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.