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
February 5, 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
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Preparing to Hear God’s Word
EFFECTIVE SUPPORT OF YOUR CHURCH
Reading I: Jb 7:1-4, 6-7 - Job laments the human condition
as drudgery. He feels trapped.
Responsorial Psalm 147: Praise the Lord, who heals the
brokenhearted.
Reading II: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23 – Paul preaches to win
souls for the gospel.
Gospel: Mk 1:29-39 - Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law
was personal in that he approached her, grasped her hand
and helped her up. In troubled times, we need help that is
personal.
Readings for Next Sunday
Lv 13:1-2, 44-46
1 Cor 10:31—11:1
Mk 1:40-45
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK:
Sunday 8:45am
11:30am
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Egbert, Pearl and Winfred Thomas
Blondinia Brown-Birthday
Health of Georgiana Barnes
Family of Juanita Mercer
Family of Bernice Sescoe
Charnetta Dobbins and Family
Health of Leonard Singleton
STM Ministers of Hospitality
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- (7:00pm-Church)
Friday
AA (8:00pm-Old Library)
Saturday
NCW Communities (8:00pm)
DAILY MASS READING
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13
1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30
1 Kgs 10:1-10
1 Kgs 11:4-13
1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12:19
1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34
Mk 6:53-56
Mk 7:1-13
Mk 7:14-23
Mk 7:24-30
Mk 7:31-37
Mk 8:1-10
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), William Gunn (Brother of Elnora Jackson), 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, 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, 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.
IS WISE STEWARDSHIP
Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and
not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord.
(Colossians 3:23)
Gracious Lord, you have perfectly modeled the high virtue of
giving. Teach us to give gladly and cheerfully from the fruits
of our labor for the cause of your Kingdom. Bless these
offerings that they may meet the needs of your church.
Bless our tithes and offerings of love.
Your offerings at last weekend’s Masses amounted to
$6,691.00 or the support of our Church. This includes $18.00
from Youth Envelopes.
5:00 pm
8:45 am
11:30 am
13
254
132
399
Thank you for continuing to be as generous as possible!
The 2011 Contribution Statements have been mailed to
(tithing) parishioners. Pease contact Pattie Hamilton, Pastoral
Administrator, on ext. 11, and she will be happy to assist you
with any questions regarding your statements.
PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: There is healing in the power
of God’s Word. Join with others as we experience Jesus
together in our weekly fellowship around the Bible. 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.
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!
STM FEBRUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES:
Couples who will observe their Wedding Anniversary in February
are asked to notify Mary Waters in the Church Office
no later than Wednesday, February 22nd. Special Blessings
will be shared with our anniversary celebrants on Sunday,
February 26th.
~~~SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST~~~
Please pray for the health and well-being of Leonard Singleton,
who is currently hospitalized. May his family know that we
care deeply about them and hold them in our prayers each day!
PASTOR’S PEN
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.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This week, you are asked to review the Cardinal’s Appeal
brochure and the tabloid detailing the good works of the
appeal. This year the theme of the Appeal is “Seek first the
kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:33)
The annual Cardinal’s Appeal is much different than the
one time special collections that you are familiar with. The
Appeal is a pledge campaign where you can make a gift,
payable over a ten month period
Your significant gift to the Cardinal’s Appeal will touch
the lives of many others in a very special way. As you review
the work enabled by your contribution, please reflect on God’s
gifts to you. Your gifts to our parish, to the archdiocese and to
the work of the Church throughout the world should be given
in gratitude for the continuing gifts that God gives you. We
know that God never stops blessing us!
Sometimes it is hard to envision how one pledge can help
an organization the size of our archdiocese, how it can make a
real difference. But each pledge does make a difference
because we join with all the other parishes of the archdiocese
and together we have an enormous impact in delivering
ministries and outreach services.
Our gifts not only express our gratitude to the Lord, they
also glorify him by enabling the work of our Archdiocese. If
you received your pledge form in the mail, please complete it
and mail it back or bring it to Mass next weekend. For those
of you who did not receive a mailing or have not had time to
respond, we will conduct our annual in-pew pledge process at
all Masses next week.
Some ways we benefit from the Appeal include:
 Tuition assistance for Catholic school students,
including the Consortium of Catholic Academies, of
which St. Thomas More is a part
 Chaplaincies at hospitals, colleges and prisons
 Office of Black Catholics
 Seminary formation programs for clergy
 Family life ministries, pregnancy aid centers
 Catholic Charities programs at over 80 locations
 Religious education and lay leadership programs
Please be as generous as you can in supporting the
good work of the Cardinal’s Appeal.
In His Love,
Father Raymond Moore
DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that Saint Katherine
Drexel founded the only African American Catholic
University in the United States? Xavier University of
Louisiana opened its doors in 1915 as a high school in New
Orleans. In 1925 a Teacher’s College and College of Liberal
Arts was added. Xavier University is recognized today for its
outstanding science and pre-medical programs!
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.)
Schedule of Events
~~Sunday, February 5th~~
Calling of the Ancestors Pouring of Libations
African Drummers
STM Liturgical Dance Ministry
~~Sunday, February 12th~~
Family & Friends Sunday
Coffee, Doughnuts, Fellowship
~~Sunday, February 26th~~
Soul Food Sunday
Enjoy great food & fellowship!
Please join us for these special events!
*** SODALITY ***
2
Sodality General Meeting, T-O-D-A-Y, after the 8:45 am Mass.
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 immediately. (Models
must be at least 55 years of age.) For more information, please
contact: Margaret Spencer, Audrey Caldwell or Laura Brown.
S-H-A-R-E
REGISTRATION will take place TODAY from 10:30am1:30pm in the Cedar Room, and again on February 12th and
19th. Please see Mrs. Mary Bush for more information.
PICK-UP will take place on Saturday, February 25th from
12-1:30pm in the Cedar Room. Please be on time.
**VALENTINE’S DAY SOCIAL NEXT SATURDAY!**
The STM Ministers of Hospitality are hosting 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/more info,
please see any Minister of Hospitality, or call Elizabeth Holmes
on 202-574-3754, or Freddie Colston on 301-821-2343.
Proceeds will benefit the Church.
It’s not too late to purchase tickets.
Please join us for this fun-filled event!!
*2012 Cardinal’s Appeal Has Begun*
NOTES FOR TODAY…
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.
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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 offer
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.
STM 60th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The 60th Anniversary Committee proudly announces
St. Thomas More Anniversary Gala
Saturday, September 8, 2012
LaFontaine Bleu
8pm to 12am
Adults Only Affair (21 and older)
Semi-formal dress.
Tickets: $65
Ticket sales start today, and may be purchased from
Ticket Captains: Laura Brown and Margaret Butler at the 8:45am
Mass, and from Sharie Wood and Viola Davies at the 11:30am
Mass. We are offering a Lay-Away plan, so that you may
purchase your tickets now and pay as you go. Please mark your
calendars. We are also looking for Table Captains, who will be
responsible for selling tickets for a table. If you are willing to
serve in this capacity, please contact one of the Ticket Captains,
an anniversary committee member or Liz Berry.
~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. We’re here to
help anyone who needs assistance submitting items via email.
STM FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
STILL APPRECIATED!!
We continue to experience a need for donations
and appeal to your generous spirit of giving
for Our STM Food Pantry.
PLEASE HELP US HELP OUR COMMUNITY!
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.
Thank You! God Bless!
SHEPHERD PARKWAY COMMUNITY CLEANUP: Join the Congress Heights Community Association and
National Capitol Parks-East on Saturday, March 17th, from 9am
to 1pm, to help restore the natural splendor of one of DC’s most
neglected wooded areas. By removing trash, debris, and invasive
species, we will be protecting our trees, wildlife and rivers and
making the park into a place for all to enjoy. Meet at Malcolm X
Avenue and 2nd Street SE, (just off 295 & close to Congress
Heights Metro). Gloves, bags, and lunch will be provided. Wear
good shoes and clothes you can get dirty. For more information,
please contact Nathan Harrington at nbharrington@yahoo.com or
301-758-5892.
"CRUISE WITH THE ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST
(Clinton, MD) SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH”: Board the
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."
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!