5005 S. Wolf Road Western Springs, IL 60558 ▪ Parish Office: 708-246-4404 ▪ stjohnofthecross.org

June 29, 2014 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

St. John of the Cross Parish

Upon this rock

I will build my

Church

Parish News & Notes

You can make all the difference!

Donating Electronically: Parishioners are encouraged to make their offertory donations from their bank account through our online giving program on our parish website. Go to stjohnofthecross.org and 1. Click on the Sharing Picture, then 2. Click on the words, Sunday Offertory, on the left

side. You can schedule your donation to arrive at SJC on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis, and you can change or stop your donation with the click of your mouse. Giving electronically from your bank account (instead of using a credit card) is less costly for the parish which absorbs the credit card fees. E-giving is easy and convenient and helps our parish budgeting by providing a consistent revenue source and increased efficiency in recording of donations. You will receive an email acknowledgment each time you donate. Some parishioners prefer to fill out a paper form which can be downloaded from our website and then mailed to the parish center. Paper forms are also available at the parish center. We are ready to help you and answer any questions that you may have about your donations. We can also make any changes over the phone to your e-giving plan in the parish center office. Please call MJ x123 at the parish office with any changes or questions. “OLD” ACH to Online Giving: Years ago parishioners donated to the parish by filling out a paper form with their bank account information, directing our bank to automatically withdraw their donation on a weekly or monthly basis. If you donate through this “old” program, you are asked call MJ, and we will switch you over to the newer online program. If you are not sure which program you are in, give a quick call and MJ can look it up. 708-246-4404 x123. Plan Ahead: St. John of the Cross Parish would be honored to be remembered in your will or other long term giving plans. Call MJ for information.

Thank you for your generosity to our parish.

Friday, July 4th is Independence Day.

Join us at the 9am Mass.

This weekend is the Peter’s Pence Collection which supports the Holy Father in his charitable works. The Peter’s Pence Collection is taken up worldwide to support the most disadvantaged: victims of war, oppression, and natural disasters. This is an oppor-tunity to join with Pope Francis and be a witness of charity to our suffering brothers and sisters. Thank you for your generosity.

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Parish News & Notes

Fr. Dennis Koopman, OFM, is celebrating his 50th Jubilee of becoming a Franciscan Friar. Fr. Dennis is a familiar face to many parishioners as he has been helping at our parish for many years, celebrating weekend and weekday Masses, hearing confessions, and presiding at funerals. All are invited to celebrate his Jubilee Anniversary with Fr. Dennis on Tuesday, July 8 at the 7:45am Mass. A reception will follow in the community room of church.

Summer Sport Camps for All Parish Kids Running Camp for children in grades 3-8 is held every Wednesday through August 6th from 7:30-8:30am. Kids meet at the flag pole. Fee is $60. Questions: Michelle Fink, 708-784-1599 Basketball Camp for children in grades 2-8 will be offered at 2 sessions: July 28 through August 1 and August 4 through August 18. grade 2-5 attend from 8-10am and grades 6-8 attend from 10am-Noon. Fee is $85 per session or $95 at the door. Register at: stjohnofthecross.org/school/athletics. Questions: Tom Taylor, 312-617-8535.

New Baby? Ready for Baptism? As part of collaborative efforts across the parish that are focused on strengthening and supporting the vocation of all Catholic parents, we have developed new resources for parents bringing their infant for baptism. What do I need to do to have my baby baptized? Pre-baptism sessions are now offered for all parents whether it is your first child being baptized or a sub-sequent child. The sessions are offered on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1:30pm (noon during the summer). It is our expectation that both parents will attend this session. Feel free to bring your new baby and invite the godparents too. The session which runs two hours is designed with input from parents like you who are eager to provide an environment that will foster faith in Jesus Christ. Parents are asked to register to attend a pre-baptism session. Simply call the parish center front office during regu-lar business hours (9am-4pm). One of our full-time staff members will take all the necessary information and answer any questions you may have.

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Please help us welcome our new members to the St. John of the Cross Parish faith community:

Bianca and Frank Drozd and Family Cara and Peter Rogers

Cynthia and Jerry Purcell and Family Nicole Poletti and Michael McCaskey and Family

Amy and John Carolan and Family Nancy and Dan Collins and Family

Michelle Rojas and Christopher Ing and Family If you would like to register to become a new member, please contact Elizabeth Russell-Jones in the Welcome Center. For more information call 708.246.4404x155 or erussell jones@stjohnofthecross.org.

Parish News & Notes

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Interested in Catholicism? Do you want to find out more?

They followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher) “Where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” ~ John 1:37-39

Are you satisfied with your faith? What are you seeking in this life? We all search for deeper meaning in our life; whether we know it or not, every action we take is driven by a desire to find purpose. Jesus Christ calls each one of us in a special way, inviting us into a lifelong relationship with Him that will transform the way we live and who we are at the very deepest level. He wants us to “Come and See.” This fall we will begin again the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This program is an opportunity for all those interested to explore the Catholic faith and enter into the process of coming into full communion with the Church. If you have ever thought about becoming a Catholic, if you know anyone who might be interested in learning more about our faith, consider this your personal invitation to come and see. RCIA is about more than just learning the teachings of the Church; it is about prayer, practice, discovery and relationship. Jesus Christ extends the hand of peace to each one of us, calling us into His presence. This fall explore the Catholic Church and learn how transformative a relationship with Jesus Christ can be in a supportive community of faith. Come and see where Jesus Christ is staying. It will change your life. Call Fr. Bill Vollmer for more information on RCIA. 708-246-4404 x120.

Did You Know? The parish offers free babysitting in the Garden Room of the Rectory every Sunday during the 9am and 10:45am Masses. No reservations are needed. Just come to the front glass doors of the rectory and ring the bell to be buzzed into the building. The rectory is located between the church and the parish center by the Mary Garden. The front doors face north. There is no sitting service on holiday weekends. So there will be no sitting on Sunday, July 6th (July 4th weekend) or Sunday, August 31st (Labor Day weekend).

Retreat for the Widowed, August 2-3 Are you widowed? Do you feel that your family and friends don’t understand what you are going through? Come to a special retreat designed to bring you understanding and hope. Retreat for Widowed Men and Women, August 2-3, 2014 at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Elmhurst. For information or to register call 708-354-7211 or email joyfulagain7211@gmail.com. Visit joyfulagain.org for more information.

Be In

the Know!

Would you like to receive our weekly email newsletter which features upcoming events, announcements, and connects you to your parish? You’ll even find a link to our weekly bulletin in case you’ve missed it in church. If you’re not getting our weekly email, sign up today. Send an email to Mary Beth Drafz at mbdrafz@stjohnofthecross.org to be added to our list or visit www.stjohnofthecross.org and click on E-Newsletter Sign Up at the bottom of the home page.

Prayer Requests

We Believe in the Power of Prayer!

At the SJC Fest parishioners and visitors were invited to add their prayer intentions to the Prayer Jar. If you missed the Fest Prayer Jar, feel free to add your prayer intention on our parish website. Click on the Praying picture and on the words Prayer Request on the left side. All intentions submitted will be prayed for at the weekend Masses on July 5-6 and July 12-13.

Monday Amos 2:6-10, 13-16 Ps 50:16bc-17, 18-19, 20-21, 22-23 Matt 8:18-22

Tuesday Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12 Ps 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8 Matt 8:23-27

Wednesday Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 Ps 50:7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 16bc-17 Matt 8:28-34

Thursday Eph 2:19-22 Ps 117:1bc, 2 John 20:24-29

Friday Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 Ps 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131 Matt 9:9-13

Saturday Amos 9:11-15 Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 Matt 9:14-17

Sunday Zech 9:9-10 Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 Rom 8:9, 11-13

Lifelong Learning

To be faithful rocks upon which the church is built, we must know who Jesus is for us, listen to what he teaches us. We must be unyielding when it comes to living what Jesus has taught us, rock solid when it comes to following him, and rock steady in our commitment to bring his love and care

to others. Excerpt from Living Liturgy.

Background on the Gospel Reading Mark places this incident at Caesarea Philippi. Luke, because of the importance he wishes to give to prayer in his Gospel, places it in the context of Jesus praying. But Matthew keeps it at Caesarea Philippi. In today's Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples for a “field report” by asking what people are saying about him. He refers to himself as the Son of Man, a term derived from the Jewish Scriptures, found in the book of Daniel and in other apocryphal writings. Many scholars suggest that “Son of Man” is best understood to mean “human being.” As Jesus turns the question directly to the disciples and asks what they believe, Peter speaks for all of them when he announces that they believe Jesus to be the Christ. “Christ” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for “messiah,” which means “the anointed one.” At the time of Jesus, the image of the “messiah” was laden with popular expectations, most of which looked for a political leader who would free the Jewish people from Roman occupation. Because Jesus has referred to himself a number of times in Matthew by Christological titles this moment is not the revelation of who Jesus is as in Mark. Instead it marks an important moment in the development of the Church. Jesus uses this occasion to bless Peter, who represents all the disciples but also has a unique role to play in the founding of the new community. Peter is blessed not because of a personal insight, but because God revealed to him who Jesus is. Peter is the rock on which Jesus will build the Church. © Loyola Press. Used with permission

May we come to know and love Jesus more fully.

May we, like Peter and Paul , draw nearer to Christ

and proclaim him

faithfully by our lives.

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Richard Rohr Daily Meditation You Have to Be

Beloved to Know Think of the many, many stories about God choosing people. There are Moses, Abraham, and Sarah; there are David, Jeremiah, Gideon, Samuel, Jonah, and Isaiah. There is Israel itself. Much later there are Peter and Paul, and, most especially, Mary. God is always choosing people. First impressions aside, God is not primarily choosing them for a role or a task, although it might appear that way. God is really choosing them to be God’s self in this world, each in a unique situation. If they allow themselves to experience being chosen, being a beloved, being somehow God’s presence in the world, they invariably communicate that same chosenness to others. And thus the Mystery passes on from age to age. Yes, we do have roles and tasks in this world, but finally they are all the same—to uniquely be divine love in a way that no one else can or will.

Prayer

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Every Act of Love Is a Prayer Jesus could have formulated a plan of action for his disciples or provided them with a list of helpful hints on how to conduct themselves. Instead, Jesus prayed. He stood before God with open hands and an open heart, and asked for God’s tender care and compassion for those he loved. In so doing, Jesus taught his followers that the primary posture of a believer before God is one of prayer. Before any plans are made, before any agenda is set, before all else, those who continue the ministry of Jesus are to pray. This means that we consciously decide to live in the presence of God. As Henri Nouwen has noted, some consider prayer a weakness, or a support system that we use when there seems to be no other option (The Only Necessary Thing, Crossroad Pub., New York: 1999). But this is only true when the God of our prayers is created in our own image and adapted to our needs and concerns. However, when prayer is authentic and God-centered, it enables us to reach out to God and to be pulled away from self-preoccupations. True prayer encourages us to leave familiar ground so as to enter into a new world beyond the confines of our mind or heart. Not an exercise to be limited to Sunday mornings or to a set period of time each day, praying, insisted Nouwen, is living (With Open Hands, Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Ind.: 1972). It is eating and drinking, action and rest, teaching and learning, playing and working. Pervading every aspect of our existence, prayer is the ever-evolving recognition that God is! God is wherever we are, always reaching out, always drawing us near, ever revealing an unending love for us. Mother Teresa encouraged her sisters to remember that “every act of love is a prayer. Prayer is action in love and love in action is service” (The Joy in Loving, Penguin Group, New York: 1997). With that conviction, Mother Teresa led her sisters through the streets of the city, seeking out and reverently ministering to those who were regarded as the untouchables. When she bathed a leper, she was praying; when she fed hungry, crying babies, there she was praying too, not with words but with her hands, her heart and her selflessness. If we could be convinced that all we are and all we do can be a prayer, how might that influence the way we are with one another? Might we be kinder? Perhaps we might be more thoughtful and less selfish, less angry, less critical, less sharp; more tender, more attentive, more giving? When the followers of Jesus came together in the Upper Room, they were at once fearful yet determined, cautious yet daring, insecure and yet fully trusting in the presence and power of Jesus. Through prayer — that is, through their communion with God and with the strength they gained from one another — they grew stronger and more resolute in their willingness to preach the good news of salvation. The example of Jesus’ followers as well as that of the Johannine Jesus (Gospel) urges us toward a similar devotion to that quality of prayer that will fuel all our efforts and fire our hearts with the energy and fortitude we need to be Christ’s witnesses and servants in the world. This is the posture each of us is to assume before God and all others. Amen. Excerpts from 2014 Celebration Publications. Used with permission.

How strong is our own

faith in God’s gift of prayer

to us?

To those who believe in prayer,

no explanation is needed; to those

who don’t, none is possible.

M Link Used with permission.

Meditation is simply a way

of coming to that basic healthiness of spirit,

a state wherein our spirit has room to breathe,

where it is not assailed and weighed down by trivia or

what is merely material; a state wherein,

because we are open to ultimate truth and

to ultimate love, we are summoned

beyond all mere trivia.

Lifelong Learning

Saint Peter, whom Jesus called to "feed my sheep," to shepherd the fledgling Christian community, to lead his infant church, was a flawed human being. (Even the nickname apparently bestowed on him by Jesus—Cephas, or Peter, meaning "Rocky"—affirms the angularity of Peter's character.) From the beginning, Peter was acutely aware of his own sinfulness and own weakness. Near the opening of the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus first meets Peter and performs a miracle before him, Peter cowers in shame, and says, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."

This is not false humility. They are the words of someone who, in the face of the divine mystery, manifests a profound understanding of his own sinfulness and personal limitations. It is also a natural response to the transcendent. Such an awareness is central to the development of the Christian life: it is the sign of a humility that marks the beginning of a true relationship with God. This is the reason that early in his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, asks the person making the retreat to pray for "an interior knowledge of my sins...and the disorder of my actions."

Anyone who reads even a few gospel stories will encounter what you could call the "historical Peter." He is headstrong, doubtful, confused, impulsive: human. The reader will also discover that Jesus loves Peter and loves him with abandon. Jesus is constantly offering him forgiveness, even for his craven behavior at the crucifixion, and is consistently placing his trust in him. (Scripture scholars note that when Jesus asks Peter "Do you love me?" three times by the seashore, it is meant to counterbalance Peter's triple denial of Jesus before the crucifixion.)

Peter is among the greatest of the saints precisely because of his humanity, his shortcomings, his doubt and, moreover, his deeply felt understanding of all these things. Only someone like Peter, who understood his own sinfulness and the redeeming love of Christ, would be able to lead the infant church and lead others to Jesus.

Only someone as weak as Peter would be able to do what he did.

Used with permission. From My Life with the Saints, by James Martin, SJ

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Anima Christi Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O Good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds hide me. Permit me not to be separated from you. From the wicked foe, defend me. At the hour of my death, call me and bid me come to you That with your saints I may praise you For ever and ever. Amen. From Finding God in All Things: A Marquette Prayer Book © 2009 Marquette University Press. Used with permission. Ignatian Spirituality

A letter of thanks from Kolbe House… Dear Parishioners, I want to thank the people of St. John of the Cross Parish for continuing to share in Kolbe House’s ministry to the incarcerated, their families and families of victims. The Sharing check for $1,200 was gratefully received. Certainly the Gospel mandate found in Matthew 25:36 I was in prison and you visited me is our ministerial base. With Pope Francis’ example of visiting prisons draws attention to the fact that this ministry belongs to the entire Church community. St. John’s active support of our jail visits, our individual conversations with the ex offenders, our prayerful remembrance of people hurt by others’ actions unites us as the one Body of Christ. Our ministry would be diminished and made more difficult without the many ways that St. John’s parishioners participate in our work. We the staff and volunteers of Kolbe House are encouraged and strengthened in our ministry because of your help. We also look forward to the opportunities when we can participate in your parish and school life. Let us remember one another in prayer and those whom we both serve. Rev. Arturo Perez Rodrigues

Outreach News

I saw Jesus on the train today. He had worked a long shift, his coveralls a patchwork of sweat and grime; yet he joked with a coworker in the adjacent seat. I saw Jesus awhile later, as the crowd filed onto the stairs to the street below—he was a young girl with two small children in tow, her nerves clearly frayed. And then, in the grocery store, there was Jesus again, a check-out clerk who smiled and wished me a good evening. The next time I saw him, he was stuck in traffic, his business suit rumpled and his eyes weary. And when I walked by my neighbor's house, Jesus sat on the front step, passing the time with a friend.

When Jesus came to share our human existence, he changed what it means to be ordinary people going through the day. Each one of us has a purpose and a place in the world. Each of us experiences pain, fatigue, humor, and hope. If we look more intently at the people we encounter on a typical day, we will see who they truly are—persons loved by God. Regardless of appearance or situation, the woman, man, or child before you is brimming with holy possibility. Consider that you are gazing into the eyes of God. Understand that Jesus comes to you in many faces and places. Vinita Hampton Wright, author of Days of Deepening Friendship. Loyola Press

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Volunteer as a Tutor Join the Congregation of St. Joseph in their Adult Literacy/ESL Program, Tutors on Wheels. The program needs volunteers to teach in Naperville, Glendale Heights, Addison, and Bloomingdale. Teaching takes place in churches, businesses, and social service agencies. Volunteers are needed to teach one hour a week, on a one-on-one basis in a nearby location. Tutoring sessions are scheduled weekday mornings, some late afternoons (and/or evenings). One training day will be provided on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 8:30 am-12:30 p.m. No prior second language skills are needed. For more information call 630-217-0396.

Ignatian Volunteer Corps Are you semi-retired, retired or just ready to serve others? Join the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. Members of the Catholic service program volunteer 2 days a week from September to June and also meet to reflect and pray. Volunteers serve as tutors, employment counselors, food pantry volunteers, elderly companions, and hospital and prison ministers. Volunteers must be 50 years old to apply. There is no upper age limit. Register for an information session at 2pm on Thursday, July 10 at Old St. Mary’s on S Michigan Ave. Call Jacqueline Fitzgerald at 312-961-6206 or jfitzgerald@ivcusa.org.

Food Pantry Collection Next time you are shopping pick up some nonperishable food to bring to the church narthex. The food we collect in June will be delivered to Catholic Charities in Cicero.

Kolbe House Men’s underwear, jeans, shirts, stamps, stationary, and CTA cards can be donated. Collection boxes are located in the church narthex and the parish center.

Strong Catholic Parents

Family Connection In today's Gospel, Jesus refers to Peter as “Rock” and says that the Church will be built upon him. We refer to someone as a “rock” when they are very reliable. Talk as a family about who has been and is a rock in your extended family. The Gospel reminds us that the Church is built on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. It is faith that makes Peter the Rock upon which the Church is built. The family, as the domestic church, has this same faith as its foundation. Talk about people whose faith has helped you to be a member of the Church and talk about what you have learned from leaders in our Church today. Read together today's Gospel, Matthew 16:13-20. Talk about what you know about Peter and his importance to the early Christian community. Talk about what we can learn from Peter and his profession of faith about Jesus. Conclude in prayer together by praying today's Psalm or an Act of Faith. Loyola Press

Facts About St. Paul

Paul's conversion to Christianity occurred after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul left Jerusalem around the year A.D. 46 and began the first of his three major missionary journeys. He eventually traveled through several of the eastern Mediterranean regions, preaching in synagogues and marketplaces. Paul was also well educated and tackled the broader, theological issues of the new faith, which is evident in the letters he wrote to his fellow Christians. After suffering arrest and persecution several times, Paul was executed in Rome around the year A.D. 65. Saint Paul and Saint Peter share a feast day on June 29.

Peter as Rock

Matthew is the only Gospel writer to use the word church. (Matthew 16:18) The Church that Jesus established rests on a firm foundation, the rock that is Peter. Jesus called Peter the “rock” on which he would build his church. As Catholics, we interpret this passage to mean that Jesus was calling Peter to be the leader of the church he was founding. Peter would not have understood the word pope because it did not come into use until centuries later. There is no doubt that Peter was the first in the long line of Bishops of Rome chosen by Christ to be the leader of the Catholic Church. Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom to represent the ability to interpret correctly all that Jesus had taught. (16:19) Jesus taught with authority. He gives Peter the ability to continue that teaching in the Church he founded.

You are Peter an upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

Alleluia, alleluia.

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6.29.2014 www.stjohnofthecross.org page 10 Praying ~ Serving ~ Sharing

Crossroads Family News Youth Catechesis

Calendar of Events July 7-11th Notre Dame Vision Conference July 8th Habitat final meeting, 6:30 pm. July 13-19th Habitat Work Tour

Ever wondered where Jesus went to spread Ever wondered where Jesus went to spread

the word of God? Facebook and Twitter of the word of God? Facebook and Twitter of

course! Friend the Crossroads Facebook course! Friend the Crossroads Facebook

profile and follow the twitter account to receive profile and follow the twitter account to receive

updates and humorous posts, like the one updates and humorous posts, like the one

below!below!

Keep up with faith & don’t go extinct this summer!

Adults needed for our ministry! Check out our volunteer page for details, located here on our homepage: http://www.stjohnofthecross.org/crossroads/descriptions/ Home Group Leaders Freshmen Experience Team Day of the Spirit Retreat

Thanks!

Youth Catechesis Office yc@sjcross.org * 708-246-6760 * www.stjohnofthecross.org/yc

Summer Hours Monday thru Thursday 8:30am- 4:00pm

Or call for an evening appointment

We are so grateful to God for D e b b i e P u s i n e l l i ! For years Debbie has given her time, talents and her heart to so many ministries at St. John of the Cross. Deb Pusinelli has not only been a teacher of Gospel values to the young adolescents in our parish, her life has been a model for them to follow. Her life has been a true example of the two greatest commandments: Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Debbie leaves the YC office on June 30th after lovingly creating a Confirmation preparation program that is amazing. She is able to teach catechists, parents and children about faith in God because her faith is so strong. She has been involved over the years in many ministries including the Preschool RE program, Outreach Committee, Evangelization, Women's Club, Bible Studies, Eucharistic Minister and especially as the Confirmation Coordinator for YC for the past 12 years. She has guided and mentored thousands of students to the Sacrament of Confirmation. Deb finds time and gives of her own time to organize fundraisers, cook meals for families in crisis and collect clothes and toiletries for homeless shelters. She truly allows God to work through her in order that she might bring His love to others. Debbie will be greatly missed, but we are so thankful for the blessings she shared with YC. We wish her all grace and goodness as she begins a new, exciting chapter with the Lord leading her path. Thank you Debbie!

REGISTRATION for 2014-2015 YC

Remember to register before June 30th! OPEN UNTIL 7:00 PM on

Monday, June 30th!

One in Prayer with Loved Ones in the Military

Thank You, Lord, for the courage and selfless service of our military troops. May our loved ones and all who serve around the world turn to You for rest and protection. Keep them safe from all

hidden dangers. May they not fear the terrors of night or the disaster that strikes at midday. Order your angels to protect them wherever they go. Keep their feet from slipping, and hold them

securely in Your strong right hand until they are safely home.

Michael Ryan Burke, grandson of Joseph & Laverne Kusper Captain Brandy Caffy, friend of Julie and Katie Warren

A1c Matthew Callaghan, son of Judy Callaghan

Lt. Mark Callari, grandson of Jane Domagala

Captain Sean Christopherson, friend of Katie Warren

Matthew Curin, son of Donna Curin

2Lt. Ken Engberg, Army National Guard

Capt. Michael Federico, son of Rick & Jeanne

Pfc. Amy Harris, niece of Gary & Barbara Ainge

Private First Class Drew Hillebold, National Guard

Sgt. Joseph Johnson, son of Pete & Jan Van Merkestyn

Capt. Kevin Junius

Pfc. John T. King, cousin of Catherine Mini

Lt. Matthew Kopp, nephew of Larry & Mimi Powers

Msg. Carl Kroll, son of Mary Lou Kroll & brother of Judi Llapitan

Capt. James A. Maicke, grandson of Phil & Mike Maicke

Spc. Robert Marburger, son of Kathleen and David

Major Brendan D. Masini, M.D., grandson of Marilyn & Charles Scallon

Tim McMillan

Douglas Murphy, brother of Jeanne Fornari

Rief Murphy, nephew of Bill & Molly Iovino

Sgt. Krista Nelson, USMC, niece of Mary and Len Novotny

Ross Rafferty, nephew of John Rafferty

Sgt. Daniel Roche, cousin of Jacqueline McDonnell

Cameron Saltus, cousin of Jack and Rory Gordon

1Lt. Joseph Salvey, nephew of Terese Kane

Lance Cpl. Nicholas Schultz, friend of the Chrusciel Family

Jarett Smith, grandson of Dan and Jo Rudakas

Pfc. Robert M. Sullivan, son of Michael & Helen

Spc. Alex Teckenbrock, 3rd Infantry Div. ARMY

Joshua Francis Tischler, son of Lea and Rick, grandson of Betty and Frank Madler and

Mary Tischler

Alex Uribarri, son of Mari Uribarri

Pfc. Larry Waszak, grandson of Bruno and Barbara Gacek

Spc. James C. Woods, nephew of Mary Neel

6.29.2014 www.stjohnofthecross.org page 11 Praying ~ Serving ~ Sharing

There's a story in the Hindu tradition that runs something like this: God and a man are walking down a road. The man asks God: "What is the world like?" God answers: "I'd like to tell you, but my throat is parched. I need a cup of cold water. If you can go and get me a cup of cold water, I'll tell you what the world is like." The man heads off to the nearest house to ask for a cup of cold water. He knocks on the door and it is opened by a beautiful young woman. He asks for a cup of cold water. She answers: "I will gladly get it for you, but it's just time for the noon meal, why don't you come in first and eat." He does. Thirty years later, they've had five children, he's a respected merchant, she's a respected member of the community, they're in their house one evening when a hurricane comes and uproots their house. The man cries out: "Help me, God!" And a voice comes from the center of the hurricane says: "Where's my cup of cold water?" This story is not so much a spiritual criticism as it is a fundamental lesson in anthropology and spirituality: To be a human being is to be perpetually distracted. We aren't persons who live in habitual spiritual awareness who occasionally get distracted. We're persons who live in habitual distraction who occasionally become spiritually aware. We tend be so preoccupied with the ordinary business of living that it takes a hurricane of some sort for God to break through. C.S. Lewis, commenting on why we tend to turn to God only during a hurricane, once put it this way: God is always speaking to us, but normally we aren't aware, aren't listening. Accordingly pain is God's microphone to a deaf world. However none of us want that kind of pain; none of us want some disaster, some health breakdown, or some hurricane to shake us up. We prefer a powerful positive event, a miracle or mini-miracle, to happen to us to awaken God's presence in us because we nurse the false daydream that, if God broke into our lives in some miraculous way, we would then move beyond our distracted spiritual state and get more serious about our spiritual lives. But that's the exact delusion inside the biblical character in the parable of Lazarus and Dives, where the rich man asks Abraham to send him back from the dead to warn his brothers that they must change their way of living or risk the fiery flames. His plea expresses exactly that false assumption: "If someone comes back from the dead, they will listen to him!" Abraham doesn't buy

the logic. He answers: "They have Moses and the Prophets. If they don't listen to them, they won't be convinced either, even if someone came back from the dead." What lies unspoken but critically important in that reply, something easily missed by us, the reader, is that Jesus has already come back from the dead and we aren't listening to him. Why should we suppose that we would listen to anyone else who comes back from the dead? Our preoccupation with the ordinary business of our lives is so strong that we are not attentive to the one who has already come back from the dead. Given this truth, the Hindu tale just recounted is, in a way, more consoling than chiding. To be human is to be habitually distracted from spiritual things. Such is human nature. Such is our nature. But knowing that our endless proclivity for distraction is normal doesn't give us permission to be comfortable with that fact. Great spiritual mentors, not least Jesus, strongly urge us to wake up, to move beyond our over-preoccupation with the affairs of everyday life. Jesus challenges us to not be anxious about how we are to provide for ourselves. He also challenges us to read the signs of the times, namely, to see the finger of God, the spiritual dimension of things, in the everyday events of our lives. All great spiritual literature does the same. Today there is a rich literature in most spiritual traditions challenging us to mindfulness, to not be mindlessly absorbed in the everyday affairs of our lives. But great spiritual literature also assures us that God understands us, that grace respects nature, that God didn't make a mistake in designing human nature, and that God didn't make us in such a way that we find ourselves congenitally distracted and then facing God's anger because we are following our nature. Human nature naturally finds itself absorbed in the affairs of everyday life, and God designed human nature in just this way. And so, I think, God must be akin to a loving parent or grandparent, looking at his or her children at the family gathering, happy that they have interesting lives that so absorb them, content not to be always the center of their conscious attention. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, and award-winning author, is President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com. Now on Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser

On Being Perpetually Distracted

Pray for our Sick

Bill Allen Patricia DeLong Samantha Fedorik Dan Kelly

Virginia Nowicki Joe Pozen Joe Robin Harry Stone

Mass Intentions Monday, June 30, The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church 7:45 Our Beloved Dead; Catherine Boyle Tuesday, July 1, Blessed Junipero 7:45 Larry Hanson; Vivian Stephanini Wednesday, July 2 7:45 Frances Albertson; Special Intention Thursday, July 3, St. Thomas, apostle 7:45 Dr. Jerry Scanlon; Frank Hurley Friday, July 4, Independence Day 9:00 Stephanie Groszek; Barbara Mann Saturday, July 5, St. Elizabeth of Portugal 8:00 Loraine Janda; Theresa Budzinski 5:00 Edward & Sophie Ciszek; Mike Cardamone Sunday, July 6, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30 Franceso Brotto; Thomas J. Stack 9:00 Regina Dalton; Bruno Shukis 10:45 Virginia Hague Boylson; Betsy Hague; Larry Hanson 5:00 John Hogan; Kathleen Gleason Italics—Living

This Week at SJC Monday, June 30 10:30 a.m. Christian Meditation, Step 11 2:30 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration 2:30 p.m. Spiritual Journaling Tuesday, July 1 9:30 a.m. Focus on Sunday Scriptures Group 6:30 p.m. Meditation Ministry Meeting Wednesday, July 2 2:00 p.m. Christian Meditation 7:30 p.m. Christian Meditation Friday, July 4 9:00 a.m. Independence Day Mass Saturday, July 5 7:00 a.m. Christian Meditation

Trying to get in touch with us? More info is on our website: www.stjohnofthecross.org Rev. David P. Dowdle, Pastor ddowdle@stjohnofthecross.org Rev. Joseph F. McDonnell, Pastor Emeritus Contact Fr. Joe through the Parish Office Rev. William J. Vollmer, Associate Pastor bvollmer@stjohnofthecross.org Deacon John Schopp, Deacon john.schopp@newhemispheres.com Bill Bright, Director of Outreach Ministries bbright@stjohnofthecross.org Janet Caschetta, Director of Youth Catechesis jcaschetta@stjohnofthecross.org Jim Clauer, Director of Worship jclauer@stjohnofthecross.org Laura Dragich, Reservations Coordinator ldragich@stjohnofthecross.org Kathleen Gorman, School Principal gorman@sjc.pvt.k12.il.us Katie Hayes, Director of Crossroads Teen Ministry khayes@stjohnofthecross.org Jessica Koch, Director of Music jkoch@stjohnofthecross.org MJ Martin, Director of Parish Operations mjmartin@stjohnofthecross.org Elizabeth Russell-Jones, Welcome Coordinator erussell-jones@stjohnofthecross.org

Pray for our Beloved Dead

Mitch Allen, brother-in-law of Ginny and Bob Grecco Joesph Gierlasinski, father of Linda Bremer and Norman Lenny Kamenjarin, son of Diane and Len John Kowalik, father of Joan O’Brien and Michael Grant LaRocque, son of John and Janet, brother of Rebecca, Robert and Emily Mary Maska, mother of Kathy Steider and Mary Jo Benak, grandmother of Bob, Jamie, Anna and Jeff, sister of Joan Kravcik

Wedding Banns

6.29.2014 www.stjohnofthecross.org page 13 Praying ~ Serving ~ Sharing

Irene Duff and Sean Rooney

Peter said to Jesus: You are the Christ,

the Son of the living God. And Jesus replied:

You are Peter, and upon this rock

I will build my Church . Mt 16:16,18

CHURCH NAME & NUMBER —

Saint John of the Cross #9239

ADDRESS —

5005 S. Wolf Road

Western Springs, IL 60558

PHONE —

708-246-4404

CONTACT PERSON —

MJ Martin 708-246-4404 x123 or Mary Beth Drafz x121. Shirley is out of the office.

SOFTWARE —

Microsoft Publisher 2003

Adobe Acrobat 6.0

Windows XP Professional

HP Scanjet 6200C

PRINTER —HP Laser Jet 6P

NUMBER OF PAGES SENT —

Cover through 15

SUNDAY DATE OF BULLETIN — June 29, 2014

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS —

The St. John of the Cross Parish Beloved Retreat for men and women will be held on October 17—19, 2014 at the Carmelite Center in Darien. The weekend will be filled with prayer, listening, reflection, and discussion that invites a greater awareness of God’s great love and encourages us to be more and more like the One who knows us so well. Come and be filled. Come and discover your belovedness.

Retreat Dates: Friday, October 17 at 7pm-Sunday, October 19 at 2pm Location: Carmelite Center in Darien Register online or by dropping an envelope at the parish center with your contact information with a check for $100 (down payment) Register by July 30 to receive a $30 discount per person Per Person Cost: Private Room $280 or Shared Room $230 per person before discount Partial Scholarships are available through Fr. David Questions: Marianne Firlit at mgfirlit@gmail.com or Andrea Gagliani at agagliani@sbcglobal.net

Beloved Retreat

Can you claim being

Beloved as the core

of your truth? Learn with us

to plant the seed of Belovedness

in yourself and learn to nurture it so you can let it

shine.

DUPLEXELECTRIC

708-387-9400Expert TroubleshootingElectrical Rehab/Repair

Greg Fiflis – Parishionerwww.duplexelectricservice.com

WANTED WWII VETS!A day to remember,

because we will never forget.Help us sign up our Chicagoland WWII veterans for

an unforgettable day of honor in Washington, D.C. —at no charge to the veteran

Contact us now for a Veteran Application. 773.227.VETS (8387) • www.honorflightchicago.org

John F. O’Connell III, D.D.S.

Restorative and Implant

General Dentistry

930 N. York Rd., Suite 120

Hinsdale, IL 60521

(630) 455-1666Homemade Sausage, Sauce,

BEEF Meatballs, Italian Ice & Gelato

PIZZA • PASTA • SALADS • SANDWICHESDelivery Sun-Th 11am-9pm

Fri & Sat 11am-10pm630.654.4600 • Catering32 E. Hinsdale Ave., Hinsdale

Everyday Special 16” Pizza & 1 Topping $12.99

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR Fine painting of walls, ceilings & woodwork

Wallcovering removal & installationStaining & varnishing woodwork

Complete painting/staining of exteriorsInstallation of chair & crown moldings,

baseboard & shoe moldings

John Wilsonjwilsonpainting@yahoo.comCell (630) 337-8946Office (708) 246-5604Parishioner

COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE• Meals • Personal Care • Companionship• Light Housekeeping • Laundry • Errands

630.323.7231 www.MaryAndMikeCare.comMichael & Mary Doepke, RN • ParishionersState Licensed

Gregg Communications Systems, Inc.Telephone Equip. Voiceover IP (VoIP)

38 Years in BusinessMary Dine 630-571-7000 www.greggcomm.com

009239 St John of the Cross Church (B)

JOHN C. SKREKO, DDSGENERAL DENTIST Since 1981

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Reconstruction• Root Canals • Extractions, Oral Emergency

Indian Head Park708-246-1263

Law Office ofKevin J. Moore, P.C.

Parishioner• Business Law• Civil Litigation

708.246.15954365 Lawn Ave., Ste 7

Western Springswww.KJMooreLaw.com

Computer Color Match PaintLawn and Garden

Electrical & Plumbing SuppliesWindow & Screen Repair

Weber and Toro Sales & ServiceMonday-Friday 8am-7pm

Saturday 8am-5:30pmSunday 9am-4pm

835 Burlington Ave.Western Springs 708-246-0892

www.truevalue.com/villagehdw

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

• PATIO • HOME • DECKStaining, Waterproofing

Services From$99.00

FREE Gutter Cleaning with Gutter Topper InstallationNever Be Without Power Again –

Whole House Generators InstallationFully Insured and Bonded • 708.485.0766

SENIOR

DISCOUNTS

Member FDIC

• Companionship • Medication Reminder • Meal Preparation• Bathing and Dressing Assistance • Transportation and Escort

• Light Housekeeping • And Much More708.482.7424 www.blueskyhomecare.com

Licensed • Insured • Bonded

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: dan@maloneycpa.com (630) 887-0500

Kitchens • Bathrooms • AdditionsDan MaddenParishioner 246.8898708ANNA’S CLEANING SERVICES

Experienced Polish GirlsHomes • Condos • Offices

Free EstimatesInsured 773.502.9369

Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd.Practice specializing in orthodontics

708-352-4500922 S. La Grange Rd.La Grange, IL 60525

www.awesomebraces.com

KEENAN ROOFING AND SOLARIF YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR IS UNBECOMING TO YOU

YOU SHOULD BE COMING TO US!• WINDOWS • SIDING • GUTTERS • SOFFIT • FASCIA

FREE CONSULTATIONSFX Parishioner 708.937.9400

Jim StilloBroker

Parishioner

More Than 2100 Properties Sold in Past 24 Yearsstillo@skydangroup.com

915 55th Street, Suite 102, Western Springs

708-334-9001Selling Your Home?Parishioner Discount

NOTRE DAME FAMILY CENTERRev. James Watzke, Ph.D.

Depression - Anxiety - StressFamily - Separation - Divorce

Sub Abuse - Medicare - EspañolOakbrook Terr. 630.691.1114

TheCOMMUNITY BANK of WESTERN SPRINGS

A branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company®

1000 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, IL 60558 708-246-7100

PC MDPC & MAC Sales & Service

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

support@pcmd.com www.pcmd.comWE STILL MAKE HOUSE CALLS!

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

Office 354-5575After Hours Emergency – 354-2281

Denise Pozen Photography“Your Parish Photographer”

To view and order photosfrom SJC events visit

http://vando.imagequix.com/Use Photographer ID s9y6e9f

and choose the galleryyou would like to view.

Also available for private events708-352-2771

Brian or Sally, coordinators

860.399.1785www.CatholicCruisesAndTours.com

an OfficialTravel Agencyof AOS-USA

WINE TASTINGS • EVENT PLANNING • GIFTS

On York • ½ Block North of Ogden Ave.

3821 S. York Road, Oak Brook • 630-325-6550

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATEDPROVIDING DISTINGUISHED

SERVICE SINCE 1923COUNTRYSIDE DOWNERS GROVE

1025 W. 55th Street 301-75th Street708-352-6500 630-964-6500

WESTERN SPRINGSJUNIOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Sign UpOnline

TODAY!WWW.WSJFA.COM

Pisa PizzaWE DELIVER

708-352-00085440 S. LaGrange Rd., Countrysidewww.pisapizza.samsbiz.com

pvwealthmgt.com708.246.2366

4365 Lawn AveSte. 5

Western Springs

KOZYHEATING & AIR COND.

S I N C E 1 9 8 9

JOE CANTELE, OWNEREMERGENCY

SERVICE 708.514.1591

Pre-Summer A/C Clean and Check$5.00 OFF

exp. 6/30/14

Rob’s on the JobHandyman Service

Repairs - Maintenance - AssemblyWe’ll turn your “Honey Do” list into a “Honey Done” list

630-441-0648www.RobsontheJob.com

Insured Bonded

THOMAS R. KRONE, ESQ.• REAL ESTATE • PROBATE

• BUSINESS LAW630-968-5553 Parishioner

CAMEOENDODONTICS

Practice Limited to Root CanalTherapy and Dental Implants

• Evening and Saturday Hours• Most dental insurances accepted• Parishioner discount

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

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

009239 St John of the Cross Church (A)

VINCENT T. VERSACI, DDS, PCGENERAL DENTISTRY

4471 Lawn Ave., Ste. 200 Western Springs(708) 246-6006

www.VersaciDental.comComplete PsychologicalEvaluation & Treatment

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

and AssociatesHINSDALE 655-9040

ALLMAKEAPPLIANCE REPAIR

All Major U.S. Brand Appliances Repaired708-579-5262 6934 Crest Road-Darien

We SinceWelcome 1983Watching

Rosaria BeckerBrokerParishioner708-309-0351rbecker@Koenigrubloff.comYour Real Estate AdvisorCall Today!

www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-566-6170

ED THE PLUMBERED THE CARPENTER

Best Work • Best RateSatisfaction Guaranteed AsWe Do All Our Own Work

Lic# 055-026066$$ Parishioner Discount $$

708-652-1444Weddings ✴✴ Proms✴✴ Special Events✴✴ Airport Transportation

708.828.2138www.LimoBellissimo.com

C A L L ✴ T E X T ✴ E M A I L : JohnLimo1@hotmail.com

JOHN BERARDIOwner

LLCLIMO Bellissimo708.828.2138

Alexandria Z. Meccia, M.D.DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF LAGRANGE

Parishioner 708.482.32135201 S. Willow Springs Rd.

Suite 430 LaGrange

Dog Walking • Pet Sitting • Pet Taxi • Errands (Pet Food/Supplies) • One-on-One PlaytimeMember and Insured through Pet Sitters Associates

GARAGE DOORSAND OPENERS

Family Owned & Operated Since 1947ALL MAJOR BRANDS

CUSTOM GLASS SECTIONSSALES & SERVICE

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE708.458.2345 www.AR-BE.com

Ask For Parishioner Discount

Parishioner

708-655-7947TrishORealEstate@GMAIL.COMFormer S.J.C. Women’s Club President

Call For Free Market Analysis

8 East HinsdaleHinsdale, Illinois

CHOOSE A TRUE LOCAL PLUMBER

708.417.8441Lic.# J16531 - Bonded - Insured

Frank Tramontana, ParishionerWestern Springs Resident

CONBOY’S-WESTCHESTERFUNERAL HOME

A Family You Can Rely On...Today and Tomorrow.

10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester

708-562-5900Parishioner

Peter Conboy

Jean Conboy Hanson

Matthew Conboy

Dr. Irene D. Combs....is pleased to announce

Carolyn J.Newcome Sparks

has joined our team504 Hillgrove Western Springs

Mon & Wed 9-6 PMTuesday 9-7 PM

Friday 9-5 PM Saturday 8-1 PM

708-286-1100www.combseyecare.com

Comprehensive FamilyEyeCare for ages 3-103!

Most Insurances Accepted

Kathryn R. Engel, Attorney at LawFamily Law / Divorce / Mediation

Estate Planning / Wills & Trust / Real Estatekengel@kengellaw.com 630.654.3501 www.kengellaw.com

708-246-1600 921 Burlington Ave., Western Springs

Carol L.KlimaMartin

Attorney At Law, Parishioner• Real Estate • Trusts • Probate Licensed in Illinois & Florida

(708) 246-7570

ZAWASKI & ZAWASKIReal Estate Appraisers & Consultants, Ltd.------------------------------------

3848 Lawn AvenueWestern Springs, IL 60558

Office: (708) 784-1445 • FAX (708) 784-1446

915 BURLINGTON AVE.WESTERN SPRINGS, IL 60558

708-246-0380Mon.-Fri. 8-6 - Sat. 8-5:30Sundays (Seasonal) 10-4

www.caseymarketonline.com

KIRSCHBAUM’S BAKERYQuality and Variety

Wedding & Party Cakes825 Burlington Ave.

Western Springs 246-2894

Harper Hair StudioNew / First Time Clients

WOMENHaircut - Color - Highlight

$20.00 OFFMen’s Haircut

$10.00 OFF For appt. Call 708-246-62336972 S. Wolf Rd., Indian Head Park

COLDWELL BANKERMARY ELLEN “O’HARA” CONSIDINE

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

MaryEllen.Considine@cbexchange.com

$25.00 offwith ad

Service* Licensed Plumbers* Guaranteed work

Same Day Service!708-579-33217 Days a WeekLa Grange Office

IL Lic.005017412

WaterHeaters

SumpPumps