Liturgy. Welcome to the Parish. Prayer of St. Thomas More: Give us, good Lord, the grace to work for the things we pray for.

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1 CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS MORE GLENDALE, AZ JANUARY 11, 2015 Loved From the Start Liturgy We have already celebrated Christmas and Epiphany, and today marks the third feast of manifestation : the Baptism of the Lord. We heard the Christmas Gospel announcing the birth of Christ, with angels singing out in joy, Glory to God in the highest. Last week we proclaimed the manifestation of the Savior to the whole world in the form of the Magi from the East. Today s Gospel is a short account of Jesus baptism, with the Voice from heaven declaring You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. Angels, Magi and a Voice - all proclaiming the great mystery of the Incarnation, God dwelling with us. It is interesting that all three come at the beginning of the Gospel accounts. Today, we learn a wonderful truth: that before calling any disciple, before any healing, before any parable was spoken, Jesus was loved. Yes, before he embraced any sinner, before he taught the crowds, before he calmed the storm, even before he gave up his life, Jesus was loved. That Voice we hear today tells us that God called Jesus beloved and was well pleased not because he did something, or said something, or proved something - but because he WAS something. That same love is poured out to us in our Baptism. Yet, somehow, we ve come to think that God s love must be earned, or that God s love comes to us at the end of our lives, when we are welcomed into that love. But our Gospel today reminds us that God s love is there at the beginning, a gift right from the start. In our baptism, just as in Jesus baptism, God calls us beloved and tells us he is well pleased. Our Baptism sends us out - not to earn God s love and approval, but to proclaim that God s love and approval are already with us in Christ, Emmanuel. God loves us not because we do something, or say something, or prove something - but because we ARE something. We are beloved. Steve Raml Director of Liturgy & Music Welcome to the Parish Prayer of St. Thomas More: Give us, good Lord, the grace to work for the things we pray for. Our warmest welcome to all who worship with our parish family, whether long time registered or newly arrived in the parish. If you are not registered, please stop by the Parish Office and pick up a registration form. For your convenience a drop box is located outside the Parish Office front doors if you wish to leave paperwork when the office is closed. Please do not leave checks or cash. PERMANENT DIACONATE INQUIRY EVENINGS Men and their wives are invited to attend one of the Inquiry meetings to find out about the requirements for ordination, the application procedure and the life and ministry of the Deacon. Meetings have been scheduled for: Tuesday, January 13, 6:30-9:00 p.m. St. Bernadette, Scottsdale Saturday, February 7, 9:00 a.m. - Noon OLPH, Glendale Tuesday, February 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Holy Cross, Mesa Saturday, February 28, 9:00 a.m. - Noon Immaculate Conception, Cottonwood YES (Young Enthusiastic Seniors) Wednesday, January 14, 12:00 Noon Parish Hall Our guest presenter, Joe McCaigue, will speak about taxes and be available for questions. If time permits, we will play Left, Right, and Center, which is always a favorite. Bring a dish to share and friend. Upcoming: January 28 The YES Group will take the Light Rail to Tempe for lunch and shopping. Details will be provided at the January 14 potluck.

2 THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD Adult Formation BEING BAPTIZED INTO THE DEATH OF CHRIST In the Eastern Catholic church, the Epiphany was Christmas. On the day, January 6, two manifestations/ revelations are celebrated: Jesus birth and baptism. Baptism was included because it was assumed Jesus was baptized on his 13 th birthday. The significant event was the baptism when the Father acknowledged Jesus as his Son, and was given the Holy Spirit, who was made known by the visible sign of the dove. When later on the Western church began to celebrate Epiphany, Christmas had been established, so certain adaptations were made, notably the visit of the Magi and Jesus baptism was dropped from the liturgical calendar. Now happily, with the revision of the lectionary in the 1970 s, the first Sunday after Epiphany we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. This breathing out of both lungs as Saint John Paul II expressed the oneness of the Eastern and Western church s, is the significance of the baptism. The imagery in the Christian Scriptures/New Testament is a drowning. St. Paul keeps talking about being baptized into the death of Jesus. The fact is if you go all the way under the water, you may not come up again. St. Paul s image is actually losing our breath dying to our old self, to rise in Christ, Jesus. The early Church practiced going down into the water three times and coming up sputtering. When the Western church started baptizing infants, we went to pouring the water. We see at St. Thomas More at the Easter Vigil, the going down and rising as described in St. Paul s letter to the Romans. (Romans 6: 1-11) The Church has returned to going down into the water while keeping pouring as an option. We have begun the journey with the members of our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults/Children) on the First Sunday of Advent. They were presented to the Cross and received the Cross. It was made on their foreheads, shoulders, heart, hands and feet. The significance of this for the unbaptized and the candidates coming into full communion in the church is what we take for granted each time we enter the church building, we reverently pray the Sign of the Cross with the water from the Baptismal Pool to recall our own baptism. We were signed on our foreheads with the Sign of the Cross and our parents, godparents and relatives also made the Sign of the Cross on us. There is no running away from this in our lives. There are many times in the liturgical calendar where the Sign of the Cross is placed on us: Confirmation with the Sacred Chrism, Reconciliation in absolution, Marriage in the blessings of rings and the couple, Orders in the signing of the hands and Anointing of the Sick with the Oil of Healing. We will soon celebrate Ash Wednesday where we are signed with ashes in the Sign of the Cross. We are plunged down into the waters of Baptism. We rise with Christ! We are a new creation to go out into the world to bring justice to the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, bring out prisoners from the dungeon, feed the hungry and clothe the naked and give light to all who sit in darkness. Baptism is a big deal it is like the Sacrament of Marriage, it is not a one day event, it is how we live out the commitment. Mary Ann Ronan SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING Sunday, January 18,10:30 a.m. Parish Hall All volunteers are required to attend the foundation class, Protecting God s Children. Renewal classes may be completed online. Contact Ann at amaloney@stmglendale.org if you have any questions. The Family Pasta Dinner, an annual tradition and family favorite event, will be held Saturday, January 24, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (dinner served until 7:30 p.m.) In keeping with tradition, this event is a FUN RAISER for the entire family. Cost is $5 per person or $25 for family of 5 or more. Tickets will be available in the Parish Office Thursday, January 8. SUSPECT HOLLYWOOD MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 4:30 p.m. STM teens are presenting Suspect Hollywood a hilarious Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. The cost of the event is $20 and tickets are available after all weekend masses and in the Parish Office during the week. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The proceeds from the event will be used towards the cost of the teens attending Notre Dame s University Vision program, which will be held this summer. Thank you for your support.

3 Youth Ministry Grades 6-12 GROWING IN FAITH, ACTING IN LOVE Christian Formation Grades K - 5 FIRE (6-8 grades) Sun., January 11 4:00-5:30 p.m. Wed., January 14 6:30-8:00 p.m. Sun., January 18 & Wed., January 21 No Sessions - MLK Holiday t.u.f.(9-12 grades) Sun., January 11 6:00-7:30 p.m. Sun., January 18 No Session - MLK Holiday Please note: the time for t.u.f. It is important to arrive by 6:00 p.m. and we finish at 7:30 p.m. Permission Slips for the Winter Retreat will be ed to parents and available at t.u.f. meetings ELEMENTARY FAITH FORMATION Calendar / Class Times / Days: January 12 and 13 Classes January 19 and 20 NO CLASSES January 26 and 27 Classes Session A Monday: 4:45-6:00 p.m. Session B Monday: 6:30-7:45 p.m. Session C Tuesday: 4:45-6:00 p.m. Session D Tuesday: 6:30-7:45 p.m. COME TO DINNER! The DJs will hold a DJ Dinner on January 12 and 13 during Faith Formation class time. Menu: Hot Dog /French fry Combo $2.50 Chili Dog/ French fry Combo $3.00 Nachos $1.50 Famous DJ Desserts.50 Serving Times: 4:00-4:40 p.m. and 6:00-6:30 p.m. Support the DJs as they build water pumps for people throughout the world. St. Mary s Schools All Class Reunion Celebrating St. Mary s Basilica Centennial Year Saturday, January 24, 2015 Mass at 5:00 p.m. Hors d oeuvre Reception Following All Alumni of the classes of St. Mary s Elementary and High School are invited to this exciting reunion celebration. ST. JOAN OF ARC RESPECT LIFE Concert for Life with Chris Muglia January 18, 4:00 p.m. St Joan of Arc is located at 3801 E. Greenway Rd, Phoenix. Tickets are $10 Adults, 12 and Under $5 and may be purchased at the door or by calling Deb at SJA at This concert is a kick-off event for a series of informative and challenging talks in support of life from conception to natural death. All are invited to attend and to learn more! FIRST RECONCILIATION Parent Meeting January 19 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. Please plan on attending on your scheduled date. Parent attendance is required. Sacrament Catechist Meeting Wednesday, January 14, 6:00 p.m. CLOW Catechist Meeting Monday, January 26, 6:30 p.m. CHILDREN S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) Children in Kindergarten through third grade are invited to participate in the Children s Liturgy of the Word parallel liturgy during the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Masses. CLOW is held the first three Sundays of the month.

4 STEPHEN MINISTRY Pastoral Care Christ's Baptism has been seen by many as the institution of the sacrament. His Flesh blessed the water, and the descent of the Holy Spirit (in the form of a dove) and the voice of God the Father announcing that this was His Son, in whom He was well pleased, marked the beginning of Christ's public ministry. Might this blessed sacrament awaken in you your desire for public ministry? If so, please consider Stephen Ministry. You may contact Linda McDowell in the Parish Office to find out about our Stephen Ministry and obtain an application for our 2015 classes. May God bless you! SISTERS JANUARY MEETING Monday, January 12, 7:00 p.m. Modular Building The subject will be Women's Health and presented by: Dr. Jennifer Bush-Hernandez D.C. and Dr. Brittany Baer D.C. of AFC Physical Medicine & Chiropractic Centers Desert Ridge. Start out the new year by hearing healthy tips for your body. All women are invited for fun, fellowship, and food. After Jesus was baptized, he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and a voice was heard This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased. As we give assistance to those in need, we also hear these same words. When you make your donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, know that you are a sign of God s love to those who are suffering and you give them a reason to believe and to trust. Given in Gratitude for God s Blessings The plate collection for Sunday, January 4, was $30,260. Thank you for your faithful support. Thanks to Our Advertisers Please patronize our advertisers and thank them for supporting our bulletin when using their products and services. If you wish to donate altar flowers in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact the Parish Office. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Stop by or call the Parish Office to learn more about.. ALBERTSONS COMMUNITY PARTNERS PROGRAM - Cards in the Parish Office. FRY S COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM - Enrollment in this rewards program is done online by each family. Registration forms in Parish Office. SAFEWAY - sign up by picking up a registration form in the Parish Office or visiting select group (St. Thomas More, ID# ). ANDRÉ HOUSE has volunteer opportunities available. To sign up online visit go/70a044fa8a72f4-andre2/. FAITH COMMUNITY NURSING RN s from this ministry are available to speak with parishioners. You may call the Parish Office and leave a message and one of the nurses will contact you. Pray for the Deceased Ramon Altamirano, Douglas Higgs, Jr., Pastor M. Justimbaste, Patricia Scrivens PARISH HALL RENTAL The Parish Hall is available to rent for private functions. Please see the parish web site under FAQ s or stop by the Parish Office for an information sheet.

5 PARISH COUNCIL Ques ons, comments or concerns, please call the Parish Office Buy your Sunday Arizona Republic here and support the teens. A mere $2.00, like everywhere else, but you re helping the STM teens. Thank you for your support of our youth group in their fund raising efforts. Monday, January 12 4:45 pm Session A Christian Formation DJs Dinner 6:30 pm Session B Christian Formation DJs Dinner Tuesday, January 13 4:45 pm RCIC 4:45 pm Session C Christian Formation DJs Dinner 6:30 pm Session D Christian Formation DJs Dinner Wednesday, January 14 6:30 pm FIRE Thursday, January 15 9:20 am Bible Study 6:30 pm Evening Rosary 7:00 pm RCIA 7:00 pm Men s Ministry Friday, January 16 Saturday, January 17 8:00 am Bible Study St. Thomas More For information on our local St. John Fisher Council visit January Sunday, January 18 10:30 pm SAFE Environment Training 6:30 pm CFS Readings for the Week January 11, 2015 Sunday The Baptism of the Lord Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29; Acts 10:34-38; Mk 1:7-11 Monday Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97; Mk 1:14-20 Tuesday Saint Hilary, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8; Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105; Mk 1:29-39 Thursday Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95; Mk 1:40-45 Friday Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78; Mk 2:1-12 Saturday Sunday Saint Anthony, Abbot Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19; Mk 2:13-17 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42 Please come to Mass early enough not to disrupt. Leave late enough not to insult. Worship reverently enough not to distract. AND dress proudly enough not to offend. SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 5:00pm Nory Ramus SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 7:30am +Barbara Kockert 9:00am Parishioners of St. Thomas More 11:00am +Charlotte Stemrich TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 8:30am +Pauline Hogan WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 8:30 am +Oscar R. Navoa THURSDAY, JANUARY 8 8:30 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 8:30am +Meagan Young SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 5:00pm +Antonnietta Casillo SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 7:30am +Lionel Dupoux 9:00am +Robert Renniger 11:00am Parishioners of St. Thomas More Prayer List * Linda Blanchard * Sharon DiCosmo * * Ruth McComber * Alex Spartz * Marjorie Thiel * Names will be kept on the prayer list for two weeks, at which time you will need to call the Parish Office to update. Thank you.