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
November 8, 2015
Pastoral Staff:
Rev. Raymond Moore, Pastor, x12
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 12:00 pm each 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, by appointment, or on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm in the Rectory.
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
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Preparing to Hear God’s Word
Introduction: Last Sunday (All Saints Day) we focused on the first
Beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of
heaven.” Today we have an example of the sixth Beatitude: “Blessed
are the pure of heart for they will see God. The widow teaches us
that however much we have or don’t, God blesses sincerity. Like her,
whatever we give should come from the depths of who we are. The
principles of the world tell us to watch out for ourselves first. The
law of the gospel teaches us to give of ourselves first. Which
principles do we live by?
Reading I: 1 Kgs 17:10-16 ~God blesses the trust of the poor
widow. The widow of Zarephath gives the last of what she has to
the prophet Elijah.
Responsorial: Psalm 146 ~ Praise the Lord, my soul!
Reading II: Heb 9:24-28 ~Christ offers the ultimate sacrifice.
Gospel: Mk 12:38-33 ~The widow in the gospel gives all that
she has. The widow in the gospel does not go unrewarded by
God just as the widow in the gospel does not go unnoticed by
Jesus.
Readings for Next Sunday
Dn 12:1-3 Heb 10:11-14, 18
Mk 12:32
DAILY MASS READINGS
Monday:
Ez 47:1-2, 8-9,12 1Cor 3:9-11,16-17 Jn 3:13-22
Tuesday:
Wis 2:23--3:9
Luke 17:7-10
Wednesday: Wis 6:1-11
Luke 17:11-19
Thursday
Wis 7:22b-8:1
Luke 17:20-25
Friday:
Wis 13:1-9
Luke 17: 26-37
Saturday:
Wis 18:14-16, 19:6-9
Luke 18:1-8
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK:
Sunday 8:45am
11:30am
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
In memory of Pearl Curtis
In memory of Judy Kinter Wardell
In memory of Gerald Carey
In loving memory of Lula Hamilton
Our U.S. Veterans-Living and Deceased
In loving memory of Baby Terrell James
Sharie B. Wood-Birthday
Our Sick & Shut in members/loved ones
PLEASE KEEP THE SICK IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Shirley Adams, Veronica Apiafi, Monique Bailey, Viola Barnes, Shirley Brown,
Francillia Browne, Cynthia Bruce, Felicia V. Bush, John Bush, Mary Bush, Mary Agnes
Bush, Jane Butorac, Gwen Cannon, Dixie Clark, Shertia Clark, Odessa Curtis, Francess
Davies, Barbara Deale, Renee Feliu, Diane Finley, Eric Fuller, Craig Fulmer, Tasha
Gant, David Garner, Tyrone Garrison, Brenda Green, Emmanuel Greene, William Gunn,
Andre Harris, Margaret Harris, Vance Harris II, Shant’e Hawkins, James Hilton,
Maximillon Holland, Darryl Jackson, Jimmie Jackson, Ivy John, Larry Johnson, Lydia
Johnson, Sarah Jones, David Larison, Dennis Lucas, Gloria & William McCaskill, Emma
McEntyre, Betty Moeller, Gloria Morgan, Dorothy Myrtle, Angela Neal, Margarita
Perez, Tammy & Davon Peterson, Ed Poindexter, Tom Proctor, Charles Queen, Arthur
Robinson, Jean, Leroy & Robert Robinson, Yolanda Rollins, Robin Sescoe, Ciara
Shields, Brenda Smith, Claudell St. Julien, Edsel Swann, Jane Thomas, Kristine Vivican,
Kayla Warren, Paul Waters, Marilyn Denise Whetstone, Anita Williams, Bertha
Williams, Kobe M. Williams, David Wilson, Jean Wright, Marianne Young, and all who
are Sick and Shut-In.
~PRAYER REQUESTS~
Please pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of Pearl Curtis,
mother of Frank Brewer, Gerald Carey, father of Mary Carey,
and Judy Kinter Wardell, sister of our beloved Fr. John Kinter.
Your prayers are also asked for the speedy recovery of Ivy John,
Ed Poindexter, Yolanda Rollins and Odessa Curtis, aunt of Mary
Bush. Please continue to pray also for our sick/shut-in & grieving
parishioners, and Fr. Moore, Fr. Casmir & Deacon Walker.
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
EFFECTIVE SUPPORT OF YOUR CHURCH
IS WISE STEWARDSHIP
“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given
himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God.”
(Ephesians 5:2)
Now, O Lord, let our prayers of devotion accompany our
tithes and offerings of love this week that we might build your
kingdom, serve the needy and provide for our church. AMEN.
Tithes and offerings for last weekend, November 1, 2015
amounted to $10,198.75 (Maintenance, $2,776.00.) This
time last year offerings were $9,004.00.
Youth Envelopes-$13.00
Attendance
5:00pm
8:45am
11:30am
16
117
93
226
Thanks to all who have so well supported our Growing One Step
stewardship program. Because of the strong commitment of many
of us we are blessed with good success thus far. May we be
blessed as we bless our ministry and commitment to the Lord!
Your on-going contributions are most appreciated!
PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: Bible Study meets on Tuesday
evenings at 7:30pm in the Rectory Living Room. Our topic is
“The Mercy of God.”
RELIGIOUS ED: Classes have begun, but there is still time
to register! Each family is requested to contribute $20.00 to help
defray the cost of educational materials, transportation for field
trips and other scheduled events. For more info, please contact
Wanda Brooks: 301-395-3442 or Lucrwbr@yahoo.com.
LECTOR WORKBOOKS NOW AVAILABLE: Lectors
are reminded to please pick up your new workbooks. You will
find them in the Usher’s Room.
NOVEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES!
Couples observing a Wedding Anniversary this month are asked
to notify Mary Waters in the Church Office by November 19.
Blessings will be shared with you on Sunday, November 22.
NOVEMBER SHARE: Sign up: Today & November 15th.
The cost is now $21.00. Pick-up: Saturday, November 21,
2015, 11:30am. Please be on time! Thanks to all who have
purchased SHARE packages for others in need.
SODALITY: The Sodality will meet today, November 8,
immediately following the 8:45 a.m. Mass
APPRECIATION! The Parish Action Committee would like to
thank all those who supported the Annual Line Dance Social on
October 24th, as well as all PAC members, and Deborah Johnson,
Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Robinson. We had tons of fun and this event
was another success. PAC raised $1,464.85 for the church!
POPE FRANCIS
“The Mercy of God”
One of the major themes our Holy Father stresses is that of
mercy. On December 8th the whole Church throughout the world
will begin a Year of Mercy. Pope Francis reflects on God’s
Mercy in what he said in his General Audience in Rome on
October 2, 2013.
A House That Welcomes All
The Church is a house that welcomes all. The church calls
everyone, welcomes them, is open to them, is open even to those
furthest from her; she calls everyone to allow themselves to be
enfolded by the mercy, the tenderness, and the forgiveness of the
Father, who offers everyone the possibility of meeting him, of
journeying toward sanctity.
“Well! Father, I am a sinner; I have tremendous sins. How
can I possibly feel part of the Church?” Dear Brother, dear
sister, this is exactly what the Lord wants, that you say to him,
“Lord, here I am, with my sins.” Is one of you here without sin?
Anyone? No, not one of us. We all carry our sins with us. But
the Lord wants to hear us say to him, “Forgive me, help me to
walk, change my heart!” And the Lord can change your heart.
In the Church, the God we encounter is not a merciless judge but
like the father in the gospel parable of the Prodigal Son. You
may be like the son who left home, who sank to the depths,
farthest from the gospel. When you have the strength to say, “I
want to come home,” you will find the door open. God will come
to meet you because he is always waiting for you—God is always
waiting for you. God embraces you, kisses you, and celebrates.
That is how the Lord is, that is how the tenderness of our
heavenly Father is. The Lord wants us to belong to a Church that
knows how to open her arms and welcome everyone, that is not a
house for the few, but a house for everyone, where all can be
renewed, transformed, sanctified by his love—the strongest and
the weakest, sinners, the indifferent, those who feel discouraged
or lost.
The Church offers all the possibility of following a path to
holiness, which is the path of the Christian; she brings us to
encounter Jesus Christ in the sacraments, especially in confession
and in the Eucharist; she communicates the Word of God to us,
she lets us live in charity, in the love of God for all. Let us ask
ourselves, then “Will we let ourselves be sanctified? Are we a
Church that calls and welcomes sinners with open arms, that
gives courage and hope, or are we a Church closed in on herself?
Are we a Church where the love of God dwells, where one cares
for the other, where one prays for the other?”
A final question: “What can I, a weak fragile sinner, do?
God says to you, Do not be afraid of holiness; do not be afraid
to aim high, to let yourself be loved and purified by God; do not
be afraid to let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit.” Let us be
infected by the holiness of God.
WELCOME VISITORS!
We warmly welcome our visitors to
St. Thomas More Church and ask you to
please sign our Visitors’ Book
located near the church entrance.
We invite all who are seeking a church home to join our
church family here at St. Thomas More.
Please encourage all visitors to sign our guest book!
~UPCOMING EVENTS~
~ TRIP TO SIGHT AND SOUND ~
STM-PAC is also sponsoring a trip to Sight and Sound
Theater, Lancaster, PA, to see the play, Samson, on April 23,
2016. Show time: 11:00am. Cost: Adults 12 & up-$125.00
(78 tickets). Children 11 & under-$75.00 (20 tickets).
$25.00 deposit per person was due September 27!
Payment Schedule Due Dates
Oct. 25, Nov. 15 & 22, & Dec. 20…
Final payments: Jan. 17 & 24, 2016! Our bus will depart
STM at 7:00am. Continental Breakfast will be provided; lunch
& dinner are on your own. There will also be time to go
shopping after the play!
Please contact any of these PAC members for more info:
Liz Berry (240-315-8869), Margaret Butler (301-702-1398),
Laura Brown (301-899-8099), Judy Kenner (301-839-3012) or
Francess Davies (301-203-1480).
~ PLEASE SAVE THE DATE ~
On Sunday, November 15, 2015, The Smiles of Children's
Annual Angel Tree will be in the back of the Church. More
information to follow soon from the Outreach Committee!
SODALITY NEWS!!
BAKE SALE! PRE-ORDER NOW!
St. Thomas More’s Sodality will be having their Annual Bake
Sale on November 22, 2015. ORDER FORMS are now
available for you to place you order in advance! All baked
goods are homemade. Pre-orders are being accepted to get
you ready for the holidays!
Please see any STM Sodalist for more information.
Pope Francis
CHRISTMAS CONCERT TICKETS!
CARDINAL’S APPEAL UPDATE!
Come enjoy an afternoon of praise and fellowship at St Luke's
Christmas Concert on December 6, 2015 at 3:00 pm. Tickets:
$15.00. To purchase tickets, please see Ignacio Washington.
While tithes, offerings and fundraising has increased dramatically
over the past year, we are behind in our support of the Cardinal’s
Appeal. Our target is 37,190! As of right now we have pledged
$27,770 (74.67%).
Please consider making a pledge this year. Thanks to all who
have given so far in support of the ministries and services
provided by the Archdiocese through the appeal.
With everyone’s help we will be able to meet our 2015 goal!
SHOW YOUR TEAM’S COLORS!!
Many have asked about it, so let’s do it!
Come dressed in our favorite team’s apparel on Sunday,
December 6th, the day before Washington battles the Cowboys
on Monday Night Football! GO TEAM!!
ST. THOMAS MORE
CATHOLIC ACADEMY!
Grades Pre-K3 through 8th
Catholic Environment ~ Academically Excellent
Before and After School Care Provided!
Tuition Assistance is Available!
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CALL 202-561-1189!
HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OPPORTUNITIES!
Bishop McNamara High School: TODAY, 12:30-4 pm. A
variety of presentations as well as tours will be available
throughout the afternoon. Find more information at
www.BMHS.org. Parents and prospective students are invited
to visit and learn about the many opportunities available at
Bishop McNamara High School. Catholic, co-ed, college prep.
Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School: November 14th from
12-2pm. Serving students with limited financial means, DBCR
provides work-study options. Catholic, co-ed, college prep
high school. For more info contact us at: 301-891-4750 Ext.
148 1010 Larch Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912 www.dbcr.org
STM FOOD PANTRY
DONATIONS APPRECIATED!
PLEASE HELP US DO OUR BEST
TO PROVIDE NUTRITIOUS FOOD
FOR OUR CHILDREN & FAMILIES!!
PLEASE G-I-V-E WHAT YOU CAN
TO HELP KEEP OUR PANTRY STOCKED.
Food Assistance Requests Are
STEADILY INCREASING!
STM ASSISTS FAMILIES YEAR-ROUND!
YOUR DONATION MATTERS!!
We are seeking the following CONTRIBUTIONS:
DRY GOODS~
Rice/Pasta/Beans/Hot & Cold Cereal
CANNED GOODS~
Meat/Tuna/Soup/Fruit/Vegetables
WE APPEAL TO YOUR
GENEROUS SPIRIT OF GIVING, STM!!
STM has served as a REFUGE OF RELIEF for many!
Food/Monetary donations will help keep our pantry viable!
***************************
If you would like to donate a SHARE Package to the
Food Pantry please see any member of the SHARE Team!
Your $21.00 donation will assist those in need!
Thank You! God Bless!
Bulletin Submissions are due VIA EMAIL by 12:00pm on
Monday, please. Our updated calendar, Bulletin and other items
of interest may be accessed on the church website:
stthomasmoredc.org.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Sunday
Religious Ed Classes (10:30am-Classrooms)
Second Chance (3:30pm-Old Library)
Monday
Youth Choir Rehearsal (7:00pm-Church)
NCW 2nd Community (8:00pm-Cedar Rm)
Tuesday
Bible Study (7:30pm-Rectory)
NCW 2nd Community (8:00pm-Cedar Rm)
Wednesday Veteran’s Day-Office Closed
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-Church)
NOTES FOR TODAY
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ATTENTION CURSILLISTAS!
Assumption Parish’s Ultreya meets on the second Saturday of
each month at 1:30pm in the basement meeting room of the
rectory. All Cursillistas are welcome; as well those of you would
like to know more about Cursillo.
Contact Gwen Jarman (202-562-1165) for more info.