WEEKLY MEDITATION       

    Jesus is on the road again. He has left Judea and is returning to Galilee. We spoke of this a few 

weeks ago when we were celebrating the third Sunday of ordinary time, but today, on the third Sunday of Lent, we are interested in a stop that Jesus made in the land of Samaria. Jesus arrives at a place called Sychar and stops at Jacob's well, which is located not far from the town. It is midday, and it is hot. Jesus is thirsty.  Happily, a woman arrives at the well to draw water from it! Maybe it would be better to say  Aprovidentially", for Jesus knows all.  Even before He arrived at Sychar, He already knew that this woman would come to Jacob's well. Jesus knows all! Jesus already knows this woman. However, this woman does not know Him. Not only that, but because she is a Samaritan and Jesus is a Jew, this woman has no interest in knowing who this man is. Jews and Samaritans do not speak to each other, but Jesus nevertheless addresses this woman, and He asks her for a drink. What a surprise it was for the Samaritan woman!

Are we not a little like this woman of Samaria? Are we not usually immersed in our daily activities, which are often quite ordinary? Are we not thus led to keep looking down our well, at the bottom of which lie our perishable treasures like money, honors,  and glory, while we hardly ever turn our gaze towards Heaven where Jesus awaits us?

STATIONS OF THE CROSS    During Lent The WAY OF THE CROSS is held each Friday in English at 7 P.M.   This is an opportunity to pray the Stations together as a faith community. Come, join us for this traditional Lenten spiritual exercise.  Everyone is welcome!

LECTURE SERIES #3 Our monthly lecture series continues. The third lecture will be held on Friday, March 15 at 7P.M. and is entitled  Raising Faith -Filled Kids.   It will be given  by  Tom McGrath, who offers ideas and inspiration for parents and others who care about kids.  As a former child care worker and Catholic high school religion teacher, Tom has developed a deep understanding of  religious development at various ages. He has given retreats and evenings of reflection in parishes and retreat centers. The lecture will be held in the Small Hall behind the church.  All are  invited to attend this worthwhile event.

H. S. A. ANNOUNCEMENTS                                            $13,000 Raffle! Only 250 tickets. 1^st prize: $10.000; 2^nd & 3^rd prizes: $1000;  4^th prize: $500.  Drawing on March 24 at 1:00 P.M.  For tickets contact  Eva Mossman 312 842 - 5485; Debbie Segvich 312 791 - 0237;  School Office 312 842 - 7668; Rectory 312 842 1871.

PALACINKA & PANCAKE BREAKFAST with the Easter Bunny will be Sunday, March 24.  Breakfast will be served from 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M.  Cost: Adults $6.00; Children $3.00 This price includes your choice of either palacinkas (Croatian style crepes filled with cheese or jelly) or pancakes ,  and bacon or sausage, plus coffee, juice, or milk. Pictures with the Easter Bunny will be taken from 9:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M.  $15 per pose includes  1-5 x 7, 4-3 x 5, and 8 wallet photos.

EVENING OF RECONCILIATION

On Palm Sunday, March 24, at 6 P.M. there will be a special opportunity to avail yourself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the sacred feast of Easter.  Several priests will be available to hear confessions in our church.  Without this sacrament is it possible to be truly and fully prepared to welcome the Risen Christ on Easter Sunday?

CHURCH ENVELOPES Unclaimed boxes of envelopes for 2002 are in the rear of the church.  If you have not yet taken  yours, please do so soon.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO FASTING Lenten fasts have a tendency to be oriented toward things like giving up food or television. But there are many others creative ways we can welcome Jesus= healing touch this lent.

1. Fast from anger and hatred.

2. Fast from judging others.

3. Fast from discouragement

4. Fast from complaining.

5. Fast from resentment or bitterness.

6. Fast from spending too much money.

OUR 90^TH ANNIVERSARY. . .RECALLING OUR PAST

In 1922, under  the  pastorship of  Rev. Venceslav Vukonic, St. Jerome's parishioners purchased our current church building from a Swedish protestant congregation  at  a cost of  $26,900.00.  Included in this purchase was the rectory, and the old school building behind the church.

ARCHDIOCESE ON THE RADIO - Don't miss Catholic Radio programming each weeknight from 9 - 9 :30 P.M. on   AM - 1160 WYLL !

VOICE OF ST. JEROME Parish, each Saturday morning from 10 - 10:30 A.M. on 750 AM (W N DZ).  

If you need a housekeeper  or babysitter,  please call 312 326 2889.