ST. THOMAS AQUINAS. Learning, Living and Sharing the Good News SCRIPTURE REFLECTION. Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 6, 2018

Transcription

1 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS Roman Catholic Church 8320 Old C.R. #54 New Port Richey, FL Phone Web Page: Pastor: Rev. Eric Peters Associate Pastor: Rev. George P. Varkey Deacon: Rev. Mr. Melvin Dunphy STA Early Childhood Center: ; Bishop Larkin Catholic School (K-8): ; Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School: Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 6, 2018 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION Today s Gospel (John 15:9-17) follows immediately after the Gospel of last week, in which Jesus taught that he was the vine and that his disciples were the branches. With the example of the vine and the branches, we learned that our connection with Jesus will lead to fruitful service. Today s scripture continues this teaching by describing the kind of service that we as Christians today are called upon to offer to others. When John wrote this Gospel, his community was influenced by a set of religious beliefs called Gnosticism. One of the tenets of Gnostic teaching was the importance of knowledge, or gnosis, as the determining aspect of faith. Today s Gospel can be looked at as a response to this teaching. Jesus affirms that he is known by the Father and that his disciples will know the Father by knowing Jesus. But then Jesus reminds his disciples that this knowledge is to be expressed in love. Those who know Jesus well will love one another well. Knowledge leads to love, which leads to action. Jesus taught that love is the true sign of discipleship the true sign of a Christian. His message goes even deeper teaching that a true disciple shows a certain kind of love a love that serves based on friendship, not obligation. The disciples of Jesus were chosen and were sent into the world to bear fruit by serving others, by sacrificing for others - in love and friendship. May we define that kind of discipleship by our lives today! Learning, Living and Sharing the Good News

2 FATHER ERIC FORMING A GOSPEL CHOIR FOR THE FESTIVAL! If you like great music and you can sing on key, I would like to very kindly invite you to be part of a gospel choir that I m forming for the purpose of performing at our parish festival in November. The music I will be doing is high-energy Clint Brown gospel that moves the heart, mind, body and soul! November may seem a long way off, but with so many people going away on vacation in the summer, we will need to start soon. Please note the date has been changed. Rehearsals will be Monday, May 14th and Monday, May 28th at 7:00pm in the parish center. I ve done these songs with gospel choirs in my last two parishes, and it s been a huge hit, and nothing can prepare you for the excitement that this show will generate! In His love, Father Eric Assessment $194,977 Pledged $77,438 Families 425 Updated 4/30/18 Blessed are we Through the Annual Pastoral Appeal, the people of God in the Diocese of St Petersburg support over 50 ministries, programs and services to thousands across five counties. Our appeal is truly an opportunity for every Catholic household to help further the mission of the church, to become a part of the everyday miracles we experience through sharing our gifts as good stewards. Be a part of the blessing - make your gift today! Readings for the Week of May 6, 2018 Sunday: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 /1 Jn 4:7-10/Jn 15:9-17 Monday: Acts 16:11-15/Ps 149:4a/Jn 15:26--16:4a Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34/Ps 138:7c/Jn 16:5-11 Wednesday: Acts 17:15, :1/Ps 148/ Jn 16:12-15 Thursday: Acts 18:1-8/Ps 98:2b/Jn 16:16-20 (Opt. Acts 20:17-18a, 28-32, 36/Ps 40:8a and 9a/ Jn 10:11-16) Friday: Acts 18:9-18/Ps 47:8a/Jn 16:20-23 Saturday: Acts 18:23-28/Ps 47:8a/Jn 16:23b-28 (Opt. Rev 7:9-17/Ps 124:7/Mt 10:17-22) (Opt. Rev. 19:1, 5-9a/Ps 103:1/Mt 11:25-30) Next Sunday: Acts 1:1-11/Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9/ Eph 1:17-23/Mark 16:15-20 Weekend Readings are at (727) Mass Intentions Monday 8:00 a.m. Fortunato Panella Tuesday 8:00 a.m. Jo Ann Jack Wednesday 8:00 a.m. Vocations Thursday 8:00 a.m. Ray Lydon Friday 8:00 a.m. Jo Ann Jack Saturday 4:00 p.m. For All Mothers 6:00 p.m. For All Mothers Sunday 7:00 a.m. For All Mothers 8:30 a.m. For All Mothers 10:30 a.m. For All Mothers 5:00 p.m. For All Mothers LEGISLATIVE ALERT The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) supports H.R. 4796, the Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act of This is a bipartisan bill that offers a path to citizenship to Dreamers and augments existing border security technology at the U.S./Mexico border. For more information or to send a message to Congress in support of this bill, visit and click on Take Action, and then Action Alerts.

3 Parish Calendar Mon. 05/07 6PM Life Teen Core Team; 7PM Prayer Group Tues. 05/08 9AM Ladies Guild Rosary Makers; 10AM Bereavement; 1PM Ladies Guild Mtg/Ice Cream Social; 6PM Girl Scouts; 7PM Boy Scouts; 7PM Cont. Choir Wed. 05/09 9AM Legion of Mary; 2PM Women s Bible Study; 7PM Choir Thurs. 05/10 1PM Catholic Daughters; 4PM Girl Scouts; 5:45PM Girl Scouts; Fri. 05/11 Sat. 05/12 Sun. 05/13 7PM Bible Study 11AM ECC Mothers Day Tea; 8PM AA 5PM Mass Life Teen Offertory - April 28th and 29th $15, Online Giving $16, Total The Ladies Guild May Crowning And Ice Cream Social The Ladies Guild May General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 1PM, beginning with the rosary. A celebration of our Blessed Mother Mary, followed by an oldfashioned ice cream social, will close out the Guild Season. We hope you will be able to attend! Mass and Devotions Schedule Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Contemporary) and 5:00 p.m. (LifeTeen ) Daily Mass: 8:00 a.m. Monday-Friday Healing Mass: 7:00 p.m. Monday (September - June) Holy Rosary after 8:00 a.m. Mass, Mon-Fri, in Blessed Sacrament Chapel Marian Novena after 8:00 a.m. Mass on Tuesdays Benediction & Adoration: 1st Fridays 8:30 10:00 a.m. (September May) Reconciliation: Saturday 2:30-3:30 p.m. or by appt. Parish Information Office hours 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Monday-Friday, Sunday mornings. Call for information. Phone: (727) Fax: (727) Website: Prayer Line: (727) Emergency Number for Anointing of the Sick: Nights & Weekends (727) Administration Business Office Fax: (727) Pastoral Ministries Coordinator: Mary Miller Ext 111 Parish Bookkeeper: Cherise Amundson Ext. 115 Bulletin Editor: Kate Ext. 113 Parish Ministry Faith Formation Team Leader Sue Sferra Ext. 132 Faith Formation Assistant Denise Santos Ext. 112 Middle School (Edge) Sue Sferra Ext. 132 High School (Life Teen) - Beth DeBella and Cliff Stodden Ext. 131 RCIA Sue Sferra Ext. 132 Music - Dan O Hara Ext. 128 Parish Nurse, Ministry to the Sick & Homebound Betty West Ext. 116 Sacristan - JoAnn McVeigh Ext. 129 Stewardship Mary Ellen Taylor Ext. 144 St. Vincent de Paul Society Ext. 142 STA Early Childhood Center Alicia Mumma, Director (727) Food Pantry: Monday & Thursday 9:30-11:00am & 1:30-3:30pm Gift Store: Open before/after 4 pm Saturday and 10:30 am Sunday Masses Parish Library: Open during office hours Coffee & Donuts fellowship hours Sept. - May After 8:30 Mass

4 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest [Matt 11:28] Shalom Retreat Tampa JUNE 8-10, 2018, Friday 8:30 AM Sunday 4:00 PM SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH 4450 County Road 579, Seffner FL Register at or call us at Registration fee $125 (meals included) Contact: Nancy Thomas: / Annu Joe: / Beth DeBella: Annie Kavumkal: / Dr. Maria Planthara: / Sally Hazzard: Lisa Sullivan: / Linda McCarroll:

5 Knight s Korner Knights of Columbus Council #11497 May 3rd May Business June 7 th June Business Interested in becoming a Knight? Visit and contact our recruitment coordinator Bob Neider (614) to find out more Thank you to Chris Scura and Pasco Window and Doors for installing a needed window in an inside church door to keep us compliant with child protection guidelines. Chris also caulked all the windows in our parish center they had been leaking big time. Our parish family is grateful for his generosity and sharing of his time and talents! VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT OPPORTUNITY Are you, or someone you know, seeking a life of Prayer & Community? Maybe it s a call from God. The Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo, FL offer a TIME FOR SEEKERS single, Catholic, women in good health, ages of something considering a call to religious life. This time is a sharing in their life of prayer and community, to listen with the ear of the heart for God s call. Are you interested? Space is limited. Call, , or , vocation@saintleo.edu and ask to register. A Day at Bishop Larkin Catholic School Home of the Cougars! Our students flourish in faith, compassion, service and leadership Schedule a tour today and let us show you why our students succeed and shine! Contact Valerie at office@bishoplarkin.org The monthly collection for the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be following every Mass next weekend, May 12 th and 13th, So far during the month of April, 2,555 pounds of food has fed 74 families and 208 people. Your generosity helps us provide help to the needy! THANK YOU! Warm smiles and a welcoming presence needed! We are in need of Ministers of Hospitality at our 4:00 and 6:00 Saturday masses, and our 7, 8:30 and 5pm Sunday masses. Please contact the parish office or speak with an usher if you are interested.

6 MARY IN MODERN TIMES COURSE ON MARIAN SPIRITUALITY The Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence 702 South Bayview Avenue, Clearwater, FL Course: June Mon. Fri. from 7 to 9 p.m. Fee: $ Phone MARY IN MODERN TIMES, instructed by Dr. Peter Howard, Mariologist, author and international Catholic speaker. The focus of this course is Marian Spirituality, including Biblical Marian spirituality, Church teaching on Mary since Vatican II, the ole of doctrine in spirituality, relation of Holy Spirit and Mary in spirituality, Mary s role in spiritual growth, direction and discernment. Baby Bottles for Campaign to benefit West Pasco Pregnancy Center are available in the narthex. Please fill Baby Bottle with change and return it by May 13. For information, call (727) or visit You are called to stand up for life! To respect and defend the mystery of life always and everywhere, including the lives of unborn babies, giving real help and encouragement to mothers in difficult situations. You are called to work and pray against abortion. St. John Paul II CONSECRATION TO MARY The Diocese of St. Petersburg Will Be Consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on May 6th In an effort to lead all people closer to the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Gregory Parkes will consecrate the parishes, schools, charities, ministries and all people who live in the five counties of the Diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. All are invited to the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg) on May 6 at 3 p.m. for a Holy Hour led by Bishop Parkes to take part in this special celebration during the 50 th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Bishop Larkin Catholic School is completing their new multi-purpose building. If you would like to finance the purchase of a chair ($75.00), or a table ($125.00) in memory of a loved one, please contact the school at EWTN TO AIR DOCUMENTARY ON THE FLORIDA MARTYRS ON JUNE 6, 2018 Famed Miracle Hunter Michael O Neill s EWTN series They Might Be Saints will air a special one-hour episode on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. EDT featuring the proposed Martyrs of la Florida. The cause for the Martyrs of la Florida is currently being prepared for submission to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. Bishop Gregory Parkes and Diocese of St. Petersburg priest, Father Len Plazewski, are interviewed on the program.

7 Faith Formation For All! Sixth Sunday of Easter Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; From 1 John 4 In this weekend s scripture, we are reminded of love and of friendship. In the second reading (1 John 4: 7-10) the word love is used 9 times. In the Gospel (John 15: 9-17) the word love is again used 9 times. In the Gospel, Jesus called his disciples friends. A friend freely & generously loves, without counting the cost. This is the kind of unconditional love Jesus is referring to. AS A FAMILY, how will you show your generous love & friendship to one another in the week ahead? Pray for that spirit of generosity to help guide your way: Prayer for Generosity Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God, Teach me true generosity. Teach me to serve you as you deserve. To give without counting the cost, To fight heedless of wounds, To labor without seeking rest, To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward Save the knowledge that I have done your will. Amen. Our next Baptism Enrichment Session (for parents, godparents, grandparents preparing for an infant child s baptism) will take place Sunday May 20th at 9AM. Contact Sue to register. HIGH SCHOOL LIFE NIGHT CONTINUES on campus AS FOLLOWS 5/6 Life Night 5/13 NO Life Night *Mother s Day Flower Sale 5/20 Life Night 6/3 Life Night While K- 8 weekly classroom sessions have concluded for the year, remember formation continues forever! Registration for the Formation Year is NOW OPEN online and at parish office front reception desk. Congratulations and Blessings to our First Communicants & their Families! The Sacrament of First Communion has been joyfully celebrated during Masses this weekend and last weekend. Special THANKS to the STA Ladies Guild for prayerfully providing rosary beads for all First Communicants! Shipwrecked: Rescued By Jesus! Vacation Bible School JULY :45AM-Noon Registration NOW OPEN! Forms online stanpr.org or at the front desk of parish office during office hours