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STAFF Staff Parish Information Our Parish St. Athanasius School Mass Schedule FR. KENNETH ANDERSON Pastor Mail FR. PAUL STEMN Associate Pastor Mail FR. TED MUNZ, SJ Assisting Clergy Mail IRIS FEBLES Assistant to the Pastor Mail JAMES BRIAN SMITH Director of Music / Organist Mail EMMA MCCLEAN Music Ministry Mail KELLY FOYLE School Principal Mail SHAWN LUCAS Director of Lifelong Formation Mail KEVIN MCCAUGHEY Director of Operations Mail Mail JULIE SALAKO Director of Communications JOSE MORENO Maintenance Staff Mail FR. MORKIE Spiritual Ambassador Mail

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT ST. JOHN NEWMAN PARISH What's Happening EVENTS Calendar Gallery At St. John Newman Parish, we have several organizations that foster both individual needs and the needs of the parish. St. John Newman is a fun, cohesive parish because of several reasons: church, school and all of the opportunities to connect with one another. Parishioners can share their time and talents, and enrich their lives and the lives of others, by becoming more involved in any of our parish organizations and activities. It is a great way to better come to know the people we sit with in the pews each week.

SPIRITUAL LIFE MINISTRIES Christian Family Movement Arts & Environment Altar Serving MINISTRIES HOME Contemplative Prayer Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Eucharistic Adoration Ministers of Care Ministry of Prayer Ushers Sacristans Music Ministry Greeters Right to Life As you reflect upon the gifts with which God has blessed you, please prayerfully if the Holy Spirit is nudging you to serve the parish at Mass. A host of opportunities are waiting for you here at St. John Newman Parish. For the liturgy to be celebrated well, and so that the People of God may be led to full, conscious, and active participation, many liturgical ministers are needed. Together with the priest, the ministers such as lectors, choir, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, servers, and ushers, assist the assembly of the faithful in praying as the one Body of Christ in the liturgy, which means “the work of the people.” All liturgical ministers exist for the service of the Body of Christ, the People of God, the assembly gathered in God’s name. Although serving in any of these ministries should be a source of joy and satisfaction for individual people, these ministries exist for the benefit and service of the Church and not for individual or personal piety, spiritual growth, or status. As such, these ministries are regulated by Church and Liturgical law. Therefore, the pastor has the final approval of all liturgical ministers before they can begin service at the Mass.

Family of Faith Formation O.C.I.A. FAMILY OF FAITH CLOW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ADULT FORMATION SERIES ADULT BIBLE STUDY Contact: Shawn Lucas | slucas@newmanparish.com 847-328-1430, x124 "Raising children calls for an orderly process of handing on the faith. This is made difficult by current lifestyles, work schedules and complexity of today's world, where many people keep up a frenetic pace just to survive. Even so, the home must continue to be the place where we learn to appreciate the meaning and beauty of the faith, to pray and serve our neighbor. Family catechesis is of great assistance as an effective method in training young parents to be aware of their mission as the evangelizers of their own family." - Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia #287 What is a Family of Faith? Catechesis for the entire family! St. John Henry Newman parish utilizes A Family of Faith program by Sophia Institute to help develop strong Catholic families in which children learn the joys of following Jesus Christ and the truths of our Faith through the witness of Christian life given by their parents. Studies show that parental involvement in the faith-life of their child is by far the most important element in ensuring that a child develops into a practicing Christian. A Family of Faith follows a four-year cycle: one pillar of the Catechism (The Profession of Faith, Sacraments, Life in Christ, and Prayer) is covered per year from September through May. Parents are given a detailed picture of authentic and vibrant Catholic family life, the tools to implement this life in their home, and age-appropriate readings, games, crafts, and other activities to help them instill among their children a love for Christ and His Church. Monthly Catechetical Sessions and Community Gathering Families gather on ONE Sunday each month for an interactive and engaging catechesis session based on the month's topic. When: One Sunday per month Time: 8:45 AM – 10:15 AM Where: St. Joan of Arc Campus Details: Parents and children will begin with 60 minutes of separate catechesis. This will be followed by 30 minutes of family time, working together on the monthly activity. All will gather for our monthly Family Mass from 10:30-11:30 a.m. From 11:30-12:30 a Parish Brunch will be offered. 2025-2026 Curriculum: The Sacraments In every way, the Sacraments are about God's love, fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The seven Sacraments - the foundation of Christian living - are the focus of Volume II of Family of Faith. September 14 - Last Year Review October 19 - What is a Sacrament November 16 - The Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism December 14 - The Sacrament of Confirmation January 11 - The Holy Mass and the Effects of the Eucharist February 22 - The Sacraments of Healing - Penance and Reconciliation March 22 - Anointing of the Sick and the Triduum April 12 - Holy Orders & Holy Matrimony May 17 - Yearly Review Sacramental Preparation Children are required to receive two consecutive years of catechesis and sacrament preparation before receiving any sacraments. The normal course at St. John Henry Newman Parish is for children (who are baptized) to begin their preparation for First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion in the 1st grade and receive their sacraments in the 2nd grade. The same format follows for the sacrament of Confirmation. Preparation typically begins during the student’s 7th grade year through their 8th grade year while receiving the sacrament in the spring of the 2nd year. 2nd grade students will meet for sacramental preparation classes on 12 total Sunday mornings - 6 Sundays in the Fall preparing for First Reconciliation & 6 Sundays in the Winter/Spring preparing for First Holy Communion. Please refer here for the 2025-2026 classroom schedule . 8th grade students in their second year of Confirmation preparation will meet for in-person preparation on Sunday Mornings once a month, the same morning as the planned Catechetical Sessions. Questions? Click Below for some answers! Please contact Shawn Lucas with any questions. REGISTER FOR FAMILY OF FAITH PAY TUITION PAY SACRAMENTAL FEES Family of Faith Schedule 2025-2026

SACRISTANS Christian Family Movement Arts & Environment Altar Serving MINISTRIES HOME Contemplative Prayer Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Eucharistic Adoration Ministers of Care Ministry of Prayer Ushers Sacristans Music Ministry Greeters Contact: Mandy May | mmay@newmanparish.com Sacristans prepare the altar for the sacred ritual of the Mass. They attend to the many details of preparation including altar linens, wine and hosts and a myriad of other tasks to provide for a prayerful setting when the Mass is spoken. Weddings, funerals, and baptisms are also settings where sacristans provide their services for the Mass in the ceremony conducted. St. John Newman has a permanent sacristan that is aided by parishioners trained to fulfill the duties of the sacristan. Sacristans also help with the Wednesday school Mass, order needed items, assist the visiting priests regarding their scheduled times and what is needed for any given masses, and on the first Wednesday of each month go to Three Crowns to aid with the Mass at that location.

BAPTISMS Confirmation Baptisms Anointing of the Sick SACRAMENTS Eucharist Funerals Matrimony Reconciliation Contact: Shawn Lucas | slucas@newmanparish.com For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is a time of joy for each family, but also a time of joy for our entire community. Baptism is about BELONGING. Through the power of the Holy Spirit brought upon us at Baptism, we become sons and daughters of God the Father. Through the grace of Baptism, we are brought into the Church, the same Church that Jesus Christ started over 2000 years ago. No matter where we go throughout the world, we belong to God's universal family through the Catholic Church. At St. John Henry Newman Parish, we want to help each family discover and experience a place of belonging. Families seeking the Sacrament of Baptism for children under the age of reason (under the age of 7) please follow the steps below for baptismal inquiry and preparation. For those seeking baptism above the age of reason, or anyone above the age of 7, please reach out to Shawn Lucas for more information. Adults seeking baptism, please visit our O.C.I.A (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) page. Step 1 Sign-up and complete the BELONGINGS Baptismal Preparation Course Belonging is an online course that can be done at your convenience. Parents can access the course here: Belonging Online Baptismal Preparation Course . Once you have paid the $11.95 fee and created a login you will have access to the Baptismal preparation series. After completing the Baptismal preparation series, you will receive a course completion certificate. Please email this certificate to the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation, Shawn Lucas (slucas@newmanparish.com ) along with 2-3 things you learned from the program. Step 2 Select your child's Godparents The first and biggest decision is making the commitment to have your child baptized and to bring them up in our shared Catholic faith. The second major decision is to select godparents. The role of the godparents is to help you guide, support and mentor your child as he/she grows in their Catholic faith. Take time to rewatch this video on the role of the godparents from Fr. Mike Schmitz and Ascension Press. Below is a the list of the established norms and requirements in choosing a godparent: There must be one godparent, but you may have two; if two, one must be male and one must be female. One godparent must be actively living their Catholic faith and meet the following criteria: Is at least 16 years old Has been Baptized, Confirmed, and receives Holy Communion regularly. Free from any impediments that prevent them from actively participating in the sacraments. The most common example of an impediment is if he/she is married outside of the Catholic Church (in another faith or civilly). If married, they must have been married in the Catholic Church. Attending a Baptismal preparation session, like Belonging, is not required, but it is highly recommended to fully understand their role in aiding parents in guiding of the faith. As parents, you may consider gifting the godparent(s) the virtual training or at consider at least sharing Fr. Mike Schmitz's video on the role of the godparents. On the day of the Baptism, they will fill out and sign a Sponsor/Godparent Attestation Form. The second god parent: Can be another Catholic in good standing who meets the criteria stated above, OR... A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic church. They would be considered a Christian witness. Step 3 Schedule your child's Baptism After you you have completed the Belongings course, submitted your certificate and 2-3 learned lessons, the Parish office will email you the Baptismal Arrangement Form and we can schedule a date and time for your child's baptism. Baptisms are held on Sundays after the 9am Mass at St. Athanasius or after the 10:15am Mass at St. Joan of Arc. We schedule a maximum of two families at a time for baptisms. Step 4 Celebrate the Baptism! On the day of the Baptism, we encourage you, the godparent(s), and your guests to join us for the Mass preceding the scheduled Baptism. The Parish supplies each family with the traditional white garment and candle used as signs within the sacrament celebration. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Shawn Lucas in the Parish office.

RECONCILIATION Eucharistic Adoration Sacraments Mass Schedule WORSHIP Reconciliation Saturdays Saint Joan of Arc | 3:30 - 4:15pm The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession, and celebration. In it, we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result, we are called to forgive others. Reconciliation is celebrated on Saturdays from 3:30 - 4:15 pm at our Saint Joan of Arc campus or by appointment. Communal Reconciliation Services are held during Advent and Lent.

CUB SCOUTS Girl Scouts Cub Scouts MINISTRIES HOME Knights of Columbus Men's Club Women's Club Youth & Young Adult Contacts: John Labbe | johnrlabbe@icloud.com Cub Scouts is a program of indoor and outdoor activities for children in the first through fifth grades. Saint Athanasius scouts are urged to always do their best in everything they do, with a duty to God and country. Participating children and their parent partners meet in grade-level dens once per month during school months in the school gymnasium. Cubs also have monthly weekend events and/or service projects. The troops sponsor Scout Sunday in February. There is a $75 fee to participate in the St. Athanasius Chapter, officially designated by the Boy Scouts of America as Pack 931. Any Evanston child wishing to be a Cub Scout but does not have ready access to a Pack is welcome to join the St. Athanasius organization. Call or email a contact listed above for more information.

FINANCE COUNCIL Finance Council Development Committee Facilities & Maintenance MINISTRIES HOME Parish Council Unification Team School Board Contact: Jake Noble | jcnoble79@icloud.com Mark Sheehan | markdsheehan@gmail.com The Finance Council is a parish-wide team mandated by the Archdiocese to advise and consult with the pastor regarding the financial status of the parish. Among the many tasks the council performs, the team reviews the parish annual budget and various annual parish reports. Council members review the management of funds the parish is authorized to retain and manage and aid in the formulation of the annual parish report. Members of the Finance Council are chosen by the pastor to serve on the council based on skills and expertise in management and/or financial areas. The council has both the Development Committee and the Facilities and Maintenance Committee reporting to it. Anyone interested in the areas the council deals with or who wishes to serve on the council may contact the council chairs noted above.

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& & LENT AT ST. JOHN NEWMAN PARISH Easter Schedule Holy Week Schedule Lenten Opportunities Lent Lent is an annual 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22 and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday, April 6. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms ; and we practice self-control through fasting and abstinence. We are called not only to abstain from our preferences during Lent, but even more so to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's Will for us more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death and began a new life in Christ. Don’t let this be another Lent in your life where these traditions of the Church are merely words on a page. These Lenten practices can be so much more if we are willing to bring them to life. Why not consider this very Lent, as Pope Francis reminds us, to serve the poor. You can support the various ministries of our parish: the Soup Kitchen, Saint Vincent DePaul, Feed the Hungry and Saint Agnes of Bohemia Parish. Just contact the parish office if you need guidance.

LECTORS Christian Family Movement Arts & Environment Altar Serving MINISTRIES HOME Contemplative Prayer Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Eucharistic Adoration Ministers of Care Ministry of Prayer Ushers Sacristans Music Ministry Greeters Contact: Shawn Lucas | slucas@newmanparish.com 847-328-1430, x5 The mission of the lectors is to understand and proclaim the Word of God so that all those present receive the message of God. Ministers of the Word need to not only be effective communicators but also be able to absorb and express the spirit of the Liturgy. Lectors should spend time during the week to prepare the readings for Sunday so they are able to bring the story of the Gospel to the parishioners in an interesting manner, much like storytelling. Lectors are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes before Mass to check the lectionary, read through the Prayers of the Faithful and be informed of any last minute changes. Training for new lectors is held each fall. Members of the Lector Ministry proclaim the scripture passages during Mass. Lectors are typically scheduled about once a month depending on Mass preferences and schedules. Lectors receive a workbook at the beginning of each liturgical year.