News and Views from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
By Your Pastor, Fr. Pete Jankowski

As you are all well aware by now, upon my arrival here at St. Patrick's Church, our beloved diocese offered me a few initial challenges as your new pastor, one of which being the protection of one of the oldest and most venerable Catholic schools in our diocese. Our school is over 120 years old; she has been blessed to serve over 2200 alumni in this most prestigious history. The direction that the leaders of the diocese gave me were very clear: Do what you can to preserve our parochial institution.

Because of recent state, federal and diocesan guidelines that have been adjusted over the last few years, this task has become quite difficult, but manageable. I have kept most of you updated concerning the challenges set upon us, most notably in the realm of the financial. Over the last five years, we projected a growth in our kindergarten program that did not happen; as a result, we spent over $190,000 in monies that we did not have. This year alone, we lost $18,000 in our pre-kindergarten program that we need to overcome. This is the bad news.

Now for the good news. This year, I have stressed the need for strong discipline, strong education and strong religious education to be enforced in our school. I have made a promise to all of you that the children who attend our school will be well formed and well protected so that they be prepared for what is yet to come in high school and beyond. In the process, our Finance Committee and School Board have found a way to curtail spending in order to help eliminate the deficit without harming any of the programs that we already provide in the school, including our beloved pre- kindergarten program. Our new Eighth Grade Teacher (Mr. Brian Pellegrini) has done a wonderful job in filling the shoes of his legendary predecessor, Mr. Pat Paul (whom we honor this weekend in our dedication of the gymnasium in his honor). Our science and math teacher, Mrs. Celeste Jay has been nominated this year as a finalist for "The Golden Apple Award" for her excellent work in the classroom. Our school is moving in the right direction and for this we are very thankful.

It is my privilege to do what I can to preserve this school for years to come. If there is any way you can help this cause via the Alumni Appeal or our Adopt a Child Program, we would be most appreciative. God Bless.

Fr. Pete

Gloria Dei Vivens Homo (The Glory of God is Living in Man)
- St. Irenaeus of Lyons

Eucharistic Adoration is a time of silent prayer and the offering of your daily trials and physical pains for the good of those most in need of God's love; a time of re-creation and a newness of life.

Come join us on Monday evenings in Church for this intimate encounter with Jesus Christ, present in the Eucharist and a communal praying of the Rosary.

Each week, St. Patrick's Vocation Cross travels from home to home throughout the parish as we pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. This week,

will care for the cross in their home. If you would like to participate, please contact the office (815) 727-4746.

The Weekend of February 2-3, St. Mary Nativity Church in Joliet will host Fr. Robert Goedert, OP about Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at all of the Masses (5:30pm Saturday & 7, 9, 10:30am & 12noon on Sunday) When Fr. Bob began his Papal ministry, Pope John Paul II cried out to the whole world, "Do not be afraid! Open, indeed, open wide the doors to Christ!" He was pleading with us. Once you open the doors of your heart, Christ will speak to the "real" you. We become a part of Eucharistic Adoration when we willingly consent to spend a quiet Holy Hour of prayer in His Eucharistic presence once a week. All are welcome!

Four Consecutive Wednesdays beginning February 13th: St. Thomas More Lecture Series will be hosted by St. Joseph Church in Joliet. Join us from 7pm to 8pm, February 13, 20, 27 & March 5th. The first is with Mr. Michael Cemeno speaking on "Living out Your Faith with Passion and Purpose". He is the founder of Fishers of Men, a Catholic Lay Apostolate to help men build their faith to impact families. He serves as the Regional Director for Sports Leader which offers training for Coaches to develop athletes into men and women of virtue.

February 23rd: Men of Christ Conference at the Wisconsin Expo Center at State Fair Park (just south of Milwaukee). This conference will emphasize powerful character traits such as Honor, Loyalty, Toughness and Mission. We are looking for men who want more out of life, who desire to be good, who are willing to sacrifice and want to fight the good fight. Speakers expected are Fr. Larry Richards, Fr. Phillip Chaves, Fr Richard Heilman, and our Main celebrant will be Archbishop Timothy Dolan. See Menof Christ.net for information.

On Sunday February 24th at 3:00 p.m. at Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church (14610 S. Will- Cook Road in Homer-Glen), the Ecclesia Men's Choir will perform "Mercy", a concert of Music for Lent. Ecclesia is a professional liturgical choir from the Chicago area, directed by Timothy Woods. Chant and polyphony from both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic traditions will be sung. Tickets are $15 and can be ordered by calling 815806-0066. Seating is limited, so order tickets soon to insure a place among the beautiful icons of Annunciation parish.

When: Feb. 26-27
This two-day retreat begins with registration at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday and concludes with dinner Thursday evening.

Where:
Warrenville Cenacle retreat center, Warrenville, IL

Cost:
The actual participant cost of the retreat is $95, covering materials, meals and overnight accommodation in a private room at the Warrenville Cenacle retreat center. For those who cannot afford $95, a minimum fee of $15 is acceptable. If your financial situation allows, please give more than the minimum.

To Register:
Call 312.906.9908 or visit www.ctcchicago.org

Making the retreat:

Participants come to understand the stages of a transition and how the transition process is fundamental to human development.

The spiritual and psychological dimensions of transition are explored to help answer, "Who am I now?", "Where is God in all this?", "What's next for me?"

Lead speakers are persons who have endeavored job or career transition and speak from their experience.

Structured personal reflection and thoughtful exercises provide the opportunity to gain insight and wisdom.

Participants learn ways to pray and find peace during a time of transition and how to make this time fertile for growing deeper in their relationship with God.

Spiritual directors and bereavement counselors are available for one-on-one consultation.

Catholic Ministries

Here at St. Patrick Parish, we have reached 66% of our goal, with $23,842 pledged as of November 27th. 216 of the 736 families at St. Patrick's have pledged. Let's make sure that we reach 100%. The ministries of the Diocese touch so many of our families and our neighbors that it is our responsibility to help our neighbors and friends. If you have not given even a one time gift, we urge you to prayerfully consider offering some of the monetary blessings you have through Christ. Please be generous. Thank You!

To date, we have collected over $14,381 for our 2nd An- nual Alumni Appeal. Last year, we collected over $25,000 for this event. Please be as generous as you can in helping us meet our goal this year of $25,000.

2007 Tax Statements may be obtained by contacting the Rectory. Due to the increased amount of paper required to print statements this year because of a mandatory change by the IRS, we are asking those parishioners who desire a tax statement to call the Rectory at 815-727- 4746. (We will have a specific mailbox set up for this purpose.) Please plan to leave your name, address and telephone number; your tax statement will then be mailed to you. Thank you!

Thank you for all of your Market Day orders this month! We're looking forward to seeing you when you pick up your Market Day order on January 30th between 4:30 and 5:30pm in the school gym. If you have any questions please contact Theresa at 815-729-1897.

January 16, 2008

Reverend Peter Jankowski
710 W. Marion Street
Joliet, IL 60436

Dear Pete:

Because our parish exceeded by over $6,000.00 the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal, and after consulting our parish council, I decided to donate $3,000 to St. Patrick's School, Joliet.

Enclosed please find our check for $3,000.00.

With every best wishes, I remain
Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Rev. Vytas Memenas

Over the 2007-2008 year, parishioners from St. Patrick's Catholic Church are invited to audit our RCIA Sessions in learning the basics of the Catholic Faith. Sessions generally run on Wednesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge of the School. As an effort to promote Adult Education in the parish, all members of our community over the age of 14 are welcome to join us for any or all of the sessions listed each week. For more information, please contact the parish office at (815) 7274746.

Fr. Pete Jankowski will talk about the two Sacraments of Vocation: The Sacrament of a husband and wife united in marriage and the Sacrament that unites a Deacon, Priest and Bishop to the spouse of Christ, the Church.

Bring Your Old Palms Back to Church! As is tradition in the Catholic Church, we invite all of the faithful to bring their blessed palms from last year's Lenten Season back to church the weekends of January 19-20 and 26-27. We will them burn these palms in order to use them for our Ash Wednesday services on February 6. You may return your old palms to the Food Pantry closet, where a receptacle has been placed for this purpose. God Bless.

Evenings of Reflection February 25th, March 3rd and March 10th at 7:00pm in Church. Join us for a 10 minute reflection with Fr. Pete and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. An opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession will also be available.

Natural Family Planning Classes are available throughout the year at St. Patrick's. Please contact John and Barbara Halbur at 815-727-3018.

St. Patrick School Mission Statement

St. Patrick School embraces a mission to provide the finest academic environment for all of our children. We emphasize achievable goals and high moral ethical standards. We instill in our students a lifelong commitment to excellence and dedication to their Catholic Christian faith. Saint Patrick School is marked by a spirit of hospitality, a parent-school and parish partnership with a nurturing atmosphere in which our children develop in mind, body and spirit.

   Catholic Schools Light the Way   

Join us in the classrooms for:

• Kindergarten through Fourth Grade will have crafts for parents and children to work together.
  
  
• Grades Five through Eight will carry on a "Pat Paul Tradition" with two sessions of BIBLE TRIVIA at 9:00 and then again at 11:00 in the Seventh Grade room.
  
  
• Grade Six and Eight Classrooms - Science Fair Projects
  
  
• Come and sign the "Wall of Honor" for Patrick Paul in the Junior High hallway - write a note and sign the "wall" to be hung in the gym during the dedication.

Dedication of the Gymnasium to Mr. Pat Paul at 12:00 pm
We will dedicate the Gymnasium to Patrick Paul with the unveiling and presentation of a plaque in his honor and a special prayer and blessing. *A banner in Pat Paul's name will be presented during the annual basketball tournament.

Catholic Schools Mass - School Uniform Sunday
"Catholic Schools Light the Way"
Candle honor guard and faculty staff procession, gifts of gratitude to our parishioners, students to speak to thank the parishioners for their continued support of Catholic Education, student greeters and gift bearers

Our monthly Pancake Breakfast will be served after both the 8:00 am and 10:00 am Masses