Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Mass IntentIons

Pray For Lists guidelines: • Have permission from the person to be listed. • Go through the Pastoral Home Ministry to list the names. • Names will be on the list for 3 months and then be removed. • Can request names to be continued after 3 months. Contact the Pastoral Home Ministry 650-494-2496 x22 or fongmt@hotmail.com

Sunday, September 4: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time7:30 am STA . . . . . Joseph Koo †9:00 am SAG . . . . . Tsung Chai-Koo †Readings: Wisdom 9:13-18b/Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17/Philemon 9-10, 12-17/Luke 14:25-33

Monday, September 5: Labor DayReadings: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8/Psalm 5:5-6, 7, 12/Luke 6:6-11

Tuesday, September 6 Readings: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11/Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b/Luke 6:12-19

Wednesday, September 712:15 pm STA . . . . Patricia Dubbs † Readings: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31/Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17/Luke 6:20-26

Thursday, September 8: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin MaryReadings: Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30/Psalm 13:6ab, 6c/Matthew

Friday, September 9: St. Peter Claver12:15 pm STA . . . . Vince Giovannotto †Readings: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22b-27/Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6, 12/Luke 6:39-42

Saturday, September 10Readings: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22/Psalm 116:12-13, 17-18/Luke6:43-49

Sunday, September 11: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time10:30 am OLR . . . . Mario Colozzo †Readings: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14/Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19/1 Timothy 1:12-17/Luke 15:1-32 or Luke 15:1-10

Z Please PrayFor the sIck & hoMebound – Fr. Thierry Geris, Terry Flynn, Tina Reyes,

Lydia Li, Tom Bednar, Stephen Lee, Rose Lefebvre, Andrea Binger, Peggy Peterson, Corazon De Padua, Doris Passalacque, Dominic Duterte, Joe Vavuris, Cindy Palmer,

Maria Merlitti, Marilyn Kelly, Perri Cebedo, Donna Riordan, Mary Mansour, Charles Waldspurger, Agnes Tan, Lucienne Woods, Carolyn Byrne, George Chippendale, Shirley Deschamp

For the recently deceased – Karen Fruin, Al Bettencourt, Liz Zimmer, Mary Nurmi, Helene McKelvey, Lilian Mori, Joseph Clifford, William V. Campbell, Alice Makjavich,

Susan Fisher, Renee Thompson, Mary Kugland, Norene Scholz, Scott Simon, James Tweedie, Msgr. Eugene Boyle, Joan Copenhagen, Maurine Hanahan, Jeanese Rowell, Bernard Lieb,

Gladys Hughes, Bernard Dillon, Virginia Kreutzer, Travis Fruitt, Rosemary Hobson

soberIng nuMbers (FIrst In a serIes)Ordinations in Germany have dropped by 50 per cent in the last decade. The decrease reflects a continuous downward trend, with only 122 diocesan priests ordained in 2005 (Germany has an estimated Catholic population of 28 million); five decades ago, in 1965, the number of priestly ordinations was 500. While there were almost 20,000 Catholic priests in Germany in 1990, today their number has already dropped to 14,000. The drastic decline is set to continue, judging by the figures: last year also marked the first time in history that the number of new seminarians dropped to double digits.

I’ve been a parish priest for 25 years, and over the last quarter century I have experienced some sobering numbers firsthand: weekly Mass attendance has dropped; K-8 Catholic school enrollment has fallen; children and teens partici-pating in faith formation programs is dismal; participation in the sacraments is nothing what it used to be. I often think who will be left in our parishes once Catholics raised prior to the Vatican Council II have left this earth?

I was reading Kevin Cotter’s review of Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell. He lists some alarming statistics. Here are four notable stats: Only 30 percent of Americans who were raised Catholic are still prac-ticing; 10 percent of all adults in America are ex-Catholics; nearly 80 percent of cradle Catholics are no longer Catholic by the age of 23; in the early 21st century, among Americans raised Catholic, becoming Protestant is the best guarantee of stable church attendance as an adult.

Your personal thoughts and comments are welcome, as I continue to shape this series of reflections (mstanley@dsj.org) Fr. Matt, Pastor

Plan ahead!Mark your calendar for Annual Parish Picnic

Sunday, Sept 18th 11:15 am –

Our Lady of the Rosary site, 3233 Cowper St.

What Is chIldren's lIturgy oF the Word?During the Sunday morning Masses (except on weekends when there is a Family Mass), children are dismissed from the assembly to hear the Gospel at their level of understanding, to talk about its meaning for their lives, and to pray. If your child is shy, you’re welcome to go with them. We are in need of more leaders, especially at St. Albert the Great. Please call Susan Olsen at the Pastoral Center (ext. 25) or email suolsen@dsj.org

center closed - labor day

The Pastoral Center will be closedon Monday, September 5th in Honor of Labor Day. The Daily Mass sched-ule remains unchanged.

St. Thomas Aquinas ParishthIs Week’s hIghlIghts

Sunday, September 4NO FF CLASSES10:30 am . . . . RCIA Reunion (OLR)2:00 pm . . . . . Baptism (STA)3:00 pm . . . . . Baptism (STA)3:00 pm . . . . . EDGE Core Training (DC)5:00 pm . . . . . LifeTeen Core Training (DC)

Monday, September 5LABOR DAY HOLIDAY6:30 pm . . . . . RCIA (SAGH)7:00 pm . . . . . Lectors Meeting (Hisp) (OLR)

Tuesday, September 67:00 pm . . . . . Hispanic Prayer Grp (DCC)

Wednesday, September 710:00 am . . . . Spirituality Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Committee Mtg (PC1st)4:00 pm . . . . . YSOP (OLRH)4:00 pm . . . . . Wedding Rehearsal (STA)5:30 pm . . . . . TMC Speak-Out Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (THLib)6:00 pm . . . . . RCIA for Children (DC)7:00 pm . . . . . Community Life (PC1st) 7:15 pm . . . . . Catechist Gathering (DC)7:30 pm . . . . . STA Site Committee (THLib)

Thursday, September 810:00 am . . . . Prayer Group (SAGH)4:00 pm . . . . . St. Vincent de Paul Mtg (PC1)7:30 pm . . . . . TMC Board Mtg (THDin, Lib)

Friday, September 97:00 pm . . . . . Catechist Mtg (Hisp) (PC1st)

Saturday, September 109:00 am . . . . . Liturgy Board Mtg (SAGH)10:00 am . . . . Wedding (STA)11:00 am . . . . Baptism (SAG)3:00 pm . . . . . Confirmation Class (SAGH)

24th Sunday Ordinary – Sept. 11, 2016PresIder schedule

St. Albert the Great1095 Channing Ave.

Sat 5:00 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. KuupuoSun 9:00 am . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. PogorelcSun 11:00 am (Byzantine) Fr. Hernandez

St. Thomas Aquinas 751 Waverley St.

Sun 7:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. Hester Sun 8:45 am . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. Izzo, S.J.Sun 10:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. KuupuoSun 12:00 pm . . . . . . . . . . . TBA

Our Lady of the Rosary3233 Cowper St.

Sun 9:00 am (Spanish) . . . Fr. StanleySun 10:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. Gazzingan

death Penalty and catholIc socIal teachIng

Pope Francis reminds us that the commandment “thou shall not kill” per-tains to the innocent as well as the guilty, in order to respect the sacredness and human dignity of all people. As a society, we should strive towards restorative justice that contributes to the healing of the guilty, victims’ families and society to strengthen the common good and stop perpetuat-ing the culture of death. The California Catholic Conference of Bishops are supporting Prop 62 to end the use of the death penalty and opposing Prop 66 which would speed up executions. For information and more on Catholic teaching, visit www.cacatholic.org

seekIng to be conFIrMed?Have you completed your initiation into the Church with all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist)? Did you complete your Baptism and 1st Communion but miss the Sacrament of Confirmation? WE WANT YOU!! NOW IS THE TIME!!

It’s time to step forward and complete your initiation into the Catholic Church. We will begin a series of preparation sessions for Confirmation for adults (ages 17 and up) on Wednesday, October 5 from 7:00 to 9:00p.m. in the Dermody Center. If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact me in the Faith Formation Office or email me at suolsen@dsj.org. Hoping to see many people step forward to receive this important sacrament that seals our commitment to the Church, completes our Baptismal Grace, and strengthens us with the Holy Spirit. Susan Lee Olsen, Director of Catechetical Ministry

rcIa reunIon

The RCIA Team is hosting a Reunion for the past and present participants of the RCIA process. We hope they are finding God present, active, and persis-tent in their lives. This year's RCIA begins on Monday September 12, and we are asking for spiritual support. We would love to have those who par-ticipated in the past, as well as our Parish community, help us prepare for the up-coming season by joining the RCIA Team at the 10:30 AM Mass, next Sunday September 11 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Then we'll join parishioners and clergy in the hall after Mass for coffee and refreshments.

youth corner

Registration for the 2016-2017 Youth Confirmation, Middle School (EDGE), and High School (Life Teen) Programs are NOW ONLINE at https://goo.gl/forms/Bb7cKirCfQzFUgHD3 Join us for another exciting year of leading teens closer to Christ.

Confirmation Sessions: Certain Saturdays, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM, St. Albert the Great Hospitality Center. First Session Begins: September 10, 2016 (Parent Info Session). Middle School (EDGE) Sessions: Sundays from 4:00PM to 5:30PM at Dermody Center (Our Lady of the Rosary Site). Fall Kickoff Date: September 25, 2016. High School (Life Teen) Sessions: Sundays from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Dermody Center (Our Lady of the Rosary Site). Fall Kickoff Date: September 25, 2016

September 4, 2016Weekly steWardshIP rePort

sta kIds FaIth ForMatIon corner

No Classes this week. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend! Classes resume on September 11. Not registered yet? Register now and join us on the 11th.

August 21 (Week 8)Offertory by Mass:Sat, 5:00pm (SAG) . . . . .$837Sun 9:00am (SAG) . . .$1,607 Sun 9:00am (OLR) . . . . .$991Sun 10:30am (OLR) . .$1,848Sun, 7:30am (STA) . . . . .$966Sun, 8:45am (STA) . . . . $811 Sun 10:30am (STA) . . . $635Sun 12:00pm (STA) . . . $573Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$365Online Giving . . . . . . $2,219Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,852Weekly Goal . . . . . .$12,000Assumption . . . . . . . . . . $693

MultIFaIth Peace Walk and PIcnIc

REGISTER NOW: Sunday afternoon, September 11: Palo Alto Multifaith Peace Walk and Picnic.

Join together with brothers and sisters of many back-grounds and spiritual traditions as we say “no” to fear and “yes” to friendship by walking together in south Palo Alto to show the way to community and peace. Register for the walk at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/multifaith-peace-walk-and-picnic-tickets-26958813537 We will gather beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Congregation Etyz Chaim at 4161 Alma Street for a brief service at 2:00 p.m., and then walk down Alma, then Charleston, then Middlefield, stopping at Our Lady of the Rosary for another brief service. After the walk we will gather at Mitchell Park for the annual 9/11 Peace Picnic hosted by American Muslim Voice. Shuttle buses are being planned to take folks from OLR and/or Mitchell Park back to their cars. More details and a registration link are available at www.multifaithpeace.org

2016 annual dIocesan aPPeal uPdate

“Rejoicing in God’s Mercy – Together in Christ”Pledged: $159,218 - Potential Rebate: $29,157

Please keep making your regular payments. When all our pledges have been paid, St. Thomas Aquinas will receive a much needed rebate to help us pay for improvements to our parish facilities. Thank you for your support of Bishop McGrath and our local Church.

August 28 (Week 9)Offertory by Mass:Sat, 5:00pm (SAG) . . . . $813Sun 9:00am (SAG) . . .$1,255 Sun 9:00am (OLR) . . . . $981Sun 10:30am (OLR) . .$2,083Sun, 7:30am (STA) . . .$1,147Sun, 8:45am (STA) . . .$1,142 Sun 10:30am (STA) . . . $960Sun 12:00pm (STA) . . . $313Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175Online Giving . . . . . . $2,219Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,088Weekly Goal . . . . . .$12,0002nd-Disaster Relief. . $5,990

KEY REFERENCESDC . . . Dermody CenterDCCh Dermody Center ChapelOLR . . Our Lady of the Rosary

ChurchOLRH OLR Church HallKC . . . OLR Kerry’s CornerPC . . . . Pastoral CenterSAG . . St. Albert the

Great ChurchSAGH SAG Hospitality Ctr.

SESS . . St. Elizabeth Seton School

SESA . SES AuditoriumSTA . . . St. Thomas Aquinas

ChurchTHB . . STA - Thomas House

Basement THD . . STA - Thomas House

Dining RoomTHL . . STA - Thomas House

Library

HOLY SACRAMENTS Please contact the Pastoral Center at 650-494-2496 for more information.

Anointing of the Sick: Every first Friday at the 7:15 am, 8:30 am and 12:15pm Mass.

Christian Initiation: Become a Catholic or renew your Catholic faith (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation) as an adult, youth or child.

Funeral: Arrange for a Funeral, Memorial Mass or graveside service for a loved one.

Infant Baptism: Preparation may begin before or after the birth of your child.

Marriage: Arrangements need to be made at least six months prior to the proposed marriage date.

ADMINISTRATION, OFFICE STAFF, & COMMITTEES

Main Phone: (650) 494-2496

Business & Operations Manager: Chuck Tully ext. 20 ctully@dsj.org

Admin Assts: Cathy Miller ext. 24, camiller@dsj.org;Ron Aranha, raranha@dsj.org

Pastoral Stewardship Council: (every 2nd Wed. 7:00 pm OLRH)

Chair: Steve Carter (SCarter@aslcpa.com);

Vice-Chair: Anne Morrison (ahbert55@aol.com);

Secretary: Chris Lundin (clundin@stanford.edu)

Community Life: Anne Morrison (650) 493-2998

Green Committee: Katia Reeves (katia.reeves@sbcglobal.net)

Human Concerns Committee: Chair: Paul Chestnut (650) 493-8237

St. Vincent de Paul Society: (650) 424-8155For truck donation pickup(650) 871-6844

Parish Site Committees: STA: Kay Williams 650-270-4188; OLR: Chris Lundin clundin@stanford.edu; SAG: Neil Barrett (650) 330-1762

St. Elizabeth Seton School (Daughters of Charity): 1095 Channing Avenue (650) 326-9004 Principal: Evelyn Rosa

STA Photography: (650) 493-2128, photography@paloaltocatholic.org http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/PALOALTOPHOTOG/SpecialR1

Stanford Hospital Chaplaincy: Fr. Samuel Nkansah Stanford Chaplain (650) 723-5101

Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Chaplaincy: Rev. Diana Brady (650) 497-8538

Widows/Widowers Group: Lorraine Dabney (650) 494-6488

Welcome new parishioners to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish! We encourage you to register as members of our growing family. Please email your name, address, and phone to admin@paloaltocatholic.org. Current members please contact the Pastoral Center to update your information.