DIRECTOR OF MUSIC & LITURGY: Mary Jane Kelso, kelso.music@stthomasbrigantine.org

FAITH FORMATION & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Deacon Len Long & Deb Widmann

OFFICE MANAGER: Jane Staunton j.staunton@stabrig.org

BULLETIN & WEBSITE EDITOR: Barb Cawley bulletin@stabrig.org Phone Ext. 102 DEADLINE- Monday 10:00AM

ASSUMPTION REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Galloway, 609-652-7134 www.arcs.org Principal: Joan Dollinger

Saint Thomas

the Apostle Church “Lord, You have come to the Seashore….”

331 8th Street So.

Brigantine, NJ 08203

Please visit our website: www.stthomasbrigantine.org

December 13, 2020 3rd Sunday of Advent

PASTOR: Fr. Edward Maher

PAROCHIAL VICAR:

Fr. Krzysztof Wtorek

PERMANENT DEACON: Deacon Len Long

PARISH OFFICE HOURS:

Mon. - Thurs.: 9:00AM - 4:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 1:00pm

609-266-2123, ext. 3 office@stabrig.org

St. Thomas Church Brigantine

MASS SCHEDULE

WEEKENDS

SAT: 4:00PM

SUN: 8:00, 9:30, 11:00AM

(9:30 livestreamed)

WEEKDAYS

MON. - SAT.: 8:30AM

CONFESSION

Saturday: 3PM

or by appointment

2 - St.Thomas the Apostle Parish

WELCOME TO ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH

To Schedule Baptisms & Weddings Please call the Parish Office.

Religious Education CCD is now in session. They meet every Monday at the church. Grades 1 thru 4 from 4:00pm - 5:00pm and Grades 5 thru 8 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Please register at the Parish Office. We also have special programs for children and adults who would like to become Catholic or complete their sacraments. See RCIA information in this bulletin.

Care of the Sick The Parish Office may be called any time for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. A Priest or Eucharistic Minister will administer the Eucharist to those who are homebound, Our local hospitals also have a catholic priest available.

Altar Flowers

This is a nice way to remember your loved ones. The donation is $50. Contact the Parish Office.

St. Dismas Ministry “Helping People Anonymously”

This ministry is available to anyone in Brigantine who feels overwhelmed by financial burdens and needs a helping hand. If you are in need of assistance, an application from the Parish Office must be completed first. The application is anonymous and if approved, short-term help will be provided. Please call the Parish Office for more information.

W

Mass Intentions

3rd Sunday of Advent

Saturday

8:30AM 4:00PM

December 12

Anne Migatz by Debbie Lacivita Carmen Viola by Pat Jackson Elizabeth O’Neill by MJ, Jane, Anna & Barb

Sunday

8:000AM

9:30AM 11:00AM

December 13

Patricia Cuozzo by Joe & MJ Kelso Tom Duffy by Bill DiTeodoro Anne P. MIgatz by Roseann & Anthony DiMaggio Kathy Ewing by Women’s Club of St. Thomas Don Marrandino, Sr. by Deacon Lenny & Debbie Anna Victoria Lara by Michael & Vickie Chubb

Monday

8:30AM

December 14

Don Marrandino, Sr. by John & Kathe Murray

Tuesday

8:30AM

December 15

Virginia Kelly by Coyle Family

Wednesday

8:30AM

December 16

Elizabeth Maguire by Maguire Children

Thursday

8:30AM

December 17

Nick DiFranks by Family

Friday

8:30AM

December 18

John Smith by Joan & Jim Egan

Saturday

8:30AM 4:00PM

December 19

John Smith by Phillips Family Michael Trendler, Jr. by Fran Don Marrandino, Sr. by Irene & Bill Zin

Sunday

8:00AM 9:30AM 11:00AM

December 20

Christopher Shaw by Pat Macagnano & Family Phyllis Outten by Ken & Donna Herman Don Marrandino, Sr. by Anthony Stolfo Anne Migatz by Joe Maiorano Joseph Kelso, Sr. by Joe & MJ Kelso Carmen Viola by Marie Faunce

Rosary for Peace The Rosary for Peace will be taking place on Tuesday evening at 7:00pm in the church parking lot. Please bring your own chair. During inclement weather, it will be held in the church.

Pray for our Recently Deceased:

Fran Marcozzi, Constance Brown

Please keep the families of those listed above in

your prayers.

In Memory of :

Abbot Francis Kline

by

Vanetta

Parish Devotions

Rosary:

Following 8:30AM weekday Masses,

8:10AM Saturday mornings before Mass &

Tuesday evening, 7:00PM

Miraculous Medal Novena:

Monday after 8:30AM Mass

Eucharist Exposition:

Fridays from 9:00-12NOON, with the rosary and

Divine Mercy Chaplet. If there is a funeral, Exposition

will be held in the Parish Meeting Room.

3 - St.Thomas the Apostle Parish

December 5th & 6thSunday Collection “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all cir-cumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Stewardship is a way of life based on the Gospel. As disciples, we are called to be faithful stewards of our time, talent and treasure. Thank you for your continued generosity and participation in our parish.

Current Year Last Year

Offertory $ 8,11100 $ 7,227.00

E-Giving $ 2,550.00 $ 1,227.00

School $ 470.00 $ 883.00

$ 11,131.00 $ 9,337.00

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

CHRISTMAS EVE: 3PM, 4:15PM, 6:00PM & 10:00PM

CHRISTMAS DAY: 9:30AM & 11:00AM

The 4:15PM Mass is the FAMILY MASS and will be LIVESTREAMED.

Retirement Fund for Religious Collection

December 12th & 13th

Make a difference. “Every dollar makes a difference in

covering our expenses,” say a Trappist abbot.

Hundreds of US religious communities struggle to

provide for aging members because most senior

Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests

served for little pay. Your gift to the Retirement Fund

for Religious helps these communities bridge the gap,

offering support for medications, nursing care, and

other necessities. Please be generous.

Confessions

Saturday, December 19th

3:00pm - 3:30pm &

5:00pm - 6:00pm

4 - St.Thomas the Apostle Parish

Ministry Schedule December 19th & 20th Mass Lector Eucharistic Minister Presider

SAT. 4:00PM ML DiFranks D. Szwak, J. Kozub Fr. Ed

SUN. 8:00AM L. Camerota E. Casale, B. Ferris, D. Phillips Fr. Krzysztof

SUN. 9:30AM ME Smith J. Maiorano, J. Staffieri, R. Smith Fr. Ed

SUN. 11:00AM B. Bologa L. Flanagan, T. Tomlin, R. Wilson Fr. Bob

If you cannot attend, PLEASE find a replacement.

Thank you!

Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most

Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I

desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at

this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least

spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were

already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never

permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

December 15th - Rosary for Peace 7pm

December 19th - Confession 3pm & 5pm - 6pm

December 21st - No CCD Classes

December 22nd - Rosary for Peace 7pm

December 24th - Christmas Eve -Parish Office Closed

December 25th - Christmas Day -Parish Office Closed

Please Remember All The Military in Your Prayers

1st Lt. Robert Glanville, USMC Sgt. Taylor DeMers, Maj. Jeffrey Moon, USAF, Lt. Connor F. Burbridge, US Army Capt. Matt Valnoski, US Army, Cpl. Ronald DeWaal, USMC, Cpl. Tristen T. Barry, USMC

Sgt. Matt Krimm, US Army

DO YOU NEED HELP?

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN USE SOME HELP?

“We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.”

Please call Eileen Robbins at 609-948-5098, who will, in a

“confidential manner”, help connect you with resources

available through the St. Dismas Ministry, Vitality Healthcare

Services and the True Spirit Coalition.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK

Maryann Atack, Derek Caster, Mary Anne Rossella, Robert Gentile, Jim Covert, Erin Fender, Anthony Mauceri, Alice Holl, George Hak, Joan DiBona, Joe Whitesell, Terry Ciullo, Baby Aurora Gross, Sr. Betty Heller (SSJ),Tracey Triolo, Theresa Mong

Prayer Chain Network: The network prays for the imme-

diate needs of others. To make a confidential request, please

contact Barry Scholcoff at 609-266-7888.

CHRISTMAS MASS

Important Reminders

If you miss the 4:15PM Livestream Mass, you can

watch it on YOUTUBE at any time. Go to our church

website: www.stthomasbrigantine.org and click the

YOUTUBE link.

Please keep in mind that due to Covid-19, all safety

protocols will be followed and masks must be worn

over your nose & mouth during the time in church.

Please remember that our capacity is still limited to

30% and not everyone will be able to enter the desired

Mass. The ushers will do their best to accommodate

everyone as they will be keeping count as each person

enters the church.

We ask that once you receive Communion, you exit the

church immediately so that the church and hall can be

properly sanitized between Masses. Your anticipated

cooperation is greatly appreciated.

When entering the parking lot, please be considerate

of the attendants. They will be there to ensure social

distancing and accommodate as many vehicles as

possible to prevent any unnecessary incidents.

5 - St.Thomas the Apostle Parish

St. Thomas the Apostle

2021 Calendar Raffles are Here! 90 Chances to Win

only $20. each

Daily drawings from January 1st thru March 31

st, 2021. Names are

re-entered after each drawing. No limit to the # of times you can win. Prizes range from $50. To $100.

Great gift to give for the upcoming holidays.

Thanksgiving Blessings & a Peace Filled Christmas

Please fill out the form below and return with payment to:

St. Thomas Church, 331 8th Street South Brigantine, NJ 08203

*Once received, your calendar(s) will be mailed to you.

Thank you for your generous heart and may the holidays be a special one.

(cut on line) ************************************************************************************************************

2021 Calendar Raffle Order Form $20. Donation per Calendar

Name: ____________________________________Phone:___________________________

Street:_____________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________State: ___________________ Zip Code: ______________

Number of Calendars: ___________________ Amount Enclosed: ______________________

ID# 58-1-12461 RL#921

6 - St.Thomas the Apostle Parish

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

Our tradition here at St. Thomas’ is to decorate the

Altar and church with beautiful Poinsettia Flowers as

we celebrate the Birth of Our Lord.

The Poinsettia Flowers are known as “Flowers of the

Holy Night”. The shape of the poinsettia flower and

leaves are sometimes thought to be a symbol of the

Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus.

The red colored petals symbolize the blood of Christ.

All parishioners and visitors are invited to make a

donation IN MEMORY (deceased) or IN HONOR of a

loved one. The envelope is included in the packet or

can be found at the entrances of the church. The

names of those To Be Remembered will be published

in the bulletin.

TOM PARK K OF C YARD SALE (new hours) This is a friendly reminder that Tom Park KoC store

located at 601 Bayshore Avenue WILL BE OPEN

EVERY SATURDAY from 8am - 1pm. Donations of

all small items may be dropped off at the store

(costume jewelry, kitchen appliances, décor, etc.)

during the hours of operation only. Thank you for your

understanding.

JERSEY SHORE WOMEN’S CENTER (formerly Guiding Star at the Shores)

The Jersey Shore Women's Center (formerly Guiding Star at the Shores) located at 335 E. Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway provides support to all women and their families, in a loving environment, connecting them to the resources and services they need. This pro-life pregnancy center is in need of supplies such as diapers, wipes, formula, new infant clothing and "gently used" toddler clothing. The center also accepts donations of small (portable) baby items (strollers, pack n plays) and maternity clothing. Donations can be dropped off at the Knights of Columbus Yard Sale Building at 601 Bayshore (Tom Park Place) on Saturdays from 8 AM to 1 PM. For more information or to schedule a donation pick up or drop off, call Brian or Kathy Mulvenna at 609-266-2268.

On October 27, 2020, we began instructional classes for anyone who is interested in becoming Catholic and also, any adult Baptized Catholic who has not yet made Confirmation, received Holy Communion or First Penance. Please spread the word about your faith and our RCIA Process to your non- Catholic friends and those who are baptized but have not received the Sacraments. Classes take place every Tuesday, at 7pm in the Saint Seton Church Hall in Absecon. Social Distancing protocols will be adhered to for the safety of all. For more information, please call Deacon Len Long at 609-335-6470. We are all called to share our Catholic faith with the world!

The Knights of Columbus WILL NOT be having their

meeting in January due to the Covid. They WILL have,

at 7:30pm, an officers meeting on December 8th

following the Rosary. Minutes from the meeting will be

emailed to members. We appreciate your

understanding and cooperation. Thank you.

The Knights of Columbus and American Red

Cross would like to send out a heartfelt Thank You

to all who helped make our recent blood drive a

success. We had all our appointment slots filled and

collected 43 pints of blood to assist in saving many

lives during trying time and holiday season. Thank you

for your participation.