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 3, 2013
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 10:30am
Bible Study: Every Tuesday at 7:30pm
Adult Education Catholic Inquiry Classes: Every Sunday at 10:30am
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Preparing to Hear God’s Word
Reading I: Jer 1:4-5, 17-19 - The Lord says I
am with you to deliver you!
Responsorial : Ps 71 – I will sing of your salvation.
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 13:4-1 3- Love never fails.
Gospel: Lk 4:21-30 - In our desire to be accepted we adjust
to what others want to hear. Announcing the message of the
gospel is not a matter of being accepted but in order to be
faithful to God’s word.
Readings for Next Sunday
Is 6:1-2a, 3-8
1 Cor 15:1-11
Lk 5:1-11
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK:
Sunday 8:45am
11:30am
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Egbert, Pearl & Winfred Thomas
Family of Elizabeth Johnson
Health of Liz Berry
Blondinia Brown-Birthday
Health of Elizabeth Holmes
Health of Mother Mary Webster
Caldwell Family
Intentions of STM Parishioners
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
EFFECTIVE SUPPORT OF YOUR CHURCH
IS WISE STEWARDSHIP
And to whom much is given, of him shall much be required.
(Luke 12:48)
We would praise you, O Father, not only in word but in deed, for
all your love in our creation and re-creation. As your children
may we share with our brothers and sisters here and everywhere
from your grace and blessings. AMEN.
Your offerings at last weekend’s Masses amounted to 6,981.40.
for the support of our Church. This includes $18.00 from Youth
Envelopes.
5:00 pm
8:45 am
11:30 am
8
257
157
422
2012 Financial Contribution Statements have mailed to
parishioners. Thank you for your contributions and please
continue to be as generous as possible!
PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: Bible study meets on Tuesday
evenings at 7:30pm in the Red Room. All are welcome to join us!
ADULT DISCUSSION & FAITH SHARING GROUP:
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)
The STM Faith Discussion Group meets Sundays, 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.
FEBRUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: Couples
DAILY MASS READINGS
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Heb 11:32-40
Heb 12:1-4
Heb 12:4-7, 11-15
Heb 12:18-19, 21-24
Heb 13:1-8
Heb 13:15-17, 20-21
Mk 5:1-20
Mk 5:21-43
Mk 6:1-6
Mk 6:7-13
Mk 6:14-29
Mk 6:30-34
KEEP THE SICK IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Veronica Apiafi,
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,
Mary Carey, Dixie Clark, 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, Sarah Jones,
Mack Kennedy, Dennis Lucas, Andre & Alexander 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, Brenda Smith, Joe Stewart, Edsel Swann, Jane
Thomas, Kristine Vivican, Paul Waters, Mary Webster, Marilyn Denise
Whetstone (Richardson’s daughter), Kobe M. Williams, David Wilson,
Orlando Witherspoon, Jean Wright, Marianne Young, and all who are Sick
and Shut-In.
who will observe their Wedding Anniversary in February are
asked to notify Mary Waters in the Church Office no later than
Wednesday, February 20th. Special Blessings will be shared
with you on Sunday, February 20th.
FEBRUARY SHARE INFO: Sign-up: T-O-D-A-Y, and
Feb. 10th & 17th. Pick-up: Saturday, February 23, 2013, 11am12:30pm. Please be on time.
~SPECIAL GRATITUDE~
On behalf of the Caldwell family, I would like to express sincere
gratitude to Fr. Moore, and my STM Church Family for your
support and loving acts of kindness at the time of the passing of
my mother, Stacey Simms. Special Thanks to Jean Stewart for
providing transportation to the Funeral in Annapolis, and to the
Prayer Group and Sodality for their constant support during my
mother’s illness. God Bless You, Audrey Caldwell
~PRAYER REQUESTS~
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth Johnson, sister
of our devoted parishioner, Mrs. Lenora Lancaster. Please hold all
of her family and friends in your prayers at this time
We ask your prayers, as well, for the health and well-being of Liz
Berry, Bob & Priscilla Fuller, Mother Mary Webster, Mary
Carey, Elizabeth Holmes, James Hilton, Mack Kennedy
Thank you, and God Bless!
PASTOR’S PEN
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
During this Year of Faith that Pope Benedict called back
in October, he has asked Catholics throughout the world to
take time to study and reflect on what we believe. Our faith is
summarized in the Creed that we recite together each Sunday
at Mass. We will look closely at the Creed over the next few
weeks.
The Creed begins with the statement, “I believe in God the
Father almighty…” Because God made the world and
everything in it, he could be compared to an earthly father.
This comparison is found in several places in the Old
Testament. In Deuteronomy 32, Moses compares God to
many creatures that would be familiar to his hearers. God is
like a rock, and like an eagle and also like a father. Exodus
4:22 shows God as father-like in his protection of Israel. He is
father to the chosen people because he has called them into
being.
As Creator, God is father-like. When Jesus calls God his
father, his adversaries knew that he was claiming something
more than the words of Moses in the scriptures. This brings us
to the second dimension of God’s fatherhood: only God is an
eternal father. He is not simply father-like in relation to
creation; he is truly the Father in relation to his only Son, his
eternal Son, who is the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. Even
before creation, God was always Father because of the eternal
and divine Word.
In the gospel Jesus claimed a unique communion with the
Father. He said that, as the Son, he could claim divine
prerogatives such as judgment (John 5:22) and the giving of
life (John 5:21). He taught that all should “honor the Son as
they honor the Father” (John 5:23). It is interesting that
John’s gospel opens with the claim that Jesus “was in the
beginning with God, and actively involved in the world’s
creation.” (John 1:1-3). In 1:14, John saw Jesus’ glory as of
the Father’s only Son (1:14). John’s gospel clearly presents
Jesus as co-eternal with the Father.
The Church has come to speak of this mystery of God as
the Trinity. It is the central mystery of Christian faith. Father,
Son and Holy Spirit are all equal in power, all coeternal, and
all divine. Since the earliest days, the Church’s faith has been
Trinitarian. This is reflected in its blessings and prayers. We
worship one God in three persons. We worship three persons
in one God.
Next week we will take a look at: “I believe in one Lord
Jesus Christ.”
In Jesus peace,
Father Raymond Moore
2013 CARDINAL’S APPEAL: Many of our parishioners
have received a letter from Cardinal Wuerl asking that you make
a pledge to the 2012 Cardinal’s Appeal. The Cardinal’s Appeal
not only funds the operations for the Archdiocese, it funds
services that are of great help to the ministries here in our
community like Catholic Charities, the Merrick Center. Please
prayerfully consider a generous pledge to the 2013 Cardinal’s
Appeal.
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.)
STM Celebrates Black History Month~2013!
Theme: At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The
Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington
Sunday, February 3rd
Calling of the Ancestors
STM Dance Ministry/African Drummers
Sunday, February 10th
Family and Friends Sunday
Community Breakfast Served 8:30-11:30am~Cost $7.00
Sunday, February 24th
Soul Food Sunday
STM Cedar Room ~ 1:30-5:00pm
Important Reminder: Advanced sign-up is required for Soul Food
Sunday Meal! A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Church. Please
bring enough in your prepared dish to share with at least 6 to 8 people
if you are planning to participate in this fun-filled (and soulfulfilling!) gathering when we “break bread” together as a church
family.
Everyone is encouraged to wear African Attire each Sunday!
Please invite your family members, friends and co-workers to join
with us as we celebrate Black History Month, STM style!!
STM-PAC: Thank You to everyone who supported the PreInaugural Ball on January 21st. We had a wonderful time!
VALENTINE’S SOCIAL: The STM Ministers of Hospitality
will host their annual Valentine’s Day Social on Saturday,
February 16, 2012, from 9:00pm to 1:00am, in the St. Thomas
More Cedar Room. Tickets are on sale now!
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY BEGINS AT STM!!
St. Thomas More Church is proud to announce the
formation of its new Young Adult (YA) Ministry.
STM YA Ministry supports young adults between the ages of 1839 in strengthening their Catholic Faith and relationship with
Christ through group discussions, community service and social
activities.
STM YA Ministry cordially invites all interested young adults to
the Ministry’s kick-off event: Game Night/Meet & Greet on
Saturday, March 2, 2013, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm in the St.
Thomas More Cedar Room. Please join us for a night of
Fellowship, Food, Board Games and Fun as we discuss the YA
Ministry’s upcoming activities. For more details or to RSVP (by
February 22)…please email stmyaministry@gmail.com. Or you
may also call Kim Bush at 301-254-5682.
NOTES FOR TODAY…
_________________________________________________ _
pasta, instant potatoes, beans, tomato paste/sauce; and
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
NUTRITIOUS CANNED ITEMS: Stews with meat,
VISIT OUR STM WEBSITE: Would you like to read the
chicken, hash, spaghetti with meat balls, tuna, salmon, fruits &
vegetables.
We greatly appreciate your support! Thank You!
Sunday Bulletin, or check for updates to the Parish Calendar online? You may access these items, and much more, at
www.stthomasmoredc.org.
New Students Welcome!
We are accepting students in ALL Grades
~ Pre-K3 through 8th!
(3-year-olds accepted into Pre-K3!)
**Catholic Environment**
Tuition Assistance Available
For more information, please call the School: 202-561-1189
BISHOP MCNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS:
9TH Annual Night of Jazz- DC Jazz: A Journey Down U Street!
Event will be held on Saturday, February 9th 2013, from 611pm at Bishop McNamara’s Fine Arts and Athletic Center,
Forestville, MD. This event is being presented by the AwardWinning Bishop McNamara High School Jazz Ensemble and Jazz
Lab. Tickets are $65.00 per person. All guests must be 21 years of
age. BMHS alumni and guests between ages of 18 and 21 may
attend if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Tickets may be
purchased online at www.bmhs.org.
BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS
Items for our Sunday Bulletin are requested via email by
5:00pm each Monday.
Please send items to stmchurch@comcast.net, and denote
“Bulletin Submission” in the subject line.
We are happy to assist anyone who may need support with sending
items electronically. Please feel free to contact Pattie Hamilton in
the Church Office, and she will gladly assist you. Thank you!
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!!
SPECIAL THANKS
TO THE MANY INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS
WHO HAVE DONATED TO THE PANTRY…INCLUDING
THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED SHARE PACKAGES!!
STM has served as a wellspring of relief for many
who look to our church for food assistance!
We continue to have a particular need for:
STAPLES: Hot and cold cereals, peanut butter, jelly, rice,