Saint Thomas More Parish & Academy
4275 Fourth Street, Southeast
Washington, D.C. 20032
Telephone: 202-562-0431 Fax: 202-563-7347
E-mail: stmchurch@comcast.net
Website: www.stthomasmoredc.org
School: 202-561-1189
January 22, 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
Sunday
Weekdays
5:00 pm (Rectory Chapel)
8:45 am Youth Choir
11:30 am Gospel Choir
8:00 am (Rectory Chapel)
Novena:
Monday
7:00 pm
(Rectory Chapel)
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.
Bulletin Deadline:
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 10:30 am
Bible Study: Every Tuesday at 7:30 pm
Adult Education Catholic Inquiry Classes: Every Sunday at 10:30 am
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Preparing to Hear God’s Word
Reading I: Jon 3:1-5, 10 - God appoints Jonah to preach
repentance to Nineveh.
Responsorial Psalm 25: Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Reading II: 1 Cor 7:29-31 – Paul reminds us that time is
running out.
Gospel: Mk 1:14-20 - Jesus begins his ministry by calling
others to repentance and belief in the good news. He also
calls forth others to share in his mission and ministry.
Readings for Next Sunday
Dt 18:15-20
1 Cor 7:32-35
Mk 1:21-28
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK:
Sunday 8:45am
11:30am
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Health of James Hilton
Health of Blondinia Brown
Our Sick, Shut-in & Grieving Parishioners
Family of Juanita Mercer
Family of Bernice Sescoe
Family of Aline Akers
Don, Flo & Bruce Bertman
Laurel Bertman Larison
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK:
Sunday
Adult Faith Sharing Group (10:30am-Red Rm)
CCD Classes (10:30am-Classrooms)
Second Chance (3:30pm-Old Library)
Youth Choir Rehearsal (7:00pm-Church)
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- (7:00pm-Church)
Friday
AA (8:00pm-Old Library)
Saturday
NCW Communities (8:00pm)
Monday
Tuesday
DAILY MASS READING
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
2 Sm 5:1-7, 10
2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19
Acts 22:3-16
2 Tm 1:1-18
2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17
2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17
Mk 3:22-30
Mk 3:31-35
Mk 16:15-18
Mk 4:21-25
Mk 4:26-34
Mk 4:35-41
KEEP THE SICK IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Veronica
Apiafi, Florence Askew, Monique Bailey, Georgiana Barnes (mother of Rena
Meredith), Viola Barnes, James W. Bell (brother of Suzanne Chandler), Linda
Black, Blondinia Brown, 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), Susie Curtis, Francess
Davies, Barbara Deale, Edith Ellis, Renee Feliu, Mary E. Ford, Eric Fuller, Tasha
Gant, Tyrone Garrison, Brenda Green, Natalie Green, Emmanuel Greene (uncle of
Christina Tilghman), Earl Hamilton, Andre Harris, Margaret Harris, Claudine
Hawkins, Shant’e Hawkins, Joe Hill, James Hilton, Darryl Jackson, Gail Jackson
Jimmie Jackson, Sarah Jones, Andre Lyles, Doris Martin, Gloria & William
McCaskill, Emma McEntyre, Gloria Morgan, Angela Neal (daughter-in-law of
Mrs. Neal), Margarita Perez, Tom Propes, James Roberts, Arthur Robinson, Leroy
Robinson, Robert Robinson, Ciara Shields, Pauline Shorter, Joe Stewart, Edsel
Swann, Jane Thomas, Estelle Thompson, Kristine Vivican, Paul Waters, Mary
Webster, Marilyn Denise Whetstone (Richardson’s daughter), Kobe M. Williams,
Sharron Willis (daughter of Lindora Owens), 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
Give to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and
come before him. Worship the Lord in holy splendor.
(1 Chronicles 16:29)
Lord, through this offering, bring others to Christ, lead us to
victory over temptation and grant all believers the grace of
your peace. May we commit ourselves to Kingdom building,
evangelizing and magnifying your holy name.
Your offerings at last weekend’s Masses amounted to
$7,073.90 or the support of our Church. This includes $21.00
from Youth Envelopes.
5:00 pm
8:45 am
11:30 am
13
169
131
313
Thank you for continuing to be as generous as possible!
PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: Seek the Lord in His Word
by joining with other adults under the direction of Father
Moore in exploring the scriptures. We meet on Tuesday
evenings at 7:30 pm in the Red Room. Experience not
necessary, just bring your Bible and a desire to grow in your
faith. All are invited to join us!
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 us to enjoy good conversation and fellowship on many
faith-based topics. For more info, please see Faye Powell.
All are invited to attend!
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: CCD classes
are underway. You may register for our Religious Education
Program for youth in the School Office following the 8:45am
Mass. To register, or for more information, please speak to Ms.
Wanda Brooks, Coordinator of Religious Ed., on 301-395-3442.
“The best thing that we can do for our young people is to bless
them with a strong relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Please Note: All children are expected to participate
in the celebration of Mass on Sundays!
*SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST*
Please remember Mrs. Brenda Green in your prayers. Mother of
the late Roderick Bell, she is still dear to many here at STM. We
recently received word that Mrs. Green sustained a severe broken
leg injury as the result of a fall. She is now undergoing intensive
rehabilitation at an extended care facility in Houston. Any words
of encouragement for Roderick’s mom would be much
appreciated at this time and may be sent to her at this address:
Garden Terrace Nursing Home, 7887 Cambridge Street,
Houston, TX 77054. Thank You!
PASTOR’S PEN
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I want to begin by reflecting what Dr. King preached many
years ago. He said, “Success, recognition and conformity are
the bywords of the modern world.” He went on to warn us
that the church must resist the temptation to conform to the
ways of society. He said, “We need to recapture the gospel
glow of the early Christians…who refused to shape their
witness according to the mundane patterns of the world. They
willingly sacrificed fame, fortune and life itself on behalf of a
cause they knew to be right.”
As we celebrate our sixty years, can we renew and revive
our determination and dedication as disciples who stand up
and stand out in our witness and testimony to Jesus Christ and
his gospel? Let’s be reminded that God wants to do
something new, different and good in us, our families and in
our church. Did you ever stop and think that God wants our
tomorrows to be better than our yesterdays? He wants to bless
us in new and wonderful ways? He wants to enhance our lives
and invigorate our spirits. But for these things to happen we
have got to stay in the place of blessing. The place of our
blessing is our church family.
Your church family identifies you as a genuine believer. I
can’t claim to be a follower of Christ if I’m not committed to a
group of disciples. Jesus said, “Your love for one another will
prove that you are my disciples.” Your church family draws
you out of your self-centered isolation. We have seen that the
church is the classroom where we learn to get along and grow
together as Christ’s family. Rick Warren writes, “Only in
regular contact with ordinary, imperfect believers can we learn
real fellowship and experience the New Testament truth of
being connected and dependent on each other.”
The great thing about the church is that we are all
struggling, striving and at times straining toward the same
goal. St. Paul wrote (Philippians 3:14) “Forgetting what is
behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward
the goal to win the prize for which God has called me
heavenward in Christ Jesus.” We are heaven-bound pilgrims.
Our destiny is eternal life and our compass is Jesus and our
roadmap is the Gospel.
As we travel together, remember the words of our song,
“We have come this far by faith leaning on the Lord, trusting
in his holy word. He’s never failed me yet.” Let encourage
each other as we stir the flame of the Holy Spirit in our lives
and pray for that Holy Boldness that will continue to build the
Kingdom and strengthen the Church.
In His Love,
Father Raymond Moore
I AM GLAD YOU ASKED! What was the original title
of “We Shall Overcome”? The well-known theme song of
the civil rights and labor movement was written by African
Methodist Episcopal pastor Charles Albert Tindley. The
original title was “I’ll Overcome Someday.” Which Tindley
published along with seven other songs in a 1901 hymnal.
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 asked to invite their guests to sign the guest book.)
*2012 Cardinal’s Appeal Begins*
Seek first the kingdom of God
(Matthew 6:33)
Many of our members have received a mailing from Cardinal
Wuerl, asking that you make a pledge to the 2012 Cardinal’s
Appeal. The appeal not only funds the operations of the
archdiocese, but it also provides services that are of great
benefit to various ministries including our school and the
Mary Virginia Merrick Center.
This year, the theme of the Appeal is, “Seek first the kingdom
of God.” (Matthew 6:33) As we seek first the kingdom of
God, we have the capability of helping it to be present in our
lives and in the lives of those around us. How does this
happen? It happens through our works of love, education and
evangelization. Contributions to the Cardinal’s Appeal offers
each of us the opportunity to respond to the needs of others.
Please be as generous as you can in supporting this great effort
of the church.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS' WEEK: Please join our STM
Catholic Academy Family as they kick-off this special celebration
at the 8:45am Mass on Sunday, January 29th. Activities will be
held in the school throughout the week of January 29th to
February 3rd to mark this Annual Event. For more information,
please contact our STM Catholic Academy on 202-561-1189.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IS COMING …
SO PLEASE SAVE THESE DATES:
February 5th ~Calling of the Ancestors Sunday
February 26th ~ Soul Food Sunday
SHARE REGISTRATION T-O-D-A-Y: Registration is
from 10:30am-1:30pm in the Cedar Room. SHARE PICK-UP
will take place on Saturday, January 28th, from 12-1:30pm in
the Cedar Room. Please be on time.
VALENTINE’S DAY SOCIAL: The STM Ministers of
Hospitality will host their Annual Valentine’s Day Social on
Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 9:00pm to 1:00am, in the
St. Thomas More-Cedar Room. Cost: In advance-$20 per
person/$30 per couple; At the door-$25 per person/$35 per
couple. For tickets, please see any Minister of Hospitality, or call
Elizabeth Holmes on 202-574-3754. Proceeds will benefit the
Church. Please join us for this fun-filled event!!
STM
JANUARY
WEDDING
ANNIVERSARIES:
Congratulations to all of our STM couples celebrating a
Wedding Anniversary in the month of January!! Our prayers are
with you! May you enjoy continued blessings!
SODALITY EVENT: Please Save the Date!! On April 28,
2012, the Sodality will host a Senior Fashion Show at St.
Thomas More. Anyone who would like to model is asked to
contact us right away. (Models must be at least 55 years of age.)
More details to follow! For questions, please contact: Margaret
Spencer, Audrey Caldwell, or Laura Brown.
~BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS~
IMPORTANT REMINDER: ALL ITEMS SUBMITTED for
inclusion in the Sunday Bulletin need to be received Via
Email Only by 5:00pm on MONDAYS.
Please send items to stmchurch@comcast.net, and denote
‘Bulletin Submission Request’ in the subject line. Submissions
are subject to review/approval, and will be edited as needed.
Please check in with us if you have any questions and/or
concerns regarding submitting items electronically. We are
here to help!!
STM FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
STILL APRECIATED!!
We continue to experience a need for
donations and appeal to your
generous spirit of giving as we again
ask for your support in helping us
MAINTAIN a sufficient supply of nutritious foods
in Our STM Food Pantry.
Requests for assistance remain on the rise!!
STM has served as a wellspring of relief for many!
THANK YOU for being
even more generous this year!!
NOTES FOR TODAY…
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We continue to have a particular need for:
"CRUISE WITH THE ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST
(Clinton, MD) SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH”: Board the
STAPLES: Hot and cold cereals, peanut butter, jelly,
rice, pasta, instant potatoes, beans, tomato
paste/sauce;
AND
Carnival Cruise Ship, Glory, on October 22-28, 2012, from
Norfolk, VA, to the Bahamas. This trip is not just for seniors.
Cost is $675 which includes all taxes, fees and transportation to
and from Norfolk. A passport is required and a $250 deposit is
due by February 29, 2012 (EXTENDED DATE). If interested,
please contact Kenneth Ford on 301-433-0889 or 202-439-2620,
or at kennyken30@aol.com."
NUTRITIOUS CANNED ITEMS: Stews with
meat, chicken, hash, spaghetti with meat balls, tuna,
salmon, fruits & vegetables.
We greatly appreciate your assistance!
Thank You! God Bless!
VOCATION DISCERNMENT RETREAT: The Little
Sisters of the Poor is sponsoring a Vocation Discernment
Retreat for young women, ages 18-35. The Retreat will be
held on Friday-Sunday, February 17 (5:30am) through 19th
(3:00pm), at 4200 Harwood Rd. N.E. in D.C. To register or
inquire, please call Sr. Camille Rose at 202-269-1831or email
cocwashington@littlesistersofthepoor.org.
PARKING LOT COURTESY: Please park in the marked
parking spaces ONLY, not just for safety concerns, but as a
gesture of consideration for all parishioners sharing the lot.
Thank you!
VISIT OUR STM WEBSITE: Would you like to listen to a
recent Homily, 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. **
** The STM Website is “under construction” at this time.
Thank you for bearing with us during this “remodeling”
process!