CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS MORE GLENDALE, AZ NOVEMBER 30, 2014 Liturgy Advent - A Season of Contrasts Today we begin a new liturgical season, Advent: a season to get ready for the Coming of Christ at Christmas. Contrast that with the retail world, where the stores have been trying to get us to prepare for Christmas for the past two months! Advent is a season that reminds me of contrasts. We prepare for the coming of God - as a man. Our thoughts are of a child - who is a king. We look at an infant - and see a Savior. We prepare for the coming of one born in a specific time and place - while we know he is the Messiah for all ages. The idea of contrasts is foremost in the Church s own teaching about Advent, saying this season has a dual nature: Advent has a twofold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ s first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await Christ s Second Coming at the end of time. (General Norms of the Liturgical Year 39) Our Gospel today emphasizes the second part of that dual nature, telling us be on the watch for Christ s Second Coming, and reminding us that we do not know the hour! Yet we know that trying to speculate on when we will die and when the Lord will return is futile. What matters is how we live in the presence of Emmanuel, God With Us today and every day of our lives. That s the Advent contrast! So how are we to live in the contrast of the prayerful, meditative season of Advent and the festive, yet hectic, merry making of Christmas? We do it by celebrating Advent to its fullest! For example, a fully lit Christmas tree this early in the season outshines the simplicity of an Advent wreath. Light the wreath now, and the tree later! Focus now on the words of John the Baptist: Prepare the way of the Lord, and it will help you better appreciate the glorious song of the angels proclaiming Joy to the World, the Lord is come! That is the point of this Advent season: to live in the tension of the in-between times, knowing that Christ has already come while preparing for Christ to come again. We have one foot in the already and another in the not yet. For the great mystery of Advent and Christmas is that Emmanuel, God With Us is already here, even as we wait for his coming! 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. UPCOMING LITURGIES Monday, December 8 Mass for the Immaculate Conception 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Please Note: This is a day of obligation Friday, December, 12, 8:30 a.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Fellowship ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Adopt A Family St. Vincent de Paul is once again sponsoring this program at St. Thomas More. This is a wonderful opportunity for families, organizations or neighborhood groups to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Representatives will be available after all Masses December 6 and 7 for sign-up and information. DONATION FOR SEASONAL DECORATIONS AND FLOWERS If you wish, you may donate money for Christmas flowers in memory or honor of a loved one. For your convenience, an envelope is included in the bulletin. Return your donation in the collection basket or to the Parish Office during the week. A listing of those remembered will appear in the bulletin during the Christmas season.
Adult Formation THE CATECHISM OF THE CROSS On this First Sunday of Advent we begin Year A of the Scriptures and the Gospel for this year is Mark. Mark s gospel is the first one and traditionally is said to have been written shortly before 70 A.D. in Rome. This was a time of impending persecution and destruction over Jerusalem. His book is written for Gentiles, who were unfamiliar with Jewish customs. His gospel aimed to equip the Christians to stand faithful in the face of persecution. Mark s gospel is cyclical its axis spins on the Passion event. The Passion of Jesus is the prism with which every story is to be read. Mark s gospel is a catechism of the cross it is the means by which we call ourselves disciples. Mark saw the cross as something to be embraced, that we would walk with Christ toward it and through it. He saw all of us standing on the bottom of society s social order. Just as Jesus faithfulness to the Father led him to be a voice for the voiceless, we are called to act in oneness with Jesus. Mark s gospel upset the apple cart of those wielding domination and control. That never works in a hierarchical society. They have a vested interest in staying on the top. When someone suggests their perch be shared, it makes them nervous. No wonder his gospel is filled with the disciples being last in the kingdom instead of first. Those who seek to nonviolently change the perches of power are met with resistance, stopped, and are usually put to death. The parable for this week was a reminder to the disciples to follow the catechism/way of the cross. Discipleship always leads us there. Never fear, stand firm, watch, be ready for the Lord is coming and he is coming soon. Advent is watching and waiting. Is there a challenge for you in this Advent? Is there something you are running away from that you need to run toward? At what cost is your discipleship? Mary Ann Ronan Seasons of Spirituality Tuesday, December 2, 9:00 a.m. Parish Hall All are invited! FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT ADVENT THE SONG OF WAITING Join composer Paul Hillebrand for an evening of Advent reflection on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. Explore the deeper meaning of this season of anticipation in song and inspirational images. No charge! Come pray and prepare! 2014 CHRISTMAS CONCERT Sunday, December 21, 5:00 p.m. The St Thomas More choirs combine with the 33 piece brass band Desert Brass to present a Christmas concert of familiar, lively and inspirational selections. This crowd pleasing concert is free as our Christmas gift to you! Are you an amateur or professional thespian? Our Youth Ministry is planning their dinner/theater for 2014/15 and we are seeking the talents of volunteers who have experience in the performing arts! Please contact Gaby in the Parish ADVENT GIVING TREES This year we are sponsoring Catholic Social Services Foster Care Program, Maggie s Place, Adobe Mountain Detention Center, families from Deer Valley and Peoria Elementary schools. We will have plenty of tags on the trees in the gathering space to select from and the guidelines are on the back of the tags. Please be sure to return gifts by date shown on tag. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office. Thank you for your support.
Youth Ministry Grades 6-12 GROWING IN FAITH, ACTING IN LOVE Christian Formation Grades K - 5 Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration in the blessed company of family and friends. FIRE (6-8 grades) Sun., November 30 Wed., December 3 Sun. December 7 t.u.f.(9-12 grades) Sun., November 30 Sun., December 7 Sun., December 14 No Session 6:30-8:00 p.m. 4:00-5:30 p.m. No Session 6:00-7:30 p.m. 6:00-7:30 p.m. Please note: the time for t.u.f. It is important to arrive by 6:00 p.m. and we finish at 7:30 p.m. Don't Miss the Boat! Act Now if You'd Like to Be Part of the Next Stephen Minister Training Class! Time is running out if you want to be part of St. Thomas More s next class of Stephen Ministers beginning January. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to grow in faith, develop stronger relational skills, and bring Christ's love into the lives of hurting people. To be part of this class, pick up a Stephen Minister Application in the Parish Office, complete and return to Linda McDowell at the Parish Office We will schedule a time when you can meet with our Stephen Leaders to learn more about the training and we can learn more about you. If you have any questions, call Linda at 623-566-8222 or email lmcdowelll@stmglendale.org). Harambee Sale Sponsored by SISTERS December 7, 2014 After All Masses, Parish Hall Treat yourself or find that unique gift among the items crafted by women in Kenyan villages. 100% of your cost goes back to village projects. ELEMENTARY FAITH FORMATION Calendar / Class Times/Days: December 1 and 2 Class December 8 and 9 Class 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. ELEMENTARY FIRST RECONCILIATION PREPARATION There will be an important Parent Meeting for children enrolled in the process during regular Faith Formation class time on December 1 and 2. Attendance at Parent Meeting is a perquisite for child s enrollment in the preparation process. An email was sent to families enrolled in the preparation process. Contact Ann if you did not receive the email. COME TO DINNER! The DJs will hold a DJ Dinner on December 8 and 9 Serving Times: 4:00-4:40 and 6:00-6:30 p.m. Menu: Hamburger Combo $2.50 Hot Dog Combo $2.50 Combos includes chips and drink Nachos $1.50 The Famous DJ Desserts.50 Exact change is appreciated. Help the DJs and Heifer International build water pumps for people throughout the world. ADVENT PRAYER SERVICE Parents are invited to join the children in an Advent prayer Service during the first 15 minutes of Faith Formation class time during all December classes. The children are asked to perform Acts of Kindness during Advent to Prepare their hearts for Jesus. Christian Formation Board Meeting Wednesday, December 3, 6:00 p.m.
SISTERS DECEMBER MEETING COME CELEBRATE A CHRISTMAS GATHERING AND CELEBRATION OF MARY Monday, December 8 Swieplesville (the home of Mary Sweiss and Dorie Naples) Address: 6771 W. El Cortez, Peoria Car pools will leave STM at 6:45 p.m. See their awesome Christmas village and other decorations Celebrate Mary and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Enjoy delicious refreshments and fellowship All women are invited Given in Gratitude for God s Blessings Due to bulletin publication deadlines, the plate collection for Sunday, November 23, will be reported December 7. Thank you for your faithful support. 2015 Offertory Commitment cards may be returned to the Parish Office during office hours or by mail. Thank you. YES Young Enthusiastic Seniors 50+ Couples December 10, 12 Noon, Parish Hall Christmas potluck party and white elephant gift exchange. Bring a dish to share and a friend! Thanks to Our Advertisers St. Thomas More www.stmglendale.org Please patronize our advertisers and thank them for supporting our bulletin when using their products and services. Potluck/General Meeting Thursday, December 11 6:00 p.m., Modular Building Friendship and fellowship for single parishioners 40+ provides an opportunity for singles to meet, socialize, and support each other in a spirit of camaraderie and purpose. Contact Richard at azcoyner@q.com for a calendar of events or Tina at tja2919@gmail.com. 2015 St. Joseph Sunday Missal is now available in the Parish Office $3.00 As we begin advent we are called to Be watchful! Be alert as we stand in joyful anticipation for the grace of Christmas to once again bless our lives. Your support of St. Vincent de Paul will help those in need to celebrate the grace of God s love this Christmas. The Little Blue Book for Advent is now available. $1.00 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Stop by or call the Parish Office to learn more about.. 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. SAFEWAY - sign up by picking up a registration form in the Parish Office or visiting www.escrip.com, select group (St. Thomas More, ID# 9605052). ANDRÉ HOUSE has volunteer opportunities available. To sign up online visit www.signupgenius.com/ go/70a044fa8a72f4-andre2/. 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. PARISH HALL RENTAL The Parish Hall is available to rent for private functions. Please see the parish web site under FAQ s or stop by the Parish Office for an information sheet.
Tina Karen Joan Don Lloyd PARISH COUNCIL Ques ons, comments or concerns, contact a Council member tgantner@stmglendale.org kkozlowski@stmglendale.org jgraham@stmglendale.org dsandefur@stmglendale.org lsinger@stmglendale.org Buy your Sunday Arizona Republic here and support the teens. A mere $2.00, like everywhere else, but you re helping the STM teens. Next Sunday First Friday Adora on December 5, 2014, 9:00 a.m. Monday, December 1 4:45 pm Session A Christian Formation 6:30 pm Session B Christian Formation Parent Reconciliation Meeting at all sessions Tuesday, December 2 9:00 am Seasons of Spirituality 4:45 pm RCIC 4:45 pm Session C Christian Formation 6:30 pm Session D Christian Formation Parent Reconciliation Meeting at all sessions Wednesday, December 3 6:00 pm CF Board Meeting Thursday, December 4 9:20 am Morning Bible Study 6:30 pm Evening Rosary 7:00 pm RCIA Friday, December 5 9:00 am First Friday Adoration 6:30 pm Catechists Advent Social Saturday, December 6 8:00 am Saturday Morning Bible Study Sunday, December 7 4:00 pm FIRE Youth Group 6:00 pm t.u.f. Youth Group Readings for the Week November 30, 2014 Sunday First Sunday of Advent Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7; Ps 80; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37 Monday Is 2:1-5; Ps 122; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday Is 11:1-10; Ps 72; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday Saint Francis Xavier, Priest Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church Is 26:1-6; Ps 118; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday Is 29:17-24; Ps 27; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday Saint Nicholas, Bishop Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps 147; Mt 9:35 10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday Second Sunday of Advent Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8 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, NOVEMBER 29 5:00pm +Marjorie & +Edward Keaton SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 7:30am +Deceased Members of Alan David Family 9:00am Parishioners of St. Thomas More 11:00am +Wilfredo Pagan TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 8:30am +Gene Flynn WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 8:30am +Violeta Parlan THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 8:30am +Thomas Cramer, Sr. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 8:30am +Ron Nagano SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 5:00pm +Charles Grosscup SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 7:30am +Barry Karch 9:00am +Elden Kirkham 11:00am Parishioners of St. Thomas More Prayer List * Linda Blanchard * Sharon DiCosmo * Linda Hoolihan * * Maria Jones * Jordyn Kube *Violeta Irarrazabal * Victoria Megill * Albert Mitchell * Ronalto Reyes * 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.