February18, 2007
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Parish

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Please note: I made a mistake in last week’s bulletin. I was under the impression that we were going to have a Mass here in church at 9 PM on Ash Wednesday. Instead, our Catholic Student Ministry arranged to get the UVA Chapel at 7 PM, so Fr Luke will be celebrating Mass and distributing ashes at the UVA Chapel at 7 PM. This Mass is open to the “public” as well. There will be no 9 PM Mass here at Church on Ash Wednesday. I apologize for the confusion. Please check the entire schedule below, as well as the copy of our Lenten seasonal calendar available this weekend.

On Ash Wednesday evening, I will be leaving Charlottesville to go up to Dulles Airport, in order to fly out very early Thursday morning with a great group of fellow parishioners to visit our twin parish of St Michel in Saltadere, Haiti. The highlight of the trip will be on Sunday, when the Bishop of the diocese in which Saltadere is located comes to St Michel for Mass and for the dedication of the new parish school. As I celebrate Mass on the First Sunday of Lent with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, all of you will have a grateful remembrance in my prayers for your continued outstanding generosity and commitment to bettering the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ in Saltadere. Please know that we will all be conveying your prayers and best wishes to Pére Blot, the pastor, and to all the families of the parish.


fr Brian, OP

Feb. 21, Ash Wednesday Schedule:

8:00 AM at St Thomas
12:10 PM at St Thomas
5:15 PM at St Thomas
7 PM at the UVA Chapel
7 PM at St George’s in Scottsville

Fridays of Lent: 6:00 PM Lenten Soup Supper in St. Thomas Hall.

7:30 PM Stations of the Cross in Church.

Parish Offices will be closed Mon, Feb 19 for Presidents’ 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

This weekend we will celebrate going below the million-dollar mark on our debt elimination. Thanks to all who made this possible.

We welcome Joel Myers Olazagasti and Nathaniel Antonio Olazagasti and who through Baptism were received into our faith community.

Parish Activities

Learn about Lent together! Join us for Generations of Faith: Lent –Sat. March 3, 9:30-11:30AM. SIGN-UP in the LINK Feb. 18 & 25. All parishioners are invited to gather to prepare each person for the Season of Lent. Gen. of Faith is for everyone of all ages! As a community we will share breakfast, learn about Lent, break into smaller learning groups by age, close together, and leave with materials to help everyone dive deeper into Lent in their own homes. Meet someone new, do something together as a family, or learn a new way to grow close to Christ this Lent. Join us! Interested in helping? Contact: Trish, Julie, or Mike.

Operation Rice Bowl: pick up a bowl in the link! As part of our faith community’s Lenten observance, we will participate in Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program, Operation Rice Bowl. ORB has inspired Catholics to pray, fast, learn and give as we increase our understanding of the global community and connect that with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. We encourage you to participate at home with your family and loved ones. Take an educators guide to conduct lessons at home. When returning your bowl, please convert your collected coins and cash into one check.

Coordinator of Elementary Religious Education: St. Thomas is seeking applicants for the position of Coordinator of Religious Education for children’s faith formation pre-K–5 grade, including preparation for 1st Reconciliation & 1st Communion, recruiting and training catechists, maintaining a safe environment in accord with Diocesan regulations, as well as working closely with the Youth Minister, Coordinator of Middle School RE, and parish staff for parish-wide education programs. The position is a 10-month (Aug 1- May 31) 40hr/wk (negotiable), including coordinating Vacation Bible School, and requires weekend and often evening hours. Applicant should have a B.A. in theology or related field, or equivalency in class work, and 3+ years experience as a catechist or teacher. Familiarity with “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” or Montessori methods preferred. Interested candidates should submit a resume and list of references to the parish office, Attn: R.E. Position, by Mar. 5. Salary & benefits in accord with the Diocesan pay scale.

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

Alter Flowers from Kathy Smith: ”For God’s blessings on those going to dedicate our twin parish’s new school in Haiti; and for our continued commitment to develop unity with our less fortunate sisters and brothers”.

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

24-Hour Eucharistic Adoration: Come Let Us Adore Him! Every Wed/Thurs in Our Chapel. If you are able to commit to an hour before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, contact Lori Donlon (293-3873/lorianned@gmail.com).

Holy Week Choir Rehearsals: in the Music Room - Thurs, Feb, 22, Good Friday Choir, at 7PM; Sat, Feb, 24, Holy Thursday Choir, at 10AM.

9AM Sunday Choir: will rehearse on Saturdays,1PM in the Music Room. All Interested, are welcome to participate.

Music Lessons: Anyone interested in taking piano, organ, or voice lessons is encouraged to contact Brian Sousa for more details.

Music PR Group Needed: If you can give a little time or more than a little you’re encouraged to joining this very important and necessary group which will help to advertise special music events such as the upcoming concert series at the church. For more info please contact Pat Cuadros, Artistic Director and President of Music Promotional Affairs, at pac2g@virginia.edu or 434-996-3566.

Religious Education/Youth Ministry/Lifeteen

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.

First Communion Parents: Last weekend, we had a parent meeting that many parents missed. Hand-outs are available on the RE table and will be posted on-line. All parents should have received an email from Trish Madden on Fri. Feb. 16th. If you did not receive one, please email her ASAP. Correction from parent hand-out: Rehearsal for 1st Communion Liturgy will be Wednesday, May 2nd.

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

EE/ EDGE/LT: NO CLASSES this weekend 2/18.

EE/EDGE/LT: UVA Second Yr. Council has asked us to participate in collecting items for our troops. We will be asking grades K-11 to donate specific items in the spirit of alms-giving for Lent. Feb. 25 we will collect a pack of gum & hard candy. Flyers will be sent home for additional items.

Monday Night Live at the Movies: CORRECTION: Join us for the 4:10PM showing of Night at the Museum on Mon, Feb 19 at Regal DOWNTOWN. We'll meet in the lobby at 3:50PM. Cost is $6 for children and $6.50 for adults.

Oklahoma! comes to STAB: Come support our friends at STAB and join us for the musical Oklahoma! on Sat, Feb 24. We'll meet in front of the auditorium at 6:45pm. RSVP to Nate Smith at ngsmit@gmail.com.

Monday Night Live: Take a "Wii" break and hang out in the youth room on Mon, Feb 26 from 7-9PM.

Relay for Life: All High School and Middle School youth are invited to join the St. Thomas Relay for Life team. Relay for Life will be held on May 12-13 and is a great opportunity to make a difference in the fight to find a cure for cancer. For details, or to register, contact Nate : ngsmit@gmail.com.

ADULT EDUCATION

Interested in becoming Catholic? Know a non-Catholic who would be interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith? Contact Fr. Dominic (frdominic@stauva.org) for further information.

RCIA: Next week. Ash Wednesday (Go to Mass). Sun Feb 25, 9 AM Mass: Rite of Sending. Sun, Feb 25, 2PM: Rite of Election at the Cathedral

Adult Confirmation: Are you baptized Catholic but never received the Sacrament of Confirmation? Contact Fr. Dominic (frdominic@stauva.org) for info. about confirmation for adults.

Catholicism 101 : A study group on the Catechism of the Church with video presentations by Fr John Corapi meets selected Saturdays at 10 AM in the Community Room of St Thomas Aquinas Church. The next sessions will be "Intro to the Sacraments" on 3 March and "Baptism & Confirmation" on 17 March. 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.

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 Sun, Feb 18, at Holy Comforter Church, 1:30 PM. Pictures and report on the latest trip to Saltadere. All welcome.

Haiti Sponsors: We still have many students who need sponsors. Please stop by the table and find that "special" child who is waiting for you.

Food Collection During Lent we are collecting food for the Emergency Food Bank. Needed: juice concentrate, cereal, rice, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, soups, beans, fruit, chicken and tuna Thank You!

Warmth for Everyone Collection: Thank You for your generous support and your help in keeping others warm this winter! Terra Bella Cleaners are still collecting winter coats; if you would like to donate please drop them at their stores at Ivy Square, Shopper’s World or Pantops. Thank You!

Save the Date! Sister Helen Prejean, renowned speaker on the death penalty will be at St Thomas on Thurs, April 26, 7:30PM. Her talk is entitled “Dead Man Walking…the Journey Continues”.

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!

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

PRO-LIFE

Pray to End Abortion: in front of Planned Parenthood on Hydraulic Rd, Wed.- Sat., the days when abortions take place. Contact Nicole: nicole@verners.com or Scarlett at 296-8070.

10th Annual Respect Life Ministry Dinner Speaker Event: Speaker Dr John Seeds, Tues, March 20, dinner, 6:45 PM, Speaker 7:30-9 PM at Church of the Epiphany, Smoketree Dr off of Courthouse Rd., Richmond. Cost $3 - Reservations Requires. Call 804-794-0222.

Campus Ministry

UNDERGRADUATES(CSM)

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

Tuesday Supper: We had a great turnout of new students join us last week! Thank you for coming and we hope to see you and everyone who would like to join us at 6:00 PM on Tuesday in St. Thomas Hall for a free dinner and great company.

UVA Chapel Ash Wednesday Mass: in the UVA Chapel at 7PM.

Fireside Mass: CSM celebrates Mass as a small, student community every Thurs, 9 PM in the Student Center. All students are welcome!

See our website! For a calendar of all our upcoming events and info to contact Team members:, http://www.student.virginia.edu/~catholic/.

Spring Break Trips: Catholicism, Service Work, and Social Justice: Email Nikola at nikola@virginia.edu for info. Locations: Hurley, VA, Camden, NJ and our very own C’ville.

Encounter with Christ Retreat, March 22-25 Take a break to refocus your relationship with God, and get to know other Catholic college students in Virginia. Interested? Email beckah@virginia.edu

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

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

Theology on Tap: On Mon, Feb 19 at 7:30PM, Dr. Karen Poehailos will speak about "Artificial Steroids: Bad for Men but Good for Women? What you need to know about the Birth Control Pill." We will meet at the Biltmore Grill, in the front sunroom. Sponsored by St. Luke's Society.

Bible Study: on the Acts of the Apostles on Thurs, Feb 22, from 6-7PM in the Community Room. Contact Rhoda for more info.

Salvation Army Food Bank: Needs help organizing its food bank on Sat mornings from 10:30-12:30; other times are also available. Contact Beth at eab7f@virginia.edu.

First-Sunday Lunch Out: After the 11:30am Mass on Sun , Mar 4, we'll meet by the sacristy. Come on out and meet some folks in YAM!

Young Adult Symposium: Fr. John Cusick and Ms. Kate DeVries from Chicago are coming to Richmond on March 10. Teams of young adults from parishes are invited to this symposium. Contact Rhoda.

Charlottesville Catholic School

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

Community Meetings, Retreats, Etc.

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.

The St. Anselm Institute: for Catholic Thought is pleased to present the third lecture of the 2006-2007 Speaker Series: John Cavadini, University of Notre Dame, Augustine’s City of God and Political Realism Tues, Feb, 20, 5 PM, MacLeod 2014. For more information, please visit our website: www.StAnselmInstitute.org

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: will be held March 2-4, at the Benedictine Abbey in Richmond. This weekend is open to any woman or man who is hurting from their abortion experience. The retreat offers a path to healing and reconciliation during this engaging process of Scriptural Meditations and Prayer Exercises. Call confidentially Post Abortion Healing Facilitators, Kay Marie & Joe Geiger (804) 330-3137 or Molly Smith at Epiphany Parish, (804) 794-0222. Learn more at rachelsvineyard.org

Piedmont Court Appointed Special Advocates: (CASA) needs caring citizens to advocate for abused and neglected children in our community. No special expertise or legal background is required, but you must be at least 21 years of age. Training begins March 13. Please call Piedmont CASA at 971-7515, email pcasa@earthlink.net or visit avenue.org/casa.

Day of Reflection: in the Stone Chapel at Incarnation on Sat., Mar 17, 10-3PM. for anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. Prayer, guest speakers and group support will be the focus of this day. Lunch and all materials will be provided. There is no cost to attend the day, but registration is required. Please contact Kathleen Olowin at 434-975-3605 or olowin@firstva.com for more info or to register.

Infant Memorial Mass: for anyone who has lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death will be held on Wed, Mar 28, 7:30pm in the Daily Mass Chapel at Incarnation. Each baby will be remembered by name and families will have the opportunity to light a candle in memory of each child. Please RSVP to Kathleen Olowin at 434-975-3605 or olowin@firstva.com.

Readings for the Week of February 17, 2007