ST. CELESTINE IS “GOING GREEN”
Convenient Paper Recycling Bins
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Did you notice the Paper Recycling container bins in our parking lot
for convenient drop off of the following?

SAVE and BRING from Home/Office
Newspaper, Magazines, Catalogs, Mail, Envelopes, Folders, Fax and Copy Paper,
Shredded Paper (paper bagged), Colored Paper

No Cardboard, Phone Books, Cans, Plastic Bottles, Clothes or Food Please

Our Paper Recycling Program is another way our parish is “GOING GREEN”, while also generating income. Please support this environmentally essential program.

SAINT CELESTINE SCHOOL REGISTRATION
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REGISTRATION OPENS NOW!!!

Quality education based in Christian values
Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds
Full Day Kindergarten
Before and After School Care $2.50/hr
Technology Lab Classes K-8
Spanish Classes K-8
Physical Education Classes K-8
Art and Music Classes K-8
Athletic Programs for all ages
Test scores above the national average in every subject

To register, please bring an original birth certificate, baptismal certificate, if applicable, and a $25.00 reg. fee per child.

For further information, please call the School Office at 708-453-8234 or www.stcelestineschool.org.

Please encourage friends who may be considering Catholic education for their children to visit the school.

ITEM COLLECTION FOR THE NIGHT MINISTRY
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February 17th through April 1st

Cardboard Boxes are not a Home

On November 23rd the Junior High Youth Group had a guest speaker. Rev. Julie from The Night Ministry - www.thenightministry.org came to talk about homelessness and the people that the Night Ministry serves in the city of Chicago. The Junior High Group was planning on making cookies for the Night Ministry’s volunteers to share with the homeless as they travel through the streets of the city.

Just by providence, members from the Respect Life committee had also been gathering that evening. They joined the JHYG in hearing about the mission and work of the Night Ministry and began thinking about what they could do to help.

Rev. Julie shared that because many of those who are homeless are on their feet constantly, there is a significant need for clean socks. She also shared that many of the homeless are teenagers and families with young children so the need for socks, is one of a need for all sizes.

The freezing temperatures and wet snow pose unique health risks. Because people experiencing homelessness get wet and have no place to completely dry off, The Night Ministry nurses see and treat many cases of trench foot during the winter.

She also shared that there is a need for travel size items for basic hygiene. Any of the hotel samples that people get when traveling are perfect for making hygiene kits for the homeless.

The JHYG and the Respect Life group are combining efforts this Lent season. We will be working together to gather supplies for the Night Ministry. In the vestibules will be cardboard boxes that have inspirational messages and statistics about homelessness written on them. The JHYG prepared these boxes during our last gathering.

During the season of Lent we are asking people to contribute travel size hygiene items and brand new packages of white socks in all sizes into these cardboard boxes.

We will be collecting: Travel size bars of soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and alcohol free mouthwash, lotion for dry skin, baby wipes, packaged underwear and new white socks, in all sizes.

Please help if you can. For more information on The Night Ministry visit their website at www.thenightministry.org.

See also Parish Ministries / Youth Ministry for more information.

Do You Want to Read the Bible, But Don’t Know How to Begin?
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If you have ever wanted to read the Bible, but did not know where or how to begin, then,

A Quick Journey Through The Bible
Parish Study is for you!!!

A Quick Journey Through The Bible makes reading the Bible not only easy, but exciting. In this study, you will learn the major people, places, events and themes of the Bible - getting the “big picture” of salvation history. Perhaps for the first time in your life, you will understand the overview of the Bible story. This then makes your Bible reading and even the Sunday mass readings come alive like never before.

Beginning on Thursday, February 18th, we will begin this eight-week Bible study program (eight consecutive Thursdays) entitled A Quick Journey Through the Bible. The primary goal of the program is “simply to introduce Catholics to Scripture and to make the Bible approachable by explaining the overarching story and showing how the various books fit together to get that story across.” The Quick Journey program lays a foundation upon which further Bible study will be based. The program will be held at the Pastoral Center starting at 7 pm and lasting approximately 90 minutes. A one-time $10 fee is requested to offset the cost of materials. If you are interested, please contact Barbara Kubiniec-Mares at the Pastoral Center at 708-453-2555. For more information on the program, go to www.GreatAdventureOnline.com.

See Adult Formation / Seasonal Bible Study for more information.

ST. CELESTINE PARENTS’ CLUB 3RD ANNUAL CUBS OUTING
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During March and April

Parents' Club Third Annual Cubs Outing Ticket Form in Adobe Reader (pdf - 30 KB)

The Parents’ Club has once again secured a limited number of Cubs tickets for the Monday night game on April 26, 2010. It is a 7:05 pm game against the Washington Nationals. This game is our first night game as we were not on Easter break this year to plan a day game. Come and enjoy Wrigley Field with your family and friends in the evening. You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the game. The tickets are $16.00 each. I have been told that our seats are located in Terrace Reserve 200 sections.

Tickets will be sold on a first come, first-served basis and we have sold out very quickly in the past. If you are interested, please fill out the form linked above and return it to the Pastoral Center with your check made payable to St. Celestine Parents’ Club. You will receive a call when to pick up your tickets at the Pastoral Center.

See also School Website - Parents' Club for more information.

St. Ferdinand Parish Annual Fish Fry
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St. Ferdinand Church located at 3131 N. Mason will be hosting their annual Fish Fry every Friday during Lent thru March 26th. The menu features whitefish, beer battered cod, perch, baked scrod, baked tilapia and breaded shrimp, Complete dinners range from $6.50 to $8.00 and include baked or fried potatoes, coleslaw, bread, butter, dessert and coffee or tea. Children’s dinners are $1.00 less. Beer, wine, soda, cheese pizza, fried dough, mozzarella sticks, hush puppies, clam chowder and vegetable soup also available.

Doors open at 4 pm. February 26th is “Tribute to Sinatra”, Night with Sam Magdal. March 12th is “Elvis Night”, back by popular demand. Don’t miss it! March 19th will feature our delicious St. Joseph Sweet Table. March 26th is Fish Fry with the Easter Bunny which features a basket raffle, pictures with the bunny and lots of fun for the whole family!

FOR CARRY OUT/DRIVE UP ORDERS CALL AT 773-622-3022 BETWEEN 4 PM AND 7 PM ON FRIDAYS.
For more information call at 773-622-5900.

A Morning of Meditation
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An Introduction to Christian Meditation

Presentation on the History of the Tradition
Video Presentation: Coming Home - An Introduction To Christian Meditation
Periods of Meditation
Time for sharing

All are invited:
Those who meditate,
Those who want to learn to meditate and
Those who want to know more about meditation

Satuday, March 13, 2010 from 9 to 11:30 am
Saint Celestine Parish - Creed Center
3023 77th Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL
(Entrance by the School)

Sponsored by the Christian Meditation Group.
Freewill offering accepted.
Reservations are requested but not required.

Contact Patty Matzke at 708-452-4609 or
Saint Celestine Parish - Pastoral Center at 708-453-2555.

Upcoming Saint Joseph Table
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Saint Joseph Table Donation and Volunteer Form in Adobe Reader (pdf - 68 KB)

Sunday, March 14th, 2010
from 12 Noon to 2 pm
Tavolata di San Guiseppe

St. Celestine Parish
3020 N. 76th Court
Elmwood Park, Illinois 60707

Sponsored by
The Italian Catholic Federation

The St. Joseph Table is not primarily a fund-raiser, but rather an opportunity to grow in common charity toward one another. An important part of the table is charity. We need your help to make this event a success.

You can donate food, give a monetary donation and/or donate your time. If you wish to help or donate, please fill out the form above and return it to the Pastoral Center, school or church. We will contact you as soon as possible.

See also Parish Life / Italian Catholic Federation for more information.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

On Monday, March 15th, the Archdiocese of Chicago, Vicatriate IV, will host a Leadership Awards Banquet. On this evening four Young Adults from St. Celestine Parish will be recognized for their gifts in Leadership. Bishop Paprocki will be present to recognize their accomplishments in sharing their faith with others and their response to the Call of Discipleship.

The award recipients are;

Kevin Jandrists - Leadership Development
Jennifer Gallagher - Leadership Development
Daniel Tarchala - Community Life
Kimberly Wilson - Community Life

These young adults try to live out their Catholic Faith and Call to Discipleship as is evidenced by their actions in our parish and in their daily actions.

St. Celestine Parish is blessed to have such faith filled and dedicated young adults.

See also Parish Ministries / Youth Ministry for more information.

THROW OUT THE HONORARY FIRST PITCH
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You will be able to go to School Parents' Club Webpage: http://www.stcelestineschool.org/ParentClub.html and have the opportunity to bid on “Throwing out the Honorary First Pitch” at the game on Monday, April 26th. This will also include 4 tickets to the game, the person’s name on the scoreboard representing St. Celestine and the ball you throw to the catcher will be autographed by the catcher and returned to you!

You may bid on this for you or your child. The bidding starts Wednesday, March 17th and ends on Monday, April 19th. The highest bidder will win!!! You will be able to follow the bid amounts, but you will not know who you are bidding against.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Jackie Mescolotto at 630-918-5168.

Thank you,
ST. CELESTINE PARENTS’ CLUB

See also School Website - Parents' Club for more information.

Saint Celestine Pictorial Directory!
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Coming this spring to Saint Celestine Parish - our 80th Anniversary Pictorial Directory. Make plans now to have your families portrait taken at NO charge to you or to our parish and receive a complimentary 8X10.

Pictures will be take the weeks of May 24 thru May 28 and June 8 thru June 12. Make plans to gather the family and have your picture taken. Details as to how to reserve a time and date will be announced in a later bulletin.

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2010 - ITALY AND GERMANY TRIP
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A 10 Days Splendors of Europe Tour
... featuring Italy and Germany

Trip Itinerary in Adobe Reader (pdf - 7,778 KB)

Join Fr. Jeff and Barbara Kubiniec-Mares for a 10 day European tour featuring Northern Italy and Germany. This will be a very moving and a wonderful experience.

It was during the Thirty Years War that the deadly and contagious disease known as the Black Plague broke out. Before it ran its course, it struck down one in every three persons throughout Europe, and left in its wake untold misery, panic and hunger.

One little village in the south of Germany was spared: Oberammergau. The townspeople made a vow that if the town was spared, they would give a play of the life of Christ every ten years. The fact that they were saved is one of the most amazing mysteries in history. Thus, the first Passion Play took place in 1634, and is done every 10 years.

The trip departs of Monday, September 20, 2010 and returns on Wednesday, September 29, 2010. If you are interested or have any questions, please call Barbara at the Pastoral Center at 708-453-2555.

Crafty Ladies and Prayer Blanket Project
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Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? Come and join the Crafty Ladies once a month to make items for local charities. We have our regular meetings on the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Fireside Room of the Pastoral Center. Call Lynn Schmidt at 708-710-3978 or Darlene Hrankaj at 708-452-5715 for more information. Refreshments are served. Yarn donations are greatly appreciated.

The work that these ladies do, go to those in need. Many, many hats, scarves, mittens, and slippers have been made and shared with those in nursing homes, hospitals and shelters. These ladies also share much conversation, laughter and a treat as they make their items for the needy. So if you have the desire to learn the basics, or if you already know how to crochet, you are welcome to join them.

Our Crafty Ladies are in need of yarn. If you or any one you know has yarn that is not being used, please bring it to the Pastoral Center so these ladies may continue their ministry.

Prayer Blanket Project

Do you know of someone who is seriously or terminally ill?
Is this person confined to his/her home, a nursing home, or some other institution of care?
Is he/she feeling isolated and cut off from our community of faith?
Would the prayers of the St. Celestine Parish community be a source of comfort and grace during this time of special need?

If you answered “Yes” to these questions, then you may wish to request a prayer blanket for him/her.

Thanks to the loving concern of Sr. Marylyn Welter, Becky Serpe, and the Crafty Ladies, our parish is embarking on a new project to reach out to the members and friends of our parish community who are seriously affected by illness. Since these individuals frequently are unable to join us at Mass because of the circumstances of their illness, we want to assure them that they are being remembered in prayer and kept close to the heart of our faith community. To this end, one of the specially made blankets (courtesy of the Crafty Ladies) is brought to Mass on the person’s behalf by the individual who is requesting it. The blanket is blessed and prayed over by the gathered community. It is then taken to the person, thereby surrounding him/her with the prayer intentions of our community.

The process of acquiring a prayer blanket for someone is simple. To begin, you contact one of the receptionists at the Pastoral Center at 708-453-2555 with the request for a prayer blanket and provide the following information:

1. Your name and contact information.
2. The name of the person who is to receive a prayer blanket.

You will then be contacted by a member of the Prayer Blanket Team who will arrange a time for you to bring one of the prayer blankets to Mass for the blessing, after which you will bring the blanket to the person. In addition, the person’s first name only will be listed in a special part of the parish bulletin so that the entire parish community may keep him/her in prayer.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly. I ask for your patience in advance as we start up this new project. There can always be a few bugs to be worked out in any new project.

Wishing you peace,
Fr. Jeffrey

The TEEN are selling T-Shirts
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Whether through supporting youth ministry, the athletics programs, funfair for our school or the reli- gious education program, it has been shown in many ways, St. Celestine has always been a parish that supports its youth. Many parishioners support our youth in the community as well. I know many attend plays and concerts at the local high schools because; they know how valuable it is to a community to have young people who express themselves through the arts.

For this reason, the teens have come up with a way for you to show your support. Whether you are attending the craft show, fun fair, an athletic event, a local concerts, or play this t-shirt is a great way to show the community, how St. Celestine Parish supports our youth.

T-shirts will be on sale for $15. We will also be taking orders for this great addition to your wardrobe!

See also Parish Ministries / Youth Ministry for more information.

CANNED FOOD DRIVE FOR OUR FOOD PANTRY
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We need to stock our food pantry. We are in need of canned soups and powdered soups, canned soup, boxes of dried pasta, hamburger helper mix, rice mixes, cereals, oatmeal, canned fruits or vegetables, canned meats, jars or cans of spaghetti sauces, peanut butter, jams and jellies.

If you are able to help us, please bring your items to church, rectory or food pantry. You can bring your items to church with you. If you would leave the bags of food in the Ushers Room, the food will then be taken to the Food Pantry on Mondays.

See also Social Outreach / Food Pantry for more information.

IGNATIAN VOLUNTEER CORPS
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Retired? Eager to "give something back"?

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), a Jesuit-sponsored organizations, provides opportunities forretired men and women to share their skills, experience, and wisdom in direct service to the materially poor and marginalized.

The IVC seeks volunteers for its tenth year in the greater Chicago area. The 40+ Ignatian Volunteers live in their own homes nd work in local social service agencies or schools two days a wee, ten months a year. A carefully guided reflection process helps Ignatian Volunteers discover the deeper meaning of the volunteer work they do and to see the face of Christ more clearly in their daily experience of serving the less fortunate. For further information contact George Sullivan at 773-975-6871 or gsullivan@ivcusa.org. Contact IVC National office at (toll free) 888-831-4686 or visit the website at www.ivcusa.org.

Congregation of Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
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The communion hosts our parish uses are produced by the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, MO. The sisters are embarking on building renovations to provide living for elderly sisters, energy efficiency and reduction of space. Bishop Robert Finn of the Kansas City - Saith Joseph, MO Diocese has whole heartedly endorsed their project and blessed their efforts. Now, before the end of the calendar year, is a good time for parishioners to review their charitable goals and make contributions to charity. Please be generous in helping the Clyde Sisters. They hold you and our parish in their daily prayer.

Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
31970 State Highway P, Clyde, MO 64432-8100
www.benedictinesisters.org
sister@benedictinesisters.org

Counseling Service at Saint Bernardine Church
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Ms. Margaret Lukomski, an experienced and licensed professional therapist, is available to assist people facing marital and family difficulties and other personal issues. Ms. Lukomski, LCPC is also a certified alcohol and drug counselor. She is at Saint Bernardine Church one afternoon and evening per week. Fees for her services are reasonable. To schedule an appointment, please call Catholic Charities' Holbrook Counseling Center at 312-655-7725.

PARENTS' CLUB COOKBOOKS
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The Saint Celestine Cookbooks have arrived and can be purchased for $12 at the Pastoral Center or School Office. If you pre-ordered a cookbook they can be picked up at the Pastoral Center.

Thank you to everyone that contributed a recipe to make this book so special.

See also the Parish Life / Parents' Club (School Website) for more information.

Is God Calling You?
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Is God calling you to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi?

The Secular Franciscan Order is a religious order within the Catholic Church open to diocesan clergy and to married and single members of the laity. Secular Franciscans work together in local fraternities to deepen their own spirituality and to strive to conform their lives more fully to the Gospel of Christ.
If this appeals to you, please call Florence Metler at 847-966-7612 or Dale Blum at 773-774-779 for more information.

St. Juliana Fraternity, SFO

See also Sacraments / Vocation for more information

WE NEED YOU!
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Our parish offers a great service to our parishioners on Sundays. A ride to mass in our parish bus.

We are looking for a few more people who would be available 1 Sunday, about every 6 to 8 weeks to drive the parish bus. People are picked up for the 9 am and 11 am Masses.

A simple, but much needed ministry.

If you would like more information about being a van driver, or would like to volunteer to be a part of this ministry, please make a call to Mike Johl at 708-452-7026.

No special license is needed to drive the bus.

Loaves and Fishes
Hot Meals for the Hungry
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Hungry?
Hot Meals Available!!!
from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Monday: Elmwood Park Methodist Church - 3000 N. 77th Court, Elmwood Park.
Tuesday: Resurrection Lutheran Church - 9920 Grand Avenue, Franklin Park.
Wednesday: St. Celestine Catholic Church in the Annex Room - 3020 76th Court, Elmwood Park.
NO CHARGE!!!



See also Social Outreach / Loaves and Fishes for more information.

If you are hospitalized...
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If you or a member of your family are admitted to the hospital, please contact the Pastoral Center at 708-453-2444 to let us know. Due to new federal regulations, most hospitals will not contact parishes unless you specifically request it. We want to visit our parishioners in the hospital, but we are often unaware that they are there.

Saint Celestine Singles Support Group
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The Saint Celestine Singles Ministry provides care and support for those who are widows, widowers, singles, separated or divorced, or currently going through divorce. You are invited to join us as we gather in a spirit of acceptance and trust. This Ministry meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm in the Annex.

We offer support, social activities and outings, monthly prayer services and parish/community service events. Come meet other singles from the area. All separated, divorced, widows, widowers and never married adults are welcome.

Call Patty Matzke at 708-452-4609 for more information.

See also Parish Ministries / Separated and Divorced for more information.

Ministry of Care
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If you have a family member or a loved one who is unable to attend Mass, one of our Ministers of Care would be happy to bring Communion to this person. We visit our own homebound parishioners who live in the area and anyone in a nursing home in our neighborhood. Please call Barbara Kubiniec-Mares at the Ministry of Care Office at 708-452-0150 to make the arrangements. See also Parish Ministries / Ministry of Care for more information.

Young at Heart
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The members of St. Celestine's Young at Heart Club would like to meet other seniors, 55 and over.
Our meetings are on the Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month. The meetings are held from 1 to 3 pm in the School Annex.

Sweet rolls and coffee are served. We play bingo after the meetings. Hope to see you soon.
Call the Pastoral Center at 708-453-2555 for more information. See also Parish Life / Young at Heart for more information.

Campbell's Soup and Box Top$ Labels Collection for Education
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The Labels for Education program is a great way to get FREE merchandise for our school and it's even better this year. With your help, Saint Celestine School (School Website) can make this year the best ever! Participating in the program is easy - simply save proofs of purchase from participating Campbell products and send them to our school or bring them to Saint Celestine Church and put them in the blue boxes in the vestibules.

Some of the products eligible for redemption during the 2009-2010 program year include:

• Campbell's® soups, Prego Italian Sauces
• SpaghettiOs® Pasta, Campbell's Tomato juice
• Campbell's® beans, gravies, and canned pasta
• Swanson® broths and canned poultry
• Pepperidge Farm® breads, cookies, crackers, and frozen products
• Campbell's Foodservice products

The following products are worth 5 points for the 2009-2010 program year:

• 26 varieties of condensed soup in specially marked cans
• All Campbell's® Microwavable Soups
• All Campbell's Supper Bakes® Meal Kits
• All V8 Splash® Beverages, All V8 Soups
• All Campbell's® Select Harvest ™ Soups
• SpaghettiOs® Pasta (Original and Meatball)

The Labels for Education Program for 2009-2010 understands that schools continue to be challenged by inadequate budgets for enrichment programs. Schools need our support more than ever, and Campbell Soup is ready to help. Our commitment to enhancing the school environment by providing resources that support Arts, Athletics and Academic enrichment programs in your school is stronger then ever. Check out www.labelsforeducation.com for more information about "Win a Busload of gear for your school" and for a complete list of eligible products and point values.

Help multiply our efforts by asking your friends and family to collect proofs of purchase on behalf of our school.

We are also saving the Box Top$ for Education found on many products such as Betty Crocker cake mixes, cereals, pastas, snacks, etc. These Box Top$ are sent in and help our school in purchasing needed services or equipment. Check out their website at www.boxtops4education.com for more information.

Thank you for your interest and cooperation in saving BOX TOP$ and UPC's from Campbell products. Together we can help in making SAINT CELESTINE SCHOOL (School Website) the best school for our children. KEEP SAVING AND SENDING T0 SCHOOL!!!

Work Ministry
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All of us know members of the parish who are out of work. If you are unemployed or looking to make a career change, please visit our website at www.workministry.com.

Job Seekers: go to job seekers options for job search, preparing a resume or application, posting a resume and more.

Employer / hiring manager: visit the website for advertising and job postings of career opportunities with a growing database of candidates.

Work Ministry is a career resource providing support for faith based organizations serving the unemployed, the underemployed and career changers. Work Ministry provides resources for spiritual support, career management and technology for Job Support groups and members seeking assistance.

And thanks for your commitment to assisting members of our parish and community. For more information, please contact Sue Cibelli at 847-296-8060 or send her an e-mail at suecibelli@workministry.com.