St. Paul the Apostle
Parish
www.stpauljoliet.com
815-725-1527 parishoffice@stpauljoliet.com
Greetings!
Sept 14: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

This wonderful feast day, steeped in Glory, would never had been possible without the dedication and love of St Constantine's mother, Helena. Queen St. Helena went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 320, and it was her desire to build churches in the locations associated with the most important events in the life of Jesus and also to find the True Cross. When St. Helena arrived in Jerusalem, there was a pagan temple to the Roman goddess Venus over Calvary which her son, the Emperor Constantine, ordered destroyed. As the workers dismantled the structure and reached the foundation, they broke into a cistern which contained three crosses, one which was determined to be the True Cross. Subsequently, two churches were built, the Basilica of the Anastasis over the tomb of Jesus to honor his Resurrection and the Basilica of the Martyrium over Calvary to honor the crucifixion. Both were dedicated on September 13, 335. On September 14, 335, the True Cross was lifted by Bishop Macarius before the crowd. It was venerated with great devotion and then enshrined in the Martyrium.

Please let the parish office know if there is anything we can do for you. God bless ~
Our Parish Thank You ~
Archive Updates needed…WE NEED YOUR HELP
Thanks to a couple of parishioners who are working on putting together the history of St. Paul the Apostle in scrapbook form. They have done a wonderful job piecing together the time-line with what they had to work with from the original memorabilia. However, they have come across some gaps that they would like to fill in with your help. If you have any photos, mementos, programs, flyers, tickets, etc. from past events held here at St. Paul’s, especially from the 70’s, that you would be willing to donate to this project, we would be most grateful! Class pictures, team pictures, First Communion programs or pictures, Confirmation programs and pictures are just a few suggestions of what to look for. Any fund-raising events, youth group events, or just get-togethers would be wonderful. Even though this small group has put together 200+ pages from what was here, only three of those pages are dedicated to the 70’s. They would really like to be able to fill in some of these gaps. So if you have any items they could use, please drop them off at the parish office anytime Monday – Friday, 8am-12pm or Monday – Thursday, 1pm-4pm. If you would like your items back, we can scan them and then return them to you. Thanks for your help!!  
Our Parish Ministries ~
Every year on the last Sunday of September we celebrate, pray for and have an opportunity to thank our Catholic priests. If you'd like to write a little note to Fr. Mark that we could give him on September 25th, please feel free to drop it in the collection basket this weekend or mail it to the parish offices at: St. Paul the Apostle, 18 Woodlawn, Joliet, IL 60435.
Thank you for the wonderful support our parish offers to our leader Fr. Mark.
Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. This year’s theme is: “This is my body given for you.” Please keep our catechists, teachers, and ministry leaders in your prayers this weekend and beyond as they faithfully answer the call to teach our faith. You all remain in our prayers as you pass on the Truth to your kids, grandkids, family members and friends.

Thank you to all of our school and RE teachers and staff ~
we are truly blessed to have you!

Mrs. Robin Ambrosia, Ms. Kristen Ardaugh, Ms Ruthann Baskerville,
Mrs. Michelle Burkett, Mrs. Tina Chin, Mrs. Dawn DeMoor,
Mrs. Karyn DiNova, Mrs. Ginger Dudek, Mrs. Leah Hilke,
Mrs. Celeste Jay,Mrs. Carol Jones, Mr. Bob Kramerich,
Miss Carissa Kramerich, Mrs. Kelly Kramerich, Sr. Karen Lanigan,
Ms. Katie Larkin, Mrs. Jennifer Marino, Mrs. Julie Martin, Mr. Tyler Morse, Christine McDonnell, Mrs. Michelle Nahorski, Mrs. Melissa Papesh,
Mrs. Nancy Paquet, Mrs. Jeanie Pavnica, Mr. Ross Rodriquez,
Mr. Bob Scheidt, Mrs. Pat Scheidt, Miss Meridith Schroeder,
Brittany Sikora, Mr. Dave Skorupa, Mrs. Kayla Starcevich,
Rose Szaradowski, Ms. Jennifer Swiderski, Mrs. Joanna Szymanski,
Mrs. Sandra Werner and Mrs. Deanna Wolff.
Our religious education families would like to invite everyone to attend mass with them on Monday,
September 19th at 5:45pm. What a great way to get our children to pray together and have all of God’s children under one roof!
Liturgical Ministers' Schedule
The new schedule for the months of October through December will be coming out soon. Please contact the parish office with any scheduling conflicts.

As always, we welcome new ministers to all our ministries! Please call the Parish Office at 815-725-1527 to see how YOU can make a difference in our celebrations and more!
Our Parish Mass & Prayer Intentions ~
Prayer Intentions
Kim Bach
Jerry Briick
Dorothy A. Brown
Robert Corcoran
Isiah Cwik
Bill DeLaurenti
John Finnegan
Ken Graham
Sr. Norma Janssen
Helen Jachinowski
Rick Kelch
Beverly Kero
Daniel Kero
Constance Kozikowski
Milly Laux
Dr. Dale Layman
Helen Malinowski

Mary Meyer
Joan McClintock
Annette Nigro
Rebecca Ruggiero
Marilyn Thompson
Murphy White
Christy Widlak
Lois Yakich
Thank you for your continuous prayers for our parishioners in need of your comfort and concern. God who loves all, hears all.
If there is someone you would like to add to the prayer list, please contact the Parish Office at 815-725-1527 or email parishoffice@stpauljoliet.com
Prayer intentions will remain on the list for 6 weeks. Please call the parish office if the intention needs to be extended. God bless.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord~
We remember in prayer all who have passed before us.
St Paul, pray for us.
Our Parish Schedules ~
Liturgical Ministry Schedule
Saturday, September 17th and Sunday, September 18th:
Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
9/17, 4:30 pm

Lector
Liz Freund

Hospitality
Peter Wilda*
Rick Klimek
Tena Klimek
Julia Pultorak
Cathy Wilda

EMHC
Linda Jenco
Edward Pultorak
9/18, 8:00 am

Lector
Connie Hinkleman

Hospitality
Linda Deiss*
Leon Briick
Marian Heinzel
Ginna Jones
Ron Jones

EMHC
Anne Prock
Mary Ann Schwerha
9/18, 10:00 am

Lector
Jeanie Pavnica

Hospitality
Sue Swarthout*
Carol Allen
Bill Bodach
Patsy Bodach
Annette DeLaurenti
Robert Hobbs
Jay Ormins
Matthew Ormins

EMHC
Bill Bayci
Sunny Hobbs
Our Parish Blessings ~
Around the Diocese ~
Foster Grandparent Volunteers
Needed in Will County
Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparent Program is seeking volunteers in Will County for the upcoming school year! Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to local children with exceptional needs. The program provides a way for volunteers (age 55 and over) to stay active by serving children and youth in their communities. 
Sharing your time and experience can help children learn how to read, assist younger students for school readiness, tackle tough subjects and make decisions that will keep them on the right path. We’ll match your skills and passions to opportunities that interest you.
Most volunteers serve between 5-40 hours a week. Foster Grandparents who are income eligible will receive a tax-free hourly stipend to help cover costs associated with volunteering. Catholic Charities will provide pre-service orientation and training to prepare you for this rewarding opportunity.  
Interested in learning more? Contact Kelley at 815-724-1157 or kkudulis@cc-doj.org. For more information about the programs and services provided by Catholic Charities, visit catholiccharitiesjoliet.org 
The Foster Grandparent Program is sponsored AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteering, service and civic engagement. AmeriCorps engages millions of Americans in service through its nation’s volunteers and service efforts.
Mental health crises in today’s world are probably just as common as physical emergencies like heart attacks. Would you be able to recognize such a crisis or know how to help a person struggling with a mental illness or a substance use disorder? Learn exactly what to do in such an emergency through “Mental Health First Aid: CPR for the Brain,” a training program that will be held 9a–4p Saturday, Aug. 13, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. The same course will be repeated Friday, Sept. 23, at the same location. The program includes tips on how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. Participants also will learn basic skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and to help connect that individual with appropriate care. After completing a two-hour, self-paced online class, students will participate in a six-hour in-person instructor-led class. Instructors include Diane McQueen and Trina Lueckhoff, members of the Linden Oaks Hospital Mental Health First Aid Consortium, which is sponsoring the course. Linden Oaks Hospital is a partner of Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare. Registration for the August session is required by Monday, Aug. 1, and is available online at www.081322sthomas.eventbrite.com. Registration for the September session is required by Friday, Sept. 9 and is available online at http://www.092322stthomas.eventbrite.com.
Cost of the program is $23.95. Continuing education units also are available for LCPC/LPC, LCSW/LSW, LMRT, and psychologists. For more information about this mental health first aid program, contact Susan Kearney at sdkearney@comcast.net or (630) 355-8980, ext. 108.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet’s Will County Senior Expo
The Aging and Disability Division at Catholic Charities together with the Joliet Park District and Aetna are hosting the Will County Senior Expo. The event will be held September 22nd at the Nowell Recreation Center from 9:00am-1:00pm at 199 Mills Rd., Joliet, IL 60433. Learn more about local services and resources for older adults and their loved ones. Free resources, giveaways, and more! Flu shots and COVID vaccines will be available on-site! If interested please bring insurance and vaccine cards. Most insurance will cover the flu shots. Health and hearing screens will also be available.
Contact: Deb Sirek- 815-221-6013  dsirek@cc-doj.org
Catholic Charities is seeking volunteers in Kankakee, Will, and Grundy Counties, to call older adults who are isolated, reside alone, could benefit from encouragement, or need reminders throughout the day. The Telephone Reassurance Program provides friendly telephone calls to seniors (60+) to help reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The program has been shown to increase feelings of security, promote socialization, and offer the peace of mind that connection with someone familiar can bring. 
In addition to having a friendly conversation, trained volunteers may remind seniors to take medications, eat a home-delivered meal, or provide linkage to additional helpful services with in the community. 
Volunteering for the Telephone Reassurance Program offers flexibility to fit your schedule. You are able to volunteer from the comfort of your own home. We ask volunteers to serve 3-6 hours a week. As a volunteer, you will receive pre-service orientation and training. All volunteers must pass federal and state background checks.
Telephone Reassurance Program is also seeking any adults who are 60+ who would be interested receiving friendly phone calls to reduce feelings of loneliness, increase socialization and foster social connections. 
To learn more about this social and rewarding opportunity, please contact Crystal Del Rio at 815-221-6020 / cdelrio@cc-doj.org or Ed Howe at 815-523-9923 / ehowe@cc-doj.org. For more information about the programs and services provided by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, visit catholiccharitiesjoliet.org.