fourth sunday of advent - st thomas more preschool · fourth sunday of advent december 24, 2017 ......
TRANSCRIPT
Fourth Sunday of AdventFourth Sunday of AdventFourth Sunday of Advent
December 24, 2017December 24, 2017December 24, 2017
Christmas Feast Masses
Sunday, December 24, 4:30 & 10 pm
Monday, December 25, 8 & 10:30 am
New Year’s Eve Prayer Vigil for
Mary, Mother of God
Sunday, December 31, 6 pm Evening Prayer and
Eucharistic Adoration, ends with Benediction at 7:30 pm
Mass for Mary, Mother of God
Monday, January 1, 10 am
Epiphany of the Lord
Saturday, January 6, 4:30 pm
Sunday, January 7, 8 & 10:30 am
Christmas Eve Family Mass, Come “Prepared”
Today’s 4:30 Christmas
Eve Vigil Mass will fea-
ture music by members
of our Parish Youth
Choir; an interactive
homily that is specifical-
ly directed to the young
children in our assem-
bly; and a procession by
our children to enthrone the infant Jesus at our community
crèche. If you’re planning to attend this mass, be sure to
revisit the Christmas Story with your children. It will help
them participate in Fr. R.J.’s Christmas Eve homily.
Prayer Vigil for Mary, Mother of God 6 - 7:30 pm on Sunday, December 31
The Vigil starts with
Evening Prayer at 6 pm
followed by Adoration
and recitation of the
Glorious Mysteries of
the Rosary in the pres-
ence of the Blessed
Sacrament. Weather
permitting, our Mary
Garden Labyrinth will
also be lit with illumi-
nati for those seeking quiet prayer in its sacred pathway.
The Vigil concludes with Benediction at 7:30 pm. Take ad-
vantage of this opportunity to offer personal and commu-
nal prayer in gratitude for the challenges and blessings of
2017, and in joyful hope for healing and blessings in the
new year. At evening’s end we’ll raise a toast to the new
year as we share simple hospitality in community.
Our Mary Garden Labyrinth
Take time to visit our Mary Garden Labyrinth in the quiet
of this Holy Night. Illuminati light the pathway to simple
figures of the Holy Family nestled in its heart.
Pray for World Peace at Our 10 am Mass Monday, Jan. 1, Mary Mother of God
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Liturgy, Worship & Community
We Need Prayer Leaders for Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Offered during 10:30 Sunday Mass, CLW is for children in
grades K through 3, and is designed to bring the Word of
God to children on a level they can easily understand. Its
ritual setting is reflective of the adult liturgy yet sensitive
to the needs of the child – engaging them in the lessons
of scripture while teaching them how to participate in
the Mass. Training, lesson plans, and a clear liturgical
format are provided. If you enjoy children and want to
share the Word of God with them, this ministry is for
you! Contact Dana: [email protected] or
leave her a message: 651-227-7669 x 306.
Wedding BannsWedding BannsWedding Banns Jillian Letnes and Connor Jorgensen
God’s Word Became Flesh – A Mystery of Faith Professed in Our Creed & Honored by Our Act of Kneeling
As worshiping assembly we are
accustomed to kneeling at the
moment of Christ’s death during
proclamation of the Passion
Narrative on Palm Sunday and
Good Friday. There are also two times in the liturgical
year that the Roman Missal directs us to kneel during the
Nicene Creed: the Christmas Feast Day Masses (December
24/25) and the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25). Just
as we kneel in reverence at the supreme sacrifice of Christ’s
death on the cross; in the joyful celebrations of Christ’s
incarnation, we are asked to kneel in reverence at the
holy mystery that is Christ taking on our human form
and nature.
Originating in the Church’s first two ecumenical councils
of 325 and 381, our Nicene Creed declares Christ Jesus to
be consubstantial with God the Father and, through the
power of the Holy Spirit, incarnate of the Virgin Mary.
This belief was ultimately confirmed by the 5th century
Council of Ephesus as the Church unequivocally declared
Christ to be fully human yet fully Divine. It is a sacred
mystery beyond our human ability to comprehend and so
we kneel at this mystery. We ponder the fully human, ful-
ly Divine nature of Christ who “though he was in the form
of God, did not regard equality with God something to be
grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a
slave [Philippians 2: 6- 7ab].” And in this Christmas Feast
that celebrates the mystery of God’s Word Made Flesh
we kneel in thanksgiving and awe for the gift that is the
Son of God who came down from heaven and – by the
power of the Holy Spirit – was knit together in the virgin
Mary’s womb to become the person of our Savior, Jesus
Christ. Born of the Creator’s love for his creation, he was
born for the life and healing of the world.
The act of kneeling during the Nicene Creed on the Feast
of Christmas has not been part of our experience at Saint
Thomas More in recent years. However, in an effort to
enter ever more deeply into the spiritual riches of our li-
turgical celebrations, we will be bringing this practice to
our Christmas Feast Day liturgies this year.
‘Tis the Season to Deck the Halls! Remember a deceased loved
one, honor a special family
member / friend, or simply “give
thanks” this year by donating
money toward the purchase of
Christmas poinsettias and other
environmental essentials for our
worship space. Special envelopes
are available in the Community
Corner. If you regularly receive
donation envelopes, you may
use the designated envelope in your packet. The names
of donors and their loved ones / honorees will be pub-
lished in the Bulletin during the Christmas season.
the <:ffJource on <:ffJummll
(& Lexington)
STM Community
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Living Your Strengths Are you interested in discovering your talents and strengths? The Living Your Strengths program will return after the New
Year. For those looking to build New Year's resolutions, this program will be a wonderful way to learn about yourself so
you can succeed. We will have Living Your Strengths in the Pastoral Center Library on Saturday, February 17th, and
Saturday, February 24th from 8:30 am-12 pm. Please watch for a registration process shortly after the new year!
Care for Creation Welcome back for Chapter 3 of Laudato Si., “The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis.” This chapter gives an
analysis of the current situation, “so as to consider not only its symptoms but also its deepest causes” (15),
in a dialogue with philosophy and the human sciences. Reflections on technology are an initial focus of the
chapter. The great contribution of technologies to the improvement of living conditions is acknowledged
with gratitude. However it gives “those with the knowledge, and especially the economic resources to use
them, an impressive dominance over the whole of humanity and the entire world” (104). Laudato Si: A Map,
Vatican Press Office. See the STM website for quotes and questions from this chapter of the encyclical:
http://bit.ly/2ljHdDG.
Help Bring the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to Saint Thomas More! In response to growing requests for a quality experience of faith formation during 10:30 Sunday Mass for children who are
too young for Children’s Liturgy of the Word, we hope to have an Atrium for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd on the first
Sunday of Lent, Feb. 18. In order to make this happen we need A LOT of help and involvement from the community.
We Need:
People who are interested in being trained as catechists. If we get enough volunteers,
you will only be asked to serve once a month.
People who are interested in preparing the Atrium Space with all the special materi-
als this program requires. This might involve crafting small liturgical furnishings or do-
nating icons, statues and other religious items for use by children ages 3-5.
Learn More:
Pick up a booklet at the Worship Commission display on the opposite side of the
church’s Community Corner.
Contact Nicole Johnson: 651-227-7669 x 301 or [email protected].
Open House at Saint Thomas Academy! We invite families interested in learning more about Saint Thomas Academy to attend an upcoming admissions open house
on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 1 pm. STA is Minnesota’s only Catholic, college preparatory, military/leadership school for boys
grades 6 to 12. For the schedule and to register, visit: www.cadets.com/OpenHouse or call 651-683-1516.
Save the Date: Show Support for Immigrants at "Seeing All as God's Children" Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 7, from 1-2 pm. The Basilica of St. Mary (88 17th
St. N, Minneapolis) will be hosting "Seeing All as God's Children," a one-hour faith service
embracing immigrants and refugees that kicks off the U.S. Catholic Church's Migration
Week in 2018. Through testimony, prayer, and music, we will recognize our common bond
and dignity as beloved children of God. Father Warren will be among the participants; con-
sider attending to help represent St. Thomas More's ongoing immigrant support efforts.
For information, please email Aaron Sinner: [email protected].
-,:-~,,,-~,, ....... ,, ·~-~·~ -~ .. ,.,.. .. . .. ,.,.~, ~.,, SEEING ALL 'I~ , , .. AS . , ,
. GOD'S -~ CHILDREN
• • .. .. ,,,.,,,
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2nd Graders During the Advent Season the 2nd graders
learned about the Advent wreath and its
meaning. We learned that the 4 candles
represent the 4 weeks of Advent and that
the candles are a reminder to us that Jesus is
the Light of the World! The purple candles
represent prayer, penance, and preparation;
the rose/pink candle represents rejoicing!
The Advent wreath is a circle, a symbol used
to show the eternity of God. After learning
about the Advent wreath the children created wreaths, which they posted in the hallway as a reminder of this blessed season!
Kindergartners - 8th Graders The students in grades K-8 were all treated to a band, orchestra, and choir concert by the children in these groups! It was
such beautiful music to hear during this season of joy. Lots of Christmas songs were played as well as some other neat
songs! The children who are part of these talented musical groups are living out the Jesuit value of being Committed to
Excellence by inspiring to be their best in an extracurricular activity!
St. Thomas More School News!
Looking Forward to 2018-1019 Saint Thomas More School is already looking
forward to the 2018-19 school year and we
want our parish children to attend! Our school
offers an exceptional education from pre-
school through 8th grade. Come and learn
how a Jesuit education will benefit your chil-
dren! Schedule a personal tour at your con-
venience by calling the school: 651-224-4836.
We look forward to seeing you in school!
School Visit Day: Friday, Jan. 19, 8:30-10:30 am - Visit any of our classrooms and
see our students and faculty "in action."
Open House: Thursday, Feb. 1, 5:30-7:00 pm - Come for supper, see our classrooms,
visit with our faculty and current school families.
Saint Thomas More Toy Give Away
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Your Generosity Provided Toys to MORE than 500 Children
The Toy Give Away Event held last Saturday, Dec. 9, was a very successful outreach effort to the children of low income
families. Your generosity provided Toys to MORE than 500 Children.* Families came to the annual Saint Thomas More
event with anticipation and as expressed by a lot of them these gifts will be the only gifts under the tree this Christmas.
The generosity of the Saint Thomas More Community is outstanding; we care for people. You donated close to 900 toys,
200 books, 250 stuffed animals, and hundreds of Christmas decorations. The families left with a “package of joy” that in-
cluded all of the above items. People came from several areas of the cities; registration showed 17 different zip codes.
Saint Thomas More is reaching many people in need from many different areas. This was a community event where more
than 100 volunteers donated their time and effort. Many parishioners, students, parents, teachers, and staff contributed
to this effort beginning with the set-up on Friday and during the actual event on Saturday.
Special thanks go to:
All the toy donors from STM Church and School
Father Warren and the church staff for general and logistical support
Pat Lofton and the school staff for support in promoting the Toy Drive
Boy Scout Troop 45 and its leaders
The 7th Grade Girl Scout troop and its leaders
All the STM School graduates who helped
K.P. Waite for coordinating the Advent Giving Tree, which provided many gifts for teens
Skinner’s Pub for donating pizza for our tired volunteers
Tom Koher and Ken Kozachok for their assistance with logistics and facilities management
The STM Women’s Group for the continual support and prayers for the less fortunate
As a community we came together to serve the poor just as Christ did. Thank you again to each of you and Merry Christmas!
Myriam Grady and Gloria Wilkie * Self reported information collected at Registration
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Mass Intentions & Scripture Saturday, December 23 Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 [cf. Lk 21:28]/Lk 1:57-66
Mass 4:30 pm Mildred Cory
Sunday, December 24 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 [2a]/Rom
16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38 Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29
[2a]/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Midnight: Is
9:1-6/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14
Mass 8:00 am Chuck O’Hearn
Mass 10:30 am STM Community
Mass 4:30 pm Mary Ellen Sarafolean
Mass 10 pm Mary E. Horsnell
Monday, December 25 Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is
52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14
Mass 8:00 am STM Community
Mass 10:30 am Sophie J. Kiel
Tuesday, December 26 Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 & 8ab, 16bc & 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22
Mass 7:15 am T. David Bixler
Wednesday, December 27 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8
Mass 7:15 am Mary Louise Klein
Thursday, December 28 1 Jn 1:5--2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18
Mass 7:15 am Richard John Reeck
Friday, December 29 1 Jn 2:3-11/Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 [11a]/Lk 2:22-35
Mass 7:15 am Helen M. Mules
Saturday, December 30 Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 [cf. Lk 21:28]/Lk 1:57-66
Mass 4:30 pm John Cameron McKosy
Sunday, December 31 Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 or Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9,
[7a, 8a] or Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
Mass 8:00 am STM Community
Mass 10:30 am Tylor Koehn
Evening Prayer, 6 pm; Benediction, 7:30 pm
Liturgy Community
Fourth Sunday of Advent First Reading: "Your house and your kingdom shall en-
dure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm
forever."
Second Reading: To the only wise God, through Jesus
Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Gospel: And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy
Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most
High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be
born will be called holy, the Son of God."
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Luke 1:26-38 - In the angel Gabriel's announcement of
the upcoming birth of Jesus, what do you think Mary
found most challenging?
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 - In today's reading, we
hear the covenant that God established with King David
around the year 1000 BC. Why do you think it took so
long for God to fulfill his covenantal promise in the birth
of Jesus?
Romans 16:25-27 - Our reading is Paul's concluding
doxology from his Letter to the Romans. What do you
find striking about Paul's hymn of praise to God?
Word Search
Angel Behold David Favor
Gabriel God Grace Hail
House Impossible Jesus Joseph
Lord Mary Nothing
M 0 z G H D J Q R G K R G J Q G K L
H H 0 u s E I L T A J s J M V A E 0
C z WQ p K X B A I K A E J N 8 H R
8 T G 0 D I s K X M M p B 0 E R G D
F y 0 R A T B M L p T 0 p s I I C L
8 E H 0 L D A X H 0 y G A E G E L M
E J w C u K I M u s L M E p H L s J
0 G Q X 0 Z H N Q s u R s H A M E R
D R M N Q E A F N I F F T N I G I X
s A E A s T T N u B I A M K L B K y
0 C V s z T R J G L L y V 0 Q s R F
0 E E I V J L G I E R M u 0 R s D B
H K u C D I M M N J L X Q u R J 0 K
G L w C V p D R p K z I N Q H L D T
J E 0 C T I p z L V p 0 w N N Q I G
N M C N 0 T H I N G WO X 0 K V y s X Q M A R y I 8 8 s I 8 I V F M X A
u K 0 K I B R z p C p y J E s u s N
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Address, Hours & Phones
Parish Center & Church Ph 651-227-7669 Fax 651-227-0847
1079 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
Email [email protected]
Office Hours: 8 am-4 pm, M-F
STM School Ph 651-224-4836 Fax 651-224-0097
1065 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
Email [email protected]
Office Hours: 7:30 am-3 pm, M-F
Quick Contacts Baptisms - [email protected] - x 301
Bulletin/Website - [email protected] - x 302
Calendar - [email protected] - x 301
Free Store - [email protected]
General Questions - [email protected] - x 301
Justice & Service - [email protected] x 310
STM School - [email protected] or 651-224-4836
Young Adults - [email protected]
Weddings - [email protected] x 305
Liturgy Schedule Baptisms: First Sundays of the month during the 10:30 am
Mass or at 9 am (no baptisms during Lent or Advent).
Centering Prayer: Tuesday, 5:30-6:15 pm.
Eucharistic Adoration: First Friday of the Month, flowing
from 7:15 am Mass, concluding at noon with Midday
Prayer and Benediction.
Mass: Saturday, 4:30 pm, Sunday, 8 & 10:30 am.
Tuesday-Friday, 7:15 am; during the school year, an 8:30
am Mass is also celebrated on most Wednesdays.
Reconciliation: Saturday, 3:30-4 pm or by appointment.
Staff Contacts Ph 651-227-7669 (Unless Otherwise Noted)
Fr. Warren Sazama, S.J. - Pastor, x 312
Fr. R.J. Fichtinger, S.J. - Associate Pastor, x 310
Carol Arend - Pastoral Care and Weddings, x 305
Patti Day - Communications & Office Manager, x 302
Deacon Tom Dzik, x 317
Adam Fitzpatrick - Faith Formation, x 311
Nicole Johnson - Receptionist & Pastor’s Admin. Asst., x 301
Tom Kohler - Maintenance Supervisor, x 308
Pat Lofton - School Principal, 651-224-4836 , x 303
Phil Lynch - Finance Manager, 651-224-4836, x 304
Dana McCarthy - Liturgy, Music & Worship, x 306
Mary Ann Sexton - Adult Choir Director, 651-227-7669
Elizabeth Thimmesh - Admissions & Development Dir.
651-224-4836, x 302 [email protected]
STM Church
http://www.morecommunity.org/parish/
STM School
http://school.morecommunity.org/
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https://www.instagram.com/stthomasmoremn/
https://twitter.com/StThomasMoreMN
For Your Information Offices & Staff
Dr. Brent Fredrickson Dr. Trisha Rieck
Dr. Gregory Smith 651-488-5888
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l§f~_ For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St. Thomas More. St. PauL MN. A 4C 02-0448