Spring 2012

Quarterly News from SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Parish

News from the Pews

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"Here's The Church"

By Fr. Larry Lisowski
When I was in second grade, a very small but pious Felician nun by the name of Sister Dianne Marie, taught our class the famous poem that kids still love to dramatize with their hands. A distinctive hand gesture corresponds to each verse. You probably remember the poem and The sign language that goes with it. It goes like this: a lifeless museum, patiently waiting for visitors to show up. There are plenty of those in Rome. What is a blessing for me as I pastor here at St. Cyrils, is the active and vibrant faith of our community. People are really dedicated and committed to the parish. There is a strong sense that parish life here is one of the places where people come regularly to be spiritually fed. It is in the context of our parish that people can share their gifts, talents and resources to bring about the Kingdom of God. This edition of News from the Pews beautifully captures the Catholic faith of our parishioners on many levels. We see the innocent faith of our young people, especially our teens, who just received the Sacrament of Confirmation in March. We are inspired by our young children who are preparing for their First Holy Communion at the end of this month. We read the testimonies from the members of our Parish Council as they state why they have chosen St. Cyrils as their spiritual home, and express the value and meaning that St. Cyrils has for them. The real beauty of our parish is the life and faith we share while we make this journey as disciples of Jesus. much to create the sacred place we have today. Our church is a great testimony to their deep faith. This summer, great care will be given to the inside of our church, which has become worn and tired over the years. Great efforts will be taken to restore the beauty of our spiritual home as we paint the entire interior, clean the murals,

Heres the church, and heres the steeple. Open the door and see all the people.
The lesson that Sister Dianne Marie wanted us to learn at a very young age was that Church is more than just a big old ornate building. Church is about people willing to live out their faith and coming together as Gods family. Church is about a community of believers who pray for and help one another, as brothers and sisters in the name of Jesus Christ. Church is really about people who try to follow the gospel message of Jesus Christ every day.

restore the Stations of the Cross and improve the lighting and sound system. In the end, we will be able to preserve this sacred place for years to come. What we do now will be a real gift to the future. Our current efforts will be appreciated by those who follow in our footsteps.

We enter into the Easter season filled with great joy, hope and promise. It is a You can have the biggest cathedral in the world and fill it with the best Yes, St. Cyrils is blessed to have such a time when we profess our faith and trust statues, shrines, murals and all types of historic building for people to come and in the Risen Lord. May Gods blessings and love be upon us. Let us give thanks religious art. But if the church is always worship and pray in. Our church is a to Ministry empty with no one in the pews, itsBeautyprecious gift given to us in A by the The not of the Catholic Faith 1929 MeaningfulGod for the gift of faith. We know that without it, life would be so empty, truly a church. Sadly, but honestly, a benefactors of our parish who preceded and so would our churches! church in this state functions more like us some 80 years ago. They sacrificed

In This Issue

Ministry of Care Reflects on Meaningful Moments

By Liz Brohan
On the first Sunday of every month, Kitty Shannon feels exuberant. Thats the day she fulfills her role with one of St. Cyrils most important service organizations, Ministry of Care. It makes me feel like I am truly carrying out our mission statement, said Kitty. The men and women of St. Cyrils Ministry of Care bring the Body of Christ to the homebound, Kitty Shannon something Kittys been doing for most of her adult life and all of the eight years shes been a parishioner at our church. Its what I grew up with, continued Kitty. Fulfilling our Corporal Works of Mercy is just something Ive always done, and it's a very big deal. And now its an even bigger deal for me to be bringing communion, and more, to members of our parish who are unable to attend Mass. I get more out of it than I give, continued Kitty. Ive learned about the history of Lemont through our older parishioners, been introduced to the diversity that comprises our parish community and made many new friends. Carol Mierendorf, who chairs the Ministry of Care, Carol Mierendorf agrees with Kitty. Its such a great feeling. Its more than communion. Its about keeping someone connected to the parish and all thats happening at the church. Both Carol and Kitty believe the Ministry of Care is one of the most rewarding ways to volunteer for the parish, and the time commitment needed is minimal. It usually takes less than a morning a month to visit the two or three parishioners assigned to an individual member. In addition to providing communion, the ministry delivers bulletins and spends a little time talking and visiting with each recipient. The ministry also sends cards, organizes the Annointing Mass and luncheon, and serves residents at the local nursing home. The most common comment received by a Minister of Care is Thank you for caring and continuing to remember me, says Carol. Everyone is so grateful for the support and attention.

A Lifelong Look at Our Faith and Home

By Karen Dziekan
During this past Lenten season, we've probably asked ourselves what more we can do to be better people and live life to the fullest. Sally Mankowski, ended up changing her life based on one years Lenten commitment to strengthen her faith. Sally has been a parishioner at St. Cyrils for 61 years and went to school here. Saying she has a few fond memories of our parish would be 2 an understatement. She has witnessed the demolition of the old school, and celebrated our 75th Jubilee in 1959. She and her classmates made their First Holy Communion in the morning and received the Sacrament of Confirmation that same afternoon. When she can, Sally attends daily Mass. A tradition started by her father, Bill. When he retired in 73, he started attending mass with his uncle, Martin, on a daily basis. Sally decided the following Lent to continue the tradition. What can I say, it feels like home. If you can afford the time, it really makes your day, said Sally. She thinks of morning Mass as her one-on-one time with the Lord. Lets not forget joining in to say the rosary. Ray Rudis, another fellow lifelong parishioner, says, There is power in the rosary. Sally welcomes all to come and join them. Its not only a great way to start the day, but she feels, The power of prayer does wonders.

News from the Pews - Spring 2012

Mothers' Club Raises Funds for e-Learning Tools

By Laura Klimczak, Secretary of Mothers' Club
On Friday, November 11th, the Mothers Club hosted our Come Fly with Me fall fundraiser at Crystal Grand Banquet Hall in Lemont. We had over 200 people in attendance. Everyone enjoyed food and beverages with hospitality provided by St. Cyrils teaching staff. It was an entertaining night featuring Vito Zatto, a Vegas-style singer and entertainer. Attendees bid generously on items donated for the silent and live auctions. The proceeds will be used to purchase interactive whiteboards, iPads with carts, and other necessary items that the school needs to provide a quality Catholic education to our students. Mothers Club thanks all who donated items for bidding as well as those who won them. Mothers Club will be sponsoring the Walk-a-Thon for the children in May. Mothers Club sincerely appreciates all the support we receive from the parish, school staff, school teachers and the volunteers who participate in the school activities. With everyones contributions, we are able to provide the students of the school extras that are not covered by tuition. Thank you again. Come visit us at one of our Mothers Club meetings held on the second Tuesday of every month in Fr. Sivore Hall at 7:00 pm.

Religious Education News

By Trish Nickleski
This is a very busy time of year for the children in our religious education program. The second-graders are busy preparing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion on April 28, 2012, and the eighth graders recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation on March 17, 2012. I ask that you pray for these students as they take another step in their faith journey. During Lent the children were involved in Operation Rice Bowl where they collected loose change in small boxes. That money goes to help feed the hungry of the world. What's more, the children in third, fifth, sixth and seventh grades collected items for our Helping Hands program, including personal health care items, cleaning items and paper goods for the people in need at our parish. The first-graders, along with the eighth-graders, made Christmas cards for the nursing home residents, the second-graders made Valentine cards and the fourth-graders will make Easter cards for the residents. The students are all involved in helping those in need and our hope is that they develop an awareness of those who are lonely or less fortunate than we are. During Lent the children also attended the Sacrament of Reconciliation during their regular class time. Our school year will finish up the week of April 15 and the eighth graders will graduate at prayer services held throughout the week. Registration forms for next year will be sent by email the first week in April. Those new to our program next school year can register after June 1. If you are interested in receiving registration information and you are a new family to our program, please call the religious education office at 630-257-9314 and we will take your contact information and send you registration materials in May.

News from the Pews - Spring 2012

Misterium Mki Paskiej

Passion of the Christ
By Maggie Starzec
The Polish Club of Lemont, along with John Paul II Polish School under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Marcin, organized the Passion of the Christ play. people involved with the production, everyone was able to meet a lot of new people. This experience has built many strong bonds among all the individuals involved. Several people have formed solid friendships that have lasted beyond opening night. This story is so great that even though none of the actors are professional, they were each able to embody their character and feel the same pain and guilt that was felt over two thousand years ago.

Not only were adults involved, but many children joined the cast too. They After the play concluded last year, everybody realized that it was a success played important roles, such as crippled children whom Jesus heals. in getting Jesus message across to the people, so it was decided to do a repeat performance this year, expanding their program to seven other churches around Chicagoland. These Churches include: St. Blas Church in Summit, Our Lady Mother of the Church in Willow Springs, St. Joseph the Worker Church in Wheeling, Sacred Heart Church in Palos Hills, Divine Mercy Polish Mission in Lombard, St. Camillus Everybody put their talents together to create this spectacular show. And everything from the lights, music and costumes, was contributed and created by our parishioners. The Passion of the Christ describes our Saviors journey from being greeted and praised at Jerusalem, a day we now celebrate as Palm Sunday, to being betrayed by Judas, beaten and forced to carry a cross, and then to die for our sins.

The part of Jesus was played by Jan Lichacz. He does such an amazing portrayal that many people in the audience had tears in their eyes after his performance. The play was directed by the wonderful Krystyna Pokorny, who was the first principal of John Paul II Polish School. Not only was she guiding and helping all the actors, but everybody worked together to improve the whole play.

Church in Chicago, and St. Stephen Church in Tinley Park. These actors are all parishioners of SS. Cyril & Methodius Church. Most of them do not have any professional experience as actors, but were able to convey real emotions in their parts, which allowed them to transform into their characters. The play also provided the opportunity for many of the parishioners to get to know one another. With over sixty

The result was fantastic and I encourage everybody to come see it. Please do not let the language barrier stop you Jesus message was meant to be heard by everybody no matter what language they speak.

News from the Pews - Spring 2012

Why Do I Practice My Faith?

By Nancy Kosek
Members of the Parish Council share their personal reasons for why they practice their Catholic faith. Their messages bear a strong witness and testimonial to the power of faith and speak volumes all on their own.
My Catholic faith is very important to me. It is fundamentally about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Going to Mass is just one way to show my gratitude for the many blessings God has bestowed on my family and to take some time to be in His presence. As a young girl, we lived close enough to church that I could walk there on my own to attend mass. There was never a question or hesitation about going. It was part of being Catholic.
For as far back as I can tell in my family, ancestor after ancestor has passed down the gift of faith from one generation to another, so that it is so ingrained it is almost a genetic trait. I grew up watching my grandparents practice their faith quietly and with devotion. I think I was most impressed with my fathers attendance at Mass. Somehow that said more about him as a man than anything else. I knew his faith had gotten him through some very difficult events in his life. My mother was raised Methodist and converted to the Catholic faith when my parents married. I will be forever grateful that she made that decision and they chose to raise their family as one faith and send their children to SS. Cyril & Methodius School. I carried on the Catholic education tradition by sending my sons to school here as well. My News from the Pews - Spring 2012 most heartfelt wish for them is that they deeply know and experience the love of God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit every day and in every aspect of their lives. I cannot imagine going through life without knowing Him. He is the cure for all ills, takes the stresses away, and provides a peace beyond all else. Open your heart and mind to receive all that He has for you and you will be amazed at what He can do in your life. Nancy Kosek that Polands 1,000 year existence was the result of its Catholic faith. You learned about the many historical and inspirational events that were the result of its peoples faith. The people deeply believed that the countrys hardships, sufferings, and triumphs, were tied to Jesus suffering, passion and ultimate victory over death. This was the common theme of my heritage and faith, which resonates to this day. My faith continued to develop through the many inspirational people I met during my educational experiences at St. Daniel the Prophet and Quigley Seminary South High School. I found those formative years to have a decisive impact on my faith. I reminisce about those days with great fondness, reflecting on the wonderful people who were my teachers and friends. They were positive role models who helped me to navigate through those challenging teen years. As I got older, life naturally brought additional complexities and responsibilities. I valued and appreciated the earlier years, which provided a spiritual foundation for my Catholic faith. Finally, I found my desire to practice my Catholic faith to be intimately personal. There were experiences and moments of grace that strengthened my desire to practice my Catholic faith. However, there were times when I would get entrenched in lifes daily grind, challenging my commitment to faith. But there always seemed to be that inner personal voicereminding, consoling, and guiding. Finally, my dear grandmother always expressed and encouraged me to meditate on St. Faustinas simple words of faith: Jezu, Ufam w Tobie . (Jesus, I trust in you). This is why I practice my Catholic faith. Mark Czerwinski
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My parents provided me with a rich spiritual blueprint of how to be Catholic during my formative years. Now that obligation to serve as role model for my children has come. As Catholics, we are called to share our faith with everyone. Giving of my time and talents to SSCM is a personal commitment in strengthening our faith community. In turn, this faith community is a source of hope in the dignity of human life that is constantly being attacked. Our faith community supports and nurtures us to live in Christ and to be examples for our children, friends and neighbors. Myron E. Cislo

Why do I practice my Catholic faith? As I reflected, I found the answer to this question to be potentially complex and personal. As a son of Polish immigrants, the answer would appear to be obvious. My heritage was deeply intertwined with the Catholic faith. You learned, at an early age, that the core and soul of your heritage reflected on the deep belief

I have practiced my Catholic faith at SS. Cyril & Methodius since 1993. When we moved to Lemont we came to St. Cyril's and did not need to look any further for where we would be attending Church. SS. Cyril & Methodius is my spiritual home and is where I feel closest to the risen Christ, from the beauty of our church to the family, friends and fellow Catholics whom we see every week. It has always been a place of faith, comfort and strength to my family and me. It has been a source of many memories and blessed days for all of us. So, why am I at SS. Cyril & Methodius? Yes, it is where my family and I choose to be and enjoy coming to hear the good news. But more importantly, it is where God has led us on the path that He has chosen for us all. God Bless. David Ehle

I am practicing my faith at St. Cyril's because this church drew me and my husband in first through its beauty and second through the parishioners and staff. We were looking for a church and school to transfer our family to after moving to town eight years ago. When we met with the staff at the school and started attending church, I felt really at home. This parish truly is a family. People are gracious, helpful, knowledgeable and available. There were many times at the school when I was late with some paperwork or the seemingly endless permission slips that needed attention. Always, graciously, my late work was accepted. I very much appreciated the smiling face. When I first went into the church I noticed the beautiful rose window. The church I grew up in had a very similar rose stained-glass window. The altar was extremely similar to the church my husband grew up in and the same church we got married in. Needless to say we both were immediately drawn in. We felt we were home. The clincher was Fr. Larrys availability, participation and genuine interest in what the parish is doing on a daily basis. In other parishes, the parish priest did not have this same relationship. I am very glad to be a part of this family. I feel supported and safe to practice my faith and open to learn new things about being a Catholic. I feel at home. Jean Kaminsky

I am proud to be Catholic, this is what draws me to attend Mass every week. I grew up attending a Catholic school; going to mass was a norm in my life. I think back to my childhood when I was drawn to the Catholic Church, even if I attended a public school, I am most certain I would have still gone to Mass weekly. There is a feeling inside of me that draws me to go to Mass every weekI feel like its free therapy! When I am in church, all my worries go away. Its a time to sit for one hour and reflect on the good and bad that went on during the week. I ask for Gods help to get through the bad times, but I also give thanks for the good that has happened. If I didnt attend Mass I would feel incomplete. Now married for the past 16 years and having two children, I feel that my family is whole by attending Mass every week. My children do not attend Catholic school, but they are learning the traditions of the Catholic faith through our attendance at Mass and incorporating Religious Education every week. I feel that if I did not do this, I would be giving God a disservice since the children are the future of our Catholic faith. Annie Kinsley

News from the Pews - Spring 2012

Over fifty years ago, my parents gave me two wonderful gifts: the gift of life and the gift of the Catholic faith. My spiritual family is as real to me as my worldly family. Believing in God is as natural to me as breathing. I cannot imagine my life without my faith. Conversation with God and/or the Blessed Mother is part of my daily routine. I look to the Lord for guidance, strength, and wisdom on a regular basis. The Blessed Mothers love is especially comforting to me. Her motherly hand has guided me through the best times of my life and the most painful. It is always Gods love that brings me to it and brings me through it. I am so blessed and thankful for the wonderful gift of my faith. Rosemary Niemiec

There are several reasons why I practice my Catholic faith but most importantly I practice it because I believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Having been faced with many challenges in my life, I truly believe that I was able to persevere because of my faith. I came from a strong Catholic upbringing and am forever grateful to my parents for instilling this belief in me. My faith has shaped me into the woman I am today; I am not afraid to face challenges because I know that our Lord is always by my side helping me along. Practicing my Catholic faith has allowed me to set a good example for my children. I owe it to them to provide a strong Catholic foundation so when they are adults and struggle with lifes challenges they can make confident choices based on their beliefs. Life wont always be easy and I want them to know that they are never alone, Jesus is always with them. Ann McClafferty

My passage to Catholicism evolved from birth and transitioned after Vatican II. The change from the Latin to English Mass was a major force in my understanding of how beautiful the Catholic Mass can be. As time progressed, I discovered that total participation in the Mass dedicated me to God and Christ in a way that I never thought possible. I am proud of all that our church accomplishes throughout the country and the world. My faith keeps me in touch with my inner self and I know this leads me to God through Christ. Comfort, peace and spiritual needs are met through prayer and meditation. I enjoy arriving at Mass early to meditate and meet with the Lord. God gave His only son, Jesus, who died for our sins. I dedicate my life to His will. Steve Troc

News from the Pews - Spring 2012

Understanding the different interpretations of The Piet

In-Spired Art Corner By Judith Mokelke
scream or ranther gentle sadness, the great love, and even resignation show in the composition and rendering of this Piet. When we say Piet, most of us think of the famous Renaissance masterpiece by Michelangelo in St. Peters Basilica in Rome. This incredible depiction of Marys most sorrowful moment is the only artwork that Michelangelo Piet, St. Peters Basilica signed. Originally, this Piet was commissioned as the funeral monument for a French cardinal, but it was moved to St. Peters nearly three hundred years ago. Piets have been a subject in Christian art since long before Michelangelo. In 1370, a small wooden Piet was made in Germany, called the Rottgen Piet. Its an interesting piece to compare to our hauntingly beautiful, graceful Piet. There is nothing lovely about this artwork. It is harsh and angular; the natural proportions of the figures are distorted. It shows much of the ghastly results of Christs crucifixionHis body is shrunken, and drained. His wounds are horrific bursts in the wood. Marys head is too large, but her expression of great grief Rottgen Piet, Germany In the alcove, on the west wall of SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, is a beautiful statue that represents Our Lady holding the broken body of Her dead Son, This is called The Piet, which translates to Pity. Our Piet is realistic and full of emotion. Mary holds Jesus across her lap, one hand gently under His crooked arm, her other hand cradling His head. Jesus body bears the wounds of His crucifixion, and His face turned toward us, witnesses to His suffering. This Piet is not meant to dwell on Christs sufferingHis body doesnt show the bruising, cuts or filth that would have covered someone so abused. Our Lords face is peaceful, His sacrifice has been made. This statue is meant to show a mothers anguish and sorrow at the death of her child. Her expression and posture suggest quiet suffering. Mary doesnt becomes the focal point of the sculpture. The artist also used emotion in this piece. In our Piet, the emotion may elicit sadness, but in the Rottgen Piet, the feeling is horror. During Lent, these powerful works of art can remind us of Our Lords sacrifice and Marys great sorrow. They can help us focus on this most defining event in our Catholic faith Our Lords death and His placement in Marys arms.

News from the Pews

Quarterly publication for the SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish community. Send correspondence to:
News from the Pews c/o SS. Cyril & Methodius Rectory 608 Sobieski Street Lemont, IL 60439 (630) 257-2776 Publisher: Editor: Fr. Larry Lisowski Debbie Keppler

Editing/Proofing: Kay Manning Layout/Design: Liz Brohan CBD Marketing

E-mail Address (Editor): rectory@stcyril.org Parish Website: www.stcyril.org The next issue of News from the Pews comes out in Summer 2012. All Parish Ministries are encouraged to submit articles to share in the happenings of parish life.

Piet, SS. Cyril & Methodius