THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER May 4, A Note from Fr. Joe

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1 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER May 4, 2014 St. Thomas of Villanova Parish is an Augustinian, Roman Catholic community. As the Body of Christ, we share our Time, Talent, and Treasure to fulfill our Baptismal commitment. Following the example of St. Thomas of Villanova, our patron, we take as our challenge the mission of Jesus the Christ and strive to love and experience God through worship, social justice, education, and evangelization. A Note from Fr. Joe As we move towards the summer, I wanted to alert you to some important information about the Mass schedule. First is the fact that, beginning next Sunday, May 11 th, there only will be a 7:00pm Mass in the Villanova Church on Sunday evenings. The full schedule of 5:30pm, 7:00pm, and 9:00pm liturgies will resume on Sunday, August 31 st. Second, since Villanova University Graduation has been moved from a Sunday to a Friday (May 16 th,) we will be able to maintain our regular Mass schedule and locations on the weekend of May Again, please note that this means that Masses will be held in the Rosemont Chapel and the Villanova Church, as usual. And, finally, during the week of our Augustinian Provincial Chapter Monday, June 9 th through Friday, June 13 th there will be no 12:05pm Daily Mass in the Rosemont Chapel or at Corr Chapel on campus. Instead, we hope to have a 12:05pm liturgy in the Villanova Church, where anyone will be welcome to join the friars gathered for Chapter, as we celebrate together as an Augustinian family. Perhaps you can save this paragraph and post it on your refrigerator as a handy reference! Beyond logistics, I d be remiss if I didn t touch on this Sunday s Gospel from Luke. Not only is it one of my favorites, but it s also one of the most meaningful stories in Scripture. This is so for a variety of reasons, including how the journey of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus is similar to our own. How does their coming to recognize Christ cause us to reflect on how Jesus the Christ is present to us almost 2,000 years later? He too is a traveling companion on our way. But do we always realize it? Are we also sometimes slow of heart to believe? Maybe we fail to recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary in the opening of the Scriptures and in the breaking of the bread. Perhaps something holds us back from seeing the hand of God in our lives being preoccupied, doubtful, or weighed down with a hectic schedule or a problem. Notice that it s through hospitality that the two disciples move beyond their concerns & fears and come to discover who the stranger truly is. Imagine what they would have missed if they hadn t urged Jesus to stay with them, to come into their home. Imagine what and who we miss when we re not open, as individuals or as a community, to others. We re not on this journey alone. We don t worship alone. We need each other our gifts, our time, our encouragement. Christ is present in his Body, in us the Church. And we experience that most profoundly in the celebration of the Eucharist. That s one of the reasons we rejoice in this Easter Season, in this month of May, as some of our boys and girls join us in the breaking of the bread, in Communion for the first time. Again, congratulations to all of them and their families! Traditionally, May also is one of the months where we turn to our Blessed Mother in a special way. As Jesus first disciple, Mary can assist in guiding us on the journey. She is our companion, as well, understanding what it is to be human, to be a wife & a mother. With St. Thomas of Villanova we pray, O blessed among women We are all your children and you are our Lady; remember us. God Bless! Fr. Joe Stewardship Thought for the Week Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures? Luke 24:32 How often do we take the time to see what Jesus wants from us? Are our prayers always petitions, asking Jesus to do things for us? If so, that s a one-sided relationship. Living our faith means developing a personal relationship with Jesus. So, just like any friendship with another person, there is give and take, each side listening to other and helping each other out. Take time in silence to listen to what Jesus is saying to you St. Thomas of Villanova

2 Schedule of Events for the week of: May 4, 2014 Recitation of the Rosary after the daily Liturgy. Mon., May 5th Tues., May 6th Wed., May 7th Thurs., May 8th Fri., May 9th Sat., May 10th 9:00AM-RMCH 5:00PM-RMCH Sun., May 11th 7:30AM-VNCH 9:00AM-RMCH 10:30AM-VNCH Easter Weekday; Blessed Vincent Soler & Companions Easter Weekday Maureen Hastings - Ron & Kathy Feher Easter Weekday; Blessed Maria of Saint Joseph of Alvarado Angelo & Carmela Scioli Easter Weekday; Our Lady of Grace Marie Ellen Geraghty - Jack Geraghty Easter Weekday Easter Weekday; St. Damien de Veuster Mary Lou O Connor - Husband, John Fourth Sunday of Easter Mother s Day Triduum Mother s Day Triduum Mother s Day Triduum Monday, May 5, 2014 Golden Living Ministry Art Class - PC1 Food Addicts in Recovery - Café Pastoral Council Meeting - PC1 Tuesday, May 6, 2014 BP Screening after 12:05 Mass SFC Mentors Bible Study - PC-2 Genesis Bells Choir Practice - VNCH Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Exercise - Aud Honickman Ministry Staff Luncheon - Office Closes at 12:00PM Baptism Class - PC-1 10:30AM 11:00AM 2:30PM 7:30PM 10:00AM 10:10AM 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 May 11 and 25, FIRST EUCHARIST With the month of May comes the celebration of First Eucharist for 2 nd grade boys and girls in our parish. As you know, we do this as part of different weekend liturgies, so that as many of us as possible can experience the joy of these days as a community. In some cases, especially the 10:30am Mass on Sundays, May 11 th and 18 th, there will be a larger number of children and their families. Please plan accordingly. And congratulations to all of our First Communicants! The Parish Office will close at 12:00pm on Wednesday, May 7th Thursday, May 8, 2014 Bible Study - PC-2 Walking with Purpose Movie Night in Aud Catechist Meeting - PC-2 Friday, May 9, 2014 Archdiocesan Faith Formation Workshop - Aud Saturday, May 10, 2014 YouCAT Recognition at 5:00pm Mass Sunday, May 11, 2014 Rosemont Village Eucharistic Prayer Service First Eucharist at 10:30 Mass at VNCH Baptism-VNCH 10:00AM 6:00PM 9:00AM 10:30AM 12:00PM Thank you for your generosity for the following week of April 26 and 27: Number of Envelopes 426 Envelope Amount $14, Loose Cash: $1, Electronic Offerings: $15, Other $1, Total $32, % Tithe $3, Income for April 28, 2013 $19, St. Thomas of Villanova

3 CHRISTIAN SERVICE We extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our parish: Catherine D Orazio of Bryn Mawr John & Trish Johnson & Family of Malvern Congratulations to the newly Baptized member of our parish: Logan Sebastian, son of Sebastian & Jaime Jano Paige Ellis, daughter of Rich & Dru Kuhn Madeleine Ann, daughter of Michael & Jill McWatters Max Alexander, son of Michael & Jill McWatters Caroline Clare, daughter of Joseph & Caroline Molieri Everly Heira, daughter of Michael & Brynne Ott Joseph Paul, son of Michael & Elizabeth Palazzi Fionn Conchobhar James, son of Daniel & Jill Twohig John William, son of Matthew & Christina Ward Christopher Richard, son of Chad & Christine Winters Resting in Peace: Dr. Benedict Adam Paparella Remember those in need of our prayers, especially: Julia Barlow, Peggy Caulfield, Mary Ann Dadourian, Bob Ellison, Jack Geraghty, Patricia Ann Harley, Bridget Kelly, Garrett P. McAleer (baby), Rita O Connor, Julia Boland Paparella, Loretta Prisco, Alice Rogers, Annie Sears and Michael Seeds. 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. Calling All Men! Guys, please plan on coming back or joining us for the first time for our next morning Men s Gathering on Thursday, May 15 th. We ll celebrate Mass in the Rosemont Chapel at 6:30am with Fr. Joe. Then we ll head down to the Auditorium for some coffee, fellowship, and guest speaker & parishioner, Jimmy Murray, who will share his faith journey. This includes his roles as a former General Manager of the Philadelphia Eagles and the co-founder of the Ronald McDonald House, as well as his private audience with now St. John Paul II. Stay for what you can and feel free to invite a friend from the parish or otherwise! 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, May 18th. 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. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HONOR STUDENTS: MALVERN PREPARATORY SCHOOL Distinguished Honors: Liam Callahan First Honors: Brett Mastrangelo READINGS FOR THE WEEK: Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Jn 6:22-29 Tuesday: Acts 7:51 8:1a; Jn 5:30-35 Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8; Km 5:35-40 Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Jn 5:44-51 Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Jn 5:52-59 Saturday: Acts 9:31-42; Jn 6:60-69 Sunday: Acts 9:14a, 36-41; 1 Pt 2:20b-25; Jn 10: St. Thomas of Villanova

4 Mother s Day Triduum Mother s Day Cards for the Triduum of Masses for Mothers May 11, 12, 13, 2014 are available after Mass in the Villanova Church and Rosemont Chapel and during the week in the Parish Center Office. If you wish to have your Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Wife, Sister, Friend, or Other (Living or Deceased), included in our Mother s Day Book which will be kept in the Rosemont Chapel during the three days of the Triduum, please return the outside envelope with the name or names of your loved ones to the parish center. You are invited to a Brown Bag Lunch on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 12:45pm in the Rosemont Auditorium With Fr. Thomas P., Dwyer, O.S.A. Topic: Memoirs of Fr. Thom s Missionary Life In Japan ( ) and A Glance at Contemporary Life in Japan Through Friction Bring your lunch! Drinks and dessert will be provided. Please join us!! Fr. Tom s book will be available at the parish center at a cost of $ News from St. Thomas of Villanova Preschool St. Thomas of Villanova Preschool will be offering Me and You Toddler Twos again this coming school year. Children must be 2 by October 1 st for the first session which begins October 8 th. All children will need to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The classes will be held on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 10:30am. Keep reading the bulletin for more details. September 2014 begins our 34 th year of Preschool Classes for 2, 3, 4 and 5 year old children. If interested, please contact Mary Kurek, at or stv.maryshouse1@gmail.com for an application or additional information. A SPECIAL NOTE FROM FR. JOE Check out our parish website for a new initiative from our Pastoral Council! Now on the front page is a link to an electronic suggestion box. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or questions, please feel free to share those with us. As you will see from the form, the Council is asking that you provide your name and an address or phone number, so that a member can follow up with you. Realistically speaking, not all suggestions or ideas will be able to be implemented, but know that they will be acknowledged and given serious consideration. An attempt will be made to answer any questions, as well. Thank you in advance for taking the time and effort, as we continue to work together to fulfill our parish mission and to enhance our life here at St. Thomas of Villanova St. Thomas of Villanova

5 You are invited to a Parish Workshop Exploring your Unique Gifts CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES is YOUR way to help the world. Catholics Confront Global Poverty During this Easter Season take this opportunity to participate in a one-hour Workshop of self discovery to identify your gifts and ways you may want to use them as a Disciple of Jesus Christ. Date: Wednesday, May 21st Times: 10:00am and 7:00pm Place: Parish Center Facilitator: Anne Murphy, Parish Staff This past Lent, our parish community fought global poverty through CRS Rice Bowl. We deepened our Catholic faith by exploring the richness of Catholic Social teaching. And now we have the opportunity to continue our engagement with Catholic Relief Services through Catholics Confront Global Poverty, an initiative of prayer, education and advocacy that aims to encourage our country s leaders to act on behalf of the world s poor and vulnerable. Interested in learning more? Visit confrontglobalpoverty.org and sign the Hunger Pledge. Thank you for your generous support for the CRS Rice Bowl Collection. RSVP to Kathy - office@stvparish.org or call WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS The annual Wedding Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the 5:15pm Vigil Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M, Cap. Will be the principal celebrant. All married couples and their families are invited. Special seating will be designated for couples celebrating 50 years and 25 years of married life. No prior registration is required. WELCOME VISITORS Thank you for worshiping with us today. If you are visiting our beautiful church or chapel, please know you are most welcome! If you have questions or are interested in joining our parish community, please call the parish office at EXERCISE PROGRAM AT ST. THOMAS Ageless Exercise, Inc. presents a unique exercise program for the young at heart consisting of range of motion, strength training, weight bearing exercises, balance challenges; all done to upbeat fun music. The class is lead by a Certified American Counsel on Exercise (ACE) Instructor. Come join us and learn about your body, have fun, and strengthen muscles and bones. Where: The St. Thomas of Villanova Auditorium When: Every Wednesday from 10:00am until 11:00am Cost: $10 a month checks made payable to Ageless Exercise, Inc St. Thomas of Villanova

6 ANNUAL BREAD FOR THE WORLD CAMPAIGN 2014 SPONSORED BY THE PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. Moved by God s grace in Jesus Christ, we reach out to our neighbors, whether they live in the next house, the next state, or on the next continent. We experience God s grace and love though our faith in the saving power of Jesus death and resurrection. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. (1 John 3:16). In the Gospels, Jesus was compassionate to all people, especially the widow, the orphan, the stranger, the hungry, the poor those most vulnerable in society. Jesus loved all people, rich and poor, and actively cared for those in need. He urged his disciples to do the same. As followers of Christ, we are called to proclaim and embody God s reconciling love at all times and in all places. We work to end hunger and poverty in our communities, in our country, and in other countries. Throughout Scripture, God calls people into community and sets the expectation that leaders (whether they are kings, pharaohs, or elected officials) should care for their people. Therefore, we also reflect God s love by challenging individuals and institutions that have the power to change laws and structures that keep people vulnerable. As God s hands and feet in the world, we work toward a beloved community in which every person has an equal opportunity to thrive. The Offering of Letters is one opportunity for Christians to live out this commitment. It invites us to be good stewards, using our voices to encourage our elected representatives to take the necessary steps to end hunger. The Bread for the World Offering of Letters 2014 campaign is focused on reforming U.S. food assistance. The U.S. has been a leader in providing humanitarian aid, especially in times of international disasters. This food aid is distributed on the ground by international aid agencies, including Catholic Relief Services and Save the Children. The current model of food aid was adopted in the 1950 s and in current times, shows a lot of inefficiency. What is needed today is a model that enables food aid response to be more flexible and faster in our globalized world. Current practices make the shipment, distribution and use of food aid slow and cumbersome. Changes to the food-aid programs would allow food aid to benefit 17 million more people each year at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. During today s debates over the federal budget, the U.S. government needs to get as much life-saving aid as possible from funding that has decreased over the last several years. The reforms in international food aid what will be discussed further in the next five weeks are: * Flexibility in obtaining food. The importance of this effort will be discussed focusing on the 1000-day window project to increase nutrition to pregnant women and very young children as well as the benefits to local farmers in the region. * Increasing the nutritional quality of food aid. * Maintaining adequate funding for food assistance. No more shall there be in it An infant that lives but a few days, Or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;...they shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. Isaiah 65: 20a St. Thomas of Villanova

7 THE FAMILY LIFE COMMITTEE of ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA PARISH Welcomes you to celebrate Pentecost On Sunday, June 8, :00 A.M. BRUNCH in the Rosemont Auditorium Speaker: Fr. Joe Mostardi, O.S.A., Director of Worship at Villanova University Magic Show by Poly for younger children! We hope our school age children will stay to listen to Fr. Joe Mostardi Please RSVP for our continental breakfast by calling Kathy at or with the number of adults and children attending RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR ALL PARISHIONERS OF ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA You may have noticed that the Paper Retriever Recycling Bin has been returned to the Rosemont Chapel parking lot. Paper Retriever is an easy, free, community-based program for recycling. Adding this recycling program shows our commitment to recycling. All parishioners are invited to join us in this endeavor. The more paper items we collect and recycle, the more we will help the environment. Acceptable Paper Items Include: Newspapers Fax & Copy Paper Magazines Shopping Catalogs Shredded Paper (bagged) Mail Office & School Papers Envelopes & Folders Colored Paper Cardboard, Cans, Glass and Metal items are NOT acceptable. Since the bin is located in the parking lot, you can drop off your paper recyclables at any time. Thank you for your participation in this matter. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Center St. Thomas of Villanova

8 PARISH VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE ARCHDIOCESAN MANNA FOOD DRIVE Can you help with the Annual Archdiocesan MANNA Canned Food Collection on Sunday May 18th? The Manna Canned Food Collection affords our faith community an opportunity to express our concern for needy people living within the geographic area of our own Archdiocese. Many struggling families and individuals turn to our emergency food cupboard for support during times of crisis. While all ages are represented in the faces of hunger, sadly the burden of poverty rests most heartily on our children. Help is needed distributing Manna bags the weekend of May 10/11 (at whatever Mass you plan to attend) and help is needed taking the bags to the Auditorium after the Mass you will attend the weekend of May 17/18. If you can help deliver the food to our sister parish of St. Cyprian s in West Philadelphia, we can use your help! While children make up roughly 24% of our total population, they comprise one-third of the nation s poor. During the 2000s, the number of poor people living in the suburbs grew by 64% more than twice the growth rate in cities (29 percent). Hunger and Education Hungry Children are: 60% more likely to miss school 50% more likely to repeat a grade Twice as likely to be suspended from school Twice as likely to require special education. This information is from the Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger. Contact Anne Murphy at the Parish Center at the or service@stvparish.org. POSITION AVAILABLE ONE BOOK, ONE PARISH: ST. THOMAS READS One Book, One Parish: St. Thomas Reads is a parish-wide program created in 2006 to foster and widen the feeling of community among all parishioners. The goal of One Book, One Parish was to use non-fiction books to extend and deepen the level of participation in our faith community as we strive to love and experience God through worship, social justice, education and evangelization. Holy Child Academy, Drexel Hill, seeks a business manager. Bachelor s degree, good interpersonal and accounting skills, and a working knowledge of accounting software for non-profits are essential. Please cover letter and resume to though@holychildacademy.com. Past selections included: Left to Tell, The Soloist, Three Cups of Tea, Outcasts United, Have a Little Faith, Little Princes & Tattoos on the Heart. The committee members of One Book have decided to suspend the program for this year. While we still believe in its mission, low attendance and competing priorities require us to put the program on hold. If you have any questions or comments regarding this program, please submit them to the online suggestion box ( suggestion-box.html) or to the parish office St. Thomas of Villanova

9 Local Parish, School & Reunion Announcements Academy of Notre Dame de Namur Practice Sixth Grade and High School Entrance Exams for current fourth and seventh grade students will be held on Saturday, May 31, at 8:30am on Notre Dame s campus. A private, Catholic, college preparatory school for girls in grades 6-12, Notre Dame is located at 560 Sproul Road in Villanova. For more information, please visit or call Cardinal O Hara High School: Family Fair: April 30 to May 3 at 6:00pm. Held on school grounds, rides, food and family fun! St. Denis Parish Gym Havertown, PA Camp Curtain Call A theater Camp for Children ages 6-14, July 14th-18th 9:00am to 2:30pm Daily sessions in voice, dance and acting. Learn about stage makeup, auditions, and backstage work. A performance will be held at the end of the week. Cost: $190/camper before June 15th $200 after June 15th Discount for 2 or more per family $170/camper Lunch available for a fee Brochures and details are available Contact: Mary Agnes Ostick at or campcurtaincall1@gmail.com Radnor Township to Host an Electronics Recycling Event on May 10, 2014 for All Area Residents from 9:00am to 1:00pm De-clutter your home of obsolete and unwanted electronics. Radnor Township is proud to sponsor a recycling collection event on May 10, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Township Municipal Building located at 301 Iven Avenue. Fill up your car and our trained staff will unload while you stay in the comfort of your vehicle! This special e-waste recycling collection event is intended for items that are typically purchased throughout the year like toys, laptops, cell phones, small household appliances and much more. Anything with a Plug will be accepted and recycled except large appliances, smoke detectors, and rear-projection TVs. All materials collected will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner and for your security, ALL media data that is collected is destroyed. This service is provided by Radnor Township and all material collected will be processed by eforce Compliance, the first dual certified electronic recycler in the Delaware Valley. eforce provides a full staff of professional e-waste experts to handle and transport all material collected, and in the process creates sustainable green jobs. For more information on eforce Compliance and what types of material we accept and recycle, visit our web site at St. Joseph s Preparatory High School Summer Camp: Summer camp is to get an inside look at high school. St. Joe s has been prepping kinds since 1969, new 2 session format and stay and play extended. Go to POSITION AVAILABLE Merion Mercy Academy, an independent, all girls Catholic High School sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, has an opening for a full time Spanish teacher for the school year. Degree and certification required. Please submit a resume to Mary Ann Danovich, Vice President for Academic Affairs, by May 19th. Please mail to: Merion Mercy Academy 511 Montgomery Avenue Merion Station, PA Come and Follow Me Weekend Discernment Retreats Join the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer for a weekend to learn more about the daily life of Sisters - prayer, community, and ministry while taking time to listen to God in your own life. Weekend retreats for young women interested in discovering more about faith, discernment and religious life. May 30- June 1, 2014 August 8 10, 2014 All retreats begin 6pm Friday Offered by the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer 521 Moredon Rd Huntingdon Valley, PA Accessible by Public Transportation For more information or to participate please contact Sr. Ana or Sr. Katharina vocations@holyredeemer.com A Heritage of Hope and Healing St. Thomas of Villanova