St. Thomas Aquinas Church Iglesia Católica Romana 1501 South Atlantic Boulevard Monterey Park, California 91754 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 31, 2017 In Appreciation Our parishioners, their family, friends and visitors were able to enjoy a blessed and beautiful Christmas mass last week due to the many volunteers and staff members who worked diligently and joyfully to make our Church environment inviting and meaningful. The musicians, choirs, liturgy and environment teams spent countless hours in preparation for our special Christmas season. Many of our parishioners donated toward the cost of decorations, flowers and Christmas trees. Thank you to all who were involved in making our Christmas season environment, masses and events as special as they were. It is truly recognized and appreciated. 2017 Year-End Non-Profit Donation The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, January 1st in observance of the New Year holiday. Feast Of Mary, Mother of God *Not a holy day of Obligation Monday, January, 1, 2018 9 AM Mass WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS! We welcome all who celebrate with us at St. Thomas Aquinas, whether you are a visitor, longtime resident, or new arrival in our parish. If you are not yet a REGISTERED member of our parish, or if you have a new address or telephone number, please come to the Parish Office to fill out a Registration Form or submit the bottom portion of this form and drop it into the collection basket. At this time of the year, many individuals select non-profit organizations to make last minute donations that qualify as a 2017 tax donation. Our parish qualifies as a non-profit organization. We have many outstanding operational expenses and special projects which these donations can be applied to. Please consider our parish as a recipient of your valuable year-end donation. [ ] New Parishioner [ ] Update Information Name: Address: City: Zip: Phone:
Winter Church Hours For safety and security reasons, our church will be opened Monday Friday, 8:00 AM Dusk. Those wishing to meditate or individual devotion may use the outside Our Lady of Guadalupe or Divine Mercy Shrines. STA Bible Study Looking for answers? Do you feel something is missing in your life? Do you think some changes are needed in your life? Do you have a desire to know God more clearly? Please come to STA Bible Study on 1/10/18. We will focus on Jesus words and deeds as we study the Gospel of Mark. The goal is not for us to collect information, but to imitate Jesus. Please join us at 6:30 PM, in the church. Free 2018 Catholic Calendars Each family is invited to pick up one free 2018 Catholic calendar which contains important liturgical information. They are located at all church entrances. These calendars were generously donated by Guerra Gutierrez Mortuary. First Friday January 5, 2018 12:00 PM 6:00 PM Eucharistic Adoration 6:00 PM Rosary 6:45 PM Benediction 7:00 PM Mass Our First Friday adoration start time has been moved to 12 PM. Sign up sheet can be found in front of the tabernacle. 2017 Tax Donation Statements You may obtain your 2017 tax donation statement by completing an application which can be found in the parish office and at our church entrances. Return your completed application to the parish office or collection baskets. Statements will be processed after January 8th. Please allow 7-10 working days to have your statement completed. Thank you for your continued financial support, it is truly appreciated! Restroom Renovation Update Dear Fellow Parishioners, As of today we have $77,146 in the bank for the Restroom Renovation project. Our current estimate for this project is $80,000 but could be higher since the wheelchair accessible codes for restrooms have been changed. The architect is currently designing the final plans to be submitted to the City of Monterey Park. Once approved, the Archdiocese will submit the plans to different contractors for estimates. It may take a few months to get to the final decision but at least the project is on track, thanks to the support of many parishioners, and we are very grateful. Our Honor Wall is also on schedule. We hope to attach the first set of tiles to the wall in a few weeks but there will be space for future tiles. If you did not select your tile yet, there will be opportunity in the future. It is a great way to honor your loved once or just to say thanks to the Lord for all the blessings you have received. If you want to donate or purchase a tile, please stop by the office and see any member of the Restroom renovation committee and they will be glad to help you. Once again, thanks for your generous contribution. Restroom Renovation Committee
New Year s Prayer God, thank you for a new year. May everyone in our family be willing to begin anew with a clean slate. We know that you are always ready to forgive us. Help us to be willing to forgive ourselves and to forgive one another. As we begin a new year, remind us of our truest values and our deepest desires. Help us to live in the goodness that comes from doing what you want us to do. Help us to put aside anxiety about the future and the past, so that we might live in peace with you now, one day at a time. Loyola Press Religious Ed and Confirmation Programs in Session Jan. 7 th @ 9 AM All Confirmation and Religious Education classes will resume January 7, 2017 at 9 AM. We look forward to welcoming all our students and their families. 2017 Together In Mission Parish Goal: $34,300 Amount Paid: $15,335 Amount Outstanding: $18,965 Thank you to all who paid your Together In Mission pledge payments. It is not too late to make a donation to the 2017 Together In Mission appeal, donations will be processed up till 01/15/2018. Envelopes can be found at church entrances. Your generous and thoughtful response is very much appreciated. May the Lord continue to bless all of you who reach out to help those less fortunate, within our own Archdiocese. SCHOOL NEWS STA Parish School wishes you a Blessed New Year! As the new year is upon us, let us give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings we have received and for those that are yet to come. With every new year comes new decisions and celebrations. As you prepare to plan for the new year and reflect on the decisions you will need to make, allow me to make a suggestion that can be a blessing in disguise. Have you ever considered providing your child with a Catholic school education? Did you know Catholic education provides all students with top quality education Catholic schools in the Archdiocese have a graduation rate of 98% College acceptance rates are much higher than the average school throughout the state At St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, parents and teachers work together as partners to create an environment that allows students to develop and excel in all aspects of life. In addition, STA School provides teachers who are caring, dedicated, and passionate about preparing all children towards future success. We invite you and your family to come visit our school to discuss how we can be of service to you. Open House will be Friday, February 2, 2018. Please save the date, we look forward to seeing you there! Dr. Gloria Castillo Principal
READ & REFLECT ON THE SCRIPTURES DECEMBER 31 JANUARY 7 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 105:1-6, 8-9; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or Hb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Lk 2:22-40[22,39-40] Monday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:29 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Thursday: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 Friday: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1b-5; Jn 1:43-51 Saturday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 KEEP IN PRAYER Ruben Piedra Felicitas Pimentel Michael Preciado Daniel Ramirez Esther Ramirez Desiree Ramos Jean Rashoff Jessie Marie Reyes Andrew Rivera Armendo Rivera Jose Rivera Lydia Robles Gerry Rodriguez Mary Rodriguez Gabriel Roque Urista Roque Joey Salgado Anselmo Sanchez Betty Sanchez Eduardo Sanchez Elizabeth Sanchez Elpidia Santillan Celia Sells Mariann Scott Lisa Sesti Michael Shaw Mary Tafaya Gary Tahara Scotty Tamkin Manuel Tapia Irene Taylor Beatriz Terminal George Tommy Beatriz Torres Juanita Trejo Antonio Ureno Frankie Uribe Al Valdez Lorenzo Valdez Emily Vallarta MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2017 5:30 PM In memory of Alfonso Berumen Gonzalez SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2017 8:00 AM In memory of Rosie Muniz, requested by Evelyn Muniz In memory of Joe Saragueta, requested by Bea Saragueta For the health of Jose Rivera, requested by Lydia Rivera 11:30 AM In celebration of Camilio and Sara Cabllero s Anniversary In memory of Carmelita Rosario 1:30 PM For all STA Parishioners MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2018 9:00 AM For all STA Parishioners TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2018 8:00 AM For all STA Parishioners WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 8:00 AM For all STA Parishioners (Chinese Mass) THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018 8:00 AM In memory of Elden, Rogelio, and Raymond Macatangay FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 7:00 PM For all STA Parishioners SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018 8:00 AM For all STA Parishioners 5:30 PM In memory of George Esquer, requested by Dora Esquer Sunday, December 31st 4 PM Fantasy Folk Dance Hall Monday, January 1st 12 PM Chinese Community Hall Tuesday, January 2nd 7 PM-Ping Pong Hall Wednesday, January 3rd 7 PM-Youth Legion of Mary- Copy Rm. 7 PM-Folk Dance-Hall Thursday, January 4th 7 PM Ping Pong Hall 7 PM Curia Mtg-Mtg Rm WEEKLY SCHEDULE Thursday, Continued 7:30 PM Cursillo Mtg Copy Rm. Friday, January 5th 7:30 PM St. Teresa Grp Dining Rm. 7:30 PM Family Fellowship Hall Mtg Rm. Saturday, December 30th 9 AM Cantonese Legion of Mary-Copy rm 10 AM-Mandarin Legion of Mary Dining rm 10:30 AM Chinese Community Mass Church
SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN DID YOU KNOW? Human trafficking and technology Teenagers spend a lot of time online, making them prime targets for human traffickers. Using online ads that promise money and adventure in exciting, glamorous cities, traffickers attract young women and girls. Parents should be aware of the serious dangers online, and monitor what their children s online activity sites they visit, social networks they may belong to, and who they are connecting with online. For a copy of the VIR- TUS article Human Trafficking and Sex Tourism with Children and Technology, visit https:// www.virtusonline.org/virtus/free_article.cfm? free_articles_id=887, or call (213) 637-7508. Parish Information Parish Office: (323) 264-4447 Chinese Ministry Office: (323) 264-4448 General Email: sta91754@gmail.com Parish Website: STAMPK.ORG Fax: (323) 264-2524 Hall Rental: (323) 264-4447 ext. 102 Parish Staff Fr. John Kyebasuuta Pastor stapastor@gmail.com Ext. 108 Fr. Peter Wei Cao Associate Pastor sta.assocpastor@gmail.com Ext. 106 Lorraine Melendez General Manager stamanager1@gmail.com Ext. 103 Linda Almaguer Parish Secretary sta91754@gmail.com Ext. 102 IN GRATITUDE TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED OUR PARISH with your contributions on: December 23rd/24th: $4,924.50 Christmas Eve/Day: $7,546.00 Faith Direct-Online Giving Link: membership.faithdirect.net/ca779 Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil 5:30 PM (English) Sunday 8:00 AM (English) 9:30 AM (Chinese) 11:30 AM (English) Monday 1:30 PM 7:00 PM (Spanish) (Chinese) Tuesday 8:00 AM (English) Wednesday 8:00 AM (Chinese) Thursday 8:00 AM (English) Friday 8:00 AM (English) **1st Friday ONLY 7:00 PM** Saturday 8:00 AM (English) Reconciliation Saturday at 4:00 PM Sherry Hsu Chinese Ministry Staff stachinese@gmail.com Ext. 104 Jessie Wang Chinese Ministry Staff stachinese@gmail.com Ext. 105 Safeguard The Children Carmen Austria 626-993-4933 School Information School Office: (323) 261-6583 Gloria Castillo Principal Email: principal@stampkschool.org General Email: info@stampkschool.org Website: stampkschool.org Religious Education Information Office: (323) 264-1338 Sr. Rocio Nieto DRE Email: stareligioused@gmail.com