Dr. Nancy Kratz

02/13/2026

Come join us! I am very excited to be offering this presentation. All are welcome.

PrimeTime February Event

Join us for Life Transitions with St. Thomas Wellness Coordinator Nancy Kratz, Ph.D. on Tuesday, February 17, from 10:00 am–12:00 pm in the Lighthouse.

Life brings many changes — retirement, health shifts, new family roles, moving, or discovering new interests. Some transitions are easier than others, and some can change how we see our lives and ourselves. Nancy will guide us in exploring these moments, offering insights on how to navigate change and care for ourselves along the way.

🍲 A soup luncheon will be served
📅 Please register by Sunday, February 15
📧 Email PTregistration@hotmail.com
or call 630.728.3227

All are welcome — bring a friend!

01/15/2026

PrimeTime 2026!

We’re excited to share our upcoming PrimeTime schedule! PrimeTime is St. Thomas’ 50+ Ministry, offering engaging events and service opportunities that foster community, learning, and connection. All are welcome—join us in 2026!

Upcoming Events:
• January 20 – Winter Social
• February 17 – Life Transitions in Our Prime with Nancy Kratz, Ph.D.
• March 17 – Lenten Program with Fr. John Regan
• April 21 – Music and the Brain: A Focus on Dementia & Cognitive Conditions with Mary Helen Ekstam
• May 19 – End of the Year Party

01/01/2026

Sending prayers to all my coworkers and volunteers at St Thomas. May you have a blessed New Year. Thank you for your commitment to our parish.

12/30/2025

Ever wondered why change is difficult and uncomfortable?

Your brain physically resists becoming a future version of you that it has never experienced, and psychology explains why. The human brain is designed to prioritize familiarity and safety. Neuroscience shows that the brain relies heavily on past experiences to predict future outcomes. When a version of you feels unfamiliar, the brain often interprets it as a potential threat, even if that future change is positive.

This is linked to a psychological concept called cognitive homeostasis. Your brain works to keep your identity, habits, and behavior consistent with who you have been before. When you try to change careers, habits, confidence levels, or lifestyle, the brain may trigger fear, doubt, or procrastination. These reactions are not signs of failure. They are protective responses meant to keep you within known territory.

Research on neuroplasticity confirms that the brain can change, but only through repeated exposure. Visualization, rehearsal, and small consistent actions allow the brain to gradually experience a new identity. Once the brain recognizes a future version of you as familiar, resistance decreases and motivation increases.

This explains why change feels uncomfortable before it feels empowering. The brain does not block growth permanently. It blocks unfamiliar identity shifts until they are practiced enough to feel safe. Growth begins when repetition turns the unfamiliar into the new normal.

12/12/2025

“Hope Café” A Loving Look at Loss and Grief

Tuesday, December 16 | 10:30 am–12:00 pm

For those experiencing loss and grief, the Pastoral Care team is offering the “Hope Café” where anyone can drop in for sharing, prayer and reflection with a warm drink and pastries.

The Café will be open once each month. No reservation needed.

For more information contact Jane Zimmerman or Annette Kubalanza at
630.355.8980 in the Pastoral Care office.

12/07/2025

Join us for this fun, festive event. All are welcome. Bring a friend!

Join us for the PrimeTime “Diamonds in the Sky” Christmas Party

Tuesday, December 9, from 10:00 am–12:00 pm.

This holiday event will include a delicious brunch consisting
of egg casseroles, fruit, bread, favors filled with goodies and beverages including coffee and water along with a chance to win a raffle prize!

For your enjoyment, a Barbershop quartet from the celebrated Chorus of DuPage will entertain us with festive music.

Registration is required for this festive event. Call today as this program fills up
quickly! All are welcome!

RSVP no later than Sunday, December 7, to Phyllis Wempe at PTregistration@
hotmail.com or 630.728.3227.

12/05/2025

Support our teens! Food is good too😊

🥞 Pancake Breakfast Reminder! 🥞

Don’t forget — our High School Youth Ministry Pancake Breakfast is happening this Sunday, December 7, after all morning Masses! Please join us for delicious pancakes and a chance to support our high school youth ministry.

💛 Free Will Offering — All proceeds go toward mission trips, conferences and more awesome youth activities.

Come for the pancakes, stay for the fellowship! 🥞🙏 See you Sunday!

12/03/2025

Join us!

🎄Nursery Christmas Celebration🎄

Families with young children (babies through age 4) are invited to come together to
the church nursery after 9:30 am Mass Sunday, December 7. Lisa Wehr, the Nursery
Coordinator, will host an early Christmas celebration for families with little ones.
Christmas songs, stories and fellowship.

We hope to see you there!

12/02/2025

How To Improve Mental Health ?

12/01/2025

I came across a helpful site for any families with children experiencing the loss of a loved one or a pet or other loss. Check out their holiday grief tool kit. May you ve blessed with warm memories.

Grant opportunities made possible by committed funding partners power up grief support for children in communities across the United States.

08/30/2025

New book from this author! Can’t wait to read it.

08/30/2025

✨ Save the Date! ✨
Crafting for a Cause: Creative Minds & Caring Hearts

Unplug, unwind, and create—all while supporting mental health! 🧶✨ Join us for a weekend filled with crafting, community, and compassion. It’s a meaningful way to give back while doing what you love.

Bring Your Own projects & supplies

What’s Included:
✔ A full weekend of dedicated craft time
✔ Access to electricity
✔ Some meals provided
✔ Inspiring personal stories from NAMI clients

🎟 Don’t miss our Early Bird Special—ends Sept. 3rd!

👉 For details & registration, visit: https://buff.ly/styq78W