ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE

CATHOLIC CHURCH

4100 South Coulter Street Amarillo, TX 79109

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time June 28, 2020

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 thru Friday: 7:00 AM

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

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.

GOSPEL MEDITATION

When we were baptized, we were baptized into Christ’s death.

Take a moment to ponder these profound words. We were baptized

into death. In every sense of the word, we are asked to die. This is

not just about our final death but about daily deaths due to incon-

venience, discomfort, pain, loss, or others’ needs. This is an

incredible epiphany given the way we very often approach our

lives. We do everything to avoid death, let alone encounter it! Many

avoid pain, discomfort, inconvenience, uneasiness, change, inter-

ference, and suffering of any kind. We put a lot of energy into finding

the easiest and least inconvenient way through many things. Even

holding the door open for a stranger or saying hello to someone in

the store can be major undertakings.

We are called to die. One of the biggest wake-up calls we can

have is realizing that life is not about us! There are millions of other

people sharing life on this planet with whom I have a relationship.

Does my life celebrate those relationships? The most distracting

question we can ask is, “What do I want to do?” The more focused,

faith-filled question is, “What do I need to do?” What I need to do

may not be what I want to do. However, asking this question more

frequently will teach us how to more purposefully and intentionally

live so we can be a life giving vessel for others. When we learn to

live more sacrificially, to put the needs of others before our own, and

to not always seek our own self-interest, we become aware of what

baptism into Christ’s death is really all about. These are the roots of

virtue and the seedbed for justice, tolerance, solidarity, love, and

peace.

Learning how to accept all the “small deaths” and sacrifices life

calls us to teaches us how to approach our final death. All deaths

ask us to empty ourselves into something or someone else. Whether

we empty ourselves into the heart and soul of another human being

or empty ourselves into God at the moment of our final death, new

life is always received and nurtured. A heart that exclusively seeks

its own interest is a heart that is closed to love. A heart that pours

itself out to others and is content with being emptied is a heart that

has been touched by and open to mercy. It is a heart that overflows

with joy.

©LPi

Parish News/Events

Our Stewardship

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE TEXAS PANHANDLE

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, call the RE office, 358-2461, Ext. 107. CARDBOARD RECYCLING PROGRAM has been successful, so it will continue to be available to all Parishioners. Feel free to bring your clean, flattened cardboard and place in the container located near the dumpster at the back service entrance.

Budget Actual Variance June, 2020 NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME “...whoever does not take up his criss and follow after me is not worthy of me.” ~MATTHEW 10:38

Pope Benedict XVI said, “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness.” “Comfort” puts me first. “Picking up your cross and following Jesus” puts God and others first. Why settle for comfort when you can achieve greatness! Pick up your cross, ask Jesus for guidance on using your gifts and live the life God intended for you! ~archstl.org

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS:

OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND:

Kate Schmidt, Ben Canales, Cleta Bustos, Steve Chontos,

Glenda Fassauer, Braxton Sandoval, Cheryle Wayne, Jerry

Stone, Jerry Terry, Esther York, Mike O’Neill, Emile Jones,

Madeline Arrott, Lupita Randon, Betty Cutting, Judy Allen,

Jordan Barrientez, Paul Kiefer, Doug Tyler, JoAnn Mercer,

John (Jack) Hoben, LaRuth Haverfield, Richard Herbsleb,

James Rhodes, Rod Lancour, Jack Turner, Ray Ramirez, C. D.

Williams, Kim Zinsmeyer, Margaret Herring, Carol Olivas,

Jac DeMont, Don Terrill, Marilyn Carr, Glenda Gerber,

Erminia Wiggs, Cecilia Gleason, Jeannine Bellinghausen,

Madeline Ryberg, Tom Leezer, Steven Torres , Marisa

Delgado, Ofelia Horich, Rhonnie Kaplan

OUR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN:

Sheldon Fowler, A. J. Serafin, Lee Wingfield, Sean Callahan,

Bryan Revell, John Nussbaum, Rachel Nussbaum, Matt

Nussbaum, Christopher Schrock, David Oviedo Cantu,

Jacob Bitonel, Jason Freeby, Jacob Tumbelson, Swasey &

Jena Brown, Cody Keesee, Justin Spencer, Ryan Huseman,

Ethan Thomas Weaver, Toby Bitonel, Jeremiah Tumbleson,

Jarred Romero, William Weinheimer, Trevor Bunkers,

Chase Logan

Sunday, June 28:

2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14-16a/Rom 6:3-4, 8-11/Mt 10:37-42 Monday, June 29:

Acts 12:1-11/2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18/Mt 16:13-19 Tuesday, June 30:

Am 3:1-8; 4:11-12/Mt 8:23-27 Wednesday, July 1:

Am 5:14-15, 21-24/Mt 8:28-34 Thursday, July 2:

Am 7:10-17/Mt 9:1-8 Friday, July 3:

Eph 2:19-22/Jn 20:24-29 Saturday, July 4:

Zec 9:9-10/Rom 8:9, 11-13/Mt 11:25-30 Sunday, July 5:

Zec 9:9-10/Rom 8:9, 11-13/Mt 11:25-30

Daily Scripture Readings

Altar Flowers this week

were donated by

Charlie & Joan Graham

in memory of

Charlie Hennessey

SAVE THE DATE:

The 37th Annual Jerry Harpole

Memorial Scholarship Golf

Tournament originally scheduled

for May 16, 2020, has been

tentatively rescheduled

for Aug. 29.

IN OBERSERVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY,

THE PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED

ON FRIDAY, JULY 3.

HAVE A BLESSED & SAFE HOLIDAY.

The faculty and staff at Holy Cross Catholic Academy wish everyone a restful summer break!

A Summer Prayer

Long warm days…

The pace of life slows…

A time for picnics and rest in the shade…

Lord, help me to rest awhile

in the cooling shade of your presence.

Slow down my restless heart and fill me

with gentle compassion for all your people.

Amen.

– Author unknown

PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: The Adoration Chapel is closed until further notice. We will keep the parish updated. GETTING MARRIED? If you are getting married sometime this year, NFP is a mandatory requirement in the Diocese of Amarillo for couples seeking the sacrament of matrimony. For more information and class schedules near you, please visit the website, www.amarillodiocese.org/nfp.

Holy Cross Catholic Academy Parish News/Events

VOCATIONS CRUCIFIX: The crucifix is taken home by an individual or family each week and put in a safe place of honor. The prayer for vocations is then prayed each day by the person or family for the entire week. Your prayers are greatly needed so we ask that you sign up now in the Bell Tower.

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.

ATTENTION PARISHIONERS: If you have elected to make your contributions to St. Thomas by using the online payment option, please contact the Parish Office, 358-2461, and request that your monthly envelopes be stopped. Thank you. ATTENTION PARISH MEMBERS: The parish office would appreciate your help in checking the list of Sick & Homebound as well as Service Men & Women in the weekly bulletin and notifying the office at 358-2461, if anyone needs to be removed from or added to the list, so that we can publish accurate information. Thank you.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

If you want a lovely memorial tribute to a lost loved one or loved ones or a way to honor those special individuals in your life, be reminded that you may purchase a beautiful fresh flower arrangement designed by Scott’s Flowers for a donation of $85.00.

If you are interested in purchasing Altar Flowers, complete a request form (forms can be found next to the credenza outside the bell tower) or just call the Parish Office, 358-2461.

Rachel’s Corner Abortion After-Care Healing The pain of abortion is a dark place; it is an enormous emptiness. Come back into the light and be filled with His love and mercy.

Come be filled with God’s healing light in your life, on a Rachel’s Vineyard™ Retreat. Retreats are small, safe, and confidential. Next Rachel’s Vineyard in the Lubbock area will be on September 18-20, 2020, in English; November 6-8, 2020, in Spanish. Confidential contact: Mindy at rios2000us@yahoo.com

or call 806-702-2284.

We are excited about the upcoming school year and

resuming our STAY activities. Take care, stay safe,

and see you for the Fall semester!

St. Thomas Youth Events

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH STAFF

Pastor ……………………………………………..….Rev. John Valdez

Assistant Pastor…………………………..Rev. Victor Hugo Andrade

Deacon ………………………………….…………….Blaine Westlake

Deacon …………………………………………………..Phillip Whitson

Retired Deacon ……………………………………………..Jim Brown

Retired Deacon ……………………………………..Terry Pevehouse

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 Gallegos

Facility Assistant …………………………..…..…….....Glen Starcher

Custodian …………………………………………….Mark Ebenkamp

Custodian ………………………………………………....Curtis Zeissel

Liturgical Environmentalist………………………………..Julie Pierce

Mass Intentions

MONDAY, JUNE 29

11:00 AM

+Dan Schmucker by Joel & Mary Beth Gerber TUESDAY, JUNE 30

11:00 AM

+Pete Aboytes by Pat Wilcox

+Charlie Hennessey by Patrick Hennessey

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

11:00 AM

In Thanksgiving for Bob & Alice Schrock

+Stew Bryant by Tom & Sandy Riney THURSDAY, JULY 2

11:00 AM

+Paschal Bottoms by Mary Sweeney FRIDAY, JULY 3

11:00 AM

+Rod Riley by Tom & Margie Campbell

Intention of Catherine Carroll by Winnie Jennings SATURDAY, JULY 4 5:00 PM Intention of David & Sue Hudson SUNDAY, JULY 5

9:00 AM

+Harold “Sam” Caraway by Don & Alby Peters

11:15 AM

MEMBERS OF THE PARISH FAMILY

Religious Education & RCIA

RE NEWS *1st Communion II and RCIC II students should be completing their packets and returning them to the RE office. Please leave the completed student workbook (1st Communion II) or leaflets (RCIC II), the monstrance, and the parent handouts in a bag on the bench in Entry A with ATTN: Kerry Acker on the bag! *We will offer two 1st Communion dates: July 25 at 10 a.m. or Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. More details included in an email sent out to parents! *Confirmation I students will need to complete their saint projects and other lessons at home. Information about the assignments has been emailed to parents. Please email Kerry at kacker@amarillo.church if you have not received this information. *We will have updated information on how to enroll in RE in the fall coming soon!

RCIA NEWS

**Please call Kerry Acker if you’re interested in becoming Catholic. Though classes haven’t resumed, we can keep you informed when they do.

Contact Kerry Acker DRE at kacker@stthomasamarillo.org or 806.358.2461, Ext. 106, for more info on RCIA or Religious Education.

Daily Prayer This Week So each morning this week we can begin our day with

a very brief prayer. "Lord, let me see you, love you

and desire to follow you more closely today." We

might say, "Drive away the demons that tempt my

spirit today" on one day and repeat that prayer at vari-

ous times, especially when we are tempted to look

good, or to escape into over-indulgence with food or

drink or fantasies, or when we are tempted to let anger

get the better of us. On another day, we might pray,

"Dear Lord, I get paralyzed sometimes - just stuck and

unable to move. Free me today, by reminding me of

your love and mercy." Still another day, we might ask,

"Dear Lord, let me respond to your call with the free-

dom Matthew had." We might turn to the Lord some-

day and simply say, "Lord, I know you desire mercy

and not sacrifice, please free me from the judgments I

will be tempted to make today." Finally, I might pray,

"Lord, pour your new wine into me. Let me be a new

wineskin to receive it. Give me the freedom I need

today to let your word transform how I act and how I

choose today."

Taken from the "Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer" on the Creighton University's Online Ministries web site: http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html Used with permission.

Adult Faith Formation

Prayer for Independence Day (July 4) God, source of all freedom,

this day is bright with the memory

of those who declared that life and liberty

are your gift to every human being.

Help us to continue a good work begun long ago.

Make our vision clear and our will strong:

that only in human solidarity will we find liberty,

and justice only in the honor that belongs

to every life on earth.

Turn our hearts toward the family of nations:

to understand the ways of others,

to offer friendship,

and to ­find safety only in the common good of all.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen.

Prayer taken from the Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, Revised Edition, copyright © 2007, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved.

Please remember St. Thomas the Apostle Church

in your wills, memorials, life insurance, stocks,

annuities, living trusts and other planned gifts.

Thank you.