Imagined Conversation of the Lord With the Samaritan Leper

"My dear Simon, so you came back! The only one to do so. The other nine have been cured, but I assure you their cure is only skin deep. Their leprosy is gone, but nothing else about them has changed. After their bitter and hurtful experience they have returned to their old ways. They have not benefitted in the slightest from what they have been through. They are the same people with the same hard attitudes, mean ways, selfish habits, worldly concerns, shallowness, and superficiality of life. They never suspected that a person can have inner leprosy as well.  By that I mean leprosy of the mind and heart. They are still suffering from that, and it is unlikely that they will ever be cured or  even become aware of it.  Yet  you, Simon, are a new man!  Your cure is not merely skin deep. It involves your mind and heart. Stay like that and you'll never forget this day. Go in peace now, and thank you for thanking me."

THANK YOU,  LORD...

Thank you, Lord, that I can see; so many are blind.

Thank you, Lord, that I can hear; so many are deaf.

Thank you, Lord, that I can walk; so many are crippled..

Thank you, Lord, that I have food; so many are hungry.

Thank you, Lord, that I have shelter; so many are homeless.

Thank you, Lord, for the people I love; so many are lonely.

And thank you, Lord, for sharing your cross with me, for when I suffer I grow in holiness. Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings; so many deserve them more than I. And Lord., help me always to be grateful. Amen! 

Baptisms: Today we welcome in baptism 2 new members of our parish: Gianna Marie Sipich, daughter of Mark and Kellie (Sjoblom) Sipich; godparents, Craig Sipich and Sally Bedalow. Donovan Dietrich Adelmann, son of Bruce and Zeljka (Zuzic) Adelmann; godparents, Chris and Renata Molski. Congratulations!  May God bless these children and keep them!

SECOND COLLECTION FOR TERRORIST VICTIMS - In cooperation with the Archdiocese of Chicago/Catholic Charities, St. Jerome Parish is helping the victims of the terrorist attack .  There will be a second collection after each mass this weekend. We appreciate your generosity and concern during our country's most difficult time.  For more information contact Catholic Charities at 1-800-919-9338.

American College in Dubrovnik Mr. Don Hudspeth, the dean of the Rochester Institute of Technology's American College of Management and Technology located in Dubrovnik, Croatia, is coming this Thursday at 6:30 P.M. to give a presentation on this interesting educational opportunity.  Anyone interested should meet in the small hall.

ST. JEROME 90TH ANNIVERSARY-Mark your calendars for October 6, 2002.  Our celebration will begin with a High Mass at 2 P.M., followed by an evening of dinner and dancing at the Sheraton Hotel in the Loop.Also,we are looking for any photos or videos from parish events or family  events at the parish.Please send these to the rectory clearly marked with your name and address so that we can return them.

"Croatian Woman"  is holding its annual "Fashion Show" at the Croatian Center next Sunday, October 21^st, 2001  at 1:00 P.M. An excellent meal and entertainment await you at this event.  All of the proceeds will go to help the victims of the terrorist attack in N.Y.C. and Washington. Tickets are $30.

An Evening of Prayer and Song with Tatiana at St.  Jerome's

St. Jerome Dinner & Fashion Show    Due to an error in the printing of our sponsors in the program for this year's fashion show,  Mr. Matt Pesce's name was accidentally omitted as a monetary donor.We apologize for the error,and wish to thank Matt for his generous donation.Thank you to everyone who attended and helped with the fashion show this year. Because of your participation the evening was a great success.We look forward to seeing you again next year! 

New Altar Servers:  New candidates for altar servers will be solemnly received during the 9:30 A.M. mass on Sunday, November 25, the feast of Christ the King.  If you would like your child to become an altar server, please contact Eva Mossman (312/842-5485), or call the rectory.  Parents, please encourage your children to give of their time in the service of the Lord.

Fr.  Sudac is holding a seminar on November 9 and 10, 2001 in Villa Park, IL.  For more information and registration details take a pamphlet from the back of the church.  

Book Presentation and Luncheon: The presentation of a new book "A Century of Fidelity", written by our Franciscan priests,  Fr.  Robert Jolic and Fr.  Joe Grbes, will be held on Sunday,  November 4 in our school hall after the 11 A.M. Croatian mass.  The book is an account of the 100 years that our Croatian Franciscans have spent ministering in North America.  Fr.  Marko Puljic, Custos of the Croatian Franciscans in N.A., will introduce the book.  The presentation will be made by Fr.  Marko Puljic, Custos of the Croatian Franciscans, one of its authors, Fr. Joe, and the artist whose work appears in it,  Francis Penavic.   The Marian Society will serve lunch at 12:30 and the presentation will follow.

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND: Universal Church!

Thought of the Week

"The world needs a little more "WE" and a little less "I".

Apartment for Rent: $375.00 a month, 2nd floor front, 2 small bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and bathroom.  Pay own utilities. Vicinity 29^th between Stewart and Shields.(312 225 2561)