WEEKLY MEDITATION

Much time has passed since the events that Saint Mark recounts in this Gospel take place, but we can see that today there continue to be rivalries among people who seek to be first. There continue to be people who think "first me and always me". We can see all around us that what flourishes is narrow-mindedness and selfishness, and very little disposition to be humble. In the second reading the Apostle Saint James warns his community against these attitudes, telling them that where there is rivalry, selfishness, and envy, there is disorder. That is where sin and all kinds of evil acts occur. He exhorts them asking, "From where do the wars and the conflicts among you come?" Without a doubt, if the Apostle Saint James were to be among us today he would ask us the same question!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES celebrated at 9:30 a.m. mass today:

Debora and Joseph Magyar 20 years
Rita and Chris Johnston 15 years
Connie and Pablo Iglesias 10 years
Cathi and Peter Wilkie 10 years

We share the joy felt by these special anniversary couples and ask God to continue to shed His grace and blessings on their sacred unions.

NEWLY BAPTIZED We welcome Matthew Joseph Peso, son of John ("Bezo") and Dina n. Sperando into our faith community. His godparents are Joseph Sperando and Luanne Munizzi. Congratulations and God bless you!

SECOND COLLECTION next weekend will be taken to support The Catholic New World archdiocesan newspaper and ensure that this vital publication maintains its high quality and reaches a wide audience.

WEEKLY BULLETIN ADS will soon be expanded to include a second page. The current ads will be larger and easier to read. Space will be available for new ads. Margaret Flanigan, a sales representative from LITURGICAL.com will be calling on businesses in our area to offer them the opportunity to advertise in our weekly bulletin. If you are interested in placing an ad, or know of someone who is, please call Margaret at 630-372-1144. When patronizing these businesses, please thank them for their support of our parish!

BRIDGEPORT CATHOLIC ACADEMY Will host a Family Fun Fest on Saturday, Oct.4, at 3700 S. Lowe from noon till 11 p.m. Admission is $10 for children and $5 for 21 and over. Admission is good for all day. Many activities are planned. Food-Drink-Raffles-Ponies-Batting Cages are at an additional cost. For more information call 773-376-6223.

CATHOLIC MISSION OFFICE LETTER OF THANKS
"Dear Parish Family at St. Jerome Croatian Church,
Thank you all so much for your kindness extended to the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and Brothers. Your gift of $1,100.00 will make it possible for them to continue their service in their challenging situation. Thank you all for your generosity. May you all receive blessings a hundred fold.
Sr. Maria Burke
Director"

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING will be held on Monday, September 29, at 7 p.m.

CATHOLIC FESTIVAL of FAITH From October 31 through November 2, 2003, the Archdiocese of Chicago will host its first ever "Catholic Festival of Faith" at Navy Pier. Mark your calendar now and reserve these dates to join Catholics from all over Chicago and celebrate our faith!

FASHION SHOW St. Jerome School is hosting its annual Fashion Show on Wednesday, September 24, at 6p.m.at the Martinique in Evergreen Park. Tickets are $30 and include dinner and an open bar. Contact Pauline Dengler, 773-268-3859; Denise Bertucci 312-842-8551; or Jan Ferro, 312-225-9751 for tickets. Bus transportation will be available.

ALTAR SERVERS If you would like your children to become altar servers, please let us know. This fall we will begin training new servers.

CCD - FORMAL CATECHISM INSTRUCTION - CCD instruction begins today, September 21 after 9:30 a.m. Mass. Classes are held from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

For Rent: 1st flr, 29th Shields, 2 bedrooms, new hardwood floors & carpeting, ceiling fans, mini blinds, central heat/air. Tenant pays own utilities. Call 312 225 2864.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK 

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them; God will clean them.