DECEMBER 5TH, 2021 |2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

NEW PARISHIONERS “May the Church be a place of God’s mercy and hope, where all feel welcomed,

loved, forgiven and encouraged to live according to the good life of the Gospel. And to make others feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged, the Church must be

with doors wide open so that all may enter. And we must go out through these doors and proclaim the Gospel.” - Pope Francis

Please contact the office to register your membership if you are new in our community.

St. Thomas AquinasThe Diocese of Shreveport

MISSION STATEMENT We, as members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community of faith in the Diocese of Shreveport, affirm our mission to

spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to both the local and Catholic college community in the Ruston, Louisiana area. We commit ourselves to God and to this community through a spirit of welcoming and service in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

813 Carey Ave. | Ruston, Louisiana 71270 | 318-255-2870 | stthomasaquinasruston.com

Saturday: 5:00PM Vigil Sunday: 9:30AM 1:30PM (Spanish) 7:00PM (Sept. - May)

Tuesday: 8:00AM Wednesday: 9:00PM (Sept. - May) Thursday: 8:00AM Friday: 12:00PM

Saturday: 4:00PM to 4:45PM

Please call the Church Office to schedule

Please call Church Office SIX MONTHS in advance to schedule

Fr. Ed Shea, OFM (773) 892-4134 Pastor Br. Mike Ward, OFM (318) 255-0793 Campus Minister Deacon John SerioDeacon Robert Ransom Marcie Tucker (318) 255-2870Business Manager Elise Reis (318) 310-4009 Religious Education Director Martin Aviles (318) 265-2992 Youth Coordinator John Denny President of Pastoral Council Thurston Allen Chairman of Finance Council St. Vincent de Paul Society (255-8090)

THE CALENDAR AT A GLANCE Sunday, December 5th 9:30AM - Sunday Mass Children’s Liturgy Melissa Jackson 1:30PM - Misa en Español 4:00PM - 6:00PM Broken Chains Concert 7:00PM - Rosario a la Virgen de Guadalupe Monday, December 6th 9:00AM - 3:00PM - Church Office Open 5:30PM - Chaplet of Divine Mercy 7:00PM - Rosario a la Virgen de Guadalupe

Tuesday, December 7th 8:00AM - Daily Mass 9:00AM - 3:00PM - Church Office Open 10:00AM - Lectio Divina 6:00PM - Feast Day Mass - Bilingual 7:00PM - Rosario a la Virgen de Guadalupe

Wednesday, December 8th 8:00 AM - Immaculate Conception Mass 9:00AM - 3:00PM - Church Office Open 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - STAY 9:00PM - Immaculate Conception Mass 7:00PM - Rosario a la Virgen de Guadalupe Thursday, December 9th 8:00AM - Daily Mass 9:00AM - 3:00PM - Church Office Open 7:00PM - Rosario a la Virgen de Guadalupe

Friday, December 10th 12:00PM - Daily Mass 9:00AM - 3:00PM - Church Office Open 7:00PM - Rosario a la Virgen de Guadalupe

Saturday, December 11th 9:00AM - 11:00AM - Clean-up Men’s Club 5:00PM - Vigil Mass 2:00PM - Bautismo 7:00PM - Rosario a la Virgen de Guadalupe

PARISHIONERS BIRTHDAYS December 1st Brynn Reger December 2nd Rosaland Morris Thomas Rogers December 5th Liliana Salazar December 6th Gordon Reger December 7th Christie Weeks Bobby Rorie Ximena Ruiz December 8th Louis Reis Lucas Haynie December 9th Marilyn Rhodes December 10th Camille Maier December 11th John Thomas Colvin Jack Smith December 12th Danielle Nash Jesus Torres December 13th Sergio Ruiz December 14th Elise Reis December 15h Jed Denny December 16th Frank Reger Ella Viator Harold Cramer Mary Vidrine December 17th Karen Rogers Jesus Gonzalez December 18th Paul Jackson Barbara Aguirre December 19th Susan Faucheux Beatriz Hernandez December 21st Duffy Conroy December 24th John Serio December 25th Cruz Medrano Bryan Lopez December 26th Beau Hickman Clyde Vidrine December 27th Pamela Allen George Schneider December 28th Ohan Kitishian Jan Sibayan Harry May Alondra Tapia December 30th Scott Martin December 31st Bradoch Conroy Kimberly Landaverde Jim Martin Eric Ramirez

If I’ve missed your birthday, please email me at starbulletin@suddenlinkmail.com so that I can add you to the master

list.

If you would like to donate flowers in the church, please

sign up at the bulletin board in the church vestibule. Please call Carol Mercier at (318)254-8826 for more

Altar Flowers Flowers donated by Christie Weeks in

memory Fr. Franz Grief

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Ministry Schedule December 4th, 2021

Lector: Jim Martin

December 5th, 2021

Lector: Stacey Denny

Altar Servers: Josie Bishop & Brad Denny

Eucharistic Ministers: Paul Jackson & Lee Smith

Lectores: Dulce Aviles & Arnulfo Perez

December 11th, 2021

Lector: John Allen

Altar Servers: Cedric & Kevin Serio

December 12th, 2021

Lector: Paul Jackson

Altar Servers: Thomas & Charlie Rogers

Eucharistic Ministers:

Lectores: Martin Aviles, Dulce Aviles y Ema Ramirez

STEWARDSHIP SUMMARY Weekend of November 20/ November 21

General Sunday Collection $11,292.00

Thank you for continued and generous support!

Youth Small Group If you are a high school student interested in a small group, please contact Marina Bishop @ bishopmg@gmail.com for more information. The youth small group meets on Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm.

Ramona Adams Miriam Bishop Abby Bray Frankie Career Tony Clark Judy Darcey Jill Denys Layten Davis Adrien “Butch” Doiron Sean Dwyer June Finnorn Emmely Gay Bernice Harrison Magnolia Johnson Jeffery Judice Chris Letendre Mary Manuel Ken Martinez Tobie McKown J. C. Meshell Rueben Moreno Kelly Morgan

Cynthia Murry Katherine Ned Don Olivier Pearline Robey Lometa Rorie Mary Russo Gloria Saldana Laura Leigh Saleese Ginger Schanks Laura Schneider Holly Hollis Star Dianne Stuckey Marguerite Swannon Willie Tannerhill Joanne Thompson Robin Thrasher Toni Troiano Jamie Tucker Kathleen “Kathy” Walter Donna Venters Stephen Webre Janice Williams

ST. THOMAS’ PRAYER LIST Please contact the parish office to have names

added to our prayer list.

Women's Guild December Activities All women of St. Thomas Aquinas are invited!

Tuesday December 14th, noon-lunch meeting in the Luffey Center. After the meeting we will deliver

poinsettias to our nursing home and shut-in

CHRISTMAS PLAY

December 12 during the 9:30 am Mass

Kindergarten and First Grade PSR kids are busy practicing for the Christmas Play. We look forward to all parishioners to attend the play and the pancake Christmas social to follow in the Joe and Roger Luffey Catholic Life Center.

“The goal of Adventis to develop a kind of “nostaglia

for God.”(St. Anselm)

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The “theme” for the 20-21 school year for ACTS is “Service”. It is the fifth tenet of our mission statement. The

SERVICE

ACTS HISTORY For many years the pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Student Center was “also” the campus minster. In the 1979 yearbook we find the following. “The Catholic Student Center is composed of interested Catholic students at Tech. The center sponsors many spiritual, social, and athletic events throughout

the year. Under the guidance of the center’s director and campus minister, Fr. Kevin Roe, the organization had retreats, a Christmas party at the President’s Lounge, and a Last Supper at the end of the school year. Other social activities on weekends were also offered. Breakfast was available to students before Mass on Sundays.”

ACTS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ACTS became a university organization 25 years ago and this decision has changed the face of the campus

ministry here at St. Thomas ever since. To celebrate this momentous act there will be an all day celebration on Saturday, March 26, 2022, concluding with Mass and a banquet. If you would like to be part of the planning process or if you have some ideas you would like to share, call 318-251-0793.

ADVENT — WE CELEBRATEThe Advent wreath is part of our long-standing Catholic tradition. However, the actual origins are uncertain. There is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic peoples using wreathes with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope in the future warm and extended-sunlight days of Spring. In Scandinavia during Winter, lighted candles were placed around a wheel, and prayers were offered to the god of light to turn “the wheel of the earth” back toward the sun to lengthen the days and restore warmth. By the Middle Ages, the Christians adapted this tradition and used Advent wreathes as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. After all, Christ is “the Light that came into the world” to dispel the darkness of sin

LIFE CHOICES GIVING TREEEvery year ACTS sets up a tree covered with ornaments that are gift requests from Life Choices North Central Louisiana. Stop by the E. Donn Piatt Catholic Student Center to acquire an ornament and then purchase the item requested and return it to the Catholic Center. The gifts requested are items that can

be used by young mothers and their babies. Thank you to the IMPACTS committee for organizing the logistics of this ACTS

Operation Help is an outreach activity created by ACTS member Derek Warden ‘13 in 2012. Every December, ACTS collects pantry items for families in need in our own area. The pinnacle activity is the scavenger hunt in which ACTS members comb the stores for items that are requested. If you would like to donate items or money please call 318-251-0793.

OPERATION HELP RETURNS

NO 7 PM MASS 12/26/21 & 1/2/22

December 5 is the Second Sunday of Advent. This week, pay attention when you spend time

waiting for others. Replace impatience with delight in the other, be it a child or an adult. Be as God waiting for you! Be patient with those you love and those you

CONGRATS MATTHEW AND RAYANNACongratulations to Matthew and Rayanna Plaisance on their wedding November 20 in NOLA. In attendance were 20 ACTS alumni. Matthew was the ACTS President in 2010 and 2011. He also served as the socials chair in 2012. They currently reside in Gretna, LA

MARY GARDEN COLLECTION

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception we will be taking up a collection for the St. Thomas Mary Garden. The monies collected go toward its upkeep and care. Checks may be written to EDP Catholic Center, with “Mary Garden” in the memo section. Thank you for your generosity. It’s been nearly 2 years since our last

SEMINARIAN BURSES The Diocesan Seminary Burse program provides the faithful of North Louisiana the opportunity to invest in the education

and formation of our seminarians into holy and effective priests to serve the Diocese of Shreveport. There is now a Rev. Blane O’Neill, OFM Memorial Burse. Contributions

may be mailed to the Office of Church Vocations, Diocese of Shreveport 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104.

Be sure to note the name of the burse in the memo line. Burses are completed at $10,000.

Church Directory - SAVE THE DATE!!!!

Mark your calendars for December 10 – 12. Color Craft photographers will be traveling to St. Thomas Aquinas for scheduled family sittings for our new

church directory. Please book your session in advance for your photography sitting time. The

pictures will be taken at the Joe and Roger Luffey Catholic Life Center Youth Room. You will be

able to book a follow up date after your sitting to come review the photos and have the option to buy prints. Each family that takes a photo and follows up with a photo review will receive a FREE hard

copy directory. The church will also receive a digital directory and extra hard copy directories to

be distributed to new parishioners. Schedule your photography date and time! Public

Link: https://book.appointment-plus.com/d6y40k5v/?employee_id=9741

Need Assistance booking your appointment online? Please call Elise Reis at 318-310-4009.

**************************************** Directorio de Fotos Familias

Nuestra Parroquia de Santo Tomás está organizando un nuevo libro de fotos de las familias

de la parroquia. Tienen que reservar un espacio para tomar las fotos durante el fin de semana de 10,

11 y 12 de Diciembre. Los domingos 14 y 28 de Noviembre, después de la Misa de 1:30 pm, Marcie va a estar disponible en la Oficina para registrarse para las fotos en el Luffey Center. También a la

misma vez pueden registrarse como miembros de la parroquia

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ADVERTISE IN THE BULLETIN If you’re enjoying the new bulletin, but want to see more, advertise for your company in the back. The

more advertisements we have, the more space they will give us at no charge.

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December 5, 2021 Second Sunday of Advent

A DEEP CHANGE OF HEART When John proclaimed a baptism of repentance, as today’s Gospel relates, he called people to a deep change of heart. For John the Baptist, repentance was not simply regret for past failings, but a commitment to orient life around God’s desires and purposes. What might living in alignment with God’s desires look like? Our readings offer some clues. Baruch indicates that when mercy and justice are embraced like a royal garment, we may see the fruits of repentance. Paul notes how the Holy Spirit has been active within the church in Philippi, forming them to live in a loving and united community of faith, so they may witness to the love of God. And John himself suggests that a repentant heart clears a path for God to enter, leveling the mountains and valleys of our resistance, so that God might dwell within.

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — Stand on the heights, Jerusalem; see your children rejoicing that they are remembered by God. A merciful and just God leads Israel in joy (Baruch 5:1-9). Psalm — The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy (Psalm 126). Second Reading — May your love increase in knowledge to discern what is valuable that you may be blameless for the day of Christ (Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11). Gospel — John proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All flesh shall see the salvation of God (Luke 3:1-6).

PRAYER OF THE WEEK Second Sunday of Advent Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Second Sunday of Advent December 5, 2021 God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low. — Baruch 5:7

5 de diciembre de 2021 Segundo Domingo de Adviento UN PROFUNDO CAMBIO DE CORAZÓN Cuando Juan proclamó un bautismo de arrepentimiento, así como lo relata el Evangelio de hoy, él llamó a las personas a un cambio profundo de corazón. Para Juan el Bautista, el arrepentimiento no era simplemente un remordimiento de las flaquezas, sino un compromiso a orientar la vida en torno a los deseos y propósitos de Dios. ¿Cómo podría ser una vida adecuada con los deseos de Dios? Nuestras lecturas ofrecen algunas pistas. Baruc indica que cuando la misericordia y la justicia se abrazan como un ropaje majestuoso, podemos ver los frutos del arrepentimiento. Pablo señala cómo el Espíritu Santo ha estado activo dentro de la iglesia de Filipos, formándola para vivir en una comunidad de fe amorosa y unida, para que pueda dar testimonio del amor de Dios. Y el mismo Juan sugiere que un corazón arrepentido limpia un camino para que Dios entre, emparejando los valles y montañas de nuestra resistencia, para que Dios pueda habitar en el.

LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — Sube a la altura, Jerusalén; contempla a tus hijos gozosos porque Dios se acordó de ellos. Un Dios misericordioso y justo guía a Israel con alegría (Baruc 5:1-9). Salmo — El Señor ha estado grande con nosotros, y estamos alegres (Salmo 126 [125]). Segunda Lectura — Que su amor siga creciendo más y más y se traduzca en un mayor conocimiento y discernimiento de lo que vale la pena para que lleguen irreprochables al día de Cristo (Filipenses 1:4-6, 8-11). Evangelio — Juan proclama un bautismo de arrepentimiento para el perdón de los pecados. Todos podrán ver la salvación de Dios (Lucas 3:1-6)

Segundo Domingo de Adviento Dios omnipotente y misericordioso, haz que ninguna ocupación terrena sirva de obstáculo a quienes van presurosos al encuentro de tu Hijo, antes bien, que el aprendizaje de la sabiduría celestial, nos lleve a gozar de su presencia. Él, que vive y reina contigo en la unidad del Espíritu Santo y es Dios por los siglos de los siglos. Segundo Domingo de Adviento 5 de diciembre de 2021 Dios ha ordenado que se abajen todas las montañas y todas las colinas, que se rellenen todos los valles hasta aplanar la tierra. — Baruc 5:7

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The Devotion to the Divine Mercy is based on the private revelations of Jesus to Polish Saint Faustina in the 1930’s. It recognizes God as infinite mercy

and involves a decision to accept God’s mercy with thanksgiving, to trust in Him, and to be merciful as He is merciful. One element of the devotion is the

Divine Mercy Chaplet, a form of prayer using Rosary beads. The Recitation of the Chaplet is

prayed each Monday evening from 5:30 to 6:00 PM in the small chapel. All are welcome!

Adult Spiritual FormationFor the past several weeks we have been watching an excellent video series called “the Chosen” and today we will conclude with Season One. We’ll start Season Two after the New Year. Next Sunday, November 21st, from 10:45 to 11:45 am, we will have a kind of “Spiritual Check-In” for all who are interested, and we’ll plan some sessions for the great season on Advent which starts on November 28th. ********************************************************

Advent Lectio Divina (Tuesdays at 10:00 am)Father Ed would like to invite all interested parishioners to some reflections on the Scriptures during the Season of Advent. Starting on Tuesday, November 23rd we will gather for about an hour in the Luffey Center and do some “divine reading” of the upcoming Sunday Scriptures. If you have any questions, please call Father Ed directly at (773)-892-4134. ALL are welcome in this place

Congratulations to the following St. Thomas Aquinas Youth Council

Officers: Owen Watson, President Carmen Bishop, Vice-President Camila Derosa, Secretary Amelia Roger and Jed Denny: Historians Thomas Rogers, Hospitality Coordinator Wade Watson, voting member and hospitality committee member Josh Ramachandran, voting member and hospitality committee member

The meetings take place the 1st Monday of the month from 7:00-8:00pm in the Youth Room

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL First Sunday of Advent

As we begin Advent we are called to “wait” in joyful anticipation for the grace of Christmas to once again bless our lives. Wherever you live in our parish, there are poor families

within walking distance of your home. When in need, they ring the rectory bell. They are, in effect, ringing your

doorbell. In November, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to bring God’s kingdom of

love and mercy to 15 families, providing $3,733.58 in food, utilities and rent. God Bless You! Your gift in the St. Vincent de Paul poor box will help the poor

celebrate the grace of God’s love this Christmas. Volunteers are needed for SVDP, if you want to serve the poor in our

parish, please call voicemail 255-8090 and leave your name, phone number or email address... We will meet every second Saturday sometime after new year begins. If we have enough

interest, can zoom over holidays, we know how busy everyone is.

“The Advent mystery is the beginning of the end

of all that is not yet Christ.” (Thomas Merton)

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Our Lady of Guadalupe — Next Sunday, December 12th Please don’t miss next week’s celebration for the great Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our St. Thomas Latino brothers and sisters really want everyone to celebrate. Here’s the lineup: 6:00 am — “Las Mañanitas” (early morning songs) Noon — Rosary (in Church) 12:30 pm — Outdoor Procession with Mariachis 1:30 pm — Mass (in Church) 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm — Food and Fellowship (in Luffey)

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe — Próximo domingo 12 de diciembre Por favor, no se pierda la celebración de la próxima semana para la gran Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Nuestros hermanos y hermanas latinos de St. Thomas realmente quieren que todos celebren. Aquí está la alineación: 6:00 am — "Las Mañanitas" Mediodía — Rosario (en la Iglesia) 12:30 pm — Procesión al aire libre con mariachis 1:30 pm — Misa (en la Iglesia) 3:00 pm a 5:00 pm — Comida y compañerismo (en el Luffey)

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THANK YOU!! This is from Father Ed: I just have one word to say about the collection we had for the Capital Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) — WOW!! You really came through for the poor with a collection of more than $1000 for this great cause, and I am really proud of you. And while I’m at it, I also want to thank y’all in advance for your donations to the Advent Angel project. The local families we are helping are very grateful, and most of them are fro our parish! As my Dad used to say, you people are amazing!

***************************************** ¡GRACIAS!

Un mensaje del Padre Lalo: Tengo nomás una palabra para compartir sobre la colecta que tuvimos por la Campagna Católica para el Desarrollar Humana (CCHD) — WOW!! La familia de SantoTomás donamos más que $1000 para ayudar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas el los proyectos de la orilla de los Estados Unidos. Estoy muy agradecido de ustedes! También quiero darles gracias for su ayuda con las familias en el proyecto de “Advent Angel” ayudando familias de nuestra parroquia y nuestro barrio para la Navidad. Como dijo mi papá, ustedes son increíbles!

Adult Spiritual Formation — Advent 2021 “O Come O Come Emmanuel!”

Each Sunday after the 9:30 am Mass we are gathering to continue the conversation about this

great season of Advent. No previous experience is necessary. Please know that YOU are WELCOME

here.

What is Advent all about? The tone of Advent is succinctly described in the words we hear during this great season of anticipation: Prepare… Wait… Eagerly… Joyfully… Hopefully… We are waiting “in joyful hope” for the second coming of Christ.

Advent is both a beginning and en end. It starts with an image of the second coming, coming on the clouds of heaven” and it ends with the birth of Jesus in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. Advent can’t be prepared or celebrated in isolation from Christmas, not can Christmas be separated from the Paschal Mystery— the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The liturgy of the Church actualizes the past in the present to bring about the future.

The central images of Advent remind us that we live in an “in-between-time” when the kingdom is present but not yet fulfilled.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Every year during Advent we celebrate this kind of “anticipation” feast of the Immaculate Conception,

patron saint of the United States. This year our Mass schedule is as follows:

6:00 pm Tuesday, December 7th — Bilingual Mass

8:00 am Wednesday, December 8th — Mass in English

9:00 pm Wednesday, December 8th — Mass with ACTS

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Solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción Martes a las 6:00 pm

Celebramos una Misa especial el Martes de esta semana, 7 de Diciembre, en anticipación de la solemnidad. La Misa será bilingüe. También es

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. Wait for the Lord, be strong take

heart” (Taize Prayer)

200 for this week

MAIL TO: 813 CAREY AVENUE RUSTON, LA 71270