Fourth Sunday of AdventFourth Sunday of AdventFourth Sunday of Advent

December 24, 2017December 24, 2017December 24, 2017

Christmas Feast Masses

Sunday, December 24, 4:30 & 10 pm

Monday, December 25, 8 & 10:30 am

New Year’s Eve Prayer Vigil for

Mary, Mother of God

Sunday, December 31, 6 pm Evening Prayer and

Eucharistic Adoration, ends with Benediction at 7:30 pm

Mass for Mary, Mother of God

Monday, January 1, 10 am

Epiphany of the Lord

Saturday, January 6, 4:30 pm

Sunday, January 7, 8 & 10:30 am

Christmas Eve Family Mass, Come “Prepared”

Today’s 4:30 Christmas

Eve Vigil Mass will fea-

ture music by members

of our Parish Youth

Choir; an interactive

homily that is specifical-

ly directed to the young

children in our assem-

bly; and a procession by

our children to enthrone the infant Jesus at our community

crèche. If you’re planning to attend this mass, be sure to

revisit the Christmas Story with your children. It will help

them participate in Fr. R.J.’s Christmas Eve homily.

Prayer Vigil for Mary, Mother of God 6 - 7:30 pm on Sunday, December 31

The Vigil starts with

Evening Prayer at 6 pm

followed by Adoration

and recitation of the

Glorious Mysteries of

the Rosary in the pres-

ence of the Blessed

Sacrament. Weather

permitting, our Mary

Garden Labyrinth will

also be lit with illumi-

nati for those seeking quiet prayer in its sacred pathway.

The Vigil concludes with Benediction at 7:30 pm. Take ad-

vantage of this opportunity to offer personal and commu-

nal prayer in gratitude for the challenges and blessings of

2017, and in joyful hope for healing and blessings in the

new year. At evening’s end we’ll raise a toast to the new

year as we share simple hospitality in community.

Our Mary Garden Labyrinth

Take time to visit our Mary Garden Labyrinth in the quiet

of this Holy Night. Illuminati light the pathway to simple

figures of the Holy Family nestled in its heart.

Pray for World Peace at Our 10 am Mass Monday, Jan. 1, Mary Mother of God

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Liturgy, Worship & Community

We Need Prayer Leaders for Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Offered during 10:30 Sunday Mass, CLW is for children in

grades K through 3, and is designed to bring the Word of

God to children on a level they can easily understand. Its

ritual setting is reflective of the adult liturgy yet sensitive

to the needs of the child – engaging them in the lessons

of scripture while teaching them how to participate in

the Mass. Training, lesson plans, and a clear liturgical

format are provided. If you enjoy children and want to

share the Word of God with them, this ministry is for

you! Contact Dana: dmccarthy@morecommunity.org or

leave her a message: 651-227-7669 x 306.

Wedding BannsWedding BannsWedding Banns Jillian Letnes and Connor Jorgensen

God’s Word Became Flesh – A Mystery of Faith Professed in Our Creed & Honored by Our Act of Kneeling

As worshiping assembly we are

accustomed to kneeling at the

moment of Christ’s death during

proclamation of the Passion

Narrative on Palm Sunday and

Good Friday. There are also two times in the liturgical

year that the Roman Missal directs us to kneel during the

Nicene Creed: the Christmas Feast Day Masses (December

24/25) and the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25). Just

as we kneel in reverence at the supreme sacrifice of Christ’s

death on the cross; in the joyful celebrations of Christ’s

incarnation, we are asked to kneel in reverence at the

holy mystery that is Christ taking on our human form

and nature.

Originating in the Church’s first two ecumenical councils

of 325 and 381, our Nicene Creed declares Christ Jesus to

be consubstantial with God the Father and, through the

power of the Holy Spirit, incarnate of the Virgin Mary.

This belief was ultimately confirmed by the 5th century

Council of Ephesus as the Church unequivocally declared

Christ to be fully human yet fully Divine. It is a sacred

mystery beyond our human ability to comprehend and so

we kneel at this mystery. We ponder the fully human, ful-

ly Divine nature of Christ who “though he was in the form

of God, did not regard equality with God something to be

grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a

slave [Philippians 2: 6- 7ab].” And in this Christmas Feast

that celebrates the mystery of God’s Word Made Flesh

we kneel in thanksgiving and awe for the gift that is the

Son of God who came down from heaven and – by the

power of the Holy Spirit – was knit together in the virgin

Mary’s womb to become the person of our Savior, Jesus

Christ. Born of the Creator’s love for his creation, he was

born for the life and healing of the world.

The act of kneeling during the Nicene Creed on the Feast

of Christmas has not been part of our experience at Saint

Thomas More in recent years. However, in an effort to

enter ever more deeply into the spiritual riches of our li-

turgical celebrations, we will be bringing this practice to

our Christmas Feast Day liturgies this year.

‘Tis the Season to Deck the Halls! Remember a deceased loved

one, honor a special family

member / friend, or simply “give

thanks” this year by donating

money toward the purchase of

Christmas poinsettias and other

environmental essentials for our

worship space. Special envelopes

are available in the Community

Corner. If you regularly receive

donation envelopes, you may

use the designated envelope in your packet. The names

of donors and their loved ones / honorees will be pub-

lished in the Bulletin during the Christmas season.

the <:ffJource on <:ffJummll

(& Lexington)

STM Community

3

Living Your Strengths Are you interested in discovering your talents and strengths? The Living Your Strengths program will return after the New

Year. For those looking to build New Year's resolutions, this program will be a wonderful way to learn about yourself so

you can succeed. We will have Living Your Strengths in the Pastoral Center Library on Saturday, February 17th, and

Saturday, February 24th from 8:30 am-12 pm. Please watch for a registration process shortly after the new year!

Care for Creation Welcome back for Chapter 3 of Laudato Si., “The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis.” This chapter gives an

analysis of the current situation, “so as to consider not only its symptoms but also its deepest causes” (15),

in a dialogue with philosophy and the human sciences. Reflections on technology are an initial focus of the

chapter. The great contribution of technologies to the improvement of living conditions is acknowledged

with gratitude. However it gives “those with the knowledge, and especially the economic resources to use

them, an impressive dominance over the whole of humanity and the entire world” (104). Laudato Si: A Map,

Vatican Press Office. See the STM website for quotes and questions from this chapter of the encyclical:

http://bit.ly/2ljHdDG.

Help Bring the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to Saint Thomas More! In response to growing requests for a quality experience of faith formation during 10:30 Sunday Mass for children who are

too young for Children’s Liturgy of the Word, we hope to have an Atrium for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd on the first

Sunday of Lent, Feb. 18. In order to make this happen we need A LOT of help and involvement from the community.

We Need:

People who are interested in being trained as catechists. If we get enough volunteers,

you will only be asked to serve once a month.

People who are interested in preparing the Atrium Space with all the special materi-

als this program requires. This might involve crafting small liturgical furnishings or do-

nating icons, statues and other religious items for use by children ages 3-5.

Learn More:

Pick up a booklet at the Worship Commission display on the opposite side of the

church’s Community Corner.

Contact Nicole Johnson: 651-227-7669 x 301 or njohnson@morecommunity.org.

Open House at Saint Thomas Academy! We invite families interested in learning more about Saint Thomas Academy to attend an upcoming admissions open house

on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 1 pm. STA is Minnesota’s only Catholic, college preparatory, military/leadership school for boys

grades 6 to 12. For the schedule and to register, visit: www.cadets.com/OpenHouse or call 651-683-1516.

Save the Date: Show Support for Immigrants at "Seeing All as God's Children" Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 7, from 1-2 pm. The Basilica of St. Mary (88 17th

St. N, Minneapolis) will be hosting "Seeing All as God's Children," a one-hour faith service

embracing immigrants and refugees that kicks off the U.S. Catholic Church's Migration

Week in 2018. Through testimony, prayer, and music, we will recognize our common bond

and dignity as beloved children of God. Father Warren will be among the participants; con-

sider attending to help represent St. Thomas More's ongoing immigrant support efforts.

For information, please email Aaron Sinner: aaron.j.sinner@gmail.com.

-,:-~,,,-~,, ....... ,, ·~-~·~ -~ .. ,.,.. .. . .. ,.,.~, ~.,, SEEING ALL 'I~ , , .. AS . , ,

. GOD'S -~ CHILDREN

• • .. .. ,,,.,,,

4

2nd Graders During the Advent Season the 2nd graders

learned about the Advent wreath and its

meaning. We learned that the 4 candles

represent the 4 weeks of Advent and that

the candles are a reminder to us that Jesus is

the Light of the World! The purple candles

represent prayer, penance, and preparation;

the rose/pink candle represents rejoicing!

The Advent wreath is a circle, a symbol used

to show the eternity of God. After learning

about the Advent wreath the children created wreaths, which they posted in the hallway as a reminder of this blessed season!

Kindergartners - 8th Graders The students in grades K-8 were all treated to a band, orchestra, and choir concert by the children in these groups! It was

such beautiful music to hear during this season of joy. Lots of Christmas songs were played as well as some other neat

songs! The children who are part of these talented musical groups are living out the Jesuit value of being Committed to

Excellence by inspiring to be their best in an extracurricular activity!

St. Thomas More School News!

Looking Forward to 2018-1019 Saint Thomas More School is already looking

forward to the 2018-19 school year and we

want our parish children to attend! Our school

offers an exceptional education from pre-

school through 8th grade. Come and learn

how a Jesuit education will benefit your chil-

dren! Schedule a personal tour at your con-

venience by calling the school: 651-224-4836.

We look forward to seeing you in school!

School Visit Day: Friday, Jan. 19, 8:30-10:30 am - Visit any of our classrooms and

see our students and faculty "in action."

Open House: Thursday, Feb. 1, 5:30-7:00 pm - Come for supper, see our classrooms,

visit with our faculty and current school families.

Saint Thomas More Toy Give Away

5

Your Generosity Provided Toys to MORE than 500 Children

The Toy Give Away Event held last Saturday, Dec. 9, was a very successful outreach effort to the children of low income

families. Your generosity provided Toys to MORE than 500 Children.* Families came to the annual Saint Thomas More

event with anticipation and as expressed by a lot of them these gifts will be the only gifts under the tree this Christmas.

The generosity of the Saint Thomas More Community is outstanding; we care for people. You donated close to 900 toys,

200 books, 250 stuffed animals, and hundreds of Christmas decorations. The families left with a “package of joy” that in-

cluded all of the above items. People came from several areas of the cities; registration showed 17 different zip codes.

Saint Thomas More is reaching many people in need from many different areas. This was a community event where more

than 100 volunteers donated their time and effort. Many parishioners, students, parents, teachers, and staff contributed

to this effort beginning with the set-up on Friday and during the actual event on Saturday.

Special thanks go to:

All the toy donors from STM Church and School

Father Warren and the church staff for general and logistical support

Pat Lofton and the school staff for support in promoting the Toy Drive

Boy Scout Troop 45 and its leaders

The 7th Grade Girl Scout troop and its leaders

All the STM School graduates who helped

K.P. Waite for coordinating the Advent Giving Tree, which provided many gifts for teens

Skinner’s Pub for donating pizza for our tired volunteers

Tom Koher and Ken Kozachok for their assistance with logistics and facilities management

The STM Women’s Group for the continual support and prayers for the less fortunate

As a community we came together to serve the poor just as Christ did. Thank you again to each of you and Merry Christmas!

Myriam Grady and Gloria Wilkie * Self reported information collected at Registration

6

Mass Intentions & Scripture Saturday, December 23 Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 [cf. Lk 21:28]/Lk 1:57-66

Mass 4:30 pm Mildred Cory

Sunday, December 24 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 [2a]/Rom

16:25-27/Lk 1:26-38 Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29

[2a]/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Midnight: Is

9:1-6/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 [Lk 2:11]/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14

Mass 8:00 am Chuck O’Hearn

Mass 10:30 am STM Community

Mass 4:30 pm Mary Ellen Sarafolean

Mass 10 pm Mary E. Horsnell

Monday, December 25 Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is

52:7-10/Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 [3c]/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14

Mass 8:00 am STM Community

Mass 10:30 am Sophie J. Kiel

Tuesday, December 26 Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 & 8ab, 16bc & 17 [6]/Mt 10:17-22

Mass 7:15 am T. David Bixler

Wednesday, December 27 1 Jn 1:1-4/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 [12]/Jn 20:1a, 2-8

Mass 7:15 am Mary Louise Klein

Thursday, December 28 1 Jn 1:5--2:2/Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 [7]/Mt 2:13-18

Mass 7:15 am Richard John Reeck

Friday, December 29 1 Jn 2:3-11/Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 [11a]/Lk 2:22-35

Mass 7:15 am Helen M. Mules

Saturday, December 30 Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 [cf. Lk 21:28]/Lk 1:57-66

Mass 4:30 pm John Cameron McKosy

Sunday, December 31 Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 or Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9,

[7a, 8a] or Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 [cf. 1]/Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

Mass 8:00 am STM Community

Mass 10:30 am Tylor Koehn

Evening Prayer, 6 pm; Benediction, 7:30 pm

Liturgy Community

Fourth Sunday of Advent First Reading: "Your house and your kingdom shall en-

dure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm

forever."

Second Reading: To the only wise God, through Jesus

Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel: And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy

Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most

High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be

born will be called holy, the Son of God."

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Luke 1:26-38 - In the angel Gabriel's announcement of

the upcoming birth of Jesus, what do you think Mary

found most challenging?

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 - In today's reading, we

hear the covenant that God established with King David

around the year 1000 BC. Why do you think it took so

long for God to fulfill his covenantal promise in the birth

of Jesus?

Romans 16:25-27 - Our reading is Paul's concluding

doxology from his Letter to the Romans. What do you

find striking about Paul's hymn of praise to God?

Word Search

Angel Behold David Favor

Gabriel God Grace Hail

House Impossible Jesus Joseph

Lord Mary Nothing

M 0 z G H D J Q R G K R G J Q G K L

H H 0 u s E I L T A J s J M V A E 0

C z WQ p K X B A I K A E J N 8 H R

8 T G 0 D I s K X M M p B 0 E R G D

F y 0 R A T B M L p T 0 p s I I C L

8 E H 0 L D A X H 0 y G A E G E L M

E J w C u K I M u s L M E p H L s J

0 G Q X 0 Z H N Q s u R s H A M E R

D R M N Q E A F N I F F T N I G I X

s A E A s T T N u B I A M K L B K y

0 C V s z T R J G L L y V 0 Q s R F

0 E E I V J L G I E R M u 0 R s D B

H K u C D I M M N J L X Q u R J 0 K

G L w C V p D R p K z I N Q H L D T

J E 0 C T I p z L V p 0 w N N Q I G

N M C N 0 T H I N G WO X 0 K V y s X Q M A R y I 8 8 s I 8 I V F M X A

u K 0 K I B R z p C p y J E s u s N

7

Address, Hours & Phones

Parish Center & Church Ph 651-227-7669 Fax 651-227-0847

1079 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105

Email parish@morecommunity.org

Office Hours: 8 am-4 pm, M-F

STM School Ph 651-224-4836 Fax 651-224-0097

1065 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105

Email info@morecommunity.org

Office Hours: 7:30 am-3 pm, M-F

Quick Contacts Baptisms - njohnson@morecommunity.org - x 301

Bulletin/Website - pday@morecommunity.org - x 302

Calendar - njohnson@morecommunity.org - x 301

Free Store - stmfreestore@morecommunity.org

General Questions - parish@morecommunity.org - x 301

Justice & Service - justice@morecommunity.org x 310

STM School - info@morecommunity.org or 651-224-4836

Young Adults - youngadults@morecommunity.org

Weddings - carend@morecommunity.org- x 305

Liturgy Schedule Baptisms: First Sundays of the month during the 10:30 am

Mass or at 9 am (no baptisms during Lent or Advent).

Centering Prayer: Tuesday, 5:30-6:15 pm.

Eucharistic Adoration: First Friday of the Month, flowing

from 7:15 am Mass, concluding at noon with Midday

Prayer and Benediction.

Mass: Saturday, 4:30 pm, Sunday, 8 & 10:30 am.

Tuesday-Friday, 7:15 am; during the school year, an 8:30

am Mass is also celebrated on most Wednesdays.

Reconciliation: Saturday, 3:30-4 pm or by appointment.

Staff Contacts Ph 651-227-7669 (Unless Otherwise Noted)

Fr. Warren Sazama, S.J. - Pastor, x 312

wsazama@morecommunity.org

Fr. R.J. Fichtinger, S.J. - Associate Pastor, x 310

rjfichtinger@morecommunity.org

Carol Arend - Pastoral Care and Weddings, x 305

carend@morecommunity.org

Patti Day - Communications & Office Manager, x 302

pday@morecommunity.org

Deacon Tom Dzik, x 317

tdzik@morecommunity.org

Adam Fitzpatrick - Faith Formation, x 311

afitzpatrick@morecommunity.org

Nicole Johnson - Receptionist & Pastor’s Admin. Asst., x 301

njohnson@morecommunity.org

Tom Kohler - Maintenance Supervisor, x 308

tkohler@morecommunity.org

Pat Lofton - School Principal, 651-224-4836 , x 303

plofton@morecommunity.org

Phil Lynch - Finance Manager, 651-224-4836, x 304

plynch@morecommunity.org

Dana McCarthy - Liturgy, Music & Worship, x 306

dmccarthy@morecommunity.org

Mary Ann Sexton - Adult Choir Director, 651-227-7669

msexton@morecommunity.org

Elizabeth Thimmesh - Admissions & Development Dir.

651-224-4836, x 302 ethimmesh@morecommunity.org

STM Church

http://www.morecommunity.org/parish/

STM School

http://school.morecommunity.org/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/StThomasMoreMN

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/stthomasmoremn/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/StThomasMoreMN

For Your Information Offices & Staff

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Dr. Gregory Smith 651-488-5888

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l§f~_ For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com St. Thomas More. St. PauL MN. A 4C 02-0448