1-180 St. Thomas of Villanova OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE NOVEMBER 22, 2015 A Note from Fr. Joe … It was difficult to know where to begin my note this week, as there’s so much to take into account – from the Solemnity of Christ the King that we celebrate this weekend, at the end of another Church year, to the great feast of Thanksgiving that we commemorate as a nation this coming Thursday. But, first and foremost, I felt moved to share some thoughts about the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris on November 13 th – and the day before in Beirut. As you might imagine, given my ‘previous life,’ I can’t help but be drawn into the news and recall some of my analytic work, asking ‘the who, how, and why’ questions ingrained in me. More importantly, however, it leads me to a conclusion that I included in my homily last Monday on the worldwide Augustinian Day of Prayer for Refugees, Exiles, and Peace in our World: “We’re challenged to respond, particularly as Christians, in a way that upholds the Gospel and doesn’t allow extremists to fuel the hatred and fear that plays directly into their hands.” So let’s continue to pray for the love and the peace that our world so desperately needs, as we remember the victims of the attacks and those who truly are seeking “a horizon of hope.” As Christians, our horizon of hope is Jesus the Christ – “the Alpha and the Omega…the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty.” He’s a king, not as our world defines one, but a ruler of the heart, who, as one commentary puts it, “is a liberating and loving King whom we know in grace rather than fear and whom we serve in love rather than obligation.” Through acts of mercy, which we’ll be focusing on even more in the upcoming Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, declared by Pope Francis, beginning December 8 th , and speaking love to hate, we help build up God’s Kingdom. The annual Advent Giving Tree Project that kicks off next weekend gives us the perfect opportunity to put mercy and love into concrete action. As we prepare to end one Church year and to begin another anew, let’s look for our King not in a palace, but in a manger, among the least of our sisters and brothers. Last, but definitely not least, may we take some time this Thanksgiving to pause in gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. It’s a wholesome and healing force that’s contagious – so pass it on; pay it forward! We’ll have the chance this Thursday morning to gather in the Rosemont Chapel at 9:00am to celebrate the Eucharist – a word, as I’ve mentioned before, whose very meaning is thanks and praise. Please feel free to bring food, which you’ll be sharing at your Thanksgiving table, to be blessed. Also, we ask that you donate non-perishable food items that will be taken to our sister parish, St. Cyprian’s in West Philadelphia. If you’re traveling to be with loved ones, please be safe. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! May each of us always find much for which to be grateful… God Bless! Fr. Joe Stewardship Thought for the Week “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom does not belong to this world.” (John 18-36) How often do we put our time and energy into building a kingdom here on earth, forgetting that life here is short? The real kingdom is in the next life. Yet, how much time and energy do we invest in working for that eternal kingdom? Thank you for generosity for the weekend of November 14 and 15, 2015: Number of Envelopes 311 Envelope Amount $12,332.00 Loose Cash $2,084.90 Electronic Offerings $1,936.88 Other $10.00 Total $16,363.78 10% Tithe $1,636.38 November 16, 2014 $19,816.99
Transcript
1-180 St. Thomas of Villanova
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE NOVEMBER 22, 2015
A Note from Fr. Joe …
It was difficult to know where to begin my note this week, as there’s so much to take into account – from the Solemnity of Christ the King that we celebrate this weekend, at the end of another Church year, to the great feast of Thanksgiving that we commemorate as a nation this coming Thursday. But, first and foremost, I felt moved to share some thoughts about the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris on November 13th – and the day before in Beirut. As you might imagine, given my ‘previous life,’ I can’t help but be drawn into the news and recall some of my analytic work, asking ‘the who, how, and why’ questions ingrained in me. More importantly, however, it leads me to a conclusion that I included in my homily last Monday on the worldwide Augustinian Day of Prayer for Refugees, Exiles, and Peace in our World: “We’re challenged to respond, particularly as Christians, in a way that upholds the Gospel and doesn’t allow extremists to fuel the hatred and fear that plays directly into their hands.” So let’s continue to pray for the love and the peace that our world so desperately needs, as we remember the victims of the attacks and those who truly are seeking “a horizon of hope.” As Christians, our horizon of hope is Jesus the Christ – “the Alpha and the Omega…the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty.” He’s a king, not as our world defines one, but a ruler of the heart, who, as one commentary puts it, “is a liberating and loving King whom we know in grace rather than fear and whom we serve in love rather than obligation.” Through acts of mercy, which we’ll be focusing on even more in the upcoming Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, declared by Pope Francis, beginning December 8th, and speaking love to hate, we help build up God’s Kingdom. The annual Advent Giving Tree Project that kicks off next weekend gives us the perfect opportunity to put mercy and love into concrete action. As we prepare to end one Church year and to begin another anew, let’s look for our King not in a palace, but in a manger, among the least of our sisters and brothers. Last, but definitely not least, may we take some time this Thanksgiving to pause in gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. It’s a wholesome and healing force that’s contagious – so pass it on; pay it forward! We’ll have the chance this Thursday morning to gather in the Rosemont Chapel at 9:00am to celebrate the Eucharist – a word, as I’ve mentioned before, whose very meaning is thanks and praise. Please feel free to bring food, which you’ll be sharing at your Thanksgiving table, to be blessed. Also, we ask that you donate non-perishable food items that will be taken to our sister parish, St. Cyprian’s in West Philadelphia. If you’re traveling to be with loved ones, please be safe. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! May each of us always find much for which to be grateful… God Bless! Fr. Joe
Stewardship Thought for the Week
“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom does not belong to this world.” (John 18-36) How often do we put our time and energy into building a kingdom here on earth, forgetting that life here is short? The real kingdom is in the next life. Yet, how much time and energy do we invest in working for that eternal kingdom?
Thank you for generosity for the weekend of November 14 and 15, 2015: Number of Envelopes 311 Envelope Amount $12,332.00 Loose Cash $2,084.90 Electronic Offerings $1,936.88 Other $10.00 Total $16,363.78
10% Tithe $1,636.38 November 16, 2014 $19,816.99
2-180 St. Thomas of Villanova
Mon., Nov. 23rd Weekday (Thirty-Fourth or Last Week in Ordinary Time); St. Clement I, Saint Columban, Blessed Miguel Agustin 12:05PM-RMCH Dr. Charles Mauriello - Mauriello Family Tues., Nov. 24th Saint Andrew Dung-Lac & Companions 12:05PM-RMCH Mary Geraghty - John Geraghty Wed., Nov. 25th Saint Catherine of Alexandria 12:05PM-RMCH Winnie Ferrari - Burton Family Thurs., Nov., 26th Weekday - THANKSGIVING DAY 9:00AM-RMCH In Thanksgiving to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Fri., Nov., 27th Weekday 12:05PM-RMCH Baby Angel Sat., Nov. 28th Weekday 9:00AM-RMCH Tricia Cunilio - John & Tanya Braithwaite 5:00PM-RMCH James J. Stokes - Powers Family Nov. 29th First Sunday of Advent 7:30AM-VNCH For the Parishioners of St. Thomas 10:00AM-RMCH Jack Geraghty 10:30AM-VNCH Flora Della Greca - Della Greca Family
We have an American Sign Language Interpreter at the 9:00am Mass in the Rosemont Chapel on the Second and Fourth Sunday of each month. The interpreter will be here
on December 13 and 27, 2015.
Schedule of Events for the week of: November 22, 2015 Recitation of the Rosary after the daily Liturgy. Monday, November 23, 2015 Adult Faith Formation, Centering Prayer- RMCH 7:30AM Golden Living Ministry 10:15AM Art Class - PC1 11:00AM Food Addicts in Recovery - Café 7:00PM Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Preschool Thanksgiving Prayer & Breakfast At Preschool 9:30AM Bible Study - PC2 10:00AM No SFC Mentors Bible Study - RMCH 7:00PM Genasis Bells - Aud 7:00PM Wednesday, November 25, 2015 Food Addicts in Recovery - Café 9:30AM Exercise - Aud 10:00AM No Honickman Ministry No Religious Education Thursday, November 26, 2015 - THANKSGIVING DAY Daily Mass-RMCH 9:00AM Parish Office Closed STV Preschool Closed Friday, November 27, 2015 Daily Mass—RMCH 12:05PM Parish Office Closed STV Preschool Closed Saturday, November 28, 2015 Sunday, November 29, 2015 Rosemont Village Eucharistic Prayer Service 10:30AM RCIA 11:45AM Baptism—VNCH 12:00PM ADVENT GIVING TREE
SPECIAL NOTICE
Please be aware that the Visitor Lot across the street from the Villanova Church is closed as part of the
construction related to the University’s Design Concept for Lancaster Avenue. You are asked to park in the
Main Parking Lots, until the Visitor Lot and additional surface parking reopens in February. As
always, if you have special mobility needs, you’re welcome to park on campus.
WELCOME VISITORS Thank you for worshiping with us today. If you are visiting our beautiful church or chapel, please know you are most welcome! If you have questions or are interested in joining our parish community, please call the parish office at 610-525-4801.
Because of the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Parish Office will be closed
on Thursday November 26th and Friday, November 27th.
We wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.
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We wish a warm welcome to the newest members of our parish: Gerard & Patricia Giaffrida of Conshohocken Martin & Sigrid Horneck & Family of Haverford Michael Tegler, Jr. of Haverford Congratulations to the newly Baptized members of our parish: Ronald James, son of Ronald & Nicole Christy Katelyn Siena, daughter of William & Natalie DiTullio Isla Rose, daughter of Robert & Alicia Fitzmire Cole Reagan, son of Michael & Amanda Hornberger Elle Teresa, daughter of Thomas & Erica Parlapiano Anya Isabelle, daughter of David & June Singh Resting in Peace: Mr. Carmen Marchesani Remember those in need of our prayers, especially: Julia Barlow, Katherine Breck, Mary Ann Dadourian, Bob Ellison, Patricia Ann Harley, Joan Hunter, Bridget Kelly, Madeleine O’Callaghan, Jerry O’Connor, Bert Rodgers. Annie Sears, and Robert J. Wahl.
Please pray for our soldiers assigned in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world. Please also pray
for the soldiers who are returning from their assignments,
especially the wounded soldiers.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE PRAYERLINE The parish prayerline is waiting for your prayer request. This week call Mary Ann Barrow at 610-525-4164 or email [email protected] to activate the parish prayerline. Two parish teams are available for your special intentions. PROJECT HOPE This is a transportation ministry for our Parish. If you need a ride to your medical appointments or to food shop this week, please call Anne Von Herstenberg at 610-525-6026. Please give at least 3 days notice. DINNERS TO THE DOORSTEP This ministry is for parish families who are in crisis or for parish couples welcoming a new baby. Homemade dinners are delivered. Two parish coordinators keep a list of volunteers who are called as needed. If you are in need of this delicious community support, please call Maria Gunn at 610-291-7205. ST. FRANCIS INN We are forming a parish work group to serve the midday meal at the St. Francis Inn in Kensington on Sunday, December 20th. The Inn tries to meet the immediate daily needs of the poor and homeless people they serve with food, clothing and hospitality. This ministry is open to anyone 16 years or older. For more information and to sign up, contact our parish coordinator, Sheila Holst at 610-659-5828 or [email protected].
INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (Main Line) needs your help
hosting homeless families in the Parish Center the week of December 6th.
If you can cook and deliver dinner (for 12) during the week of December 6th, contact Shannon Dolan at [email protected] or 610-527-8722. If you can spend the night (a trained parishioner will co-host with you), contact Elaine Sharer at [email protected] or 610-558-1023. If you have gently used towels and wash cloths you can donate, please drop them off at the Parish Center. Any questions about IHN or other ways you can serve, contact Susan Barbella at [email protected] or 610-324-5332.
MORNING PRAYER
DURING ADVENT
Join us for Morning Prayer in the Rosemont Chapel, Tuesday through Saturday beginning
Tuesday, December 1st.
Let the psalms, prayers, scripture and reflection flavor your days of preparation for the celebration
of Jesus' birth, when the Word pitched his tent among us.
Tuesday — Friday at 7:30am
Saturday — 8:30am If you come for morning mass on Saturday,
come a little earlier for Morning Prayer.
Advent Morning Prayer concludes on Thursday, December 24th.
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Thanksgiving message from
St. Thomas of Villanova Preschool
A Thankful Blessing
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you, God, for everything!
Happy Thanksgiving from the Faculty and Staff of
St. Thomas of Villanova Preschool
ADVENT SEASON Begins Weekend of November 28-29, 2015
DECEMBER 8th - FEAST OF THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Holy Day Masses
12:05PM - Villanova Church 12:05PM - Rosemont Chapel 5:30PM - Villanova Church 7:00PM - Villanova Church
COMMUNAL CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Monday, December 14, 2015 at 7:30pm
in the Villanova Church.
We will also have Reconciliation after our 12:05pm Mass in the Rosemont Chapel every Friday during the Advent Season
THANKSGIVING DAY
The Thanksgiving Day Mass will be celebrated on
Thursday, November 26th
at 9:00AM in the Rosemont Chapel. We ask you to bring with you,
the bread and the wine you will share at your Thanksgiving table and it will be blessed.
We also ask that you bring non-perishable food items for the hungry. The non-perishable food
items will be taken to our sister parish, St. Cyprian’s in West Philadelphia, and distributed through their
Christmas Diapers and personal toiletries needed for kids and families at the INN. Over the past 20 years our parish community has sent a team on the 3rd Sunday of every month to the St. Francis Inn to serve the mid-day meal to over 400 families, including many young children, who come to the Inn for a hot meal served in the Franciscan model of serving food, clothing and hospitality. The St. Francis Inn is located at 2441 Kensington Avenue in Philadelphia. Two of our parishioners, Maura Holst and Aidan Donnelly, are collecting personal size toiletries, baby diapers, size 4, 5, 6 diapers and training pants, toilet paper and paper towels for the families. They will deliver on Sunday, December 20th. If you can help, drop off your gifts to the Parish Center during the week or in the rear of the Rosemont Chapel on weekends.
Questions? Contact Maura Holst at [email protected] or 610-551-4142.
For many years our parish community has worked collaboratively with the Campus Ministry
Department of Villanova University in buying hundreds of gift cards or gifts of clothing for
children and adults for five faith communities –
St. Cyprian Parish, Providence Center, St. Elizabeth’s Community, Holy Family
Nursing Home and Mercy Neighborhood Ministries.
Tin Angels will be available for purchase at the rear of both Churches on the
weekends of November 29th, December 6th, and December 13th. Your gift will be used to buy a specific
clothing Item or a gift card.
Watch the Christmas Trees radiate with Angels throughout the Advent Season!
If you can help sell angels after the Masses, please call Joan Mauriello at 610-254-5061.
WRAPPERS NEEDED!!! We need gift wrappers on Monday, December 7th, at 12:30pm in the
Rosemont Auditorium. If you can help wrap gifts, please call Judi Samulewicz at
610-649-5433.
THE INN KEEPER
MINISTRY
“She gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling
clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room at the
inn.” Luke 2:7 In 2014, we welcomed over 3,000 parishioners, extended family members and visitors to our parish churches on Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning. Would You be willing to share one hour before and 15 minutes after the Mass you plan to attend to make each person who joins us for Christmas Liturgy feel….
* warm * welcome * wanted *worthy What is the job description of an Inn Keeper? - Stand outside the doors of the Church, open the doors, express a warm welcome, and hand out liturgy booklets. - After Mass you will stand outside doors expressing a goodbye and asking our guests to “come back”, distribute a Christmas Card, and make sure the luminaries are ready for the next Mass. If you can be an Inn Keeper to welcome the Body of Christ this Christmas, contact Anne Murphy at [email protected] or 610-525-4801, ext. 205.
Celebrating the Opening of the
Jubilee of Mercy
December 2 and 3, 2015
With internationally renowned theological ethicist Fr. James Keenan, SJ
December 2 — 6:30-8:00PM St. Thomas of Villanova Church Public Lecture: The Centrality of the Works of Mercy within the Catholic Tradition Book signing to follow. December 3 — 7:30PM St. Thomas of Villanova Church Lessons and Carols - Mercy in the Flesh Presented by the Villanova Pastoral Musicians and the St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Choir.
BIBLE STUDY Please join us in exploring the Scriptures. The
Scriptures are a magnificent picture of a loving God who wants the very best for us …
Please join us for our Weekly Bible Studies on Tuesday Mornings — 10:00am Tuesday Evenings — 7:00pm
The Bible Studies are held in the Rosemont Parish Center. Everyone is welcome.
Please join us.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Every Monday at 7:30am in the Rosemont Chapel, a new group meets for 30 minutes of silent prayer and meditation. “Centering Prayer' has evolved out of Thomas Keating's work as described in his book Open Mind Open Heart. Thomas Keating is a Trappist monk, writer and mystic. There is no prerequisite or training necessary other than a desire to immerse yourself in an encounter with God. Please join us!
ATTENTION; MIDDLE AGERS AND SENIORS
COMMUNITY WALKING
OPPORTUNITY Friday Mornings 9:00am
Radnor Trail - West Wayne Ave, Entrance
(behind Vic and Deans Pizza) Radnor Township backed, volunteer led local
Public Health Initiative.
Questions? Please contact Parishioner, Jen DiLella at 610-504-3624.
Youth Ministry Grades 7-12
Please join us for these
Upcoming Events!
Youth Gathering - Sunday, 12/13 at
7:00pm, meet in Youth Room
Please join us for a Fiesta in Honor of
Our Lady of Guadalupe! We will be
Celebrating and learning more about
Our Lady of Guadalupe & St. Juan Diego
Poinsettia Delivery -
Saturday, 12/19 at 1:00pm, meet at
Rosemont Auditorium
Please volunteer to deliver Poinsettias
to our homebound and bereaved
parishioners. Your delivery will be a
welcome visit to bring Christmas!
For additional information or to volunteer, please contact Maria Luby at [email protected] or
Festival of Lessons and Carols Thursday, December 3
Kick off Advent with this annual tradition presented by the Villanova Pastoral Musicians and Parish Choirs. Join us prior to the event at 6:00pm for a quick bite to eat at Gullifty’s. Please RSVP to
[email protected], if you plan to join us for dinner. Lessons and Carols will begin at 7:30pm
in the University Church.
Advent Evening of Prayer Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00pm
Take a break from the hectic holiday season and center yourself with an evening of prayer and
reflection. A potluck social will begin at 7:00pm in the Rosemont Auditorium and then we will transition into
our prayer service. Please RSVP to [email protected] and let us know if you will
be bringing food to share.
Bake and Pray Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00pm
Whether a master chef or kitchen klutz, all are welcome to join us as we bake casseroles for St.
John’s Hospice at 7:00pm in the Rosemont Auditorium. During the evening, we will create a space for Advent
The Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova established a Heritage Room on the bottom floor of the Villanova Monastery some years ago to tell the story of the friars’ arrival in the United States and its foundations especially in Philadelphia and Villanova. The site contains memorabilia of many friars and of the Province’s mission in this country. The friars are desirous of making access to the Heritage Room available with regular hours of visitation, and are seeking individuals willing to volunteer some time to welcome visitors. The qualifications are two: interest and a cheerful, hospitable spirit. Please contact Maria Manna at the Provincial Office, for more information or to volunteer - 610.527.3330 or [email protected]
You are invited to a Brown Bag Lunch on Monday, December 14th at 12:45pm
in the Rosemont Auditorium Topic: THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS - Famous Artworks Through the Ages
Presenter: Mrs. Elaine Sharer Elaine has been a parishioner for 58 years. Elaine shares her time and talent in the parish as a Lector, Coordinator of IHN and popular Brown Bag Lunch Presenter. Elaine has been a docent at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for 22 years.
Bring your lunch. Drinks and dessert will be provided. Please join us!!
ST. KATHERINE DAY SCHOOL (SKDS) Teaching Assistant
A teacher assistant is a very valuable asset to the SKDS learning program. SKDS is a school that serves students with intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities. Therefore, it is desirable that an assistant has an education beyond high school. A teacher assistant should enjoy working with children, be committed to the philosophy and ideas of a Catholic school and have the skills to meet the certain responsibilities. Working hours for assistants start promptly at 9:00am and end at 2:00pm and include one half hour lunch. Please contact the school secretary if you have any questions and are interested in being consider for a position on the SKDS team. Bridget Evens - [email protected] or 610-667-3958.
Please bring a gift of boys or girls socks or a baby crib sheet for the children served by Cradle to Crayons www.cradlestocrayons.org
9-180 St. Thomas of Villanova
FINISHED YOUR SUMMER TRAVEL?
Your hotel samples are needed to fill hygiene bags
on MLK Day of Service on January 18th.
Please drop off those miniature soaps, shampoo, conditioners, lotions to the Parish Center.
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK We appreciate advertisers who support St. Thomas of Villanova by advertising in our bulletin. Please patronize their business and let them know you saw their ad in our bulletin. Why Advertise in a Church Bulletin?
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610-527-4465
Ready in time for Christmas — bring
the Pope’s Visit home!! This commemorative 3 DVD set
documents that World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 Congress
and Papal Visit & Mass. This official DVD will include an exclusive “behind the scenes look” at the planning and preparations for this Historic event.
To pre-order your commemorative DVD visit WorldMeeting2015.org.
GRIEF CLASSES
Life After Loss - This group is geared toward participants who have experienced the loss of a loved one to substance abuse and/or mental illness. The group focuses on surviving and thriving following these profound and unique types of losses. This group is facilitated by Fran Gerstein, LCSW, AN experienced therapist and clinical social work professor, who lost her son in 2014. The class meets on Wednesday evenings, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. You can start at any time. Open to the Public, $20 per class or 4 classes for $70. You can pay online or at the group. The New Leaf Club, 1225 Montrose Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010. You can contact us at 610-525-1711 or on our website: newleafclub.org.
