ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH 4100 South Coulter Street Amarillo, TX 79109 Fourth Sunday of Lent March 26, 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 Weekdays: 7:00 AM (Tuesday-Friday) 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 1 st Reconciliation and 1 st 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 "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him." The prevailing theology of Jesus' time led people to believe that any kind of disability was a punishment from God. So Jesus' disciples as- sumed that the man born blind suffered that affliction be- cause of someone's sin: either his parents' or his own. But Jesus sets the record straight. Not only did he reject the idea that the blindness was a punishment for sin; he also went so far as to suggest that this very trial was an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed. And sure enough, it was. Jesus worked a miracle of healing for the man who followed his directions and "came back able to see." So it was that the "works of God" became "visible" through a man who was blind! But, ironically, not everyone had the eyes to see the miracle. The Gospel tells us that "there was a division among them" as they debated whether this remarkable healing was really an act of God. Jesus stated that he came "so that those who do not see might see." And so, who are we? Are we blinded by our own expectations of how God is supposed to work? Are we so caught up in our own vision of what we wish would happen that we fail to appreciate what is actually unfolding before our very eyes? It is so easy to perceive trials, disabilities, sickness, and misfortune as a curse or the result of being abandoned by God. But today's Gospel suggests another reality. In the midst of these very difficulties, God wants to re- veal himself, to show his love and mercy. It may not always be in the exact way we expect, but without a doubt, even in these challenging realms, God is always at work.
Transcript
ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
4100 South Coulter Street Amarillo, TX 79109
Fourth Sunday of Lent March 26, 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
Weekdays: 7:00 AM (Tuesday-Friday)
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
"Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of
God might be made visible through him." The prevailing
theology of Jesus' time led people to believe that any kind of
disability was a punishment from God. So Jesus' disciples as-
sumed that the man born blind suffered that affliction be-
cause of someone's sin: either his parents' or his own. But Jesus
sets the record straight. Not only did he reject the idea that
the blindness was a punishment for sin; he also went so far as
to suggest that this very trial was an opportunity for God's glory
to be revealed.
And sure enough, it was. Jesus worked a miracle of healing
for the man who followed his directions and "came back able
to see." So it was that the "works of God" became "visible"
through a man who was blind! But, ironically, not everyone
had the eyes to see the miracle. The Gospel tells us that "there
was a division among them" as they debated whether this
remarkable healing was really an act of God.
Jesus stated that he came "so that those who do not see
might see." And so, who are we? Are we blinded by our own
expectations of how God is supposed to work? Are we so
caught up in our own vision of what we wish would happen
that we fail to appreciate what is actually unfolding before
our very eyes? It is so easy to perceive trials, disabilities,
sickness, and misfortune as a curse or the result of being
abandoned by God. But today's Gospel suggests another
reality. In the midst of these very difficulties, God wants to re-
veal himself, to show his love and mercy. It may not always be
in the exact way we expect, but without a doubt, even in
these challenging realms, God is always at work.
Parish News
Our Stewardship
ST. THOMAS PRAYER CHAIN
Do you know someone in need of special prayers? The
Prayer Chain is always taking requests. Please contact
Debi Banach at 358-2461, Ext. 107.
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, Carmen Oviedo, 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, Bill & Marie Hughes,
Jeannette Kaminski, Mary Maalouf, Emile Jones, Frank
Galitski, John (Jack) Hoben, Nadine Hadley, Brian Dolan,
Robert Mitchell, Madeline Arrott, Lupita Randon, Carolyn
Shoberg, Allen Lamb, Betty Cutting, Judy Allen, Roy Steele,
Maria Arias, Jordan Barrientez, Melinda Gloe, Robert
Herrera, William Ruzicka, Roger Gloe, Gilbert Ybarra,
Jo Rogowski, Paul & Catherine Kiefer, Ellis Glueck.
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 Brown, Cody Keesee,
Justin Spencer.
Prayer Intentions LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE: Priests from the Central Deanery of the Diocese of Amarillo will be available on Tues., Mar. 28, beginning at 7:00.p.m., at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1200 South Washington. Other parishes in the Diocese of Amarillo offering Lenten Reconciliation services include: Wed., Mar. 29, 7:00.p.m., at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Groom; and, Wed., Mar. 29, 7:00 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Church, Vega. LENTEN FISH FRY: The Music Dept. will be hosting their second Lenten Fish Fry this Fri., Mar. 31, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the Gym. Tickets at the door are $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 6-11. If you purchase in advance, they are $10.00 & $5.00 respectively. Proceeds to support the Music Department Italy Pilgrimage Christmas 2017! Thank you for your support. TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL “BACH’S” LUNCH SERIES: The last two presentations for the Bach’s lunch series will be on Fri., Mar. 31, at First Baptist Church, David Lowe, Organist, and Fri., Apr. 7, at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, Jim Gardner, Organist. Program begins at 12:05 p.m., with a 25-minute organ recital. Following the recital, the host church will provide tea, coffee and a place to eat.
Budget Actual Variance Mar. 12, 2017 $ 26,831.00 $ 27,144.00 ($ 313.00) Month to Date $ 80,493.00 $ 78,206.00 ($ 2,287.00) “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” ~1 Samuel 16:7
How often do we invest our time, talent and treasure in creating an appearance that does not matter at all to God? We strive to impress with our clothing , home, career, possessions, car and other marks of distinction. But none of these illusions of greatness will impress God. Instead, He will look into our hearts to see how much we loved Him, how much we loved others and how we showed that love by the way we used our time, talents and treasure here on earth.
MARK YOU CALENDARS for the 34th Annual Jerry Harpole Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament on May 20, 2017. Watch the bulletin for more information. 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. PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: At this time, the hours needing to be filled are Mon., 4:00 a.m./Thurs., 1:00 a.m./Fri., 2:00 a.m./Sat., 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in being a part of this worthwhile ministry, call Simon Wright, 806-570-9776. 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 worthwhile ministry. 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. Afterwards, they meet in the Parlor for some refreshments and fellowship. JOB OPPORTUNITY: St. Thomas Church is looking for two, part-time custodians to work 18 hours per week. Applicants should be experienced and well motivated. The schedule and hours are flexible and some weekend and night work will be required. If interested, please send resume’ or letter of interest to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 4100 S. Coulter St., Amarillo, Texas, 79109, attention Bryan Webb, Bldg. Administrator.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
FRIDAY, MARCH 31,
AT 7:00 P.M.,
IN THE CHURCH
THE MARGARET ANDERSON LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
This fund was established in 2007 for Senior girls who are members of St. Thomas. For the class of 2017, a $3000 scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding girl who demonstrates all of Margaret’s strengths: attendance at Religious Education classes, service to the Church and Community, outstanding academics, sportsmanship and Leadership. Applications for both the Margaret Anderson & STMC scholarships are available in the Youth Office or can be downloaded from HS S.T.A.Y. tab on the Church website. Applications are due by April 17.
Youth Schedule and Events
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH, BORGER is having their annual Italian Meatballs and Spaghetti Dinner on Sun., Apr. 2, from 11:00 a.m., to 5:00 p.m. Adult tickets are $9.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door. Children’s tickets are $5.00. Adult take-outs will be available and St. John’s Altar Society will be holding a bake sale. ST. HYACINTH CHURCH, AMARILLO: Fr. Jim Schmitmeyer, pastor of St. Hyacinth Parish, has instituted a prayerful Eucharistic Holy Hour on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and invites all to join in prayer for vocations as well as private intentions. The hour opens with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a homily followed with silent meditation, common prayer, concluding with Benediction. It is a very special time.
Young Adults will be meeting this Tues., Mar..28, in The Dwelling at 7 p.m. Starting about 7:15 p.m., we will go to the Chapel for an hour of Adoration. High School STAY will be meeting this Wed., March 29, at High Plans Food Bank. You can meet at the location at 7:00 p.m., or meet at St. Thomas at 6:40 p.m. MS STAY (6th – 8th Grade) We will be meeting TONIGHT, Mar. 26, in The Dwelling from 7:00-8:30 p.m. FAST (4th and 5th grade) We will be meeting TONIGHT, Mar. 26, in The Dwelling from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Please contact Caleb Hubbard at [email protected] or by phone at 358-2461, Ext. 121, if you have any questions.
More News
Congratulations to the following Holy Cross Catho-lic Academy students who placed in the annu-al South Plains Regional Science and Engineering fair recently at Texas Tech in Lubbock. The fair had over 600 entries this year. Both middle school and high school students competed.
Cassy Summerlin is the faculty sponsor. Mary Huseman – 1st place &.medal in 10th grade physical science Andrew Wilhelm – 1st place & medal in 8th grade physical science Andrew Phillips – 2nd place in 6th grade physical science.
Way to go Mustangs!
Around the Diocese
Holy Cross Corner
REFLECTION ON FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Faith always takes us on a journey beyond the obvious
and tangible. This was often lacking in those who
experienced Jesus and His teachings. When He spoke of
offering His Body and Blood, they exclaimed: "How can this
man give us flesh to eat?" They totally missed the spiritual
dimension of His words and message. He was pointing
them to a higher realm of understanding, while they chose
to remain on an earthly level leading only to darkness and
death.
Faith does not come easy. While we see and know peo-
ple for whom faith seems like second nature, for many of
us it is a gift that reveals itself only with the utmost
diligence and care. It usually begins to appear in times of
transition, distress and/or sickness, for it is in moments like
these that the Lord is able to get our attention long enough,
so that we can hear His voice above the noise and
confusion of our daily lives. Whenever trouble breaks into
the serenity of our daily existence, we can be sure the
Divine potter is at work trying to mold us into something
beautiful. ....
~Fr. Dominic P. Irace/ewtn.com
ST. THOMAS HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Thursday, April 13, at 7:00 p.m.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS Friday, April 14, at 12:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 26: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a/Eph 5:8-14/Jn 9:1-41
Monday, March 27:
Is 65:17-21/Jn 4:43-54
Tuesday, March 28:
Ez 47:1-9, 12/Jn 5:1-16
Wednesday, March 29:
Is 49:8-15/Jn 5:17-30
Thursday, March 30:
Ex 32:7-14/Jn 5:31-47
Friday, March 31:
Wis 2:1a, 12-22/Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Saturday, April 1:
Jer 11:18-20/Jn 7:40-53
Sunday, April 2:
Ez 37:12-14/Rom 8:8-11/Jn 11:1-45
Daily Scripture Readings
Liturgy Schedule and Special Mass Intentions:
Monday 3/27 NO MASS
Tuesday 3/28
7:00 AM
Spec. Int. of Velma Tyler
Pat Stich
Wednesday 3/29 7:00 AM
Spec. Int. of Mary Britten
& Family
Duane & Barbara Carlson
Thursday 3/30 7:00 AM +Barbara Fowlkes
Joe Sullivan Family
Friday 3/31 7:00 AM
Spec. Int. of Reginald
& Alice Armstrong
Marcia Reed
Saturday 4/1 5:00 PM +Pete Kuehler
Red Hat Group
Sunday 4/2
7:30 AM MEMBERS OF PARISH FAMILY
9:00 AM +Barbara Fowlkes
Mary Stockman
11:15 AM +Grace Neal Campbell
Parker
Tom & Margie Campbell
Week at a Glance
RE News *Check out FORMED.org! The parish password is
. It has all kinds of great Catholic content available from your home!
*The Confirmation retreat is quickly approaching!
Make sure to reserve Saturday, April 8! Remember, the service projects, Confirmation names, and spon-
sors’ names are due on this day.
*4”x4” cloth swatches are due April 2 to the First Communion classes! Don’t forget!
*RE classes resume today.
RCIA News
*Not Catholic but interested in learning more? The Inquiry class is held in the library 10:05-11:05 a.m. The next class is this morning, March 26! Any non-
