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
October 7, 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 10:30am
Bible Study: Every Tuesday at 7:30pm
Adult Education Catholic Inquiry Classes: Every Sunday at 10:30am
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Times
Preparing to Hear God’s Word
Reading I: Gn 2:18-24 - The two become one flesh.
Responsorial Psalm 128: May the Lord bless us all the days
of our lives.
Reading II: Heb 2:9-11 - By grace Jesus tasted death for all
of us.
Jesus teaches about marriage
and receives the children
Readings for Next Sunday
Gospel:
Mk 10:2-16 -
Wis 7:7-11
Heb 4:12-13
Mk 10:17-30
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK:
Sunday
8:45am Egbert, Pearl & Winfred Thomas
11:30am In memory of Dcn. Nerus Martin-Birthday
Monday
Myrtle Daniel-Birthday
Tuesday
Health of Robbin Sescoe
Wednesday
Health of CeeCee Poindexter
Thursday
Claudell “Bobby” St. Julien-Birthday
Friday
In memory of Aaron Otis-Coker-Birthday
In memory of James W. Bell-Birthday
Saturday
In memory of Jason Dantley-Birthday
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 READINGS
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Gal 1:6-12
Gal 1:13-24
Gal 2:1-2, 7-14
Gal 3:1-5
Gal 3:7-14
Gal 3:22-29
Lk 10: 25-37
Lk 10:38-42
Lk 11:1-4
Lk 11:5-13
Lk 11:15-26
Lk 11:27-28
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
EFFECTIVE SUPPORT OF YOUR CHURCH
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)
Dear Lord,
Teach us to give cheerfully of our substance for your cause
and your Kingdom. Let your blessing be upon our offerings,
and grant us to know the joy of those who give with their
whole heart, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Your offerings at last weekend’s Masses amounted to
$8,136.40 for the support of our Church. This includes $38.00
from Youth Envelopes.
5:00 pm
10
8:45 am
154
11:30 am
135
299
Thank you for continuing to be as generous as possible!
PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: Bible Study resumes this
Tuesday at 7:30pm in the Red Room. All are welcome!
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: CCD classes
began last week, but it’s not too late to register your youth. 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.
OCTOBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES:
Couples
observing a Wedding Anniversary in the month of October are
asked to notify Mary Waters in the Church Office no later than
Wednesday, October 17th. Special Blessings will be shared with
you on Sunday, October 22nd.
FREE LINE DANCE CLASS: Please join us on October
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, 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, Gail 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, James Roberts, Arthur
Robinson, Leroy Robinson, Robert Robinson, Robin Sescoe, 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, David Wilson, Orlando Witherspoon,
Jean Wright (sister of Pat Wright), Marianne Young, and all who are
Sick and Shut-In.
14th, after the 11:30am Mass, for a FREE Line Dance Workshop,
being offered in the Cedar Room. Come and learn some line
dances which will be played at the Line Dance Social on
Saturday, October 20, 2012!
OFFICE CLOSED: The Parish Office will be closed
tomorrow, October 8th, for the Columbus Day Holiday.
PRAYER REQUESTS: We again ask your prayers for
Robbin Sescoe, niece of Larry & Lindora Owens, who has been
diagnosed with cancer. As well, please continue to pray for Alice
Proctor and CeeCee Poindexter as they each continue to
recuperate. We also ask your continued prayers for all of our sick,
shut-in and grieving parishioners, as well as those facing serious
challenges in their lives. As faith-filled believers, we know that
God hears our prayers on their behalf. Thank you. God Bless!
PASTOR’S PEN
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
A few weeks ago, Cardinal Wuerl announced that
he would be convening an archdiocesan synod on
Pentecost Sunday, 2014.
What is a synod, you may ask? The archbishop
stated that a synod is bringing together lay men and
women, clergy and religious to reflect on the church:
what we are doing, how we can do it better, and what are
our priorities as we move into the future. Our own
Diana Brown is a part of the synod.
Synod participants gathered on September 8th, at
Catholic University for a preparatory meeting to review
catechetical materials and study ways to encourage
participation in parishes and deaneries. Teaching and
listening sessions will be held until May 2013 in
parishes throughout the archdiocese. All parishioners
are invited to participate and offer their insights on
what the church is doing well and what could be done
better in the areas of worship, education, community,
service and stewardship/administration.
On May 19, 2013, Pentecost Sunday, Cardinal Wuerl
will formally call for an Archdiocesan Synod in 2014.
Over the summer and into the fall of 2013, the findings
of the listening sessions will be prepared for review by
members of the subcommittees. In November 2013,
synod participants will reflect on the pastoral themes that
emerged during the listening sessions, narrow them
down and prioritize them. In January 2014, statutes will
be drafted that address the pastoral themes. The
approved statutes will then be sent to the cardinal. On
June 8, 2014, Cardinal Wuerl will convoke the
Archdiocesan Synod and the statutes will be
promulgated. The Fall of 2014 will include celebrations
and other events for the Archdiocese of Washington’s
75th Anniversary.
Let us pray for the success of the Synod and do our
best to participate in it.
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.)
Special Thanks to all who have
supported and participated in our
Anniversary Gatherings thus far!
Your presence was a blessing!!
Please mark your calendars
and
join us for these upcoming events:
~Community Breakfast~
October 14, 2012
STM Cedar Room
~Line Dance Social~
October 20, 2012
STM Cedar Room
In Jesus peace,
~Choir Concert~
November 4, 2012
STM Church
Father Raymond Moore
LINE DANCE SOCIAL: All are invited to come out
CARDINAL’S APPEAL UPDATE: As of August, we need
only $6,540.00 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. Thanks to all who have been so generous so far.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALLOWEEN PARTY:
The ‘Knights’ will host a Halloween Party for Youth (ages 12 &
under) on Saturday, October 27, 2012, in the Cedar Room
FROM 2:00-6:00pm. Cost is $3.00 per child. Parents
accompanying children are requested to bring a non-perishable
food item for the STM Food Pantry, upon arrival. Hot dogs,
drinks, cookies and chips will be served. There will also be
games, door prizes and a costume contest. Please invite your
family and friends!!
to enjoy an evening of Line Dancing, good fellowship and
fun presented by the STM Parish Action Committee, on
Saturday, October 20, 2012, from 5:00-10:00pm, in the
Cedar Room. Donation: $10. Hotdogs, chips, soda and
water will be sold. All proceeds will offset the STM 60th
Anniversary activities. Ticket Contacts: Laura Brown,
301-899-8099; Margaret Spencer, 202-562-8974; Deborah
Johnson, 301-704-5627, or any member of the STM Parish
Action Committee.
SHARE: Sign-up: TODAY, and next Sunday, October 14th,
10:30am-1:30pm. Pick-up: Saturday, October 20th, 11am12:30pm. Please be on time. For more information, please
see Mrs. Mary Bush.
NOTES FOR TODAY…
__________________________________________________
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
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.
PAC: Coupon Collection Drive!! Please donate grocery
coupons, of any amount, good for non-perishable food items in
stores such as GIANT, SAFEWAY, SHOPPERS, etc. Also, if
you receive any coupons at the checkout, please consider
donating those as well. A Coupon Collection Box is located in
the rear of the church.
STM FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
STILL APRECIATED!!
We currently are experiencing a
GREAT NEED for food donations and
appeal to your generous spirit of giving to
support Our STM Food Pantry.
(We have a low supply of foods and are in
need of nutritious foods.)
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!
~SPECIAL THANKS~Special thanks to the STM
SODALITY for your GENEROUS DONATION which
helped to supplement our Food Pantry this summer! God
Bless You!!
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COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS FOR STUDENTS:
Simon Elementary School is seeking students for volunteer
service. The school is located at 4th and Mississippi Ave., SE.
If interested, please contact Ms. Alena Plaskett on 240-601-4714.
STM RESOURCE DIRECTORY!! Do you have a skill,
service/business, talent or hobby that you would like to share?
If so, the STM Parish Council is updating the STM Resource
Directory. Forms are available in the church for you to
complete and submit to Toni Torain or CeeCee Poindexter,
as they strive to compile a more current directory.
If you have publishing skills and would like to be part of the
Resource Directory Team, please call Mrs. Toni Torain at
301-630-1052. Thank you!
VISIT OUR STM WEBSITE: Would you like to listen 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.