CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS MORE GLENDALE, AZ October 4, 2015 Liturgy Happy Feast Day Francis! October 4 is the Feast Day of St. Francis, therefore a special day for anyone bearing his name. But there s one Francis in particular who I pray has a blessed day - Pope Francis, who last week inspired us all with his words and actions during his whirlwind US visit. Francis is the first pontiff to choose that name, and his choice was significant. The former Jorge Bergoglio seems to model his life after his patron Saint, living simply, loving the poor and calling on us all to care for the earth. In his Encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis cited the inspiration of his patron, whom he calls the example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically. (LS 10). He continues What is more, Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness. (LS 12) Prayer of St. Thomas More: Give us, good Lord, the grace to work for the things we pray for. Our warmest welcome to all who worship with our parish family, whether long time registered or newly arrived in the parish. If you are not registered, please stop by the Parish Office and pick up a registration form. For your convenience a drop box is located outside the Parish Office front doors if you wish to leave paperwork when the office is closed. Please do not leave checks or cash. Pope Francis wraps up his Encyclical by tying the Mass, the Eucharist, into that infinite beauty: It is in the Eucharist that all that has been created finds its greatest exaltation The Eucharist joins heaven and earth; it embraces and penetrates all creation. The world which came forth from God s hands returns to him in blessed and undivided adoration. (LS 236) Francis reminds us that our Sunday celebrations commemorate the Day of Resurrection, the first day of the new creation, whose first fruits are the Lord s risen humanity, the pledge of the final transfiguration of all created reality. (LS 237) Speaking to Congress last week, the Pope called for a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps, and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity. I am convinced that we can make a difference. Let us work together to make that difference for our world, which St. Francis called Mother Earth in his famous prayer of peace. Steve Raml Liturgy & Music Director HAPPY 18TH ANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 4 Thank you St. Thomas More members for your support and prayers. NIGHT OF EXTRAVAGENT WORSHIP 2 Monday, October 5, 7:00 p.m. STM is hosting an evening of musical praise and worship with music ministers from all over the Diocese, including some of our own singers and instrumentalists from the St. Thomas More music ministries. All are invited and bring your friends! CONGRATULATIONS and welcome to the recently baptized members of the St. Thomas More community: Diego DiGiacinto-Alcos, Anthony Posillico, Ford Puchta, Lukas Renteria, Gwenivere Turski, Daniella Wallen
TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Adult Formation THE LORD JESUS, THE GENTLE JUDGE This is motu proprio Pope Francis gave to the Church on annulments. Pope Francis did not change the traditional teaching of the Church concerning sacramental marriage and indissolubility. So what did Pope Francis do and why? A year ago he asked Msgr. Alejandro Bung, his cannon lawyer from Argentina, to chair a committee along with other cannon lawyers to examine and make recommendations to him. This issue was brought up at the Synod of the Eucharist in 2005 under Pope Benedict XVI. Little was done about the annulment process in the ensuing years. Pope Francis has put in place structures and procedures that will make the church a more merciful and compassionate judge on former marriages. Our media have again misunderstood what the Pope has done. He did not singlehandedly decide recently that the church could now forgive the sin of abortion as if it had never been done (only the bishop of a diocese could give this absolution) and now in the Year of Mercy parish priests may forgive this sin beginning on December 8, 2015. The Holy Father, as with abortion, is acting with love and forgiveness as he is now having the church reach out to the divorced and remarried. This new process is not a quickie annulment or what people say in derision, Catholic Divorce. This is a sacred discernment to examine their marriage. The process still holds up Sacramental Marriage and indissolubility as well as the Church s recognition of failure/sin in marriages as well as the Sacrament of Reconciliation: 1. There will be no appeal to a second court realizing that the right of appeal, by either party stands. 2. In cases where both parties believe a Sacramental Marriage did not take place. 3. There is no fee. 4. The Bishop of the diocese has been reaffirmed as the pastor of a diocese and with the assistance of canon lawyers may give a decree of nullity without going to a second court outside his diocese. The Holy Father wants all people and those in an invalid marriage be treated with care and hope. The Church knows there have been second marriages that are twenty, thirty, and yes, 50 years who desire to be one with their Church. Today s gospel, the Pharisees were tested in their testing. We are unworthy to bring ourselves to Jesus for his healing touch, but we do. It is always that Jesus welcomes the children after he speaks boldly and reminding us we are all his children. Even in the gospel Jesus does not put away any one and Pope Francis wants us to know neither does the Church. The context for Pope Francis is always love and mercy, which will undoubtedly give hope for many, but discomfort to many as well. My prayer is that we will hold up marriage as a vocation and pray for couples right along with praying for priests and those in religious life. (This article is put together with the permission of Commonweal Magazine, September 25, 2015, Robert Mickens; Thinking Faith, an online mission of the Jesuits of Canada, September 25, 2015 Brendan Callaghan, SJ.) SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 3:00-6:00 P.M. Bring the family and celebrate the founding of St. Thomas More! This event is your opportunity to meet new families, enjoy activities with your families and celebrate our accomplishments! Food, Beverages, Beer Garden, Inflatables, Rock Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampoline, Music, Photo Booth, Games, Popcorn, Cotton Candy Mary Ann Ronan
Youth Ministry Grades 6-12 The youth ministry calendar is available in the Parish Office or email Kari Beth kbpaulk@stmglendale.org. FIRE (6th - 8th grades) Sunday session will meet in the Parish Hall, October 4, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Wednesday session will meet in the Parish Hall, October 7, 6:00-7:30 p.m. t.u.f. (9th - 12th grades) Sunday, October 4, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Parish Hall In observance of Columbus Day, t.u.f. and FIRE WILL NOT meet the following dates: Sunday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 14 Y.E.S. (Young Enthusiastic Seniors 60+) Potluck Luncheon, Wednesday, October 14 12:00 Noon, Parish Hall Guest presenter: Fr. Frank Bartel Bring a friend and dish to share! SISTERS Monday, October 12, 7:00 p.m. Modular Building Thanks to all who attended the luncheon and fashion show - a great success! Let s Be Friends is the theme for the meeting this month. This evening gives everyone the opportunity to catch up with someone they haven t seen and to welcome a new SISTER. ALL WOMEN and their friends are welcome for fellowship and refreshments. Buy your Sunday Arizona Republic here and support the teens. GROWING IN FAITH, ACTING IN LOVE Faith Formation K - 5 FAITH FORMATION Calendar / Class Times / Days Session A Monday: 4:45-6:00 p.m. Session B Monday: 6:30-7:45 p.m. Session C Tuesday: 4:45-6:00 p.m. Session D Tuesday: 6:30-7:45 p.m. October 5 and 6 October 12 and 13 October 19 and 20 Sacrament Catechist Meeting October 13, 7:15 p.m. Late Night Catechist Enrichment October 17, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Class No Class - Columbus Day Class All communication to Faith Formation families is sent via email. Please contact Ann in the Parish Office if your information has changed. Monday, October 5 and Tuesday, October 6 Serving Times: 4:00 4:45 p.m. and 6:00 6:30 p.m. Menu Hot Dog Combo $3.00 Nachos $1.50 DJ Desserts.50 Exact Change is appreciated, cash or checks only. The DJs, fifth Graders, learn to give back to the community by hosting DJ Dinners each month. The DJs are raising money to assist Heifer International build water pumps for people throughout the world. Fresh, sanitary, water for drinking, growing crops, and cleaning is a resource we often take for granted. In class, the DJs learn how the availability of water pumps affect life of a whole community. FIRST RECONCILIATION PREPARATION Retreat, Tuesday, October 13, 6:15-7:15 p.m. for children and parents. When I dig others out of trouble, I find a place to bury my own. Anonymous
Monday Evenings, Mary Chapel Beginning Monday, October 5, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Thursday Mornings, Parish Hall Beginning Thursday, October 8, 9:15 a.m. Saturday Mornings, Parish Office On-going - 8:00 a.m. Call the Parish Office for more information. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, October 18 7:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Consider giving the gift of life. There are appointments available to fit your schedule and the Knights will have a sign -up table in the courtyard this weekend to book your appointment or you may schedule an appointment online by visiting the United Blood Services website www.bloodhero.com. JOURNEY MONTHLY MEETING Thursday, October 8, 6:00 p.m. Modular Building All 40+ singles are invited to the monthly potluck/social meeting. For more information contact Tina at tja2919@gmail.com. Have you wondered how families are chosen to bring the gifts to the altar for the offertory? Well, it s no secret! Families ask the ushers or the ushers will ask a family. They d prefer if families would volunteer than to have to find a family right before Mass begins. You may also arrange in advance with the Parish Office for a date that s special to your family. This opportunity is one more way of sharing your faith with your community. In today s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples, Let the children come to me...for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. This week, please help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to bring the love and mercy of Jesus to children who are hungry and cold. Given in Gratitude for God s Blessings The plate collection for Sunday, September 27, was $30,783. Thank you for your faithful support. Thanks to Our Advertisers ANDRÉ HOUSE has volunteer opportunities available. To sign up online visit www.signupgenius.com/ go/70a044fa8a72f4-andre4. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS ALBERTSONS COMMUNITY PARTNERS PROGRAM - Cards in the Parish Office. FRY S COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM - Enrollment in this rewards program is done online by each family. Registration forms in Parish Office. PARISH HALL RENTAL Rey Barron from Trinity Publications will be in the Parish Office October 5-8 and 12-15 contacting bulletin sponsors. If you wish, you may leave Rey a message in the Parish Office. Do you know of a business that may be interested in supporting our bulletin by advertising their services? Please have them call the Parish Office and leave a message for Rey. Thank you for your continued support of Trinity Publications and St. Thomas More. FAITH COMMUNITY NURSING RN s from this ministry are available to speak with parishioners. You may call the Parish Office and leave a message and one of the nurses will contact you. St. Joseph the Worker offers services to low-income and homeless individuals in the Phoenix area seeking employment. Contact Candace Sherwood, 602-417-9854 or www.sjwjobs.org, for volunteer information. The Parish Hall is available to rent for private functions. Please see the parish website under FAQ s or stop by the Parish Office for an information sheet.
PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Tina Gantner, Joan Graham Karen Kozlowski, Simon Lam Don Sandefur, Lloyd Singer, Joanne Spiek Questions, comments or concerns, please call the Parish Office. St. Thomas More is on Facebook! Search in Facebook Church of St. Thomas More or link to us on the parish website www.stmglendale.org. Monday, October 5 4:45 pm Faith Formation Session A 6:30 pm Faith Formation Session B 6:30 pm Bible Study 7:00 pm Knights of Columbus Tuesday, October 6 4:45 pm Faith Formation Session C 4:45 pm RCIC 6:30 pm Faith Formation Session D Wednesday, October 7 6:00 pm FIRE Youth Group 6:00 pm CF Board Meeting Thursday, October 8 9:15 am Morning Bible Study 6:00 pm Journey Potluck/Social Meeting 7:00 pm RCIA Friday, October 9 Saturday, October 10 8:00 am Bible Study Sunday, October 11 9:00 & 11:00 am Masses CLOW St. Thomas More www.stmglendale.org BOOK OF REMEMBERANCE The book will be available in the gathering space during October for you to write the names of your loved ones who have died and who you wish to have remembered in prayer during the month of November. Readings for the Week October 4, 2015 Sunday Gn 2:18-24; Ps 128; Heb 2:9-11; Mk 10:2-16 Monday Jon 1:1 2:2, 11; Jon 2; Lk 10:25-37 Tuesday Saint Bruno, Priest; Blessed Marie-RoseDurocher, Virgin Jon 3:1-10; Ps 130; Lk 10:38-42 Wednesday Our Lady of the Rosary Jon 4:1-11; Ps 86; Lk 11:1-4 Thursday Mal 3:13-20b; Ps 1; Lk 11:5-13 Friday Saint Denis, Bishop, and Companions, Martyrs; Saint John Leonardi, Priest Jl 1:13-15, 2:1-2; Ps 9; Lk 11:15-26 Saturday Jl 4:12-21; Ps 97; Lk 11:27-28 Sunday Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 7:7-11; Ps 90; Heb 4:12-13; Mk 10:17-30 Please come to Mass early enough not to disrupt. Leave late enough not to insult. Worship reverently enough not to distract. AND dress proudly enough not to offend. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 5:00 pm +Jesus Ortega SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 7:30 am +Rosemary DeLucia 9:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More 11:00 am +Robert Kerker TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 8:30 am +Franco Scimeca WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 8:30 am +Margaret Palton +Bernadette Maxwell THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 8:30 am +Thanksgiving for All Souls FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 8:30 am +Ilaminado Hernandez SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 5:00 pm +Michael John Rahn SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 7:30 am +Tom Cramer Sr. 9:00 am +DeFranco 67th Wedding Anniv. 11:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More Prayer List * Don Adams * Linda Blanchard * Elizabeth Copolongo * * Ken Engel * Tina Gantner * Bill Gerhardt * * Jordyn Kube * Merl Parker* James Tufarelli * Alex Spartz * Names will be kept on the prayer list for two weeks, at which time you will need to call the Parish Office to update. Thank you.