first sunday of advent november 28, 2021 st. thomas the
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ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
4100 South Coulter Street Amarillo, TX 79109
First Sunday of Advent November 28, 2021
Church Phone: (806) 358-2461
Rectory Phone: (806) 353-1016
Fax: (806) 358-2529
Website: https://amarillo.church
Office Hours: (M-F) 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Diocese of Amarillo
Mass Times:
Saturday: 5:00 PM (Sunday Vigil Mass)
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:15 AM
Monday, Tuesday: 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:00 AM
Holy Days: (to be announced)
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday: 3:30-4:30 PM
Other times by appointment
Sacrament of Baptism
Contact the Parish Office to schedule a date and
time. Parents and sponsors must attend a Baptism
class. One sponsor must be Catholic and at least
16 years of age.
Sacraments of 1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion
These sacraments combine into one sacramental
preparation program which takes two consecutive
years of religious education classes to complete.
Students must be at least in first grade to begin this
preparation.
Sacrament of Confirmation
This sacrament takes two consecutive years of faith
formation to complete. Students must be in at least
seventh grade before beginning this preparation.
Sacrament of Matrimony
Contact the Pastor at least six months before the
date of the wedding.
Sacrament of the Sick
Please notify the parish secretary of any sick or
elderly shut-ins and all those in the hospital.
The Rite of Christian Initiation
The program for adults (RCIA) is open to
non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the
Catholic faith and to Catholics who have not
celebrated the Sacraments. This process is offered
on an ongoing basis.
Staying awake can often be a challenge, especially when we
are exhausted. Life’s demands have a way of zapping every last
bit of energy out of us. When we are tired it affects us not only
physically, but psychologically and spiritually as well. All of our
senses are dulled and diminished. We can overlook details,
become disinterested, lethargic and apathetic, and detached.
Getting sufficient physical rest only helps so much. We need to be
rejuvenated, refreshed, and reenergized in other ways. If we are
psychologically exhausted, we need to understand what is draining
our emotions and taxing our relationships. If we are spiritually tired,
we need to find the necessary “shot in the arm” to put us back in
touch with God. Unfortunately, exhaustion is seldom limited to just
one part of who we are. When we lack energy and zeal it is usually
the case that everything suffers. We not only are affected physically,
but psychologically and spiritually as well. In short, when we run out
of gas the engine stops.
And yet, our Lord’s directive is clear, “Be vigilant at all times.”
Even Jesus knew what “the anxieties of daily life” can do to us. One
day pours into another and time quickly flies by. Any one of us can
take a moment and reflect on how many wonderful, creative
opportunities we miss because there is always so much “stuff” to
do and so little time to do it. Usually these are missed moments of
love, and if we are missing love encounters we are also missing
God. Sleepwalking through life, we check the boxes next to our list
of “must and have to dos” and justify it all by convincing ourselves
that tomorrow is another day and there’ll be more time. It may
surprise us, but tomorrow is here, and time is running out. While we
may like to believe that we have an “eternity” of time to do all those
things that require the focus, energy, and desire we do not currently
have, we don’t. We’re on a limited ride and time is short.
Jesus is also clear on another point. “That day [will] catch you by
surprise like a trap.” If we are going to be judged on love and so
easily justify not having all that much time to do so, then it seems we
must shift focus a bit. St. Teresa of Calcutta tells us, “We desire to be
able to welcome Jesus at Christmas-time, not in a cold manger of
our heart, but in a heart full of love and humility, a heart so pure, so
immaculate, so warm with love for one another.” Getting to this
place doesn’t “just happen.” It requires vigilance and discipline
both with a knowledge of what is really of importance and what
really needs to be the focus of our energy and time. Pray, starting
now and not tomorrow, that we can stay alert, be strengthened in
our faith, and prepared for whatever will come. Don’t miss another
opportunity to love. ©LPi
“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” ~LUKE 21:28
We celebrate Advent each year in preparation for the birth of Jesus, His first coming, as we await His second coming. What will you do differently this Advent season to grow in friendship and love with Jesus? How will you inspire others to do the same? Start by sharing your God story with others, especially those closest to you. Invite and accompany them on their faith journey this Advent. ~archstl.org
Daily Scripture Readings
Sunday, November 28:
Jer 33:14-16/1 Thes 3:12—4:2/Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
Monday, November 29:
Is 2:1-5/Mt 8:5-11
Tuesday, November 30:
Rom 10:9-18/Mt 4:18-22 Wednesday, December 1:
Is 25:6-10a/Mt 15:29-37
Thursday, December 2:
Is 26:1-6/Mt 7:21, 24-27
Friday, December 3:
Is 29:17-24/Mt 9:27-31
Saturday, December 4:
Bar 5:1-9/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6
Sunday, December 5:
Bar 5:1-9/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6
PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS:
OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND:
Kate Schmidt, Ben Canales, Glenda Fassauer, Braxton
Sandoval, Cheryle Wayne, Jerry Stone, Jerry Terry, Esther
York, Mike O’Neill, Emile Jones, Madeline Arrott, Judy Allen,
Jordan Barrientez, Paul Kiefer, JoAnn Mercer, John (Jack)
Hoben, Richard Herbsleb, James Rhodes, Rod Lancour,
Ray Ramirez, C. D. Williams, Kim Zinsmeyer, Carol Olivas,
Jac DeMont, Marilyn Carr, Glenda Gerber, Cecilia Gleason,
Jeannine Bellinghausen, Erminia Wiggs, Tom Leezer, Steven
Torres, Marisa Delgado, Rhonnie Kaplan, Gerald Lis, Shirley
Shaughnessy, Madeline Ryberg, Diana Gomez, Eric Olivas,
Dean Zinsmeyer, Francisco Olivas, Glenda Susan Gerber,
Marissa Kruckeberg, Kevin Ebenkamp, Shirley Kuriyama,
Dana Campbell
OUR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN:
Sheldon Fowler, Lee Wingfield, Sean Callahan, Bryan Revell,
John Nussbaum, Rachel Nussbaum, Matt Nussbaum,
Christopher Schrock, David Oviedo Cantu, Jacob Bitonel,
Jason Freeby, Jacob Tumbelson, Cody Keesee, Justin
Spencer, Ryan Huseman, Toby Bitonel, Jeremiah
Tumbleson, Jarred Romero, William Weinheimer, Trevor
Bunkers, Chase Logan, Justin Werner, Jacob Tumbleson,
Kayden Guzman
Catholic Question
Stewardship
Wedding Feast & Epiphany
Question:
How are the feasts of the baptism of
Jesus and the account of the wedding
feast of Cana related to the Epiphany
celebration? Answer: The Epiphany season focuses on revealing Jesus to the
world. Following the Christmas celebration, the liturgical
year lays out a series of manifestation points in which Jesus
is made publicly known. From its very beginning, the
Christian community highlighted three events in the life of
Jesus. These are the Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord and
the wedding feast at Cana. The Epiphany discloses Jesus to the world of the Gentiles,
represented by the magi from the East. The accounts of
Jesus' baptism reveal his identity and mission, along with
exposing him to those to whom he was sent to minister. The
miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding feast of
Cana, unique to John's Gospel, is the first public sign that
Jesus performs, thus manifesting his public identity and his
powers. Today in the Roman Church, these are usually celebrated on
three successive Sundays: Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord
which is usually the next Sunday, and the wedding feast of
Cana, which is proclaimed on the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary
Time in lectionary year C. These feasts connect around the concept of epiphany,
public manifestation of Jesus to the world. They help us
get to know more intimately who Jesus is and what he is
about. Spend some time delving more deeply into your
understanding of who Jesus is. Continue to cultivate these
"epiphany" moments in your life. ©LPi
DeFalco Retreat Center Christmas Luncheon
Divine Mercy Chaplet -- Please join in praying this beautiful chaplet each Friday, starting, Dec. 3, at 3:00 p.m., in the chapel. All are welcome to come and pray.
Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Annual Christmas Luncheon at Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center is scheduled for Fri., Dec.10. This year’s theme is “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Below is the schedule of events: 10:45 a.m. - Bake Sale, 11:45 a.m. - Lunch 12:45 p.m. - Special Program. Tickets are $40. You may register by phone or on our website at BDRC.org. Baked Goods and Silent Auction items are need-ed for our luncheon. Items can be brought to BDRC early, or on the morning of the event. If you able to help, please call Linda Astuto at 806-383-1811.
Sacrament Information Holy Cross Catholic Academy
If you are new parents and/or first- time sponsors, you are required to attend a Baptism class before the reception of the sacrament. Please call the parish office, 358-2461, to register for the next scheduled class.
Congratulations to the Holy Cross Catholic Academy 2021 Homecoming Court!
9th Grade:- Count and Countess: Andrew Britten and Joy Eastman 10th Grade -- Duke and Duchess: Gavin McClung and Lynley Gassett 11th Grade -- Prince and Princess: Andrew Phillips and Anna Monroe 12th Grade – King and Queen: Alex Sylva and Nasayha Estrada
Save the date for the Alumni Basketball game:
Thurs., Dec. 16, 2021
Make plans to attend!
Everyday Stewardship
Perpetual Adoration Open Hours
Below are the current hours available for Adoration: Sunday: 3:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. Saturday: 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. If you have questions or would like to take one of these hours, please contact Simon Wright at 806-570-9776. Thank you for your faithful support.
RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS
Preparing the Manger Where do you fall in the “Christmas-songs-in-November”
debate — do you like them, tolerate them, or outright hate
them? There’s no theological problem with Christmas songs
in November outside of worship, even if it’s not everyone’s
cup of tea. But there is a problem with getting so caught up
in the baggage of the season — the trimmings, the gifts, the
celebrations, all of which are marvelous in their own way —
that you forget to prepare the manger. Every good Catholic knows that Lent is a penitential season.
It’s hard to miss that point — Lent doesn’t even have any fun
songs you can groove to on the radio. We are pretty good at
recognizing that Lent calls us to examine ourselves. To deny
ourselves. To give of ourselves. And most of all, Lent calls us
to prepare, as a good steward does, for the return of our
master. It’s harder for us to remember that with Advent, but Advent is
just as much of an opportunity for penance, preparation,
and reconciliation to God — and just as much reason, too.
The very name of the season — “advent” — encourages us
to focus on what is coming, not what is already here. Be on
guard, the readings tell us today, “so that your hearts are not
weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the
worries of this life, and (the coming of the Lord) catch you
unexpectedly, like a trap.” So let us not forget — our master’s advent is upon us. And let
us ask ourselves: how can we prepare the manger? — Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS ©LPi
Advent Mission
St. Thomas Parish is in need of Communion Ministers who would be willing to take Communion to those who are sick and/or homebound. If you would be interested in helping, please call the church, 806-358-2461, Ext. 107. Thank you in advance for your participation.
ST. THOMAS ROSARY GROUP: If you are interested in praying the rosary with a group once a week, you are welcome to join the St. Thomas Rosary Group each Thurs. morning at 10:00 a.m., in the Chapel.
St. Thomas Rosary Group
St. Mary’s Cathedral will be hosting an Advent Mission beginning Sun., Dec. 12, through Tues., Dec. 14, 1200 S. Washington St. The featured speaker is Archbishop Sócrates Villegas of the Philippines. The theme of the Mission is “Season of Dreams.” For additional information on the mission, please call St. Mary’s Cathedral, 806-376-7204.
Communion Ministers for Sick/Homebound
Advent Reconciliation
Come celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1200 S. Washington St., on Wed., Dec. 15, from 9:00 a.m., to 9:00 p.m. Multilingual priests will be available throughout the day.
God of Love,
Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.
He is a sign of your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,
As we wait and prepare for his coming.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.
~Author Unknown
xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources
Advent Family Prayer
ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH STAFF
Pastor ……………………………………………..…..Rev. John Valdez
Deacon ………………………………….…….……….Blaine Westlake
Deacon …………………………………………….……..Phillip Whitson
Deacon…………………………………………………….....Mark White
Deacon …………………………………………….…...…..Darryl Dixon
Retired Deacon ……………………………….……..Terry Pevehouse
Retired Deacon………………………………………..……..Jim Brown
Music Director/Organist/Choir Master……...….……..Jim Gardner
Children/Youth Choir Director………………….….Mykel Byersmith
Religious Ed & Adult Faith Formation Director…...……Kerry Acker
Youth Director……………………………………...Andrew Neighbors
Parish Secretary ……………………………………….…....Rita Walker
Facility Administrator ……………………………….…….Bryan Webb
Parish Bookkeeper …………………………..…..….Virginia Christian
Parish Life Coordinator ………………………..….……….Julie Jones
Ministry Assistant ……………………..…….… .Dayamin Winchester
Music Secretary ………………………..….…….....……Judith Tucker
Music/RE Assistant ..……………………..…..…..….Stephanie Kelley
Facility Assistant …………………………..…..….…......Glen Starcher
Custodian ……………………………………….…….Mark Ebenkamp
Custodian ………………………………………….……....Curtis Zeissel
Liturgical Environmentalist………………………….……..Julie Pierce
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29
6:00 PM Int. of Rev. John Valdez by Dayamin Winchester TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30
6:00 PM
+Jim McBride by Pat Wilcox WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1
7:00 AM +Geraldine Antognoli by Tom & Sandy Riney THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
7:00 AM
Int. of Mary Moreno by George & Rebecca Moreno FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3
7:00 AM
+Doug Tyler by Barry & Sandra Blackwell SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
5:00 PM
Int. of Lupita Randon by Pat Stich SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
7:30 AM
MEMBERS OF THE PARISH FAMILY
9:00 AM
+Betty Jones by Rudy & Vickey Velez
11:15 AM
+Devora Gonzalez by Carrizo Family
Mass Intentions
Religious Education & RCIA
RE NEWS
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! No class Nov. 24 or 28!
*Upcoming Parent Sacramental Sessions: Jan. 9, 2022—1st Communion II parent session OR Jan. 12, 2022 *If you’re an adult who needs to be safe environment trained, please go to www.virtus.org to find a date that works for your schedule You must pre-register. From that site you will be able to register for any session offered in the diocese. If you have questions, please call Ann Lueb at the parish office.
RCIA NEWS
*Be on the lookout for our catechumens and candidates who are wearing St. Benedict crosses while at church! Welcome them while they learn more about our Catholic faith. Please keep them in prayer!
Contact Kerry Acker DRE at kacker@amarillo.church or
806.358.2461, Ext. 106, for more info on RCIA or Religious Education.
Daily Prayer This Week Our goal this week is to let ourselves feel like those to whom the promises of our God are made. We want to get in touch with ourselves, especially those parts of ourselves that are in need of a Savior. We do this by keeping our focus on the places that feel like a desert, the places that feel like we've been through a war, the places that feel like a lifeless stump. When we have a hard time seeing, we ask for the grace to be able to believe the promise that we shall see. When we seem deaf, we place our trust in the One who assures us that we will hear. And when we feel beaten down and aw-fully lowly, we turn to the One who promises that we will “find joy in the Lord.” And, who among us doesn't have days on which we are aware of various kinds of wounds? On the day of promise, “the Lord binds up the wounds of his people.” As we let these deep realities of our daily, busy lives come into focus and interact with the readings, some-thing wonderful happens. We become more and more aware of our need for God. Very naturally and quite spontaneously, a prayer comes forth from deep within us, which we can say in the smallest moments of our busiest days. “Come, Lord.” “Come and save me.” “Come and be with me in all of these messy, empty, dry and disordered places in my life.” “Come, Lord. I feel my longing for you grow. I feel my hope grow. And, as I place my hope in your promises, Advent be-gins to come alive in me.” All of this preparation can happen in the simplest way, before the first Christmas decoration goes up. And, for each moment of each day that we encounter a place that we desire, that we long for our Lord's coming, we can express our thanksgiving. Each night we might pray: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” (Ps. 27)
Adult Faith Formation
STAY programs are underway and going great! If you have
any questions about our monthly gatherings for 4th - 8th or our
weekly gatherings for 9th - 12th, email Andrew at
neighborspatriot@gmail.com
St. Thomas Youth
Saint of the Week
St. John Damascene
Feast Day December 4
St. John Damascene (676 -749)
was the son of the chief of the revenue
department in the city of Damascus. Through
his father, he received a classical and
theological education and attempted to
follow in his footsteps by serving in a
government position. However, the Lord was
calling him to a different life, and a few years
later he resigned from his position and went
to the Monastery of St. Sabas, where he wrote books and
composed hymns along with his adopted brother, Cosmas.
St. John Damascene is best known for his writings against
the iconoclasts, who opposed the veneration of images;
his treatise, Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, a summary of
the Greek Fathers; and his work as a poet, one of the two
greatest of the Eastern Church. His devotion to the Blessed
Mother and his sermons on her feasts are well known.
©LPi
Please remember St. Thomas the Apostle Church in
your wills, memorials, life insurance, stocks, annuities,
living trusts and other planned gifts.
Thank you.
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