Parish Family

PARISH STAFF Monsignor John J.

Siekierski, Pastor

Sister Gloria Jean

Kozlowski, Director of

Religious Education

Anne J. Ruiz, School

Principal

Dora Castellanos,

School Secretary

Lisa Kusek, Church

Secretary

OFFICE HOURS 9:00 am — 3:00 pm

6:30 pm — 8:30 pm

(by appointment)

Office Closed:

Wednesday, Friday,

Saturday & Sunday

TELEPHONE Parish Office/Rectory

398-2341

Convent

397-7059

School

398-1316

MASSES Saturday 4:30 pm

Sunday 8:30 am and

12:00 Noon

WEEKDAY MASSES 8:15 am (Mon.,

Tues., Thurs., & Fri.)

Wednesday at 8:15

a.m. Word &

Communion Service

CONFESSIONS Saturday at 4:00 pm

and immediately

after the 4:30 pm

Mass. Face to Face

Confessions by

appointment only.

April 22, 2018

4th Sunday

Of Easter

St. Stanislaus

8 0 8 W . 1 5 0 T H S T R E E T · E A S T C H I C A G O , I N D I A N A 4 6 3 1 2

Liturgical Notes for the Week

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Today we celebrate the liturgy of the Fourth Sunday of

Easter, which because of the Scripture texts chosen for

our hearing is traditionally know as Good Shepherd

Sunday.

In the early church, before Jesus was depicted as

suffering and dying on the cross, he was depicted as

“the Good Shepherd.” This image was central to early

Christian identity. We see paintings and even statues of

Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The cross seems to have

been too painful or too inappropriate to be an effective

way to portray Jesus. The Good Shepherd conveyed the

Christian message much more clearly. The image of a

shepherd is certainly one rooted in antiquity. There are

not as many shepherds today as there were then. And

the site of a shepherd was much more common in that

culture than it is today. Yet, even though most of us do

not know any shepherds, or even seen any recently, we

are all familiar with the image. Even Pope Francis spoke

about shepherds shortly after he became pope. He spoke

about how he wanted priests to have “the smell of the

sheep” on them. This kind of graphic, even smelly,

analogy offended some people. One person responded,

“That sounds gross! Did he actually say that?” But it is

precisely the image Francis meant to convey about

whom he wanted as priests, and the language stems

from this gospel story about Jesus himself being the

Good Shepherd.

Though the imagery in today’s gospel may be foreign to

our everyday experience, it rings true nonetheless. In

some ways the story’s setting sounds similar to a fairy

tale with the shepherd, the hired hand, a wolf, and

scattered sheep. But, of course, the lessons from this

gospel are much more profound than a fairy tale. This

gospel tells us that the kingdom of God is not merely

like a shepherd and his sheep; but rather, Jesus himself

is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the

sheep. The sheep know his voice. The Good Shepherd

smells like the sheep. Jesus’ figure of the Good

Shepherd is not an idyllic, serene image. Palestinian

shepherds were tough, earthy characters who fearlessly

swung their staffs (more like clubs than walking sticks)

against poachers and wolves. While the shepherd/sheep

metaphor is found throughout Scripture, Jesus’ vow to lay

down his life for his sheep is something new and likely

shocking to his audience. Of course, the image becomes

clear in light of the resurrection. But ancient shepherds did

not sacrifice their own lives for sheep, even if the sheep

were their own! Jesus lays down his life for us, his sheep,

and is therefore rightly called the Good Shepherd.

Today also is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations as

well as Earth Day. The following prayer words best

express our involvement in today’s events.

Good Shepherd, we pray: that all who are baptized come to

a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd,

we pray; Lord, hear our prayer. That our young may be

guided by you in following their vocational paths, we pray:

Lord, hear our prayer. That those who shepherd us in the

Church may reek of the sheep they shepherd, we pray:

Lord, hear our prayer. That all of us may remain faithful

in caring for the earth, we pray: Lord, hear our prayer.

Our God and Shepherd, you know me and the paths I take.

May I seek you out in my joys and sorrows, always

desiring to hear your voice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ,

your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the

Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This Wednesday, April 25th, we celebrate St. Mark, the

evangelist. This liturgical year we are using the scripture

texts of cycle B in which Mark’s gospel is key. It is the

shortest gospel and well worth reading in its entirety or in

part today. In days past on the Feast of St. Mark, was

traditionally celebrated as the Major Rogation. Rogation,

which derives from the Latin word rogare, meaning “to

ask.” Although not required by the Second Vatican

Council, on the days of Rogation we seek God’s mercy and

ask for his blessings, particularly on gardens, farms, and

other agricultural endeavors. This is a day, also, to pray for

healing in the wake of the disasters that often befall the

natural world such as droughts, floods, hurricanes and

blizzards. In this time of growing awareness of the critical

need for care of creation, it is also a time to raise awareness

about conservation and ecological action. As stated

about—though not required—let us ask St. Mark to bless

the above intentions as well as grant to us ears to hear the

Good News he wrote about, hearts to ponder and treasure it

and lives to witness to it particularly through these Easter

days. Being a good shepherd. In today’s Gospel, Jesus

talks about being a good shepherd. He is not a stranger or a

marauder. Everybody is called to be a shepherd of this

world. When I look upon something as part of me, and

myself as part of all people and all creation, it makes a

difference. I tend to treat something that I’m part of

differently than something that is not my own. The people

of this earth are not strangers. They are my sisters and

brothers. The earth is God’s and all who dwell in it. We,

like God whose Spirit is within us, are to care for and

nurture the earth and people on this earth, like shepherds

care for the flock. We are part of this wondrous creation,

placed here by God to continue God’s shepherding work. 2 ST. STANISLAUS PARISH • EAST CHICAGO, IN

Scripture Reflection Today's Gospel occurs in the middle of Jesus' ministry. At

first, Jesus' words seem to be about the value of self-

sacrifice in a leader. "I am the Good Shepherd? I will lay

down my life for the sheep." The Apostles likely would

have accepted these words easily enough. But then comes something more strange. "I lay down my life in order to take

it up again? I have power to lay it down and power to take it

up again." Only later, when Jesus opened the Scriptures to

them after his resurrection, would the Apostles understand

his words. Only then would they understand why such an

act was necessary for the salvation of the world.

Even now, we may struggle with the necessity of Holy

Week. How often do we hear complaints against the silence

of God, as if He is the "hired man" who "runs away" from

suffering? Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is our

redemption in fact. God himself bears the full weight of

sin's consequences. The Paschal Mystery is also a sign that

happens in full view of the human experience. We have

seen Jesus lay down his life. We have seen him accompany

others. "I know mine and mine know me." We have seen

him reach those outside the traditional flock, "sheep not of

this fold." Jesus is the Good Shepherd, not only in Scripture

but in our daily lives.

While we can't experience physically walking alongside

him like the Apostles did, the grace of our redemption

continues through the Church. We are shepherded by the

sacraments, by faith formation, by good mentors. At the

same time, we are not only the sheep. In imitating Jesus, we,

too, are invited to lay down our lives for others. We can be

the hands, feet, and shepherd's crook of Christ.

Financial Blessings YOUR GIFTS TO YOUR PARISH LAST WEEK IN THE

COLLECTION AMOUNTED TO………...……....$3,651.00

Adult envelopes issued……..……….…..424(April 2018)

Adult envelopes used……..…..161/38% (April 15, 2018)

Food Pantry………1 donations……….………....$100.00

April 20, 2018: School & Food Services Payroll:

$31,301.01; Church Payroll: $5,540.41

Thank You for your continued support! May God Bless You!

Consideration: Someday, after mastering the winds,

the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for

God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in

the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.

—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, in “The Evolution of

Chastity”

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Stewardship: A Way of Life

PROPER BALANCE

Jesus knew that in order to continue ministering to people he

and his disciples needed occasional time alone. So he took them

off “to a deserted place” to rest. Are you overworking, over-

volunteering, over-extending yourself? A good stewardship of

your time requires balancing activities with proper rest and

prayerfulness. Saint Benedict (485–547A.D.), the founder of

many monasteries in Italy, knew that living in a community is a

challenge, so he wrote his now famous Rule. The Rule was a set

of instructions for the monks to ensure that they could pray,

work and live in harmony. Its short chapters cover everything

from how to live the spiritual life to how to live obediently and

humbly—and how to discipline someone who is not! Benedict

also gives instruction about the daily work of the monks and

how to manage a monastic community effectively. The Rule is

such a balanced blend of moderate and reasonable instructions

that many new religious orders adopted some form of

Benedict’s original. The key to the Rule is that a monk may not

allow any one or two activities to take over all his time. The

daily life of a monastery requires that everyone participate in an

orderly balance of prayer, work, and rest. This kind of balance

is much harder for lay people to achieve by themselves, when

the demands of the workplace and family seem non-stop. One

busy mom uses her bathroom moments to pray; a man who

takes many business trips prays as he drives. Parents caring for

a disabled son rely on the help of friends for a necessary time-

out. An overworked single mother takes a nap every day while

her children do their homework. It is difficult to pull away to

refocus and refuel, but it is essential for what God is calling you

to do in your life.

3

APRIL 22, 2018•

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Good Shepherd Sunday

Monday, April 23—St. George, Martyr; St. Adalbert,

Bishop and Martyr

8:15 †Stanislaw Lubomira & Jerzy Grzegorzak int.

Teresa Radziwiecki

Tuesday, April 24—St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest

And Martyr

8:15 †Mary Radziwiecki int. Ladies Rosary

Sodality

Wednesday, April 25—St. Mark, Evangelist

8:15 Word & Communion Service

Thursday, April 26

8:15 †John Manning int. niece, Rose Klapkowski

Friday, April 27

8:15 †Teresa Radziwiecki int. The Gadzala Family

Saturday, April 28—St. Louis Grignion de Montfort,

Priest; St. Peter Chanel, Priest

and Martyr

4:30 †Irene Mackowiak int. Ed & Nancy

Mackowiak

Sunday, April 29, 5th Sunday of Easter

8:30 God’s Blessings for the Members of the

Polish Women’s Alliance, Our Lady of

Consolation, Group # 132

For Our Parishioners

12:00 †Lottie Kurek int. The Kurek Family

Anniversary of Death

†Stanley Kurek int. The Kurek Family

Birthday

Schedule for Saturday & Sunday, April 28 & 29

Saturday, April 28

4:30 pm John Armenta, Grace DelliColli,

Dominic Quintero, Diane Svitko

Sunday, April 29

8:30 am Cecil Owens, Jeremy Maldonado,

Arthur & Tara Radziwiecki

12:00 Noon Monique Alvarado, Julian Marquez,

Anthony Panek, Christopher Valdes

Schedule for Saturday & Sunday, April 28 & 29

Saturday, April 28

4:30 pm Bill Drapac

Sunday, April 29

8:30 am Ricardo Espinoza

12:00 Noon Lauren Navarro

Schedule for Saturday & Sunday, April 28 & 29

Saturday, April 28

4:30 pm Adriana Alvarez, Michael Cantu

and Jaslene Gonzalez

Sunday, April 29

8:30 am David Cheek, Jr., Elena Cheek,

and Moses Cuevas

12:00 Noon Alejandra/Soledad Castellanos

and Joseph Elkins

4 ST. STANISLAUS PARISH • EAST CHICAGO, IN

World Day of Prayer for Vocations...Let Us Pray:

God of the invitation, you knock upon the door of everyone’s

heart. We seek the courage to open that door, for we know

the responsibility of saying yes. We humbly ask you for your

wisdom to serve your church with compassion and acceptance.

We believe that when we say yes, you will provide the grace

for the work ahead. Give grace to those men and women who

have dedicated their lives to constant service to your church.

Also give grace to those couples and single men and women

who work for the church in their secular lives. We ask all this

through Christ our Lord and brother, who live and reign with

you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

DID YOU RESPOND TO THE CALL?

There is still time! Not sure how you can help?

Sign up and Let the Holy Spirit decide for you!

Our Parish Vision Goals over the next 3 years: YOUNG CATHOLICS (YOUTH MINISTRY)-

Recruit St. Stan School students to hold responsibilities within the parish; Get school age students caught up to age appropriate sacraments. EVANGELIZATION-Institute bi-annual general assembly for parish life, issues and outreach discussions; Implement technology and social media to connect with community. SACRAMENTS, PRAYER, & WORSHIP-Increase weekly mass attendance; Communicate continuous parish events and resources. E-mail the Parish planning team with your contact information and how you would like to respond to: StStansSynod@gmail.com, or call the Parish Office @ 219-398-2341. You will be contacted by one of the team members.

Don’t forget, folks! The Food Pantry will be open on Monday April 30, from 8am to 1pm. You must be an East Chicago resident and show your ID with your address on it. For those who want to donate: we are in need of canned veggies, soup, and fruit, paper towels and Kleenex. Thank You to all who donate items & their time.

Things To Ponder… Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun. How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you’re on. If ignorance is bliss, why aren’t more people happy? Don’t cry because its over, smile because it happened. Happiness comes through doors you didn’t even know you left open.

Community Events

Our Parish (Church and School) is sponsoring the 2018 Spring Cash Raffle to help support both our church and our school. There are 20 cash prizes totaling $8,000.00. There will also be three incentive prizes for those persons/families who sell the most raffle tickets. The cost of each raffle ticket is $5.00. The drawing will take place on Friday, May 4, 2018, at 7:00 pm at the St. Stanislaus Home and School Association sponsored Taste of St. Stan’s in our Social Hall from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

CATHOLIC SERVICES APPEAL/CSA 2018

Many sincere thanks to the 24 families of our parish

who made pledges/gifts last weekend in the amount of

$7,925.00 toward our CSA parish goal of $22,212.00.

We need $14,287.00 to reach our Parish Goal. Please be

generous in helping our parish reach its CSA goal. Thank

you and God Bless You and Yours .

—Msgr. John

The St. Stan’s Happy Timers will hold their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 12:00

Noon at the Knights of Columbus small hall in Roxana.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m.

Guest Speaker—Thaddeus F. Radziwiecki, D.P.M.—

Physician and Surgeon of the Foot—3641 Ridge Road,

Ste 6, Highland, IN. Topic: “Passion—Senior Foot Care!”

“Thank You!” members for your generous donations of

bathroom tissues for the Food Pantry!

5 APRIL 22, 2018•

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

HAPPY TIMERS NEWS

Earth Day April 22, 2018

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