Dear friends,

+ New Parishioner:

We’d like to welcome to our faith-community our youngest parishioner: Vivian Karina Kusnoto. She was born on Fri, June 20th 2008) 6 lbs 11 oz 20.5 inches. We are happy to know that both Baby & Mom (Rina) are healthy. Congratulations!

+ Independence Day:

On June 12th 2008 Fr. Aniello and myself took the oath that made the two of us American Citizens. We were 143 people standing in front of the judge and we were representing 38 different nationalities.

I was considering on how I spent over 22 years in Africa, I could say: “the best years of my life” , but with the feeling of not belonging, of never having been accepted. Instead here in America, after 9 years in Chicago, I feel not only accepted, but welcome. While preparing for the interview, I did extensive reading about this country, especially the Constitution. It distills the wisdom of the Romans blending it with “Christian Values”. Political mistakes are possible, but the Constitution seems to have in itself the capacity of self-amendment, without revolutions or upheavals from outside or inside.

After our oath and the pledge to the American flag, we were given a white envelop with a letter by President Bush. I am aware that some speech-writers must have done written it for him; nevertheless it captures the American spirit and its values. For your convenience I have attached the text that you can read at your leisure time.

I feel proud and honored to be part of this country that welcomes me in spite of my heavy Italian accent and my Levantine features. It will take me sometime to settle down back in Italy, here I have found my home.

+ Chinese Madonna

The scroll displayed in the church vestibule is a replica of an ancient Chinese Scroll on display at the “Field Museum”. It has been donated to our community by Mr. Francis Li and his wife Gertrud. (See attached article)

+ Jesus in China:

Most probably you have read the two in-depth articles on “Christianity in China” which appeared on the front page of the “Chicago Tribune” this last week.

It seems as if Buddhism, born in Asia, is now migrating in the West. While the Western World one Christian is moving to Asia, especially China.

Please note that while Catholics in China are growing only or mainly because of demographic population growth rate, Protestants seem to be more “aggressive” and thriving in numbers. Something similar to what we know from our Chinatown experience. Catholics seem to have delegated their missionary enthusiasm and zeal to their clergy, happy to be watching at a distance. At St. Therese we have a very small group of committed people: we could do with some few more!

For more, visit: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/china_705/

+ Monies:

Last Sunday collection was:                                                              $1,682.00

Chuck and Fung Oi                                                                           $1,000.00

Indonesian Group (June/8th/’08)                                                       $     51.50

Mandarin Group                                                                                $   120.00

Summer Mission Appeal:                                                                   $1,112.50

Matching Contribution for the roof                                                     $1,300.00