October 8, 2006
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Parish

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Through a feat of computer sabotage, I have commandeered the Pastor’s Corner this weekend. Finally I can tell you my views! Well, actually, Fr. Brian invited me to share some thoughts with you... When Susie, our longtime parish secretary, called out to me a little over two weeks ago, “Phone call, Fr. Francis! It’s Father Dominic,” I knew something was up. Fr. Dominic Izzo is our Provincial Superior based in New York and Provincials don’t usually call just to say hello. Indeed he asked me to go to Dartmouth College to be the assistant chaplain there to Fr. Mike McCormack, whom many of you remember from his time in Charlottesville.

Saying yes was heart wrenching. I was blessed with abundant good fortune to have St. Thomas for my first assignment. As a deacon I found it a congenial and vibrant setting in which to be introduced to ordained ministry and I was overjoyed when the Provincial asked me to stay after priestly ordination. Ministry to university students, our vibrant and diverse residential community, the beautiful children, the spirited teens, the opportunity to teach those who wished to enter the Church as adults in the RCIA program, preaching and teaching to intelligent and committed Catholics—all these factors made my time here ideal. I was not looking forward to leaving nor did I expect it so soon.

Nonetheless, the Spirit breathes where He wills and the vow of obedience makes certain life decisions easy! Going to Dartmouth is not a hardship. It is my alma mater and the place where I re-discovered my faith and first discerned a Dominican vocation. I have told people that it is the only assignment that would be a consolation for having to leave UVA. That’s not quite true: if I were told that I was going to the Vatican to be made a cardinal I could probably live with that also. I’ll be leaving after the first weekend in November and I expect to be back for an occasional visit. You may feel free to keep in touch. God bless.

fr Francis

The Parish Offices will be closed on Monday for Columbus Day.

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.

Finances

Parish Center Debt Elimination Campaign

We welcome Caroline Barbara Wildermuth who through Baptism were received into our faith community.

Parish Activities

Lost And Found: Please be sure to browse through the articles that have been left behind over the past several months and claim any of your belongings. Lost articles will be displayed this weekend and next.

Closed Circuit TV: in St. Thomas Hall: Interest has been expressed in the installation of a video system that would allow parents to listen to Mass while attending to the needs of our littlest parishioners outside of Church. A donation has been made toward this goal, but funding is still needed. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please earmark your donation NURSERY PROJECT.

Community Life Meeting: will be held Tues, Oct 10 at 7 PM in the Community Room. We will make plans for the coming year's events. New members are needed and welcome to attend this meeting. For more info contact Pam at 245-8827 or sackandpam@adelphia.net

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.

Business Opportunity: During the next few weeks, Linda Poe, from Liturgical Publications, our bulletin publisher, will be here to solicit advertising support for our weekly bulletin. We thank our present advertisers for renewing their ad and invite those interested in placing a new ad to contact the church office or call Linda at 800-477-4574. Please consider taking an ad in support of our bulletin and please patronize those businesses that show their support.

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-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:Next One: TBA

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

St. Michel Student Sponsors: Pere Blot will be celebrating Masses at St. Thomas on Oct 21 and sponsors are invited to a special meeting with Per Blot at 10:15 AM.

Haiti Working Group: meet at 4 PM, Sun, Oct 8, St Thomas, Room #1

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: Fluvanna Women’s Correctional Facility is accepting religious books and prayer cards until mid Nov. We are also collecting dictionaries, good books of fiction and magazines for the local and state prisons. Collection boxes are located in the CSM Room. Thank You!

Campus Ministry

UNDERGRADUATES(CSM)

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

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

A ministry for young professionals & graduate students ages 21-35 Contact: Rhoda Hernandez - rhodahernandez@gmail.com

Graduate Students and Young Professionals: Interested in participating in faith, social and service activities with other young adultsContact Rhoda Hernandez to be put on the YAM email list.

Theology on Tap: Mon, Oct 9, 7:30 PM at O'Neill's (back room on the first floor), speaker: 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? The next one, Mon, Oct 23, same time & place. Topic TBA.

Starry Nights at Veritas Vineyard: Sat, Oct 14. Bring chairs, blankets, and your own dinner for a picnic at Veritas Vineyard, with music provided by the Thompson D'earth Band! 7pm to 11PM, rain or shine. Admission is $10. Contact Melanie Culp at msc3k@virginia.edu

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

Small Groups: Trish Madden is coordinating weekly Scripture small groups to begin in mid-October. Contact Trish at reled@cstone.net

South Street Brewery: Tues, Oct 17. Come join us for $2.50 pints at South Street from 7-8 PM - Look for Fr. Francis or Trish!

Blood Drive: Sun, Oct. 29. People are needed to help at Masses the week before to sign up donors, and of course, you are also encouraged to give blood! Contact Jerome at jpf3p@virginia.edu

Halloween: Tues, Oct. 31. Attend the 5:15 PM All Saints Vigil Mass (Holy Day), and join us at 6 PM in the Youth Room for pizza and a movie! Or if you'd like to host this get-together, let Rhoda know at rhodahernandez@gmail.com

Wanted: Family in Farmington looking for female, live-in father's assistant to help with a wonderful 13-year-old daughter. Room and board provided in exchange for driving to/from school, helping with homework and full kitchen responsibilities. Must like pets. Call 296-1118. Feel free to contact Heather, the former assistant, at 781-789-5884 or heo128@gmail.com

Charlottesville Catholic School

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

Community Meetings, Retreats, Etc.

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.

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 8, 2006