page 1 january 5, 2020 · 1/5/2020 · january 5, 2020 page 3 marie ecile liposky died on december...
TRANSCRIPT
January 5, 2020 Page 1
January 5, 2020
Page 2 The Epiphany of the Lord
Readings for the Week of January 5, 2020
Sunday Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12
Monday Saint André Bessette, Religious 1 Jn 3:22—4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
Tuesday Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest 1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44
Wednesday 1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52
Thursday 1 Jn 4:19—5:4; Ps 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17; Lk 4:14-22
Friday 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16
Saturday 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b; Jn 3:22-30
Sunday The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38; Mt 3:13-17
A Note From Our Pastor
GOOD WAY TO LIVE LIFE IN NEW YEAR
Can you believe it? Here we are in 2020!
You might ask yourself, “What kind of year will it be for me?” It will be a good year if you decide to make it so. You have the power to remodel your own inner landscape, but in order to do that you’ll first have to remove all the negativity.
For instance, what would happen if you decided to enjoy the year? In Proverbs 17:22 we read, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
To live cheerfully you’ll need a strategy for eliminating needless anxiety. You’ll also need to ask Jesus to heal the wounds of past hurts and humiliations. Clear away those negative emotions and you will be empowered by God to live a more vibrant, enjoyable life. 2020 can become a truly happy new year if you decide to make it so.
Perhaps there are some insurmountable worries plaguing you. If so, don’t give up hope. You may feel helpless at times, but helplessness is not hopelessness. Jesus once said that faith can move mountains, but to be happy all you have to do is to remove negative thoughts from your mind.
Here are some suggestions to consider as you prepare your New Year’s resolutions:
Ask the Lord to help you banish all self-pity from your thinking. Self-pity has a deadly effect on the soul. If you’ve been given a raw deal recently, you may have every right to complain, but the longer you do, the more you perpetuate your own misery. Self-pity only leads to a complaining spirit.
Claim God’s love; it’s free for the asking. When you do, you’ll become a carrier of divine love, and you’ll fill the darkness around you with your own special light. Once you really see yourself as a cherished child of God, you’ll look at life differently. You’ll be more apt to reject self-pity and come alive.
Become an instrument of healing. The sacrament of confirmation gives you the power of the Holy Spirit. Use that power and use your own suffering as a bridge to help you understand the pain of others. Reach out to those in need; give them the care and comfort that only you can give.
Don’t let the past drag you down. Accept God’s forgiveness for all past mistakes and pray for the grace to forgive others. Life is too short to live in the past weighed gown by an unforgiving spirit.
Make today count. By practicing humble fidelity to the duty of the present moment you will be able to cultivate a joyful heart.
Don’t let the fear of the future disturb your peace of mind. Needless worry dissolves when you are more trusting of God’s love. Remember, heaven awaits you; the best is yet to come.
Enjoy your life. Blessed Julian of Norwich said, “The greatest honor you can give God is to live joyfully because of the knowledge of His love.” Jesus gave us the motivation to live gladly when he said, “I have told you all this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11).
Have a great year. And lets pray for one another.
Msgr. Tom Rice
January 5, 2020 Page 3
Marie Cecile Liposky
Died on December 27, 2019 Buried from St. Thomas More On December 31, 2019
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Amen.
PRAY FOR THE SICK
PRAY FOR THE DECEASED
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family of:
† Richard Champion—brother of John and Paul † Dorothy Drainville—mother of Gary, Karen and Tom
† Marie Cecile Liposky—wife of Donald
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.”
Rosanne Bishop Maurine Brennan
Chris Crocker Pat Domka Collin Jones
Leonard Noppenberger Jim and Joan Olson
Karson Otto Elaine Rosen
Carol Simmons Rick Vuylsteke Helen Walczak Mark Widawski
Prayer Requests
THIS WEEK’S EUCHARIST INTENTIONS
Saturday January 4 4:30p Richard Champion
Sunday January 5 7:30a For the People of St. Thomas More
9:30a Joann Curley Dave & Rosemary Leonard—Special Intention Sy Orlowski—6th Anniversary
11:30a Helen B. Keeler John E. Kraft
Tuesday January 7 9:00a Ann Henning The Jeziorski Family—Special Intention Dave & Rosemary Leonard—Special Intention
Wednesday January 8 9:00a Dave & Rosemary Leonard—Special Intention
Thursday January 9 9:00a Dave & Rosemary Leonard—Special Intention
Saturday January 11 4:30p Gerald Frawley
Sunday January 12 7:30a For the People of St. Thomas More
9:30a Ann Henning Dave & Rosemary Leonard—Special Intention
11:30a For the Lonely and Forgotten
Major Matthew Altomari SSgt. Cory Borders Lt. Andrew Boschert Major Phil Brule Sgt. Maj. Patrick Corcoran Capt. Joel Cortright ENS Michael Dwyer Capt. Chip Evans Spc. Evan K. Fowler 2nd Lt. Theresa Corsentino SSgt. Daniel F. Jamison M1st Class Megan Jamison
Lt. Christopher Mitek OS2 Emily Muhlenbeck Airman 1st Class Calen Nido Senior Airman Grant Pensa LTjg. Bradley Pienta Capt. Nick Pollock Pfc. Jack Steinhauer Sgt. Kyle Stout Capt. Ben VanHorrick Spc. Carl Voag LTJG. Adam Weisgerber
PRAY FOR THE MILITARY
Christmas Flower Honorariums and Memorials
Joseph A Gamache Kevin P Gamache
Deceased Members of the Golden Family Deceased Members of the McNally Family
Dorothy Mary Drainville
Died on December 19, 2019 Buried from St. Thomas More On December 21, 2019
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Amen.
Page 4 The Epiphany of the Lord
MINISTERS FOR MASS—THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD—JANUARY 11 & 12
MASS TIME 4:30 PM Saturday 7:30 AM Sunday 9:30 AM Sunday 11:30 AM Sunday
CELEBRANT DEACON
Msgr. Tom Rice Michael Stach
Msgr. Tom Rice Don Baross
Fr. Bob Spezia Don Baross
Fr. Bob Spezia Michael Stach
COMMENTATOR Phil Kotwick Brett Houpt Joan Reddy Keith Knauss
LECTOR George Seroka Joe Widina John Hannigan Cindy Hansen
SERVERS Heidi Jackson Johnny Jackson James Wood
Jim Schultz Pat Schultz
Marian Krueger Isela Mulcahy NOT FILLED
Alessandra Lee Marcus Lee Hudson Mclaine
USHERS Carol Glowacki Jim Hager Don McKay Cary Sheremet Ernesto Tuazon
John Gielniak Dan Hayden Tom Hemak Mike Morrison Frank Sikorski Ron Wlosinski
Norm Cicone Jim Duhart Gerry Gostomski George Halter Andy Olson Jim Ward Greg Wise
Zach Azzam Ted Craig Marvin Olane Mark Parent Mike Tauscher
MASS COORD. Carol Glowacki Larry Jeziorski Melinda Prucha Tom Calnen
RECEPTIONIST Anne McAtee NOT FILLED Nancy White Judith Parrott
Worship
Each moment that you spend in His Eucharistic Presence
will increase His divine life within you and deepen your personal relationship and friendship with Him.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be on Thursday, January 9
beginning after the 9:00 am Mass
and ending with Benediction at 12 Noon.
Pray for Vocations
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
We will be starting the Vocation Chalice Devotion this weekend. The purpose of this devotion is to encourage individuals, couples and families to pray for vocations and pray for our family intentions.
You will choose a weekend Mass and receive the chalice from the presiding priest at the end of Mass before the dismissal. Take it home and pray once a day with your families. Then return it back to the church by the following weekend. You will be provided a booklet with all the information you need as well as recommended prayers for each day of the week.
This is a great privilege and opportunity for us to UNLEASH THE GOSPEL.
To sign up, please contact Charlene Davis at [email protected] or 586-722-3817.
January 5, 2020 Page 5
In our Parish
Conversation with Catholic men… Join the discussion!
Monday, January 6 @ 7:00pm Church Conference Room
(Sacristy Hallway as you enter the Sanctuary)
FIRST TUESDAY COFFEE January 7
Join us in the Social Hall following the 9:00am Mass for coffee, treats, and
conversation with your fellow parishioners.
GRIEVING WITH HOPE
For adults who have experienced loss, this is a “drop in” program that requires no pre-registration.
Wednesday, January 8, Room 1 6:30 - 8:00PM
Meetings are the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Monday, January 6 Education Commission, 7p The MEN of STM, 7p
Tuesday, January 7 First Tuesday Coffee, 9:30a Contemporary Choir Rehearsal, 6p
Wednesday, January 8 Baptism Class, 6:30p Confirmation Parent/Child Meeting, 7p Grieving with Hope Meeting, 6:30p Walking with Purpose, 7p
Thursday, January 9 Eucharistic Adoration, 9:30a-Noon Hand Bell Rehearsal, 10a Walking with Purpose, 10a Evangelization Committee, 7p SVdP Meeting, 7p Choir Rehearsal, 7:30p
Saturday, January 11 Youth Group Lock-In
Sunday, January 12 Youth Group Lock-In Coffee and Conversation after all Masses Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level I, 8:15a, 9:30a Faith Formation Classes, 8:15a, 10:15a, 7p Confirmation Sponsor Meeting, 7p
The STM Book Club selection for January is The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. You may recall that she is the author of The Nightingale. Our selection is a novel about a 70s Vietnam war POW with PTSD who moves with his family to remote Alaska to live off the land. The long dark Alaskan winter seems bright compared to the dark demons of the protagonist's mind.
Please join us on Tuesday, 1/21 at 10:00am in Room 2for the discussion.
Senior Lunch, January 15th
Join us on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at noon, for the monthly luncheon. If you would like to participate there will be a White Elephant gift exchange. Bring the gift that you received that you really don’t want. Example – the fruit cake shaped like Texas, the lotion that isn’t for you, those neon green socks! Any item you would like to bring to participate. This is a fun event, so please do not go out and purchase anything. Bring your item wrapped or in a gift bag. Your choice to participate or watch the fun.
Please RSVP by Monday, January 13th
Page 6 The Epiphany of the Lord
Faith Formation
FAITH FORMATION SCHEDULE
January 6 and 7—No Classes January 12 and 13—Classes resume January 19 and 20—No Classes for MLK (Office will
be closed Jan 16-19)
The Faith Formation Office will be closed December 31 - January 1,
and January 16-19
ST. THOMAS MORE YOUTH GROUP INVITING ALL
9TH THROUGH 12TH GRADERS
1/5/20: Christmas Break (NO MEETING) 1/12/20: Regular Session 7:00-8:15 pm in the
Social Hall 1/19/20: Break MLK Day Weekend 1/26/20: Regular Session 7:00-8:15 pm in the
Social Hall Sign up via email at [email protected]
STM
Upcoming 8th Grade Confirmation Events
January 12—Sponsor/Student meeting in the Social Hall from 7:00—8:30pm Please turn in completed service project forms to the Faith Formation office after
completing service.
Due to the low response and low attendance of previous events all Family Fun Nights for the remainder of the year are
canceled. Thank you to the 34 families who responded to the survey monkey sent out.
You Are Invited!
Have you been searching for some-thing to be involved in or kind of aimlessly trying to fill a hole? St. Augustine says our hearts are restless until they rest in the Lord. Is God calling you? Bring a friend and come find out what we are all about. We would love for you to join us! We typically meet on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in Room 1. No need to RSVP, just drop in any time. The topics for the upcoming gatherings are listed below.
Tuesday, Jan 7—Sacrament of Reconciliation
Tuesday, Jan 14—The Incarnation Sunday, Jan 19—Sacrament of Initiation
Sunday, Jan 26—Mary and the Communion of Saints
Please pray for our RCIA candidates as they go through the process of becoming fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Prayer cards are available for each candidate on the information counter in the gathering space.
Houda Bazzi
Andrew Luginbill
Sam Youssef
MEET ANDREW Andrew is going through the RCIA process here at St. Thomas More. He grew up in Troy and attended Troy High School. For college he went to Grand Valley State University and later the University of Maryland. He now works at
a small sports marketing company in Ann Arbor. Andrew grew up in the Lutheran faith, and is excited to join the Catholic Church. Please keep him in your prayers along with the others going through the process.
Do you know anyone interested in learning more about their faith or wanting to belong to a faith community?
Please have them contact Josylin Mateus at [email protected] or 248-647-4680.
Exploring Catholicism
First Reconciliation Parent Student Meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 26, 2020.
January 5, 2020 Page 7
Thank you to all who have returned your INFORMATION UPDATE form. We will now be mailing the remainder of the forms that weren’t picked up. Hopefully the response is
quick so we can continue to prepare for the directory.
Thank you for your assistance with this project – we hope to move quickly in updating data and have a directory completed by early spring. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Lois Sokolowski at the parish office.
INFORMATION
CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE FOR:
Parish Registration, Baptisms, Marriage Preparation, Mass Intentions, Prayer Lists, Communion to Sick for a home or hospital visit.
Parish Registration Forms and Mass Intention Envelopes are also available at the
Receptionist Desk in the Gathering Area
THE FIRST OF THE MONTH COLLECTION St. Vincent de Paul—January 4 & 5
We are asking for specially needed items. Some suggestions include—Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towel, cleaning supplies, bath soap, deodorant, dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. These items are not covered in the Bridge Card programs that many of the needy use for purchases.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
In our Parish
DEAR FELLOW PARISHIONERS
On Tuesday, December 17, we had the pleasure of taking not one, but two carloads of beautiful, thoughtfully purchased toys and books, by you, as part of our Christmas Giving Tree. We took them to Crossroads of Michigan (located in Downtown Detroit) where they were distributed at the Annual Christmas Party held for the members of the Crossroads’ weekly Parenting Program. Your generosity was unbelievable!
Thank You for making the parents and their children so happy!
Gratefully, Carole and Jerry Sugrue
The St. Thomas More Intercessory Prayer Service is Wednesday, January 15 at 7:00 pm.
Please join us to pray for intentions submitted by our parish members and for your own personal intentions.
After all Sunday Masses
Stop in the Social Hall and enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with your fellow parishioners.
Free-will offering is greatly appreciated!
Page 8 The Epiphany of the Lord
Stewardship TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE
Evangelization UNLEASH THE GOSPEL
Don’t just GO to Church
BE the CHURCH
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
As our celebration of Christmas continues, today we observe the great feast of The Epiphany of the Lord. The word “epiphany” comes from Greek and means manifestation or appearance. The stewardship way of life is one in which we live in grateful response to God’s countless manifestations in our lives.
Our Gospel passage, from Matthew, has much to teach us about stewardship, through the actions of the magi.
As good stewards, the magi were watching for manifestations of God’s presence in their lives. “We have seen the star at its rising,” they say. Good stewards are keenly aware of the “star” of God’s presence and His gifts in their lives. It is this awareness that fills them with gratitude and the desire to both worship God and share His gifts with others.
The magi, upon seeing the manifestation of God’s presence in their lives, “were overjoyed.” Good stewards, who live with the awareness of God’s presence and gifts to them, simply can’t help but be filled with joy. Not necessarily the fleeting and superficial kind of joy the world promises through wealth or power, but rather the deep, unalterable joy only God can give.
Finally, the magi were so filled with awe upon encountering the newborn Jesus, they prostrated themselves before him and “opened their treasures and offered him gifts.” This is precisely why good stewards generously share their material gifts — as a loving act of worship to an extravagantly loving God.
Let us rejoice in God’s manifestations in our lives and be watchful for the new ways He is calling us to share ourselves and our gifts in gratitude to our King in the year
“On the 12th day of Christmas … “ by John Hannigan
The Twelve Days of Christmas do not lead up to the Nativity, they follow the birth of our Lord. The old hymn with leaping lords, five gold rings, and a partridge in a pear tree is an exaggeration conveying God’s great gift manifested in the Incarnation. Such hyperbole in material things listed in the song helps us understand the depth of gracious generosity that God the Father bestows on us in sending His Son to save us.
This Sunday the Church celebrates The Epiphany of the Lord. “Epiphany” literally means manifestation. The 12th day of Christmas, Epiphany is traditionally (and by simply counting days) January 6th, and is celebrated in some cultures as “Little Christmas.” The story of the Three Wise Men tells of Christ’s manifestation to the whole world. The men from the East traditionally represent all Gentiles, all non-Jewish cultures and all the peoples of the world. Christ came to save all. As Three Kings bearing “gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,” gifts of great value, they are recognizing Christ as King of Kings. Indeed, “on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage” (Matt 2:11). As Three Magi, wise men of science whose great knowledge of nature had led them to Christ, they show us that all creation manifests the glory of God and rightly understood can help lead people to know Him.
Come, let us adore Him! Let us bring to our King the most valuable gift we have. Not turtle doves. Not swans a-swimming. But our hearts fully open to receive the Grace He brings us in the Sacraments, and eternal salvation, a gift so great no hyperbole can help us comprehend it.
Comments/Questions? [email protected]
Bartolomeo Biscaino, Adoration of the Magi, c. 1650
January 5, 2020 Page 9
St. Thomas More Bulletin Sponsor of the Week
Waterwork Plumbing
(See their ad on the back cover of the bulletin)
Thanks to the advertisers the bulletin is published weekly at no cost to the Parish. We ask parishioners to please support the businesses that advertise in our bulletin.
In our Parish
STM PARISH ON THE ‘WEB’ www.stthomasmoretroy.org
Check out the parish website and Facebook page for information on activities and events. See all the opportunities for worship and
learning, for Christian Service and Faith Formation for all ages. The site is constantly updated and revised. Let us know what you’d like to see at [email protected].
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT
We the Christian Community of St. Thomas More, in an atmosphere of hospitality, are dedicated to
proclaiming the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through excellence in worship,
education, and service to others.
We believe that the nurturing of the community Around the Eucharistic Table is extended.
Through gatherings which further strengthen and support us. We shall pursue this mission faithfully through the power of the Holy Spirit and the gifts
and talents of our members.
ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH SENIORS
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will take you back to the music of the 70s on Friday, January 17. The concert begins at 10:45am. Departure time is 9:30am. Return time is approximately 1:00pm. 12 tickets available, $25 per person, includes transportation.
If you are interested in attending this event, please call Tom Lenhard at 248-544-7913.
The Epiphany of the Lord
The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek epiphainen, a verb that means "to shine upon," "to manifest," or “to make known.” Thus, the feast of the Epiphany celebrates the many ways that Christ has made Himself known to the world, mainly the three events that manifested the mission and divinity of Christ: the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12), the baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9-11), and the miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11).
Online Giving
Please visit the St. Thomas More website (https://stthomasmoretroy.org) and look for the “Donate”
logo to give online. You may give one-time or set up a recurring donation to the parish and St. Vincent de Paul.
Thank you for your continued generosity!
Download the Parish App!
Have information about St. Thomas More at your fingertips. Download the parish app to your phone.
Text APP to 88202 and follow instructions to download.
Parish Calendar, online giving, Mass times and more now available on your phone.
Due to the early holiday deadlines from our bulletin publisher, we can not include the December Monthly
Offertory Report in this weeks bulletin.
The offertory report will be published in the January 12th Bulletin
PASTORAL STAFF Monsignor Thomas G. Rice, Pastor
248-647-2222 x. 1111
Weekend Mass Assistance Fr. Robert Spezia
Deacon Don Baross 248-647-2222 x. 8888 [email protected]
WORSHIP and CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Deacon Michael Stach, Pastoral Associate 248-647-2222 x. 5555
MUSIC MINISTRY Brian Foos, Director
248 -647-2222 x. 4444 [email protected]
PARISH OFFICE
Lois Sokolowski, Business Manager 248-647-2222 x. 7777 [email protected]
Kathy Strong, Parish Secretary/Bulletin
248-647-2222 x. 3311
Eva Ashor, Bookkeeper 248-647-2222 x. 3333
FAITH FORMATION Josylin Mateus, Director
248-647-4680 [email protected]
Angela Seba, Secretary 248-647-4680
Sandi Gardner, Section Head 248-647-4680
Patrick O’Brien, Youth Minister [email protected]
SOCIAL MEDIA
Debbie Knauss, Website and Facebook [email protected]
MAINTENANCE
Ben Olar Pete Whiting
248 -647-2222 x. 4422
St. Thomas More Parish Directory 4580 Adams Rd., Troy, MI 48098
PARISH OFFICES: 248-647-2222
FAX: 248-647-8192 FAITH FORMATION: 248-647-4680
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed for lunch 12:30 to 1:00 pm
[email protected] www.stthomasmoretroy.org
MASS SCHEDULE Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 9:00 a.m. - Rosary before Mass
Holy Days: 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday at 3:00 p.m.