January 28, 2007
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Parish

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This weekend we celebrate the patronal feast of our parish, the Feast of St Thomas Aquinas, sometimes known as “the Angelic Doctor” or “the Common Doctor” and the special patron of Catholic schools. So, to each of you, from your Dominican friars, “Happy Feast Day!”

Most of us have sadly gotten used to the bad news about the Catholic priesthood in the press over the past several years. But there’s some really good news that the Catholic press has picked up on, but not the secular media. Vocations to the priesthood are up all over this country, and seminaries are starting to fill up. This might seem counter-intuitive to some, in the wake of the sexual and financial scandals of the past several years, but biblically, it makes perfect sense: “I am the true Vine and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (Jn 15:1-2) I firmly believe that what we are starting to see are the first-fruits of the painful but necessary pruning the priesthood has undergone over the past several years.

This weekend, we’re happy to welcome to St Thomas Aquinas our eight Dominican novices, along with their Novice Master, Fr Walter Wagner, O.P., from St Gertrude Priory in Cincinnati, OH. These eight men are in their first year of Dominican formation, before beginning their formal studies for the priesthood. The truly great news is that we already have a class of 11 men who will be entering our Province next August, with the possibility of the class getting even bigger between now and then. “The harvest is rich, but the laborers are few; pray the Harvest Master to send workers into His harvest.” (Lk 10:2)


fr Brian, OP

Many, many thanks to all of you who made my 30th anniversary of working here at St. Thomas Aquinas just about the nicest thing I can ever remember happening to me in my whole life. Your generosity and outpouring of affection were so overwhelming I haven’t recovered yet because I simply can’t believe it actually happened. Working here is so nice because this parish is really “the best” and I look forward to every day I spend in the office because the rest of the staff are so much fun to be with. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. – Susie. P.S. I guess I should tell you that I’m putting that big check toward a new car I’ve been saving for!

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

Parish Directories: have arrived! Help is needed for assembly and distribution. Please contact Marta, 293-8081x18 or marta@stauva,org.

Mardi Gras Party! Come Sat, Feb 10, 6:30-10PM in St. Thomas Hall to celebrate. There will be dinner, drinks, dancing, laughter, and fun! The cost is $15 per person or $10 per UVA student. Tickets will be sold after all weekend Masses through Feb 4. Only 150 tickets are available!

St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture: Wed, Jan 31, 7:30 PM. Fr. Joseph Alobaidi, OP will present, “Islam, reasons for violence, reasons for hope”. Fr. Alobaidi is a professor of Sacred Scripture at the Dominican House of Studies and teaches on Semitic religions, including Islam, and on various biblical and Koranic themes. Plan to attend this important lecture.

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.

Best of Ch’ville Coupon Books: now available for 2007. Coupons are good now until Dec 31, 2007. These Attractions books have GREAT deals from local restaurants and retailers and are only $25. Contact the parish office if you want one. 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 table in the Link to pick up your new parishioner packet.

Worship

Contact Marta - 293-8081x18 marta@stauva.org
Brian Sousa - 293-8081x19 music@stauva.org

Altar Flowers: this weekend have been donated in honor of Jeanne McKee upon her reception into the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic.

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

Next Baptism Class: will be on Sun, Feb 25, at 3:30PM in the Community Room. Please call the office to sign up.

American Legion Post 74: will hold a memorial service in remembrance of the Four Army Chaplains who went down with the USAT Dorchester in the North Atlantic just 150 miles from Greenland. Join us Sun, Feb 4, at 2PM to learn the story about these great men and what they did for their fellowmen. The speaker will be LTC William Opperman, USAF retired.

24-Hour Eucharistic Adoration: Every Wed. in Our Lady's Chapel. We are in urgent need of people to fill the following commitment times: Wednesdays: 12(Noon)-1PM, 5-6 PM and Thursdays 12(Midnight)-1AM. If you can commit to one of these hours, please contact Lori Donlon (293-3873/lorianned@aol.com).

New Choir Forming: of high school students, college students, and other interested adults. The Choir will sing at either the Saturday 5:15PM Mass or the Sunday 9AM Mass. We will pick the most popular Mass time indicated by your interest. The new choir will sing a varied repertoire of Classical, Renaissance, Twentieth Century, and modern works just to name a few. If interested please contact Brian Sousa and let him know which Mass time interests you most.

Holy Week Choir: A Choir to sing on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Day (April 5-8) is being formed. Rehearsals will only be once a month, with more if needed. Each person in the choir must be available for all the aforementioned days in order to participate in the choir. Rehearsals will start in late January or early February with dates and times to be discussed. If you’re interested please contact Brian Sousa.

Religious Education/Youth Ministry

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

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

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: for grades K-3 at 9 AM Sunday Mass.

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

First Communion Parents: If you are interested in helping with First Communion planning please contact Trish. We will meet at 10:15 on Sun, Jan 28th in the parish office diningroom.

RCIC: Rite of Christian Initiation for Children. A class will be offered for any youth in grades 3-10 who have not made their First Reconciliation. Parent/child meeting is Feb 1st, 6:30PM in the Community Room. To register contact Trish Madden at reled@stauva.org or Julie Balik at Julebb55@earthlink.net by Jan 29.

EE/EDGE/LT: this weekend 1/28.

ADULT EDUCATION

Theology & Donuts: 10:20-11:10AM, in St. Thomas Hall. Next Date TBA.

RCIA: meets Wed, 7:30 PM, in St. Thomas Hall. Contact Fr. Dominic for details at frdominic@stauva.org. Next class Jan. 31, St. Thomas Lecture.

Adult Confirmation: Did you receive First Communion but miss Confirmation? You can take classes in order to be confirmed in the spring. Please come to RCIA class on Wed, Feb 14, Topic: Marriage & Sexual Morality 7:30 PM, in St. Thomas Hall. Contact Fr. Dominic at frdominic@stauva.org for details.

Catholicism 101: A study group on the Catechism of the Catholic Church with video presentations by Fr John Corapi meets selected Saturdays at 10 AM in the Community Room. The next sessions will be "The Last Lines of the Creed" on 3 Feb and "The Liturgy" on 17 Feb. For info contact sackandpam@comcast.net.

Women's Little Rock Scripture Study combines personal study, group discussion and prayer to facilitate growth in the Spirit. Please join us this winter studying the Book of Isaiah. 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

Haiti News: Please keep John Stack, Anne and Mike Knasel in your prayers during their visit to Saltadere.

Haiti Solidarity Week: February 3-11. Check out the Haiti Table (lower level) to learn more about twinning. There will be a special Haiti table in the Link on February 10/11 with the latest pictures. Mike and Anne Knasel and John Stack will be there to share highlights of visit.

Valentine's Day is coming. Send a valentine to your sponsored child. Leave it in the box on the Haiti Table. They will go with our next trip. Thanks.

Catholic Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly, Richmond: sponsored by the VA Catholic Conference on Mon, Jan 29, snow date Mon, Feb 5.

January Food Collection we are collecting for the Food Pantry at Holy Comforter Catholic Church. Needed items are: canned vegetables, soup, beans, fruit, chicken, tuna, and peanut butter. Thank you!

Books for Prisoners – We are continuing to collect magazines, dictionaries, religious material and good books of fiction for local and state prisons. Collection boxes are located in the Catholic Student Ministry Room. Thank you for your support!

Warmth for Everyone: we will be collecting new, handmade or gently used winter clothes for the Salvation Army at St Thomas the weekends of Feb 3rd and Feb 10th. More details will follow.

PACEM Intake at Holy Comforter: is in need of people to help greet guests every evening this season. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Bridget Davis at 964-1127 or bnfdavis@cstone.net for more information.

Blind Parishioner Needs a Ride to Sunday Mass: Please call the parish office if you can help.

PRO-LIFE

Meeting: Join us Tues, Feb 6 at 11 AM in Room 5a (downstairs). Contact Nicole for more info: nicole@nicoleflusche.com.

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

Triple Threat on Wed., Jan. 31: Daily Mass, Dinner AND St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture! Come to Mass at 5:15PM, we'll meet after Mass in the link for dinner, or meet us at Anna's Pizza (115 Maury Ave) around 6PM, followed by the St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture at 7:30PM at St. Thomas. Come to one, two, or all three.

First-Sunday Lunch Out: After the 11:30AM Mass on Sunday, Feb. 4, we'll meet by the sacristy and head out to lunch at a nearby restaurant. Come on out and meet some folks in YAM!

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.

Charlottesville Catholic School

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

Community Meetings, Retreats, Etc.

Scout Sunday: will be celebrated at St. Thomas on Feb. 4 at the 9AM Mass. All parish scouts (Boy & Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, & Brownies, as well as leaders) are invited to attend. If you wish to help by bringing up the gifts or with the collection, please meet in the link no later than 8:40AM. Also, if any scouts have earned religious emblems during the year and wish to have them presented during Mass, please contact Karen 293-5425 or kdpoehailos@comcast.net no later than Sun., Jan. 21st.

National Day of Prayer: for the African American Family. The Diocesan Celebration will be Sun, Feb 4, 2PM at Holy Rosary Church in Richmond.

Accountant Sought: The Board of Directors of the diocesan Haitian Healthcare Foundation, Inc., is seeking a volunteer with accounting skills to serve as the Treasurer. Board meetings are held every other month. For more info, or to submit a résumé, contact Patrice Schwermer, at 804-622-5129 or pschwermer@richmonddiocese.org.

Separated or Divorced Catholics: a tri-parish support group to spiritually nurture & support Catholic men & women going through the process of separation or divorce. Meetings will be held the first and third Mon. of every month, at Incarnation, 7 PM, room # 9. Contact Lauryn Mathena-Armstrong, Outreach Coordinator at Incarnation, at 973-4381 X 112 or lauryn@incarnationparish.org. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

Commonwealth Catholic Charities: Hosts a Community Service Awards Dinner, Feb 28. Honoring Steward Reid & Genworth Financial. Guest Speaker Adriana Trigiani. At the Sheraton Richmond West Hotel, cost $70 per person, Corporate sponsorships available. For details & reservations call CCC 804-545-5909.

Catholic Scripture Study: Gospel of Matthew 7-8:30 PM, Room 7 at Incarnation each Wed. unless otherwise noted. For more 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).

CCS : invites you to join us in celebrating Catholic Schools Week this year from 1/28-2/3. Visitors are welcome to drop in for group tours of CCS on Fri, 2/2, 10-11:15 AM. Private tours are available throughout the year, however this is the only time of the year when visitors will be able to step inside the classrooms and see them in action. Learn more about CCS and how a Catholic education is making a difference in children's lives. For more info, call 964-0400, e-mail info@cvillecatholic.org, or visit our website at www.cvillecatholic.org.

St. Thomas Aquinas Tuition Assistance Fund: The purpose of this fund is to offer CCS tuition assistance to families of our parish demonstrating financial need, so that they may afford a Catholic education for their children. Your generosity will keep our Catholic school diverse and available to members of our parish. Please take an envelope from your pew home, so that you may prayerfully consider your contribution and return it in the weeks ahead. Thank You!

The Notre Dame Club: of C’ville invites Friends, Parents & Alumni to a Mass and Wine & Hors de oeuvre Reception for Father "Monk" Molloy, former President of the University of Notre Dame, on Thurs, Feb 8 at 5:30, at CCS. Tickets $15 per person or $25 per couple. Checks, made payable to the N. D. Club of Greater C’ville, must be received by Feb 5. Mail to 1085 Blackburn Bluff, C'ville 22901. Questions, call 975-5995

Women’s Cursillo Retreat Weekend: May 17-20. The purpose of Cursillo is to support people in living out their faith in their everyday lives. The retreat will be led by a team of Catholic women. Msgr. Chet Michael and Fr. Dan Bain will serve as spiritual directors. Mass and prayers will be held each day, along with talks on specific issues of Christian living. Cost $30 For info and applications, visit the Valley Cursillo at valleycursillo.com or call 293-5253.

Valley Cursillo: will hold an Ultreya on Fri, Feb, 9 at 7 PM at St. John’s, Waynesboro. An Ultreya is a get-together of all Cursillistas, group reunions, and people who are interested in learning more about Cursillo. Come for an after-dinner snack, listen to a short spiritual talk.

Benedictine Sisters of Virginia: Monastic Discernment Weekend, for single, Catholic women, Feb. 23-25. For info contact: Sr. Vicki Ix, OSB Director of Vocations Ministry, 703-361-0106 or vocations@osbva.org.

Readings for the Week of January 28, 2007