Parish Announcements

Parish-Wide Town Hall Meeting on July 13
Please join us on Sunday, July 13, for the 5:00pm Mass, and plan to stay for the Town Hall Meeting immediately following.

We look forward to sharing the results of our recent Planning Study, as well as plans for our upcoming capital campaign in support of Church repairs and the acquisition of Lindley Park.

This Week at St. A's
Sunday, June 22
Men’s Basketball, 7-9 pm, Gym

Monday, June 23

Tuesday, June 24

Wednesday, June 25
LifeTeen Open Gym, 7-9 pm, Gym
Men’s Basketball, 9-11 pm, Gym

Thursday, June 26
LifeTeen Liturgy Training, 5-7 pm, Church

Friday, June 27

Saturday, June 28

Sunday, June 29
LifeTeen After Mass, 6-8 pm, Teen Room
Men’s Basketball, 7-9 pm, Gym

Donate Through ParishPay
We currently have 68 families signed up for the ParishPay Program, in which offertory donations are automatically withdrawn (once a month) from checking accounts or credit cards. Your participation in this program will help us as we prepare our budget, and also makes giving easier for you. If you would like to sign up for this program, you may do so at www.parishpay.com, or you can download the ParishPay Enrollment Form from this website (under Reports & Forms on the main page), complete it and turn it in to Barbara Bonier at the Parish House. Call Barbara at 847-328-1430 ext. 142 if you have any questions.

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a several-month process for an adult wishing to become a Catholic through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) or through a Profession of Faith. These rites are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

If you are interested, please call Fr. Rich Sztorc at 847-328-1430, extension 103.

Childcare is offered during 9:30am Mass
We offer babysitting for young children during our Sunday 9:30am Mass, in the Rosemeyer Room (lower level of the Parish House). Our childcare provider is Kausar Allahrakha, who has provided child care at St. Athanasius Parish for many years and is certified in CPR and First Aid. Advance sign-up is not required.

Childcare is not offered on Easter Sunday or Christmas Day.

If you have any questions about childcare, please call Karen Sellers at 847-328-1430, ext. 143.

Our next Leadership Night is Monday, July 7
The 5 Coordinating Groups (Worship, Outreach, Community, Administration and Faith Development) will meet from 7:00 to 8:30pm, and the Parish Pastoral Council will meet from 8:30 to 9:30pm on Monday, July 7, in the Hartke Room. Parishioners are welcome to attend to see how this new structure, put in place following our Parish Assessment and Renewal, works to lead our parish community!

To see the minutes of each coordinating group from their monthly meetings, click the "PAR Update" button on the Home Page of this website, and choose the meeting you wish to view.

Older Issues of Chimes Available on Website
Previous issues of the Chimes can be accessed and downloaded through the "Resources" button in the upper right-hand corner of the Home Page. Issues for the current month are always available on the Home Page, and issues for previous weeks, from October 2005 through last month, can be found under Resources.

Blessing of the Pets seen online
On Thursday, October 4, Fr. Tom blessed our pets at Lindley Park. To see a slide show of this blessing, go to https://www.pioneerlocal.com/flash/petblessing-101107/. This beautiful presentation was created by Allison Williams, Pioneer Press Staff Photographer.

Deacon Dick Jay's 25th Anniversary
On Sunday, October 7, 2007, at the 9:30 am Mass, we honored Deacon Dick Jay on the occasion of his 25th Anniversary as Deacon.

Dick joined St. Athanasius Parish with his wife and two daughters in 1962. When his wife died in 1975, he decided to become more involved in the church. He began courses of study to become a deacon and, in 1983, was among the first class to be ordained by Cardinal Bernardin. He was the first deacon at St. Athanasius and, so far, has been our only one.

Religious Education at St. Athanasius: The Family Program
What is the Family Program?
At Saint Athanasius, the Family Program is the Religious Education Program we offer to children, from pre-school to 8th grade, who do not attend Catholic school. In the past it was known as CCD.

How many people are in the Family Program and when does it meet?
This year we have 166 children enrolled in the program from approximately 95 families in the parish. The Program occurs on Sunday mornings at 10:45 am until noon from October through early May.

Does it cost money to be part of the Family Program?
Yes, there is a yearly tuition cost and special sacramental fees, however service scholarships are available for families unable to afford the tuition.

Does the Family Program do sacramental preparation?
Yes, we offer preparation for First Communion in the second grade, Reconciliation in the fourth grade, and Confirmation in the eighth grade. We expect children making their First Communion to be enrolled in the program by first grade and regular attendance in the Program to receive the other sacraments. During the sacramental years children in both our school and Family Program share in common formation activities.

What other programs are offered for children?
During the 9:30 am Sunday liturgy, we offer Children’s Liturgy of the Word for children 3-7 years old. For younger children there is babysitting available during the 9:30 am liturgy in the Parish House.

For more information on the Family Program, call Carolyn or Bridget in the Religious Education Office at 847-328-1430, extension 129 or 130.

St. Athanasius Angel Ball
Our thanks to the chairpersons of this year's Angel Ball, "Celebrate the Wonder": Heather Andersen, Stephanie Buettell and Cathy Giella, for their extraordinary hard work and dedication to make this year's Angel Ball a wonderful evening and a very successful event.

Leadership is already in place for the 2008 Angel Ball, which will be held on November 21, 2008 and chaired by Karen O'Brien, Ellen McRaith and Rachel Harrigan, with Stephanie Buettell as Honorary Co-Chair.

Planning for the Future
Parishioners met on March 15 and formed Work Group Committees to investigate and explore the opportunities we have before us, including repairs to the exterior "envelope" of the church, the building of a gathering space adjacent to the church, and the purchase of Lindley Park. We will hold a Town Hall Meeting, on a date to be announced, to allow parishioners to voice their dreams and wishes for our Parish facilities and campus as we make long-term plans for the future of our Parish.

If you would like to participate on one of the Work Group Committees, please call Karen Sellers at 847-328-1430, ext. 143, or email her at ksellers@stathanasius-evanston.org. If you would like to participate in the discussion, please plan to attend this Town Hall Meeting.

Sign up for the ParishPay Program
Provide ease of mind for yourself, while strengthening community and stewardship for St. A's. Please consider using our ParishPay Program to plan your monthly contributions. Funds are automatically withdrawn from your checking account or credit card once a month, usually on the 5th of the month. To participate, contact the parish office or sign up at www.parishpay.com.

Evanston Babies Need Your Help
Do you know that babies and young children require between six and ten diapers per day? Do you know that diapers cannot be purchased with food stamps? Families of the working poor and the homeless are in desperate need of diapers. The Evanston Diaper Bank, an affiliate of Connection for the Homeless, has a single goal: to provide Evanston babies in the working poor or homeless families diapers on an ongoing basis. If you want to help them you can donate Pampers, Luvs, Huggies, sizes one to six and training pants. (Please no generic or house brands - they can cause diaper rash.) A drop off box is located in the St. Athanasius Church vestibule. For more information, contact Martha Fowler at 847-869-0178.

Women’s Club Bridge
The St. Athanasius Women’s Club Bridge Marathon will begin again in September. We still have a few openings and are eager to welcome new players. Get a partner and join the pairs or come as a single. Call Barbara O’Connor at 847-328-4977.

Brief History of St. Athanasius Church and Parish
The first mass held as a Parish was held at Lincolnwood School on March 20, 1921. Masses were held at Lincolnwood School and at Crandon School until the first Church was built. The first mass held at St. Athanasius Church was held in the basement of that first building on December 25, 1922.

Ground was broken for a new Church on July 13, 1936, and our "Old English Gothic-style" Church building was completed in September, 1937. On November 7, 1937, the new Church was dedicated, and we celebrated the 70th anniversary of this dedication on November 4, 2007, with Bishop Kane presiding.

On October 6, 1996, Cardinal Bernardin celebrated mass at St. Athanasius to mark our 75th Anniversary as a parish, and on October 25, 1998, we dedicated our Wilhelm "Opus 147" Pipe Organ.

St. Athanasius Parish Service Award
Congratulations to Lori and Stan Goszczynski, recipients of the 2007 Parish Service Award.

Previous recipients include Mike Bansley, Mary Lietz, Virginia Lindley, Robert and Shari Coats, Elizabeth Adamson, Phil and Jean Peters, Marty, JoAnn and Gail Leoni, John Kelly, John Gallagher, Arnie Jacobson, Art and Pat Schmidt, Jim and Mary Rooney, Megan Boyle-Schmitz on behalf of all who served on the three Forward With Faith committees, and Toni Reynen.

Each of these parishioners, through their service to the parish, stand as an example of the kindness and dedication of the people who make up our wonderful Parish. We thank them all for their dedication and hard work.

NU Football Parking 2008
Use the St. Athanasius Parish parking lot for $21 per reserved space per game ($126 per season). Reservations accepted after July 1, 2008, for next year's games. The lot opens 2 hours prior to each game.

No alcohol is allowed. No heat source allowed, picnicing without heat source is allowed. No glass containers please. Garbage cans are available. Bathroom is available.

Make your check payable to: St. Athanasius Parish (memo "football parking" is helpful) and mail it c/o Pat Schmidt, 3324 Lyons Street, Evanston, Illinois, 60203. You will receive colored parking slips by return mail, and your name will be placed on our check-in list. For more information, call Pat Schmidt at 847-673-2621.

Elizabeth Ministry and M.O.M.S.
The Elizabeth Ministry of St. Athanasius Parish would like you to be aware of the following events:

New and expectant mothers meet monthly on Sunday mornings (except July and August), at 10:30am in the Hartke Room (enter from the stairs next to the playground equipment), to share experiences and discuss topics of interest. Facilitated by “experienced” mothers. Informal hospitalities will be held following all the masses on September 23/24, to learn more about this ministry.

Elizabeth Minister Blessing (and gift) for new and expectant mothers:
Mothers Day weekend, at all Masses except LifeTeen

Elizabeth Minister Blessing (and gift) for new and expectant fathers:
Fathers Day weekend, at all Masses except LifeTeen

Ministry of Mothers Sharing (M.O.M.S.) at St. Athanasius is a more formal sharing of the experiences of motherhood (good and bad) based on the text/lessons written by Sr. Paula Hogan. 6 sessions will be held in October and November, on Sunday mornings from 9:00am to 11:00am, in the Teen Room (lower level of school, enter from stairs behind school outside kindergarten rooms). Watch the Chimes for more information regarding these gatherings.

If you have any questions about this ministry, please contact:
Mary Rooney 847-492-9679 (Mary) Pat Schmidt 847-673-2621
Rita Weinberg 847-866-9331 Betty Moeykens 847-675-3527
Darlene Buenzow 847-869-8705

School Board Members 2007/2008
Our new School Board members, elected to 3 year terms beginning with the 2006/2007 School Year, are:

Mike Carlin (2005-2008)

Barbara Dunn Cashion (2006-2009)
Barbara and her husband Michael have been members of St. Athanasius Parish for over 10 years. They have two children: Quinn, 1st grade, and Claire, who attends Midwest Montessori preschool. Barbara has been the Midwest Advertising Representative for TIME Magazine for nine years. She has over 15 years of advertising sales experience and has worked for a wide variety of magazines including Parenting Inc., Seventeen and New York. Barbara is a graduate of the University of Boulder. She is a member of the St. A’s Women’s Club, she was the full-day kindergarten room parent, and she is a supporter of the Best Buddies program.

Patrick Harrigan (2005-2008)

James Hebson (2006-2009)
Jim and his wife Lisa have been members of St. Athanasius Parish for four years. They have two children, Henry, 3rd grade, and Helen, who will start Kindergarten in the fall. He is a Co-Owner of Hackney’s Printers Row, his family’s business. Jim has earned both his BA and MA from Northwestern University. He is a docent at the Field Museum and the President of the Printers Row Condominium Association. Jim has also been a volunteer in the classroom throughout this past school year.

Rob Natke (2005-2008)

Maureen O’Donnell Rosati (2005-2008)

Dieter Schmitz (2006-2009)
Dieter and his wife Megan Boyle have been long-time active members of St. Athanasius Parish and School. They have four children who are in Units A, B, C and D, Marcus, 2nd grade, Marina, 4th, Derek, 6th, and Devin, 8th. He is a partner at the Law Offices of Baker & McKenzie where he has worked for 22 years, specializing in international law. Dieter received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame. He earned his law degree from Northwestern University and an LLM in Taxation from DePaul. He is a board member of the Juvenile Protective Association, the United Nations Association of the U.S., and he was previously a board member of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. He is also an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 12 in Evanston.

Scott Speidel (2006-2009)
Scott and his wife Kathleen have been members of St. Athanasius Parish for five years. They have two children, Connor, 2nd grade, and Nancy, who attends Pope John XXIII preschool. Scott is the Senior Global Benefits Compliance Manager for Kraft Foods where he has been employed since 1998. Scott is a graduate of Denison University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema. He has also achieved a certificate in Global Benefits Management. Scott was the 2005 Angels in Paradise Silent Auction Chair and volunteered for many of the St. A’s programs. He is also an EBSA volunteer coach, a Junior Achievement Volunteer and was previously a Chicago Cares Volunteer.

Frank Zoltan (2006-2009)
Frank and his wife Molly have been members of St. Athanasius Parish for 8 years. They have two children, Frankie, 3rd grade, and Brigid, age 2. Frank is the Director of Sales for Super Value Central Division, a Quaker Oats/PepsiCo Corporation. He has held various positions in Marketing Strategy and Sales over the past 15 years. He is a graduate of Ohio State University and earned his MBA from Xavier University. Frank has been a member of the St. A’s Finance Committee since 2003 and is a Parish Usher.

New Worship Hymnals
After nearly 20 years, we have replaced our red Worship Hymnals with new Magenta Gather Comprehensive Hymnals, which were put in the pews the weekend of November 3/4.

Parishioners may donate the cost of a hymnal, as their gift or in memory of a loved one, to help defray the cost of these books, and a bookplate will be pasted to the inside front cover of each donated hymnal to acknowledge your donation. The suggested donation is $25 per hymnal.

Donation envelopes can be found in the pews, and can be placed in the offertory basket or in the box in the Church vestibule, or they can be brought to the Parish House, or put through the mail slot on the Parish House front door.

Please call Bridget Hotchkiss (847-328-1430 ext. 129) or Karen Sellers (847-328-1430 ext. 143) if you have any questions. Thank you!

Lindley Park
Fr. Tom blessed Lindley Park in a ceremony following the 9:30 am Mass on June 10, 2007.

Lindley Park is the property located at 2511 Eastwood Avenue, next to our parking lot. For 44 years, this was the home of Virginia Lindley, a long-standing and devoted St. A’s parishioner and volunteer. The property was purchased by Friends of St. A’s, LLC, a group of dedicated St. A’s families who will hold the property, granting the Parish and School a two-year window to evaluate the permanent addition of this space to the footprint of St. Athanasius.

Virginia Lindley was a dedicated sacristan who was faithfully there in the church almost every morning preparing for Mass. She also helped out at weddings and funerals and kept track of the wine and candles for the liturgies. Her immense level of energy was hidden within her petite stature. She often made wonderful baked goods to give away and we could always count on her for a smile and a hug. She died on January 17, 2006 at the age of 80.

Soup Kitchen Opportunities for 2008
The St. Athanasius Parish community participates in monthly soup kitchen outreach opportunities.

The Sunday Soup Kitchen coordinator for St. Athanasius is Michael Masini (847-869-4321). The Sunday soup kitchen takes place at Hemenway United Methodist Church, 933 Chicago Avenue, from 1:30-4:30 pm (the meal is served at 2:45). Future Sunday soup kitchen dates will be posted when this information becomes available.

The Monday Soup Kitchen coordinators for St. A's are Katie Maday (847-475-1538) and Helen Madden (847-866-8875). This soup kitchen opportunity takes place at Second Baptist Church, 1717 Benson, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (meal served at noon). Our next monthly soup kitchen outreach opportunity will be Monday, March 10. Contact Katie Maday (475-1538) if you want to help, or if you have any questions.

The Thursday Soup Kitchen coordinators for St. Athanasius are Christine Carlson (847-869-4160), Kris Koenig-Morel (847-475-2104) and Karen Ryan (847-329-9426). Our Thursday Soup Kitchen is held at 1630 Hinman Avenue, beginning at 4:30pm until 7:30 pm (the meal will be served at 6:00 pm). Future Thursday soup kitchen dates will be posted when this information becomes available.

May Food Drive will take place on May 31/June 1
Nonperishable food items such as tuna fish, canned soups, peanut butter, pasta, canned beans, coffee and tea are needed for the Hemenway Methodist Church Food Pantry. Baskets will be in Church to collect these items. The Peace and Justice Ministry thanks you for your continuing support of this important work to assist the less fortunate in our community.

HOPE Sunday
HOPE Sunday is our combined effort to balance our parish budget as our fiscal
year ends. Helping Our Parish Excel means continued parish grounds that
blossom, a variety of liturgies that gather and nourish our families, quality school
and religious education programs, a lively ministry to our teens, opportunities for learning about topics that matter, plus ministries that reach our homebound parishioners and the social concerns of our community.

We are still accepting donations to our HOPE Sunday collection, and are hoping for 100% participation, to the extent each parishioner is able to help. A successful HOPE Sunday will allow us to start the next fiscal year with a clean slate as we continue to respond to the expectations of our parishioners. Your continuing support is greatly appreciated.