St. Thomas Aquinas Parish & School 955 Alton Road East Lansing, MI Office Phone: School Phone:

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1 St. Thomas Aquinas Parish & School 955 Alton Road East Lansing, MI Office Phone: School Phone: December 3, 2017 St. John Church & Student Center 327 MAC Avenue East Lansing, MI Office Phone: ST. THOMAS AQUINAS Weekend Mass Times Saturday 4:30pm Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am Weekday Mass Times Monday - Friday 6:30am Wednesday and Friday at 9:00am Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 3:00-4:00pm & following the 4:30pm Mass 1 ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST Weekend Mass Times Sunday 8:00am, 10:00am Noon, 5:00pm & 7:00pm Weekday Mass Times Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12:15pm Tuesday and Thursday at 9:15pm Sacrament of Reconciliation Monday, Wednesday & Friday 11:00am - Noon Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00pm

2 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 3, 2017 Fr. Mark s Remarks Advent 2107 will be the shortest it can be. With Christmas on Monday, the fourth week of Advent is Saturday, December 23 and the morning of the Sunday, December 24. We will save the Advent candle on this day for next year since it will only be lit for a few hours! On Sunday, December 24, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, there will be Mass at 8:00am and 10:00am and NO NOON Mass at St. John Church & Student Center. Christmas Eve Masses will be at 4:00pm and 7:00pm, and 10:00am on Christmas Day. I know the temptation will be to skip Sunday Mass and wait for Christmas Eve Masses. Make Jesus happy and please celebrate both! On Saturday, December 23, we will have Mass at 4:30pm at St. Thomas Aquinas and Sunday, December 24 at 9:00am and 11:00am for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Christmas Eve Masses will be at 4:30pm, 7:30pm, and 10:30pm, and on Christmas Day at 10:00am. The next weekend (Saturday, December 30/Sunday, December 31) is the Feast of the Holy Family. Masses at St. John Church & Student Center will be at 8:00am, 10:00am, and Noon. At St. Thomas Aquinas, Masses will be 4:30pm Saturday, December 30 and 9:00am and 11:00am on Sunday, December 31 for the Feast of the Holy Family. There will be a Vigil Mass at 5:00pm on Sunday, December 31 at STA for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. On Monday, January 1, Mass will be at 10:00am also at STA. It is a Holy Day, and a great way to begin the New Year! Invite your family and friends who may have been away from Church for a while to come with you to Mass as we celebrate God s love brought into the world by the birth of Jesus His Son two thousand years ago and the many ways His love continues in the world through their Holy Spirit and the Church. Please join us in congratulating Jack Stanley for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Jack is an alumnus of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School and long time Altar Server. His Eagle Scout Service Project was a renovation of the Prayer Garden in the Courtyard of the School. Jack is the 11th Eagle Scout from our own Troop 293, right here at St. Thomas Aquinas. If you would like more information about Scouting here at STA, please contact Paul Lacroix at , ext. 308, or placroix@elcatholics.org. Advent blessings! Coffee & Donuts at St. John Today following the 8:00am & 10:00am Masses Join us in McDevitt Hall! Mini-Advent Retreat and Potluck Tuesday, December 5 St. Thomas Aquinas - Fr. Mac Hall Plan to join us and to begin your Advent journey. 10:30-11:30am Presentation from Msgr. Murphy 11:45am Potluck Luncheon A-L please provide dessert. M-Z please provide salad. The Parish will provide the meat. Please call either church office to R.S.V.P. If you can let us know what you are bringing, that would be helpful. December 8 - Masses for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception A Holy Day of Obligation St. Thomas Aquinas 6:30am, 9:00am, 7:00pm St. John Church 12:15pm & 5:30pm 2

3 OFFERTORY Actual Offertory through November 19 $917,786 Budgeted Offertory through November 19 $939,676 Deficit $ 21,890 Please Note: The fiscal year began 7/1/2017. Offertory consists of cash and checks given at Mass, electronic giving from parishioners, and stock gifts. Christian Service - Matthew 25 November 19: Flying Medical Service will receive $1,968 to provide preventive/curative health-related services to remote areas in East Central Africa. December 3: Macheo USA provides nutritional feeding to mothers and infants in slums of Kianduto, Kenya. December 10: Volunteers of America provides shelter, food, and other vital services for homeless persons in our community, including homeless military veterans. The services includes a medical clinic that provides desperately needed, immediate and ongoing medical care for the most vulnerable and fragile of our brothers and sisters. Thank you for your generosity! Masses for the Fourth Sunday of Advent St. Thomas Aquinas Saturday, Dec. 23-4:30pm Sunday, Dec. 24-9:00am 11:00am St. John Church Sunday, Dec. 24-8:00am 10:00am Masses for Christmas St. Thomas Aquinas Sunday, Dec. 24-4:30pm 7:30pm 10:30pm Monday, Dec :00am St. John Church Sunday, Dec. 24-4:00pm 7:00pm Monday, Dec :00am Advent Book Sale This Weekend! This weekend we begin Advent... and this year it is one of the shortest Advents possible! So plan now to make it a spiritually enriching one! Our annual Advent Book Sale takes place this weekend after all the Masses at both sites... featuring a variety of resources available for the season of Advent, as well as for the upcoming new liturgical year. We will have the popular little blue Advent books from the Diocese of Saginaw, the 2018 Sunday Missals, as well as the 2018 At Home with the Word booklets. In addition, there will also be some free Advent resources available. Prepare now to make this Advent an intentionally spiritual experience for a worthy celebration of Christmas! DINNER? SNACKS? SWEETS? CAFFEINE? Exam Food: Mon. 12/11 - Wed. 12/13 Can you help us to provide food and hospitality for our studious and stressed Catholic Spartans during exams? If you can commit an evening to serve supper to students, you will have a great time. The students really appreciate the interaction. And of course we need to keep energy up so cookies or other snacks are ALWAYS appreciated! If you can help, please contact Joe Reis at SJSC - jreis@elcatholics.org. Annual Poinsettia Sale benefitting the Alternative Spring Break Program & The Parish Christmas Flower Fund Orders being taken until Monday, December 4 at Noon. Please pick up your poinsettias next weekend, December 9-10 after all Masses. Thanks for your support! 3

4 St. John Student Center - Home of the Catholic Spartans Katie Diller - kdiller@elcatholics.org Director of Campus Ministry Joe Reis - jreis@elcatholics.org Campus Minister REGISTER NOW for ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK! St. John has trips going to: How do I explore the gifts of the Holy Spirit? How has God gifted me for a unique service to the Church and world? What should I do after graduation? How can my particular gifts be a blessing in my marriage and family? There are a lot of demands on my time... How do I know what to say yes to? College juniors and seniors are invited to join us at the DeSales Center in Brooklyn, MI for a weekend retreat focused on discernment skills through the experience of the Called & Gifted Program. You will have the opportunity to explore how the Holy Spirit has gifted YOU, and how understanding those gifts can help you make decisions about the future. Contact Katie Diller (kdiller@elcatholics.org) for more information or go to stjohnmsu.org to register. Happening This Week For Undergraduates College Men s Group and Theotokos Women s Group meet every other Monday to build friendships, and challenge one another to grow in faith. You are welcome to attend all meetings or just a few! College Men's Group God's Will: Reflecting on the Semester and Looking Ahead 7:30pm Monday, December 4 Student Lounge, downstairs SJSC Theotokos Catholic Women's Group Too Blessed to Be Stressed 7:30pm Monday, December 4 Women's Lounge, Rm 13 downstairs SJSC 4 Camden Romero Center (Inner City Social Work) Habitat for Humanity New Jersey (Construction) Kentucky Christian Appalachian Project (Construction) Cost: $390 (three payments of $130) Deadline: December15, but trips fill on a first come, first serve basis. To Register, go to Grad Student & Young Professional Group This week we will join a city-wide gathering of Catholic young adults for id 9:16 presents: Joining Jesus in His Mission Thursday, December 7, 6:30pm Church of the Resurrection, Lansing Serving young adults, age To join our Facebook Group and list contact us at stjohnsgroup@gmail.com. Calling all Tired & Stressed Students! St. John Student Center is open to you throughout exam week as a quiet study space. We will offer snacks, dinners, and hospitality Monday through Wednesday (12/11-12/13). Dinner from 5-6pm God bless your studies!

5 Annual Parish and School Coat Drive December 1-10! Last week to bring in new or gently used coats, hats, gloves and blankets. You will find boxes located in the school, St. Thomas Church, and St. John Church until Sunday, December 10. Thank you for helping your fellow neighbor with the warmth of a coat. For more information, please brandiebertsch@earthcom.us. Make this the Best Advent Ever! Sign up today at DynamicCatholic.com/advent for Best Advent Ever. Starting, December 3, the first Sunday of Advent, you will receive daily s with short inspirational videos, practical tips to incorporate into everyday life and read real-life stories of hope. ADVENT OFFERINGS SENIOR MINISTRY ADVENT LUNCHEON AND RETREAT Everyone is welcome! Tuesday, December 5 at 10:30am Cana Chapel and Fr. Mac Hall St. Thomas Aquinas Church Contact either office to RSVP. HANDEL'S MESSIAH Performed by the combined MSU choirs and featuring STA singer soloists Anna Montgomery, David Anderson, and Kyle White. Saturday, December 9 7:00pm Wharton Center $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens (age 60 and older), and $10 for students with ID and anyone under age 18. Tickets available at Wharton Center. MASON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & PHILHARMONIC CONCERT Winter Dreams will feature Tchaikovsky s Symphony No.1 plus a selection of holiday favorites. There is no fee for admission; however, donations are greatly appreciated. Friday, December 15 at 7:30pm St. Thomas Aquinas Church ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE Sunday, December 17 at 2:00pm St. Thomas Aquinas Church PARISH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Thursday, December 21 at 1:30pm St. Thomas Aquinas Church Advent Giving Opportunities Advent Giving Trees Giving Trees will be present at both STA and SJSC, starting this weekend. The mitten tags are for sweatshirts, hats, and gloves to benefit Advent House in Lansing, which serves the homeless. Wrapped items with the tag attached need to be turned in by the date indicated on the tag. There will also be tags to benefit needy families in the Lansing area, and the St. Vincent de Paul Food Cupboard at St. John. SJSC St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Baskets The SJSC St. Vincent de Paul Society is again sponsoring several families for Christmas. Donations are needed for food and gifts. We need to provide four gifts per child, so your generosity is appreciated! You can sign up to donate after the Masses on December 3 at SJSC. Donations should be returned to SJSC this week or on Sunday, December 10. Thank you for helping us provide a special Christmas for those in need! 5

6 Religious Education There will be no Religious Education classes December 17-18, December 24-25, and December 31-January 1, Classes will restart Sunday/Monday, January 7-8. Make sure your child attends one of the Christmas Masses as we will be discussing Mass when we return to class. Please have a Blessed Christmas and Joyful New Year! Be An Angel This Christmas The STVCC annual Be An Angel Holiday Giving campaign is in full swing. Stop by the Lansing Mall, Meridian Mall or participating stores at the Eastwood Towne Center to pickup an angel tag that contains information on a specific item to be purchased and donated for a child or family served by STVCC. Provide local families with joy this Christmas. For more information on this program or others, please visit stvcc.org/holiday-giving or call Rhonda Abood at ext St. Vincent de Paul As we begin Advent we are called to Be watchful! Be alert! as we stand in joyful anticipation for the grace of Christmas to once again bless our lives. Your gift in the St. Vincent de Paul Poor Box will help the poor to celebrate the grace of God s love this Christmas. Faculty / Community Book Discussion Group For December, we will be reading and discussing the book entitled, "God in the Midst of Change: Wisdom for Confusing Times, by Diarmuid O Murchu. We usually meet on the first and third Thursdays (which will be December 7 & 21). We meet at St. John from 5:30-7:00pm in Room #12 (Library). For this Thursday, December 7, we will read and discuss the first two sections of the book (pages 1-127). Questions, please contact Al Weilbaecher at or al@elcatholics.org. All are welcomed to participate! Prayers for Priests December Calendar As the Advent season arrives, please do not forget to pick up a copy of the December Prayers for Priests calendar. Alpha Returns to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in January! Alpha is an introduction to the Christian faith that gives guests a relaxed and low-key opportunity to explore the meaning of life. Each of the ten weekly sessions begins with a simple meal, followed by a short talk looking at a different aspect of the Christian faith. After that, there is time for discussion in a friendly small group. Please give to those who have given a lifetime. The collection will be next weekend, December 9, 10. Envelopes are available in your packets or in the back of church. 6 Alpha is intended for those wanting to grow in understanding and faith, for those who are new to the Christian faith, for those wanting to investigate the Christian faith, and for those who have given up on church. Know someone who might benefit from Alpha? Invite them, and come with them! There will be an Introductory Alpha Dinner (free) on Monday, January 15, at 6:30pm in Fr. Mac Hall to introduce you to Alpha and answer any questions. Alpha Sessions begin on Monday, January 29. For more information or questions, please contact Al Weilbaecher at or al@elcatholics.org.

7 GROW + GO NOW AVAILABLE: PERSONAL EVANGELIZATION PLAN This plan asks important questions that will help you GROW in your faith, and GO evangelize. GROW as a disciple of Jesus! GO evangelize! The purpose of your life is to continually GROW in an intimate relationship with God. Jesus final command to his disciples was, GO and make disciples of all nations. (Mt 28:19) Pray for the Sick & Deceased Campaign Prayer Please pray that those who are ill or suffering in any way might receive the care that they need. We embrace in prayer: Timothy Grace, Judith Xanders, Janet St. John, Debbie Yerke, Inga Smith, Craig DeHaven, Pat Erhardt, and those listed in our Book of Prayer. O God, Hear our humble prayer. Pour your Holy Spirit upon every person within our diocese that all may come to know, love and serve you as faithful and generous witnesses to the enduring hope found only in You. With the help of Mary, our Mother may we bear witness to the glory of God with great joy. Bless this campaign by igniting a new enthusiasm for the sacred mission we share as disciples of your Son, especially as we care for those who experience despair. We embrace in prayer all of our departed brothers and sisters, especially Jean Rambo, Margie Sansilo, Rosemary Bettman, Mike Parsley, and Florence McElron. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our Hope, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. STA Euchre Tourney January 20, :30-9:00pm Amen St. Thomas Aquinas School Gym Faith Sharing Questions on Next Sunday s Gospel We invite you to prepare for next Sunday s liturgy (December 10), the Second Sunday of Advent, by reflecting on the Gospel reading for that Sunday: Ages 18+ Advance Tickets Only $25 per person Prizes & Raffles Seats are limited! 5:30pm Dinner Pulled Pork Sandwich Potato Salad Baked Beans Dessert Beverage Mark 1:1-8 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. Benefitting: 8th Graders who will be going on a field trip to Harper s Ferry, West Virginia in the spring. What distractions am I setting aside to make this Advent time like my little wedding preparation? The Church invites me to a special time of repentance, fasting, and almsgiving. How is it going? Contact Diane Spence: dspence@elcatholics.org for more information. 7

8 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults This Sunday the catechumens and candidates and their sponsors gathered to consider the topic, "The Sacrament of Marriage". God himself is the author of marriage because of the manner in which He has created the human race. "The vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman as they come from the hand of the Creator. Marriage is not a purely human institution despite the many variations it may have undergone through the centuries in different cultures, social structures and spiritual attitudes. (Catechism of the Catholic church, par. 1603) The sacrament of marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman based in a relationship with God. It "refers to a relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God." (The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, p. 281) "The consent by which the spouses mutually give and receive one another is sealed by God himself." (USCCA, p. 285) The purpose of marriage is twofold: the good of the spouses, and the procreation and education of children. The married couple and their children become a domestic church, living within society and enriching it. If you have any questions about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or would like to discuss the possibility of joining the next group of inquirers, call Pete Ries at , ext or him at pries@elcatholics.org. Parents Baptism Seminar Monday, December 4 Baptism is the premier sacrament of the Church, giving all of us our beginning in the life of Christ and in the Church. Our next baptism preparation session for parents (and godparents) of infants or young children to baptize will take place on Monday evening, December 4, 7:00-9:00pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Please contact the Catholic Formation Office if you plan to attend ( or al@elcatholics.org). Baptism registration forms are available through the parish offices at both sites and online at our parish web site ( Confirmation Preparation for MSU Students & Adults If you are out of high school, baptized Catholic and have celebrated your First Communion, but have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation, this is for you! Preparation sessions for Confirmation will take place on six Sunday afternoons, 3:00-4:30pm, beginning February 4, with the celebration of the Confirmation taking place the Sunday after Easter. Confirmation registration forms and more information are available. Contact Al Weilbaecher at or al@elcatholics.org. To the Former Students and Friends of Mrs. Jean Rambo, With the endorsement of the Rambo Family and Fr. Mark Inglot, a Jean Rambo Scholarship is being established to honor a beloved teacher. A recipient's tuition is paid for their 4th grade year at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School. The first recipient would be awarded the scholarship in May 2018 to be used for the school year. The scholarship will continue to be awarded each year thereafter. The awardee would be selected by staff and the 3rd grade teachers based on their ability to demonstrate Catholic values; show discipline, diligence, and dedication to their studies; and financial need. You are invited to honor Mrs. Rambo with a contribution to the scholarship fund. Please make checks payable to St. Thomas Aquinas with the notation Jean Rambo Scholarship on the memo line. Contributions may be mailed to St. Thomas Aquinas at 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing, MI Thank you for your support! God bless you! 8

9 Events In our Parish Monday, December 4, :00pm RAS Charity Quilt Group (STA) 5:30pm Centering Prayer (SJSC) 6:00pm RCIA for Teens & Children (STA) 7:00pm Parents Baptism Seminar (STA) Tuesday, December 5, :30am Senior Mini-Advent Retreat & Potluck (STA) 6:30pm Confirmation Meetings (STA) Wednesday, December 6, :00am Bible Study (STA) 3:45pm Cherub Choir (STA) 6:00pm RCIA Make-Up Session (SJSC) 7:00pm St. Vincent de Paul Meeting (STA) 7:15pm RCIA (SJSC) Thursday, December 7, :00am Faith-Sharing Group (STA) 3:00pm Seraph Choir (STA) 4:30pm EC Small Group Leader Training (STA) 5:30pm Faculty/Community Book Group (SJSC) 6:30pm STA Contemporary Ensemble (STA) 7:00pm SJSC Music Ensemble (SJSC) 7:30pm STA Adult Choir (STA) Friday, December 8, :00am Advent Moms & Tots Activity (STA) 12:30pm American Guild of Organist Meeting (STA) Saturday, December 9, :00am Food Cupboard (SJSC) 10:00am Soul Food with the Deacons (STA) Sunday, December 10, :00am & 11:00am Nursery (STA) 10:00am - 1:00pm K of C Pancake Breakfast (STA) 10:00am Nursery (SJSC) 10:00am Adult Choir Practice (STA) 10:05am Teen Bible Study 1(STA) 11:00am RCIA (SJSC) 3:50pm Korean Community Mass (STA) 4:30pm Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (STA) 4:30pm Youth Group (STA) The Catholic Women's Club will host a luncheon December 14, at 12:30pm at the Fireside Grill in Dimondale. For further information, please contact Judy Sibal at LANSING CATHOLIC SINGLES invite all single men and women (mid 30s & up) to a Christmas party on December 8 at 7:00pm with dinner at 7:30pm. Join us at the Village Green Apt. Clubhouse, behind the Lansing Mall. Please RSVP by December 6. For more information and to RSVP phone or lansingcatholicsingles@live.com. 9 Mass Intentions Monday, December 4, :30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Int. of Rita Fortino req. by Patrick O Brien 12:15pm (St. John) Rosa Salas req. by Pam & John Scherer Tuesday, December 5, :30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Gerald Ludden req. by the Knights of Columbus #7816 9:15pm (St. John) Wednesday, December 6, :30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Ed Fitzpatrick req. by Nancee Fitzpatrick 9:00am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Virginia Prince req. by Skip & Nell Wolcott 12:15pm (St. John) Kathy Roberts req. by the RCIA Program Participants Thursday, December 7, :30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Ross Baldwin req. by Larry & Gail Meyer 10:00 (Burcham) Living & Deceased Residents of Burcham 9:15pm (St. John) Friday, December 8, The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 6:30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) People of the Parish 9:00am (St. Thomas Aquinas) People of the Parish 12:15pm (St. John) People of the Parish 5:30pm (St. John) People of the Parish 7:00pm (St. Thomas Aquinas) People of the Parish Saturday, December 9, :30pm (St. Thomas Aquinas) Theodore Piotrowicz req. by Arlene Piotrowicz Sunday, December 10, :00am (St. John) Mary Poisson req. by SJ St. Vincent de Paul Group 9:00am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Bryce & Waneeta Clack req. by Carol Clack 10:00am (St. John) Joseph Martin req. by Alice Martin 11:00am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Robert Mahoney req. by Art & Patsy Brandstatter 12:00pm (St. John) Int. of Carolyn req. by Nancy 5:00pm (St. John) People of the Parish 7:00pm (St. John) Sister Gabrielis req. by the Wei Family

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