CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS MORE GLENDALE, AZ APRIL 24, 2016 Alleluia! Liturgy This Easter season is filled with shouts of Alleluia, a shout of joy because Christ is Risen! Prayer of St. Thomas More: Give us, good Lord, the grace to work for the things we pray for. We sing it in our songs, like Jesus Christ is Risen Today (I can barely hold back when typing that title I want to add Alleluia ). We bring it back as our shout of praise before the Gospel is proclaimed. We add it to the deacon s ending commission that The Mass is ended, go in peace, Alleluia! and our response, Thanks be to God, Alleluia! But what exactly does Alleluia really mean? To understand this word we need to look carefully at its origins. The word comes from Hebrew and has been borrowed by many languages, beginning with Greek and Latin. In Hebrew the verb hallel means to praise. When we add the U to make hallelu, it becomes a plural command, meaning everyone give praise. If we lived in the South, we would say it as, y all praise! The word jah or yah added to the end is a shortened form of the sacred name of God, Yahweh. We traditionally translate Yahweh as the LORD. So literally, hallelujah means Praise the Lord! When hallelujah moved to Greek and Latin it lost its H, and the J became an I. So now we see it most often in the spelling Alleluia. The word is the foundation for two great musical pieces, sung with two different emotions. Who could ever forget hearing Handel s rousing Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah? No wonder it always brings people to their feet! And there s a haunting rendition in Leonard Cohen s song Hallelujah, which was used in movies like Shrek and TV shows like House and ER. Cohen says of his song that many kinds of hallelujahs do exist and that his song is a desire to affirm my faith. His final verse lyrics always grab me: And even though it all went wrong, I ll stand before the Lord of Song with nothing on my lips but Hallelujah! What does your Alleluia/Hallelujah sound like this Easter season? Do you sing it out with renewed energy? Or is it a quiet prayer of praise to God? Let s resolve not only to sing this wonderful word - but also make it a goal for our whole lives. What would the world be like if we all became Alleluia people, making our lives a continual witness to the joyful praise of God? 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. The Parish Office and Blessed Sacrament Chapel will now close at 6:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday. The Friday and weekend schedule remain unchanged. We appreciate your understanding as we continue our search for an evening receptionist. Our Habitat for Humanity Ministry Needs You! We have a need for more volunteers to help build our 17 th home in central Glendale. We will be working Saturdays - April 30 and May 21 doing all sorts of easy-to-learn work. Please go on-line today at http:// stm.habitatcaz.volunteerhub.com to register and sign-up. Come out and help a great family in need of decent housing!
Adult Formation MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA Mother Teresa shared this story and it has been told around the world. It is today s Gospel in real life. FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER COME HAVE A BLAST AT A MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE PRESENTED BY: STM t.u.f. (Teens United in Faith) Sometime ago a man came to our house and said: Mother, there is a Hindu family that has eight children. They have not eaten for a long time. Do something for them. So I took some rice and went. When I arrived at their house, I could see the hunger in the children s eyes. Their eyes were shining with hunger. I gave the rice to the mother. She took it and divided it into two and then she went out. When she came back, I asked her, Where did you go? She said, They were hungry also. Her neighbors were also hungry. What struck me most was not that she gave the rice but that she knew they were hungry. Because she knew, she shared. I did not bring more rice that night. I waited until the next morning so that they could experience the joy of sharing and loving. Love to be true, has to hurt, and this woman who was hungry she knew that her neighbor was also hungry. That family happened to be a Muslim family. It was so touching, so real. This is where we are most unjust to our poor - we don t know them. We don t know how great they are, how loveable, how hungry for that understanding love. Today, God loves the world through you and me. Are we that love and compassion? God proves that Christ loves us that he has come to his Father s compassion. Today God is loving the world through you and me and through all those who are his love and compassion in the world. Mary Ann Ronan Choosing a document to express your wishes for maintaining your human dignity and getting your needs met is a very personal decision. Learn why choosing Five Wishes for your Advance Directive is the perfect gift for you and your family. St Thomas More's Faith Community Nurses will share the reasons individuals and families have chosen Five Wishes. Please join with us for this informational presentation: Wednesday, May 18, 9:15 a.m., Parish Hall For more information, contact the Faith Community Nurses in the Parish Office. Sunday, May 1, 5:30 p.m. STM Parish Hall Tickets: $20 Available after weekend Masses and in the Parish Office April 26 Last Day to Purchase Tickets!! It s opening night at a new 1950 s style restaurant - Mike s 50 s Café. Guests should arrive dressed in 50 s attire ready to celebrate! You ll flip at great food, fun and prizes! SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Once again, we are happy to announce that we will award a $1,000 scholarship to students from our parish entering a Catholic High School in the Fall of this year. The scholarships are available to students whose families are registered, active and participating at St. Thomas More. Part of the definition of active and participating is that we can track consistent envelope usage. The family must also participate in ministry at St. Thomas More. The student must participate in Youth Ministry or another ministry in the parish. The scholarships are based on merit. Applicants must have a 3.0 gpa and meet additional criteria as outlined in the Scholarship Policy. The scholarship will be awarded each year of high school provided the student maintains the established criteria and the family and student remain active in the parish. For more information, please pick up an information sheet and application in the Parish Office or online at our website www.stmglendale.org. Deadline to apply is Monday, May 31.
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) Sessions meet in the Parish Hall April 24, 27 t.u.f. (9th - 12th grades) Sessions meet in the Parish Hall April 24, 27 PLEASE NOTE: As always, you are welcome to bring a friend or two. The door is open to all registered or not. Come check us out! CONGRATULATIONS and welcome to the recently baptized members of the St. Thomas More community: Mateo Aragon, Ava Berg, Jake Carr, Tyler Carr, Lilah Ceballos, Azel Diaz, Noah Fisher, Arwen Johnsen, Elizabeth Keyes, Andrew Kluemper, Emiliana Manzella, Jace Norgard, Alexander O Neill, Eliana Pena, Braydon Paul, Joseph Wetzel In the Gospel today, Jesus says I give you a new commandment: love one another...this is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. In the month of April, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul brought the love and care of Jesus to families in their time of need by providing food, and assistance with rental and utility bills. Thank you for your continued generous support of this ministry. Alateen meets at St. Thomas More on Saturday at 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the modular building. For more information about Alateen visit facebook.com/ alateenwso/timeline or come to the meeting. Christian Formation Registration for 2015-16 Registration time is almost here now is the time to start thinking about next year! 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 Registration for new families to the program will take place on Sunday, April 24, 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Early Bird Registration Fees: Kindergarten Eighth Grade - $85.00 per child High School - $60.00 per child Sacrament Preparation - 35.00 per child One year of Faith Formation is a prerequisite for enrollment in a sacrament preparation process. Children may enroll in one sacrament preparation each Faith Formation year. CATECHISTS MEETING Sacrament Catechist Monday, April 25, 6:00 p.m. CATCH THE SPIRIT Confirmation and First Communion Preparation Kick Off Monday, May 2, 6:00-7:30 p.m. for Candidate and Parent /Sponsor. CANDIDATES: sash. Remember to wear your saintly St. Gerard s Mass of Comfort and Hope Friday, April 29 Diocesan Pastoral Center Mass 6:00-7:00 p.m. Followed by complimentary reception For more information, call 602-354-2122 or email nfp@diocesephoenix.org. Behold, God s dwelling is with the human race. Revelation 21:3
Pastoral Care Funeral Outreach Ministry Are you hospitable, sensitive and caring? We are looking for parishioners who are gentle of heart and willing to be present to grieving family and friends as they participate in the Funeral Liturgy of their loved one. Bereavement Ministers are present at funerals as representatives of our community during the liturgy and share in the burden of the loss of the loved one. If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful ministry, please contact Shelly McBride, Pastoral Care Coordinator, in the Parish Office or by email smcbride@stmglendale.org. Bethany Grief Support Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Church Parlor. No one is ever ready to say good-bye to a loved one. When death occurs, we often grieve silently and alone. You are invited to come as often as you need or want. Bethany gives support to members of the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The quarterly United Blood Services drive sponsored by the Knights of Columbus will be held: Sunday, May 1, After All Masses Please stop by the table in the courtyard to sign up or visit www.bloodhero.com sponsor code: thomasmore) to sign up online. This is your chance to be a HERO! Catechists Are The Heart Beat Of The Christian Formation Program! Become a catechist, the rewards are fantastic! Enjoy sharing your faith and talents with the children Witness the conversion of the children as they grow in faith Prepare children to receive the sacraments: Reconciliation and Confirmation/ First Communion Enjoy the fellowship of the catechist teams Catechist faith formation, materials, and support are provided Contact Maria or Ann in the Parish Office for more information. Given in Gratitude for God s Blessings The plate collection for Sunday, April 17, was $30,850. 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! 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 Questions, comments or concerns, please call the Parish Office. Monday, April 25 6:30 pm Bible Study 6:00 pm Sacrament Catechists Meeting 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry Supervision Tuesday, April 26 7:00 pm Bethany Bereavement Wednesday, April 27 6:00 pm FIRE Youth Group Thursday, April 28 9:15 am Morning Bible Study 6:00 pm Contemplative Prayer 6:45 pm Stephen Ministry Training 7:00 pm Adult Confirmation Friday, April 29 Tina Gantner, Karen Kozlowski, Simon Lam, Don Sandefur, Lloyd Singer, Joanne Spiek 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. Weekly, beginning Saturday, April 9, recitation of the rosary will be held before Saturday Mass 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. APRIL / MAY Saturday, April 30 3:30 pm Alateen 4:00 pm Recitation of Rosary 8:00 am Bible Study Sunday, May 1 Blood Drive After All Masses 5:30 pm Youth Ministry Mystery Dinner Readings for the Week April 24, 2016 Sunday Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13; Rv 21:1-5a; Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35 Monday Saint Mark, Evangelist 1 Pt 5:5b-14; Ps 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mk 16:15-20 Tuesday Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21; Jn 14:27-31a Wednesday Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5; Jn 15:1-8 Thursday Saint Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr; Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, Priest Acts 15:7-21; Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10; Jn 15:9-11 Friday Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-9, 10, and 12; Jn 15:12-17 Saturday Saint Pius V, Pope Acts 16:1-10; Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 5; Jn 15:18-21 Sunday Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Rv 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29 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, APRIL 23 5:00 pm +Theresa Carter SUNDAY, APRIL 24 7:30 am +Nicola Russo 9:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More 11:00 am +Mark Gittus TUESDAY, APRIL 26 8:30 am +Virginia Orig WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 8:30 am +Teri Power THURSDAY, APRIL 28 8:30 am +Walter Jeselson FRIDAY, APRIL 29 8:30 am Rina Lemme SATURDAY, APRIL 30 5:00 pm Fred Plante SUNDAY, MAY 1 7:30 am +Nicola Amorosa 9:00 am Gil Banzon 11:00 am Parishioners of St. Thomas More Prayer List * Linda Blanchard * Jerri Compasso * * Margaret Coringrato * Judy Holsinger * Victoria Megill * * Joyce Neal * Elijah S. Nicholson * Vickie Paterniti * * Arnold Polzin * 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.