And a voice came from the heavens saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17

Transcription

1 JANUARY 12, 2014 THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD A Note from Fr. Art THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS BEGINS When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, Then the work of Christmas begins To find the lost To heal the broken To feed the hungry To rebuild the nations To bring peace among people To make music in the heart! As the Christmas Season comes to a close and we move back into Ordinary Time, I wanted to thank all of you for the well wishes, prayers, goodies, gifts, and cards! Frs. Art, Allan, myself, and the entire Parish Staff deeply appreciates your thoughtfulness and generosity. Here s to doing the work of Christmas throughout 2014! Fr. Joe Dear Parishioners: Last week we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany and heard the story of the Three Kings. The Western Church uses this story to reinforce the idea that the message of Jesus was for all people not just Israel. The Eastern and Orthodox Churches use today s feast, the baptism of the Lord as their manifestation (Epiphany) of Jesus to all peoples. Both feasts have a point to make. The Western Church says that from his birth, Jesus reached out to all nations and peoples. The Eastern Church emphasis is on Jesus as He begins His public ministry and associates with the sinners who came to John the Baptist. Today, we should rethink our own Baptism. Many of us, baptized shortly after birth, do not remember our baptism day, but it did have its sacramental effect. We became members of the Church and the place for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As followers of Jesus, we pledged to live and spread the Gospel which He preached and lived. We do this by the way we act and live and make moral decisions. Like the early Christians in the Acts of the Apostles, our action can inspire others to become followers of Christ. But that means a conscious effort on our part to show gospel values in our daily lives. The question we need to ask ourselves today is are we living our Baptism promises? The grace of the sacrament is available to us every day not just on the day of our baptism. Let us use those graces to be known and seen as the disciples of Jesus. As we recall His Baptism, let us remember and practice our own. God Bless! Fr. Art Stewardship Thought for the Week And a voice came from the heavens saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 At the Baptism of Jesus, God made it clear that He was giving us the greatest gift He could give. He was giving us His only Son. When you really think about the magnitude of that gift of Jesus sent to save us, plus all of the many other blessings that God has entrusted into our hands, it is very humbling. God has given us so much. What do we give in return? St. Thomas of Villanova

2 Mon., Jan. 13th Tues., Jan. 14th Wed., Jan. 15th Thurs., Jan. 16th Fri., Jan. 17th Sat., Jan. 18th 9:00AM-RMCH 5:00PM-RMCH Sun., Jan. 19th 7:30AM-VNCH 9:00AM-RMCH 10:30AM-VNCH Masses for the Week Weekday (First Week in Ordinary Time); Saint Hilary Weekday Weekday Deceased Relatives of Members of Augustinian Family Weekday Saint Anthony Harold & Julia McCullough - Mary McCullough Weekday Eugene Prisco - Skorup Family Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Catherine Graham - Jim & Ann Costello For the Parishioners of St. Thomas Marino Masse - Minutella Family Masses in Interpreted American Sign Language We have an American Sign Language Interpreter at the 9:00am Mass in the Rosemont Chapel on the Second and Fourth Sunday of each month. The interpreter will be here on January 26, Schedule of Events for the week of: January 12, 2014 Recitation of the Rosary after the daily Liturgy. Monday, January 13, 2014 Golden Living Ministry Art Class - PC1 Brown Bag Lunch in Aud Food Addicts in Recovery - Café Pastoral Council Meeting - PC1 Tuesday, January 14, 2014 Staff Meeting St. Frances Cabrini Mentors Bible Study - PC2 Genesis Bells - Mary s House Mom s Group in Aud Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Honickman Ministry Religious Education Program Reconciliation Practice - RMCH Thursday, January 16, 2014 Men s Gathering RMCH & Aud Rosemont Presbyterian Mass Walking with Purpose Aud Bible Study - PC2 Walking with Purpose - Aud Stewardship Council - PC1 Friday, January 17, 2014 YouCat Meeting Saturday, January 18, :30AM 11:00AM 12:45PM 1:00PM 2:30PM 7:30PM 10:15AM 4:30PM 4:30PM 6:30AM 9:00AM 9:00AM 10:00AM Thank you for your participation in God s Plan for Giving. Your generosity for the following collections: Weekend of December 28 and 29, 2013 Number of Envelopes 237 Envelope Amount $10, Loose Cash $1, Electronic Offerings $2, Other $ Total $14, % Tithe $1, December 30, 2012 $25, Weekend of January 4 and 5, 2014 Number of Envelopes 206 Envelope Amount $13, Loose Cash $ Electronic Offerings $2, Other $ Total $16, % Tithe $1, January 6, 2013 $19, Sunday, January 19, 2014 St. Francis Inn Rosemont Presbyterian Prayer Service Baptism-VNCH 9:00AM 10:30AM 12:00PM Would you be interested in a behind the scenes ministry at St. Thomas of Villanova? We have Laundry Angels who assist at Rosemont Chapel. Laundry Angels pick up the Altar linens used each week and launder them for a one month period of time. We have some openings for If you are interested or have any questions please contact Alice at , ext. 203 or liturgy@stvparish.org St. Thomas of Villanova

3 We extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our parish: Jade Hamilton of Villanova Therese Helmbold of Villanova Resting in Peace: Mr. John Greenhalgh, brother-in-law of Patty Greenhalgh Rev. Edward V. Griffin, O.S.A. Mrs. Agnes Mullen Mr. William Walsh Remember those in need of our prayers, especially: Julia Barlow, Peggy Caulfield, Mary Ann Dadourian, Bob Ellison, Jack Geraghty, Brendan Glynn, Patricia Ann Harley, Bridget Kelly, Garrett P. McAleer (baby), Rita O Connor, Julia Boland Paparella, Loretta Prisco, Alice Rogers, Michael Seeds, Ava Stone and Charles Sweeney Please pray for our soldiers assigned in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world, especially 1st Lt. Christopher Giuliano, Army, who is currently serving in Afghanistan and Colin Devlin, PO3, U.S.N. on the USS Mason in the Truman Strike Force. Calling all Men As we begin a New Year, please plan on coming back to, or joining us for the first time at, our next Men s Gathering this Thursday, January 16 th. We ll start with celebrating Mass at 6:30am in the Rosemont Chapel. We ll then head down to the Auditorium for some refreshments, fellowship, and the chance to hear Dr. Michael Duncan, Head Team Physician for Villanova University Athletics and a parishioner here at St. Thomas of Villanova, share his story. Again, stay for what you can and feel free to invite a friend from the parish or otherwise. We gather the third Thursday of each month, before heading off to work or other responsibilities, so mark your calendars and plan ahead. CHRISTIAN SERVICE PRAYERLINE The parish prayerline is waiting for your prayer request. This week call Mary Ann Barrow at or mabstv@verizon.net to activate the parish prayerline. Two parish teams are available for your special intentions. PROJECT HOPE This is a transportation ministry for our Parish. If you need a ride to your medical appointments or to food shop this week, please call Mary Ann Deviney at Please give at least 3 days notice. DINNERS TO THE DOORSTEP This ministry is for parish families who are in crisis or for parish couples welcoming a new baby. Homemade dinners are delivered. Two parish coordinators keep a list of volunteers who are called as needed. If you are in need of this delicious community support, please call Sarah Breck at ST. FRANCIS INN We are forming a parish work group to serve the midday meal at the St. Francis Inn in Kensington on Sunday, January 19th. The Inn tries to meet the immediate daily needs of the poor and homeless people they serve with food, clothing and hospitality. This ministry is open to anyone 16 years or older. For more information and to sign up, contact our parish coordinator, Ruth Reeder at or villanovaruth@aol.com. INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK The Interfaith Hospitality Network is committed to helping homeless families to achieve lasting independence. ( Our parish community is one of 10 faith communities along the Main Line that hosts families in the Parish Center on a rotating basis. We will be housing three homeless families the week of January 26th. We are in need of overnight hosts to spend the night in the Parish Center (9:00pm to 6:30am). If you are interested in being trained, contact Anne Murphy at service@stvparish.org. ARE YOU PLANNING A CHANGE?? 2013 Contribution Information We will be sending out year-end statements by January 31, If you are making a change in. Address, parish affiliation, , or phone number, please call the Parish Office. We strive to keep our records up-to-date St. Thomas of Villanova

4 STV PRESCHOOL NEWS The Mom s Group Invites you to a Parent Talk Creating Harmony in Your Home Tuesday, January 14, :30pm in the Rosemont Auditorium Learn new tools that will foster a peaceful family life. Speaker: Lisa Corcoran Author of Parenting Playbook. Wine and Cheese reception will follow. Please join us. Thank you! Thank you! Preschool registrations are now being taken for the School Year. Classes are available for 3, 4 and 5 year olds. Children must be 3 or 4 by October 1, If interested, please call the Preschool Office at or visit the website at To the Innkeepers for welcoming parishioners and guests to Christmas Liturgies To the Mom s Group for purchasing Gifts for children in The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Unit of Faith Christian Academy To our families who attend the 4:00pm Christmas Liturgies for all the baby gifts that will go to Cradles to Crayons To the Family Life Committee for the wonderful Breakfast With Santa To the YOUCAT teens and parents for delivering Christmas Poinsettias to our homebound and bereaved. HUGS FOR HEROES 2014 St Thomas of Villanova proudly begins our Hugs For Heroes January 11 th through February 9 th 2014 This year we are again sending donated items to our local soldiers deployed in Afghanistan, as well as to those who have returned from war and are readjusting to the civilian world through the Philadelphia Veterans Educational Multi Service Center. Items needed for our soldiers deployed: Cards and Letters of Encouragement Individual toiletries: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Baby Powder, Foot Powder, Body Wash, Eye Drops, Razors, Ear Swabs, Floss, Chapstick, Sunscreen, Shaving Cream, Kleenex. Packaged Snacks and Candy Playing Cards and Puzzles Items needed for our Vets: Cards and Letters of Appreciation Toiletries (larger size of above suggestions) New Undershirts, Socks, Pajamas, Shirts Large Print Crossword Puzzles Shower Curtain Liners Any New or Used Kitchen Items Drop your donations off at the Parish Center during the week or at the Rosemont Chapel on weekends (around Liturgies). Your Contributions will be sent to our soldiers and Vets by Valentine s Day on February 14, For Questions or more information please call: Bonnie Cotter: or Barbara Mahady: SPECIAL MESSAGE Hotel Toiletries (soaps, shampoos, lotions, conditioners) are needed for hygiene bags for the Augustinian Health Clinic in South Philadelphia. Please drop off at the Parish Center or the Rosemont Chapel BEFORE the MLK Day of Service (January 20th) St. Thomas of Villanova

5 You are invited to a Parish Forum Brown Bag Lunch on Monday, January 13, :45pm in the Rosemont Auditorium Topic: Do you Hear What I Hear? Hearing Loss and Intervention Presenter: Marcia Finisdore, R.N., M.S.M. Diana Bender, Ph.D. Marcia and Diana will discuss how to improve hearing, prevent hearing loss, recognize when you need help and live better instead of hearing less. Drinks and dessert will be provided. Save the Date March 15, 2014 The STV Men s Spirituality Group invite you to attend ManUp Philly It will be held on Saturday, March 15th at Saint Joseph s University. For more information visit iving in All Married Couples are invited to attend the Living in Love Retreat on February 8 and 9, 2014 Couples who stay successfully and happily married have made marriage their mission. They choose not to settle down but instead adopt a proactive approach to put the fun and delight into being a man and a women in love. This parish based event provides the inspiration and insight that enables each couple to create the lifestyle and marriage of their dreams. Please treat yourselves to this extraordinary experience for the sake of your community, yourselves and your children. If you are considering working with the engaged couples of the parish, this is the initial training for Preparing to Live in Love, a parish pre-cana mentoring program. Time Table: Saturday, 8:00am-9:00pm Sunday, 8:00am-4:00pm Cost: $125 per couple. Includes all materials, refreshments, and a romantic Saturday evening meal. Full payment is required to secure your reservation (fully refundable or transferable). Full and partial scholarships are available in special circumstances. Accommodations: Parish facilities are used. Couples sleep at home. The retreat will take place in the meeting space on the lower level of the Rosemont Chapel. Child Care: Breast fed babies can be cared for at the retreat. Please phone to discuss other situations. Dr. Robert Wicks Psychologist and Spiritual Writer Riding the Dragon (Strengthening Your Inner Life In Challenging Times) Thursday, February 13, St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the Villanova University Campus Sponsored by Villanova University Campus Ministry, St. Thomas of Villanova Parish and Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish. Contact David and Stephanie D Arcangelo at or darcangelo518@gmail.com. READINGS FOR THE WEEK: Monday: 1 Sm 1:1-8; Mk 1:14-20 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:9-20; Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20; Mk 1:29-39 Thursday: 1 Sm 4:1-11, Mk 1:40-45 Friday: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10-22a; Mk 2:1-12 Saturday: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a; Mk 3:13-17 Sunday: Is 49:3, 5-6; 1 Cor 1:1-3; Jn 1: St. Thomas of Villanova

6 You can t go to Russia for the Winter Olympics? Join us at our Brown Bag Lunch to hear and see a Visual lecture by Parishioner: Paul Tierney A Visit to St. Petersburg, Russia Monday, February 10th at 12:45 pm STV Rosemont Auditorium Bring your lunch! Drinks and desserts provided! YOUCAT Souper Bowl of Caring Pope Francis Global Hunger Campaign OMGC St. Thomas CYO Basketball News The OMGC-STV JV Parish basketball team (5 th -6 th Grade) recently placed second in the IHM Christmas Tournament. After three straight victories in the opening rounds, OMGC-STV lost a tough game to St. Luke in the championship. The JV Parish Team has a 2-0 record in league play. The team s members include: Patrick Boken, Jake Bynum, Patrick Cone, James Kranick, Declan McDonnell, Jimmy McGovern, Matthew Miller, Juan Pablo Moreland, Shane Mullen, Liam Ryan and Carson Smith. The team is coached by Colleen McGee, Mike Owsik and Dan Shirreffs. The OMGC-STV JV Region team (5 th -6 th Grade) recently placed second in the St. Edmonds Tournament in Wilmington, DE and currently sports a 5-0 record in the league play. The OMGC-STV Varsity team (7 th -8 th Grade) is currently in second place in Region 32 and has a 3-1 record in league games. We will collect donations of the following items from parish members during the weekend Masses of January 25/26 and February 1/2, What is needed: Any item with meat in it Dinty More Beef Stew, Beef Chili, Hash, tuna fish, cereals of any kind, oatmeal, Parmalat milk in a box, canned fruits, applesauce in a jar, hearty soups, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter and jelly. (No canned vegetables needed.) YOUCAT members will deliver items to St. Cyprian s parish with help from their youth group on Superbowl Sunday, February 2nd. SS. COLMAN-JOHN NEUMANN SCHOOL will have an Open House during Catholic Schools Week on Sunday, January 26 from 9:00am to 11:00am and Wednesday, January 29 between 9:00am and 11:00am. If you would like to find out more about our school, visit us for a tour of the school. Registration forms may be picked up at this time. If you cannot attend and would like to register, please contact our office at or maedwards@scjnschool.org. MAIN LINE SINGLES DINNER CLUB - (AGES 52-64) Catholic men & women are cordially invited to join the "Main Line Singles Dinner Club" to share common interests and dine together 3 times a month. Our next scheduled event is on (Sun) Jan. 19, 6:15 P.M. a restaurant Mnt Fuji Restaurant 36 Greenfield Ave., Ardmore, PA More info call Barb (610) St. Thomas of Villanova

7 OUTREACH TRIPS Day of Service Martin Luther King, Jr. MONDAY - JANUARY 20, 2014 Cradles to Crayons in West Conshohocken provide the essentials to children from birth through 12 years who live in low income households. We will be packing clothing and fixing toys to be distributed. We will leave the Rosemont Auditorium at 9:30am and travel by bus and will return at 12:15pm to Rosemont. You must be Middle school aged or older and must wear closed toe shoes. Philabundance A Hunger Relief Center in South Philadelphia provides food to 72,000 people a week. We will be packaging food. You MUST be 14 years and older, wear closed toe shoes, and bring a jacket. (You may work in a refrigerator.) We will be leaving the Rosemont Auditorium at 7:45am and return by 12:30pm. ST. JOHN S HOSPICE St. John s Hospice is a Philadelphia community grounded in faith where homeless men find dignity. We will prepare and serve lunch and do all the cleanup work. We will leave the Rosemont Auditorium at 9:30am, travel by bus and return to Rosemont by 2:00pm. You must be 7th grade or older and must wear closed toe shoes. RSVP A MUST!! Please call Anne Murphy at St. Thomas at or service@stvparish.org to save a spot. In case of inclement weather check the parish website: St. Thomas of Villanova

8 DAY OF SERVICE Martin Luther King, Jr. MONDAY - JANUARY 20, 2014 Sponsored by St. Thomas of Villanova and Our Mother of Good Counsel Parishes Global Gift Fair St. Thomas of Villanova Auditorium 10:00am to 11:00am Pre-school and early elementary school children and parents join hands to create practical gifts for children served by: - Waslala, a mountain town in Nicaragua - ADROP (Augustinian Defenders of the Poor Health clinic in South Philadelphia) - Joy of Sox (homeless people) - Missionary Sisters of Charity Soup Kitchen - Hub of Hope - Part of Project Home and Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. We need help at the craft tables. Contact Dorren McDermott at 5mcdermott@verizon.net or Stewardship Projects & AID FOR FRIENDS MEAL MAKING Our Mother of Good Counsel Gym 10:00am to 2:00pm For Middle School Teens and Parents. We will assemble single trays of balanced meals. Bring a cooked main entrée, e.g. meatloaf, ham or chicken. Afternoon will include a variety of service activities. Contact Joe and Karen Carey at , ext 258 or kcarey@omgcparish.net Outreach Projects are available for middle school, high school and adults. Access Outreach Trips on the parish website at Early RSVP a MUST. In case of inclement weather check the parish website: ITEMS NEEDED FOR MLK DAY OF SERVICE White Socks, toiletry supplies, travel shampoo, lotions, etc. Drop off your gifts before MLK Day at the Parish Center, Monday Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm, or at the Rosemont Chapel on weekends St. Thomas of Villanova