CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS MORE GLENDALE, AZ AUGUST 16, 2015 Receiving With Joy Liturgy As Jesus continues the Bread of Life discourse in John s Gospel, we re looking closely at what takes place when we receive Communion. The past two weeks, we ve looked at the dialogue, but there is more to receiving Communion than knowing what to say. We also have to know what to do. With that in mind, how about a refresher course in how to receive Communion? First, we process. Every procession in the liturgy is a sign of the Pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ, on our way to the heavenly banquet. All our lives, we who believe in Christ are moving in time toward that moment when we will be taken by death from this world and enter into the joy of the Lord in the eternal kingdom. (Bishops Committee on the Liturgy - The Reception of Holy Communion at Mass) The Bishops instruction has more on entering into the joy of the Lord, noting that right after the Lamb of God, the priest presents the Body and Blood of Christ and proclaims Happy are they who are called to his supper. However, it seems many people join the Communion Procession in the same way they line up to buy tickets at the movie theatre or stand in line at the DMV. We should be processing in JOY! That s why while we process, we sing! The Church takes the Communion Song very seriously, beginning when the priest receives Communion and continuing until the last person has received. The General Instruction tells us the song is to express the communicant s unity in spirit by means of the unity of their voices, to show joy in heart, and to highlight more clearly the communitarian nature of the procession to receive Communion. (GIRM 86) When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood. (GIRM 160) Remember, receiving Communion is an action of the community, rather than an individual act of one s own faith and piety. More on that concept next week. Steve Raml Director of Liturgy & Music Welcome to the Parish 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. SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY: Watch out for crossing guards and obey their signals. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS UPDATE We have been notified that Safeway stores are no longer participating in the escrip Program. Our thanks to parishioners who have supported the parish through their participation. Reminder... now is the time to renew your enrollment in Fry s Community Rewards program. Also, Albertsons Community Partners cards are available in the Parish Office. ST. THOMAS MORE SISTERS Luncheon and Christopher & Banks Fashion Show Fall Into Fashion Sunday, September 20, 2015 Lunch Served 12:30 p.m. Arrowhead Country Club 19888 N. 73rd Ave. Glendale $35 per person (cash or check) Tickets will be available beginning August 25 in the Parish Office and at weekend Masses.
Adult Formation JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE AND CUP OF SALVATION Here we go again. Once again the lesson is from the sixth chapter of the gospel of John. Many may be asking, how many weeks are we getting this same message? We wonder whether there has been a mistake, I am the bread of life Haven t we heard this before? Haven t we gotten the message? The apostle John thinks we haven t. John s gospel takes fewer themes one being the experience of bread and wine becoming the Body and Blood of Jesus and just keeps exploring it in greater depth. John lingers, savoring the depth of Jesus death on the cross, saying I am the bread of life, feeding twenty five thousand and now saying, I am the living bread, and actually giving us his flesh to eat! Jesus throws us three curves: living bread is the very flesh of Jesus. This bread is given for the life of the world. Secondly, Jesus tells us the difference between ordinary bread and his Body broken his Blood poured out. Thirdly, Jesus tells us that those who eat his flesh and drink his blood have eternal life and will be raised up on the last day. There is a saying: Live each day as though it is your last. The gospel today invites us to think about life and life after our deaths. Have you ever thought about your death and live in the glorious thought that you are already saved? Would you live differently? What joy would surround you and all the world would be seen through the eyes of Jesus from the cross: Father, forgive them, they know not what they do. We would forgive ourselves and let go of things, thoughts and behaviors that bind us. TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME We are happy to welcome Shelly McBride to our parish staff to fill the position of Coordinator of Pastoral Ministry. Shelly replaces Linda McDowell who retired last month after ten years of service to the parish community. Shelly and her husband, Bill, have been members of St. Thomas More for two years and have spent twenty years actively involved in pastoral ministry in a number of parishes around the country. Shelly currently serves the community as a Eucharistic Minister and Stephen Minister, and with her husband, assist in our FIRE program. She brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to our pastoral team and we are confident she will soon become an integral part of the ministry here at St. Thomas More. Lord, increase our faith. (Luke 17: 5) Get a boost to your faith from one of the most dynamic preachers in the country! Final Installment Our Summer Enrichment Series concludes on Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. with a video presentation from Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life. We ll present his keynote address to this year s Los Angeles Religious Education Congress on the steps toward a Deeper Discipleship in Christ. All are welcome to experience the joy of this presentation. Eating flesh and drinking poured out wine makes us one with Jesus. The word Eucharist means thanksgiving. Whenever we gather with friends, place an empty chair in your midst that is the one who is a stranger, someone you hurt or hurt you, an ISIS soldier, a person or group who you judge not to be worthy to sit at your table. Jesus sat at tables with Samaritans, Pharisees, adulteress, and yes even the people who abandoned and crucified him one person described God s greatest creation as a table why do you think that is true? We eat Jesus flesh and blood so that we become Jesus, to love all people and give our flesh and blood to show them the love Jesus has for the world and love whatever the cost. This Eucharist is a challenge as we eat his Body and drink his Blood. Mary Ann Ronan LAST Summer Sunday Breakfast August 23, 8:00 11:00 a.m. $5.00 Per Person The menu will include: scrambled eggs, potatoes, pancakes, breakfast meats, cold cereal, juice and coffee. Chorizo with eggs is the special breakfast item. We hope you have enjoyed the breakfasts and fellowship with new parish family members! Thank you for your support
Youth Ministry Grades 6-12 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. Registration forms for 2015/2016 youth ministry programs are available in the Parish Office. Please contact Gaby in the Parish Office with questions about the program. Teen Summer event calendar in the Parish Office or email gfranzoni@stmglendale.org. WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER St. Paul tells us to be careful in the way we live. Do we listen and follow God s voice so we can discern His will in our own lives and marriage relationship? Restore communication, renew commitment and rekindle romance by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend on August 28-31 or November 13-15 in Phoenix. For more information visit www.wwmearizona.com. WHAT IS CLOW? CLOW stands for Children s Liturgy of the Word. H Children in kindergarten third grade are invited to CLOW H CLOW takes place during the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses H Children are dismissed from Mass by the Priest H The children experience and reflect on the Liturgy of the Word at their level of understanding H CLOW takes place during the first 3 Sundays of the month. Watch for the CLOW sign at the church entrance H No registration is necessary H Parents are always welcome to attend CLOW with their children Families are invited to stop by room 2 in the Parish Hall on Sunday, August 23, anytime from 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. to see the CLOW room. Catechist will be available to answer your questions. Is your child ready to learn about God and their faith? Now is the time to register for Faith Formation classes, kindergarten fifth grade. Classes are held on Monday or Tuesdays evenings. Stop by the Parish Office to register. The fee is $100.00 per child, check or cash only. Enrollment in Faith Formation classes is a requirement to participate in a sacrament preparation process. For information, contact Ann at amaloney@stmglendale.org or call the Parish Office for more information. KINDERGARTEN - FIFTH GRADE FAITH FORMATION FAMILIES Did you receive the email concerning your child s class placement for classes that begin in September? If you did not receive an email, contact Ann at amaloney@stmglendale.org. UP COMING EVENTS CLOW Catechists Meeting Monday, August 17 6:00-8:00 p.m, Faith Formation Catechist Training Tuesday, August 18 6:00-8:00 p.m. Faith Formation Catechist In-service Sunday, August 23 10:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Faith Formation Fourth and Fifth (BFF and DJ ) Catechist Training Tuesday, August 25 6:00-8:00 p.m. CLOW Catechists Meeting Monday, August 31 6:00 p.m.
Have Your Blood Pressure Checked After All Masses Sunday, August 23 FLU VACCINATION CLINICS have been scheduled for Sunday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 16. Look for more information in future bulletins. Given in Gratitude for God s Blessings The plate collection for Sunday, August 9, was $32,632. Thank you for your faithful support. Thanks to Our Advertisers Please patronize our advertisers and thank them for supporting our bulletin when using their products and services. BECOMING CATHOLIC - RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, which is better known as RCIA, is a process designed for two different groups of people: H H Adults who are not Catholic and would like to join the Catholic Church. Adults who were baptized as children into the Catholic faith, but who have not yet received the Sacrament of First Communion or Confirmation. The Catholic Church welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds into the RCIA process. During the sessions, we hear presentations on the Bible, the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, prayer, Church history, the liturgical year, social justice and service issues, and the Mass. Each week the process gives you a chance to ask questions and deepen your faith so that you can make an informed decision if the Catholic Faith is for you. St. Thomas More welcomes you to join us and begin the process of joining the Catholic Faith. Please call Wade McFall in the Parish Office to learn more. In today s Gospel, Jesus tells us that Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. As we know, our loving God cannot be seen by our eyes, but only experienced through loving people. With love for your neighbors who have nothing, look around your house to see what furniture, household items, and clothing you no longer use...and give it to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. If you would like to donate altar flowers in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact the Parish Office. 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. 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 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, August 17 6:00 pm CLOW Catechists Meeting Tuesday, August 18 6:00 pm Faith Formation Catechists Training (K-3) Wednesday, August 19 Thursday, August 20 Friday, August 21 Saturday, August 22 10:00 am Youth Ministry Retreat St. Thomas More www.stmglendale.org Buy your Sunday Arizona Republic here and support the teens. Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Closed Friday and Saturday Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sunday, August 23 After Morning Masses - Blood Pressure Checks 8:00-11:00 am Summer Sunday Breakfast 9:00 am- 12:15 pm - CLOW Experience 10:15 am Faith Formation Catechists In-Service Readings for the Week August 16, 2015 Sunday Prv 9:1-6; Ps 34; Eph 5:15-20; Jn 6:51-58 Monday Jgs 2:11-19; Ps 106; Mt 19:16-22 Tuesday Jgs 6:11-24a; Ps 85; Mt 19:23-30 Wednesday Saint John Eudes, Priest Jgs 9:6-15; Ps 21; Mt 20:1-16 Thursday Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Jgs 11:29-39a; Ps 40; Mt 22:1-14 Friday Saint Pius X, Pope Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22; Ps 146; Mt 22: 34-40 Saturday The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ru 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17; Ps 128; Mt 23:1-12 Sunday Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Ps 34; Eph 5:21-32 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, AUGUST 15 8:30 am +Jack & +Steven Duva 5:00 pm +Jane Gerhardt SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 7:30 am +Rafaela Romero 9:00 am +Marie Moore 11:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 8:30 am +Ron Nicholson, Jr. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 8:30 am +Severina Jose THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 8:30 am +Epifanio & +Elsa Fontanilla FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 8:30 am +Al Carbone SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 5:00 pm Marilyn Pruniski SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 7:30 am +Teresito Paguio 9:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More 11:00 am +Ron Nicholson, Jr. Prayer List * Linda Blanchard * Jordyn Kube * 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.