CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS MORE GLENDALE, AZ MAY 1, 2016 Liturgy Different Aspects of the Holy Spirit Prayer of St. Thomas More: Give us, good Lord, the grace to work for the things we pray for. Starting with the Gospel for this Sunday, and continuing for the next several weeks, we will hear a variety of references in the Scriptures to the Holy Spirit. Today, Jesus tells his disciples he will send the Holy Spirit, whom he calls the Advocate. Next week, in our Ascension readings, the Acts of the Apostles tells how Jesus left instructions through the Holy Spirit and promised they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. We always associate Pentecost (in two weeks) with the fulfillment of that promise, and the many gifts of the Spirit that St. Paul writes about. Finally, on Trinity Sunday, when we consider the Spirit as one person of the Triune God, we will return to John s Gospel and Jesus promise to send the Spirit of Truth. Each of these passages opens for us a different aspect of the Holy Spirit. The passages from Acts are using one Greek word, pneuma, for Spirit. This word is most closely associated with breath, (the disciples received the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them). Or the great wind we hear about in the Pentecost reading. This interpretation of the Spirit is where we get the theology of charisms, or special gifts like the power to preach or the image of something that cries out in our hearts. But John s Gospel uses the Greek word Parakletos, a personal title. In today s Gospel, Jesus gives us the closest translation of that word: Advocate. The late Scripture scholar Fr. Raymond Brown defined Parakletos as one called alongside in his book A Retreat With John: That You May Have Life. We often think of an Advocate in the legal field, like a defense attorney. But Brown points out that one called alongside also describes someone who is with us when we are suffering or lonely or in need of someone to comfort us. This aspect shows the Holy Spirit as Consoler. Today s reference to the Advocate is someone who will be alongside us to guide us. Jesus says this Advocate, this guide, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. This one called alongside is the Presence of God in our daily lives. This Presence is not visible, nor is it contained to any one time or place. The same Holy Spirit that guided the first disciples of the Risen Christ, remains with us, dwelling among us; living and active throughout all ages. Steve Raml Liturgy & Music Director 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. St. Thomas More www.stmglendale.org 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. SENIOR HEALTH RESOURCE EXPO Friday, May 6 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Duet - Church of the Beatitudes 555 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix No Registration, No Fee Info call: Duet, 602 274-5022 or www.duetaz.org YES (Young Enthusiastic Seniors May Social/Potluck Wednesday, May 11, 12:00 p.m., Parish Hall Last meeting - bring a friend, dish to share and be ready to play Bingo! POT LUCK, FUN AND GAMES Monday, May 9, 7:00 p.m. Parish Hall This meeting will close out the current SISTERS season. Bring a friend, your favorite dish to share and your quarters for LRC. This is a night of fun, laughter and games. All are welcome!
Adult Formation WHEN FEAR CREEPS IN A few months ago in Bible Study, someone wanted me to explain He descended into hell. You are probably wondering what that phrase had to do with today s Gospel. St. John had these great discourses that he shared with the disciples in the Upper Room. These were his last will and testament before his death. He wanted to encourage them even as he prepared to die. We have heard these passages in the last several weeks after Easter to deepen our understanding and what behaviors we are called to now live as all of us renewed our Baptismal Promises and stood with all those baptized, confirmed, and celebrating with bread and wine/washed feet to now what do we do? In other words, what did washing feet, dying on a cross and resurrection mean for each of us. I believe we have an answer in Jesus descending into hell. The cross of Christ reveals that when we are paralyzed by fear and overcome with darkness, and we can no longer help ourselves, God can still come through locked doors, stand inside our fear and paralysis, and breathe out peace. Jesus death is so other centered that he could forgive and embrace is executioners, pass through doors, melt frozen hearts and go inside their fear. Jesus can descend into our private hells and breathe peace. There it is, there is the key: He descended into hell means there is no hell where Jesus cannot, will not be. They haven t invented the hell yet where love cannot penetrate. They haven t built a door yet that his love cannot pass through. That s what the phrase means. He descended into hell. A mysterious phrase embedded in our creed. Yet, when we understand it, what a reassurance to take with us as we journey. What an inspiration as we journey with others. Mary Ann Ronan SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Thank you to everyone who has made a gift to the CDA. Our parish goal is 100% participation and $148,000. St. Thomas More has over 3,000 registered families and we have raised $131,284, representing 662 gifts towards our goal. Prayerfully consider making a pledge or a one time gift - it s not too late. Gifts can be made online at www.diocesephoenix.org/cda. Thank you for your support of the CDA. CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN SPECIAL COLLECTION Sunday, May 8, 2016 Next week, our parish will take up the Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign. This collection communicates the Gospel through Catholic social media activities and enriches our faith through television, radio, and print media. Half of all proceeds remain in our diocese. Envelopes have been included in your packets. Thank you for your support. Monday Evening Bible Study: The last session for this group will be held Monday, May 9. Thursday Morning Bible Study: The last session for this group will be held Thursday, May 12. BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY SINGERS In Performance at St. Thomas More Thursday, May 5, 7:00 p.m. General seating, advance tickets, $8.00. Visit www.pam.byu.edu, select Buy Tickets BYU Singers, then follow instructions. Tickets may be purchased at the door, $10.00.
Youth Ministry Grades 6-12 GROWING IN FAITH, ACTING IN LOVE Faith Formation Grades K- 5 The youth ministry calendar is available in the Parish Office or email Kari Beth kbpaulk@stmglendale.org. FIRE (6th - 8th grades) t.u.f. (9th - 12th grades) Christian Formation Registration for 2015-16 Grades: Kindergarten Fifth Class Session Offerings: Session A Monday 4:45-6:00pm Session B Monday 6:30-7:45pm Session C Tuesday 4:45-6:00pm Session D Tuesday 6:30-7:45pm Have you registered your child for Faith Formation classes yet? Now is the time to get them signed up as classes fill up fast! Come to the Parish Office to complete a registration form. Contact Ann if you have questions at 623-322-6811 WHAT TO BRING TO REGISTRATION Copy of child s baptismal certificate, unless baptized at St. Thomas More. Parish Envelope number. The summer calendar of events is being finalized and will be available very soon! Registration for 2015-16 FIRE and t.u.f. is currently in progress. Forms are available in the Parish Office, the fee is $75 (cash or checks only). If your child is new to the program, please bring a copy of their baptism certificate (unless baptized at St. Thomas More). Contact Kari Beth with any questions. In the Gospel today, Jesus says to us: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. By your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul you also say to those in their time of need: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. All 40+ singles are invited to the monthly social in the modular building Thursday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. This will be our final social/potluck until we meet again in September. Please invite a friend and bring a dish to share. In June, July and August and there are activities planned and please contact Tina Gantner at 623.628.4629 or tja2919@gmail.com with your questions. Registration Fee: Checks or Cash ONLY will be accepted $100.00 per child - Kindergarten - 8th Grade (includes a non-refundable $20.00 deposit) $75.00 - High School youth ministry $35.00 per child - sacrament preparation CATCH THE SPIRIT Preparation Kick Off Monday, May 2, 6:00-7:30 p.m. for Candidate and Parent /Sponsor. CANDIDATES: Remember to wear your saintly sash. Preparation Dates for 3 rd - 5 th Grades Candidate and sponsor/parent attend all sessions: Saturday, May 21 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Monday, May 23 - Friday, May 27 6:00-8:00 p.m. Mass: Saturday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m.
VOLUNTEER CORNER We always have openings for more volunteers and if the Holy Spirit is giving you a nudge to be more involved. Here are just a few of the opportunities we have available: Longer Term Commitments: Funeral Outreach Ministry- volunteer to be present at funerals and help carry out a dignified, and heartfelt liturgy for the grieving family. People loving hosts and coordinators for our Parish Directory We'll be taking photos of parishioners this summer for our photo directory and need helpers to make it a success. Focus members for creating child care during Sunday morning masses Are you interested in having childcare during the 9 and 11 a.m. masses? We need your input! Liturgical (Mass) volunteers: enrich your own participation in the mass by participating as an usher, Eucharistic Minister or lector. Upcoming training for volunteers: Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharis (EM s) Training - Monday July 11, 2016 If you are interested in volunteering for these or any other ministries please contact Gaby at gfranzoni@stmglendale.org or 623-566-8222. Given in Gratitude for God s Blessings The plate collection for Sunday, April 24, was $32,857. Thank you for your faithful support. Please patronize our advertisers and thank them for supporting our bulletin when using their products and services. PARISH HALL RENTAL 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. ANDRÉ HOUSE has volunteer opportunities available. To sign up online visit www.signupgenius.com/ go/70a044fa8a72f4-andre4. Are you unemployed? Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Contact St. Joseph the Worker at 602-417-9834 or 602-316-3501 for information. SJW and you can make a difference! GARDENING ENTHUSIASTS Our Prayer Garden needs the loving touch of green thumbs. Contact Gaby in the Parish Office or email gfranzoni@stmglendale.org. Remember any donations for the Homeless to St. Joseph the Worker, Andre House or St. Vincent de Paul is a tax credit. We thank you for your support. 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. 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 COUNCIL MEMBERS Readings for the Week Tina Gantner, Karen Kozlowski, Simon Lam, Don Sandefur, Lloyd Singer, Joanne Spiek Questions, comments or concerns, please call the Parish Office. The Sunday Arizona Republic is sold after Sunday Masses for $2.00. Your purchase helps support Youth Ministry programs. Recitation of the rosary takes place Tuesday - Friday before daily Mass. Saturday at 4:00 p.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. CENTERING / CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. Mary Chapel FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION May 6, 2016, 9:00 a.m. May 1, 2016 Sunday Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Rv 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29 Monday Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Acts 16:11-15; Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a, 9b; Jn 15:26 16:4a Tuesday Saints Philip and James, Apostles 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-3, 4-5; Jn 14:6-14 Wednesday Acts 17:15, 22 18:1; Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14; Jn 16:12-15 Thursday The Ascension of the Lord Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Eph 1:17-23 or Heb 9:24-28, 10:19-23; Lk 24:46-53 Friday Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Jn 16:2023 Saturday Acts 18:23-28; Ps 47:2-3, 8-9, 10; Jn 16:23b-28 Sunday Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 7:55-60; Ps 97:1-2, 6-7, 9; Rv 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; Jun 17:20-26 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. MAY Monday, May 2 6:30 pm Bible Study 6:00 pm Confirmation & First Communion Kick Off 7:00 pm Knights of Columbus SATURDAY, APRIL 30 5:00 pm Fred Plante Tuesday, May 3 SUNDAY, MAY 1 7:30 am +Nicola Amorosa 9:00 am Gil Banzon 11:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More Wednesday, May 4 TUESDAY, MAY 3 +Maria Vigil Daily Mass Daily Mass 6:00 pm Christian Formation Board Thursday, May 5 9:15 am 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Daily Mass Morning Bible Study Contemplative Prayer CFS Adult Confirmation Concert - Brigham Young University Singers Friday, May 6 Daily Mass 9:00 am First Friday Adoration Saturday, May 7 8:00 am 10:00 am 3:30 pm 4:00 pm Bible Study SISTERS Dedication of Mary Statue Alateen Recitation of Rosary Sunday, May 8 WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 Frances & Frank Lopez THURSDAY, MAY 5 +Mary Prager FRIDAY, MAY 6 +Josie Perez SATURDAY, MAY 7 5:00 pm +M. Luz Payen SUNDAY, MAY 8 7:30 am +William Johnston 9:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More 11:00 am +Narcisa Pati Prayer List * John Albright * Linda & Ron Blanchard * * Margaret Coringrato * Judy Holsinger * Victoria Megill * * Elijah S. Nicholson * Judy Ramirez * Marlene Vedock * 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.