CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS MORE GLENDALE, AZ AUGUST 7, 2016 Liturgy / Music The Two Shall Become One We all know (or at least suspect) that marriages take place at St. Thomas More, but few parish members have actually attended a wedding here. Have you ever thought about what goes on in that marriage ceremony? Or, how much time is spent in preparation? First off, we uphold quite strongly the Church s teaching that marriage is a covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601) This covenant partnership is something which the two people enter into equally, and thus form an unbreakable union, recalling the plan that Christ himself tells us God had in the beginning: So they are no longer two, but one flesh. (Matthew 19: 6) In celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage, we use rituals, symbols and prayers that stress this unity and equality of the couple. As the Church teaches: the spouses, as ministers of Christ s grace, mutually confer upon each other the sacrament of Matrimony by expressing their consent before the Church. (CCC 1623) Our celebrations of Marriage can take place within a Mass, the Eucharist being the greatest symbol of our unity. However, the wedding ritual stands on its own, and is just as valid if celebrated without a mass. This Sacramental marriage is a gift from God which blesses not only the lives of the couple, but the entire St. Thomas More community. In the name of our community, Deacon Richard Kijewski and his wife Nancy, head the team that prepares couples for marriage. If this is a ministry you would like to learn more about, you can reach Richard and Nancy through the Parish Office. The preparation program invites the couple to take a close look at what brought them together as a couple and how to keep their relationship growing for a lifetime. We explore topics such as Communication, Intimacy, and the Sacramentality and Spirituality of Marriage. The five-session preparation begins in August. It is repeated at various times throughout the year. Any couple planning to wed at St. Thomas More should first contact Fr. Jim at the Parish Office. He will have details of the next session and how to get registered. Steve Raml Liturgy & Music Director 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. Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass will be celebrated Monday, August 15, 8:30 a.m. This is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation this year.
Adult Formation WHY DO WE STRUGGLE WITH FAITH? I am so struck with the opening sentence of today s Gospel: Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32) Fear ran the generations before us. They always felt vulnerable and helpless in the face of forces beyond them more than we do. Because of that, they looked for a power outside themselves, God, to help them. Fear among other things, made them believe in God. They lived with fear of many things: plagues, illnesses with no cure, natural disasters against which there was not defense, hunger was ever present, even the normal process of child birth could lead to death. They also lived with the fears that came from superstitions, lack of knowledge. There were dark powers that could curse you, bring bad luck and even kill you. All this vulnerability helps induce faith. On a more positive note, this vulnerability brought with it the capacity to be astonished. The mysteries of thunder, lightning, stars, changing seasons, the process of conception and the fact that the sun rises and the moon sets every day. They lived with healthy astonishment, holy fear, and the constant reminder of their littleness and that their lives could not be taken for granted. Hebrews give us a definition of faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Fear is not a good motive for religion, but rather the antithesis of true faith, whose task is to cast out fear. Following Jesus is not a salvation scheme or a means of creating social order, as much as it is a vocation to live without fear. Yes, we know there is sin and darkness, but it does not control us. Faith in the unknown is living in love and gratitude, not fear. We need God as much as our ancestors did. We just don t know it as clearly. Mary Ann Ronan NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 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 Adults who are not Catholic and would like to join the Catholic Church. H 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. UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER The following are a few of the events and classes coming soon. Check the bulletin and website or call the Parish Office for more information. August 28: Summer Sunday Breakfast September 8: Journey Singles Group September 11: F.I.R.E. & t.u.f. Youth Ministry September 12/13: Christian Formation, RCIC and RCIA Classes Begin September 14: F.I.R.E. Youth Ministry September 14: Flu Vaccination Clinic September 17: Family Mexican Fun-Raiser Dinner September 18: Flu Vaccination Clinic September 25: SISTERS Fashion Show October 8: SISTERS Day of Reflection October 10: Monday Evening Bible Study October 13: Thursday Morning Bible Study
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) Registration for 2016-17 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. Youth Ministry Begins Sunday, September 11 Please Take Note Of New Session Times!! FIRE (Faith Ignites Real Energy): 6 th 8 th grades Sunday 1:30-3:00 p.m. Or Wednesday 6:00-7:30 t.u.f. (Teens United in Faith): 9 th 12 th grades Sunday 4:00-5:30 As always, students are welcome to bring a friend. In this Gospel, Jesus says Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heave that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. Please help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul bring respite and hope to the elderly who are not able to find relief from the summer heat, and you will indeed find an inexhaustible treasure in heaven! Christian Formation Registration for 2016-17 Grades: Kindergarten Fifth Class Session Offerings: Session A Monday 4:45-6:00pm - FULL 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? Contact Ann for class availability. Come to the Parish Office to complete a registration form WHAT TO BRING TO REGISTRATION Copy of child s baptismal certificate, unless baptized at St. Thomas More. Parish Envelope number. Registration Fee: Checks or Cash ONLY will be accepted $100.00 per child - Kindergarten - 8th Grade (includes a non-refundable $20.00 deposit) $35.00 per child - sacrament preparation MINISTRY OF CARE A CALL TO SERVE Ministers of Care are ordinary people called to minister to ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Who is in need: The Sick The Hospitalized The Homebound The Aged The Dying Pastoral Care Training is scheduled for: Monday, October 17, 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday, October 18, 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. (Total six hours) If you would like to be trained to be a Minister of Care, please pick up a registration form in the Parish Office and return it no later than Wednesday, October 10. To learn more, contact Shelly McBride in the Parish Office or smcbride@stmglendale.org
VOLUNTEER CORNER Are you looking for a way to share your faith, time and talents with others? The Children s Faith Formation department needs you!! Volunteers are needed as Faith Formation (weekly teachers), sacramental preparation, and Children s Liturgy of the Word catechists. You are not alone, catechists work in teams. You do not need to have children in the program to participate. Training, resources, and support is provided. The following volunteer opportunities are currently available: Monday: 4:45 6pm Kinder, first, second and third grades Monday 6:30-7:45 Kinder, first, third and fourth grades CLOW: Sunday 9am Mass - 1 position 11am Mass - 2 positions We wish to thank everyone that answered our call to help with the Christian Formation Program. Many came forward and for that we are grateful. All things are possible for one who believes, more to one who hopes, even more to one who loves. St. Lawrence 9th ANNUAL FRIENDS OF THE CATHEDRAL OPEN Friday, September 23, 2016 JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa 5350 E. Marriott Drive Phoenix, AZ $150 per person or $500 per four-some Fee includes: Continental Breakfast, four Person Scramble / Shotgun Start, and Awards Lunch/Silent Auction/Raffle. Register online at www.friendsofthecathedral.org or contact Phil Lester at 602-242-1300 x114. Friends of the Cathedral is an auxiliary organization comprised of members of the faithful who seek to foster awareness, develop identity and support for the Cathedral of the Diocese of Phoenix. The proceeds from this tournament fund projects for the following year. Given in Gratitude for God s Blessings The plate collection for Sunday, July 31, was $25,911. Thank you for your faithful support. To donate altar flowers in honor or memory of a loved one, please call the Parish Office. 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! 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. Through Monday, September 5, the Parish Office will be observing Summer hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Closed Friday and Saturday Sunday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 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. The Sunday Arizona Republic is sold after Sunday Masses for $2.00. Your purchase helps support Youth Ministry programs. August 7, 2016 Sunday Wis 18:6-9; Ps 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22; Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 Lk 12:32-48 Monday Saint Dominic, Priest Ez 1:2-5, 24-28c; Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14; Mt 17:22-27 Tuesday Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr Ez 2:8-3:4; Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Wednesday Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr 2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9; Jn 12:24-26 Thursday Saint Clare, Virgin Ez 12:1-12; Ps 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62; Mt 18:21-19:1 Friday Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63 or 16:59-63; Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6; Mt 19:3-12 Saturday Saints Pontian, Pope, and Hippolytus, Priest, Martyrs Ez 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32; Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19; Mt 19:13-15 Sunday Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jer 38:4-6, 8-10; Ps 40:2, 3, 4, 18; Heb 12:1-4; Lk 12:49-53 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. AUGUST Monday, August 8 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry Supervision Tuesday, August 9 Daily Mass 7:00 pm Bethany Bereavement Group Wednesday, August 10 Daily Mass Thursday, August 11 Daily Mass 6:00 pm Contemplative Prayer Friday, August 12 Daily Mass Saturday, August 13 4:00 pm Recitation of the Rosary Sunday, August 14 10:30 am Safe Environment Training ** New Volunteers only ** SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 5:00 pm +Patricia Venero SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 7:30 am +Giueseppa & +Giovanni Allegra 9:00 am +Adelle Jasinski 11:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More TUESDAY, AUGUST 9 +Emmanuel P. Romero WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10 +Kelly & +Mike Stegg THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 +Joan Allegra FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 +Elsa & +Epifanio Fontanilla SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 5:00 pm +Jane Gerhardt SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 7:30 am Anna Ciorciari 9:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More 11:00 am +Margaret Bryan Prayer List * Linda Blanchard * Charles Leach * Gary McCausland * * Victoria Megill * Elijah S. Nicholson * Michael Pellien * * Judy Ramirez * Cindy Ternes * Jason Urbank * 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.