October 1, 2006
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parish
Worship
Christian Formation
Campus Ministry
Justice & Peace
Community Meetings, Retreats, Etc.
Finances
Readings

Parish

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I have a little bittersweet news to share with you all this weekend. Early last week, our own Father Francis Belanger received a phone call from our Provincial, Fr Dominic Izzo, in New York. The Provincial told Fr Fancis that he is assigning him to our new campus ministry that the Dominicans took over last year at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. Fr Francis told the Provincial that he didn’t want to leave Charlottesville yet, but that he would, of course, do whatever the Provincial decided was best. Sadly, this has to happen rather soon, so the first weekend of November will probably be Fr Francis’ last weekend here at St Thomas Aquinas.

The Provincial assigning Fr Francis there is actually quite a tribute to Fr Francis and a sign of the Provincial’s confidence in his talent and ability. As some of you may know, Fr Francis is an alumnus of Dartmouth, and the Provincial feels that Fr Francis is the best-qualified to know the “layout of the land” of the Catholic presence at Dartmouth and to work with the Board of Trustees at Aquinas House, the Catholic chaplaincy at Dartmouth.
Fortunately, we are not going to be left shorthanded here in Charlottesville. The Provincial has assigned Fr Dominic Langevin, OP, an ordination classmate of Fr Francis, to take his place on the parish staff. Some of you might remember Fr Dominic Langevin from a couple of summers ago when he was assigned here as a deacon. He is looking forward to coming to C’ville on a more permanent basis and will arrive in the parish around October 18th. While we’re all going to miss Fr Francis and his wonderful sense of humor terribly, I know we all wish him well in his new assignment and will send him off with our prayers and best wishes.

fr Brian, OP

All of the names on our prayer list are now posted on the Milagros. If you would like to add or take off a name, please call the Parish Office.

There will be no Confession or CSM Mass on Thursday, Oct 5.

Finances

Parish Center Debt Elimination Campaign

We welcome David Garrett and Luke David Sweet who through Baptism were received into our faith community.

Parish Activities

Diocesan Women’s Survey: Women of St. Thomas, please complete the survey found in the pews and on a table in the link! In 2005, Bishop DiLorenzo charged the Diocesan Women’s Committee to better determine the spiritual needs of women across the diocese. The results of this survey will be shared with the Bishop, pastors, and parishes, and published in the Catholic Virginian. Your feedback will provide guidance of better ways to develop the unique mix of gifts and talents in our parish. Surveys are completely confidential. Return completed surveys to the box in the link by Oct. 15th. If you would like to help, contact Trish Madden.

22nd Annual PCCV Banquet: Support pro-life and attend the annual fundraising banquet benefiting The Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia. The banquet features Scott Klusendorf on Fri. Oct 20, and Janet Parshall on Sat, Oct. 21, at the Doubletree Hotel. Contact Marta Brannon at lbrannon@cstone.net for reservations.

VIRTUS: All volunteers that interact with children (substitutes, catechists, drivers, VBS teachers, etc.) need to attend a VIRTUS, Protecting God’s Children, session. Sessions are offered Thurs, Sept 28, 5:30 PM at St. Thomas; and Sat, Oct 14, 9 AM; at Incarnation, with nursery available. Go to richmonddiocese.org/news/virtussession.htm to register. Questions, contact Trish Madden.

Blood Drive: Oct. 29th, 8:30-1PM. Save this date to save a life! More details to come.

Adopt-A-Student: If you'd like to help a student make the transition to life here at UVA, please consider being a part of this program, either again or for the first time. For info or to sign up, see the table in the link or email kendall.singleton@virginia.edu or 919-451-0954.

Confirmation Small Group Facilitators Needed: for our 11th graders. The time commitment is approx. 10 hours/month from September – April.
Contact Mike at youth@cstone.net if interested.

2nd Annual Alternative Gift Fair: in early Nov. With the help of Catholic Relief Services we will have handmade items from over 40 countries. Our participation helps provide dignity, hope, & income to poor families around the globe. Please contact Judy Zacharias to volunteer to help at jmzacharias@cs.com or 978-3803.

Are You in Need of a Babysitter? CSM will provide a responsible student. Whether you are looking for a few hours a week, a dinner out, or a one-time commitment, there are many students willing to help. For info contact Katie Hildreth: kmh7f@virginia.edu. Families set the rates/hours.

All New Parish Members: please stop by the welcome display in the Link to pick up your new parishioner packet.

VA Marriage Amendment Info: “Marriage, whose nature & purposes are established by God, can only be the union of a man & a woman and must remain such in law. In a manner unlike any other relationship, marriage makes a unique & irreplaceable contribution to the common good of society, especially through the procreation and education of children.” (USCCB) For more info go to www.vatican.va.

Worship

Contact Marta - lbrannon@cstone.net 293-8081x18

Liturgical Ministers Schedule: for October is now available. Please see our website or pick up a copy in the Coordinators’ Room.

Liturgical Ministers-If you are a current Minister and do not utilize Email, please submit any “special schedule requests (weekends not available)” with Susie in the Parish office 293-8081 by the 15th of each month. Susie will forward these to Zane Jones to include in the next month’s schedule”

Liturgical Ministers Needed (Eucharistic Ministers, Mass Coordinators, Lectors, Altar Servers & Crossbearers) - We currently have approximately 130 ministers serving the 4500-5400 members of this Parish (5 Masses each weekend, 52 weekends a year plus all special Masses). We need additional ministers (especially coordinators & eucharistic ministers). The 5:15 Mass on Sunday(Life Teen) is short on eucharistic ministers each week. If you are willing to serve the St. Thomas faith community in a way that is both a great privilege and a form of humble service, please contact Zane Jones at zanej@adelphia.net for training or more information.

24-Hour Eucharistic Adoration: Every Wed. in Our Lady’s Chapel. We are in urgent need of people to fill the following commitment times: Wed, 11PM-Midnight and Thurs. Midnight-1AM. If you can commit to one of these hours or would be willing to alternate with someone contact Lori Donlon (293-3873/lorianned@aol.com) for more information.

Religious Education/Youth Ministry

RE Contact Trish Madden – 293-8081 reled@cstone.net
YM Contact Mike School 293 8081x16 youth@cstone.net

www.st-thomas-aquinas.org/Youth..htm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: for grades K-3 at 9 AM Sunday Mass. Older children should remain at Mass. Pre-K children may attend with a parent. An excellent opportunity to learn the Liturgy of the Word. We reflect on the Scripture, say the Creed and have Intercessory Prayer. It is optional and does not take the place of religious education. To maintain a safe environment, we need at least two adult aids each week. We also need substitute leaders. If interested in helping with this ministry, contact Jamie at jballengerus@yahoo.com or Trish.

EDGE/LIFE TEEN: still need teachers for middle and high school core team. Contact Mike School at youth@cstone.net

ADULT EDUCATION

Theology & Donuts: Adults, want to learn more about your Catholic Faith? Come to Theology & Donuts: 1st meeting of the Fall is this Sun, Oct 1, 10:20-11:10 AM in St. Thomas Hall. The topic will be "Ecumenism: The Church and Other Christian Denominations."

RCIA: Are you interested in becoming a Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith? The RCIA (Rite of Chri0stian Initiation of Adults) meets Wed, 7:30 PM in St. Thomas Hall. Contact Fr. Francis for details at belanger @ntelos.net.

Adult Confirmation: Did you receive First Communion but miss Confirmation? You can take classes here at St. Thomas in order to be confirmed in the spring. Please come to RCIA class on Wed. 7:30 PM in St. Thomas Hall. Contact Fr. Francis at belanger@ntelos.net for details.

Part II Catholicism 101: A video series presentations by Fr John Corapi, sponsored by the K of C we meet two Sat/month at 10 AM in the Community Room. "The Life and Mission of Christ is a Mystery" on 7 Oct. and "The Life and Mission of Christ is a Mystery" on 21 Oct. For info contact sackandpam@adelphia.com

Women's Little Rock Scripture Study combines personal study, group discussion and prayer to facilitate growth in the Spirit. Please join us this fall for a 10-week session studying the Acts of the Apostles. We meet Tues, 9-11AM in the Community Room at St. Thomas. Childcare can be made available for a fee. Please call Patty Gazewood 973-6802 or gazewood@earthlink.net if you have any questions.

Sunday Evening Scripture Study: will have their first study session using the Little Rock Scripture series on October 15th following the 5:15 Mass. If interested in participating please contact Judy at 978-3803 or jmzacharias@cs.com

JustFAITH Program: Catholic Social Teaching through prayer, discussion, readings and videos all within a small faith group. For info contact Bridget Davis: bnfdavis@cstone.net or 964-1127.

Justice & Peace
Contact Mary Kirwan-295-1885 W, 295-7950 H kirwanm@adelphia.net
Bridget Davis-964-1127 bnfdavis@cstone.net

Sponsorship Six Months Later: April 1 began our St. Michel's School Sponsorship Program for the 425 students. To date a total of 258 students have sponsors - 194 from St. Thomas and 64 from Holy Comforter. St. Thomas has received $25,530 in sponsorship payments, half going towards building the school and half for school expenses. THANK YOU! Questions? terripowers@earthlink.net

Journey of Hope: is a tour of those directly impacted by the death penalty - death row family members, death row exonerees, parents and siblings who have lost a loved one to murder. They are traveling around VA to tell their stories and will speak at a potluck dinner at 6:30 PM on Thurs, Oct 19 in Incarnation parish hall. All are invited to share a meal and learn more about capital punishment. Free will offering will be collected. Questions, contact Rhonda Miska at 973-4381.

Holy Comforter Food Pantry: Needed items are: canned tuna, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, vegetarian beans, canned pork & beans, soup, pasta, soap and shampoo. Place your donations in the wicker baskets up or downstairs. Thank You!

Books for Prisoners – We are continuing to collect: religious books, dictionaries, good books of fiction and magazines. Collection boxes are located in the Catholic Student Ministry Room. Thank You!

PRO LIFE

Respect Life Sunday: Stop by our information table in the Link to learn how you can respect all life from conception to natural death!

New Meeting Time: Please join the Respect Life Committee on Tues., Oct. 3, 11 AM at St. Thomas. Contact Nicole for info.

Rosary for Life: for the women, men & children hurt by abortion. Thurs., Oct. 5,10:30 AM in front of PP (Hydraulic Road). Contact Nicole for info

Campus Ministry

UNDERGRADUATES(CSM)

Kevin Simowitz: kjs5e@virginia.edu
Fr. Luke Clark: lukeop2828@hotmail.com

YOUNG POFESSIONALS/GRADUATE STUDENTS
AGES 21-40 SINGLE OR MARRIED

YAM Planning Meeting: Graduate students and young professionals have some ideas about what Young Adult Ministry can be doing? We will be having a planning session at the Biltmore Grill after the 11:30 Mass this Sunday (10/1). Meet in the link.

Theology on Tap: The first one this semester will be Mon, Oct 9, 7:30 PM at O'Neill's (the back room on the first floor) our speaker will be Prof. Lynn Sanders: “Playing the Fence Card: Immigration Politics and Catholic Voters” What are political candidates this fall saying about immigration? What should Catholic voters think about what they hear in election campaigns? Join us for a lively discussion of how Catholic principles can inform today's immigration debates.

Salvation Army Food Bank: Needs help organizing its food bank. Our group will go on Sat. mornings from 10:30-12:30; other times are also available. If interested in helping, contact Beth at eab7f@virginia.edu

Mass on the Mountain & Hike: The last one of our combination events for this year will be Fri., Oct. 6. Meet at the church parking lot at 6 PM and we’ll carpool to our destination. Please bring a snack or dish to share. For info, contact Patricia at mountainpeony@aol.com.

Charlottesville Catholic School

Phone: 964-0400. Web site at www.cvillecatholic.com

Ch”ville Catholic School's 5K Run: Return registrations to CCS before 10/6 for Early Bird discounts. The 5K Run is Sat, Oct 7, at CCS. Check in, 7 AM, race at 8. All proceeds support CCS & Hospice of the Piedmont. For info/ registration form, visit CCS, Ragged Mtn Running Shop, or go to http://www.cvillecatholic.org/5K/5k.html. Contact Lisa at 964-0400 X 301.

Community Meetings, Retreats, Etc.

Ch”ville Catholic School's 5K Run: Return registrations to CCS before 10/6 for Early Bird discounts. The 5K Run is Sat, Oct 7, at CCS. Check in, 7 AM, race at 8. All proceeds support CCS & Hospice of the Piedmont. For info/ registration form, visit CCS, Ragged Mtn Running Shop, or go to http://www.cvillecatholic.org/5K/5k.html. Contact Lisa at 964-0400 X 301.

All Parish Scouts: 4th Annual Rosary Patch Mass, Sat, Oct 21 8:30 AM. Go to http://www.nccs-bsa.org/emblems-awards/rosaryPatch.php for requirements.

In celebration: of the centenary of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity, all are invited to join the Secular Carmelite Community of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity for an entire Day of Recollection at St. Francis of Assisi Church, in Staunton, on Oct 14. Carmelite Friar, Fr. Theodore Centala, OCD, will celebrate Liturgy and offer three conferences about her spiritual works. Please contact Cathie Lillis, OCDS: 974-1325 for details & to RSVP. Refer to the brochure in pamphlet rack by bulletin board for more info.

The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia: Invite single, Catholic women to a Monastic Discernment Weekend, Oct 20-22. For info contact Sr. Vicki Ix, OSB at 703-361-0106 or go to vocations@osbva.org.

The Seventeenth Annual Diocesan Health Care Liturgy: The Most Rev. Walter F. Sullivan will celebrate a Eucharistic Liturgy invoking God's blessings on all Health Care Professionals, Students, Professors and those who minister to the sick on Sunday, October 15, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond at 5:15 PM. All are welcome to attend! Reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall courtesy of Bon Secours Richmond Health System.

Retreat: offered by a team of graduates of Msgr. Michael’s Spiritual Direction Institute at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery 9AM to 4:30PM on Sat., Oct. 21st. This will be an opportunity to learn and use 5 different prayer practices: Guided imagery, journaling, simplicity, lectio divina (praying w/scripture) & the disciplines of workplace spirituality. You can remain for Vespers at the Monastery Chapel at 5:15. Space is limited. Please call Bev Mirmelstein at 973-4252 in the evening to register.

Parkinson’s Disease Study: UVa. Is conducting a study of antidepressant medication in patients with Parkinson’s Desease. Contact Maryann Lincoln RN CCRP 243-5898 HIC# 11150.

Teams of Our Lady: A couples faith group is forming in our area. An information meeting for interested couples will be held in the Community Room at 6:30 pm, Saturday, October 7th. For information, contact Jim and Ruth Wagner at 703-764-0872 or wagnerfamily@villawagner.com.

Parish Pilgrimage: Nov 29, Baltimore’s Basilica, America’s First Cathedral with Fr. Brian. This newly renovated Cathedral reopens in Nov. after major restoration. The day includes Mass and a tour of the Basilica, lunch at the Copra Restaurant, and a late afternoon tour of the Walters Museum, which has special religious exhibits to complement the reopening of the Basilica. For reservations, send $55 to Julie Zackrisson, 2616 Cardinal Ridge Road, C’ville,VA 22901, or call 296-4615.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje: March 21-30. Join our Parish Pilgrimage. We will be staying at the home of Mirijana, one of the visionaries of Medjugorje! One of our priests will be the spiritual director. Cost is $1599, includes everything except lunches, tips, and aiport taxes (airport taxes can range from $280-$4500). For reservations, send a $400 deposit by check made out to 206 Tours to Julie Zackrisson, 2616 Cardinal Ridge Road, Cville, VA 22901. Contact Julie at 296-4615 or juliezackr@aol.com.

Readings for the Week of October 1, 2006