September 30, 2018

Transcription

1 St. Thomas Aquinas Parish & School 955 Alton Road East Lansing, MI Office Phone: School Phone: September 30, 2018 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 Friday 8:10am Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 3:00-4:00pm 1 ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST Weekend Mass Times Sunday 8:00am,10:00am Noon, 5:00pm & 7:00pm Weekday Mass Times Monday, Wednesday & Friday 5:30pm Tuesday & Thursday 8:45pm Sacrament of Reconciliation Monday, Wednesday & Friday 4:00-5:00pm Tuesday & Thursday 7:30-8:30pm

2 TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME September 30, 2018 From Fr. Gary For I know well the plans I have in mind for you plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Please know of my continued prayers for us all. I do not have any new information to share, but I encourage us to take hope in the promise of God that he is working, even if we do not always see or understand. Both Fr. Jerry and I made ourselves available after our respective Masses last weekend to simply listen and talk with those who were interested. We know how difficult this time is, so please know that we, and all of us here, including the Pastoral Leadership Team, are here if you need anything. Over the past week, people have been asking if they can send notes and cards to Fr. Mark. If you would like to do so, please bring them to the office. We have been collecting them and will pass them onto Fr. Mark at the appropriate time. Please continue to pray for the victim, for Fr. Mark, and for everyone involved. Our Lady of Fatima Our Diocese is privileged to have a traveling statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The statue was first blessed by Bishop Povish and Fr. Mac was one of the priests in attendance. The statue s custodian, Mary Rademacher, asked if we would like to have Mary with us for the month of October. It will be very fitting to host the statue at this time, because just like Mary stood by the foot of the cross to support Christ, she stands by us in our time of trial as her spiritual children. Mother Mary, please intercede for us and our parish! Holy Hour for our Parish We hosted a Holy Hour with Adoration for the parish on Thursday, September 13 after receiving the Diocesan announcement. Several hundred people came to pray that evening and many mentioned how grateful they were for the opportunity. Knowing the power of prayer, we will be offering a Holy Hour, which will include a rosary and time for silent prayer, during the month of October, Tuesday evenings at 5:30pm at St. Thomas. As a parish, we also offer Adoration on Fridays at St. Thomas from 9:00am-12:30pm and at St. John from 1:00-5:00pm. 2 Fr. Ryan Farewell Events We are excited to have Fr. Ryan back in October for some farewell events. He will be celebrating an All School Mass at 8:10am on October 10. He will be returning on Sunday, October 28, to celebrate the 9:00am Mass at STA and the Noon Mass at SJSC. Following, there will be a BBQ at the STA Parish School gym from 1:30-3:00pm. Please come and thank Fr. Ryan for his service here at our parish and wish him well at St. John the Evangelist in Fenton. Senior Ministry Trip with Fr. Jerry Fr. Jerry is going to Greenfield Village on October 10, sponsored by the Senior Ministry. He hopes to have many people join him for a great trip I know it will not be boring with Fr. Jerry at the helm! You can find the full details in the bulletin. Food I want to thank all those who so generously have offered to make food. Maureen Zalba has coordinated an online meal train and if you are interested in helping, you can contact her at maureenzalba@comcast.net. I appreciate the help! May the Lord guide each of you this coming week and remember that He has plans, not for our woe, but a future full of hope. God bless, Contact Information: Fr. Ryan Riley St. John Catholic Church 600 N. Adelaide St. Fenton, MI Parish phone: rriley@stjohnfenton.org Coffee & Donuts Next Sunday at SJSC Come downstairs following the 8:00am and 10:00am Masses to enjoy coffee, donuts and fellowship with others! Sunday, Oct. 14: Pancake Breakfast in School Gym Sunday, Oct. 21: Coffee & Donuts at STA i

3 Wednesday, October 10, 2018 All-Inclusive Trip on a Dean Transportation Motor Coach from St. Thomas. Mass: 8:10am Depart: 8:45am Return: 7:00pm All Gratuities Included Combination ticket to BOTH Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford Museum $100 per person non-refundable Ride pass for all Greenfield Village Transportation Limited to 47 people Exclusive 1800's family style dinner at the Historic Eagle Tavern at 1:30pm. Help Spread the Faith - September Register in either office or at: elcatholics.org/fall-trip March With Us This is a special collection is held each year to make our own local evangelization efforts like FAITH magazine and the televised Outreach Mass possible. By supporting the Help Spread the Faith Appeal, you will help us continue to answer Christ s call to reach out with the Gospel message. The St. Thomas Aquinas community will again be walking in the MSU Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 5. We would love to have fellow parishioners and Catholic Spartans join us as our parish prides itself on helping our children grow in faith from Tartans to Spartans! Special envelopes are in the gathering spaces of both churches this weekend. With a $5 donation, each registered walker will receive a long-sleeved, Tartans to Spartans t-shirt to wear proudly during the parade. If you are unable to make a donation to receive a t-shirt, please contact the STA school office. MSU students will receive their t-shirts for free. Go to N8D7GQK to complete your registration by no later than 9:00pm, Sunday, September 30. Thank you for your support! Bishop Boyea Announced a Year of Prayer to Encourage the Formation of Missionary Disciples We are all called to seek the eternal happiness of living as a disciple of Christ and to share that joy with others around us. Deadline to Sign-Up for Confirmation is October 15 (For Students 9th Grade or Older) Father, You invite each of us to share in the life and ministry of your Son, Jesus. Send your Holy Spirit to form our parish as a community of missionary disciples. Teach us how to hear Jesus, to love Jesus, and to share your gift of salvation with everyone we meet. There will be one final confirmation meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 2: 6:00-7:00pm in Baraga Room Any students/parents contacting us after October 15 will be enrolled in the Confirmation program. If you have questions or want to learn more, contact Josh at jhamilton@elcatholics.org. Through the witness and intercession of Mary guide me to deepen my commitment as a disciple of Jesus. Lead our parish to grow as an intentional community, committed to go an announce the Gospel of the Lord. We ask these blessings in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 3 Please pick-up a copy of our Prayers for Priests calendar for October. Give thanks for all our priests do for us by praying for them!

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 The Details When: 6:00pm October 12-1:00pm October 14 Where: Bethany House, DeWitt, MI Why: Catholic Spartan retreats are awesome How many can go: 106 undergrads Cost: $60 (all-inclusive) Register: CHALDEAN CATHOLIC MASS with Fr. John Jaddou Tuesday, October 2 at 8:45pm In this engaging talk, historian Prof. Leslie Tentler will discuss the ecclesial issues that divided Catholicism in the wake of the Council, principally liturgical reform, birth control, divorce and remarriage, as well as the impact of racial politics in Detroit on Catholic attitudes toward reform. All are invited to join us in room CIP 115 in the International Center on campus. College Men's Group Present Over Perfect 7:00pm - Monday, October 1 Student Lounge, downstairs SJSC Theotokos Catholic College Women's Group Present Over Perfect 7:00pm - Monday, October 1 Women's Lounge, Rm 13 downstairs SJSC 4 All students & parishioners are invited to help us welcome Fr. John Jaddou, an MSU grad and newly ordained priest from the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle for a Chaldean Mass. This is a fabulous opportunity to learn about Eastern Rites in Catholicism. Grad Student & Young Professional Group Join us for the i.d. 916 Disciple Night A regional gathering of Catholic Young Adults FIRST LOVE WITH KRIS FRANK St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Ave, Lansing Thursday, October 4 Mass at 6:30pm in the Cathedral Crypt Dinner at 7:15pm Local testimony begins at 7:45pm Talk begins at 8:00pm To join our Facebook group & list, contact us at stjohnsgroup@gmail.com.

5 THIS Sunday, September 30! After the Morning Masses at STA in the Parish School Gym Free Pancake Breakfast will be served by our Knights! (Free Will Donation Accepted) Learn What s Happening This Fall in Our Parish! Parish Mission Night is Coming! Thursday evening, October 18 Mark your calendars now to join us for this special Mission Night on October 18 beginning at 7:00pm. The 1% Challenge is the theme of our evening presented by Evangelical Catholic focusing on a challenge to pray 15 minutes daily. What a fitting theme following on Bishop Boyea s announcement at the end of our Diocesan Assembly calling for another Year of Prayer! It is a parish mission offered at both of our parish sites while students are encouraged to attend at St. John, and permanent community to participate at St. Thomas Aquinas, anyone can attend either location. Meanwhile, please save the date! October is Respect Life Month Every Life: Cherished/Chosen/Sent... The essence of our identity is that we are created in God s image and likeness and loved by Him. Nothing can diminish the priceless worth of any human life. Every person is cherished. God creates every person for eternal union with Himself and continually invites us to embrace a loving relationship with Him. Every person is chosen. We are called to be messengers of God s love, treating one another as cherished and chosen by Him. In doing so, we help build a culture that respects all human life. Every person is sent. (USCCB flyer for Respect Life Sunday for the full script see flyer in formation racks, along with other respect life materials.) Bring Your Creatures, Great, and Small Blessing of the Animals Wednesday Mornings 10:00-11:45am Beginning this Wednesday, October 3 In celebration of St. Francis Day on October 4, we will have the annual blessing of the animals. Sunday, October 7, 2:30pm at Meet by the Bell Tower Eucharistic Adoration Fridays, 9:00am 1:00pm - St. Thomas Aquinas Fridays, 1:00pm 5:00pm - St. John Church Our usual Bible Study will continue on Wednesday mornings, beginning October 3, from 10:00 to 11:45am in the Fireplace Room of the former STA rectory. We will continue with the final chapters of The Book of Revelation. In addition, the Bishop Barron videos on The Mass will be shown in the same Fireplace Room from 9:15-9:45am for six weeks. All are welcome to join us for either one or both of these sessions. Space is limited, so please register with Carol Ann if you plan on attending. It s a GIFT! Want to spend a few minutes each week Growing In Faith Together? Join our GIFT meetings on Sunday mornings, starting October 7! We meet between Masses (~10:05-10:55am) at the STA School in room 126. This small Lectio Divina group is open to adults of all ages. For more information or to inquire about childcare, contact Debbie Lewis at dlewis@elcatholics.org or x334. 5

6 ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY For Women of All Ages Who Wish to Serve the Church E. L. Catholics Network, a local affiliate of NETWORK, the national Catholic social justice lobby, is happy to announce that: Nuns on the Bus will bring their tour for Economic justice to St. Thomas Aquinas in East Lansing on Wine & Cheese Get Together for All Women of the Parish Friday, October 19, at 7:00pm in the STA School Gym Come and bring a friend! Take some time for You! Wednesday, October 10, 6:00-10:00pm In the Baraga Room at St. Thomas Aquinas. Sponsored by: RAS For more information go to our website ELCNetwork.org or contact Ed Welch at EdMWelch@Gmail.com or Al Weilbaecher at al@elcatholics.org or Bereavement Support Group Faculty / Community Book Discussion Group If you are struggling with loss in your life, we are here for you! We meet every other Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Dining Room of the former rectory at STA. Our next gathering is on Wednesday, October 3, 6:00-8:00pm. If you would like more information about this faith-based bereavement support group, please contact Al Weilbaecher at For October our book discussion group we will be reading and discussing Finding Darwin s God: A Scientist s Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution, by Kenneth Miller. We meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Thursday, October 4, we will be discussing the first five chapters of the book. We will discuss the remainder of the book on Thursday, October 18. We will meet at St. John from 5:30-7:00pm in the Library. All are welcomed to join us! Fruits of the Holy Spirit Monday Evening, October 1, 7:00-8:30pm Faith Sharing Questions for Next Sunday s Gospel In the Baraga Room at STA We invite you to prepare for next Sunday, Oct. 7, by reflecting on the Gospel reading: Fruits of the Holy Spirit will be the theme of our session on Monday evening, October 1. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control Mark 10:2 16 or Mark 10:2 12 [Jesus said,] But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female...so they are no longer two but one flesh. Come to all or come for any one of the sessions being held on Monday evenings: October 22, 29, November 12, 26, & December 10. Questions? Please contact Al Weilbaecher at or al@elcatholics.org. 6 Do I offer support, rather than judgment, to those who have experienced abuse or divorce? Do I celebrate all the good things my spouse or loved ones offer me? Do I thank them?

7 Parents of Religious Ed Students: Classes start next weekend October 7-8. You will receive your child's room number on October 3 so check your . Remember the doors of the school will be unlocked 15 minutes prior to a class starting and will lock down 10 minutes after class starts. They will unlock again 10 minutes before class ends. We have installed new classroom locks on all doors for extra protection. The REMIND phone/ app is used for all emergency situations (snowstorms, tornadoes, lockdowns, etc.). All of our volunteer catechists/ teachers are VIRTUS: Protecting God's Children program trained as well as criminal background checked. Your child's welfare is our priority. Catechists: Please join me for the pancake breakfast this morning in the school gym after each Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas so you can pick up your materials as classes start next weekend. Thank you from the Parish for donating your time to teaching our children their FAITH. For 7 & 8 Graders Join us for Middle School Youth Group! We ll have topics each night, discuss in small group(s), and spend the remainder of the time socializing and playing games! Any questions, jhamilton@elcatholics.org. Tuesday, October 9, 6:00-8:00pm Josh s Office/Youth Room (Basement at STA) Tuesday, December 4, 6:00-8:00pm Christmas Party! One Night, Once a Year, For All Parish Ministries Many hands are needed to make this Parish wide event a success. If you are interested in helping out with the event, please contact Denise Z. at St. John, sjsecretary@elcatholics.org or Pray for the Sick & Deceased Please Join Us at the STA Scholastic Book Fair! With a wide variety of books for readers of all ages, it is a great time to start your Christmas shopping early! Located in the school library. All are welcome! Sunday, September 30: 10:00am-12:30pm Monday, October 1: 8:00am-3:30pm Tuesday, October 2: 8:00am-3:30pm Wednesday, October 3: 8:00am-7:00pm Thursday, October 4: 8:00am-3:30pm Friday, October 5: 8:00am-3:30pm St. John St. Vincent De Paul Welcome Meeting Have you wondered what the St. Vincent De Paul Society does? Would you like to be involved with the food cupboard? Could you or your family help with preparing or serving a meal at Advent House, or Christmas baskets? Now is your chance to learn more and make a difference. All are invited to attend our next meeting on Wednesday, October 10, at 7:15pm in room 17/18 at SJC. We are looking for energetic new members! You can learn about our ministries and how you can help. Please join us in this important work serving those in need in our community. If you are unable to attend the meeting but want to get involved, please contact Dan at dandkvan@comcast.net or All are welcome! For all who are struggling with ill health: May God strengthen them, give them hope, and guide them to the assistance that they need. We embrace in prayer: Tom Brennan, Sr., and Tom Brennan, Jr., and those listed in our Book of Prayer. For those who have died: May Christ call them close to himself and welcome them to share in the joy of God s presence forever. We remember: Beatrice Mangino, Fr. Francis Mossholder, and Anthony Gallegos.

8 Lansing s 27th Annual Life Chain Sunday, October 7, 2:30-3:30pm Next Sunday is Lansing s Annual LIFE CHAIN. Please join us on Grand River at M.A.C. in downtown East Lansing at 2:30pm for an hour of prayer for our nation. This is a beautiful way to express our gratitude for God s gift of life, while reminding our community that life is sacred and abortion is not the solution to an unplanned pregnancy. If you need additional information, phone Ann Zygmontowicz at OFFERTORY Actual Offertory through September 16, 2018 $490,081 Budgeted Offertory through September 16, 2018 $508,122 Deficit: $ 18,041 Please Note: The fiscal year began 7/1/2018. Offertory consists of cash and checks given at Mass, electronic giving from parishioners, and stock gifts. Christian Service - Matthew 25 September 16: Capital Region Community Foundation which funds Ciudad de los Ninos/City of Children Orphanage will receive $1,960 to provide desperately needed shelter for children in a safe, loving atmosphere, and provide the children in the orphanage with medical support and vocational education opportunities. September 30: The Society of Jesus - Fund for the Disabled is part of the ministry of Jesuit Father Joe Mulligan in Nicaragua. Father Mulligan works with Christian base communities and uses the funds to provide vital assistance to desperately poor, disabled people. Those he serves include persons who are blind and paralyzed. October 7: Community Partners International provides primary health care to over one million in conflict torn Myanmar in areas where there are no hospitals or doctors. Thank your for your generosity! Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults This Sunday the catechumens, candidates, and their sponsors gathered to consider the topic, "The Tenth Commandment". Striving to amass material wealth is futile and pointless. Living for oneself may not be criminal, but it is foolish. A person can have an abundance of possessions while living a wasted life. Material things can lead to greed. We need to be careful that our possessions do not possess us. The Tenth Commandment (you shall not covet your neighbor's goods) tries to move us to look at the interior attitudes of greed and envy. Those major sins can lead to a pattern of sin. On the positive side, the Tenth Commandment calls us to practice a poverty of spirit called detachment. With this type of virtue, it is easier for the Christian to practice a generosity of the heart. Jesus preaches a poverty of the heart and sets an example for his disciples to renounce an excessive attachment to things for the sake of the kingdom of God. Having such an attitude can be difficult in a society which continually pressures us to seek more and better possessions. Look to chapter 34 in The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults for more information about the Tenth Commandment. This past Tuesday and this Sunday the inquirers and their sponsors explored the Catholic approach to the bible. They received an overview of the Bible, how it was formulated over a span of 1,500 years, and the key part it plays in the life of the Church. They learned the difference between a literal interpretation of the Bible and an approach which takes into account the circumstances of the people to whom a particular book was first addressed and the purpose of the author. Each inquirer received a bible which they will now take with them on their journey of faith in the RCIA process. 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 pries@elcatholics.org. 8

9 Events In Our Parish Monday, October 1, :00pm RAS Charity Quilt Group (STA) 6:00pm Christian Family Movement Group (STA) 6:15pm Centering Prayer (SJSC) 7:00pm The Wild Goose DVD Series (STA) Tuesday, October 2, :00am Faith Sharing Group (STA) 5:30pm Holy Hour (STA) 6:00pm Confirmation Sign-up (STA) 6:30pm Couple Prayer Reunion (STA) 7:00pm RCIA Inquiry (SJSC) Wednesday, October 3, :00am Bible Study (STA) 3:00pm Cherub Choir Rehearsal (STA) 5:00pm EC Small Group Leaders Training (STA) 6:00pm Bereaved Support Group (STA) 7:00pm Fulfilled DVD Series (STA) 7:00pm St. Vincent de Paul Meeting (STA) Thursday, October 4, :00pm Seraph Choir Arts & Craft (STA) 3:45pm Seraph Choir Rehearsal (STA) 5:00pm EC Small Group Leaders Training (STA) 5:30pm Faculty/Community Book Discussion (SJSC) 6:30pm STA 9:00am Choir Rehearsal (STA) 7:00pm Grad Students & Young Professional (SMC) 7:30pm STA 11:00am Choir Rehearsal (STA) Friday, October 5, :00am-1:00pm Eucharistic Adoration (STA) 1:00-5:00pm Eucharistic Adoration (SJSC) Saturday, October 6, :00am Food Cupboard (SJSC) Sunday, October 7, :00am & 11:00an Nursery (STA) 9:00am & 11:00am Coffee & Donuts (SJSC) 10:00am Nursery (SJSC) 10:00am 11:00am Choir Rehearsal (STA) 10:05am High School Morning Youth Group (STA) 11:00am RCIA (SJSC) 2:00pm RCIA Inquiry (SJSC) 2:30pm Blessing of the Pets (STA Bell Tower) 4:30pm High School Afternoon Youth Group (STA) Special African Mass Everyone is invited to attend the African Mass on Sunday, October 7 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. The Bishop from Burundi is coming to say the Mass. There will be several adults who will be confirmed then. Please hold them in your prayers. 9 Mass Intentions Monday, October 1, :30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Robert Koskey req. by Linda Torreano-Ouahmane 5:30pm (St. John) Eleanor Oliva req. by the Oliva Family Tuesday, October 2, :30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Communion Service Only 8:45pm (St. John) Vincent & Assunta Pecora req. by Gina Pecora Wednesday, October 3, :30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Communion Service Only 5:30pm (St. John) Thursday, October 4, :30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Communion Service Only 8:45pm (St. John) Pam Ingraham req. by John Ingraham Friday, October 5, :30am (St. Thomas Aquinas) George Merva req. by the Friday Breakfast Group 8:10am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Rosemary Bettman req. by Sally A. Strode 5:30pm (St. John) Saturday, October 6, :30pm (St. John) Holy Family First Saturday Memorial Mass & Intentions Sunday, October 7, :00am (St. John) People of the Parish 9:00am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Mr. Rundle req. by Loretta Subhi 10:00am (St. John) Sally Spalsbury req. by Kischa Passamani & Danette Gross 11:00am (St. Thomas Aquinas) Lawrence Giacoletto req. by Carol Giacoletto 12:00pm (St. John) Fr. Tom McDivitt req. by Friends of Fr. Tom 5:00pm (St. John) Thaddeus Pemberton req. by Ann McMillan 7:00pm (St. John) Veronica Snyder req. by Paul & Jane Wei The Outreach Mass can be seen on ABC affiliate WLAJ Channel 3. It airs Sundays at 6:00am and 10:00am.

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