This Fall

Hi everyone, I hope all our graduates are excited about the move to high school!

By now most of you have received a mailing from Marta Spiezio about the upcoming youth program for this school year and I wanted to encourage you to have your student take part . . . especially when considering the Theology of the Body series. This program gives meaning to the "rules" we as parents give our children about relationships and self respect.

I went to World Youth Day in Sydney this summer with 14 St. Joseph teens and saw this program in action there and in the kids own words, "It's amazing!". The teens were able to choose what they wanted to see with music, dancing, and many other speakers available and three nights in a row they wanted to go to the Theology of the Body talks. It truly touched them and they wanted more.

Our St. Joseph pilgrims weren't alone. Each night thousands upon thousands of other teens from around the world packed the venues and cheered on this attitude of respect, hope and love.

From an adults perspective, every one of the chaperones said they wish this "message" had been available when we were growing up. It is a beautiful understanding of why God made us as men and women and that He wants us to know great desire and endless love. But most importantly, the best way to get it is by giving others and most importantly ourselves, the highest level of respect first.

I found a website that gives you a brief video overview of the content www.tobforteens.com/video .

Marta is starting the Theology of the Body program with a girls night in October and a boys night in November and then a joint presentation in January with parents. If you're interested just send back your form and sign up for the youth programs, it's one fee for everything. Theology of the Body is just a part of what she has in store, but your child is not committed to anything more than they can handle. It's no different than signing them up for volleyball, golf, band or any other extra curricular activity. Only Marta won't suspend them if they can't make it :).

If you didn't get a form then call Marta at 630-964-0216 and she'll answer any questions you have and get you the form you need.

Have a great school year!

Kelly Aguayo

P.S. - I'm sorry for using this forum for a personal plug. I just witnessed such power and such hope in watching our youth receive this message that I wanted to share it with you and your children.

Helping the Biederman Family

The following is an email from Cathie Dunn who is organizing help for the Biederman Family:

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the summer.

As you may know, Melanie Biederman has been diagnosed with ALS.

I spoke with Melanie and her family about providing meals for her family. At first they declined the offer, but now they would welcome & appreciate meals delivered for the family. Right now 3 children are living at home Dan Jr. 20?, Drew 17 & Clare 14.

I am sending this note to as many people that I think may know the family, but if you would also pass on the word I would appreciate it. Just give anyone interested my contact information.

We would like to deliver meals to the Biederman's on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They have stated no particular dislikes or food allergies. Anything at all is greatly appreciated. We can deliver anytime after 4pm and see how it goes if we need to change any procedures.

It is very beautiful and moving to see how everyone at St. Joe's puts their faith in to practice. We've seen it so many times in our close knit community.

I will simply put names on a calendar of Tuesdays and Thursday as I receive responses from volunteers.

I will be away beginning on the 9th and I will respond to people once school starts.

THANK YOU - God Bless You - Please keep Melanie in your prayers.

Cathie Dunn
515-9528
dunnfamilydg@comcast.net