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HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP???
Membership runs from Oct-Oct.  
Contact Kathleen Parrilli to make sure you renewed:  [email protected] or 366 5710
 
APRIL 2013
St Luke Women's Club Newsletter
  American flag with white peace ribbon in tribute to Anne Smedinghoff  
In This Issue
A Successful Night of Irish Dancing
Coming Up
Misericoridia Candy Days
Bulletin Board Idea
Sounds Like Fun
Parish Happenings
Tips of the Month
Vegetable Cooking Cheat Sheet
In Our Prayers
Our Deepest Sympathies
From Fr. Ken earlier this week... 

 

Dear St. Luke Families,

 

It is with very sad and heavy hearts that we offer our Deepest Sympathy to Tom and Mary Beth Smedinghoff on the tragic death of their dear daughter Anne. Our prayers and love go out to them and to Anne's siblings, Mark, Regina and Joan, as well.

Anne was serving as a U.S. diplomat in Afghanistan when her life was cut short by a terrorist attack on Saturday. The family is awaiting the return of her body to the States and then to Chicago. Because of uncertainties in this timeline, a date for the Funeral Mass has not yet been set. We will send you another notice with the details of the arrangements as soon as they are finalized.

Meanwhile, we are grateful to the many individuals and groups who have contacted us at St. Luke's to express their desire and readiness to help. We will work to coordinate these efforts in accordance with Tom and Mary Beth's wishes. This will take a couple of days. Please be patient. We will contact you as best we can.

For now, we invite you to honor Anne and show your support for Tom and Mary Beth and their children by tying a white ribbon of peace on the trees in your front yard and to display the American flag. Although we are powerless over the violent actions which took Anne's life, we have the power to show our support for her dream of peace in the world.

 

And, above all, let us join in prayer:

 

Almighty God, eternal Father, we commend to your loving mercy our beloved Anne. We are confident that her life, though brief, was pleasing to you in her faith and love and generous service to others. Bring her home to yourself, Lord, and give her the everlasting reward of her humble labors. Let her dwell forever in your love and peace.

Bless Tom and Mary Beth, Mark, Regina and Joan. Sustain them with your love and grace in this most difficult hour. And grant that our expressions of love and support may help ease their grief and sorrow.

Lord, we call upon you in faith and hope. Graciously hear the prayers of your people who cry out to you in their need. In Jesus' name. Amen.   

  
May God bless us all,

 

                Fr. Ken Fischer


peace dove symbol
      

 

FAMILIES IN NEED OF MEALS

 

If you or know of another parish family who is in need of meals due to illness or any other reason.

Please Contact:

Molly Hague 366 6778

[email protected]

 


As a reminder - we have several recurring parts of the newsletters for you to keep in mind 

 

Sounds Like Fun?

Do you have a talent or hobby and looking for others.  Let us know and we can try to get others interested in forming a group. 

Knitters/bridge players bowling/runners/walkers

roller derby/dinner swapping?? 

Please contact:  

Noreen Leavy 708 404 0556 [email protected]

 

 

Meals For Families 

in Need 

If you or know of any parish families that need help with meals due to family illness or other reasons  

Please contact:  

Molly Hague 708-366-6778 [email protected] 

  

PLEASE NOTE:  

In order for you to be notified of   families that will need meal service, YOU WILL NEED TO SIGN UP TO Lotsa Helping Hands e-mail list.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP   

 

 

Member News

Do you have some exciting news to share with all of us - perhaps a new member of the family or wedding, or celebrating a milestone anniversary or birthday?  We would love to share in the joy with you - so please let us know.

Please contact:  

Katie Planek 708 848 6547 [email protected]

 

 

In Our Prayers

In this section of the newsletter we will recognize special intentions of any nature that we receive.  We will also recognize and offers prayers for the recently departed St Luke parishioners.

Please contact:  

Kathleen Parrilli 708 366 5710 [email protected]

 

 

Our Deepest Sympathies

This area of newsletter will be reserved for any St Luke Women's Club member who has recently lost a loved one who is not a parishioner of St Luke. All too many times we hear of a close loved one long after the services have taken place. We want you to know that you have our support and in our prayers during this time, so please don't hesitate to let us know especially if there are local services being held. 

Please Contact:  

Amy Hart Tomaso 708 488 0551 [email protected]

 

 

heandsheeatclean
GO 
GREEN! 

 

 



 
Dear Women of St. Luke Parish,  
 
Alleluia - April brings the rain and the flowering buds.  This year in April, we also celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord, when the Angel Gabriel appears to the Blessed Mother Mary and announces she has been chosen to be the Mother of God.  You may have also noticed the city lit up in blue, this is in support of National Autism Awareness Month.  We also celebrate American Cancer Society, National Garden and National Mental Health month, and Earth Day on Monday, April 22nd among many more notable days.  
 
The Easter season tells the story our Christian faith and the sacrifices God, Jesus and His Family made for us.  We are 
reminded of the resurrection and what that means in our lives.  This month, the strength of our faith is stronger than ever.
 
We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Fr. Ken and his family.  Fr. Ken's mother, Mary M. Fischer Lofquist passed away last month.  We sent a flower spray on behalf of the SLWC for the wake service. Additionally, Cynthia Maroon is coordinating an effort to collect funds for the 125th Anniversary Campaign in memory of Mary Fischer Lofquist.  If this is something you would like to be a part of, please contact Cynthia at [email protected] or 366 8133.
 
Going down the streets of River Forest is emotional, heartwarming and touching.  Most of you have heard by now about the shocking tragedy of parishioner Anne Smedinghoff.  This is not only heartbreaking for the family and community, but the entire country.  Anne was a truly exceptional person and lived out her mission to bring peace to the world.  Her legacy and spirit of peace will continue to live on.  We extend our love, support and prayers to the family during this time.  Arrangements for Anne can be found below.
 
We send out a BIG thank you to all the volunteers, especially First Presbytarian Church, who were involved in the White Ribbon/Flag Drive Thru on Monday evening.  This was a huge success.  The Drive Thru accepted books as payment in honor of Anne's final mission.  A room at First Presbytarian was packed with books and will be donated to a local charity. The white ribbons symbolize Anne's mission and passion to bring peace to the world.  The entire community was moved by this effort and we are so grateful for the swift and brilliant organization of bringing it together so quickly.  
 
Around the corner is Misericordia Candy Days; Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27.  Once again we are encouraging people to volunteer for a time slot to get out on the streets to collect money for this worthy cause that has close ties to many community members and the Archdiocese of Chicago. Please see below for more details.
 
And lastly on a very bright note, the SLWC is excited to announce it has decided to donate $1250.00 to the 125th Anniversary Campaign.  We are even more elated that a anonymous donor has volunteered to match this donation, and all others, DOLLAR for DOLLAR! There is only a little more to go to reach our parish financial goal and we are proud to be helping achieve it.
 
Thank you for your continued support.



Warmest Regards,

Molly Hague
Noreen Leavy
Kathleen Parrilli
Amy Hart Tomaso
Pat Devereux
Katie Planek
 
 
 

Remember:  All of our newsletters and current information and 

invites are archived on the St. Luke Parish website click here for St. Luke Parish website.  

 

And, generally speaking, anything you see in the newsletter in 

bright blue and underlined can be clicked on for further info.

 

 

  

 

 

In Celebration of a Beautiful Soul
                                            Photo of Anne Smedinghoff

Dear St. Luke Parishioners: 

 

This is to inform you that arrangements have been made for the Funeral of Anne Smedinghoff, beloved daughter of Tom and Mary Beth, and sister of Mark, Regina and Joan.

 

The Wake will be on Tuesday, April 16, from  

2-9 PM at Drechsler Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S Marion Street, Oak Park.

 

The Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday,  

April 17, at 10:30 AM at St. Luke Church.

 

Please note that we expect an exceptionally large attendance at the Mass. Priority of seating will be given to the Smedinghoff family, their relatives and close friends. We will have additional seating in the Gym with large-screen closed-circuit television.

 

Let us continue to keep Anne and her family in our prayers. May our love and support help to sustain them through these difficult days.

 

God bless you,

Fr. Ken Fischer                


 

A Successful Night of Irish Dancing 

  jig13
The jig dance lessons at Molly Malone's were a riot.  A little less than 20 showed up and we had a blast and a few pints in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Kathleen Parrilli (center) worked hours on her hair, getting those tight curls.  We all appreciated her efforts as she bounced around like a true experienced Irish lass.

Thank you to Sarah Dolan from
 
We plan to do it again next year and perhaps combine it with a corned beef dinner buffet.
Coming Up...
mary

Mary

A Celebration honoring our 

Blessed Mother

 

The SLWC is hosting a special

"Pack the Pews"

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Waldron Hall 

after 5:00pm mass 

 

ALL ARE WELCOME

 

Please join us for an evening devoted to 

our Blessed Mother

Dinner*, special treats and activities will be provided.

 

*Suggested Donation: 

$20 for families or $5 for seniors/singles

 

 

Looking for volunteers:

* To help set up in Waldron Hall - 8:30am Sat May 11th

* To bring Fruit 

(can drop at Waldron 4:30pm on May 11th)

* To bring a Dessert 

(can drop at Waldron 4:30pm on May 11th)

* To help at craft table with special Marian 

crafts

 

 

Check out link for Mary 

recipes and ideas 

 

Contact Katie Planek to volunteer 

[email protected] or 

708 848 6547

  *******************************************

 

INDIAN BOUNDARY

Tuesday night 

WOMEN'S LEAGUE

  

DATE:

Begins TUESDAY, MAY 7th - 5:00PM

BUT JUMP ON BOARD ON ANY DATE                        

                                               

LOCATION:  

Indian Boundary

8600 W Forest Preserve Ave.

Chicago, IL 60634

 

EVENT:

Women's League (Beginners - Intermediate) 

Very Loose Format - come as a single/double/triple and join others to make a foursome OR create and bring your own foursome                        

 

FORMAT:     

9 holes stroke play (10weeks-EVERY TUESDAY)

                                               

COST:           

$100.00 initial starter fee and weekly charge of 

$11.00 Walking or $16.00 Riding

 

INCLUDES INSTRUCTION:

PGA Professional Mike Hainline will be conducting free weekly clinics before your round                            

                                              

ALSO INCLUDES:

2013 Forest Preserve Golf Card

1 Dozen Ladies Golf balls

End of Season Raffle (2 starter sets of clubs among other items)

Buy One Get One Free Round of 18 holes Coupon

Closest to the Pin Contest Every week - Winner plays FREE the following week

                   

ENTRY DEADLINE:    

Fill out Entry Forms and send by May 4, 1013 or any Tuesday thereafter

 

QUESTIONS??? 

Contact Dan Stein @ Indian Boundary - (773) 625.9630 or Noreen Leavy - [email protected] or 708 404 0556

 

Click here for Golf Registration Due May 4th 

 

 
Misericordia Candy Days

The Misericorida Candy Days are coming up!!
This year they will be Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27.  Anyone who volunteered last year will be contacted and asked to help out again, but they are always eager to have new volunteers as well.  
 
Please contact 
Cynthia Maroon:  [email protected] or 
708-366-8133 to volunteer.

 

  Moms and Dads working with their children are always welcome!  The children always collect far more money than the parents, of course, and it is a grand way to introduce them to the concept of volunteering and helping those who are more unfortunate.

 

If you are unable to get out there or donate on those days, please consider an online donation to some of our local friends at Misericordia:
 
 
 

 

Bulletin Board Idea


Please keep the SLWC Bulletin Board in mind, especially as you start your Spring cleaning.

Why use the SLWC Bulletin Board?
 
Our only stipulations to post are:

*that you are currently a member

*you are not solicitating your business or asking for personal donations


Please e-mail Rose 
(with "SLWC Bulletin Board" in subject line) 
if you are interested in posting something.  
She will send you a template to fill in:
Rose Szurko Ramage - [email protected] 
or  cell - 312 882 1027
 
 
Sounds Like Fun???
 
 
Interested in forming a book club? 
Contact Noreen Leavy - [email protected] or
708 404 0556 
  
Or starting a bridge club?  
Contact Lisa Shanahan - [email protected] or 771 9502
 
Parish Happenings

The Ministry Committee 
of the St. Luke School Board of Specified Jurisdiction (BSJ) invites the women of St. Luke to join the Parent Rosary Prayer Group.

Please join us at 2:15 p.m. on Friday afternoons in the church to gather together and pray.
 
Why do we gather?  We pray for our children, our school, 
our community, the intentions of the Holy Father, and our own special intentions. It's a great way to start the weekend.

Haven't prayed the Rosary in a long time?  Don't worry - we have prayer guide sheets!

Can't find your Rosary?  We have extras!
 
When & Where? 
Friday afternoons at 2:15 p.m. in the church - please use the ramp entrance.
We will meet on Fridays: 
April 12, 19, and 26 & May 3, 10, 17.  
 
On May 31, we will start at 2:00 p.m. and have a brief social gathering in honor of Mary in the Guild Room after the Rosary.

Can't come but have a prayer request?  We will pray for your intentions even if you can't be there.  Contact one of the BSJ Ministry Committee members listed below.

Tamara Hicks - [email protected]
Colleen Weiler - [email protected]
Ann Marie Wojcik - [email protected]

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:20

**************************



The Parish Pastoral Council is looking for volunteers to help welcome new parishioners.  If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please contact:
CJ Kerstetter
708 488 9881


*****************************



There are a couple of 125th Parish Anniversary celebrations coming up.  Keep your eyes open


**********************************
We target to get our newsletter out between the 1st and 10th of the month.  If you have parish related information you would like us to post, please make sure you get it to us in time

 

Tips of the Month
 
Digital Marketing Tips
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vegetable Cooking Cheat Sheet


Yumi's Vegetable Cooking Cheat Sheet
In Our Prayers

Please keep the following special intentions in prayer:

 

 

 

  • For all who serve our country to protect our freedom.
  • In thanksgiving for our newly appointed Holy Father Pope Francis of Argentina! And all who have been called to religious vocations.  Let our hearts be forever grateful for the gifts they bring to the world.  
  • For all of our family and friends that recently have had surgery, been hospitalized, receiving treatments or fighting illness.  We wish and pray for healthy and quick recoveries.
  • For Autism and all those affected by it.  We pray for new and innovative ways to help Autism and pray for  patience, love and understanding.
  • For all those facing addictions.  May they feel the merciful and healing love of God and all those who love them.  
  • For all St. Luke Confirmation candidates, their sponsors and families.  May the Holy Spirit awaken them during this special sacrament and continue to grow in their hearts throughout their lives. Confirmation on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.
  • For all the candidates (and sponsors) that completed the RCIA program who were received into our church this Easter. We especially pray for and congratulate the candidates from St. Luke; Hilary McElligott, Mike Ross and Melissa J. Harris. May the light of God and faith always be present in their lives. Click here to see more information on candidates
  • We pray for all affected by cancer and that collaborative efforts of research are brought together to gain a better understanding for cures, treatments, and early detection of cancer.
  • Please bless all affected by mental disease.  Continue to bring attention to these serious conditions, so people can receive the proper treatment and help that they need.
  • We also pray and bless our precious Earth.  Let us all live remembering that many, many generations still need the resources of the Earth.  We pray for an awareness of our natural resources.
  • For our friend, Bob Lewis. Bob and his family will need our prayers and support for the next several months as he undergoes cancer treatments. Click here for more information.
  • For Kathleen O'Bryan Kurrle and family - May the grace, strength, hope, generosity, and love of God and our community be with them.  If you weren't able to attend the fundraiser, there is an opportunity to offer help to the family:  Click here for more information
  •  For our dear family members and friends who are facing hardships with financial, relationships, or health issues.  Continue to bring them hope, comfort, strength and God's light every day.
 

Our heartfelt condolences to all who have recently lost a beloved family member or friend of St. Luke Parish.

 

May the souls of 

Mary Fischer Lofquist and Anne Smedinghoff

rest in peace.  

 

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

 

 

Our Deepest Sympathies

Our deepest sympathies go out to our SLWC members who have recently lost a loved one. Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

 

Gwen Tonino's father in law:

Antonino Tonino 

 

   

About St Luke Women's Club
Newsletter feedback/ideas or suggestions? 
Contact:  Katie Planek 
708 846 6547 - [email protected] 
 
THANK YOU FOR  
SUPPORTING SLWC! 
 
Interested in becoming a SLWC member?

 
Molly Hague:  Co-President
[email protected] or 708 366 6778
Noreen Leavy:  Co-President
[email protected] or 708 404 0556
Kathleen Parrilli:  Co-Vice President
[email protected] or 708 366 5710
Amy Hart Tomaso:  Co-Vice President
[email protected] or 708 488 0551
Pat Devereux:  Senior Officer
Katie Planek:  Communications
[email protected] or 708 848 6547

St Luke Women's Club
528 Lathrop
River Forest, Illinois 60305