sunday, november 16, 2014

a welcoming catholic community devoted to living out and celebrating God’s Word and Sacraments by connecting people to Christ through faith, love, and ministry.

2506 Gulf Gate Dr. Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-923-1691 | stthomasmoresrq.org

St. thomaS moreCatholiC ChurCh | SaraSota

November 16, 201433rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

www.stthomasmoresrq.org

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peace & justicecraft sale next weekend!

benefiting catholic relief services

MASStimes

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[email protected]

SATURDAY8:00 am, 4:00 pm

RECONCILIATION 3:00 pm

SUNDAY8:00 am

9:45 am (TRADITIONAL CHOIR)

11:30 am (CONTEMPORARY CHOIR)

WEEKDAYS8:00 am

connect941-923-1691 (office)

941-923-1692 (fax)

941-927-7689 (chelsea center)


Thanksgiving Day MassThursday, November 27, 10:00 am

PARISH

Advent Penance Service7:00 pm Wednesday, December 10

NEWSare youNEW?

WHAT TO EXPECT AT STM

WelcomingOur parishioners love meeting

new people and sharing their lives with others. You’ll also be greeted by some of the most welcoming

people you’ve ever met at a Church - and we’re not just talking about the

Hospitality Team.

Family-focusedIf you have children, they are

ALWAYS welcome to celebrate Mass with the community! In fact, our Church was purposefully built without a cry room because we want children at Mass. We also have a special family bathroom

with child-sized “facilities.”

Dynamic WorshipThroughout the Mass, you’ll be

encouraged and invigorated by the community’s full, conscious, and active participation in the Liturgy. Our community loves to SING!

The Word of God is proclaimed in a dynamic fashion. The homilies

are geared towards loving people where they are - and challenging them to become better Christians.

A CHURCH UNLIKE ANY OTHERThere’s so much more to talk about! Our Parish is a wonderful, dynamic

community and we welcome you to celebrate liturgy with us

this weekend!

It doesn’t matter if this is your first time, 50th time, or first time in 50

years - know that you always have a place to worship, and a community

to belong to at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

To learn more, visit, www.stthomasmoresrq.org/

welcomevideo

JOIN OUR PARISH To become a registered member of our community visit: www.stthomasmoresrq.org/registerOr contact Mary or Susan at the Parish Office at 941-923-1691.

Catholic Social Teaching Theme Four: Options for and with thepoor and vulnerable

In a world characterized by growing prosperity for some and pervasive poverty for others, Catholic teaching proclaims that a basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring.

In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. (Sharing Catholic Social Teaching, 5)

Theme Five: The dignity of work and the rights of workers

Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s Creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to organize and join unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.

Respecting these rights promotes an economy that protects human life, defends human rights, and advances the well being of all. (Sharing Catholic Social Teaching)

Training session for those wishing to become

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist 10:00 am Saturday,

November 22 in the Church

Intentions, Nov. 16-23Sunday Fr. Michal 8:00am Jean Carpenter Ramona Lucero Fr. Guarino 9:45am Margaret Ambrose Clino Penge Fr. Michal 11:30am Joe Murnick Tim Erchul

Monday Fr. Michal 8:00am Dorothy J. Mattingly Hermenegildo Diaz

Tuesday Fr. Henry 8:00am Kristin M. Piatt Lenore Burke

Wednesday Fr. Michal 8:00am Carlos Miranda Christine & John O’Loughlin

Thursday Fr. Michal 8:00am Dody Martin - Happy Birthday! James Spellman

Friday Fr. Henry 8:00am Steve Suchanec Fran Brady

Saturday Fr. Wrenn 8:00am Patricia Cox James Golden Fr. Henry 4:00pm Deacon Bob Horvath Dorothy J. Mattingly Sunday Fr. Michal 8:00am Dr. William Stryker Ellie Beck Fr. Michal 9:45am Anthony Picozzi Eleanor Graeff Fr. Henry 11:30am Kristin M. Piatt Dr. Joseph Larkin

STAFFwho do i call?

Tom LelyoYouth MinistryChuck LynchSacristanSusan JacobsFront Office CoordinatorJoanne TararaChelsea CoordinatorPaul UrbanGrounds/Maintenance SupervisorRamon AlveroMaintenance/Set upJohn DriscollMaintenance/Set upFr. Don HenryPastor

OTHER STAFF

Fr. Michal Szyszka Parochial VicarSr. Judy BaldinoPastoral AssociateRev. Mr. Bob GaitensDeacon Rev. Mr. Kevin MonahanDeaconJim SelinskiDirector of Operations & StewardshipCarolAnn Lovejoy-JessupExecutive AssistantDavid FelicianoParish AccountantMary MaxwellParish Secretary

SACRAMENTSFor more information about celebrating the Sacraments

of Baptism, 1st Reconciliation, 1st Communion, Confirmation,R.C.I.A. or Faith Formation (Religious Education for grades K-10) con-

tact Sr. Judy at 941-923-1691 or [email protected] info about liturgy and sacraments visit:


Flowers & CandlesThe sanctuary candle is lighted for the 5th anniversary of the death of John Rinella, given in loving memory by his wife Marie.

As our Organist and Music Director, Alex brings a wealth of musical knowledge and experience to the Parish.

He leads and instructs the tradi-tional, contemporary, bell and Youth choirs, as well as organizes and conducts the bi-annual Christmas Concert extravaganza.

Alex plays the organ and piano with great enthusiasm, encouraging all Mass attenders to sing aloud, something not experienced in many churches. Father Henry’s favorite piece, “Flight of the Bumblebee,” is a sight to see, as Alex, while playing, stands and completely turns!

Contact info: 941-993-3458or [email protected]

Alex Dilan

You are invited to be part of the Stewardship Committee. Learn new and exciting ways to introduce and build Stewardship within our parish.

Get involved! Contact Stewardship committee co-chairs: Meghan Layton 301-991-9821 or [email protected]; Dar Sery 941-926-2632 or [email protected] Jim Selinski, Director of Operations & Stewardship 941-923-1691 or [email protected]

STEWARDSHIP

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 25: 14-30

“Well done my good and faithful servant.” With those words the master in Jesus’ Parable of the Talents smiles and rewards his servant. We often cite the Parable of the Talents in relation to stewardship. Because of our understanding of “talent,” we may assume that this is a parable about skills and those kinds of gifts.

Of course, in this case, a “talent” is a unit of money. Scholars assume that the master is wealthy; therefore, whether one received five talents, two talents, or one talent, they most likely received a huge amount of money according to our standards. That is not the stewardship perspective of this parable. Each of us, just as the three servants in the parable, has received multiple gifts from God (the Master). The question posed by Jesus, and the question we must be prepared to answer at our own judgment, is “What have you done with the gifts you have received?”

Everything we have and everything we become are gifts from God. Like the stewards in the parable, we have been given gifts. Do we develop those gifts and do we share them, or do we “bury” them and do nothing with them? Those who do the former, return them with increase to the Lord, are complimented, embraced and invited: “Come share your master’s joy.” www.the catholicsteward.com

Our Faith Formation second graders collected extraHalloween candy from all the grades to share with the children in Arcadia. Grades K thru 12 FILLED the bin.

ScoutingCub Scouts Pack 100Mondays - 6:00 pm in the Spirit Center. All boys ages 7-11 welcome!Pack Leader: Michelle Dunn 941-806-8133; [email protected]

Boy Scouts Troop 100Mondays - 6:00 pm in the Spirit Center. All boys ages 11-18 welcome! Troop Leader: Javier Aristimuño 941-232-8073; [email protected]

Girl Scouts Troop 780Thursdays - 6:00 pm in the Chelsea Center. All girls ages 5-18 welcome!Troop Leader: Virginia Lawlor 941-925-9832; [email protected])

Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors and Altar Servers: Contact Joanne Tarara: [email protected]. Written notice required by the FIRST of each month of away dates for the next month. If unable to serve, you must secure a replacement. Email Joanne for a substitute call list.

Hospitality Ministers: Contact Charles Ballschmieder: [email protected]. Written notice required by the FIRST of each month of away dates for the next month. If unable to serve, you must secure a replacement.

Girl Scouts Run to Benefit Tidewell HospiceGirl Scout troop 780 members put on their running shoes on Saturday, November 8 for a run at the

Tidewell Hospice facility on Rand Blvd. Thank you to parishioners who helped by sponsoring a scout. A total of $550 was donated to Hospice. We are so proud to note that every single girl finished her first 5k with flying colors!Unfortunately, the picture does not do justice to the fact that each runner sported the STM bell tower

logo on the back of their shirt!

A special thank you PDQ Sarasota on Rt 41 for once again sponsoring this event! They are incredible supporters of our students and have served us on numerous occasions!

Get involved!For more information on how to join our youth ministry or become an adult team leader contact Tom Lelyo at 941-374-6884 -or- [email protected]

GET INVOLVED!CHILDRENChildren’s Liturgy of the Word (K-4th gr) meets during the 9:45AM & 11:30AM Masses.

Mini-Disciples (3yr-6yr olds) begins at the 11:30AM Mass on Sept 7th. Children invited to the Spirit Center for the duration of the Mass.

Faith Formation for K-10th graders To register, contact Sr. Judy 941-923-1691 or pick up a form at the Info Desk

STUDENTSYouth Ministry for 6th-12th graders meets on Wednesdays from 6-8PM in the Spirit Center. Contact Tom Lelyo 941-374-6884

YOUNG ADULTSSmall groups have been meeting monthly! Contact Tom Lelyo for more details. 941-404-8604

MOMSMothers Circle continues on Wednesdays from 9:30-11AM in the Spirit Center. Contact Natalie Lelyo 215-620-1184

THANK YOU! - to all who attended our annual PDQ picnic last weekend!

Get involved!For more information on how to help with Children’s Ministries - Mother’s Circle, Children’s litrugy of the

Word, Mini-disciples, etc. contact Tom Lelyo at 941-374-6884 -or- [email protected]

SERVING OUR CHILDREN - our children’s ministries are growing, but we are terribly under-staffed!

prayersmall groups

Centering

Contemplative Prayer

Thursdays @ 6:30 pm

in the Spirit Center

Ed Savoy

941-923-5706

Prayer Chain

Alice Lavitt

941-927-2647

Rosary

Weekdays @ 7:30 am

in the Church

Women at the Well

Micah’s Men

1st & 3rd Wednesdays

@6:30 pm in the Chelsea

Center

Roger Grenier

941-993-2908

MORE PRAYER


/pray

More Prayer: Our prayer book of the Sick is located in the Chapel. Write your intention; be assured that those entered are prayed for daily.

Biking for EveryoneSt. Thomas More Biking: Saturdays at 8:00 am, beginning at the

McIntosh Road parking lot (one-half mile south of Palmer Ranch Parkway East). Details: 941-923-1691

Helping HandsThis ministry reaches out to those in need (those recovering from health

issues, postpartum moms, those grieving, etc) and offers meals and other assistance. Contact Kelley Vanden Heuvel; 941-923-3670; [email protected] to be part of this vital ministry in our parish.

St. Thomas More Women’s Club Christmas Luncheon

The Sarasota Yacht ClubJoh John Ringling Blvd. Sarasota

Monday December 8, 11:30 am

Name (s) and choice of entrée for each person: (Use back of form if necessary) ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________Phone /Name of contact person____________________ Number of Member(s) @ $30_____ numbers of guest(s) @ $35_____Total Enclosed_______

Reservation Deadline: Monday, December 1st

Members $30 Guests $35 (Gratuity included) Wine $7 Per Glass, Cash Only

Entrée Choice: Chicken Marsala or Salmon with Honey-Ginger Includes salad, vegetable, dessert, coffee or tea. Include the entrée of choice for all attending

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO ST. THOMAS MORE WOMEN’S CLUB Mail checks and forms to: STM Women’s Club c/o St. Thomas More Catholic Church,

2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231. Attention: Carole LevantiFor more information: Carole Levanti, 941-923-1363, email [email protected]

Joan Suddarth, 941-758-8600, email [email protected]

A musical program of Christmas songs will be provided by Hope Bymes, soprano soloist and Fulton Lewis, piano accompanist during dessert. Jewelry gift table – cash or check only

Reserved seating for tables of 8 or 10; all others open seating. Send forms and checks in one envelope.

Sponsored by Joan Suddarth and MaryJo Swenson














We Serve Catholics Who Live at Bay VillageAre you an Eucharistic Minister who wants to be involved in more ministry? Help is greatly needed

at the weekly Communion Service at Bay Village, located on Vamo Road near Sarasota Square Mall. Ministers meet in the conference room weekly on Sundays at 10:30 am for Holy Communion and an overview of the day’s readings and prayer. We have a large group that attends, often up to 25 people!

Many of our people no longer can drive, or find it difficult to attend Mass at church and try to navigate the crowds while using a walker or wheelchair.

Get involved!Contact Mary Lynn Desjarlais at [email protected] or 941-302-1312.














Weekly Offertory

Nov. 9, 2014 $23,268.00

One year ago $21,911.24

St. Vincent dePaul $134.00

Respect Life $ 72.00

All Saints Day $ 36.00

(STVP jar change) $ 467.50

Nov. 2, 2014 $23,382.64

One year ago $23,718.72

Online gifts: www.

stthomasmoresrq.org/parishpay

Catholic Faith Appeal

Goal: $438,000.00

Pledged to date:$384,288.88 (85.14% of pledge)33.94% parish participation

To make a gift to CFA go to: www.stthomasmoresrq.org/cfa

Checks should be made to “Catholic Faith Appeal” and placed in the collection basket or brought to the Parish Office.

Restaurant Nights benefit CFA

Let your server know you’re from St. Thomas More and 15% of your bill will be donated towards our CFA goal!

Sunday Beckham’s on the Trail 941-706-1654

Sunday & Monday Mattison’s 41 941-921-3400

Any evening The Italian Grill 941-966-6565

Have you purchased a CFA RAFFLE TICKET for a chance to win $10,000? The third drawing is next Tuesday. Increase your chances of winning by purchasing early. Tickets are on sale after the weekend Masses and weekdays in the Parish Office. The grand prize ticket will be drawn at the Christmas Dinner & Dance. This week’s 10 finalists: #12 Ralph Sieve parish office purchase#129 Art Haefner weekend Mass purchase#151 Julie Adriansen weekend Mass purchase#154 Ellen Franks weekend Mass purchase#165 Sharon Leber weekend Mass purchase#283 George DeVries weekend Mass purchase#289 Elaine Gustafson weekend Mass purchase#295 Cheryl Stock weekend Mass purchase#402 Jim Ritzenthaler online purchase#493 Ed Bavaria online purchase

Thanksgiving is next week!Donations of any type of canned goods (as well as dry goods)

are being accepted so that we will have an overflowing cornucopia for our altar during the week of Thanksgiving.

After the holiday, food items will be taken to Bethesda House and the Sarasota County Extension Food Nutrition program.

Please donate before November 23. There are labeled large baskets in the church to use for your canned goods.

Mary Overman, Women’s Club Board MemberRoger Grenier, The Men of St. Thomas More President

CALENDAR

Sunday, November 16 8:00am, 9:45am, 11:30 am Masses - Church8:00pm N.A. Meeting - Spirit Center8:00pm Nar-Anon Meeting - Spirit CenterMonday, November 177:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Dody Martin 941-921-7830; [email protected])8:00am Mass - Chapel10:00am Quilters of St. Thomas More - Spirit Center (Bonnie Lagner 941-921-1261)1:30pm Women’s Club Board - Spirit Center (Mary Jo Swenson 941-966-2731)5:30pm AA - Chelsea Garden Room6:00pm Cub/Boy Scouts - Spirit Center (Michelle Dunn 941-806-8133; Javier Aristimuño 941-232-8073)6:30pm Pastoral Council - Chelsea Center (Linda Cantrell 7:00pm Al-Anon - Chelsea Garden Room7:00pm Traditional Choir Rehearsal - Church (Alex Dilan 941-923-1691; [email protected])Tuesday, November 187:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Dody Martin 941-921-7830; [email protected])8:00am Mass - Chapel6:00pm Faith Formation - Chelsea & Spirit Centers (Sr. Judy Baldino (941-923-1691; [email protected])Wednesday, November 197:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Dody Martin 941-921-7830; [email protected])8:00am Mass - Chapel9:30am Mothers’ Circle (Natalie Lelyo 215-620-1184; [email protected])1:30pm Prayer Shawl Ministry - Chelsea Center (Pat Lucke [email protected])6:00pm Christmas Party Committee - Chelsea Center (Vi Klee 941-993-8432)6:00pm AA - Lancaster Room, Chelsea Center6:00pm Youth Group - Spirit Center (Tom Lelyo 941-374-6884; [email protected])6:30pm Micah’s Men/Women at the Well - Chelsea Center (Roger Grenier 993-2908 [email protected])Thursday, November 207:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Dody Martin 941-921-7830; [email protected])8:00am Mass - Chapel9:30am Memorial Mass for Beverly Devries - Chapel9:30am Crafty Ladies -Spirit Center10:00am Quilters of St. Thomas More - Spirit Center (Bonnie Lagner 941-921-1261)4:00pm Guardian Ad Litem - Chelsea Center (Sandra Mullen 941-377-5979)6:00pm Girl Scouts - Chelsea Center (Virginia Lawlor 941-894-7975; [email protected])6:30pm Stewardship Committee - Spirit Center (Meghan Layton 301-991-9821; [email protected]; Dar Sery 941-926-2632 or [email protected])6:30pm Contemplative Prayer - Chelsea Center (Ed Savoy 923-57 06)7:00pm Contemporary Choir Rehearsal - Church (Alex Dilan 941-923-1691; [email protected])7:00pm R.C.I.A. - Chelsea Center (Sr. Judy Baldino 941-923-1691; [email protected])7:00pm Mingle More Singles Pie Contest -Chelsea Center (Tim Marshall 941-927-4437)Friday, November 21 7:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Dody Martin 941-921-7830; [email protected])8:00am Mass - Chapel9:00am Bible Study - Spirit Center (Mary Jo Dranttel 941-343-0522; [email protected])1:00pm Cards and Mah Jongg - Chelsea Center5:00pm Wedding - Chapel6:00pm AA - Chelsea Center Garden RoomSaturday, November 227:30am Pray the Rosary - Church8:00am Mass - Chapel12:00pm Outside Event4:00pm Mass - Church Sunday, November 23 - Coffee & Donuts8:00am, 9:45am, 11:30 am Masses - Church8:00pm N.A. Meeting - Spirit Center8:00pm Nar-Anon Meeting - Spirit Center

Support Groups - AA & NA Meetings Meetings • Alcoholics Anonymous 5:30 pm Mondays Chelsea Center, Garden Room• Al-Anon 7:00 pm Mondays Chelsea Center, Garden Room• Alcoholics Anonymous 6:00 pm Wednesdays Chelsea Center, Lancaster Room• Alcoholics Anonymous 6:00 pm Fridays Chelsea Center, Garden Room• NA and Nar-Anon 8:00 pm Sundays Spirit Center, Gathering Room

Time is running out~make your reservation for our Christmas Dinner & Dance! Stop by the Parish Office to

pick up a reservation form. Saturday, Dec. 13 - 6:00 pm A B.Y.O.B. Affair

Name Badge MinistryWe have assembled a list of those who have volunteered for our Name Badge Ministry. Volunteers

are listed below. We are looking for additional people, as well as a leader, who will collect their email address and phone numbers and organize the ministry. The goal: the person on duty works at the name badge desk twice a month at one Mass.

Would you consider joining? If so, please call Susan Jacobs at the Parish Office 941-923-1691.Saturday: Fred St. James Donna Petro Mary Kay Crotty Jeff CrottySunday: Faith Griffith Jim Griffith Marge Torok Lucy Koitsch Louise Schloenbach

Helping Hands MinistryParishioners Doug and Melba Watts are bringing their son Steve home from California. As you may

recall, Steve was injured in a martial arts competion. Doug and Melba have been traveling back and forth to California, and now are ready to move him to Sarasota.

Melba writes, “The biggest need is for help in caring for Steve. He fractured his C4 vertebra and is paralyzed from his arms down. He is working very hard at therapy and is getting some strength back.

“We would love for people to visit with Steve so that Doug and I can have time to do errands and visit friends.”

They are counting the days until Dec. 10 when Steve arrives. Melba’s final note, “It is wonderful to be part of such a caring parish and we will greatly appreciate

any help we get.”Get involved!Contact Helping Hands Coordinator: Kelley Vanden Heuvel; 941-923-3670; [email protected]

to help with the transition.

Catholic Charities Ball 6:00pm, Saturday, Jan. 31at the Ritz-Carlton

Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Services include: Our Mother’s House, St. Martha’s Early Learning Center, Bethesda House, housing counseling and foreclosure prevention, financial assistance, senior services, professional counseling, refugee services and immigration services.

Information / tickets: www.catholiccharitiesdov.org or call 941-355-4680, ext. 311 or [email protected].

When making your reservation, please request seating at the St. Thomas More Church table.

Mingle More SinglesSingle and looking to have oodles of fun Florida

adventures with other singles? Dancing, movies, plays, boating, pot lucks, picnics on the beach are all on the agenda for group members.

In the past two years, Mingle More, STM’s ageless SINGLES GROUP has grown from three members to over 160 members. Call Tim at 941-806-8989 or Rob at 941-355-2159 to find out what wonderful event is happening next, or to request that your name be put on our roster and e-blast list.

Coming on Thursday, November 20: The “Best Pie” contest.

STM Night at The Players Theater 7:30 pm Thursday, Dec. 18

Parishioner Marcella Levin is organizing a group from our parish to see “A Christmas Story, The Musical,” featuring our 11:30 am Sunday Mass Cantor, Debbi White.

Tickets are $17.50 each (payable to The Players Theater) and are available to the first 30 parishioners who contact her. For details, contact Marcella Levin at 941-364-9354.

The St. Vincent de Paul SocietyHave you been using the money jar to deposit

your change? The jar is located in the church in front of the baptism font - you can’t miss it! Money collected helps St. Vincent de Paul Society members in their efforts to serve the poor. This past week $467.50 was collected.

Get involved! Contact the Parish Office 941-923-1691 to be a

part of this vital ministry to the poor.

Remember/Honor Loved OnesOne of the highlights of Christmas decorations is the 7 foot poinsettia

tree, containing 70 poinsettias and 50 candles, standing proudly in our Gathering Area.

It will be a memorial tree, giving parishioners an opportunity to remember or honor a loved one through the sponsoring of a beautiful plant. We will publish a list of all who made a $20 contribution toward our tree, and the names of those chosen to be remembered or honored.

Mail or drop off your donation to the Parish Office: St. Thomas More Church, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231.

Checks are to be made payable to St. Thomas More Church. Please include, clearly printed and on a separate sheet, the name(s) of the person(s) you wish to remember or honor.

sunday, november 16, 2014

Documents

catholic teaching

dynamic community

community visit

catholic social teaching

rights of workers work

dignity of work

new people

loving people