Parish Bulletin On Line

Sacrament of Baptism

Celebrated on the 3^rd Sunday of each month. Please get in touch with the office 2 months in advance. Godparent must be a practicing Catholic (eligible to receive the sacraments) Non Catholics of a Christian denomination act as sponsor only.*

Sacrament of Marriage

Arrangements must be made with the Pastor six months in advance. Couples must attend Pre-Cana or Marriage Preparation Classes, sponsored by the Diocese before Marriage. Please contact either Nativity Parish in Portage or St. Patrick's Parish in Chesterton who offer these programs.*

*(Please note that pamphlets listing the detailed requirements for the sacraments are available in the back of the church).

Sick Calls

Please inform the Church Office of any shut-in who would like a visit that will be scheduled by the Pastor or a Eucharistic Minister.

New Parishioners

Permanent residents as well as summer residents are welcome. All are welcome! All are encouraged to register. Please use the form provided on the table in the back of church. You may drop it in the collection basket when completed. Provided information will be used exclusively for parish records and mailings, which will help you keep informed about St. Ann's parish. Envelopes are available for those who request them. Contribution statements are automatically generated in January for the prior year. Separate statements are available for larger donations.

Printable Registration Form

CHESTERTON:

St. Patrick Church

Saturday - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday - 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 am & 12 p.m.

MICHIGAN CITY:

Notre Dame Church

Saturday - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday - 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Queen of All Saints Church

Saturday - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday - 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 am & 12 p.m.

St. Mary's Church

Saturday - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday - 7:15 (Sacred Heart Mission), 9:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

St. Stanislaus Church

Saturday - 4:30 p.m.

Sunday - 6:00, 8:00 (Polish) & 10:00 a.m.

Mass Schedule at St. Ann of the Dunes

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Saturday September 26, 2009 - 6:00 PM
Intention: Philip Dickerman from Dickerman Memorial Fund
Sunday, September 27, 2009 - 8:00 AM
Intention: Julius Kuzminski, 8th Anniversary of Death from Ann Stasukaitiis
Sunday September 27, 2009 - 10:00 AM
Intention: Benjamin Mallonee 1st anniversary from Mallonee Family
Friday, October 2, 2009 - 8:00 AM - First Friday -
Intention: Mary Machuca from Mr. & Mrs. Henry Machuca, Jr.

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Saturday October 3, 2009 - 6:00 PM
Intention: Leo Nekus from Nekus Memorial Fund
Sunday, October 4, 2009 - 8:00 AM
Intention: Mary Machuca from Mr. and Mrs. David Baker
Sunday October 4, 2009 - 10:00 AM
Intention: Philip Dickerman from Dickerman Memorial Fund

TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Saturday October 10, 2009 - 6:00 PM
Intention: Mary Machuca from Ray and Connie Verduzco
Sunday, October 11, 2009 - 8:00 AM
Intention: Memory of Robert Kyts from Wife Dr. Jadwiga Roguska-Kyts
Sunday October 11, 2009 - 10:00 AM
Intention: Josephine Kern from Arlene and Bob Beglin

TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Saturday October 17, 2009 - 6:00 PM
Intention: Mary Machuca from Ray and Connie Verduzco
Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 8:00 AM
Intention: Carole Gereg from Frank and Sharon Ambrosic
Sunday October 18, 2009 - 10:00 AM
Intention: In Memory of Felicia Smigiel from Husband Felix and Family

October 18, 2009 - 1:00 P.M.

MASS FOR OUR LITHUANIAN COMMUNITY
Intention: Jurgis Daugvila 1st anniversary - Family

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Eucharistic Ministers

(Please consult your Schedule)

Lectors

(Please consult you Schedule)

Altar Servers

(Please consult your Schedule)

Hospitality

"Treats" after Sunday Mass are a St. Ann's tradition that everyone enjoys. It is a time of camaraderie and the treats are delicious. We appreciate the efforts of Ruthie Palonis, Louis Falat and Winfred Poole who arrive at 9 am to prepare coffee and set the table and do not finish until noon – every Sunday. We thank them for all they do to keep this tradition alive and well.
Hospitality though is everyone's job. Have you provided the treats this year? Each week about 100 parishioners stay for this Happy Hour. Volunteers are needed to bring the treats. They may be home-baked or purchased, as you wish. Volunteers should bring juice or milk as they choose for the children. Coffee and sugar is provided along with plates, napkins and more. If you need any assistance, please consult with Ruthie Palonis, our Treats Coordinator. Most important! Sign up this week so this tradition may continue!

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We are always in need of additional volunteers to secure our treats. Please consult the list on the
bulletin board. Many Thanks !!!

Our sincerest thanks to all our hospitality "hosts" and "hostesses".
We appreciate the sharing of your talents with st. Ann's parish community and your
dedication to maintain a welcoming atmosphere. God Bless you!

PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY SERVICE MEN & WOMEN

St. Ann is honored to have members serving in the both the Armed Services and the Peace Corp. Let us remember them in our prayers each Sunday. As a community of Christ's people, we at St. Anne's honor their service and salute their dedication by offering prayers for their safety and welfare.
Major Philip J. Farese. Jr. of the U.S. Army is serving in Iraq. His wife, Dr. Anne Hollingsworth and sons, Mason and Parker, live in Chesterton.
Col. Gary M. Servold, Army Aviation, is the son-in-law of Richard and Nancy Peterson.
Major James S. Pluta, U.S.M.C., is the son of James and Sandy Pluta.
Nicholas Bielinski serves in the Air Force and is stationed in Pensacola. His sister, Jennifer Bielinski, is in the Army and in Germany. They are the grandchildren of Lottie Nekus. Donna Polkowski is their great aunt.
Lt. Sean Stiller of the Army is the son of Aileen Turner of LaPorte. Her daughter, Lt. Amy Sander, is a member of the JAG Corps of the Navy. And her son Steve Stiller serves in the Peace Corp in Bolivia.
Bryan Rhoda, Jr., the son of Bryan and Mary Lou Rhoda, has been deployed to Afganistan. He has been stationed in Germany for the last 3 years. He is now a specialist but took his military promotion board for sergeant before deployment
Do you have a member of your family currently serving in the military?
We would like to pray for each of your serving loved ones by name if you will tell us who they are. Please put their name, rank and branch of military on a card and deposit it in the collection basket or call Carol Dickerman at 872-4992 with the information, which will be printed in a future bulletin.

WELCOME TO ST. ANN OF THE DUNES!

If you are new to our church or just visiting, please stop and introduce yourself. We are pleased to have you share in this celebration of the Eucharist. If you do not have a church home, or your church is not a home to you, we invite you to become part of our parish family. Our church is open to anyone looking for a spiritual home or a summer church home. Parish Registration Forms are at the back of church. Our ushers will be happy to give you one. We are glad you are here and hope you will join us!

ST. ANN'S WELCOMES YOU AND INVITES YOU TO PARTICIPATE!

There are many opportunities to participate in parish life at St. Ann's. And there are many reasons to volunteer. Make new friends. Answer a need. Show you care. Take pride in giving. Enjoy a new experience. Feel good about giving and sharing your talents and gifts. Be part of the solution. Be a positive influence. Add meaning to your day. Delight in your efforts. Build a stronger community. Have fun. Put your skills to work. Deepen your sense of belonging. Keep active. Enrich your life. Get closer to God. Be a worker in the Kingdom of Christ.

ST. ANN'S YOUTH GROUP
St. Ann's Youth Group is now being organized. Attorney Philip J. Farese, Jr. and his wife, Dr. Anne T. Hollingsworth, have been appointed co-chairs. They are members of St. Ann's and parents of two children. Activities of the group will include museum trips, pizza parties, hikes, tours and other social activities for youth in our parish. There will not be any study groups. Parents and children, ages 9 to 16, are invited .If you have any questions, please call 926-2742.

PARKING LOT SAFETY... Because of a few occurance of car breaking and stolen purses or personal items we strongly encourage our parishioners and visitors not to be overtaken by the apparent peace and serenity of our Beverly Shores enclave. Many parishioners leave their purses and other valuables in their cars. Many cars are left unlocked as well during Mass. Unfortunately events such as these become a rude awakening, and force us to be on our guards even in and around St. Ann's. Please lock your cars, and do not leave any valuables inside. Even left out of site they become rewarding trophies to a petty thief who may be siting in his car watching you as you leave your car. Should you notice a suspicious vehicle parked in or around the church parking lot do not hesitate to notify the Sherrif's Police. As the Sherif told us: a vehicle which seems to be out of place is often time out of place...

ST. ANN'S LIBRARY

"Spiritual reading," said Mother Theresa, "helps us cultivate the gift of prayer." With the help of Win Poole, retired Chicago University librarian and a volunteer at the Michigan City library, our Religious Education Committee established a lending library. We could use more books. If you have inspirational, insightful books you have enjoyed and would like to share, please drop them off at the parish office. Our committee will gladly process them and make them available to our parish family in the near future. Books are now availlable for "check-out". Some are on display in back of the church, the rest are in the office. If you find something of interest, just sign the card and drop in the index box -- and happy reading !

GARDEN CLUB EVERY SATURDAY Remember St. Ann's Garden Club meets every Saturday at 9 am. Helping hands are always needed. Come and help prepare the gardens for summer!!!

MASS REQUESTS:

Everyone is welcome to request Masses at St. Ann's. Contrary to what someone recently mentioned to me, One does not have to be a parishioner nor does the intention have to be for a parishioner. To make the process easier Mass Request envelopes are available for this purpose in the back of the church or can be requested from an usher. Please fill all the info as requested keeping in mind that your choice of a date will be honored on a first come first served basis, thus your request for a specific date will be honored only if no other intention has been scheduled prior to your request and the next available Saturday, Sunday or week day will be assigned. Mass Intentions are always published two weeks in advance in the bulletin and are usually accessible on our parish web-site.

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE...

Spiritual Life Center

The Spiritual Life Center! sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary, offers a quiet space to nurture the spirit in Christ. The Center is a place where people, caught in the challenge of contemporary life, can find solitude, reflection, dialogue and companionship. The Center brings opportunities for spiritual growth by providing an affordable full service retreat building featuring a full kitchen, bedrooms, separa1e men and ladies showers and toilets, one large chapel, two small chapels, mediation room and two living rooms. We have a dinning room, conference room, and a snack room, Meals can also be provided upon request. Spiritual Life
Center accommodates different group needs. The center is open for groups who are interested in just a few hours. 8 hour, 12 hour, 24 hour or weekend retreats. For more information, please call 932-8321.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE 2009

This course is to be completed in a minimum of 3 to 6 months before your wedding. Advanced registration required at least 6 weeks prior to program date. Contact Catholic Charities, Marriage & Family Life Ministry 219-663-8417. The next class will be on February 7 at Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, 5885 Harrison, Merrillville. The one-day program is from 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Commission Night

All council members and commission members are encouraged to attend one of the commission night training programs. They are designed to renew efforts in developing the commissions. Sessions will be at St. Teresa of Avila Student Center, Monday, September 28, 7-8:30 p.m. and Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville on Thursday, October 1, 7-8:30 p.m.

The Emmaus Program

This adult formation programs offers 3 classes for all parishioners, catechists and school teachers. They are Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Thomas More Parish: Understanding the Liturgy: Guide to understanding the Mass and its transforming power. Fr. Bill Vollmer, speaker. Wednesdays, September 30, October 7, 14, 21 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish, Wanatah: The Gospel of Luke: Focus on Luke's understanding of Jesus, Salvation and Christian Discipleship. Monday & Thursday, October 5, 8, 12 & 15 - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Diocesan Pastoral Center in Merrillville: Introduction to the Old Testament: Explore the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. Mr. Bob Rabe, speaker.

PARISH NEWS & EVENTS...

NEW CROSS

The new cross over the front of our church is the gift of very generous benefactors of St. Ann of the Dunes. The placing of the new cross makes this a very special Easter for us.

This cross has been donated in honor of Znenus and Ona Puzinauskas, the parents of Dalia Wendt. It is a gift of William and Dalia Wendt and Geoffrey and Nadia Wendt. The Puzinauskas lived in Beverly Shores in the home now occupied by Geoffrey and Nadia Wendt. William Wendt is the President of Midwest Metal Products.

About 40 years ago, plans were made to remodel and enlarge our church. Architect Erdivilas (Ed) Masiulis designed two wings, north and south. His plans also placed the altar immediately in front of large windows facing a dune to the south. The north wing was made the entrance to the church. This large stainless steel cross was part of the original Masiulis' design.

We are most grateful to the Wendt family and deeply appreciate your generous gift. Father John and our parish community extend our thanks to them for their generosity.

INVITATION TO ALL PARISHIONERS

The Pastoral Council and the Stewardship Commission invite all parishioners to attend a special meeting concerning the long overdue repairs to our church. A letter outlining this project was originally sent to all parishioners on February 6, 2008.
Considering the necessary steps to be undertaken to protect the building from further damage
a detailed presentation covering this project will be made on Sunday, April 26, 2009, after the 10:00 A.M. Mass. The presentation will address all pertinent aspects of the project such as the current conditions, recommended repair strategy, cost, financing allocation, diocesan approval policies, and actual fund-raising. Parishioners will be afforded the opportunity to express their concern and pose their questions.
Our stewardship commission members will be at hand to provide necessary information on the actual fund-raising strategy, and goal.
Please make every effort to attend the presentation on April 26, 2009. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

MISSION SUNDAY - July 11th and 12th

For the sixth year, we are welcoming Father Lucian Clark, CP to our parish to celebrate Mission Sunday. Father belongs to the Congregation of the Passionists and is responsible for the order's mission in Jamaica and Honduras. One of the mission volunteers will accompany Father Lucian for his visit. St. Ann's parish has been a key supporter of this missionary work in past years.

OUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM

St. Ann's Religious Education Program for children and youth supports parents in their role as the first and most effective teachers of their children. Our focus is on forming faith, not just teaching religion and it encompasses Sacramental Preparation and Faith Formation for children and youth.
The 2009-10 Religious Education classes for school age children, grades 1-8 meet in the church at 9:00 A.M.

The 2009 - 10 classes will be taught by a group of very dedicated and faith-filled volunteer catechists.

Patrick Kovalan and wife Jennifer have three children Bailey, Caitlin, and John. Patrick is a high school science teacher with 16 years experience at Thornton Township High School, Harvey Illinois. Patrick has his MS in Secondary Education. Mr. Kovalan has taught the Confirmation Class at St. Ann's for 10 years.

Jennifer Little and her husband Jim have two sons Evan and Adam. Jennifer is experienced working with children of all ages. She has a BA in Elementary Education and has worked as a daycare teacher and director. She has also worked for the summer park program in Chesterton. Jennifer has CCD experience in 5th grade at St. Patrick's and here at St. Ann's in 1st and 2nd grades. Mrs. Little will teach 1st and 2nd grade.

Lorie Mayersky and husband Doug have three children, Natalie, Steven, and Emily. Lorie is employed by No Dirt Allowed Cleaning Service. She has been a substitute teacher in the CCD program here at St. Ann's and worked as a co-teacher with Mrs.

McGue teaching the 3rd grade class. Lorie is Virtus trained, a national program that identifies the best practices. Lorie has been coach for youth softball for 3 years, helped at St Pats after-school care program, and provided daycare when needed. Mrs. Mayersky will assist Mrs. McGue in the 3rd grade.

Susan McGue and husband Brian have three children, Chris, Tom and Megan. Susan works with her husband Brian at his dentist's office in Chesterton. Susan has eight years of experience teaching CCD and 10 years as a classroom teacher. Mrs. McGue will be teaching 3rd grade and Eucharist Preparation. She will be assisted by Lorie Mayersky.

Bert Miller and his wife Kathy have four children, Ali, Albert, Maddie, and Mary. Bert is a Certified Financial Planner with Raymond James & Associates and has been CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in the Porter County courts, giving a voice to abused and neglected children in the county. He is Virtus trained, a national program that identifies the best practices. Bert has coached numerous youth basketball, baseball, and softball teams through schools and park districts. Mr. Miller will teach the 6th grade.

Margie Flaherty Potter and her husband Tom have three boys, Tom, Kevin and Jack. Margie is the Literacy Coordinator for George Earle Elementary School in Hobart with 25 years of teaching experience. She has her MS in Education and is a certified Reading Recovery Teacher. Margie has been a CCD teacher for ten years. Mrs. Potter will be teaching 4th, and 5th grades.

St. Ann's Haiti Mission Project

THE POOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF HAITI ARE IN NEED OF YOUR HELP!

Chris Cattani, our parishioner, will be leaving for Haiti shortly after Christmas. She is beginning to gather medical supplies to take with her. Your financial contribution will help these impoverished Haitians. Desperately needed are pediatric antibiotics, anti-parasitic and oral anti-fungal medications. If you can help, please contact Chris at 762-7415 or at the parish office 879-7565 during office hours.

The bulk of Haiti's people are poor city dwellers and peasants. They comprise the most impoverished country in this hemisphere-only six hundred miles from our shores. Fifty-five percent are illiterate and seventy percent are unemployed. Their life expectancy is 49 years. How did they get this way? When the Haitian slaves revolted against their slave-masters and declared their independence in 1804, Haiti was a forest of mahogany, and its fields produced more cotton than in all of America. Its growth of tobacco was the envy of the world. But independence did not bring to Haitians peace and prosperity. Foreign nations wouldn't leave Haiti alone. They ravaged the forests leaving nothing but bald land; they restored slave-like plantations, paying their employees pennies for their excruciating work. The foreign interests were aided and abetted by the "elite" of Haiti who live in fenced-mansions guarded by armed security forces. And then came the Duvalier family-father and son-who became dictators, engaging in torture and murder to achieve and maintain control over the masses. The Duvaliers were as corrupt as could be, so bad, in fact, that after the death of the father, the son was physically removed by an American transport plane and flown to a place of exile with the millions of dollars with which he had absconded. Once the Duvaliers were gone, a semblance of order came to Haiti. But when the Haitians choice for president was one of their own, he was taken from office by the military in a coup, equipped with training and equipment from foreign sources, and the poor city dwellers and peasants retreated. But in 1983, Pope John Paul II visited Haiti and referring to the terrible abuses committed by Haitian leaders, and the military, he set forth the challenge: "Things must change in this country." Today, there is hope or Haiti, but it will require foreign interests to put aside their agendas and consider only the plight of the ordinary Haitians-like those who were recently killed when the roofs of two schools collapsed, killing almost a hundred of occupants. Chris Cattani, a nurse of our parish, has gone to Haiti a number of time to assist nuns dedicated to providing health care to needy Haitians, particularly infants who are famished and near death. Chris will be returning to Haiti again in January and she hopes to have with her an abundance of medical supplies. This Season is an opportunity for us all to share with the impoverished of Haiti. Your financial contribution will bring some peace and comfort to those who live without hope, filled with despairs. Please make your gift to St. Ann of the Dunes-Haiti Mission.

Our thanks to Gene Schlickman, author.

SCRIPT PROGRAM AT ST. ANN

SCRIP HAS NEW RETAILERS

SCRIP is adding new retailers all the time. One of the newest is Guitar Center featuring a $25 card with a rebate of 4% going to St. Ann of the Dunes. A Guitar Center is located on 80th Avenue in Merrillville and Grape Road in South bend.
Another option available is to reload a card purchased through St. Ann of the Dunes SCRIP program on your own computer by going to shopwithscrip.com. Just look for the green reload icon, choose "Reload Brands" under browse by category. There are 24 reloadable cards including Barnes and Noble, CVS Pharmacy, The Gap, And Starbucks. Questions: see Sharon at the SCRIP table, paper instructions are available. Thanks for all your support of this program.

Tailgating With SCRIP

The air is cool and crisp. Your favorite quarterback just threw the winning touchdown. Hope your day started with a tailgating party with the help of SCRIP. Purchase the necessary items for a successful party from Wal-mart, Jewel, Wiseway, Town and Country, or Gordon's Food Service. If you need catering we have Panera's, Starbucks, George's Gyros, Kentucky Fried Chicken (special order) or many other retailers in the area. Stop by the SCRIP table so you can start planning your party!

Last update: October 02, 2009

To advertise in our bulletin please call Carol Dickerman at: (219) 872-4992.

Ads will be taken on a yearly basis only with our fiscal year beginning on each July 1 St.

(Next fiscal year 2010-2011).

For weekly publication please contact the parish office at: (219) 879-7565 or e-mail at: pastor@st-ann-of-the-dunes.org
In order to be considered for weekly publication material must be turned in on Tuesday morning prior to the publication week-end.

Check our weekly bulletin on line at:
www.st-ann-of-the-dunes.org/PARISH-BULLETIN