st. thomas the apostle catholic church · 11/19/2017 · 4100 south coulter street amarillo, tx...
TRANSCRIPT
ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
4100 South Coulter Street Amarillo, TX 79109
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 19, 2017
Church Phone: (806) 358-2461
Rectory Phone: (806) 353-1016
Fax: (806) 358-2529
Website: www.stthomasamarillo.org
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
Wednesday-Friday: 7:00 AM
Tuesday: 6:00 PM
Holy Days: (to be announced) Sacrament of Reconciliation Wednesday: 5:30-6:30 PM
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
sixth 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.
REFLECTION "But the man who received one went off and dug a hole
in the ground and buried his master's money." This servant
was scared. He didn't want to take any risks and just wanted
to play everything safe. As he confesses to his master, "Out
of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground." And
the master was not pleased. The other servants who
invested the money he gave them were richly rewarded for
their efforts to produce more. But this servant was punished
for letting his fear rule the day.
What factors are keeping us from making a return on
God's investment in us? He has given us all life, and each of
us also has a special collection of "talents" to make use of.
We have certain gifts, skills, experiences, resources, and
abilities that (though we may not often think about it) come
from God. He calls us to make the most of these things, not
just to take them for granted or bury them in the ground, so
to speak. Our gifts are meant not just for our own
enjoyment, but to help others, to spread truth and goodness
and beauty to the world around us.
Sometimes, however, we fail to really capitalize on our
potential. Laziness, distraction, or self-pity can get in the way
if we are unwilling to put in the hard work to improve our
natural gifts, if we allow ourselves to zone out with
entertainment or frivolous pastimes instead of making good
use of the time entrusted to us, or if we wallow in negativity
by focusing on what we don't have instead of embracing
what we do.
Each moment is a gift from God. May we seize every
opportunity to multiply the investment God has made in us
so that we may be worthy to hear God tell us, "Well done,
my good and faithful servant."
Parish News
Our Stewardship
PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS:
OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND: Kate Schmidt, Ben Canales, Marilyn Brzostowski, Cleta
Bustos, Steve Chontos, Elizabeth Stone, Terry Moenter,
Lynn Gerken, Glenda Fassauer, Braxton Sandoval, Cheryle
Wayne, Jerry Stone, Jerry Terry, Esther York, Shanna
O’Gorman, Mike O’Neill, Angie Van Bakel, Mark Ortega,
Jeannette Kaminski, Mary Maalouf, Emile Jones, Nadine
Hadley, Brian Dolan, Robert Mitchell, Madeline Arrott, Lupita
Randon, Betty Cutting, Judy Allen, Roy Steele, Jordan
Barrientez, Gilbert Ybarra, Paul & Catherine Kiefer, Doug
Tyler, Nancy Kulman Family, JoAnn Mercer, Valerie Williams,
John (Jack) Hoben, LaRuth Haverfield, Betty Stevens,
Richard Herbsleb.
OUR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN:
Cruz Rey Esparza, Sheldon Fowler, Shelby Lopez, A. J.
Serafin, Lee Wingfield, Sean Callahan, Bryan Revell, John
Nussbaum, Rachel Nussbaum, Matt Nussbaum, Christopher
Schrock, David Oviedo Cantu, Jacob Bitonel, Jason Freeby,
Brandon Owens, Jacob Tumbelson, T. J. Pevehouse, Swasey
& Jena Brown, Cody Keesee, Justin Spencer.
Prayer Intentions
THE PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED from 12:00 Noon on Wed., Nov. 22, until Mon., Nov. 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. There will be no 7:00 a.m., Mass on Fri., Nov. 24. The staff wishes everyone a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving. ST. THOMAS ANGEL TREE will be up in the bell tower next weekend, Nov. 25/26. See insert in today’s bulletin for details. ST. THOMAS HOLIDAY MEAL is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 2, at 6:00 p.m., in the Msgr. Tash Hall. Table decorators are needed. Contact Julie Jones in the Parish Life office, 358-2461, Ext 123, if you are interested in volunteering to decorate a table. MSGR. TASH SUPER BOWL SALSA is returning soon! Do you have any jars to return for recycling? Please bring them to church and place on the table under the bulletin board. Thank you to all the parishioners who continue to make this endeavor successful and those who will support us in the future! CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE TEXAS PANHANDLE is seeking volunteers to serve as Adult ESL (English as a Second Language) instructors. Certification is not required and we will provide materials and mentoring. A commitment of one or more days per week and a minimum of six months is required. Instructors should also be proficient in computer skills and willing to provide support to staff in enabling individuals who are economically disadvantaged, dislocated, or have multiple employment barriers to find appropriate work. Formation and training meetings will begin in Nov. or Dec. For more information, contact Jeff Gulde at 806-376-4571 or [email protected].
Budget Actual Variance Nov. 12, 2017 $ 26,831.00 $ 33,144.49 $ 6,313,49 Month-to-Date $ 53,662.00 $ 67,083.49 $ 13,421.49 “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.” ~MATTHEW 25:21
God expects us to nurture and develop the gifts He has given us and then generously return a portion with increase. He doesn’t want us to waste or hoard the gifts He has given us. He expects us to grow our gifts, use them wisely and be generous with them. Unfortunately, many of us are not generous in proportion to all that God has given us. ~Office of Stewardship & Development & United Catholic Appeal
ST. THOMAS PRAYER CHAIN: Do you know
someone in need of special prayers? The Prayer
Chain is always taking requests. If you would be
interested in joining this worthwhile ministry or if
you have a prayer chain request, please contact
Debi Banach at 358-2461, Ext. 107.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS will be collected from the parish and given in charity to various agencies and communities again this holiday season. Parishioners who are interested in volunteering to help with this project are invited to contact Julie Jones in the parish life office for details at (806) 358-2461, Ext. 123. PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: At this time, an Adorer is needed for Wed., 5:00 p.m./Thurs., 3:00 a.m.,/Fri., 1:00 a.m. If you are interested in being a part of this worthwhile ministry, call Simon Wright at 806-570-9776. HOMEBOUND EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY: We would like to update our list of parishioners who are visited by a Communion minister on a weekly basis. Please contact Dayamin Winchester at [email protected] or 358-2461, Ext. 123. Thank you for supporting this ministry. ST. THOMAS PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: The Shawl Ministry meets each Wed. evening in the Parlor from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. If you like to knit or crochet, you are welcome to join this very worth-while ministry.
More Parish News
ALTAR FLOWERS
The Altar Flowers this week
were donated by
Gary & Annette Mitchell
in memory of Frances Reynolds
BLESSING OF BREAD AND WINE Please feel free to bring the bread
and wine you will be serving at your Thanksgiving Meal to Mass on Thurs., Nov. 23, at 10:00 a.m.
IN COMPLIANCE WITH IRS REGULATIONS All contributions are being recorded as of the date they are received by the Church. All contributions to be credited for this year, should be received no later than Dec. 31, 2017. Thank you.
Youth Schedule and Events
The youth will be helping at St. Thomas on Wed., Nov. 15, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., sorting and organizing cans for Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle.
For more information, contact Andrew Neighbors at [email protected]
Around the Diocese
Holy Cross Corner
The faculty, staff and students from Holy Cross Catholic Academy would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.
God our creator, your gifts to us are countless and your goodness without limit. As we come in
thanksgiving, teach us to use wisely the riches of land and seas and all the blessings which come from you. Grant us hearts that know the needs of others that we may give as freely as we have received from you. Amen
ENGAGED ENCOUNTER: If you are planning a wedding you can attend the Engaged Encounter at the Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center as part of your Marriage preparation. To register contact: Molly at the Diocese of Amarillo (806) 383-2243 or by visiting www.amarillodiocese.org/engaged-encounter. Upcoming dates: Feb. 17-18, 2018, May 19-20, 2018, June 21-22, 2018. ACTS RETREATS: The next retreats are: Teen’s ACTS Retreat #22, Dec. 28-31; Men’s ACTS Retreat #79, Jan. 18-21, 2018. To register and for more information on ACTS go to ACTSamarillo.org. HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE: “Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus”- Walk where Jesus walked...Cruise the Sea of Galilee...Visit Nazareth...Climb the Mt. of Olives & view the Old City of Jerusalem...Walk the via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre..visit Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. This pilgrimage will take place Jan. 15 through 24, 2018 (10 days) and is hosted by Msgr. Joe Bixenman. The cost is $2999 per person from Dallas (air/land tour is $2599 plus $400 government taxes/airline surcharges.) The tour price includes roundtrip air from Dallas, First Class hotels, Breakfast & Dinner daily, Comprehensive Sightseeing, Porterage, Entrance Fees and much more! For a detailed brochure, please contact Msgr. Bixenman at [email protected] or 806-681-1717. DON’T MISS THIS TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!
ST. THOMAS ROSARY GROUP: If you are interested in pray-ing 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. Afterwards, they meet in the Parlor for some refreshments and fellowship. ATTENTION LECTORS! The new lector workbooks are now available in the Parish Office. If you currently serve as a Lector, there is NO CHARGE for these books; however, if you wish to make a donation, please feel free to do so. Thank You Lectors for your dedication to this ministry! Please come by and pick up your book between 8:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m., Mon - Fri. PARISH MEMBERSHIP: We would like to welcome all of you who have come to worship with us today. If you are new to St. Thomas Parish and interested in becoming a registered member, please find registration forms in the slotted box next to the credenza by the bell tower, come by the parish office or visit www.stthomasamarillo.org. BAPTISM CLASS: If you are new parents and/or 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.
More Parish News
Thanksgiving Prayer
This Thanksgiving, let us remember all the good things, and people, who have come into our lives. We focus on thanking each one who has helped us, and ultimately thank God for the
good gifts of this world.
Let us pray...
God our Father, Graciously accept from your humble people
a thankful heart and spirit. Everything we have and are able to
share with others ultimately comes from your love
of your creations. Often we think that everything we have
is our own creation; we ask you this day to create in us
a spirit of gratitude, that we may always know
that all good gifts come from you.
We ask this through Christ our brother, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
~Liturgical Publications
ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH STAFF Pastor ……………………………………………...….Rev. John Valdez
Deacon ………………………………………………. Blaine Westlake
Deacon ……………………………………………….….Phillip Whitson
Retired Deacon ……………………………………………...Jim Brown
Retired Deacon ……………………………………...Terry Pevehouse
Music Dir./Organist/Choir Master…………………...... Jim Gardner
Assistant Music Dir. ……………………………..........Nicole Koetting
Religious Ed & Adult Faith Formation Director…..……Kerry Acker
Youth Director……………………………………..Andrew Neighbors
Parish Secretary ………………………………………...….Rita Walker
Facility Administrator ………………………………….....Bryan Webb
Parish Bookkeeper …………………………..……..Virginia Christian
Religious Ed Secretary ………………………..………...Debi Banach
Parish Life Coordinator ………………………..……….....Julie Jones
Ministry Assistant ……………………………… Dayamin Winchester
Music Secretary ………………………………….....…...Judith Tucker
Music Assistant ………………………………..…Stephanie Gallegos
Facility Assistant ………………………………..…….....Glen Starcher
Young Adult Coordinator …………………………...Caleb Hubbard
Liturgical Environmentalist………………………………..Julie Pierce
Sunday, November 19 Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31/1 Thes 5:1-6/Mt 25:14-30
Monday, November 20:
1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63/Lk 18:35-43
Tuesday, November 21:
2 Mc 6:18-31/Lk 19:1-10
Wednesday, November 22:
2 Mc 7:1, 20-31/Lk 19:11-28
Thursday, November 23:
1 Mc 2:15-29/Lk 19:41-44
Friday, November 24:
1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59/Lk 19:45-48
Saturday, November 25:
1 Mc 6:1-13/Lk 20:27-40
Sunday, November 26:
Ez 34:11-12, 15-17/1 Cor 15:20-26, 28/Mt 25:31-46
Daily Scripture Readings
Liturgy Schedule and Special Mass Intentions:
Monday 11/20 NO MASS
Tuesday 11/21
6:00 PM
Spec. Int. of
Soeurette Cowan
Dcn. Blaine & Louise
Westlake
Wednesday 11/22
7:00 AM
Spec. Int. of Renee Bowling
Janice Goodin
Thursday 11/23 10:00 AM +Sherri Herring
Dwayne & Margaret Herring
Friday 11/24 7:00 AM NO MASS
Saturday 11/25 5:00 PM +William Chrzanowski
His Family
Sunday 11/26
7:30 AM MEMBERS OF PARISH FAMILY
9:00 AM +Sherri Herring
Her Family
11:15 AM +Eusebia Balderaz
Dr. Robert & Rosa Bidwell
Week at a Glance
RE News
*Sacramental meetings for parents of students are as follows:
--(Confirmation Year 2) Nov. 19, from 10:05-11:05 a.m., in the new Upper Room (North side)
OR Nov. 28 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., in Room B1
*Next week, Nov. 26, we do not have RE classes due to our
Thanksgiving break!
RCIA News +Seeking volunteers to help lead an Inquiry class once a month! Please contact Kerry if interested.
+Welcome to our new catechumen Matt Hamilton and our new candidates Kelsie Dixon, Victoria Willmon, Fred Smith, Greg Roddahl, and James Johns! Please keep them in your prayers!
+Fall inquiry classes will be Nov. 19, Dec. 3, and Dec. 17,
from 10:05 - 11:05 a.m., in the library. Join us!
+Contact Kerry Acker DRE at [email protected] or 806.358.2461 for more info on RCIA or Religious Education!
Adult Faith Formation
Religious Education News MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20 10:00 a.m. - Catholicism (AFF) -Marian Room TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 7:00 p.m. - Boy Scout Troop 87 - Gym WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 7:30 a.m. - ACTS Small Group - Library 9:00 a.m. - Community Bible Study - Parlor 9:30 a.m. - Marianist Group - Marian Room 12:00 p.m.- PARISH OFFICES CLOSE FOR THANKSGIVING 5:30 p.m. - No Confessions THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 10:00 a.m. - THANKSGIVING DAY MASS PARISH OFFICES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 PARISH OFFICES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 3:30 p.m. - Confessions - Chapel SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 NO SCHEDULED EVENTS
ADULT FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
WHERE IS THAT IN THE BIBLE?
Sundays at 10:05 a.m., in the Marian Room Each session will focus on a different topic
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTEMPLATIVE POWER HOUR
Every Monday 12:00 PM
Adoration Chapel
Experience the power of silence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE BIBLE and the VIRGIN MARY Journey through Scripture
The Bible and the Virgin Mary is a twelve week study
starting on Tues. Nov. 7, at 10:00 a.m., in the Marian Room.
For more information contact Dayamín Winchester at [email protected] or 358-2461, ext. 123