Parish News

Our Stewardship

ST. THOMAS PRAYER CHAIN

Do you know someone in need of special prayers? The Prayer Chain is always taking requests. Please contact

Eileen Dolan at 358-2461, Ext. 106.

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND: Kate Schmidt, Ben Canales, Marilyn Brzostowski, Cleta Bustos, Steve Chontos, Elizabeth Stone, Terry Moenter, Carmen Oviedo, Lynn Gerken, Glenda Fassauer, Braxton Sandoval, Cheryle Wayne, Jerry Stone, Jerry Terry, Donna VonOsinski, Sue Bezner, Esther York, Shanna O’Gorman, Mike O’Neill, Angie Van Bakel, Eveline Rivers-McCoy, Mark Ortega, Bill & Marie Hughes, Ray Harmon, Jeannette Kaminski, Aggie Padilla, Mary Maalouf, Emile Jones, Tony Sisneros, Mary Britten, Frank Galitski, Ray Prien, Mike Hartman, Alice & Ollie Perry, Nancy Mason, Laura Walker, Aggie Padilla, John (Jack) Hoben, Nadine Hadley, Brian Dolan, Robert Mitchell, Charlie Hennessey, Madeline Arrott, LaRuth Haverfield & Dick Wilcox. OUR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN: Cruz Rey Esparza, Sheldon Fowler, Shelby Lopez, A. J. Serafin, Lee Wingfield, Sean Callahan, Bryan Revell, John Nussbaum, Rachel Nussbaum, Matt Nussbaum, Christopher Schrock, David Oviedo Cantu, Jacob Bitonel, Jason Freeby, Brandon Owens, Jacob Tumbelson, T. J. Pevehouse & Swasey Brown.

Prayer Intentions UNITED CATHOLIC APPEAL: Thanks to all parishioners who have completed their UCA pledge cards. Currently, 199 families (14%) have pledged $97,571 (60%) of our goal. If you have not already done so, please complete your pledge card at your earliest convenience. Thank you in advance for your participation and generosity. A SECOND COLLECTION will be taken at all liturgies next weekend, May 14/15, for Catholic Communications. Please use the envelope provided in your monthly packet. ST. THOMAS ALTAR GUILD: All ladies of the parish are invited to a Patio Party on Thurs., May 19, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (come and go) at the home of Kristi Britten, 7604 Norwood, in the Greenways. Come join us for food, wine and fun.

BAPTISM CLASS: If you are new parents and/or sponsors, you are required to attend a Baptism class before the reception of the sacrament. Please call the parish office, 358-2461, to register for the next scheduled class PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: At this time, the hours needing to be filled are Sun., 12:00 a.m. & 4:00 a.m. Thank you to all Adorers who have signed up, but we are still in need of substitutes. If you are interested in being a part of this worthwhile ministry, call Simon Wright, 806-570-9776. STA PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: If you know someone in need of prayers, please let the Prayer Shawl Ministry reach out to you with a Prayer Shawl. You can pick up a shawl at the Religious Education Office Mon.-Thurs. between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Prayer Shawl group meets each Wed. eve-ning from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Parlor.

Social Concerns

Budget Actual Variance May 1, 2016 $ 26,831.00 $ 24,885.00 ($ 1,946.00) “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of god, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ~Galatians 2:20

"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love." St. Therese of Lisieux The Social Concerns Committee will meet on Mon., May 9, at 7:00 p.m., in the Parlor. Topics for discussion will include the Fall Health Fair and the possibility of a Fr. Hector presentation during the summer.

ST. THOMAS JOB OPPORTUNITY: St. Thomas the Apostle Church is seeking a Director of Religious Education. The DRE will oversee the entire faith formation process for members of all ages, including RCIA, Sacrament Preparation, Adult Faith Formation, VBS and Religious Education for school children. This full-time, salary compensated position requires night and weekend work. Candidates must be faithful, energetic Catholics in good standing with the Church. For further details, candidates may contact the Parish Office at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 358-2461. Resumes should be mailed to the church at 4100 S. Coulter, Amarillo, TX, 79109.

MEN’S CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT: The 33rd Annual Jerry Harpole Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on May 21. If you would like to receive an entry form, send an e-mail to stthomasgolf@suddenlink.net.

ST. THOMAS JOB OPPORTUNITY: St. Thomas Church is seeking a Youth Minister. The Youth Minister will over-see and facilitate youth ministry to approximately 120 youth between 4th and 12th grades and young adults between the ages of 18-30. This full-time, salary compensated position requires night and weekend work. Candidates must be faithful, energetic Catholics in good standing with the Church. All candidates should submit resumes to the Parish Office at St. Thomas the Apostle Church 4100 S. Coulter, Amarillo, TX 79109.

Youth Schedule and Events ENGAGED ENCOUNTER: Looking to Marriage? This is designed to give couples and opportunity to talk deeply about their future life together, self-identity; role expectations, money, sex, children and family. Call Molly at 806-383-2243 ext 116 for more information and to register. The next weekend is May 21/22. ACTS AMARILLO invites YOU to join them for a faith-filled week-end this summer that will give you a generous dose of God's grace. Times are as follows: Women's Retreat, June 9-12; Teen Retreat, June 23-26; Men's Retreat Aug. 11-14. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! It makes a GREAT Mother's Day or Father's Day gift! Register today at www.actsamarillo.org. NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP): Learn at home and at your own pace with the Home Study Course from NFP Interna-tional, www.nfpandmore.org. Includes Ecological Breastfeeding (it really can space babies,) a double-check system of fertility awareness, and Catholic teaching that’s easy to understand. Work with a live instructor by e-mail. Completion certificate, $70.00 We are listed at the U.S. Bishops’ website under NFP long distance learning: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/natural-family-planning/nfp-distance-learning.cfm. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Montessori Lead Teacher for Montessori/Preschool (ages 3 through 5): St. Mary’s Cathedral School in Amarillo is currently taking applica-tions for this position for the 2016-2017 school year. Please contact the school for a list of Texas Catholic Conference Education Department Accreditation Requirements for this position. Interested persons for this position may pick up an application at the school and/or email the following documents Cover Letter, Current Resume, and List of References to Principal, Linda Aranda at aranda@stmarysamarillo.com, or mail to 1200 S. Washington, Amarillo, TX 79102. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Holy Cross Catholic Academy, the Diocese of Amarillo’s middle school and high school (grades 6-12), is seeking a new principal, beginning in the summer of 2016. The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic who is a collaborative and visionary leader, willing and able to continue to uphold and strengthen the school’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth, academic excellence, and a life of service. Applicants must hold a master’s degree, with a minimum of 18 graduate credits in educational administration. Experience teaching in a Catholic school is desirable, as is the ability to communicate well in both English and Spanish. Please send a letter of application, resume, a statement of philosophy of Catholic education, and contact information for at least 3 professional references to Fr. Robert A. Busch, Superintendent of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Amarillo, at rbusch@dioama.org. Review of applications will begin immediately.

PRAYER FOR ASCENSION SUNDAY

Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that we who believe

Thine only-begotten Son, our Redeemer, to have ascended this day into heaven,

may ourselves dwell in spirit amid heavenly things. ~Roman Missal - 6th-8th Century

Music Notes Sun., May 8: - No youth music groups – Happy Mother’s Day Wed., May 11: 6:30pm - Blessed Sacrament Youth Musical Performance

No adult handbell or adult choir rehearsals

Sun., May 15: 5:00-6:30 p.m. - Last Youth Choir Rehearsal

Two years in row! The Holy Cross Choral program won the 1A TAPPS State Championship in Killeen Thurs., Apr. 21. Combining with the soloists who received a “1” rating in the Lubbock venue with this competition’s mixed

choir, sight reading for the mixed choir, a trio and the large ensemble, HCCA earned 150 more points than second place! Soloists receiving a rating of “1”: Patrick Villafuerte, Gabriel Moreno, Jenna Rickwartz The trio receiving popular reviews with their choreography and their “1” rating: Anna Phillips, Andrea Wallace & Kayla Wilhelm The mixed choir received a “2 “ rating for both their singing and sight reading: The girls’ choir received a “1” rating. Holy Cross received a state plaque for best Choral program, outstanding pop show for our trio and Division 1 plaque for the large ensemble (girls’ choir).

Congratulations to Holy Cross Catholic Academy!

Sign ups for our summer trip are still happening for all incoming

freshman through graduating seniors! We'll be heading to Steubenville Youth Conference and Oklahoma City from July 15-18. Cost is $300 and scholarships are available!

Please email Greg Nagel at nagel.gregory@gmail.com to sign up or for more information!

We will also be using Flocknote this year as an additional form of

communication for youth news and activities, so please subscribe to the Flocknote group for which your youth will be in!

We have a separate list serve for F.A.S.T. (4th& 5th grade), Middle School S.T.A.Y. (6th – 8th grade) and High School S.T.A.Y. (9th – 12th grade). If you are already subscribed to the St. Thomas

Flocknote group, search for the appropriate group under the Youth Ministry tab and click to subscribe!

Around the Diocese

Holy Cross Corner

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH STAFF Pastor ………………………………………………………..Rev. John Valdez Deacon ……………………………………………………….Blaine Westlake Deacon ……………………………………………………....... Phillip Whitson Retired Deacon ……………………………………………...….... Jim Brown Retired Deacon …………………………………………….Terry Pevehouse Music Dir./Organist/Choir Master………………………….... Jim Gardner RE/Social Concerns/AFF Dir. ………………….…..................Eileen Dolan Assistant Music Dir. ……………………………...................Nicole Koetting Youth Director …………………………………………………….Greg Nagel Parish Secretary …………………………………………………..Rita Walker Facility Administrator …………………………………………...Bryan Webb Parish Bookkeeper ………………………………………..Virginia Christian Religious Ed Secretary ………………………………………...Debi Banach Parish Life Coordinator ……………………………………….....Julie Jones Ministry Assistant …………………………………...…Dayamin Winchester Music Secretary ………………………………………………...Judith Tucker Music Assistant …………………………………………Stephanie Gallegos Facility Assistant …………………………………………….....Glen Starcher Facility Assistant ……………………………………………….....Tony Derda Liturgical Environmentalist ……………………………………...Julie Pierce

Liturgy Schedule and Special Mass Intentions:

Monday 5/9 NO MASS

Tuesday 5/10 7:00 AM +Tom Stich Pat Stich

Wednesday 5/11

7:00 AM

+Ronnie Buse Dick & Pat Wilcox

Thursday 5/12 7:00 AM Spec. Int. of Veronica Ocariz Paul & Dee Dee Tiffany

Friday 5/13 7:00 AM +Martha Sides Tom & Sandy Riney

Saturday 5/14 5:00 PM +Clotilde Gonzalez Carrizo Family

Sunday 5/15

7:30 AM MEMBERS OF PARISH FAMILY

9:00 AM +Dickie & Bernice Hoelting Lloyd & Della Venhaus

11:15 AM +Norma Kratochvil Tim & Sharon Bradford & Family

Daily Scripture Readings Sunday, May 8: Acts 7:55-60/Rv 22:12-14, 16-17, 20/Jn 17:20-26 Monday, May 9: Acts 19:1-8/Jn 16:29-33 Tuesday, May 10: Acts 20:17-27/Jn 17:1-11a Wednesday, May 11: Acts 20:28-38/Jn 17:11b-19 Thursday, May 12: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11/Jn 17:20-26 Friday, May 13: Acts 25:13b-21/Jn 21:15-19 Saturday, May 14: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26/Jn 15:9-17 Sunday, May 15: Acts 2:1-11/1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13/Jn 20:19-23

Week at a Glance

It is with heartfelt gratitude that I thank our catechists for their dedication to the youth of St. Thomas. The commitment they make to share their knowledge, their love of God and their faith with our young people is a shining example of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and what it means to share in the handing- on of our Catholic faith to our children.

St. Thomas Catechists

2015-2016 Giovanna Acosta, Katie Adlong, Tara Albracht, Diana Avila, Janet Baker-Todd, Camille Bassinger, Lisa Boydston, Gayla Britten, Kirk Crutcher, Jennifer D'Andria, Nina Dixon, Serina Dixon, Leticia Fletcher, Rachel Fox, Mary Fuentes, Eva Gonzales, Dawn Graham, Michael Graham, Emily Gray, Jessica Guerrero, Shirley Headings, Brian Heinrich, Susie Heinrich, Hannah Hermann, Meghan Homen, Angie Homer, April Homer, Vince Homer, Victoria Hutcheson, Carrie Jones, Susan Lange, Bonnie Lasher, Megan Lockwood, Cynthia Lopez, Loren Lopez, Mario Lopez, Payton Lopez, Carrie Needham, Tim Needham, Suzanne Needham, Christopher Offiah, Mary Parker, Rob Parker, Shelli Pringle, Karem Ralls, Abby Rickwartz, Ann Romo, Roland Romo, Estelle Saldana, Ginny Smith, Robert Todd, Kathy Tortoreo, Tom Tortoreo, Bertha Trevino, Ronetta Urton, Shawn Urton, Jennifer Wagner, Trever Wagner, Brooke Walterscheid, Lorraine Wilhelm, Grecia Zamora.

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Adult Faith Formation REVISITING OUR BAPTISM

AmeresevenweeksagothousandsofnewChurchmembers were baptized. Their new life in Christ hasonceagaininfusednewlifeintotheChurch.Theirnew‐foundfaithhasinspiredandbolsteredthefaithofthosewhohavefollowedChristformanyyears.AstheEasterseason nears its end,we revisit the scene of our bap‐tisms. In thesecondreadingwehearChristcallingus:“Come.. . .Let. . .theonewhowantsitreceivethegiftoflife‐givingwater”(Revelation22:17). Butourbaptism isnotoneofwateronly. John re‐ferstowashedrobes,andweknowthatthiswashingistobe“inthebloodof theLamb.”Tomakesurewegetthismessage,wehavetoday’sfirstreadingfromActs.ItisthestoryofStephen,thefirstChristiantobekilledforhis faith in Jesus.We remember the promise and alsothecostofbeingadiscipleofChrist. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Religious Education News Monday, May 9 12:00 p.m. - Contemplative Power Hour - Chapel 6:30 p.m. - Cub Scout Den Meetings - Education Wing 7:00 p.m. - Social Concerns - Parlor Tuesday, May 10 2:00 p.m. - Divine Mercy Cenacle - Marian Room 6:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts - Scout Room 7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts - Gym Wednesday, May 11 7:30 a.m. - ACTS Small Group - Library 9:00 a.m. - Community Scripture Study - Parlor 11:00 a.m. - Lunch Bunch - The Dwelling 5:30 p.m. - Confessions - Chapel 6:00 p.m. - Prayer Shawl Ministry - Parlor 6:30 p.m. - AFF Class V - Catholic Faith - Marian Room 6:30 p.m. - Blessed Sacrament Youth Musical Performance 6:30 p.m. - High School STAY - The Dwelling/Gym Thursday, May 12 10:00 a.m. - Rosary Group - Chapel 1:30 p.m. - Focolare Movement - Marian Room 7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts - Scout Room 7:00 p.m. - Baptism Class - Church Friday, May 13 6:30 p.m. - Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet - Msgr. Tash Hall Saturday, May 14 3:30 p.m. - Confessions - Chapel 4:00 p.m. - Cantor’s Rehearsal - Music Wing 6:30 p.m. - Ascension Prom - Gym Sunday, May 15 10:05 a.m. - AFF Class I - 1 Corinthians - The Dwelling 12:30 p.m. - Depression Group - Bride’s Room 12:30 p.m. - 50th Wedding Anniversary Luncheon - Msgr. Tash Hall

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