november 17, 2019 thirty-third sunday in ordinary time · 2019. 11. 19. · november 17, 2019...
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November 17, 2019 Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
December 1: First Sunday of Advent
Reading I: Isaiah 2:1-5 Reading II: Romans 13:11-14 Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE:
Average Weekly Regular Offertory Amount Needed to Meet Our Annual Budget = $5,234
Offertory for November 17: $ 5095
“Give and it shall be given to you.” - Luke 6:38 Thank you for your generous contributions.
For November 23th – 28th
Saturday, 5pm – Lois Rupp Sunday, 9am – Robert Field (1st Anniv)
Sunday, 11:15am – Jim Beliveau, Jr.
Thursday, 9am (Thanksgiving) – Parishioners of St. Thomas More
For November 30th – December 1st
Saturday, 5pm – Doris Rahilly Sunday, 9am – Ken Geremia
Sunday, 11:15am – Gertrude Heid
CHURCH OF SAINT THOMAS MORE A Community of Parish & University Ministry
PO Box 620, Durham, NH 03824; 868-2666; [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS THIS WEEK: Mon, Tues: 9am - 3pm; Weds: 9am - 1pm
Office closed Thursday & Friday
Weekday Masses at 12:10pm: Mon, Tues & Wed
Mass 9am Thanksgiving Day (11/28)
Food Pantry: Closed on Thanksgiving (11/28) Today we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. Last week’s readings looked toward the End of the World. Today’s readings look beyond the time to the New Heaven and New Earth. In that Kingdom, God’s Will shall, in fact, be done on earth as it is in heaven. The dialogue between Jesus and Pilate hints at the Mystery. Jesus’ Kingship is not of this world. The kingdoms and rulers of this world, even Jesus’ Illustrious ancestor, Solomon, and Pilate’s boss, Tiberius Caesar, are merely shadows of the eternal kingdom God the Father will bestow upon His obedient Son. We cannot comprehend what that Kingdom will be like. Human language cannot describe a reality beyond our finite imaginations. Even the visions contained in the Scriptures are only metaphors. And so we read of streets paved with gold and walls glittering with jewels, living water streaming forth from beneath a gleaming throne, a city illuminated with never-dimming light. A place where every tear shall be wiped away, and there shall be no pain or sorrow: the hallmarks of life in this present age. No, we cannot imagine such a place. What we can know with certainty is simple and profound: “I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3) Shalom,
Fr. Andrew
Welcome Child of God!
No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church, No matter your personal history, age, income, background, gender, race, ethnicity or spirituality, or marital situation,
No matter your own self‐image of holiness or virtue, You belong to Jesus Christ and you belong to us!
You are invited, accepted and respected here at the Parish of Saint Thomas More.
Take our hands, Lord Jesus, leading us in courage to confront with courage the forces which oppress and divide. Take our hearts, Lord Jesus, and open them to the truth which will set others free.
Accompany us on our way, Lord Jesus, as we seek to share our Roman Catholic faith and life in your Spirit.
Second Collec ons this weekend
... is for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Black and Indian Missions. Thank you for your generosity!
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LIFE LONG FAITH FORMATION
This week (11/24):
Family Faith Forma on (FFF); parents and children will be in the gym. All are welcome.
The following week (12/1): No classes (Thanksgiving weekend)
The week a er (12/8): Whole Parish Faith Forma on (WPF); in the gym. All are welcome!
Middle School Faith Formation
Next sessions are Dec 2 & Dec 16 from 6-7:30pm. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass at 7pm on Dec 12.
High School Youth Ministry
Life Teen: Sunday, Dec 1; 6-8pm (snacks) Whole Parish FF: Sunday, Dee 8; 10am DTS: Sunday, Dec 15; 6-8pm (meal)
UPDATE ON THE
2019 MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN:
The St. Thomas More Matching Gi Campaign is off and running. Already we have two generous pledges to match totaling $8,000 (one for $5,000 and another for $3,000). This means that if we raise $8,000 more from other donators, we will get that money AND the pledges for a total of $16,000. We have a GREAT start from the two generous pledgers to create such a huge incen ve for others to donate so we can earn those matching funds. In light of our offertory shor alls last year, the income from the 2019 Matching Gi Campaign is cri cal to suppor ng the costs of our day‐to‐day Parish opera ons.
Now is the me to donate to the Matching Gi Campaign. IT’S EASY! Simply write a check or ini ate an electronic transfer to “St. Thomas More”. You can drop the check in the collec on basket, drop it at the office or mail it to PO Box 620, Durham, NH 03824. In the memo field indicate “Matching Gi Campaign”. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can indicate that as well.
The response to the St. Thomas More Matching Gi Campaign in past years has been inspiring and we appreciate it very much. This income is needed to cover rou ne expenses and much needed maintenance and repairs that o en have been postponed for some me. The campaign will con nue for a few more weeks, so please do not hesitate to make a dona on. We will track our progress rela ve to the two pledges at the Church. We thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA Journey to the Easter Sacraments
Please pray for our seekers who have begun their journey to the Easter sacraments.
If you are interested in joining the Catholic church,
BEGIN THE CONVERSATION with Roberta MacBride [email protected] ~ 603-868-2666 x115
CARING & SHARING
For this week the Pantry needs are:
jelly, condiments, tuna, juice, vegetable soup, other soups except tomato and chicken
Thank you!! __________________________________________________________________________________________________
CARING & SHARING FOOD DRIVE
Nov 22, 23 & 24 run by 98.7, Frank FM,and 98,1 WTSN Radio Stations.
Drop off donations at most Hannaford stores.
STM needs volunteers to help sort and put away food on the morning of Monday, 11/25.
Contact Cindy Racic at 781-0945 or [email protected].
200 CLUB
It’s time to be thankful Because you might be a winner
at the next 200 Club drawing on December 1st!
Don’t forget to pick up a new member/renewal application available at the church entrances, the hallway leading to the
church hall, and in the foyer of the student center.
It’s $200 for an annual or $100 for a semi-annual membership. AND the newest membership beginning December 1st is
$50 for a 3-month quarterly membership.
TO BE INCLUDED IN THE DECEMBER 1ST DRAWING, a new or renewing membership must be in the Church office
by Wednesday, November 27th at 1pm.
Additional information is available online at stmdurham.org, on the Church Facebook page, or contact Tom Dolan at 603-659-7162
Immaculate Conception Masses:
Masses: Mon, Dec 9, 12:10pm & 7pm
It is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year.
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Funeral Prepara on Workshop
Thank you to everyone involved in providing this valuable workshop for our parishioners!
No WWP this week! Happy Thanksgiving!
Please join us for our Walking With Purpose Connect Coffee Talk: God ‐ First Place in All Things when WWP returns next week. No experience necessary, come as you are and join in any me.
Dec 5, 2019; 10:30am; STM Student Center Library
“He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He himself will come to have
first place in everything.” (Colossians 1:18)
Walking with Purpose is held weekly Oct - May. For more info: Michelle Dunbar at [email protected], 498-2778.
ADVENT EVENSONG & BENEDICTION at Corpus Christi Parish. Dec 1st , 8th and 15th: 5:30pm exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; 6pm: prayerful, half-hour Candlelight Service of reflective prayer & song, conclud-ing with Benediction. Confession 5:30pm - 7pm. Candlelight Rorate Masses Weds: Dec 4, 11, 18 at 7pm. For info: 436-4555 or www.corpuschristinh.org
THE WONDER OF SILENCE An Advent Candlelight Retreat at Cor-pus Christi Parish Center, Portsmouth. Fri, Dec 6, 6pm - 8pm. Peaceful retreat exploring the topic of silence. Light appetizers. RSVP by Dec 2 to Nancy at [email protected] or online https://corpuschristinh.org/
NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM at St. Michael Parish, Exeter. Fri, Dec 13, 5:30 - 8:30pm. Come follow the footsteps of Mary and Joseph on the night Jesus was born. Tours leave every 15 minutes. www.stmichaelparish.org
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord." Rejoice in your marriage by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Weekends are Dec 13-15, 2019 in Duxbury, MA and Mar 13-15, 2020 in Duxbury, MA. For more information, call Stephen & Michelle O'Leary at 800-710-9963 or visit them at https://wwmema.org/.
STM PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY St. Thomas More Prayer Shawl Ministry is seeking new members. Our Ministry provides prayer shawls for special celebrations; for the sick or lonely, and baby blankets for Baptisms. We need a facilitator to pair prayer shawls or baby blankets with cards, to give to Father Andy or Roberta when requested, and to keep track of who receives the shawls and blankets.
Our group meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month from October through May in the Student Center Library, 11:00 am to noon.
We hope you will consider joining us on Tuesday, December 3.
If you have questions or know anyone who would benefit from God’s healing love by receiving a shawl, please contact the STM office at 868-2666, or Mary Ann Marchi at 868-2019.
Christmas Fair - Donations needed…
If you have gently used, nice ...
costume jewelry, winter hats, or accessories
to donate, please drop off at Roberta’s office in the Student Center.
Office open Mon, Tues, Thurs 9am - 3pm & Wed 9am - 1pm.
Questions: Call Joanne at 659-8055 or Lynn at 868-1962.
Catholic Charities New Hampshire Acquires Program Serving At-Risk Veterans
Building on our commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable across New Hampshire, Catholic Charities NH acquired Manchester-based Liberty House. Liberty House, which is now an official program of Catholic Charities, serves homeless and at-risk veterans through sober transitional housing, clothing and food distribution and various mental and physical wellness programs.
Many of these veterans face immense challenges and invisible wounds, such as trauma, addiction and a lack of secure housing. It is our goal to expand on the work Liberty House has done for more than 15 years – and through your support – create more hope, independence and self-sufficiency for this extremely vulnerable and underserved population.
to those who helped St. Thomas More to be the first parish in the state of NH to complete the Forest Reservation Challenge!
Effie, the Christmas Elephant…
Is coming to our fair, Dec 7! She’s looking for new and re‐gi able items. Space is limited, so
please NO large items. ???? In doubt, call us!
Sue: 988‐2610; Marci: 749‐9011
Dona on drop‐offs begin Monday, Nov 25
Christmas Fair!!
Saturday, Dec 7 9am ‐ 2pm
Come join the fun!
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WeeklyEvents!SUNDAY–
5 PM‐ Student Mass St Thomas More Church 6 PM– Student Supper St Thomas More Student Center FYI– NO STUDENT MASS OR SUPPER SUNDAY DECEMBER 1ST (SUNDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING) TUESDAY–
NO COMMUNITY LUNCH! WEDNESDAY‐
NO CSO MEETING FRIDAY‐
NO MEN’S OR WOMEN’S GROUP!
UNH Campus Ministry Fall 2019– Vol. 13
Pie Pickups! Come to pickup your
pies either on Monday November 25th from 9AM to 12PM or on Tuesday November
26th from 1PM to 6PM
Hello students and parishioners!
I wish you the happiest Thanksgiving for you and your family and am extremely grateful for all of you this year. From the student supper teams, to multiple donors who contributed to our Thanksgiving pie efforts, we are truly thankful for YOU!
Peace, Ryan Cornelissen– [email protected]
Campus Minister
Campus Ministry at the Christmas Fair!
‐ 12/7
Students traveling to
Bethlehem Farm in West Virginia for an Alternative Spring Break trip will be
raffling off baskets of fun local items and are eager to share about their upcoming trip!
Please contact Ryan Cornelissen, Campus Minister if you have any questions regarding pickup!
Prayer of the Month! Advent
Since we only have one student Mass in Advent– December 8th, I am providing some op ons for Advent reflec on available online
for free! Feel free to reach out if you have ques ons!
“Catholic Mobilizing Network” Reflec ons rooted in Restora ve Jus ce
Catholicsmobilizing.org– sign up for e‐mail reflec on “Catholic volunteer Network”
Reflec ons by recent college grads in service programs Catholicvolunteernetwork.org–
Home>Resources>Current Volunteers>Reflec on Guides