St. Matthias Transfiguration

April 20 2008 - 5th Sunday of Easter

Our Mission Statement

We are a Catholic community of two parishes. We commit ourselves to celebrate our diversity, to give thanks for and preserve our rich traditions, to share our resources and to build a more collaborative faith community.
For detailed instructions refer to John 6: 1-13

Two Parishes - One Faith Community
English - Spanish - Tagalog

Welcome to St. Matthias & Transfiguration of Our Lord Churches >>

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April 20, 2008 (1.39 MB)

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A Letter From Father Terry

To the Great People of St. Matthias and Transfiguration,

We celebrate the Fifth Sunday of Easter this weekend. The story of the early church is being told through our readings from the Acts of the Apostles and other New Testament stories. Primarily from the Gospel of John we are hearing Jesus refer to himself in simple and tender images such as, “I am the Sheepgate.” We are moving toward two powerful early church experiences in the Ascension and Pentecost. This week we listen to the story of the first seven Deacons of the Church. They were men who embraced the ministry of service and fulfilled a critical role in the community. Deacons to this day are ordained through the imposition of hands by a Bishop that ritualistically calls down the Holy Spirit on them. Deacon is an official office of the church (Along with Presbyter or Priest and Bishop). Deaconate can be a step towards priesthood or it can be a permanent office such as the Deacons we are familiar with in our community, Roland Merced and D.J.Shinkle.

The Gospel gives us hope in that at a significant moment of grief when the disciples’ hearts are “troubled” Jesus acknowledges their pain and urges them to have faith in him. He once again makes definitive statements about who he is. “I am the way, the truth and the life.” He says, and goes on to confirm his unity with God the Father. Such statements are critical to our belief that God is Father, Son and Spirit. We call this belief the Trinity and it helps us to embrace God as creator, sanctifier and redeemer. May we continue to draw strength and inspiration from these stories of courageous people in the early church.

Global Fest is coming again on Saturday, May 17. This is a big gathering that celebrates the ethnic diversity of our community. The event kicks off with a multi ethnic Mass at 5 pm at St. Matthias and then continues with lots of fun in our School and Hall. Each room is transformed into a different country or state by the talent of our students and parents. If you would be interested in sponsoring a room there is a small $250 donation that entitles you to wristband admission, signage in the school, acknowledgement in the bulletin and program, special seating during the Mass and the overall good, warm feeling that comes from supporting our school and the future of our students. For details please contact Deb Bukovy at the School, 784-0999.

If you are interested in participating in the Festive, Multi Ethnic Mass and perhaps wearing any costume, dress or other garb that celebrates your ethnic identity in the procession at the beginning of Mass, please call me at St. Matthias rectory. Also there will be a Kick-Off event for Global Fest at the Ravenswood Pub on Saturday, May 3. Rumor has it that there will be two special and expert bar tenders, Fr. John Sanaghan and Sandria DeSapio our Principal. Details are found in this bulletin and at St. Matthias Transfiguration School.

Please see the ad on the inside back page of the bulletin regarding Transfigurations Car Raffle. Many thanks to Patrick Kempf for coordinating the details of this effort. Tickets are $10 a piece for a chance to win a 2008 Nissan Versa. The drawing is scheduled for Mothers Day eve, May 10 following the 5 pm Mass at Transfiguration. Also please consider taking Car Raffle Tickets with you and asking family members, friends and work associates to support our community by buying tickets. The tickets are available at St. Matthias rectory, Transfiguration rectory and St. Matthias Transfiguration School.

A special thanks to Alderman Gene Shulter and the Chicago Cubs for the generous $1,000 donation to St. Matthias Transfiguration School from the Memorial Day concert at Wrigley Field by the band The Police.

Transfiguration Church, St. Matthias Church and I are featured in an exhibit called Catholic Chicago at the Chicago Historical Museum located at 1601 N. Clark St. The exhibit includes interviews, photos, guided tours and much more celebrating the strong Catholic culture here in Chicago. The exbit runs until January of 2009. For details call 312-642-4600 or www.chicagohistory.org.

Carta Del Padre Terry

A La Gente Maravillosa de San Matías y Transfiguración,

Esta semana celebramos el quinto domingo de Pascua. Las lecturas de los Hechos de los Apóstoles y otras historias del Nuevo Testamento hablan de la Iglesia antigua. Especialmente en el Evangelio de Juan escuchamos a Jesús que se refiere a si mismo con imágenes simples y tiernas como, “Yo soy el Cordero de Dios.” Nos movemos hacia dos experiencias poderosas de la Iglesia antigua, la Ascensión y Pentecostés. Escuchamos la historia de los primeros siete diáconos de la iglesia esta semana. Eran hombres que aceptaron el ministerio de servicio tuvo un rol critico en la comunidad. Hasta el momento, los diáconos se ordenan por la imposición de las manos de un Obispo que llama al Espíritu Santo hacia ellos. El diacono es un puesto oficial de la iglesia (así como el Presbítero o Sacerdote u Obispo). El diaconado puede ser un paso hacia el sacerdocio o puede ser un puesto permanente como los diáconos que tenemos en nuestra comunidad, Roland Merced y D.J.Shinkle.

El Evangelio nos da esperanza de que en un momento importante de dolor cuando los corazones de los discípulos están “afligidos,” Jesús reconoce el dolor y les sugiere a que tengan fe en el. El dice cosas definitivas sobre quien es el. “Soy el camino, la verdad, y la vida.” Lo dice, y después confirma su unión a Dios el Padre. Estas declaraciones son críticas para nuestra creencia de que Dios es Padre, Hijo, y Espíritu Santo. A esta creencia le llamamos la Trinidad y nos ayuda a aceptar a Dios como creador, santificador, y redentor. Espero que sigamos sacando fortaleza e inspiración de estas historias de las personas valientes de la iglesia antigua.

El Festival Global será el sábado, 17 de mayo. Esto es un evento grande que celebra la diversidad étnica de nuestra comunidad. El evento empieza con una Misa multi-étnica a las 5 PM en San Matías y después continua con mucha diversión en nuestra Escuela y el Salón. Cada salón será transformado en diferentes países o estados usando el talento de nuestros estudiantes y padres. Si están interesados en patrocinar un salón, seria una donación de $250 que le daría admisión de brazalete, reconocimiento en el boletín y el programa, puesto especial durante la Misa, y el sentimiento bueno que proviene de apoyar a nuestra escuela y el futuro de nuestros estudiantes. Para mas detalles por favor llamen a Deb Bukovy en la Escuela al 784-0999.

Si están interesados en participar en la Misa Festiva Multi- Étnica y también ponerse un disfraz, vestido, o algún otro traje típico que celebra su identidad étnica en la procesión al comienzo de la Misa, por favor llamen a la rectoría de San Matías. También habrá un evento para empezar el Festival Global en el Ravenswood Pub el sábado, 3 de mayo. El rumor es que habrán dos camareros expertos y especiales, el Padre John Sanaghan y Sandria DeSapio, nuestra Directora. Los detalles se encuentran en este boletín y en la Escuela de San Matías Transfiguración.

Por favor lean el anuncio en la última página del boletín sobre la Rifa del Carro en Transfiguración. Muchas gracias a Patrick Kempf por coordinar los detalles de este esfuerzo. Los boletos valen $10 cada uno por la oportunidad de ganarse el Nissan Versa del 2008. La rifa será la noche antes del Día de las Madres, el 10 de mayo después de la Misa de las 5 PM en Transfiguración. También consideren vender boletos de la rifa a sus familiares, amigos, y colegas para que apoyen a nuestra comunidad con la compra de su boleto. Los boletos están disponibles en la rectoría de San Matías, en la rectoría de Transfiguración, y en la Escuela de San Matías Transfiguración.

Un agradecimiento especial al Alderman Gene Shulter y a los Chicago Cubs por su donación generosa de $1,000 a la Escuela de San Matías y Transfiguración del concierto del Día Memorial en Wrigley Field por la agrupación The Police.

Las Iglesias de Transfiguración y San Matías y yo estaremos en una exhibición del Museo Histórico de Chicago llamada Chicago Católico. El museo queda en el 1601 N. Clark St. La exhibición incluye entrevistas, fotos, tures guiados y mucho mas celebrando la cultura Católica fuerte que tenemos aquí en Chicago. La exhibición abre el sábado, 8 de marzo a las 9:30 AM y seguirá hasta enero del 2009. Para mas detalles llamen al 312-642-4600 or visit n www.chicagohistory.org.

School and Religious Education News

Global Fest

Save the Date

GlobalFest is Saturday, May 17. Join us at St. Matthias Transfiguration School for a fun, family festival to celebrate the ethnic diversity of our community. Each class studies a country or state during the year and presents it with food, cultural information, music and dance at the festival.

St. Matthias Transfiguration School Global Fest Saturday, May 17, 2008

We’re looking for Sponsors and Silent Auction Donors
Would you or your family like to sponsor a portion of GlobalFest or make a silent auction donation? Classroom sponsorships start at $250. We’re also looking for sports tickets, artwork, stays at vacation homes or unique gifts to offer in the silent auction. Donations are tax deductible. Please call Deb Bukovy for more information, 773-784-0999 x26.

Did You Know—Guatemala (5th Grade)

There are 23 different Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala, Spanish is spoken by 60% of the population.

Guatemala is known as the “land of eternal spring.”

Guatemala is the only Central American country with no Caribbean coastline.

Women in Guatemala work and average of 11.5 hours per day, more than any other women in the world.

The white stripes between the two blue stripes on the Guatemalan flag represent Guatemala being between two oceans.

Help us create a fabulous Math Garden

The 8th Graders will be designing and planting a Math Garden in the four planter boxes at the south side of our school. We would love donations of plants, organic soil, and organic mulch. We also need loans of 25 pairs of gardening gloves and garden tools (large shovels, small shovels, etc). We will begin gardening during our math classes at the end of April. Please contact Mrs. Bernstein (mrs.bernstein@values4life.com) if you would like more information.

Lil’ Mustangs Summer Camp

Ages 3-6 are invited to be a part of our first Summer Camp, June 9—July 3. Open to all. Children will have a full-day of learning with Art, Music, Spanish and Physical Education offered each day. There will be one field trip per week. Half-day camp available for 3-4 year olds. For details, see www.values4life.com.

Girls on the Run - Sponsor a Girl

Girls on the Run educates and prepares girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Twenty (20) girls in grades 3-7 set a goal to run a 3.1 mile running event —and accomplish it. They are coached by Principal Sandria DeSapio and Fifth Grade Teacher Rebecca Hansen and practice two times a week. The cost of participating is $75 per girl. We invite you to sponsor a girl for $40. Please send your contribution to the school. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.

School Registration

Registration is underway for the school. Openings are available in grades 2-8. Tuition is $4,600 per year. Tours are available with an appointment. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Discounts for more than one child. Call Deb Bukovy for more information, 773-784-0999 x26

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Are You a Young Shakespeare?

Do not suffer the slings and arrows of a secret gift. Absent thee from anonymity awhile and draw thy pen to write an essay.

The Ravenswood Catholic Young Adults, an organization of residents mostly in their 20s and 30s, is sponsoring an essay contest for high school students. All are eligible to participate who attend St. Benedict High School, attend one of the RCYA member-parishes or whose parent(s) are parishioner(s) in an RCYA memberparish (St. Benedict, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Matthias, Queen of Angels or Transfiguration of Our Lord). Choose one of the following topics and compose a 250- to 500-word essay:

1. “Have you had an unexpected change or conflict in your life recently? Describe what happened and how it affected you. Provide concrete detail. Were other people involved and who were they? What was the resolution, if any, and what other changes do you expect as you look to the future?”
2. “Name a person in your life—whether family member, friend, teacher, spiritual leader or someone else— who has had a big impact. How did this person influence you and why? Be specific. What is your assessment of how your relationship with him or her has changed, if at all? Do you expect a difference in your future because of him or her and why?”

E-mail your essay in a Word document—with .doc appendix —to rcya_chicago@yahoo.com. Include your name, phone number and affiliation (whether you are student at St. Benedict High School or what parish you or your parent(s) belong to). Entries will be judged by Craig Barner, an RCYA member and veteran journalist; John Schmitz, also an RCYA member and Chicago Public High School teacher and freelance writer; and Fr. Terry Keehan, pastor of St. Matthias. The decision of the judges is final.

The winner will receive $100 and a plaque. The deadline for submission is May 15, 2008. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter.

If you have questions, please call Craig Barner at 773- 653-8834. Good writing.

St. Matthias Transfiguration School is holding its Summer Scholastic Book Fair!

Join us for our "Reading Road Trip" Grand Opening on Sunday, April 27 after 9:30 & 11:30 Masses until 2pm in the school gym. Our Family Event is on Thursday, May 1 (There is No School on Friday 5/2) 6pm until 9pm in the gym. Fun, Games & Snacks! Great books for the whole family, a good place to get ready for your Summer Road Trips, the Beach or the Pool! Don't forget to pick up your childs' Summer Reading List titles! Great Prices on Great Books!

Nicolette Anne Bork Michael and Tara Bork Fiona Marie Fahey Eugene and Kathleen Fahey Reyna Luisa Grimaldos– Lenz Edwin and Karen Lenz Henry Drew Stiehl Michael and Rachel Stiehl

THERAPY GROUPS

A twelve-week support group for men and women who have been sexually abused as minors will be sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Assistance Ministry. The abuse may have been perpetuated by a family member, friend, or stranger. Participation in the groups is not limited to those who were sexually abused as minors by a priest and deacon.

Each group will be led by a Licensed Professional with experience working with people in vulnerable situations who want to move forward and take charge of their lives. The groups will meet for twelve consecutive weeks:

Men: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM
May 7– July 23, 2008

Women: Saturdays, 2:00-3:30 PM
May 3- July 19, 2008

Location: 1731 N. Marcey, Chicago, IL

For further information or to request an application form, contact Kathleen Leggdas at 312-751-5268 or Matt Hunnicutt at 312.751.8267.

Please do not call your parish office. All communication regarding this program will through the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Assistance Ministry.

News and Events at Transfiguration...

BLOOD DRIVE

Please support the Transfiguration of Our Lord blood drive! You can feel the joy of sharing life by being part of our parish blood drive on Sunday, April 27th from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. You can sign up for a time to donate blood when a representative from LifeSource will be available after all of the Sunday morning Masses today. LifeSource is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood to 160 hospitals in the Chicago area. Most of us have had friends or family members who have benefited from a blood transfusion. Every blood donation has the potential to help save three lives! Please bring a photo ID, eat a good breakfast and join us on April 27th.

¡Experimenta la alegría de compartir vida! Nuestra parroquia patrocinará una donación de sangre el domingo 27 de abril de 8:00 AM a 2:00 PM en el sótano de la iglesia. Todos interesados en donar sangre pueden hacer una cita después de las misas hoy con un representante del banco de sangre LifeSource. LifeSource es una organización sin fin de lucro y suple sangre a 160 hospitales en el área de Chicago. Casi todos nosotros tenemos familiares o amigos que se han beneficiado por una transfusión de sangre. ¡Cada donación de sangre puede ayudar a salvar a tres vidas! Se necesita solamente una identificación con foto (por ejemplo, licencia de manejar, ID estatal, o matrícula consular). No olvide alimentarse bien antes de la donación y participe con nosotros el 27 de abril.

MAY CROWNING

Sunday, May 3, 2008
After All Masses

TRANS CAR RAFFLE

Mother’s Day Drawing
May 11, 2008

FLORES DE MARIA

8th Anniversary of Tagalog Mass
Sponsored by Misang Tagalog Core Group
Sunday, May 18, 2008
5:00 PM Mass, Procession, Reception

Around the Archdiocese

Ravenswood Catholic Young Adults

We are a group of Catholic adults centered in the Ravenswood community who provide service, spiritual and social outreach to build God's kingdom within our hearts and the community. We include, but are not limited to, Catholics in their 20s and 30s, married and single, of the Ravenswood area parishes St. Benedict’s, St. Matthias, Transfiguration of Our Lord, Our Lady of Lourdes and Queen of Angels. For more information and to sign up for our newsletter check out: WWW.RCYACHICAGO.ORG.

Transfiguration Car Raffle:
Transfiguration is raffling off a 2008 Nissan Versa and has asked for RCYA’s help selling tickets on Saturdays between now and mother’s day. Raffle shift sales will be on Saturdays for 2 or 3 hour at the McDonalds on Lincoln and Western and after the 6:30 RCYA Mass at St. Benedict. Contact Karla at RCYAChicago@ Yahoo.com if you are interested in helping out. The drawing will take place Mother’s Day.

Upcoming RCYA Events...

6:30 Mass Ministry: RCYA is looking for people to help with 6:30 Mass as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and Greeters/ Ushers. If you are interested contact Stephanie at misstephanie76@yahoo.com or fill out the form in this publication and leave it with an usher. No experience needed, trainings will be held after Mass on 4/6 and 5/4.

Organizational Meetings: Our next monthly organizational meeting will be held Sunday, April 27. We meet at Resi's Bierstube, 2034 W. Irving Park Rd. following 6:30 p.m. Mass at St. Benedict--or around 7:30 p.m. at Resi's. All are welcome. Your ideas on improving the organization and volunteer spirit are needed. Unless otherwise specified, the meetings are the fourth Sunday of the month. Contact RCYAChicago@yahoo.com for more information.

Young Adult Bible Study: The RCYA young adult Bible study meets on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For further information, contact Jamie Basso at jamiebasso@yahoo.com or 773-509-1642.

Happy Hour: The social hour will be held after 6:30 p.m. Sunday Mass at St. Benedict will be starting on May 4. Come meet us for drinks at O'Donovan's, 2100 W. Irving Park Rd. Happy Hour will be held the first Sunday every month thereafter.

Pizza Social: Our regular, second-Sunday pizza social will be held on May 11 after mass at St. Benedict in the basement following 6:30 Mass. The suggested donation is $5 to help cover costs plus an item for the Common Pantry. If you are interested in helping set up before Mass, contact Megan Moser at meganmosser@hotmail.com.

16” Softball: RCYA softball league is non-competitive and social. Our home field is Winnemac Park at the corner of Damen and Ainslie avenues. The cost is only $50 monitor the RCYA Web site, www.rcyachicago.org, for details on sign-up. Batter up! Contact Emily with questions at rcyasoftball@yahoo.com.

Softball Tailgate Party: To kick off or 2008 Softball season we will have a tailgate party to get in the spirit on Saturday, May 31, at 3 p.m. in the parking lot at K’s Dugout, 1930 W. Foster Ave. All are welcome! Cost is free for those signed up for Softball and $5 for everyone else. Contact Karla if you have questions or would like to volunteer, RCYA Chicago@yahoo.comWatch for the Evite with more info and to RSVP so that we are sure to have enough food for everyone.

Anointing Mass, May 3– 2008, 10:30 am

Please join us for The Annual Anointing Mass for seniors, and those that are ill. Lunch will be served following the Mass. The Mass will be held in the school Hall. Please contact Peg Wills at 773-506-2193.