ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH 4100 South Coulter Street Amarillo, TX 79109 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 23, 2018 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 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 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. REFLECTION The Oscars. The Super Bowl. TV talent shows. Your son's Little League championship. We live in a culture set on competition. The desire to "be the best" goes beyond hobbies and into politics, the corporate world, and parenting comparisons at the park. This desire is as old as the human race, and it surely arose in Jesus' day. While Biblical society was significantly less open and upwardly mobile than our own, power was attractive. From what we know, many of Jesus' disciples had come from lowly backgrounds. Now they followed an increasingly popular rabbi who seemed primed to do something big. Jesus does his best to dissuade their high hopes by prophesying his own defeat. "The Son of Man is to be handed over ? and they will kill him." Internalizing the message proves challenging for the disciples, and their attention remains fixed on earthly glory. "They ? [discuss] among themselves on the way who was the greatest." True to style, Jesus flips their pretensions on their heads. "'If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.'" We have heard these Biblical principles before. Do we believe them? In our professional lives, do we do whatever we can to get ahead, or are we concerned with the entire team succeeding? In the lives of our children, are we more concerned with victory or with building character? Jesus doesn't condemn success, but he reframes it. "'Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.'" Today's Gospel is a reality check. In God's eyes, our success will not be measured by worldly output alone but by how much love and service we offer to others in the process.
Transcript
ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
4100 South Coulter Street Amarillo, TX 79109
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 23, 2018
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
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.
REFLECTION
The Oscars. The Super Bowl. TV talent shows. Your son's
Little League championship. We live in a culture set on
competition. The desire to "be the best" goes beyond
hobbies and into politics, the corporate world, and
parenting comparisons at the park. This desire is as old as
the human race, and it surely arose in Jesus' day. While
Biblical society was significantly less open and upwardly
mobile than our own, power was attractive. From what we
know, many of Jesus' disciples had come from lowly
backgrounds. Now they followed an increasingly popular
rabbi who seemed primed to do something big.
Jesus does his best to dissuade their high hopes by
prophesying his own defeat. "The Son of Man is to be
handed over ? and they will kill him." Internalizing the
message proves challenging for the disciples, and their
attention remains fixed on earthly glory. "They ? [discuss]
among themselves on the way who was the greatest." True
to style, Jesus flips their pretensions on their heads. "'If
anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the
servant of all.'"
We have heard these Biblical principles before. Do we
believe them? In our professional lives, do we do whatever
we can to get ahead, or are we concerned with the entire
team succeeding? In the lives of our children, are we more
concerned with victory or with building character? Jesus
doesn't condemn success, but he reframes it. "'Whoever
receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.'"
Today's Gospel is a reality check. In God's eyes, our success
will not be measured by worldly output alone but by how
much love and service we offer to others in the process.
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,
LECTOR TRAINING: If you recently signed up to become a Lector or if you would be interested in this ministry or just need a refresher course, Jay Ricci will be conducting a training session on Tues., Sept. 25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., in the Marian Room. LIGHT WEIGH ONE KING: Bible study-DVD series without weigh-ins that gets you healthy physically and spiritually. Meetings begin September 27. Please contact Susanne Mills at 806-316-7557 for information and to order materials prior to meeting. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS: Sept. 30, Coffee Memorial Blood Drive; Oct. 27, Halloween Carnival; and Oct. 31, Trunk or Treat. PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: At this time, an Adorer is needed for Mon., 1:00 a.m./ Fri., 1:00 a.m./Sat., 2:00 a.m. If you are interested in being a part of this
worthwhile ministry, call Simon Wright, 806-570-9776. CRUCIFIX FOR VOCATIONS: We are needing individuals or families to sign up to take the vocations crucifix for a week of prayer for the increase in vocations to religious life. Please sign up in the bell tower if interested. Thank you to those who have already signed up. Your time and prayers are appreciated. 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.
Budget Actual Variance Sept. 16, 2018 $26,831.00 $31,962.00 $5,131.00 Month-to-Date $80,493.00 $82,906.80 $2,413.80 “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” ~MARK 9:35 Jesus teaches us that we are called to serve one another. Sacrifice is not a word that many people like to hear. We think it means that we must give up something that we want. However, the litereal meaning of sacrifice is “to make holy,” from the words “sacer” = sacred and “facere” = to make. In other words, we make our lives holy by sharing our gifts in the service of God. ~Office of Stewardship & Annual Catholic Appeal
Born to a southern Italian farm family, the son of Grazio, a shepherd. At age 15 he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin friars in Morcone, and joined the order at age 19. Suffered several health problems, and at one point his family thought he had tuberculosis. Ordained at age 22 on August 10, 1910. While praying before a cross, he received the stigmata on September 20, 1918, the first priest ever to be so blessed. As word spread, especially after American soldiers brought home stories of Padre Pio following WWII, the priest himself became a point of pilgrimage for both the pious and the curious. He would hear confessions by the hour, reportedly able to read the consciences of those who held back. Reportedly able to bilocate, levitate,
and heal by touch. Founded the House for the Relief of Suffering in 1956, a hospital that serves 60,000 a year. In the 1920's he started a series of prayer groups that continue today with over 400,000 members worldwide. His canonization miracle involved the cure of Matteo Pio Colella, age 7, the son of a doctor who works in the House for Relief of Suffering, the hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo founded by Padre Pio. On the night of 20 June 2000, Matteo was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital with meningitis. By morning doctors had lost hope for him as nine of the boy´s internal organs had ceased to give signs of life. That night, during a prayer vigil attended by Matteo´s mother and some Capuchin friars of Padre Pio´s monastery, the child's condition improved suddenly. When he awoke from the coma, Matteo said that he had seen an elderly man with a white beard and a long, brown habit, who said to him: "Don´t worry, you will soon be cured." The miracle was approved by the Congregation and Pope John Paul II on 20 December 2001. St. Padre Pio was born May 25, 1887, at Pietrelcina, Benevento, Italy as Francesco Forgione. He died on September 23,1968, of natural causes. ~aquinasandmore.com
More Parish News
ALTAR FLOWERS
Altar Flowers this week
were donated by
Cathy Freeby
in memory of Deceased Members
of Freeby & Westhoff Families
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.
Holy Cross Corner The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) is a standardized (diagnostic) test that compares Holy Cross Catholic Academy students with students across the nation. The test is administered early in the school year at Holy Cross to allow teachers to analyze and devel-
op the best possible lesson plans for the students. Testing was completed each morning during the week of September 19th.
Way to go Mustangs!
SAINT VALENTINE CATHOLIC RADIO and Chris Albracht will be hosting its annual Fundraiser (Radiothon) 2018 on Mon., Sept. 24, through Fri., Sept. 28, LIVE from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m., Noon to 1:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m., each day. Please prayerfully consider financially supporting St Valentine Catholic Radio with your tax exempt donation that will go toward covering the operational costs of running the radio station. Tune in on 1010 AM; 94.5FM; or 1360 AM or online at kdjw.org -LISTEN LIVE. ANNUAL RED MASS: Everyone is invited to attend the eighth annual Red Mass, set for Tues., Oct. 2, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1200 South Washington, Amarillo. Bishop Patrick J. Zurek will celebrate Mass with local lawyers and judges, asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom for all who participate in the judicial system. Professor William “Bill” Piatt ,of St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, will be the keynote speaker. The Red Mass has marked the beginning of the judicial year since the 13th century in England and France and today, is celebrated in cities throughout the United States. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be shared afterwards. For additional information, please contact Brad Howard at 345-6310. ACTS - Would you like to attend an ACTS Retreat Weekend? There is more information about the ACTS Retreat online. If you or someone you know would like to attend you can register online at ACTSamarillo.org. We also welcome your prayers on the Hourly Prayer Board. The following is a listing of the upcoming retreats: Women’s Retreat - Oct. 11-14, 2018/Teen’s Retreat - Dec. 27-30, 2018/Men’s Retreat - Jan. 17-20, 2019/Teen’s Retreat - June 27-30, 2019/Men’s Retreat - Aug. 15-18, 2019/Women’s Retreat - Oct. 17-20, 2019/Teen’s Retreat - Dec. 26-29, 2019. These retreats begin on a Thurs. evening and end with Sunday Mass. Sign up today. MARK YOU CALENDARS for a family fun-filled day! St. Mary’s Cathedral School Fall Festival Carnival will be held on Sat., Oct. 13, 2018, Noon to 7:00 p.m., 1200 S. Washington. Come enjoy food, games, silent auction, raffle and tons of fun for all. Make plans to join us! RESPECT LIFE-BEGINNING EXPERIENCE RETREAT : What if the worst thing you think could happen DOES, and you are widowed, divorced or separated? Renewing the Light of Hope begins October 26 - 28. To register, call 806-383-2243, and ask for the Respect Life Office. WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Married Couples: How much time do you spend just for the two of you, as a couple? The Marriage Encounter Weekend at Amarillo’s Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center will open up new areas for you and your spouse to communicate, while adding new dimensions to your personal, marital and spiritual growth. Contact Tung & Nanette Nguyen at [email protected], or (505) 400-0617, (505) 463-0261, for more information about the upcoming encounter weekend, Nov. 9 (7:30 p.m.) through Nov. 11 (4:30 p.m.) Or apply online at http://www.meAmarillo.org by October 1 to receive a $25 discount off your $100/couple application fee (use Promo Code: EarlyNov).
ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS 2019: We are looking for all high school seniors who attend St. Thomas. We would like to ”pray you through” a successful senior year and invite you to some special opportunities. Please contact Julie Jones in the parish office to let us know that you are a senior and receive more information. 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 gather for some refreshments and fellowship. 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. ATTENTION PARISHIONERS: Please be reminded that there is a nursery and cry room available for those of you who have chil-dren who become fussy during Mass. We would also like to re-mind you that there is no food allowed in the main church. If you wish to give your children snacks or solid food during Mass, please go to the hallway or the nursery to take care of those needs. Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to make the celebration of Mass a solemn and calm experience for everyone.
Parish News
Abortion AfterCare-Healing
Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. - Psalm 50:15 Come on a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat™ and give your troubles to Our Lord. He will restore you and you will glorify Him forever.
Confidential contact: Mindy at [email protected] or call 806-702-2284. Next retreat is Nov. 2-4.
Sunday, September 23: Wis 2:12, 17-20/Jas 3:16—4:3/Mk 9:30-37
Monday, September 24:
Prv 3:27-34/Lk 8:16-18
Tuesday, September 25:
Prv 21:1-6, 10-13/Lk 8:19-21
Wednesday, September 26:
Prv 30:5-9/Lk 9:1-6
Thursday, September 27:
Eccl 1:2-11/Lk 9:7-9
Friday, September 28:
Eccl 3:1-11/Lk 9:18-22
Saturday, September 29:
Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/Jn 1:47-51
Sunday, September 30:
Nm 11:25-29/Jas 5:1-6/Mk 9:38-434, 45, 47-48
Daily Scripture Readings
Liturgy Schedule and Special Mass Intentions:
Monday 9/24 NO MASS
Tuesday 9/25 6:00 PM +Ernest Loehr
Tina Clifton
Wednesday 9/26 7:00 AM +Joe Sullivan
Matt & Janie Street
Thursday 9/27 7:00 AM +Jan McCoy-Lis
Pat Wilcox
Friday 9/28 7:00 AM +Rev. Ken Keller
Pat Stich
Saturday 9/29 5:00 PM +Ted Stansbury
Sondergaard Family
Sunday 9/30
7:30 AM MEMBERS OF PARISH FAMILY
9:00 AM
Spec. Int. of
Mary Lou Bryant
Mary Sweeney
11:15 AM +Darrell Goodin
His Family
Week at a Glance
RE NEWS
*Seeking an adult volunteer (18+) to assist with the preK classes held during the 9 and 11:15 a.m. masses.
* Parents of 1st year Reconciliation-1st Communion classes
(rooms A-5 and A-7), please plan to attend a short meeting over preparing for these sacraments that will be held on Sept. 30 at
10:05 a.m. in the Upper Room.
RCIA News +The first step of RCIA is the Inquiry class that meets from 10:05-11:05 a.m. in the library.
Upcoming inquiry dates are as follows: Sept. 30 Oct. 14 & 28 Nov. 4 & 18 Dec. 2 & 16
The first Rite of RCIA is the Rite of Acceptance for unbaptized people and the Rite of Welcoming for those baptized in other Christian denominations. We will have the combined Rites on Sunday, Sept. 23 at the 9 a.m. mass!
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, SEPTEMBER 24 12:00 p.m. - Contemplative Power Hour - Chapel 5:00 p.m. - Downtown Women’s Center Mtg. - Msgr. Tash Hall TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 10:00 a.m. - Matthew Class (AFF) -Marian Room 6:30 p.m. - Lector Training - Marian Room 7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts - Troop 87 - Gym WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 9:00 a.m. - Community Bible Study - Parlor 9:30 a.m. - Marianist Group - Groom’s Room 5:30 p.m. - Confessions - Chapel 6:30 p.m. - Adult Handbells - Music Wing 6:30 p.m. - RCIA Meeting - Upper Room 6:30 p.m. - The Turning Point (AFF) -Upper Room 6:30 p.m. - Confirmation II Class - B9 6:30 p.m. - Adult Handbells - Music Wing 6:30 p.m. - KIDS Choir - Music Wing 7:00 p.m. - High School S.T.A.Y. - The Dwelling/Gym 7:45 p.m. - Adult Choir - Music Wing THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 10:00 a.m. - Rosary Group - Chapel 6:00 p.m. - Light Weigh One King - Marian Room 6:30 p.m. - Diaconate Prayer Group - Parlor FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 NO SCHEDULED EVENTS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 6:30 a.m. - That Man Is You - Upper Room (NW) 3:30 p.m. - Confessions - Chapel SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 8:00 a.m. - Blood Drive - Gym 10:05 a.m. - RE Classes - Education/Pre-K Wing 10:05 a.m. - RCIA Inquiry Class - Library 10:05 a.m. - Parent Meeting - Upper Room 5:00 p.m. - Youth Orchestra - Music Wing 5:30 p.m. - Youth Bells - Music Wing 6:15 p.m. - Youth Choir - Music Wing
ADULT FAITH FORMATION FALL 2018
SUNDAYS at 10:05 a.m., in the Upper room Starting on Oct., 7
