sunday, january 17, 2016

We are 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

2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231 | Phone 941.923.1691 | Fax 941.923.1692 | [email protected] | www.stthomasmoresrq.org

January 17, 2016The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

John 2:1-11The Wedding Feast in Cana -

Jesus turns water into wine Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from — although the servers who had drawn the water knew — the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

The Parish Office is located in the Chelsea Center: 2506 Gulf Gate Drive Sarasota, FL 34231

Office Hours 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday-Friday

Contact us 941-923-1691 or [email protected]

Website stthomasmoresrq.org

Confessions 2:00pm (Saturday, in the Chapel)

Saturday 8:00am, 3:00 & 4:30pm Masses

Sunday 8:00am Mass 9:45am Mass (Traditional choir) 11:30am Mass (Contemporary choir)

Weekdays 8:00am Mass

THE DESERT FATHERS AND MOTHERSOUR CONTEMPLATIVE HERITAGESt. Thomas More Catholic Church

Sat., Jan. 23, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm(registration @ 8:30 am)

Dr. Rickey Cotton, a commissioned presenter on the practice of Centering Prayer and a professor at Southeastern University Lakeland, will lead the event. The day will include conferences, small group discussions, and periods of silent prayer - all inspired by the wisdom conveyed by the writings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers.

The Desert Fathers and Mothers lived in remote areas in and around Egypt during the third through fifth centuries. In their search to deepen their personal relationship with God, they developed meditative practices that greatly influenced the Christian monastic tradition and continue to be relevant to us today.

To register for the event, please call the Parish Office at 941-923-1691. The cost, including a box lunch & refreshments, is $20 payable in cash or check at the door.

Liturgical MinistriesIf you are an Altar Server, Lector, or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and will be away, contact Joanne Tarara: [email protected].

If you are a Hospitality Minister, contact Charles Ballschmieder: [email protected]. Please let Joanne or Charles know your away dates.

Written notice of your changes is required the 1st of each month. If you are scheduled and cannot make it, you are asked to find a replacement from our list.

Fr. Michal SzySzka Parochial Vicar

CHURCH STAFF

Sr. Judy BaldinoPastoral Associate

rev. Mr. BoB GaitenSDeacon

rev. Mr. kevin MonahanDeacon

alex dilanOrganist & Music Director

PeGGy nardi Health Ministry Coordinator

leiland theriotInterim Youth Ministry Director

carolann loveJoy-JeSSuPExecutive Assistant

david FelicianoParish Accountant

Mary MaxwellParish Secretary

SuSan JacoBSFront Office Coordinator

Joanne tararaChelsea Coordinator

raMon alveroMaintenance Supervisor

John driScollMaintenance/Set up

Fr. Joe cliFFordPastor

My name is David Wagner, and I am very happy to be coming to St. Thomas More to serve you as one of your deacons. The Holy Spirit works in all kinds of ways and, several months ago, two friends from the Archdiocese of Chicago, our former pastor and a diaconate classmate, both of whom had friends down here, suggested we take a look at St. Thomas More. From our first day here, we felt at home and have become involved in the parish while awaiting my formal assignment.

I grew up in Ferguson, Missouri where most of my family still lives. After graduating from Notre Dame, I spent about five years in the Navy, and met my wife, Bobbi, while in flight training. We’ve now been married over 40 years, and have a daughter, two granddaughters, and a great grandson. We moved to Lakewood Ranch in August 2014, from the northern Chicago suburbs where I worked in the distilled spirits industry for nearly thirty years.

Almost twenty years ago, some things happened which lit a fire under my long dormant faith. Bobbi decided to join RCIA and I tagged along just to be supportive. It changed our life together, and sharing our faith became the center of our married life. It was truly life-giving to be immersed in my faith again, and participating more fully in our faith community. It was not long after that that I was asked to consider becoming a deacon.

I was ordained in 2005, and the only way I can describe it is that I finally figured out what I was supposed to be when I grew up. Bobbi and I have enjoyed a variety of ministries: RCIA, bereavement, jail, working with the poor in Peru, helping folks with annulments as a field advocate, and assorted other things, and we’re happy to help out in any way we can. We now volunteer at the Stillpoint Mission in Bradenton and as part of our parish’s team of Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound. I’m also a volunteer chaplain at the Desoto Correctional Institution and Florida Civil Commitment Center. I also lead the weekly Sunday communion service at Bay Village Senior Living Center. It turns out that living faith can actually be a lot of fun.

Please pray for Bobbi and me as we join you for this next part of our faith journey, and know that we will be praying for you. It’s good to be here.

John & lucy koitSchSacristans

rev. Mr. david waGnerDeacon

Youth Ministry at St. Thomas More Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 pm in the Spirit Center

On Wednesday, January 20 -- two very exciting meetings will take place (each to conclude at 8:30pm)!

But first, we begin with a POTLUCK DINNER (bring anything!) 6-6:30 pm

The first is for ADULTS ONLY - parents and other adults who are interested in the future of youth ministry here at St. Thomas More. We will be meeting with Diane Kledzik from the Diocese of St. Petersburg. She is a facilitator with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry: Strong Catholic Families/Strong Catholic Youth. She will have a two-hour presentation and lead discussion groups through an inquiry and assessment. Please feel free to invite other parents of students as young as fifth grade to participate.

The second meeting is for STATIONS OF THE CROSS for our teenagers and adults. We will need singers and other musicians, readers, actors, costuming, lighting, sound, photography and a presentation coordinator. At this meeting we will break into work groups and design the type of presentation we will create. If you have ideas or materials from other presentations, please bring those with you to share. If you have not been attending meetings recently, we still want you to join us in this endeavor. We would like ALL TEENS (and their friends, middle school or high school) to feel welcome to participate!

New Centering Prayer Group Being FormedA new Centering Prayer group (Fr. Thomas Keating format) is being formed. It will meet Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm in the Bavaria Room at the Chelsea Center. The group is open to anyone interested; those who are ongoing practitioners an those who wish to begin. The first session will be Tuesday, January 19.

The format is opening prayer, followed by a 20-minute centering, spiritual reading and open discussion focused on the readings and Centering Prayer practice. We will begin and close promptly. The sessions will continue throughout the year.

If you wish to attend, contact Bob Ferkenhoff: [email protected] or 941-483-4165.

Sunday Fr. Joe 8:00am +Sue Klemm +Allan Stewart & +Agnes Holliday

Fr. Joe 9:45am +Rita Plankey Lemole +Kim Merola

Fr. Michal 11:30am +Ruth Ann Ashley +Pacita & Jose Cabaltica

Monday Fr. Joe 8:00am +Ginny Turnwald +Thomas Ahern

Tuesday Fr. Joe 8:00am +Angela Faga

Wednesday Fr. Michal 8:00am +Rita Benz

Thursday Fr. Michal 8:00am Ryker Glenn Fox +William Ross

Friday Fr. Michal 8:00am +Eleanor Messer +Christopher & Jarrod Ditmars

Saturday Fr. Dave 8:00am STM Parishioners, living & deceased

Fr. Joe 3:00pm +John W. Farrell +Gene McSweeney

Fr. Michal 4:30pm +Jack Baker +Nick Coso Sunday Fr. Michal 8:00am +Vera Tesla +Raymond Glozer

Fr. Joe 9:45am +Mike Banovich +Bryan Blezow

Fr. Joe 11:30am +Stephen Polulak +Barbara Pelegrino

PRAYER INTENTIONS January 17-24

Centering Contemplative Prayer Thursdays,10:30 am in the Bavaria Room(An additonal group will meet weekly on Tuesdays, beginning January 19 @ 6:30 pm in the Bavaria Room, contact Bob Ferkenhoff, 941-483-4165 or [email protected])

Spirit of Love Prayer Group 2nd Monday, 2:00 pm in the chapel

Rosary Weekdays, 7:30 am in the Church

Women at the Well & Micah’s Men 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30 pm in the Chelsea Garden Room

Join us for Prayer

Sanctuary Candle Lighted in memory of

Rita Plankey Lemole, - given by Phil & Mary Maresco

Our prayer book of the sick is located in the chapel. You may write your intention; be assured that those entered are prayed for daily.

OffertoryJanuary 10, 2016 $35,073.50St. Vincent de Paul $ 351.00Catholic Seminary Support $ 1,100.00

Altar FlowersGiven in loving memory of Susan Brown,

on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of her death - given by Paul & JoAnn Kincade

AA & N-A Support GroupsAlcoholics Anonymous 5:30 pm Mondays, Bavaria RoomAl-Anon (Family Groups) 7:00 pm Mondays, Bavaria Room

Alcoholics Anonymous (Meditation) 6:00 pm Wednesdays, Bavaria RoomAlcoholics Anonymous (Sober Living) 6:00 pm Fridays, Bavaria Room

Narcotics Anonymous & Nar Anon 8:00 pm Sundays, Spirit Center, Gathering Room

Win a Cruise/Go Golfing!The Knights of Columbus are selling raffle tickets for: a first prize balcony cabin for two plus $500 in onboard credit on a Celebrity Caribbean cruise or $2,000 in cash. Second prize is a week at a golf and lake resort time share condominium. Tickets are $10 each.

The Knights use fundraiser proceeds to support their many charitable activities such as providing coats for children of migrant workers, financial aid to seminarians in our Diocese, financial support for pro-life organizations such as the Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center and their annual contribution to the Catholic Faith Appeal.

Knights of Columbus Receive Prestigious Award

The St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus are pictured at a recent dinner party. They received the Star Council Award for outstanding performance in designated service activities involving church, community, family, youth and the council. The St. Thomas More Knights were one of only two councils in the state of Florida to achieve six stars for exceeding membership goals established by the State Council.

If you are interested in learning more about the activities of the Knights and possibly joining the largest Catholic men’s fraternal organization, contact Dan Bulinski, Grand Knight: [email protected] or 941-556-9673.

This Week’s CalendarSunday, January 17Concert Series Ticket Sales Knights of Columbus Raffle Ticket Sales8:00am Mass - Church9:45am Mass - Church11:30am Mass - Church8:00pm N.A. Meeting - Spirit Center8:00pm Nar-Anon Meeting - Spirit Center

Monday, January 18 - Parish Offices Closed7:30am Pray the Rosary - Church8:00am Mass - Church5:30pm AA - Chelsea Bavaria Rm.6:00pm Cub/Boy Scouts - Spirit Center Michelle Dunn 941-806-8133; Javier Aristimuño 941-232-80737:00pm Al-Anon - Chelsea Bavaria Rm.

Tuesday, January 197:30am Pray the Rosary - Church 8:00am Mass - Church5:15pm Youth Choir - Church Alex Dilan 941-923-16916:00pm Faith Formation - Chelsea & Spirit Centers Sr. Judy Baldino 941-923-1691; [email protected]:30pm Centering Prayer - Chelsea Bavaria Rm. Bob Ferkenhoff 941-483-4165; [email protected]

Wednesday, January 207:30am Pray the Rosary - Church8:00am Mass - Church9:30am Mothers’ Circle - Spirit Center Natalie Lelyo 215-620-1184 1:30pm Prayer Shawl Ministry - Chelsea Garden Rm. - Pat Lucke 941-927-3419; [email protected]; Marie Scott 941-927-53526:00pm AA - Chelsea Bavaria Rm.6:00pm Just Faith - Chelsea Westminster Rm. Sue Morusiewicz 941-922-1257; [email protected]:30pm Youth Group - Spirit Center Leiland Theriot [email protected]:30pm Micah’s Men & Women at the Well - Chelsea Garden Rm. Roger Grenier 993-2908; [email protected]:00pm Traditional Choir Rehearsal - Church Alex Dilan 941-923-1691

Thursday, January 21 7:30am Pray the Rosary - Church 8:00am Mass - Church

9:30am Crafty Ladies - Spirit Center Faith Rm. Mary Hautanen 941-922-889210:00am Quilters of St. Thomas More - Spirit Charity Rm. Bonnie Lagner 941-921-126110:30am Contemplative Prayer - Chelsea Bavaria Rm. Ed Savoy 941-923-5706 4:00pm Guardian Ad Litem - Chelsea Lancaster Rm. Sandy Mullen 941-377-59796:00pm Girl Scouts - Chelsea Center Jill Crabill [email protected]:00pm R.C.I.A. - Chelsea Westminster Rm. Sr. Judy Baldino 941-923-1691; [email protected]:00pm Contemporary Choir Rehearsal - Church Alex Dilan 941-923-1691

Friday, January 227:30am Pray the Rosary - Church8:00am Mass - Church9:30am Adult Bible Study - Chelsea Westminster Rm. Mary Jo Dranttel 941-343-0522 1:00pm Cards & Mah Jongg - Chelsea Center7:00pm Doug Cameron Concert - Chelsea Center Barbara Blackburn 941-927-56706:00pm AA Meeting - Chelsea Bavaria Rm.

Saturday, January 237:30am Pray the Rosary - Church 8:00am Mass - Church8:00am Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby - Chelsea Center Michelle Dunn 941-806-8133; Javier Aristimuño 941-232-80738:30am Desert Fathers & Mothers Prayer Presentation - Spirit Center Ed Savoy 941-923-5706 3:00pm Mass - Church4:30pm Knights of Columbus Event - Spirit Center Dan Bulinski 941-556-9673; [email protected]:30pm Mass - Church

Sunday, January 248:00am Mass - Church9:00am Coffee & Donuts after Mass - Church Courtyard9:45am Mass - Church10:45am Coffee & Donuts after Mass - Church Courtyard11:30am Mass - Church8:00pm N.A. Meeting - Spirit Center8:00pm Nar-Anon Meeting - Spirit Center

It’s The 2nd Annual

Fr. Michael

Polish Chili Cook-Off

& Super Bowl Party

Sunday, February 7, 2016 The Chelsea Center

Doors open @ 4:30 pm Chili Contest begins at 5:00 pm - with cash prize for the top Chilies

All attendees get to vote for their favorite Chili!

THIS FAMILY EVENT IS OPENED TO ALL PARISHIONERS AND GUESTS

Sponsored by:

The Men of St. Thomas More

Prospective contestants wishing to enter their award-winning chili must register with Roger Grenier 941-993-2908 or Jack Miller 941-807-6801

Cost: $5 per person; $15 per family Fastpass Members are free Cash or check at the door

You get to sample 40+ award-winning chilies Beverages and snacks will be provided.


Fr. Michael


& Super Bowl Party




THIS FAMILY EVENT IS OPENED TO ALL PARISHIONERS AND GUESTS

Sponsored by:



Cost: $5 per person; $15 per family Fastpass Members are free Cash or check at the door

You get to sample 40+ award-winning chilies Beverages and snacks will be provided.


Fr. Michael


& Super Bowl Party




THIS FAMILY EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL PARISHIONERS AND GUESTS

Sponsored by:



Cost: $5 per person; $15 per family Fastpass members are free Cash or

check at the door You will be sampling 40+ award-winning chilies

Beverages and snacks will be provided.

Dear Parishioners,I wish to extend a warm thank you for the many cards, letters and photos I received from you at Christmas. The highlight of the season was con-celebrating the late Christmas Eve Mass, hearing the choir and being in the church for the first time in almost a year.

The season continued with Mass on Christmas morning at Glenridge retirement home, visiting some of our sick, helping at Sacred Heart in Punta Gorda and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and then the wonderful experience of preaching the 9:45 and 11:30 Masses on the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus @ STM. I was a bit nervous at first but for me, it was a wonderful experience!

I will continue to help in my semi-retirement where ever I am needed. I am very happy and feel most welcomed at STM by Fr. Joe. I shall continue my 44 years of leading people on trips with an April trip to Hawaii, and a late October trip to Cuba and a planned Australian – New Zealand trip for 2017. If ever interested in contacting me for this or anything else, just email me at [email protected].

After Easter, I will again plan to be with my family up north and help in whatever State I am needed.

Peace, Love and Joy in 2016, Father Don Henry

Thank You and Happy New Year!The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Thomas More/St. Michael the Archangel Conference would like to thank you for all your generous donations, either in the holiday coin jar or the green envelopes during our annual Thanksgiving and Christmas drive. We also thank those who donate throughout the year for their continued support.

All donations, in any amount, assist us in our efforts to help families in need within our parish and our local community during the year. Funds are given directly to the client, not to any other organization.

We also thank you most sincerely for your support with the recent opening of the St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop on Mall Drive. This store helps to provide our clients with needs, other than financial, throughout the year. It is also a great place to shop! Check it out.

Women’s Club NewsSave The Date: All women of the parish are invited to a special program on Thursday, Feb. 18, titled “Aging with Grace.” We will gather at 1:00 pm in the Spirit Center, with the program beginning at 2:00 pm. Watch the bulletin for more information.

St. Thomas More Women’s Club Presents:A Spring Fling Fashion Show & Luncheon

Michael’s On East - Monday, February 29, 2016 - 11:00 am $43 (includes tax and gratuity

Choice of Entrée: • Classic Chicken Picatta in lemon white wine parsley sauce • Ginger -Orange Grilled Salmon topped with zest of lemon, lime & oranges • White Vegetable Lasagna Cupcakes (Vegetarian)

Entrées served with: orzo with tomato and fresh basil-roasted asparagus & baby carrots Specialty breadbasket Ice tea, coffee and teaDessert: Myers truffle cake

Fashion Show Luncheon Reservation RESERVATION DEADLINE: Monday, February 22nd – NO REFUNDS

Please list names of all attending and their choice of entrée: (Chicken, Salmon or Vegetarian) below. Group reservations: tables are for 8 or 10 and one check per table is requested. __________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Name & Phone Number of Contact:______________________________________________Number of Reservations:____________________________ Total Enclosed: $___________Checks Payable to: St. Thomas More Women’s ClubMail to: St. Thomas More Women’s Club, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231. Con-tact Carol Szafranski 941-922-5928 or Pat Cleary [email protected] with questions.

www.stthomasmoresrq.orgTake a look, see what

we are about!

We have Care NotesStop by the table located to the right of the Chapel to find a wide assortment of pamphlets - all free for the taking. Many are geared for Teens.

Helpful information is geared for everyone. Topics include: anger, tolerance, grief, death, bullying, prayers and many more topics.

Social Justice Ministry: Project TanzaniaCome and hear a report from our 3 parishioner “scouts” who went to Tanzania, Africa. See their photos, hear their stories, and fall in love with these happy and fun-loving Tanzanian people.

We have a great opportunity to exchange knowledge of our cultures, pray for each other, and help each other by sharing our gifts and attitudes towards life. We will explore how we can get to know these peace-loving and colorful people.

We will meet in the Spirit Center on Sunday, January 31; at 4:00 pm. There will be time for questions. Refreshments will be provided.

SOLVE Maternity Homes Host Gala

On Saturday, February 13, SOLVE Maternity Homes will host its annual gala, "Inspired by Life," and also celebrate its 40th anniversary as well as the acquisition of its fourth maternity home.

The gala will take place at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts and will feature a gourmet dinner, an inspiring program, music and dancing. For information or request a reservation, contact SOLVE at 941-748-0094 or [email protected]. For 40 years, SOLVE has served women and teens who are pregnant and in need of housing and preparation for motherhood.

The SOLVE program meets each client where she is in her life's journey and strengthens her for a successful life. SOLVE is a non-profit, non-denominational organization with maternity homes in Bradenton, Sarasota and Englewood.

“The Marriage Covenant, by which a man and woman establish between them-

selves a partnership of their whole life, and which of its very nature is ordered to the

well-being of the spouses and to the procreation and upbringing of children has been

raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a Sacrament.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center Venice, FL $25 per couple (includes lunch)

Online Registration: www.dioceseofvenice.org/marriage-enrichment Please register by January 19, 2016

Contact: Kim Elsmore (941) 484-9543 [email protected]

Sponsored by:

Family Life Office

Diocese of Venice

Join us for a chance to renew and strengthen your marriage in the

richness and beauty of the Catholic Faith through Sacramental grace.

Eucharist: Banquet of Love Marriage Enrichment

January 23, 2016 9am—3pm

Women’s ConferenceCalling all women - mothers, wives, grandmothers and daughters of all ages - you are invited to attend the 2016 Diocese of Venice Women's Conference Saturday, February 27, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School, Fort Myers.

The speakers include Scott Hahn, Emily Stimpson and Gina Loehr. During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, this exciting day offers participants the opportunity to learn more about the Lord's Mercy and a chance to grow in one's faith.

To register: Office of Evangelization 941-484-9543;www.dioceseofvenice.org/events.

Men’s ConferenceThe Diocese of Venice extends an invitation to all men to celebrate the Year of Mercy by attending the 2016 Diocese of Venice Men's Conference Saturday, February 6, at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers.

The day includes internationally renowned speakers, Matthew Leonard, Bear Woznick and Terry Barber. This exciting event will offer participants the opportunity to learn more about the Lord's mercy.

To register: Office of Evangelization 941-484-9543;www.dioceseofvenice.org/events.

Bake, Book and Craft Sale The St. Patrick Parish Council of Catholic Women Club will be holding its annual Bake, Book and Craft Sale Saturday, February 6 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and Sunday, February 7 from 7:30 am - 1:00 pm in the Parish Hall, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.

Spaghetti DinnerEnjoy great tasting spaghetti and meatballs and delicious desserts at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish, 833 Magellan Drive, Sarasota, on Sat-urday, January 23, 3:30 - 6:30 pm. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12, under 6 free. For information call 941-755-1826.

Tickets sold in the Parish Office: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Reserved $25 eachGeneral Admission $15 each

(cash/check only)

For information: 941-923-1691

sunday, january 17, 2016

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