October 15, 2006
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Parish

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Do you know what question I get asked most frequently by visitors to our wonderful parish? “Father, how come there are no kneelers in church?” Honestly, I can’t tell you how many times I have been asked that question: sometimes in a VERY accusatory tone of voice and sometimes in genuine interest as to why a Catholic church doesn’t have kneelers on its pews. Well, now I will never have to be asked that question again. And I don’t think any visitors are going to ask me (either angrily or gently): “How come you have kneelers in church?”

Now, I fully realize that some of our parishioners are going to be upset by my obtaining kneelers for the church. It has been a long-standing (pun intended) custom in the Diocese of Richmond under our former Bishop, Bishop Sullivan, to encourage people to remain standing at the parts of the Mass when Catholics have traditionally knelt. I, personally, never understood the explanations given for this, but like most people, I was able to conform to the custom of the local community. But as it says in the American adaptations to the General Instruction to the Roman Miissal: “In the dioceses of the United States of America, they (the people) should kneel beginning after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer, except when prevented on occasion by reasons of health, lack of space, the large number of people present or some other good reason. Those who do not kneel should make a profound bow when the priest genuflects after the Consecration. The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise.” (para. 43)

So, we’ll begin this weekend here at St Thomas doing what is the liturgical practice for the dioceses of the United States. But please don’t get upset if it takes us awhile to get the hang of this new (old) practice. By all means, if your knees don’t permit you to kneel comfortably, then feel free to do what Catholics have done for generations and scoot your derriere back on the pew rather than kneeling upright on the kneelers. If you really want to remain standing, then I ask that you take a pew towards the back of the church, so as not to block the view of those in front of you. We also have individual “sliders” (kneelers) coming for the chairs in the first two rows of the church, but they are not ready quite yet. They should be here soon.
One last thing: none of the parish’s budgeted funds were used to pay for the kneelers. They were paid for completely with donations given specifically for this purpose.

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.

Finances

Parish Center Debt Elimination Campaign

We welcome Nicholas Alexander Baglio, Ella Annice Kuzjak, Jordan Edward McConnell, and Amilia Marie Williams who through Baptism were received into our faith community.

Parish Activities

Lost And Found: Last weekend to browse through the articles that have been left behind over the past several months and claim any of your belongings.

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.

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.

Blood Drive - We want your blood! Sun, Oct 29, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm in the St. Thomas Aquinas CSM room. All August donors are eligible to donate again, but new faces and arms are always needed to provide the blood used to save lives in our area. Sign up next week after Mass at St. Thomas, by e-mail at jpf3p@virginia.edu, phone 243-8801, or online at www.vadonor.com Sponsor code: aquinas

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 Christmas Fair: will be held Nov. 11-12 after each Mass. We will have fair trade handicrafts from South America, Africa, Asia, and the U.S. By purchasing fair trade items you are helping to ensure fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide.

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: Bishops DiLorenzo and Loverde support the proposed amendment. In their pastoral letter, The Institution of Marriage and the Common Good, the two Virginia bishops explain the Church’s teaching on the nature of marriage, it’s relationship to the common good, and the responsibility of voters to preserve God’s design for marriage. (vacatholic.org. See “Proposed VA Marriage Amendment, Q & A”.)

Worship

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

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

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

Please Welcome Father Blot: Pastor of our twin parish in Saltadere during his visit to St. Thomas. Father Blot will concelebrate and speak at all the Masses on Oct 21 & 22. After the 9 AM Mass he will meet and thank the Sponsors of students at St. Michel's School. Health Professionals are invited to attend St. Luke's Society Mass on Wed, Oct 18, 5:15 PM and talk with Father Blot at a reception after the Mass.

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

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!

Theology on Tap: Mon, Oct. 23, 7:30 PM. Join us for Theology on Tap at O'Neill's (the back room on the first floor) with Fr. Francis: "This is My Body: Catholic Teaching and the Eucharist." Sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society (at UVA's Law School).

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 meet at 6 PM in the link for pizza and a movie – if someone would like to host this get together, let Rhoda know!

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.

Separated /or Divorced Catholics: interested in forming a tri-parish support group to spiritually nurture & support Catholic men & women going through the process of separation /or divorce are asked to contact Lauryn Mathena-Armstrong, Outreach Coordinator at Incarnation, at 973-4381 X 112 or lauryn@incarnationparish.org All inquiries will be kept confidential.

Ch’ville Catholic School: Over 200 people signed up for the 5th Annual CCS All Terrain 5K Run and a huge turnout on Sat, 10/7, making this our largest race ever! CCS would like to thank our parish friends for helping to make our 5K Run so successful and for their continued support of Catholic education. Thank you!

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.

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.

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.

Retreat: offered by a team of graduates of Msgr. Michael’s Spiritual Direction Institute at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery 9 AM to 4:30 PM on Sat., Oct. 21. 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.

Office & Commission for Black Catholics are co-sponsoring a retreat at the Holiday Inn in Portsmouth Oct. 27–29 - an opportunity to gather with others in the Diocese to reflect on “Entering into a New Threshold”. We are fortunate to have Rev. Mr. William G. Johnson, Dir. of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry for the Diocese of Camden, as our facilitator.

Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk: It is a custom of the Diocese to hold an event in order to celebrate National Black Catholic History Month, which is November. This year to also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Office for Black Catholics, we will have a Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk on Saturday, November 11, 2006. You will receive further details at a later date.

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 15, 2006