St. Thomas More Catholic Church SCHOOL STAFF 2510 So. Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803 (626) 284-8333 Website: stmcatholicalhambra.org School Office: (626) 284-5778 Fax: (626) 284-3303 Principal: Norma Gibson (ext. 128) Secretary: Mary Helen Lazo, (ext. 129) School Website: www.stmcsa.org School Email: [email protected]Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM Saturday Closed Sunday Closed **Closed to the Public** Office hours are for staffing only, for responding to emails, and answering phone calls. PARISH OFFICE (RECTORY) HOURS PARISH STAFF Office: (626) 284-8333 Fax: (626) 282-4459 Pastor: Fr. Thai Le (ext. 110) [email protected]Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Jeremiah O’Neill Deacon Couple: Rogelio and Emilia Garcia [email protected](626) 705-1072 Safeguard the Children Contact: To be Announced (ext. 139) or (626) 457-5302 [email protected]Director of Religious Education: Mae Ho (ext. 139) or (626) 457-5302 [email protected]Liturgy & Music Coordinator: Sr. Andrea Johnson (ext. 137) [email protected]Accounting Manager: Lucy Lai (ext. 141) [email protected]Youth Ministry & Confirmation Coordinator: Francisco Ramos [email protected]Assistant Coordinator: Gabriella Ramos (ext. 135) Parish Secretary: Lucia Alcantar (ext. 112) [email protected]Parish Receptionist: Mimi Lewis COVID-19 SCHEDULES SEE PAGE 5 FOR EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS REQUIRED SOCIAL DINSTANCING AND SAFE PRACTICES Parish facilities are closed until further notice Attend Mass online at stmcatholicalhambra.org or facebook.com/lacatholics. ALL EVENTS ARE CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Visit our website at stmcatholicalhambra.org for more information and updates. Sunday, July 12, 2020 First Reading — My word will achieve the end for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:10-11). Psalm — The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest (Psalm 65). Second Reading — We, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves awaiting the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:18-23). Gospel — Some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit (Matthew 13:1-23 [1-9]). Monday: Is 1:10-17; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 10:34 - 11:1 Tuesday: Is 7:1-9; Ps 48:2-8; Mt 11:20-24 Wednesday: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16; Ps 94:5-10, 14-15; Mt 11:25-27 Thursday: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Ps 102:13-14ab, 15-21; Mt 11:28-30 Friday: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Is 38:10-12abcd, 16; Mt 12:1-8 Saturday: Mi 2:1-5; Ps 10:1-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21 Sunday: Wis 12:13, 16-19; Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30] LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — La palabra de Dios siempre cumple lo que él quiere (Isaías 55:10-11). Salmo — Los granos que caen en la tierra buena darán una co- secha abundante (Salmo 65 [64]). Segunda lectura — Toda la creación anticipa ansiosamente la revelación de la gloria plena de Dios (Romanos 8:18-23). Evangelio — El que tenga oídos, que entienda y reciba las en- señanzas de Jesús (Mateo 13:1-23 [1-9]). LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: Is 1:10-17; Sal 50 (49):8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 10:34 — 11:1 Martes: Is 7:1-9; Sal 48 (47):2-8; Mt 11:20-24 Miércoles: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16; Sal 94 (93):5-10, 14-15; Mt 11:25-27 Jueves: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Sal 102 (101):13-14ab, 15-21; Mt 11:28-30 Viernes: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Is 38:10-12abcd, 16; Mt 12:1-8 Sábado: Miq 2:1-5; Sal 10 (9):1-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21 Domingo: Sab 12:13, 16-19; Sal 86 (85):5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30]
School Office: (626) 284-5778 Fax: (626) 284-3303 Principal: Norma Gibson (ext. 128) Secretary: Mary Helen Lazo, (ext. 129) School Website: www.stmcsa.org School Email: [email protected]
Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
**Closed to the Public** Office hours are for staffing only,
for responding to emails, and answering phone calls.
PARISH OFFICE (RECTORY) HOURS
PARISH STAFF
Office: (626) 284-8333 Fax: (626) 282-4459 Pastor: Fr. Thai Le (ext. 110) [email protected] Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Jeremiah O’Neill Deacon Couple: Rogelio and Emilia Garcia [email protected] (626) 705-1072 Safeguard the Children Contact: To be Announced (ext. 139) or (626) 457-5302 [email protected] Director of Religious Education: Mae Ho (ext. 139) or (626) 457-5302 [email protected] Liturgy & Music Coordinator: Sr. Andrea Johnson (ext. 137) [email protected] Accounting Manager: Lucy Lai (ext. 141) [email protected] Youth Ministry & Confirmation Coordinator: Francisco Ramos [email protected] Assistant Coordinator: Gabriella Ramos (ext. 135) Parish Secretary: Lucia Alcantar (ext. 112) [email protected] Parish Receptionist: Mimi Lewis
COVID-19 SCHEDULES SEE PAGE 5 FOR EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS
REQUIRED SOCIAL DINSTANCING AND SAFE PRACTICES
Parish facilities are closed until further notice
Attend Mass online at stmcatholicalhambra.org or facebook.com/lacatholics.
ALL EVENTS ARE CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Visit our website at stmcatholicalhambra.org for more information and updates.
Sunday, July 12, 2020
First Reading — My word will achieve the end for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:10-11).
Psalm — The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest (Psalm 65).
Second Reading — We, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves awaiting the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:18-23).
Gospel — Some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit (Matthew 13:1-23 [1-9]).
Tuesday: Is 7:1-9; Ps 48:2-8; Mt 11:20-24 Wednesday: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16; Ps 94:5-10, 14-15;
Mt 11:25-27 Thursday: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Ps 102:13-14ab, 15-21; Mt 11:28-30 Friday: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Is 38:10-12abcd, 16; Mt 12:1-8 Saturday: Mi 2:1-5; Ps 10:1-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21 Sunday: Wis 12:13, 16-19; Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30]
LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — La palabra de Dios siempre cumple lo que
él quiere (Isaías 55:10-11). Salmo — Los granos que caen en la tierra buena darán una co-
secha abundante (Salmo 65 [64]). Segunda lectura — Toda la creación anticipa ansiosamente la
revelación de la gloria plena de Dios (Romanos 8:18-23). Evangelio — El que tenga oídos, que entienda y reciba las en-
señanzas de Jesús (Mateo 13:1-23 [1-9]).
LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: Is 1:10-17; Sal 50 (49):8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 10:34 — 11:1 Martes: Is 7:1-9; Sal 48 (47):2-8; Mt 11:20-24 Miércoles: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16; Sal 94 (93):5-10, 14-15; Mt 11:25-27 Jueves: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Sal 102 (101):13-14ab, 15-21; Mt 11:28-30 Viernes: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Is 38:10-12abcd, 16; Mt 12:1-8 Sábado: Miq 2:1-5; Sal 10 (9):1-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21 Domingo: Sab 12:13, 16-19; Sal 86 (85):5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30]
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THE STM WEBSITE AT: stmcatholicalhambra.org
REOPENING DATE STM is approved by the Archbishop to open for in-person services on June 7th, 2020. REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES To open, the church has submitted a reopening plan to the Archdiocese for review. As part of this plan, cooperation from parishioners and all attendees is required. Here’s how we can all protect our com-munity, friends, and family; and help STM Church reopen and safely remain open: SOCIAL DISTANCING Keep at least six (6) feet distance away from each other, including in the parking lot, seating, and entering/exiting the church. Family members in the same household may sit closer together. To main-tain one-way travel, please follow signs and volun-teers’ directions. The Parish Hall and other buildings remain closed (no breakfast, donuts, or coffee). HEALTH AND CLEANLINESS If you are sick, have any COVID-19/flu-like symp-toms, or are at-risk—including 65 or older, please stay home or visit your doctor. Everyone entering the church must sanitize or wash their hands for 20 seconds. Before and after each mass, the church will be disinfected by volunteers. FACE MASKS AND COMMUNION All attendees must wear face masks in church. Holy Communion will be only given in the form of the Body of Christ (bread) received on hands.
MAXIMUM CAPACITY Only 100 people will be allowed in the church at any time. Dispensation is still in effect, and mass is still provided online on the parish website, stmcatholicalhambra.org. ENTERING AND EXITING THE CHURCH Volunteers will be present to guide folks coming to church and you may be directed where to sit. Please follow all direc-tions and signs. Leaving the church after mass will be orderly, with those closest to the doors leaving first. Please move quickly out of the church so others can safely follow without crowding the exits. We ask that non-volunteer attendees quickly leave the church and return home: Kindly avoid grouping and talking after mass.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION, HELP, AND LOVE FOR THE STM PARISH COMMUNITY
St. Thomas More Eucharistic Celebrations
Collections for 7/5/20 Envelopes Loose Total
Sunday Masses $3,306.00 $492.00 $3,798.00 By Mail and Online $2,585.00 $2,585.00
Building Fund $455.00 $455.00 Special Projects $10.00 $10.00
Altar Society $60.00 $60.00 Air Conditioning $80.00 $80.00
School Support $30.00 $30.00 $6,526.00 $492.00 $7,018.00 Peter's Pence (Archdiocesan collection) $85.00
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 12, 2020 Reflections
Hello!
Imagine you want to grow some tomatoes for your family in your backyard. There are three factors you can control and will need to prepare: Soil richness, seed quality, and nutrition through fertilizer and water. If you prepare these factors carefully, you improve your chances to reap good tomatoes. A productive harvest of tomatoes depends upon our input. It is so true with our spir-itual realm. Once the seed of God’s Word takes root in our hearts and minds, it will produce great fruit for life’s journey.
Over the past twelve years, as a priest assigned four different parishes, I have learned that every individual ap-proaches the Word of God with different expectations. The way we listen and learn from the Word is unique even though the same gospel and message are proclaimed. Why? The condition of the listener’s heart makes a differ-ence.
One Sunday, in a previous parish, a grandmother approached me before Mass and told me that her eighteen-year-old grandson was in a coma in an Intensive Care Unit after crashing with another car on the freeway. Another day a mother told me that her eldest daughter, desperate to have a child, had experienced her third miscarriage! On an-other occasion, a middle-aged man told me that he was unable to have lunch with his son despite trying many times. Of course, there are countless stories I’ve heard from the faithful throughout the years. I was regretful be-cause such things happened in their lives and loved ones.
We all carry around the baggage of pain, struggle, disappointment, anxiety, broken relationships, and more nega-tivity from which we never seem to recover. Such burdens weigh on our shoulders and impede our hearts’ willing-ness to grow the seed of God’s Word. Instead of focusing on the Word of God, we focus on things and circum-stances intrude into our lives without warning. Our hearts and minds are distracted – rummaging for answers. Lost under the weight of our burdens, we might believe there is no reason to rejoice. Each moment challenges our mo-tives when torment inundates our lives. How then can we learn and foster the Word of God?
If you expect to have a good harvest of tomatoes, the roots must grow deep into the ground. Deep roots help plants sustain plants with water, nourishment, and protection from harsh weather. Similarly, in our spiritual realm, we just cannot ignore the root system and expect to stay firm when struck by life events. Our root system needs to be grounded by God’s Word, which helps us overcome challenges and receive His blessings of nourishing strength.
If you see other plants such as carrots, onions, grass, or weeds growing amid your tomatoes, you are responsible for taking them out. The same is true with our hearts and minds. We need to pluck away those things that do not belong to the truth of your belief and help embrace the Word of God.
Nowadays, many institutions around the world try to reject and demean the wisdom and strength that come from the Word of God. Such teachings argue that there are multiple ways to know and to define the truth. Furthermore, they see a danger in accepting the truth of God’s Word. Our faith teaches that the Word of God is life. Through the power of God’s Spirit, His Word heals our wounds, sadness, fears, disappointments, and confusion we experi-ence during this earthly life. The Word of God can positively change our hearts and thoughts so we can respond to His truth and love with confidence.
God bless!
Fr. Thai Le
Decimoquinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario Julio 12, 2020 Reflexiones
¡Hola!
Imagina que quieres cultivar tomates para tu familia en tu patio trasero. Hay tres factores que puede controlar y que deberá preparar: la riqueza del suelo, la calidad de las semillas y la nutrición a través de fertilizantes y agua. Si prepara estos factores con cuidado, mejorará sus posibilidades de cosechar buenos tomates. Una cosecha productiva de tomates depende de nuestro aporte. Es tan cierto con nuestro reino espiritual. Una vez que la semilla de la Palabra de Dios ar-raigue en nuestros corazones y mentes, producirá un gran fruto para el viaje de la vida.
Durante los últimos doce años, cuando un sacerdote asignó cuatro parroquias diferentes, aprendí que cada individuo se acerca a la Palabra de Dios con diferentes expectativas. La forma en que escuchamos y aprendemos de la Palabra es úni-ca a pesar de que se proclama el mismo evangelio y mensaje. ¿Por qué? La condición del corazón del oyente hace la diferencia.
Un domingo, en una parroquia anterior, una abuela se me acercó antes de la misa y me dijo que su nieto de dieciocho años estaba en coma en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos después de chocar con otro automóvil en la autopista. ¡Otro día, una madre me dijo que su hija mayor, desesperada por tener un hijo, había experimentado su tercer aborto involun-tario! En otra ocasión, un hombre de mediana edad me dijo que no podía almorzar con su hijo a pesar de haberlo inten-tado muchas veces. Por supuesto, hay innumerables historias que he escuchado de los fieles a lo largo de los años. Me arrepiento porque tales cosas sucedieron en sus vidas y seres queridos.
Todos llevamos el equipaje del dolor, la lucha, la decepción, la ansiedad, las relaciones rotas y más negatividad de la que parece que nunca nos recuperamos. Dichas cargas pesan sobre nuestros hombros e impiden la voluntad de nuestros co-razones de cultivar la semilla de la Palabra de Dios. En lugar de enfocarnos en la Palabra de Dios, nos enfocamos en co-sas y circunstancias que se entrometen en nuestras vidas sin previo aviso. Nuestros corazones y mentes están distraídos, buscando respuestas. Perdidos bajo el peso de nuestras cargas, podríamos creer que no hay razón para alegrarse. Cada momento desafía nuestros motivos cuando el tormento inunda nuestras vidas. ¿Cómo podemos aprender y fomentar la Palabra de Dios?
Si espera tener una buena cosecha de tomates, las raíces deben crecer profundamente en el suelo. Las raíces profundas ayudan a las plantas a mantener las plantas con agua, alimento y protección contra el clima severo. Del mismo modo, en nuestro ámbito espiritual, simplemente no podemos ignorar el sistema raíz y esperar permanecer firmes cuando nos golpean los eventos de la vida. Nuestro sistema raíz debe estar basado en la Palabra de Dios, que nos ayuda a superar los desafíos y recibir Sus bendiciones de fortaleza nutritiva.
Si ve que otras plantas como zanahorias, cebollas, hierba o malezas crecen entre sus tomates, usted es responsable de eliminarlas. Lo mismo es cierto con nuestros corazones y mentes. Necesitamos arrancar esas cosas que no pertenecen a la verdad de su creencia y ayudar a abrazar la Palabra de Dios.
Hoy en día, muchas instituciones de todo el mundo intentan rechazar y degradar la sabiduría y la fuerza que provienen de la Palabra de Dios. Dichas enseñanzas argumentan que existen múltiples formas de conocer y definir la verdad. Además, ven un peligro al aceptar la verdad de la Palabra de Dios. Nuestra fe enseña que la Palabra de Dios es vida. A través del poder del Espíritu de Dios, Su Palabra cura nuestras heridas, tristezas, miedos, decepciones y confusión que experimentamos durante esta vida terrenal. La Palabra de Dios puede cambiar positivamente nuestros corazones y pen-samientos para que podamos responder a su verdad y amor con confianza.
¡Dios bendiga!
P. Thai Le
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 12, 2020 Page 5 MASS SCHEDULE and INTENTIONS
Fr. Jeremiah O’Neill A Lucia Adame Anna Lovoy Mary Louise Aluzzi M Christopher Maimone Elias Alvarez Danilo Magsino Francis Araiza Ruben Magsino Noreen Arroyo Ariana Alonso Morales Kelly Artozgui Bertha Moreno George Astacio Fred Maroon Rosa Astacio Felipe Martinez Brianna Ayestas Jean Miceli B Aletha Bailey Arianne Miller Carla Baker Cheryl Morten Michele Baker Betty Murray Harlene Breaux N Gloria Natividad Steven Brown Mario Nieto Tod and Rose Marie Brown John Ng C Rita Campanella P Arcadio Pablo Celia Carmona Alebert Palaez Erik M. Casillas Fernando Parra Daniel Cerpa Ernestina Placencio Joan Cervantes R Ramon Ramos Patricia Cisneros Virginia Reyes Leah Grace Cisneros Cheryl Ann Reynoso Rosalba Covarrubias Salvador Reynoso Catalina Cruz Laura Rico Mary Louise Cruz Francisco Rios D Ronnie De La Cruz Domenic Rizzi Julio Diaz Mary Rodriguez Do Duong Mike Romano Jesus M. Dulay S Mason Saldaña E Jan Edwards Francisco Sanchez F Donna Finochio Dylan Silva Louis Finochio Nicole Smith Daniel Fuentes Lilian Smitter G Ramona Garcia Connie Sotelo Daniel Gonzalez Angie Stockwell Ricardo Gutierrez T Mike Teong Carolina Guzman Jennies Tiu H Toni Horlick V Walfrido Verendia I Francisco Ibarra Romeo Villafranca J Gary Jones Ricardo & Felicidad Villegas K Erin Kametani Therese Huyen-Duong Thi Vu L Adolphes Lages W Terry Wilson Minoy Lee Janny Wong Andrea Leija Jennifer Wong Gudalio Lim Maria Wong Vasquez David Lindsey Z Christine Zampese Antonio Lipsun
Please Pray for the Sick Saturday, July 11, 2020 8:30 AM No Mass 4:00 PM Confessions 5:00 PM No Mass Patrick Yiu† Lynn Sue Chang †
Sunday, July 12, 2020
7:30 AM Fr. Luke Mariano Cimatu Jr.† Ralph P. Delgado† Lolita Perez: Birthday
9:00 AM Fr. Thai Lynn Sue Chang † Conception Sotelo: Healing Mary Rodriguez†
10:45 AM Fr. Thai Rafael Garcia Sr.† Paz Peña† Barbara Moreno: Healing
12:30 PM Fr. Andrew
Eva Ramirez Anaya† Jovencio Ensestan Tayko† Betty Murray: Healing
Monday, July 13, 2020 8:30 AM Fr. Luke Lynn Sue Chang†
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 8:30 AM Fr. Andrew Betrice Padilla † Ron Dominguez†
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 8:30 AM Fr. Luke Brittany Wertz: Special Intentions
Thursday, July 16, 2020 8:30AM Fr. Donovan Lynn Sue Chang†
Friday, July 17, 2020 8:30 AM Fr. Thai Lynn Sue Chang †
Saturday, July 18, 2020 8:30 AM No Mass 4:00 PM Confessions 5:00 PM Fr. Thai Adult Confirmation
Sunday, July 19, 2020
7:30 AM Fr. Andrew Mariano Cimatu Jr.† Lynn Sue Chang† Barbara Moreno: Healing
9:00 AM Fr. Luke Patrick Yiu† Efren Moreno† Paz Peña†
10:45 AM Fr. Thai Juan Garcia: Healing, Jose Luis & Michael Moreno: Healing
12:30 PM Fr. Thai
Mary Rodriguez† Henrietta Martinez: Healing, Adolphes Lages: Healing
Mariano Cimatu Jr. Paz Peña Jovencio Ensestan Tayko Julietta Reta
Edgardo Magpantay Mary Rodriguez Efren Moreno Lynn Sue Chang
Words of Gratitude To St Thomas More Catholic Community
