November 5, 2006
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Parish

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

It’s been a real blessing to have these days of rest and relaxation here in the mountains of West Virginia. It’s been the first real “downtime” I have had since my Dad passed away last March, and so my time away from the parish has been part-vacation/part-retreat/part-recuperation.

And now another November is upon us, a month that the Church has traditionally set aside as a time to remember our departed loved ones.
We start the month with the Solemnity of All Saints, followed by All Souls Day. All during the month of November here at St Thomas, we keep our Book of Remembrance in front of the baptismal font, for parishioners to write down the names of their departed loved ones, so that the whole parish can be praying for them. Over by the statue of our Blessed Mother, we display the names of our parishioners who have died since November of last year, also as a way to remind ourselves of our obligation to pray for our departed brothers and sisters in Christ.

One of the most beautiful ways we as Catholics have to remember our departed loved ones is to arrange to have a Mass celebrated for them. Here at St Thomas, we have 12 weekday Masses and 5 Sunday Masses for which a Mass Intention can be specified, but we can also accept other Mass Intentions for those times when one of us priests is concelebrating Mass or if we are celebrating Mass privately in our small house chapel. If you’d like to arrange to have a Mass said for your intentions, just contact Susie Phillips or Sandy Cook in the parish office during regular hours and they’ll be glad to help you.

In Christ,
fr Brian, OP

This weekend we introduce Mr. Brian Sousa, our new Director of Music. Brian comes to us from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. Please give him a warm welcome!

New Contact info, after Nov. 6th:

Rev. Francis Belanger, O.P.
Assistant Chaplain
Aquinas House at Dartmouth
P.O. Box 147
Hanover, NH 03755

email: francisop@gmail.com (Don't use the ntelos account once I leave. It's closing.)

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

Parish Activities

Farewell to Fr. Francis: A cake reception will be held on Sun, Nov 5th following the 11:30 Mass to bid a fond farewell to Fr. Francis Belanger as he departs St. Thomas to begin a new assignment serving the Catholic Student Center at Dartmouth College. Please plan to join us!

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.

Joy and Light: ATTENTION SINGERS, CSM is organizing the holiday Joy and Light program for December 9th. This year’s format is lessons and carols. We are seeking participation of all members of the parish and would really like to see graduate students, undergraduate students, and high schoolers. An organizational meeting will be held November 9th at 7pm in the music room. Come meet the new music director. Contact Mark Hopke at msh3u@virginia.edu.

Closed Circuit TV: in St. Thomas Hall. There is interest in a system allowing parents to watch Mass while attending to their children. Funding is still needed. Please earmark your donation NURSERY PROJECT.

VIRTUS – All volunteers working with children must attend a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children Session. The last session for this semester currently scheduled in Charlottesville is at St. Thomas on Nov. 11, 9:30-Noon in the Community Room. Questions, contact Trish Madden.
Register at http://www.richmonddiocese.org/news/virtussession.htm.

ALL parishioners invited to Generations of Faith: An Evening on Prayer During Advent – Join us for a dinner and an educational session for all members of the parish on Fri, Nov 17 from 6-8:30pm. Grow closer to God, learn new ways to deepen your prayer life, enjoy a meal with members of our community, have fun, and more! Look for sign-up sheets and more details in the link next weekend. If interested in helping, please contact Trish Madden.

‘Tis The Season For Greenery’: Our second annual greenery sale begins this weekend. If you are interested in greenery for the holidays, fill out an order form located on the bulletin rack. Greenery can either be delivered to St. Thomas or delivered to a family friend or relative. Both will be delivered the 1st week of Dec. ALL proceeds support Youth Ministry.

Coupon Books: now available for the 2007 year. Coupons are good now until December 31, 2007. These Attractions books have GREAT deals from local restaurants and retailers and only cost $25. Contact the parish office if you are interested. ALL proceeds support youth ministry.

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: The Va. State Board of Elections, in its pamphlet for voters, explains fully the amendment and the legal rights which will continue for unmarried persons. Our Bishops state, “this official explanation makes it clear that numerous legal rights for unmarried couples would remain in tact if the proposed amendment is approved.” Please stop by our display table in the Link on the weekends of Oct 29th and Nov. 4/5 for more info and pick up or read a copy of the above pamphlet. vacatholic.org

Worship

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

Baptism Preparation Class: for 1st time parents will be held on Sun, Nov. 5th at 3:30 PM in the Community Room. Please call the office if you plan to attend.

Altar Society: will meet, Wed, Nov 8th at 6:30 PM in the Community Room to discuss plans for the upcoming Advent and Christmas Seasons. Help is greatly needed, and newcomers are most welcome to attend!

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

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.

Pre-K: Spots are still available in our Tues 1-3pm session of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, our religious education program based on Montessori methods for 3-4 year olds. Contact Trish, ASAP.

All High Schoolers: Join us for our very first LifeTeen Retreat “OVERFLOW” Nov. 10-12th. The cost is FREE and forms are available in the link under the YM bulletin board.

Help Needed: for the annual alternative gift fair, Nov.11-12 after all Masses. Please contact Mike if you can staff the YM table after the Mass you normally attend.

Schedule Change: There will be NO LifeTeen Life Night on Sun, Nov. 12 There will be an EDGE night, however.

Confirmation students: Be sure to get your sponsor forms and baptismal certificates in ASAP. They are PAST DUE!

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

ADULT EDUCATION

Theology & Donuts: “Outside the Church there is no salvation?,” a talk on Sun, Nov. 12, 10:20-11:10 AM, by Fr. Dominic, in the CSM Room downstairs. “Theology & Donuts” is an adult education opportunity while the children are at RE classes. Fr. Francis spoke last month on ecumenism. We’ll continue discussing the topic of the Church this semester. Come learn about an important and controversial dogma of our Catholic Faith. In so doing, we’ll discuss what we mean when we say in the Creed that we believe in “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.”

RCIA: Are you interested in becoming a Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith? The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) meets Wed, 7:30 PM, in St. Thomas Hall. Contact Fr. Dominic for details at frdominic@stauva.org. This week’s topic: “prayer and the Our Father”.
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. Dominic at frdominic@stauva.org for details.

Catholicism 101 Christmas Season Schedule: A video series with presentations by Fr John Corapi, sponsored by the K of C, meets selected Saturdays at 10 AM in the Community Room. The next sessions will be “The Holy Spirit”, Dec 2; “The Church Part I”, Jan 6; and “The Church Part II”, Jan 20. 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: we meet Sunday evenings when RE is in session and are using the Little Rock Scripture Study for an Introduction to the Bible. Join us after the 5:15 Mass.

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

Bi-Parish Haiti Committee Meeting: 1:30 Sun, Nov 5th at Holy Comforter Church. More information terripowers@earthlink.net.

The Parish Advocate for Catholics with Disabilities: for St. Thomas is Lauryn Mathena-Armstrong. Her role is to act on behalf of persons with disabilities to ensure that all are invited to share fully in the life of the parish, liturgically, socially, and educationally. The advocate is a volunteer who serves as liaison between persons with disabilities and their parish and the Office for Catholics with Disabilities, Diocese of Richmond. A disability is defined as difficulty seeing or hearing, moving the body, or understanding everything quickly. It is a physical or mental impairment, which limits a person’s life activities It is the goal of the church to offer the same respect and opportunities in worship life to all people. Please feel free to contact: Lauryn@incarnationparish.org or 964-1111 with any needs or concerns. Lauryn is also on the Diocese’s Disability Advisory Commission, which meets quarterly.

Sunday Nov. 12, 7-10pm, a Benefit entitled STAND UP CHARLOTTESVILLE for DARFUR will be held at the Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center. C’ville. All proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders to further their work in Darfur aiding its displaced and endangered citizens. Advance $15/20+ tickets, through Music Today at http://mlkpac.tickets.musictoday.com or at the door. The BENEFIT will launch a series of events at UVA, entitled Darfur Awareness Week, which will culminate Thurs. Nov. 16 in a Speaker's Night at McLeod Auditiorium.

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!

PRO-LIFE

Committee Meeting: Join us for our Nov. planning session on Tues, Nov. 7, 11 AM at St.Thomas. For info, contact nicole@verners.com.

Campus Ministry

UNDERGRADUATES(CSM)

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

Justice & Peace Themed Supper: join us Tues, Nov 7, 6 PM, St Thomas Hall for dinner. All students welcome! Questions? nikola@virginia.edu

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

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

Theology on Tap: “Skulls, Bones, & Little Fat Cherubs: Death & the Afterlife,” a talk to be given on Mon, Nov. 6, 7:30 PM, by Fr. Dominic at O’Neill’s Pub on the Corner (the back room on the first floor). For young adults, ages 21-35 only. Contact: frdominic@stauva.org.

Small Group Scripture Study: Wed. Nov 7, 6-7PM in the Youth Room. Contact Trish at reled@cstone.net for more info.

YAM Lunch: After the 11:30AM Mass, Sun, Nov. 12.

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. Contact Beth at eab7f@virginia.edu

Salvation Army: Volunteers needed to prepare & serve dinner on Wed,Nov 15, 5-6:30 PM. Contact Ann at 293-9808 for info.

Join us for a reception and send-off for Fr. Francis on Sunday, November 5th after the 11:30AM Mass.

Charlottesville Catholic School

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

Community Meetings, Retreats, Etc.

HAS: is hosting a spaghetti dinner at CCS, Fri, Nov 10, 5-7pm. Price: $7 per adult, $4 per child or $25 per family. For info, call CCS 964-0400.

Haiti, A Difficult Journey: Djaloki Dessables will peer deeply into Haiti’s history & culture, her problems & prospects on Mon, Nov.13, 7:30pm at St Michael’s, 4491 Springfield Rd., Glen Allen. For info call 804-364-4106.

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.

The St. Anselm Institute: Lecture by Gary Anderson, Professor at Notre Dame, on Thurs, Nov 16, 5PM Minor Hall, Room 125. Topic: “The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Old Testament”. Also Wed, Nov 15, 5 PM Clark Hall, room 107, a symposium on: Benedict XVI on “Faith, Reason and the University” The Regensburg Address in Context Participants will include: James Ceaser, Abdulaziz Sachedina, Jorge Secada, Robert Wilken, William R. Kenan, Jr. For info visit StAnselmInstitute.org.

Catholic Scripture Study: the Gospel of Matthew begins on Wed, Nov. 29, 7-8:30pm, Room 7 at Incarnation and continues each Wed unless otherwise noted. For additional info and registration, contact Ralph Barnett preferably by e-mail, ralphbarnett@e-soupministry.com, or by phone, 847 606-0854, or contact Incarnation Office (973-4381).

Parish Bus Pilgrimage: Come see the new 25million dollar renovation of Baltimore’s Basilica, America’s First Cathedral. Nov 29, with Fr. Brian. Includes Mass, a tour of the Basilica, lunch at Copra Restaurant, & a tour of the Walters Museum, which has special religious exhibits. For reservations, send $55 to Julie Zackrisson, 2616 Cardinal Ridge Road, C’ville, VA 22901, or call 296-4615.

Readings for the Week of November 5, 2006