Saint Thomas More Parish & Academy
4275 Fourth Street, Southeast
Washington, D.C. 20032
Telephone: 202-562-0431 Fax: 202-563-7347
E-mail: Website: www.stthomasmoredc.org
School: 202-561-1189
November 25, 2012
Pastoral Staff:
Rev. Raymond Moore, Pastor, x12
Rev. John Kinter, In residence, x16
Deacon Richard L. Walker, x30
Ms. Patricia Hamilton, Pastoral Administrator, x11
Mrs. Mary Waters, Office Assistant & Rectory Cook, x10
Ms. Bridget Coates, Academy Principal
Ms. Wanda Brooks, Coordinator of Religious Education, x31
Mr. Henry Herrera, Gospel Choir Director
Mrs. Charnetta Dobbins, Youth Choir Director
Mrs. Barbara Elliott, Parish Council Chair
Ms. Diana Brown, Finance Council Chair
Mass Schedule
Saturday 5:00 pm (Rectory Chapel)
Sunday 8:45 am Youth Choir
11:30 am Gospel Choir
Weekdays 8:00 am (Rectory Chapel)
Novena:
Monday 7:00 pm (Rectory Chapel)
Bulletin Deadline: Items for Sunday’s Bulletin must be received via email by 5:00pm Monday in order to have them included in Sunday’s publication. Thank you for honoring this important timeline.
Baptism: Please call the Parish Office to register for classes.
Confession: After Sunday Masses or by appointment, or on Wednesday Evenings, 6:30-8:00 pm in the Church.
Marriage: Diocesan policy requires notification to the priest at least six months in advance. Attendance at pre-Cana classes is also required. Contact the Parish Office for more information.
Pastoral Care of the Sick: Please notify the Parish Office when a member of the parish is in the hospital, nursing home, or is otherwise unable to come to Mass and wishes to receive any of the sacraments.
Religious Education:
Interested in becoming a Catholic? Please contact Fr. Raymond Moore at the Rectory.
CCD Classes: Every Sunday at 10:30am
Adult Education Catholic Inquiry Classes: Every Sunday at 10:30am
Bible Study: Every Tuesday at 7:30pm
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
Preparing to Hear God’s Word
Daniel 7:13-14: Daniel describes his vision of God’s everlasting dominion.
Responsorial Psalm 93: The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
Revelation 1:5-8: Christ the King has made us into a kingdom.
John18:33b-37: Jesus says that his kingdom does not belong to this world.
Readings for Next Sunday
Jer 33:14-16 1 Thes 3:12—4:2 Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK:
Sunday 8:45am Mrs. Doris Creek and Family
11:30am In memory of Antonio B. Perez
Monday Margarita Perez
Tuesday In memory of Jakari Butler
Wednesday STM Class of 2013-HS Placement Test
Thursday Joaquin Perez
Friday Margarine Neal-Birthday
Saturday Anthony Perez
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK:
Sunday Adult Faith Sharing Group (10:30am-Red Rm)
CCD Classes (10:30am-Classrooms)
Second Chance (3:30pm-Old Library)
Monday Youth Choir Rehearsal (7:00pm-Church)
Tuesday Bible Study (7:30pm-Red Rm)
NCW 2nd Community (8:00pm-Cedar Rm)
Wednesday NCW 1st Community (8:00pm-Cedar Rm)
Thursday Adult Choir Rehearsal (7:30pm-Church)
Friday AA (8:00pm-Old Library)
Saturday NCW Communities (8:00pm)
DAILY MASS READING
Monday: Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5 Lk 21:1-4
Tuesday: Rv 14:14-19 Lk 21:5-11
Wednesday: Rv 15:1-4 Lk 21:12-19
Thursday: Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a Lk 21:20-28
Friday: Rom 10:9-18 Mt 4:18-22
Saturday: Rv 22:1-7 Lk 21:34-36
KEEP THE SICK IN YOUR PRAYERS: Veronica Apiafi, Florence Askew, Monique Bailey, Viola Barnes, Linda Black, Blondinia Brown, Francillia Browne, Deacon James Brown, Alvin & Shirley Brown, Cynthia Bruce, Felicia V. Bush, John Bush, Mary Agnes Bush, Jane Butorac, Gwen Cannon, Dixie Clark, Andrea Cole (niece of Sandra Proctor), Francess Davies, Barbara Deale, Edith Ellis, Renee Feliu, Mary E. Ford, Eric Fuller, Craig Fulmer, Tasha Gant, Tyrone Garrison, Brenda Green, Natalie Green, Emmanuel Greene (uncle of Christina Tilghman), William Gunn (Brother of Elnora Jackson), Earl Hamilton, Andre Harris, Margaret Harris, Claudine Hawkins, Shant’e Hawkins, Joe Hill, James Hilton, Maximillon Holland, Darryl Jackson, Jimmie Jackson, Ronald Johnson, Sarah Jones, Mack Kennedy, Dennis Lucas, Andre Lyles, Doris Martin, Gloria & William McCaskill, Emma McEntyre, Betty Moeller, Gloria Morgan, Dorothy Myrtle (Aunt of Christina Tilghman), Angela Neal (daughter-in-law of Mrs. Neal), Margarita Perez, Cee-Cee Poindexter, Tom Propes, Arthur Robinson, Leroy Robinson, Robert Robinson, Robin Sescoe, Ciara Shields, Pauline Shorter, Stacey Simms (Caldwell family), Brenda Smith, Joe Stewart, Edsel Swann, Jane Thomas, Estelle Thompson, Kristine Vivican,Paul Waters, Mary Webster, Marilyn Denise Whetstone (Richardson’s daughter), Kobe M. Williams, David Wilson, Orlando Witherspoon, Jean Wright (sister of Pat Wright), Marianne Young, and all who are Sick and Shut-In.
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
EFFECTIVE SUPPORT OF YOUR CHURCH
IS WISE STEWARDSHIP
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints. (Hebrews 6:10)
Lord, make us grateful for all we have been given that we will joyously share of our wealth that others may be blessed as we have been blessed, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN.
Your offerings at last weekend’s Masses amounted to $7,196.40 for the support of our Church. This includes $18.00 from Youth Envelopes.
5:00 pm 18
8:45 am 159
11:30 am 103
280
Thank you for continuing to be as generous as possible!
PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: Bible study meets on Tuesday evening. All are welcome to join us at 7:30 in the Red Room.
ADULT DISCUSSION & FAITH SHARING GROUP: The STM Faith Discussion Group will meet today at 10:30am in the Red Room. All adult Catholics, ages 19 and up, are welcome to join the Group to enjoy good conversation and fellowship on many faith-based topics. For more info, please see Faye Powell.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: It’s not too late to register your youth for CCD! To register, or for more information, please see Ms. Wanda Brooks, in the School Office following the 8:45am Mass. The best thing that we can do for our young people is to bless them with a strong relationship with Jesus Christ in the fellowship of the Church.
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES: Congratulations to couples celebrating a Wedding Anniversary in November!! Our prayers are with you! May you enjoy continued blessings!!
SHARE INFO: Sign-up: TODAY, and Sunday, December 2nd & 9th, 10:30am-1:30pm. Pick-up: Saturday, December 15, 2012, 11am-12:30pm, Merrick Center. Please be on time.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MASS: December 8th is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be celebrated at 8:00am only on this Feast Day, which falls on a Saturday. The 5:00pm Vigil Mass will take place as usual on December 8th.
~~PRAYER REQUESTS~~
Please continue to pray for all of our parishioners who are moving through the grieving process at this time in their lives. May God continue to provide comfort and peace to them, particularly during the holiday season.
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Prayers are requested for the improved health of Priscilla Fuller, Mack Kennedy, James Hilton, Stacey Simms and Mother Mary Webster.
Thank you for your continued prayers for all of our sick and shut-in parishioners, their caregivers, and all who are facing serious challenges in their lives. God Bless.
PASTOR’S PEN
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We have enjoyed the feasting of Thanksgiving and have survived “Black Friday.” We now find ourselves at the doorway of Advent. While Advent is just four short weeks, it is a time rich in God’s grace and provides an opportunity for spiritual growth. But in order to access the gift of grace and experience spiritual growth, we must make time, as so many other holiday activities and commitments compete for our attention.
To help make these four weeks meaningful, I want to first encourage you to:
1. Come to Mass each of the four Sundays of Advent. If possible, make the commitment to attend Mass on weekdays in the rectory chapel at 8:00am.
2. Receive the sacrament of Penance at least once during Advent.
3. Participate in Bible study on Tuesday evenings or the Adult discussion group on Sunday mornings.
4. Take a copy of the Word Among Us for the Advent
Season.
As we prepare the way of the Lord this year, I want to remind you of the two-fold meaning of our preparation. Most obviously, we are getting ready to celebrate Christ’s first coming at Christmas, but also, we are preparing for his Second coming, as well. St. Cyril of Jerusalem wrote this regarding the rich mystery of Advent: “We do not preach only one coming of Christ, but a second as well, much more glorious than the first. The first coming was marked by patience; the second will bring the crown of a divine kingdom. …At the first coming he was wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. At his second coming he will be clothed in light as in a garment. In the first coming he endured the cross, despising the shame; in the second coming he will be in glory, escorted by an army of angels. We look then beyond the first coming and await the second.”
May the Lord bless your celebration of Advent so that with these rich blessings you celebrate the first coming of the Lord, and may be ready for his second coming.
In Jesus peace,
Father Raymond Moore
CARDINAL’S APPEAL UPDATE: As of October, we need only $6,330.00 to reach our goal of $34,527. Please be as generous as you can. If you have not given yet, please consider making a gift to support the ministries of the Church and realize our goal of $34,527.00. Thanks to all who have been so generous thus far.
THANKS, ARCHBISHOP CARROLL HIGH! We extend our heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Carroll High School for the abundance of canned goods donated to the STM Food Pantry. Carroll’s Food Drive is legendary, and we are quite fortunate to have our STM Pantry benefit from the school’s yearly endeavor to collect food for those in need! Let us hold the ACHS community in our prayers of gratitude!!
WELCOME VISITORS!
We warmly welcome our visitors to
St. Thomas More Church and ask that you please sign our Visitors’ Book on the podium at the church entrance.
We invite all who are seeking a church home to join our church family here at St. Thomas More.
(Members are encouraged to invite their guests
to sign the guest book.)
60TH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRTS!!
PAC will continue to take orders for T-shirts through the month of November. Shirts are available in youth and adult sizes.
These special commemorative shirts will be sold for only $10. Please see members of PAC right away to place your order, and/or for additional information. Get yours while there’s still time! Thank you for your support!
WONDERFUL SMILES
CHRISTMAS PROJECT!!
It’s that time of the year when we again reach out to support many families during the holidays. Please consider supporting the STM Outreach Committee by signing up on the lists provided and getting involved in one or more of these areas of the Christmas Project:
*ANGEL TREE*
Please be an Angel and adopt a ‘Little Angel’ this year. ‘Angels’ range in age from newborn to 3 years old. More detailed info for each ‘little angel’ is posted on the Angel Tree. Once you have selected your ‘angel’ please remember to leave your name and contact info on the sheet provided, and then return your gift by December 9, 2012, along with the tag holding the recipient’s name attached to your gifts.
*GIFT WRAPPING*
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help us bag children’s gifts beginning Monday, December 10, 2012. We will be working in the Red Room throughout the week!
**CHRISTMAS PARTY**
(THE BIG EVENT!!)
Help is very much needed with the Christmas Party on
Saturday, December 15, 2012.
St. Thomas More’s constant support of our neighborhood’s children and families makes such a big difference in our community. Thank you so much for your support and involvement. May God continue to bless you abundantly!!
New Students Welcome!
Enrollment is underway for the
2012-2013 School Year!
We are accepting students in ALL Grades
~ Pre-K3 through 8th!
(3-year-olds accepted into Pre-K3!)
**Catholic Environment**
Tuition Assistance Available
– so Register Early!
For more information, please call the School: 202-561-1189
BISHOP MCNAMARA ANNOUNCES
FINE ARTS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Friday and Saturday, December 7th & 8th, 2012 ~7:00pm
Bishop McNamara High School Auditorium
Admission: $8.00 presale; $10.00 at the door.
Come and enjoy an entertaining, energetic, Yuletide fun-filled night of music, dance, theatre and art. Tickets are on sale now!
Questions… Email:
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT: St. Thomas More Church is exploring the need for support to caregivers within our parish. In order to assess the extent of this need, a survey that will be distributed at Mass soon. We will be working with the D.C. Department of Aging in this endeavor. Our goal is to support you in the challenges you face caring for a loved-one who is elderly, medically fragile, physically challenged or has a special need. Your survey response will be held in the strictest confidence.
STM FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
MUCH NEEDED & APPRECIATED!!
We currently are experiencing a *GREAT NEED* for food donations and appeal to your generous spirit of giving to support Our STM Food Pantry.
* PLEASE DONATE IF YOU ARE ABLE!*
Requests for assistance remain on the rise!!
STM has served as a wellspring of relief for many!
We continue to have a particular need for:
STAPLES: Hot and cold cereals, peanut butter, jelly, rice, pasta, instant potatoes, beans, tomato paste/sauce;
AND
NUTRITIOUS CANNED ITEMS: Stews with meat, chicken, hash, spaghetti with meat balls, tuna, salmon, fruits & vegetables.
We greatly appreciate your assistance! Thank You!
NOTES FOR TODAY…
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: STM parishioner Nathan Harrington seeks adult mentors and tutors for students at Oxon Hill High School. If interested, please email: nathan.harrington@pgcps. Many thanks!
VISIT OUR STM WEBSITE: Would you like to read the Sunday Bulletin, or check for updates to the Parish Calendar on-line? You may access these items, and much more, at www.stthomasmoredc.org.