Catholic Church. Fr. Frank T. Dicristina. Deacon Paul and Elsie Ann Myers Parish Office Hours

Transcription

1 Catholic Church Pastor Fr. Frank T. Dicristina Deacon Couple Deacon Paul and Elsie Ann Myers Parish Office Hours Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed during lunch 11:30-12:30p.m. (951) Facebook.com/StThomasRiversideCA Maria Cordeiro... Ext. 221 Secretary Rebecca Barragán... Ext. 225 Communications Coordinator / Bulletin Valerie Doran... Ext. 224 Funeral Coordinator Arcelia Maldonado-López... Ext. 239 Office Manager Elizabeth Méndez... Ext. 229 Bookkeeper Gary Owens... Ext. 221 Music Director Maricela Michel... Ext. 231 Wedding Coordinator Deanna Rice... Ext. 236 Liturgical Assistant Catechesis Staff Dana Robles... Ext. 240 Catechetical Coordinator Marisol Aceves... Ext. 227 Spanish Ministry / Catechesis Coordinator Lisa Upattiya... Ext. 240 Youth Ministry Office Geraldine Delafosse... Ext. 232 and Grace Fernandez. Ext.233 RCIA Coordinators St. Thomas the Apostle School 9136 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA (951) Facebook.com /stthomastheapostleschool Dr. Dian Pizurie Jeanette Morrow Martha Sepúlveda Ochoa Principal Vice Principal Secretary We the Parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle strive to live like First Sunday of Advent December 2, 2018 J.S.Paluch Co. Inc. Schedule of Masses Vigil: 5:00 p.m. - English, 6:30 p.m. - Spanish Sunday: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. - English Weekday: 8:00 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. Communion Service: Thursday and Friday - English Devotion: Novena to St. Anthony, Tuesday after 8:00 a.m. Mass Adoration: 3 rd Friday of each month in the children s worship room 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Enter through Parish Office Anointing of the Sick: 2 nd Saturday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in the Church. Sacrament of Reconciliation Confession English on 1 st, 3 rd, and 4 th Saturday of the month, arrive at 9:00 a.m. in the Church.

2 A Christmas Carol! First Sunday of Advent Primer Domingo de Adviento Did you ever wonder why we call them Christmas Carols instead of Christmas songs? I wanted to find out and went to my computer and looked the answer up. For us today a Christmas Carol is a song of religious joy that we sing throughout the Christmas season. The word carol came from the French which meant a ring dance done by men and women with the hands joined in a circle. They would sing as they danced. In the late 13 th century this word entered into the English language and we still use it today. We do not dance the carol but we sing the Christmas songs with a repetition of the melody that is like a circle. The carols we sing have a refrain and verse that we repeat through the whole song. This forms our circle of music but not dance. The Christmas Carols also remind us of the theology of the birth of Jesus into the world. Through the words and music we sing about why he came and what he achieved by his life as a human being. Christmas as a celebration came into being as the last part of the gospel story even though it is the first thing we read about in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke only. The Gospel of Mark has no mention Jesus birth and the Gospel of John has theological statements about who Jesus is and why he came with no mention of Mary, Joseph or a manger, Wise men, Angels or Shepherds. We all know that if we wanted to tell our life story we would begin with our date of birth, the names of our parents, where we were born and then continue on with our development from birth to our adulthood. Though the stories of Jesus birth are facts and theology mixed together they are very important to us as the faithful believers because it grounds his life in this world. God has inspired these accounts that are similar but different. Each one supports our understanding of Jesus life, death and resurrection. Our Christmas Carols help us to remember the story of his birth and what it brought about for all humanity and for all times. We don t often think of the words we sing but with the Carols it is important that we do. In the upcoming weeks I will pick a few of the Carols we will sing at Christmas and help us understand the importance of the words that form the song of joy, peace and celebration. In the meantime why not get a book of Christmas Carols out and look at the words and teach yourself and your children the melodies. This is a great way to prepare for the Christmas season. It will make your time now more joyful and keep the reason we are celebrating a part of your life. Sing them as you shop for gifts and decorations. Whistle them because they will help remind those around you of the true joy and purpose of Christmas. The Dickens Christmas Dinner is This Friday, December 7 th. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Please bring a free - will gift card offering for a St. Thomas family in need with the receipt. Did you forget to RSVP? We ve extended the deadline to Monday, December 3 rd. Call the Parish Office at (951) or rbarragan@sbdiocese.org Fr. Frank T. Dicristina Pastor

3 Page 3 December 2, 2018 Mass Intentions Saturday/Sabado, December 1 st 5:00 p.m. Veronica Amezcua 6:30 p.m. Juana Navarrete Sunday/Domingo, December 2 nd 7:00 a.m. Christian Chavez 9:00 a.m. Peggy Cordeliá 11:00 a.m. Darlene Loomis 5:00 p.m. Felipe Alcala Monday/Lunes, December 3 rd 9:00 a.m. School Mass Cathy Thompson Tuesday/Martes, December 4 th 8:00 a.m. Fr. Joe Felker Wednesday/Miercoles, December 5 th 8:00 a.m. Mark Steinshouser Thursday/Jueves, December 6 th 8:00 a.m. Fr. Ed Cardoza Friday/Viernes, December 7 th 8:00 a.m. Dolores Abbey Sanctuary Candle Christian Chavez Responsorial Psalm: For you o Lord, my soul in stillness waits. Truly my hope is in You. Prayers for the Deceased We pray for all the faithful departed, especially Ivan Sanchez, Brunhilde Anhalt, Jim McBride, Raymond Byers, Ruth Gonzalez, Dorothy Masi, Lyle Christianson, John Burns, Lupe Lopez, Lino Rojas, Jose Guzman, Daniel Morrissy, Marjorie Prenger, Nick Cahill, Chris Bechtel, Hector Campus, Dolores Abbey, and Fr. Ed Cardoza. May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen. Prayers for the sick We pray for: Richard Ybarra, Peter, Esther, Jimmy Leon Guerrero, Adolfo Muñoz Sr., Yvette Hasty, Kevin Krieger, David Holscher, Anastasia Duran, David Juarez, Pamela Brown, Judy Mason, Margie Donahue, Chelsea Wandro, Herman Jackson, Fred Roybal, Miriam Maldonado, Charles Benedict, Paul Pettit, Elsie Ann Myers, Lorne Carter, Jacqueline Thurman, Jim Reed, Dcn. Paul Myers, Luz Maldonado, India Sepúlveda, Elise Renner, Robert Mitchell Sr., and Joyce McNamara. May they feel the healing power of prayer. Amen. Monday: Lunes: Tuesday: Martes: Wednesday: Miercoles: Thursday: Jueves: Friday: Viernes: Saturday: Sabado: Sunday: Domingo: Readings for the week Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6 Parish Advent Reconciliation Celebration Tuesday, December 4 th at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Other Services in the Riverside area: Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Tuesday December 4 th at 7:00 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine - Thursday, December 6 th at 7:00 p.m. St. Catherine of Alexandria - Monday, December 10 th at 7:00 p.m. Sacred Heart - Friday, December 14 th at 7:00 p.m. Queen of Angels - Monday, December 17 th at 7:00 p.m. We will also have private confessions on Saturday, December 15 th at 9:00 a.m. in the church.

4 Page 4 December 2, 2018 St. Thomas School News If you ordered from the St. Thomas School See s Candy fundraiser, your orders will be ready for pick up in the Parish Office on Thursday, December 6th. The children of St. Thomas School thank you for your help and support! Do you want to support St. Thomas school AND complete your Christmas Shopping? Consider gifting Stater Bros gift cards, or buying your gifts with gift cards purchased through ShopWithScrip.com. Follow the pr ompts on shopwithscr ip.com, use the UNIQUE Enrollment Code: CC228FBL59892 and sign up for presto pay, then shop away! Thank you all so much for making the Thanksgiving dinners quick and easy (done by 11:00 a.m. including cleanup). We made about 400 dinners for seniors, firefighters, homeless veterans, and homeless. Without all of you it wouldn't have been possible. We had about 200 volunteers Girl Scout and St. Thomas parishioners for the donations, help preparing, and delivering. Thank you to the Dancer Giving Back for coming from LA to pick up our dinners and delivering them to the firefighters and vets. Thank you all! Adopt a St. Thomas Family for Christmas! Are you looking for a way to make the Christmas season more meaningful? Consider adopting a St. Thomas family in need. The Christmas W ish Tree is in the vestibule, and will be available until Sunday, December 16th. Consider helping by donating gift cards which may be brought to the parish office or put in the collection basket, please put in an envelope and clearly mark A dopt a Family. Popular options are Target, Stater Bros, and Walmart. Please attach receipt to gift. If you re interested in donating, please contact parish office (951) St. Thomas parishioners again showed that they understand the meaning of Eucharist (thanksgiving) in their tremendous response to the parish food drive on the weekend of November 10-11th. As much as 5 truckloads of food (and diapers) were distributed to the food pantry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, Riverside Life Center, Safe House, and our parish bag lunch for the homeless program. Pope Francis has said he wants a poor Church for the poor and St. Thomas parishioners have demonstrated their understanding of this gospel message. May we continue to be blessed with a joyous holiday season.

5 Page 5 December 2, 2018 Youth Ministry Christmas Open House Come join Mr. Art and Ms. Lisa for a night of holiday fun! Saturday, December 8 th. Drop by anytime between 5:00-9:00 p.m. Join our remind app for location information. All youth are welcome! Open house activities: 5:00- decorating Christmas cookies!!! 6:00- Christmas caroling karaoke 7:00- ornament making 8:00- reindeer games Youth Ministry - 7 th - 12 th grade Spiritual Adoption An evening to go deeper into the teachings of the Sanctity of Life Sunday, December 9 th 6:15 8:00 p.m. at the Bosco House Get regular Youth Ministry updates to For more information, contact Lisa Upattiya: lupattiya@sbdiocese.org Faith Formation News: Thank you for your prayers, we had a great Confirmation retreat on the weekend of November th! English- Dana Robles, Coordinator of Catechesis at (951) , ext. 240 drobles@sbdiocese.org Español - Bertha Muñoz (951) ext. 235 bamunozmarquez@sbdiocese.org

6 Page 8 December 2, 2018 Knights of Columbus will be hosting a pancake breakfast today, Sunday, December 2 nd after the 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Masses. TODAY IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THE FNE FALL RAFFLE! Enter to win the grand prize of $500 or a memorial tile valued at $100. Tickets are a suggested donation of $5 each or 6 tickets for $25. A donation of $100 entitles you to 24 tickets and a memorial tile. See a FNE representative outside after Mass for tickets. All proceeds go toward our poor box. Our Memorial Boards of our Departed Loved Ones are now in Valerie Doran s office. Pictures are safe and waiting to be pick up and cherished by family. Please pick up during regular office hours, Thank you for sharing. Donate the gift of life, participate in our Parish Blood Drive Sunday, December 9 th from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Please sign up to donate blood, sign up sheets are in the vestibule. Please avoid aspirin for 48 hours prior to donating, and remember that milk will flush iron from your system. Teens aged can donate with parental consent and photo ID. For more information, call Norbert (951) All are welcome to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe Wednesday, December 12 th. Morning songs 5:00 a.m. in the church, Mass at 6:30 p.m. in the church with a reception in the Hall at 7:45 p.m. Come celebrate the Blessed Virgin with a lively Spanish Mass, reenactment play of the appearance of Mary to Juan Diego, and a delicious dinner for a small donation. Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24 th 5:00 p.m. (English) 7:00 p.m. (Spanish) 9:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols with Mass (English) Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25 th 8:00 a.m. (English) 10:00 a.m. (English) Parish Office will be closed Monday through Wednesday, December th and open from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon on Thursday/ Friday, December th Come welcome the new RCIA and RCIA-AC Catechumen to our parish. We will be at the KofC breakfast in the today after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Please introduce yourself personally to the Catechumen. They will be the ones wearing the wooden cross necklace and you have seen their photos on the Road the Emmeas poster in the Vestibule. A Gift for the newborn King! We invite you and your family to give a gift to Jesus for His birthday in the form of a good deed. Children should also think of a gift they personally can give. As a sign of your good deeds, we ask that you bring an ornament that represents that gift, and add it to the tree by the altar on Christmas Day. Please note that ornaments will not be returned. The boy scouts are now accepting old American flags for retirement. Please bring your old tattered flags in a bag to the Parish Office for pick up. St. Thomas Filipino Ministry presents: Simbáng Gabi Friday, December 14 th at 7:00 p.m. Mass with a reception following in the Parish Hall. Honor the Virgin Mary with this wonderful Filipino tradition, followed by great food and fellowship! The Sisters of Agape will be selling gifts from the Holy Land and delicious homemade desserts after all Masses on the weekend of December th. Join us in a beautiful Advent celebration of the Holy family. Posada Navideña is on Saturday, December 15 th in the Parish Hall at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome! We sing, enjoy hospitality, and a piñata for the children. Tamales will also be available for a donation. CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS CHOIR Children s Christmas Choir rehearsals will be held Sundays, December 16 th and 23 rd at 1:00 to 1:45pm in the choir loft. All children 3 rd grade and up are invited to attend. Our next Adoration will be held on Friday, December 21 st 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Please enter through the front office.