Parish News

Our Stewardship

ST. THOMAS PRAYER CHAIN

Do you know someone in need of special prayers? The Prayer Chain is always taking requests. Please contact

Debi Banach at 358-2461, Ext. 107.

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND: Kate Schmidt, Ben Canales, Marilyn Brzostowski, Cleta Bustos, Steve Chontos, Elizabeth Stone, Terry Moenter, Carmen Oviedo, Lynn Gerken, Glenda Fassauer, Braxton Sandoval, Cheryle Wayne, Jerry Stone, Jerry Terry, Donna VonOsinski, Sue Bezner, Esther York, Shanna O’Gorman, Mike O’Neill, Angie Van Bakel, Eveline Rivers-McCoy, Mark Ortega, Bill & Marie Hughes, Ray Harmon, Jeannette Kaminski, Mary Maalouf, Emile Jones, Tony Sisneros, Mary Britten, Frank Galitski, Mike Hartman, Alice & Ollie Perry, John (Jack) Hoben, Nadine Hadley, Brian Dolan, Robert Mitchell, Charlie Hennessey, Madeline Arrott, LaRuth Haverfield, Dick Wilcox, Nathan Tatum, Avery Blais, Lupita Randon, Carolyn Shoberg, Allen Lamb, Darrell Goodin. OUR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN: Cruz Rey Esparza, Sheldon Fowler, Shelby Lopez, A. J. Serafin, Lee Wingfield, Sean Callahan, Bryan Revell, John Nussbaum, Rachel Nussbaum, Matt Nussbaum, Christopher Schrock, David Oviedo Cantu, Jacob Bitonel, Jason Freeby, Brandon Owens, Jacob Tumbelson, T. J. Pevehouse, Swasey Brown, Cody Keesee.

Prayer Intentions NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING CLASSES: The Fall NFP Series for married or engaged couples will be on Aug. 4, Sept. 8, and Oct 6, at 6:30 here at St Thomas. For information on signing up or if you have questions, call Chrissy Acker at 806-654-2057. MISSION ROSARIES: Learn to Make Mission Rosaries: It's not too late to join Our Lady's Rosary Makers on Tues. afternoons from 2:00-3:30 p.m., in the Marian Room at St. Thomas. There is a $5 fee for Adults. Children are welcome but should be accompanied by an adult. We end with a light snack. For more info email sisneros@att.net or call 681-3185. BISHOP DEFALCO RETREAT CENTER: “Shiraz for a Cause! Join us Aug. 6, in the courtyard at the Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center, for an evening of great Jazz, Food, Wine and Art. Reservations $50 per person. Make reservations online at www.bdrc.org/shiraz, or by calling 806-383-1811. Proceeds benefit the Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center.” PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: At this time, the hours needing to be filled are Sun., 12:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., Mon., 11:00 p.m., and Wed., 2:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m., Fri., 12 a.m., 1:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m. Thank you to all Adorers who have signed up, but we are still in need of substitutes. If you are interested in being a part of this worthwhile ministry, call Simon Wright, 806-570-9776. BAPTISM CLASS: If you are new parents and/or sponsors, you are required to attend a Baptism class before the reception of the sacrament. Please call the parish office, 358-2461, to register for the next scheduled class. ST. THOMAS ROSARY GROUP: If you are interested in praying the rosary with a group once a week, you are welcome to join the St. Thomas Rosary Group each Thurs. morning at 10:00 a.m., in the Chapel. Afterwards, they meet in the Parlor for some refreshments and fellowship. ST. THOMAS MEN’S CLUB is asking for empty salsa jars. If you have any, please bring them to the church so they can be used for future salsa sales. Thank you in advance.

Budget Actual Variance July 10, 2016 $ 26,831.00 $ 28,476.00 $ 1,645.00 Month-to-Date $ 53,662.00 $ 54,745.43 $ 1,083.43 “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” ~1 John 3:17-18

CRUCIFIX FOR VOCATIONS: We are needing individuals or families to sign up to take the vocations crucifix for a week of prayer for the increase in vocations to religious life. Please sign up in the bell tower if interested. GIFT BEARERS are needed at all Masses. If you would like to participate, please sign up in the book in the Bell Tower. ATTENTION VACATIONERS: Summer vacations are needed, but the church needs to pay bills during the summer. Please drop off you Sunday offerings before leaving town or sign up today for on-line giving. Have a much-deserved vacation.

ALTAR FLOWERS

The Altar Flowers this week

were donated by Neva Burks in memory of

Bob Burks

ST. THOMAS JOB OPPORTUNITY: St. Thomas Church is seeking a Youth Minister. The Youth Minister will oversee and facilitate youth ministry to approximately 120 youth between 4th and 12th grades and young adults be-tween the ages of 18-30. This full-time, salary compen-sated position requires night and weekend work. Candi-dates must be faithful, energetic Catholics in good standing with the Church. All candidates should submit resumes to the Parish Office at St. Thomas the Apostle Church 4100 S. Coulter, Amarillo, TX 79109.

Please remember St. Thomas the Apostle Church in your wills, memorials, life insurance, stock, annuity, living trust and other planned gifts.

Thank you.

Youth Schedule and Events ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL SCHOOL: Know any retired teachers/ educators or anyone who loves teaching? St. Mary’s Cathedral School is looking for a few volunteers for the 2016- 2017 school year to aid our teachers and staff with a gifted & talented and/or tutoring program. The number of hours and days are very flexible. This is a great way to continue sharing your gifts but without all the headaches. Anyone interested please email our Principal, Linda Aranda at aranda@stmarysamarillo.com or call 806-376-9112. RESPECT LIFE: August 3, Marriage on FIRE event – authors of “Marriage 911” Greg and Julie Alexander, founded the Alexan-der house as a response to God in appreciation for having brought them from Crisis to Christ and restoring their troubled relationship. The Alexander’s believe that their goal is to support all couples in developing; thriving and joy-filled relationships. It is only through a change of heart brought about by personal conver-sion that our society will begin to change and be reshaped. One Night Only Wednesday 7 – 9pm Call (806) 383-2243 Ext 129 ACTS AMARILLO invites YOU to join them for a faith-filled week-end this summer that will give you a generous dose of God's grace. Times are as follows: Men's Retreat Aug. 11-14. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! Register today at www.actsamarillo.org. SACRED HEART CHURCH, CANADIAN will be hosting their annual Jamaica to benefit the church on Sat., Aug. 13 at Jones Pavilion, 1101 North 6th Street, Canadian. The Jamaica will run from 11:00 a.m., to 5:00 p.m., with a dance scheduled from 8:00 p.m., to 1:00 a.m. There will be kids games, a soccer tournament, food booths and bouncy houses. There will also be a raffle which includes a first prize of a $750 prepaid debit card. Tickets for the raffle are $5.00 each. For additional information or to purchase raffle tickets, please call the Sacred Heart Church parish office at 806-323-6608 or email shcatholic@att.com. RETROUVAILLE: Is your marriage or that of a relative or friend struggling or even heading for divorce? Do you know how to save that marriage? Or do you feel helpless? Retrouvaille is designed to help troubles marriages regain their health. It helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust, and commitment that origi-nally brought them together. The program is highly successful in saving hurting marriages, even bringing reconciliation to couples who have already separated or divorced. For confidential information about or to register for the next program beginning with a weekend on Aug. 19-21, call Paul or Patty Miguel at 806-420-1520, or e-mail us at retrocouple@suddenlink.net or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com. ACTS AMARILLO: Come help us Celebrate 15 years of ACTS in AMARILLO & thank Msgr. Waldow for bringing this amazing re-treat to our area! Tickets are $150 for an evening of dinner & dancing for 2, on Aug. 27, at the Cornerstone Ranch in Bushland, Texas. To purchase tickets, call Betty Aragon, 655-4345, or visit www.actsamarillo.org/2016-celebrate-fundraiser. CHRISTIAN HOMES NEEDED: SHARE! your heart and home with an international exchange student! Host families, with or without children, are needed for the 16/17 academic year. You provide a bed, meals, and a caring environment for the boy or girl of your choice. Students attend local high schools. For more information, call Arleen Morley at 806-236-1134 or go to www.sharesouthwest.org. Share is a global, non-profit educational foundation.

High school STAY will be meeting this week on Wed., July 20, at 7:00 p.m., in The Dwelling. All incoming high school freshman

are invited to come. Bring $5 with you and we’ll see you there!

The S.T.A.Y. in College summer ministry will not be meeting tomorrow, July 18, as we’ll still be gone for our high school

summer trip. See you next Monday!

Please keep the youth attending the Steubenville conference this weekend in your prayers that God may work in their hearts and

safe travels for us all! Thank you!

Please contact Greg Nagel at nagel.gregory@gmail.com for more information about any of our summer

program and activities.

Around the Diocese

Holy Cross Corner

Holy Cross Catholic Academy will be having two student camps this summer. Science Camp is Mon., July 18 - Thurs., July 21. The sessions are 9:30 a.m., - 2:30 p.m. each day. The students will investigate possible science fair projects. Ms. Summerlin asks that

each participant bring a sack lunch and drink. The cost is $120 and can be paid on the first day of the camp. For more information please call Ms. Summerlin at HCCA 355-9637. Band Camp is Mon., Aug. 1, - Fri., Aug. 5. The sessions are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., each day. Students should bring their instrument, pencil, band folder and flip chart. Students are asked to bring a sack lunch and drink. The cost is $60 and can be paid on the first day of the camp. For more information please call Mrs. Grandmaison at HCCA 355-9637. Go Mustangs!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: St. Mary’s Cathedral School is currently taking applications for a Part-Time (potentially Full-Time) Physical Education Teacher for the 2016-2017 school year. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree and must hold a valid teaching certificate with an EC-6 Physical Education endorsement. Or: A non-degreed person may be employed as specified by TCCED, please inquire with the school principal. Interested persons may pick up an application at the school and/or email the following documents Cover Letter, Current Resume, and List of References to Principal, Linda Aranda at aranda@stmarysamarillo.com, or mail to 1200 S. Washington, Amarillo, TX 79102. DOWNTOWN WOMEN’S CENTER has a job opening for a MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR! This is a full-Time, 40 hours per week. High School diploma or GED and one year building maintenance experience or knowledge of trades related to building maintenance and repair required. Please fill out an application at our main DWC office located at 409 S. Monroe; Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm. Ask for Anita Ray, HR Director or Stephanie Goins, Development Director.

Around the Diocese

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH STAFF Pastor ………………………………………………………..Rev. John Valdez Deacon ……………………………………………………….Blaine Westlake Deacon ……………………………………………………....... Phillip Whitson Retired Deacon ……………………………………………...….... Jim Brown Retired Deacon …………………………………………….Terry Pevehouse Music Dir./Organist/Choir Master………………………….... Jim Gardner Assistant Music Dir. ……………………………...................Nicole Koetting Youth Director …………………………………………………….Greg Nagel Religious Ed & Adult Faith Formation Director………………Kerry Acker Parish Secretary …………………………………………………..Rita Walker Facility Administrator …………………………………………...Bryan Webb Parish Bookkeeper ………………………………………..Virginia Christian Religious Ed Secretary ………………………………………...Debi Banach Parish Life Coordinator ……………………………………….....Julie Jones Ministry Assistant …………………………………...…Dayamin Winchester Music Secretary ………………………………………………...Judith Tucker Music Assistant …………………………………………Stephanie Gallegos Facility Assistant …………………………………………….....Glen Starcher Facility Assistant ……………………………………………….....Tony Derda Liturgical Environmentalist ……………………………………...Julie Pierce

Liturgy Schedule and Special Mass Intentions:

Monday 7/18 NO MASS

Tuesday 7/19 7:00 AM Spec. Int. of Rick Spivey Randy & diane May

Wednesday 7/20

7:00 AM

+Andrea Lejeune Raymond & Sammie Wood

Thursday 7/21 7:00 AM Spec. int. of Tom Martin Joe Detten Family

Friday 7/22 7:00 AM +Mary Frances Witttebort M/M Robert Parker

Saturday 7/23 5:00 PM +Jerry Harpole Paul & Jenny Harpole

Sunday 7/24

7:30 AM MEMBERS OF PARISH FAMILY

9:00 AM +John & Edith Cooper M/M Robert Parker

11:15 AM +Hector Castillo

Daily Scripture Readings Sunday, July 17: Gn 18:1-10a/Col 1:24-38/Lk 10:38-42 Monday, July 18: Mi 6:1-4, 6-8/Mt 12:38-42 Tuesday, July 19: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20/Mt 12:46-50 Wednesday, July 20: Jer 1:1, 4-10/Mt 13:1-9 Thursday, July 21: Jer 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13/Mt 13:10-17 Friday, July 22: Er 3:14-17/Jn 20:1-2, 11-18 Saturday, July 23: Jer 7:1-11/Mt 13:24-30 Sunday, July 24: Gn 18:20-32/Col 2:12-14/Lk 11:1-13

Week at a Glance

Attention Catechists: If you plan to continue teaching in the RE program this coming fall or if you are interested in becoming a catechist, please confirm your intentions by the end of July with the new DRE, Kerry Acker, either through email at kacker@stthomasamarillo.org or via phone at 358-2461 ext. 106. You may also contact Debi Banach at 358-2461, ext. 107. RCIA leaders, catechists, adult formation leaders, and youth leaders: Please consider attending the Annual Faith Formation Conference to be held Aug. 6, at St. Mary’s Cathedral from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30p.m. Cost is $15. This conference is strongly encouraged for all who work in church education ministries.

Adult Faith Formation

CHRISTIAN LOVE GUIDED BY FAITH In observing the animal world, we can be touched by the apparent affection a female is able to give to her pup-pies. But it shocks us when we see how cruel that same animal can be to other animals that are not her off-spring. Seemingly a woman has the same affectionate love for her baby. The instinctive emotional part of love is apparently the same. But there is a great difference. Hu-man love is not merely emotional. It also contains an ele-ment of insight. Besides loving her own baby, a mother also loves other children. This element of insight is even more decisive when love is elevated from the mere human level to the sacred, namely, Christian love, called charity. The insight that guides char-ity is faith. Today's Liturgy deals with love of God and all human beings regardless of race, creed or color. Paying attention to the insight of faith, which guides it, is important.                                                                                                                                           ~ Rev. John C. Kersten, S.V.D.

Religious Education News MSGR. TASH HALL CLOSED ALL WEEK FOR REPAIRS.

MONDAY, JULY 18 12:00 a.m. - Contemplative Power Hour - Chapel 7:00 p.m. - S.T.A.Y. in College - The Dwelling

SATURDAY, JULY 23 3:30 p.m. - Confessions - Chapel 4:00 p.m. - Cantor’s Rehearsal - Music Wing

FRIDAY, JULY 22 NO SCHEDULED EVENTS

TUESDAY, JULY 19 2:00 p.m. - Mission Rosary Makers - Marian Room 7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts - Gym

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 7:30 a.m. - ACTS Small Group - Library 9:00 a.m. - Community Scripture Study - Parlor 10:00 A.M. - Marianist Group - Library 5:30 p.m. - NO CONFESSIONS 6:30 p.m. - Adult Handbells - Music Wing 7:00 p.m. - HS S.T.A.Y. for the Summer - The Dwelling

THURSDAY, JULY 21 10:00 a.m. - Rosary Group - Chapel 7:00 p.m. - Theology on Tap - IDK Bar

SUNDAY, JULY 24 NO SCHEDULED EVENTS

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION IN TIME OF VIOLENCE Heavenly Father,

forgive those who trespass against me

for they know not what they do.

Protect us from evil

and shield us from harm.

You are my armor, my protection, and my sword.

Preserve us in our hour of need,

in Jesus' name.

Amen.

~Marshall Connolly