus’

resurrection?

Go in your backyard and find two branches. Tie them together with string or yarn. Wrap the yarn around each branch. Hold the end of the yarn on top of the wood and wrap yarn around the stick catching the end. Wrap all the way around the stick then move under the next stick. Wrap all the way around that stick then move to the next stick. Always bring the yarn under the stick before wrapping around. When you are ready to change colors simply tie the ends of the yarn to each other.

Be Kind

If you’ve been crabby to those you love lately with all the stress of coronavirus and changes to your daily life, like especially to your dear spouse, remember to apologize, acknowledge your irritability, and start over again. Learn from your mistakes. Try following advice from Pope Francis who has spoken quite directly about how husband and wife should treat each other, about prayer within the family, and other ways the family lives its identity as the domestic Church. So this Lent, and really everyday, use these reminders to be loving and holy to one another.

Be courteous to your spouse. Use polite requests: “May I? Can I?” for example, “Would you like for us to do this?” and “Do you want to go out tonight?” “To ask permission means to know how to enter with courtesy into the lives of others...True love does not impose itself harshly and aggressively. (Pope Francis, Address to Engaged Couples, Rome, February 14, 2014)

Say “thank you” to your spouse. It seems so easy to say these words, but we know that it is not. But it is important!...It is important to keep alive the awareness that the other person is a gift from God and for the gifts of God we say thank you!” (Pope Francis, Address to Engaged Couples, Rome, February 14, 2014)

Ask forgiveness from your spouse. Say, “I’m sorry.” “Let us learn to acknowledge our mistakes and to ask for forgiveness. “Forgive me if today I raised by voice; I’m sorry if I passed without greeting you; excuse me if I was late. Never let the sun go down without making peace. Never. Never. Never.” (Pope Francis, Address to Engaged Couples, Rome, February 14, 2014) “It is important to have the courage to ask forgiveness when we are at fault in the family.” (Pope Francis, Address to Participants in the Pilgrimage of Families, Rome, October 26, 2013)

Pray together with your spouse and family. “Praying the Our Father together, around the table, is not something extraordinary: it’s easy. And praying the Rosary together, as a family, is very beautiful and a source of great strength! And also praying for one another. The husband for his wife, the wife for her husband, both together for their children, the children for their grandparents...praying for each other. This is what it means to pray in the family and it is what make the family strong: prayer. (Pope Francis, Homily for Family Day, Rome, October 27, 2013) Pray to the Lord to “multiply your love and give it to you fresh and good each day.” Pray together, “Lord give us this day our daily love.” (Pope Francis, Address to Engaged Couples, Rome, February 14, 2014)

Connect with the Elderly. Make a phone call to check in and listen to the elderly in your life—especially your grandparents. “Grandparents are like the wisdom of the family, they are the wisdom of a people...Listen to your grandparents.” (Pope Francis, Address to Participants in the Pilgrimage of Families, Rome, October 26, 2013) “How important grandparents are for family life, for passing on the human and religious heritage which is so essential for each and every society.” (Pope Francis, Angelus at World Youth Day, Rio de Janeiro, July 26, 2013)


Holy One, I ask you to help each member of our family to be completely humble and

gentle in our interactions with each other; and to be patient, bearing with one

another's faults in love - even when we're tired, frustrated, angry, or hurt. Help us to

make every effort to remain united in the Spirit in this home. Please bind us together in

peace. Amen.

Faith Fun for Families

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14

17

Across 1 When soldiers mocked Jesus, they put this on his head ____ ____ ____ 2 Prearranged sign Judas used to identify Jesus ____ 3 Forced to carry Jesus’ cross 4 Washed his hands in front of the crowd to show that he was not responsible for Jesus’ death. ____ 5 Garden of ______ 6 One person who stood at the foot of the cross ____ 7 Liturgical color of Lent ———— 8 After Jesus died who thrust a spear into his side? 9 Was rolled in front of the tomb 10 When did Jesus said his blood was poured out for the forgiveness of sins? Last ____ 11 Day of week upon which Jesus was crucified _____ 12 Three Lenten disciplines: Prayer, Fasting & _____ 13 Times Jesus fell ____ (spelled out) 14 When Jesus was arrested, a disciple seized his sword and cut off the high priest’s ____ 15 Jesus said to Peter, Before the ____ ____ you will disown me three times. 16 Disciple who betrayed Jesus 17 Man who carried Jesus’ cross was from _____

Down 1 What did crowd say when Pilate asked them what he should do with Jesus? ____ ____ 2 Rolled a big stone in front of tomb after Jesus had been laid inside ____ ____ ____ 4 Final week of Lent _____ ___ 5 After the Lord’s Supper before going to the garden what did Jesus and his disciples do? 6 “Eloi, Eloi, lama Sabachthani” means “My God, my God, why have you ________ me?” 7 Who did Jesus ask to watch with him in prayer in the garden? ____ ____ ____ 8 Prisoner released instead of Jesus ____ 9 Which Old Testament book at a verse in it which is taken as a Messianic prophecy about Jesus being betrayed by a good friend. Book of ______ 10 When Jesus was praying in the garden what did the disciples do? 11 After Jesus died what seismic event occurred in Jerusalem. 12 “He saved others, but he can’t ___ himself.” 13 Number of silver coins Judas received for betraying Jesus _____ 14 Helped Joseph take Jesus’ body down from the cross 15 Jesus was speaking in what language when he said “Eloi, Eloi, lama Sabachthani?” ________ 16 When Jesus died, what was torn in two from top to bottom? _____ _____


Video Presentation Laurence Freeman, OSB

Spiritual Director,

World Community for Christian

Meditation

20 Minute Period of Meditation

& Reflection

What Is Meditation?

Virtual Lenten Morning of Meditation Available @stjohnofthecross.org


How to Meditate · Sit still, sit straight, with eyes lightly closed, feet

flat on the floor, and hands in your lap or

resting on your knees.

· Begin to say your word/mantra silently, slowly,

continuously. Place your attention there,

listening to the sound of it. It is recommended

you choose a word that does not conjure up

images for you. The word Ma-ra-na-tha is

recommended—it means “Come, Lord” in

Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke.

· Whenever thoughts and distractions come

during the time of meditation (and they will),

gently return to saying the word/mantra over

and over for the entire time of meditation.

· Meditate 20-30 minutes one to two times per

day.

Ma-ra-na-tha

In 1985, Nobel Prize winning author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, published a novel entitled, Love in the Time of Cholera. It tells a colorful story of how life can still be generative, despite an epidemic. Well what’s besetting our world right now is not cholera but the coronavirus, Covid 19. Nothing in my lifetime has ever affected the whole world as radically as this virus. Whole countries have shut down, virtually all schools and colleges have sent their students home and are offering classes online, we’re discouraged from going out of our houses and from inviting others into them, and we’ve been asked not to touch each other and to practice “social distancing”. Ordinary, normal, time has stopped. We’re in a season that no generation, perhaps since the flu of 1918, has had to undergo. Furthermore, we don’t foresee an end soon to this situation. No one, neither our government leaders nor our doctors, have an exit strategy. No one knows when this will end or how. Hence, like the inhabitants on Noah’s Arc, we’re locked in and don’t know when the flood waters will recede and let us return to our normal lives. How should we live in this extraordinary time? Well, I had a private tutorial on this some nine years ago. In the summer of 2011, I was diagnosed with colon cancer, underwent surgery for a resection, and then was subjected to twenty-four weeks of chemotherapy. Facing the uncertainty of what the chemotherapy would be doing to my body I was understandably scared. Moreover, twenty-four weeks is basically half a year and contemplating the length of time that I would be undergoing this “abnormal” season in my life, I was also impatient. I wanted this over with, quickly. So I faced it like I face most setbacks in my life, stoically, with the attitude: “I’ll get through this! I’ll endure it!” I keep what might euphemistically be termed a journal, though it’s really more a Daybook that simply chronicles what I do each day and who and what enters my life on a given day. Well, when I stoically began my first chemotherapy session I began checking off days in my journal: Day one, followed the next day by: Day two. I had done the math and knew that it would take 168 days to get through the twelve chemo sessions, spaced two weeks apart. It went on like this for the first seventy days or so, with me checking off a number each day, holding my life and my breath, everything on hold until I could finally write, Day 168.

Then one day, about half way through the twenty-four weeks, I had an awakening. I don’t know what specifically triggered it, a grace from above, a gesture of friendship from someone, the feel of the sun on my body, the wonderful feel of a cold drink, perhaps all of these things, but I woke up, I woke up to the fact that I was putting my life on hold, that I wasn’t really living but only enduring each day in order check it off and eventually reach that magical 168th day when I could start living again. I realized that I was wasting a season of my life. Moreover, I realized that what I was living through was sometimes rich precisely because of the impact of chemotherapy in my life. That realization remains one of the special graces in my life. My spirits lifted radically even as the chemotherapy continued to do the same brutal things to my body. I began to welcome each day for its freshness, its richness, for what it brought into my life. I look back on that now and see those three last months (before day 168) as one of richest seasons of my life. I made some lifelong friends, I learned some lessons in patience that I still try to cling to, and, not least, I learned some long-overdue lessons in gratitude and appreciation, in not taking life, health, friendship, and work for granted. It was a special joy to return to a normal life after those 168 days of conscripted “sabbatical”; but those “sabbatical” days were special too, albeit in a very different way. The coronavirus has put us all, in effect, on a conscripted sabbatical and it’s subjecting those who have contracted it to their own type of chemotherapy. And the danger is that we will put our lives on hold as we go through this extraordinary time and will just endure rather than let ourselves be graced by what lies within this uninvited season. Yes, there will be frustration and pain in living this through, but that’s not incompatible with happiness. Paul Tournier, after he’d lost his wife, did some deep grieving but then integrated that grief into a new life in a way that allowed him to write: “I can truly say that I have a great grief and that I am a happy man.” Words to ponder as we struggle with this coronavirus. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser


Love in the Time of Covid 19

Mass Remembrances Monday, March 30 Lenten Weekday † Don King Tuesday, March 31 Lenten Weekday †Ron and Mary Nowicki Wedding Anniversary Wednesday, April 1 Lenten Weekday

† Guy Pertile † Barbara Cella † Lois Goralka † Patrick Woods

Thursday, April 2 Lenten Weekday; St. Francis of Paola

† Our Beloved Dead † Pat Woods † Alfred Urban Friday, April 3 Lenten Weekday

† Cosenza Family † Daniel Josephs

Saturday, April 4 Lenten Weekday; St. Isidore

9:00am † Moore Family † John Gora

4:00pm Evening Mass † Robert Plechaty † George Klimes and Eddie Clark † Ken Schuster

Sunday, April 5 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 7:30am † George Krug † Mary Margaret Kean 9:00am † Ellen Wallace † JoAnne Duffy 11:00am † Walter Dziubla † Catherine Koscielski † Robert Caplice † John McGovern † Patrick Woods 5:00pm † JoAnne Duffy

Living Remembrances in Italics

Rev. Marc W. Reszel, Pastor [email protected] Rev. Jesudas Gudime, Associate Pastor [email protected] Senior Deacon Joe Pepitone [email protected] Deacon John Schopp [email protected] Deacon Rich Voytas [email protected] Bill Bright, Director of Outreach [email protected] Janet Caschetta, Director of Youth Catechesis [email protected] Marguerite Chrusciel, Finance Manager [email protected] Frank DiPompeo, Plant Manager [email protected] Mary Beth Drafz, Digital Communications Coor [email protected]

Kathleen Gorman, Principal [email protected] Jessica Koch, Director of Music [email protected] MJ Martin, Director of Parish Operations [email protected] Katie Pruitt, High School Youth Minister [email protected] Theresa Reyes, Front Office Coordinator [email protected] Elizabeth Russell-Jones, Welcome Coordinator [email protected] Christina Turlek, Financial Assistant [email protected] Gale Voytas, Parish Ministry Assistant [email protected] Steven Weigand, Pastoral Associate [email protected]

Prayer Requests We Pray for Our Sick Rodrigo Ajates, Kathy Antczak, Beth Beutell, Leo Bressanelli, Robert Bright, Amanda Cook, Sarah Cook, Jean Culligan, Fran Domanskis, Aggie Frolik, Frank Gembala, Magdalena Goslawski, Tommy Grady, Karen Hult, Thomas Ivaska, Cheri Jeffrey, John Johnson, Kathleen Johnson, Peggy Koucky, Lee Lepinske, Nancy Lohr, Jesse Lurito, Russ Meyers, Bobbie Misiora, Ernie Misiora, Rita Munch, Irene Musur, Baby Evi O’Brien, Loretta Palekas, Al Piorkowski, Alison Saegebrecht, Rachael Schopp, Michael Sheehan, David Skrzypcznski, Wendy Workman Stulgim, Shawn Sweeney, Jawara Vashhani, Robert Vitale We Pray for Our Loved Ones Serving Our Country Staff Sgt. Steven Foody, Sergeant Sebastian Grabacki, Staff Sgt. Joshua Tischler USAF Pararescue, Sgt. Daniel Pett, MAJ. James Maicke, Staff Sgt. Larry Waszak, Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Strafaci, Seaman Riley Strafaci, Seaman Emily Strafaci, Sgt. Michael Grabarek, Spc. Douglas Junius, PFC Kevin Lawinger, Lieutenant James Viano, First Lieutenant Caroline Lorenzini, Captain Emily Kopec, Petty Officer 2nd Class John Ilg, LCDR Kyle Harken, US Navy, Fr. Filbert Ngwila, Army Chaplain, ETN3 Joseph Kula, US Navy, Col. Mark Blanek, US Army, 2nd Lt. Nathaniel Greenberg, US Army, Chandler Muszynski, Master of Arms US Navy We Pray for Our Beloved Dead William Siffermann, husband of Patricia, father of Jenny Finn, Bill, Tim, Emily Collins, Matthew, Annie Boldon, Michael, and John, grandfather of 16 Darlene Swan

A Christian should always remember that the value of his good works is not based on their number and excellence, but on the love of God which prompts him to do these things.

–St. John of the Cross

The first requirement for prayer is faith, the second is perseverance, and the third is courage. In these days when we need to pray more, let us ask ourselves if we pray like this. The Lord never deludes! He makes us wait, but He never deludes. #HomilySantaMarta Pope Francis @Pontifex


Virtual Lenten Morning of Meditation

Available now at www.stjohnofthecross.org

009239 St John of the Cross Church (B) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs

(708) 246-6006www.VersaciDental.com

DUPLEX ELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishioner www.duplexelectricservice.com

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installation

Staining & varnishing woodwork

Complete painting/staining of exteriors

Installation of chair & crown moldings,

baseboard & shoe moldings

John [email protected] (630) 337-8946Office (708) 246-5604Parishioner

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

Family owned and operated since 1885Parishioner

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester708-562-5900

www.conboywestchesterfh.com

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy HansonMatthew Conboy

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

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Ed the PlumberEd the Carpenter708.652.1444Best Work • Best Rates

WE DO ALL OUR OWN WORKSince 1965Lic# 055-026066

PARISHIONER DISCOUNT

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

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“Quality Care YourLoved One Deserves!”

• Senior Care Staffing• Experienced Caregivers

Available 24/7• Live-In, Hourly,

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DR. KEVIN J. SALVINOHinsdale Foot and Ankle Specialist

Board Certified630-789-1700

Affiliated with Hinsdale Hospital

SUNDAY & SATURDAY BRUNCH10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Brunch Menu & New Kids MenuHAPPY HOUR

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EVENTS ON AND OFF PREMISES

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DISCOUNTS on Large Pizza OrdersDINE IN, TAKE OUT & DELIVERY

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homehelpershomecare.com/hinsdale

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Striving to bethe Best in

Customer ServiceBROKERS

JEN MCGINN JEN HUBL 312.622.0326 708.655.0163 Lifetime Parishioner

[email protected] • www.Jen2homes.com

Say Good-bye to Clogged Gutters!• LeafGuard®

is guaranteed never to clog or we’ll clean it for FREE*

• Seamless, one-piece system keeps out leaves, pine needles, and debris

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Receive a $25 Lowe's Gift Cardwith FREE in-home estimate!

All participants who attend an estimated 60-90 minute in-home product consultation will receive a $25 gift card. Retail value is $25. Offer sponsored by LeafGuard Holdings Inc. Limit

one per household. Company procures, sells, and installs seamless gutter protection. This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. If married or involved with a life partner,

both cohabitating persons must attend and complete presentation together. Participants must have a photo ID, be able to understand English, and be legally able to enter into a contract.

The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of Company or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a Company

in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former Company customers. Gift may not be extended, transferred, or substituted except that Company may substitute a gift of equal or greater value if it deems it necessary. Gift card will be mailed to the participant via first class United States Mail within 21 days of receipt of the promotion form. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount of any kind. Offer not

sponsored or promoted by Lowe's and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation. Expires 3/31/20.

CALL BY 12/31 TO RECEIVE75% 50% OFF

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Offer expires 3/31/20.

x

BREAKFAST & LUNCHOpen 7 Days | 7am - 3pm

900 Plainfield Rd.Willowbrook 630.541.8958www.LumesBrunchCafe.com

Napleton’s Countryside Mazda6060 S. LaGrange Rd., Countryside

708.354.2700www.napletonscountrysidemazda.com

Buy Local from the

St. John of the Cross Family!

GREAT COVERAGE - 97% of all households attending church take at least onechurch bulletin home every Sunday. GREAT VALUE - 70% of all households are aware of and look at the advertising inthe church bulletin and 68% of households surveyed when making a choice betweenbusinesses are inclined to choose the one who advertised in the church bulletin.

Learn More About Advertising In Your Parish BulletinCall us at 1-800-621-5197

Email: [email protected]

IN YOUR LOCALCHURCH BULLETIN?WHY ADVERTISE

$29.95/Mo. billed quarterly

• One Free Month• No Long-Term Contract• Price Guarantee• Easy Self Installation

Call Today! Toll Free 1.877.801.8608

Medical Alert System

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATEDProviding Distinguished Service Since 1923

1025 West 55th Street, Countryside708-352-6500

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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

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY • Reconstruction • Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency

6961 Vine StreetIndian Head Park708-246-1263

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.Restorative &

Implant General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd.,Suite 120

Hinsdale 630-455-1666

Complete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

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

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

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

Office 708-354-5575After Hours Emergency – 708-408-3676

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: [email protected] (630) 887-0500

3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook630-325-6550www.savwaywines.com

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSuite 5

Western Springs

Pebble ValleyWealth Management

Kirk A. Kreikemeier, CFP®, CFA, FSAFinancial Planning & Investment Mgt

Fee-Only RIA & Parishioner

Root Canal Treatment, Dental Implants,

Wisdom Teeth Extraction, Emergency

Treatment, & Sedation

• Evening and Saturday Hours

• Most dental insurances accepted

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

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, Parishioner

Western Springs Resident

ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICESExperienced Polish Girls

Homes • Condos • OfficesFree Estimates

Insured 773.502.9369

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

INCOME TAX PREPARATIONPERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

[email protected]

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and VarietyFull Service Bakery

825 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246.2894

COLDWELL BANKERMARY ELLEN “O’HARA” CONSIDINE

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

[email protected]

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

Networking • WIFI • Internet(630) 789-3971 Tom

[email protected] www.pcmd.comWE STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS!

THE SUSAN SEMANATEALLSTATE AGENCY

915 55th St., Ste. 101 • Western Springs

708.246.8800

Quality Work – Reasonable Prices

DEMMISPLUMBING

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EMERGENCYSERVICE

Lic# 102246

“Protecting yourReal Estate investmentfrom purchase to sale”

Camden Law Office, LLC630-789-5896

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Tina TzinaresAgentAUTO • HOME • LIFE • BANK

201 E. Ogden Ave., Unit 15Hinsdale, IL 60521630-789-1866www.tinainsuresme.com

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Jim Gruszka, Handyman(708) 601 8833

[email protected]

(630) 323-0275 | www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com

60 South Grant Street | Hinsdale, IL 60521

Terrence M. Sullivan • Brian D. Sullivan

Parishioner & School Family

Serving Families Like Yours for Four Generations

HERITAGEROOFING

FULLYINSURED 708.253.2561

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Consider RememberingYour Parish in Your Will.

For further information, please call the Parish Office.

st. john of the cross parish · 3/29/2020 · st. john of the cross parish 5005 wolf road western...

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