Mon. July 18
8:00 Anita & Al Karnes
by Marie Craig
Tues. July 19
8:00 All the Elderly in the Parish
Wed July 20
8:00 All the Living & Deceased Members
of the Grimm & Tragnitz Families
Thur. July 21
8:00 Communion Service
Fri July 22
8:00 All those who are Ailing

Sat. July 23
8:00 Purgatorial Society
5:30 Daniel Geist
by Geist Family
Sun. July 24 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
8:00 People of St. Gerard Majella
11:00 Rose Terrazas
by Paul Veldhuizen & Family

THANK YOU
Thank you to all whom contributed to the collection on the weekend of July 9th and July 10th. The amount collected was $1,406.86.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK
Linda Jones
Ann Knight
Rita Schreiber
Lou Grimm
Corine Murphy
Ann Dytrych
Julie Laur
Adeline Deneen
Betty Nemecek
Helen Blaha
Betty Paschal
Ann Mysliwiec
Julius LoCicero
Osie Dompier
Eileen Desidero
Bernadine Smith
DoDo Dove
Terry El
Eugene Orris
Margaret Lee
Roselee Gacke
Brittany Dubs
Lillian Coughlin
Dorothy Loeffler
C. Campbell
Marge Straub
Shaun Deneen
E. Thielmann
Della Herrod
Mary Ellen Joren
Bunny DuBois

Anyone who is ill in our parish and would like to receive Holy Communion; call (708) 331-8400. If you can be removed from the sick list at this time, please call the parish office.

DATES TO REMEMBER
Aug 6, 7, 8 12, 13 & 14 SGM Players Summer Show "Story Time"

A LETTER FROM FR. JUREK
Dear Father Joseph, Father Bob, and Parishioners,
On behalf of my mother, Ruth, and brothers, Stan, Jack, Frank (deceased) and their families, I want to thank all of you for being with us as we celebrate the life and death of our husband and father, Stanley.
Thanks, Fr. Joe and Fr. Bob, for your help during this time of sorrow. Your expressions of sympathy and words of hope at the prayer service and at the cemetery were comforting to us all.
Thanks to Shirley and the Resurrection choir. Your selection of music and song was most appropriate. You folks were magnificent. Please keep up the good work.
It is always comforting to know that we will continue to experience the hospitality that only the folks of St. Gerard's can share.
God bless all of you!
Sincerely,
Rev. Daniel J. Jurek

THE WOMENS GUILD
The parish would like to thank the Gerardian Women's Guild for their generous donation of $1,500.00 toward the work of the parish. The women have always been diligent and active supporters of the parish. These women work hard all year in raising funds and promoting the social activities of our church. Thank you again ladies for your unequaled efforts.

RETREAT
In recent years Holy Cross family Ministries has been assisting Fatima Retreat Center in the direction of the Big Retreat. The theme for this year's retreat is "Eucharist - a Family Experience" is in keeping with Pope John Paul's announcing this year as the Year of the Eucharist.
Please join us on August 5-7, 2005 at the University of Notre Dame. For more details call

THE WOMEN'S GUILD
The Women's Guild would like to remind everyone that they are still saving pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. This charity helps the families of children who have cancer by providing a place for the families to stay while the children are receiving treatment.
Sr. Catherine would also like to thank everyone for their ongoing support of the women's shelter she is associated with. The shelter is in continual need of toiletry supplies such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. There seems to be an ever increasing need to help families with young children. The small dent that we make with our donations combined with the generosity of others helps these families during the time of their greatest need.

DO YOU HAVE DIABETES?
This year, one of every five adults over the age of 65 will develop diabetes. To answer your questions about this illness and to learn the warning signs, risk factors, and much more, request a free pamphlet (Diabetes: Understanding the Disease) by calling (708) 371-0400 ext. 1216.
The pamphlet is compliments of the Crestwood Senior Education Institute.

ST. MARY'S SUMMER PICNIC
The St. Mary's Parents Group is sponsoring a Summer Picnic on Sunday, July 31. It starts at 12 noon. The picnic will be held at Twin Lakes Recreation Area in Arlington Heights. Please join them for food, games, water balloons, Paddle boats (slight fee) and fishing ($1.00). Please bring your own beverages/ coolers/ ice/ blankets/ lawn chairs/ fishing poles/ smiles and appetites!
RSVP by July 15 and/or if you have any questions contact Jennifer McNabola at (847) 823-1494.

SENIOR SUPPORT GROUP
The senior support group at St. James Hospital meets every third Monday of the month to discuss topics relevant to seniors. Their welcome session will meet on Monday, July 28, 2005 from 3-4 Pm at St. James Hospital-Chicago Heights Campus (1423 Chicago Road, Chicago Heights, 3rd floor in room 346). Monthly sessions will include: tips for staying independent, the latest inn adaptive equipment, dealing with change and feelings of depression, relaxation and visualization, and other topics the group will pick. The program is free and a light snack will be provided.
Call (708) 756-1000 ext. 6167 for more information.

SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is caused by extended exposure to high temperatures, and can be life-threatening. The Illinois Department of Public Health advises that individuals watch for the following signs if hey are going to be outside for any lengthy amount of time on hot humid days:
-headache
-red, dry face
-skin that is hot to the touch
-a body temperature of 105 degrees or higher
-a rapid pulse
-loss of consciousness or
-seizures or an irregular heartbeat.
If you think someone is having a heat stroke, immediately get that person into a cool, shaded area and offer them water. Run a cool bath or put ice packs on the head, neck, and armpits. If the person is delirious or losing consciousness, take him or her to the hospital.

SGM PLAYERS
Tickets for the summer production, "Story Theatre" are now on sale. They may be purchased before each Mass or by calling the parish office, (708) 331-8400.

ON THE TRACK WITH BISHOP PERRY
Dads, sons, single guys (especially college age) here's a local event you don't want to miss! "Running the Race of Manhood: Life Lessons from Champions of our Faith". On the Track with Bishop Perry includes food - beverages - and guest speakers: Bishop Perry and Rev. Joseph Noonan. This event, presented by Catholic Men of Chicago Southland, will be on Sunday, July 24, 2005, 4:00-6:00 PM, St. Kieran Parish Hall, 700 w. 195th Street, Chicago Heights, IL Tickets are $7.00 per person. Advanced reservations only - limited seating.
Call Frank (708) 957-1597. Sign up now!

WHAT'S YOUR CATHOLIC IQ?
The answers to last week's questions were: 1. (c); 2. (a); 3. (c)
1. A flat metal container used to carry communion to the sick is called (a) a vestibule; (b) an alb; (c) a pyx; (d) a corporal; (e) none of the above.
2. The outer garment worn by the priest celebrating Mass is called (a) a surplice; (b) a cassock; (c) a chasuble; (d) a ciborium; (e) none of the above.
3. A linen cloth used to clean the vessels used during Communion are called (a) a corporal; (b) a stole; (c) a purificator; (d) a cassock; (e) none of the above.
4. Which of the following holds the hosts distributed at Communion (a) the surplice; (b) the Communion cup; (c) the ciborium; (d) the chalice; (d) none of the above.
5. A room where vestments, church furnishings and sacred vessels are kept is called (a) the sanctuary; (b) the sacristy; (c) the vestibule; (d) the lectionary; (e) the cry room.

CATHOLIC TRIVIA
Did you know?
HIS is the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek: Iota, Eta, Sigma.
The Apostles Creed probably originated in the second century as a rudimentary formula of faith professed by catechumens before the reception of baptism.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
The Holy Spirit has summoned us to give praise and thanks to God, whose word penetrates our hearts and our minds.
The Gospel today concludes with the line: "Whoever has ears ought to hear". God is the source of all justice. He showers us with words that have the power to draw us away from sin and lead us to goodness and truth. We need to open our ears and listen to these words. Parables are used by Jesus to reveal God's mysteries of the kingdom. These mysteries will lead us to everlasting life.
Dear Lord,
Let us take to heart the words of today's parable - let us open our ears and hear what you are saying. As God's beloved children, let us be inspired by Your words. Amen.