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THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

JUNE 28, 2015

A Note from Fr. Joe….. One of the great rites of passage in our family, when we were growing up, was to ride the roller coaster at the amusement park near our grandmother’s house – Angela Park outside Hazleton, PA. My brother, who’s almost 11 years older than me, used to egg on our cousin Mary and myself, telling us how the cars creaked up the steep hill and whipped around the hairpin turns. I still can remember standing in line with Mary, our hearts pounding in our throats, and then screaming at the top of our lungs when we flew down the first big hill. There’s no other way to describe it – we were scared out of our wits! Ultimately, however, we overcame what’s commonly known as “coasterphobia.” Who hasn’t been fearful? Who hasn’t been afraid? And there are certainly things much more serious than roller coasters that concern us; just pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV – tragic shootings, potential terrorist threats, new health concerns. What are the fears that we brought with us to Mass this weekend? Perhaps we’ve been afraid of being alone or facing an uncertain future. Or maybe our hearts are heavy because we worry about losing someone we love – a spouse caught up in an addiction or a parent who lies struggling in a hospital bed. The synagogue official in this Sunday’s Gospel could relate; he feared losing his 12 year old daughter. Who wouldn’t share that fear? And yet, in the midst of Jairus’ fear, in the midst of our real & serious fears, Jesus declares, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Really? How does Christ dare say, “Do not be afraid?” Because he took on our fears; he faced our greatest fear – death – and overcame it. Jesus the Christ proves that, in the end, there’s truly something stronger than all our fears, stronger than death. He brought Jairus’ little girl back to life, out of love (next time you’re on campus, check out the beautiful new statue depicting this in front of the Nursing School) – foreshadowing God’s immense love for all of us in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Death isn’t the way it was supposed to be. As the 1

st Reading from the Book of Wisdom indicates, “God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the

destruction of the living…for God formed us to be imperishable.” God’s love, made manifest in Christ, is stronger than “the envy of the devil,” by which “death entered the world.” God’s love is greater than human sin and evil, than any of our fears. If we look honestly and closely at our own lives and at our own experiences, we can see Christ reaching out to us in our fears, taking us by the hand and proclaiming, “I say to you, arise!” “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” This so often happens through others, through those that God has given us in our lives, doesn’t it? In the midst of real fears and struggles, we’re called to reach out to one another, ‘giving from our abundance,’ supplying hope and courage. The only wise fear, according to St. Augustine, is the fear of rejecting this responsibility, of turning away from the love of God and neighbor. So as we prepare to celebrate the 4

th of July, let’s pray that we can overcome all fear and prejudice, truly

reflecting God’s love as a nation, as a people. And may we continue that work, beginning right here at St. Thomas of Villanova. See this bulletin for important 4

th of July holiday schedule information. Finally, remember that our

stewardship doesn’t take a vacation, so please keep using your envelopes or consider signing up for electronic giving. Now let’s go enjoy a roller coaster, fireworks, picnic, or parade! God Bless America! Fr. Joe

Stewardship Thought for the Week

“...as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality.” 2 Corinthians 8:14 Not only are we responsible for our own lives, but we are responsible for the lives of those around us. Not only is it important that we grow, nurture and share our gifts, but we should teach our children this same lesson and encourage others to do the same.

Thank you for your generosity for the weekend of June 20 and 21, 2015. Number of Envelopes 352 Envelope Amount $14,121.00 Loose Cash: $1,560.00 Electronic Offerings: $13,781.13 Other $485.00 Total $29,947.13 10% Tithe $2,994.71 Income for June 22, 2014 $27,288.54

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Mon., June 29th Saints Peter and Paul 12:05PM-RMCH Felix C. & Agnes M. Narog Tues., June 30th Weekday; The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church 12:05PM-RMCH Alice McCullough & Rita O’Connor - Carole Grace Wed., July 1st Weekday; Blessed Junipero Serra 12:05PM-RMCH Patrick Temple West Thurs., July 2nd Weekday 12:05PM-RMCH Fri., July 3rd Saint Thomas 9:00AM-RMCH Sat., July 4th Weekday 9:00AM-RMCH For Peace and Justice in our County 5:00PM-RMCH Dr. Edward A. Mallon - Dr. Francine Mallon Sun., July 5th Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30AM-VNCH For the Parishioners of St. Thomas 9:00AM-RMCH Dr. Dante S. Roccario - John & Tanya Braithwaite 10:30AM-VNCH Deni Zodda - Family

“Masses in Interpreted American Sign Language”

We have an American Sign Language Interpreter at the 9:00am Mass in the Rosemont Chapel on the Second and Fourth Sunday of each month. The interpreter will be here

on July 12 and 26, 2015.

Schedule of Events for the week of: June 28, 2015 Recitation of the Rosary after the daily Liturgy. Monday, June 29, 2015 Golden Living Ministry 10:15AM Art Class - PC1 11:00AM Food Addicts in Recovery - Café 7:00PM Tuesday, June 30, 2015 Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Food Addicts in Recovery - Café 9:30AM Exercise - Aud 10:00AM Honickman 10:15AM Peace & Justice Film Series - Aud 7:00PM Baptism Class - PC-1 7:00PM Thursday, July 2, 2015 Friday, July 3, 2015 Parish Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday Daily Mass-RMCH 9:00AM Saturday, July 4, 2015 Feed the Hungry Ministry at Life Center 5:00PM Sunday, July 5, 2015 Rosemont Village Eucharistic Prayer Service 10:30AM

Position Available Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova

The Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova has an opening for an associate director of advancement who is primarily responsible for the execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program in support of the mission of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. Bachelor’s degree required, five years of relevant experience, strong marketing and communications skills desired. To receive a full position description email Madonna Sutter, Director of Advancement, at Madonna.sutter@augustinian.org. To apply, please email cover letter and resume to Madonna. To learn more about the Province, visit www.augustinian.org.

JULY 4th HOLIDAY

WEEKEND

INFORMATION

Since the 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year,

the Federal Holiday is observed on Friday, July 3rd

. The Parish Office will be closed, reopening on

Monday, the 6th at 9:00am. The daily Mass on the

3rd

will be at 9:00am in the Rosemont Chapel, but there will be no First Friday devotions. The

weekend schedule will be as usual, with a 9:00am Mass, followed by Reconciliation, and a 5:00pm Vigil Mass in the Rosemont Chapel on Saturday,

the 4th. On Sunday, the 5

th, there will be a 7:00pm

Mass in the Villanova Church, in addition to our morning Masses.

Also, please note now that summer has begun the Parish Office will be closing at 1:00pm on Fridays, from July 10

th through August 28

th. We hope that

you have a safe and relaxing holiday!

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We extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our parish: Kathryn Magargee of Bryn Mawr Congratulations to the newly Baptized members of our parish: Mackenzie Quinn, daughter of Robert & Kristin Trenham Resting in Peace: Mr. John Henry Miller, Father of Anne Murphy Remember those in need of our prayers, especially: Julia Barlow, Katherine Breck, Mary Ann Dadourian, Bob Ellison, Jack Geraghty, Patricia Ann Harley, Bridget Kelly, Joseph Maiorana, Madeleine O’Callaghan, Charles Pennington and Annie Sears.

Please pray for our soldiers assigned in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world. Please also pray for the

soldiers who are returning from their assignments, especially the wounded soldiers.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE PRAYERLINE The parish prayerline is waiting for your prayer request. This week call Mary Ann Barrow at 610-525-4164 or email stv1964@verizon.net to activate the parish prayerline. Two parish teams are available for your special intentions. PROJECT HOPE This is a transportation ministry for our Parish. If you need a ride to your medical appointments or to food shop this week, please call Mary Ann Deviney at 610-331-2959. Please give at least 3 days notice. DINNERS TO THE DOORSTEP This ministry is for parish families who are in crisis or for parish couples welcoming a new baby. Homemade dinners are delivered. Two parish coordinators keep a list of volunteers who are called as needed. If you are in need of this delicious community support, please call Sarah Breck at 610-975-0444. ST. FRANCIS INN We are forming a parish work group to serve the midday meal at the St. Francis Inn in Kensington on Sunday, July 19th. The Inn tries to meet the immediate daily needs of the poor and homeless people they serve with food, clothing and hospitality. This ministry is open to anyone 16 years or older. For more information and to sign up, contact our parish coordinator, Sheila Holst at 610-659-5828 or hagan1126@verizon.net. FEED THE HUNGRY MINISTRY Feed the Hungry Ministry will be serving dinner on Saturday night, July 4, 2015 at the Life Center in Upper Darby. Your food donations are greatly appreciated. If you can prepare a meatloaf, potatoes, vegetable, salad, dessert and deliver it to the Steele’s home in Villanova on July 4th, contact Dennis Steele at steelecreativity@gmail.com or call Denise at 484-343-4473.

PARISHIONER RESPONSE

REQUESTED!!

In light of the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia the weekend of September 26/27 we would appreciate hearing from you regarding your plans for participation in this momentous occasion. Would you please answer the following:

Are you planning to attend the Papal Mass on Sunday 9/27 at 4:00pm on the Parkway?

___Yes ___No

If the Papal Mass was live streamed on the Villanova Campus – would you be interested in participating in this

community gathering? ___Yes ___No

Family Name: _______________________

You can respond to this request by emailing Kathy at office@stvparish.org, calling 610-525-4801, returning this form through the mail or dropping this off at the Parish Center.

Thank you for your response.

WELCOME VISITORS Thank you for worshiping with us today. If you are visiting our beautiful church or chapel, please know you are most welcome! If you have questions or are interested in joining our parish community, please call the parish office at 610-525-4801.

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The Family Life Committee of

St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Community invites you

to OUR ANNUAL SPLASH PARTY

Monday, July 27, 2015

6:00PM-8:30PM

at Conestoga Swim Club

on Rt. 320 in Villanova

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Volleyball Badminton

Paddle Tennis Huge Swimming Pool

Baby Pool Dinner included

Family Games

The rain date is Thursday, July 30th.

Check the parish website for any changes.

Any questions call Diane Covello at 484-222-1340. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - — - - - - - - - - - - - - - SPLASH PARTY RSVP by calling 610-525-4801, fax this form to 610-525-6041 or email your reply to office@stvparish.org Family Name________________________________ Number of Adults_________________ Number of Children________

Parishioners A to M—Bring a dessert to share! Parishioners N to Z—Bring a salad to share!

Bring a blanket!

SPLASH PARTY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We need teens to help with games: potato sack races, egg toss, parachute, etc. If you can come and help, please contact Carole Abele at millbrook12@verizon.net or 610-995-9579.

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READINGS FOR THE WEEK: Monday: Acts 12:1-11; 2 Tim 4:6-8; Mt 16:13-19 Tuesday: Gn 19:15-29; Mt 8:23-27 Wednesday: Gn 21:5, 8-20a; Mt 8:28-34 Thursday: Gn 22:1b-19; Mt 9:1-8 Friday: Eph 2:19-22; Jn 20:24-29 Saturday: Gn 17:1-5, 15-29; Mt 9:14-17 Sunday: Ez 2:2-5; 2 Cor 12:7-10; Mt 6:1-6a

St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Preschool

NOW ENROLLING!

St. Thomas of Villanova Preschool is now accepting applications for the

2015 - 2016 school year.

You can access more Information by either going to our website or

calling our school at 610.525.7554

Feel free to make an appointment to visit with our Director: Ms. Mary Kurek

Visit us on the web at www.stvpreschool.org

Congratulations to our Honor Students: Academy of Notre Dame de Namur Distinguished Honors: Meghan Katherine Gallary Ryan Margaret Loftus MaryKate McCarthy Neff Isabelle Juliet Molinari Tess E. Phillips Barbara Ann Susanin Claire Marie Sutherby Olivia Regan Traynor Lucy Margaret Van Kula Honors: Emma Grace Levine Alexandra Leigh Mastrangelo Julia Scanlon Margaret Smith LaSalle College High School First Honors: Macallan Martin Bibeau - 10th Grade

SAVE THE DATE!!.

St. Thomas of Villanova - Rosemont

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, August 20th

1:30pm to 6:30pm in Rosemont Auditorium

Appointments are preferred. You can register now for the parish blood drive at www.redcrossblood.org, click Donating Blood. For questions about eligibility: call 1 800 RED CROSS

The need is constant. The gratification is instant.

Please give Blood!!

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To accommodate the extraordinary number of visitors to the Philadelphia area this September, the World Meeting of Families has invited local residents to open their homes to guests via the Host a Family Program provided by global travel company, Homestay.com. In early 2015, visitors will have the option to search the Host a Family database to find housing options (furnished guest rooms, apartments or homes) within 120 miles of Philadelphia that may suit their budget and other needs. This option is designed to provide a unique experience for visitors to the Philadelphia region. For more information, visit the Host a Family Program: http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/get-involved/host-a-family page!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

All Families must complete the Stewardship Covenant Form to register their children for the Religious Education Program for 2015-2016. Please visit our website, www.stthomasofvillanova.org and download this form. If you have a new student planning on attending our REP, please download the New Student Registration Form as well. Finally, if any of your children will be receiving a sacrament next year, please download the Sacrament Registration Form. All forms should be sent to the Religious Education Office by June 15, 2015. Any questions or concerns, please contact Tara Penza at 610-525-4801, x 204, or email her at rel.ed@stvparish.org.

ELECTRONIC STEWARDSHIP Why give electronically? The people who give find this a consistent and convenient method of donating to the church. Is there a minimum amount that I have to give? No, there is no minimum amount. Are electronic contributions risky? No. It is safer than writing a check. All electronic transactions are governed by strict rules. No one can deduct money from your account automatically unless you specifically authorize it. What do I do with my weekly envelopes? Continue using, just check the box in the middle of the envelope that says “I have given electronically/monthly/etc.” Who do I contact if I have additional questions or I need to update my information? Please contact Karen Farley at 610-525-4801, ext. 202, or email bizmgr@stvparish.org.

Make your donation more powerful - Use Electronic Giving!

Thank you, St. Francis Inn Volunteers,

for serving lunch to hundreds of men, women and children who

came to the Inn on Father’s day!

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SHARE THE

HARVEST

Our parish will be helping to feed people in need this summer by providing fresh produce to the food pantry at ElderNet in Bryn Mawr. Whether you love to garden, or just have a sunny spot in your yard, please consider growing a couple extra plants this spring to contribute to this worthy cause — (or you could purchase a few extra fruits or vegetables when you grocery shop). What better way to set a Christian example for your children or grandchildren than by sharing food with those less fortunate. Donations can be dropped off in the lobby of the parish center, Monday thru Wednesday, or in the back of the Rosemont Chapel after the 5:00pm Mass on Saturdays. Share the Harvest Ministry will begin collecting your home grown or purchased vegetables and fruit in mid-June and go until mid-September. If you have any questions or can help with delivery this summer, contact Parish Coordinator, Barb Gollin at 610-688-4168 or mmggbbcc@hotmail.com.

ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA “DAY TRIPPERS” ARE READY TO GO!

Join parishioners on a trip to Asheville, North Carolina to see the Biltmore Estate, home of the Vanderbilt's with a stop at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Returning home we stop at Charlottesville, Virginia, home of James Monroe, and to Monticello, Virginia, home of Thomas Jefferson.

Monday, September 28th to Friday, October 2nd

Pricing for this trip: Single - $1,075.00/pp; Double - $815.00/pp; Triple - $735.00/pp Tour includes: 4 night accommodation — 4 deluxe continental breakfasts — 2 lunches — 2 dinners — Guide service, transportation, and taxes and gratuities. Checks Payable to: St. Thomas of Villanova Parish — Mail to: Thomas J. Seidner, 1501 Ashton Road, Havertown, PA 19083 If you have any questions, please call Thom at 610-853-1776.

St. John’s Hospice Casseroles St. John’s Hospice is greatly in need of pre-cooked casseroles. Every day they provide over 350 meals to homeless people in Philadelphia. We are looking for volunteers who can make a casserole and bring it to our freezers located in the room outside the elevator in the lower level of the Rosemont Chapel. Casserole tins are available on the top of the freezers. Any home cooked casseroles must have a protein, i.e., meat and/or beans. Please put a strip of masking tape on top and use a marker to indicate the type of casserole and the date it was made. If you have any questions, or need recipes for the casseroles, please contact Anne Murphy at service@stvparish.org. You can find recipes on St. John’s website at www.saintjohnshospice.org.

Calling All St. Thomas of Villanova Empty Nesters, Widows and Widowers,

Singles and Couples and friends of yours!!

Please join us for “Dine-Out”

Tuesday, July 21st at 6:00PM

at Nais Cuisine 13 W. Benedict Avenue

Havertown, PA 19073

(Parking lot is across the street.)

Five entrée choices including: Chicken, Tilapia, Thai Shrimp, Trout and Lamb curry.

Dinner includes soup or salad and a choice of desserts.

The cost is $30.00 per person which includes the gratuity. There is a BYOB restaurant.

RSVP a MUST by July 16th, contact Kathy at

office@stvparish.org or call 610-525-4801.

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The Peace & Justice Committee of St. Thomas of

Villanova and Our Mother of Good Counsel

presents the

Summer Film Series:

Caring for God’s Creation

“The world and all that is in it belongs to the Lord.” Psalm 24

Films begin at 7:00pm St. Thomas of Villanova Rosemont Auditorium

Beverages and Desserts Provided All are Welcome!

July 1st - Years of Living Dangerously Documentary “Dry Season” focuses on the Human Impact of climate change.

SKS CYO FALL SPORTS REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!!

We offer the following fall sports: Boys Flag Football - Grades 1 thru 4 — JV Football Grades 5 & 6 — Varsity Football - Grades 7 & 8 Girls Field Hockey Clinic - Grades 3 & 4 — JV Field Hockey - Grades 5 & 6 — Varsity Field Hockey - Grades 7 & 8 — JV Volleyball Grades 5 & 6 — Varsity Volleyball - Grades 7 & 8 Co-ED JV Soccer - Grades 5 & 6 — Varsity Soccer - Grades 7 & 8 — Cross Country - Grades 1 thru 8

Please visit www.skscyo.com for more information and to register. Registration is open until June 30th.

After June 30th a $25 late fee will apply.

August 4th - Chasing Ice Chasing Ice is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering evidence of our changing planet.

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Is God Calling you? Will you answer?!

Our Religious Education Program (REP) needs you! Over 300 children & young people, kindergarten

through grade 8, will sign up next fall to learn more about Jesus & the Catholic faith. You can help them learn and grow by becoming a catechist or classroom

aide for Faith Formation. With classes offered on Sunday mornings & Wednesday afternoons you are

sure to find a time that fits your schedule. We provide you with training, materials & support - you just bring

your love of God!

For more information contact, Tara Penza, at 610-525-4801, x204, or rel.ed@stvparish.org.

HISTORIC EXHIBITION:

Vatican Splendors makes exclusive East Coast stop in Philadelphia at the

Franklin Institute this summer. September 19, 2015 to February 15, 2016

The Franklin Institute, the most visited museum in Pennsylvania, has announced plans to host the exclusive East Coast destination of Vatican Splendors, beginning September 19. The exhibition, timed to take place during the historic Papal Visit (September 26-27) and the 2015 World Meeting of Families Congress in Philadelphia (September 22-25), explores the historical and cultural impact of the Vatican over the span of 2,000 years through significantly relevant objects straight from the Vatican in Rome, Italy. Every object in the exhibition tells its own story, together forming a great historical mosaic of the Vatican — and many of the artifacts have never before been on public view at the Vatican in Rome. Highlights of the nearly 10,000 square foot exhibition include artwork by Michelangelo, including signed documents and a rarely seen bas relief sculpture, and tools used in work on the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of Saint Peter’s; works by masters including Bernini and Guercino, artwork dating back to the first century, venerated remains (bone fragments) of Saints Peter and Paul, relics discovered at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, and historical objects from the modern and ancient basilicas of Saint Peter’s in Rome.

VACATION BIBLE CAMP

Our Mother of Good Counsel will be hosting a Vacation Bible Camp for children ages

4 through 10 on June 29 — July 3 from 9:00am to noon.

Day includes, drama, songs, games, snacks, theater, and crafts. Cost is $30 per child.

If you are interested, please call Karen Carey at 610-525-0147 ext 258 for more information

Rediscover the Love in Your Marriage!!

The Retrouvaille Marriage Program offers help for struggling marriages. Tens of thousands of couples have successfully saved their marriage by attending a Retrouvaille weekend and the six post sessions that follow it. Retrouvaille is not just a social gathering or series of seminars, but rather a way to rediscover and rekindle the loving relationship in your marriage. The next program begins on the weekend of August 7-9 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. For more information, or to register for or upcoming weekend, visit our website at www.HelpOurMarriage.com or call 1-800-470-2230. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

CATHOLIC CLINICAL CONSULTANTS Catholic Clinical Consultants, the behavioral health company of Catholic Healthcare Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, provides individual, couples, and family counseling in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our staff includes psychologists and Master’s level professional psychotherapists. Day and evening hours are available. We are a Medicare provider and we accept most health insurance. We have offices in Levittown, East Norriton, Northeast Philadelphia, South Philadelphia and Springfield, Delaware County. To schedule an appointment at the nearest office, please call: 855-518-2223.