MASS SCHEDULE

Daily Mass Monday –Thursday & Saturday

8:00AM Friday

8:30AM

Saturday 5:00PM Vigil Mass (English)

Sunday 8:00AM Portuguese

10:00AM English 12:00 PM Arabic 8:00PM English

Friday 8:00PM Adoration

Holy Days 10:00AM

First Friday 7:00PM Novena to The Sacred Heart

8:00PM Healing Mass 9:00PM Silent Adoration until midnight

Closing with Benediction

First Saturdays: 10:00AM Burmese First Sundays: 5:00PM Tagalog

Leadership

Rev. Richard Van De Water Administrator

Permanent Deacons Dcn. Mr. Khaled Abualshaer Dcn. Mr. Abbie Nepomuceno

Dcn. Mr. Albear Nimri Dcn. Mr. Arthur Sanchez

Secretary/Bookkeeper Ms. Bella Santos

(415)452-9634

STM School Mrs. Marie Fitzpatrick

(415)337-0100

RCIC Mrs. Kathy Sanford

(650)738-0646

RCIA Mrs. Maria Sanchez Chan

(650)799-9802

1300 Junipero Serra Blvd. (off Brotherhood Way) San Francisco, CA, 94132

Phone: 415-452-9634 | Fax: 415-452-9653 Email: info@stmchurch.com | www.STMchurch.com

Saint Thomas More Roman Catholic Church

STM MISSION STATEMENT “We are a diverse Eucharistic Family united in Jesus Christ and His Church. We accomplish our mission to spread the message of God’s love through the

gifts of the Holy Spirit who guides and inspires us and with the prayers of our Blessed Mother, Mary.”

A Summary of Fr. Rick’s homily last week… 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (year B)

“Are You With Me?”

For several Sundays, we listened to the teaching of Jesus regarding the spiritual food that he offers us in Holy Communion. We heard him say that he is the bread from heaven and that he wants to give us his flesh to eat, and that his flesh is true food that gives life. In today’s Gospel (John 6:60-69), we heard the responses to that teach-ing. Many of his disciples found his words too hard to accept, and the Gospel tells us that they left him and his Apostles and “returned to their former way of life.” He invited them to live and they refused. When Jesus chal-lenged the Apostles, asking: “Are you with me? Peter answered with the response of faith: “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” That expression of faith is an example for us today. Many Christians have cut themselves off from the words of eternal life and have stopped walking with Jesus. They may consider themselves believers, but they are not in continual communion with the life that Christ offers. There are many reasons for that separation. Many have cut themselves off from the bread of eternal life because of our society’s values, principles, and lifestyle that differ radically from life with God. The society offers self-gratification, which means living only for oneself. Living a self-centered life is easier than following the word of God, the source and basis for all those mor-al issues like contraception, abortion, marriage as a Sacrament for life, the challenge to forgive without limit and love even one’s enemies. For many, Jesus’ words are simply “too hard” to accept. It is too hard to remain faithful to Christian principles when everyone else is following a different way of life. That is why many who were brought up in the Church have stopped walking with Jesus.

What we heard in the first reading (Joshua 24) is the challenge of living in a society that does not acknowledge God. There is always a temptation to lapse into the mentality and lifestyle of such a society. In the first reading, the Lord calls his people to make a commitment: “Decide today whom you will serve,” he says. We heard the an-swer of the people: “We will serve the Lord.” They were able to make that commitment, based on their gratitude to God for having been redeemed, protected, and strengthened by miracles.

Like them, we hear the call for a response of faith. As Peter expressed in today’s Gospel, there is no alternative, for Christ is the only one who has the words of eternal life. His words are spirit and life. In the Mass, it is the word of Christ, “This is my Body…This is my Blood” that transforms bread and wine into his Body and Blood. As St. John Chrysostom said, “It is not man that causes the things offered to become the Body and Blood of Christ, but he who was crucified for us, Christ himself. The priest, in the role of Christ, pronounces these words, but their power and grace are God’s. This word transforms the things offered.” St. Ambrose added that as in the creation, God’s word brought into existence what did not exist before, so God’s word can change existing things into what they were not before. Jesus changed water into wine at Cana, and today he changes wine into his Precious Blood and bread into his Body.

The Apostles of Jesus are our example in the challenge of faith. Jesus challenges us to accept his word and re-main united to him. Let us ask for the strength to remain faithful to his words that give life.

KNOW YOUR PARISH: The Burmese American Catholic Fellowship

The Burmese American Catholic Fellowship was founded in San Francisco in 1995 with the aim of as-sisting families and individuals who need spiritual, social, and personal support. A secondary aim is the support of Catholic missions in Burma/Myanmar. In 1997, the BACF was established as the Burmese Ministry of the Of ice of Ethnic Ministries of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. In 2001, St. Thomas More Church became the gathering place for the BACF celebration of the Holy Eucharist on the irst Saturday of every month. The Mass is celebrated in Burmese and English. Special Burmese celebrations will not be complete without food, music, and dancing. Even the monthly Mass is always followed by a commu-nal meal and social time. The BACF also holds a Friday Zoom prayer meeting, in which participants pray the Holy Rosary together, as well as the Divine Mercy and other devotional prayers for the needs of the community and for the whole world. Another regular activity is organizing spiritual retreats for BACF members several times a year. By the grace of God, the BACF has helped many to be happy and proud of their One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Faith. Everyone at St. Thomas More Parish is likewise happy and proud of the role of the BACF in our parish community, and we thank God for your presence among us!

Sacrament of Baptism (infants): Parents & Godparents must attend Baptism Preparation Class. Our class schedule is every Saturday from 2:00PM– 2:45 PM at Scanlan Hall. Please no children allowed in the class & arrive 10 minutes early for registration.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: 30 minutes before English masses.

Sacrament of Matrimony: Contact the church office at least 6 months prior to wedding date.

Communion to the homebound & the ill: Anyone who is homebound or ill & would like to receive Communion, call the office to schedule a visit.

Anointing of the Sick: Anytime upon request. If a parishioner is seriously ill, please inform the parish office regarding an immediate visit for anointing .

Funeral Arrangements: Funeral Director should contact parish office.

Support STM Church while shopping at Amazon through AmazonSmile. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases at no

cost to you. Go to: www.smile.amazon.com Please select Saint Thomas More Church Catholic Campus Ministry as your charity.

Annual Assessment: $37,406.00

As of the date we have received $9,554.37 which is 25.5 % of our campaign goal. The balance we owe is $27,851.63

With your continued support, commitment & generous donations we will be able to reach our goal. Thank you!

STM CHURCH FUNDRAISING CONCERT

WHEN: Saturday, September 25 WHERE: inside STM Church

TIME: 7:00pm COST: $35/ticket

Join us for a musical night featuring Shane Ericks! She's known as the YouTube Sensation,

and Asia's "Karen Carpenter" with California Star, Nader Zaki & his Band! All proceeds for this event will go towards

STM’s Archdiocesan Annual Appeal. For more information & to purchase tickets,

contact Nick Baluyut,415-699-2901 or Joe Espinueva, 650-892-7184

St. Thomas More School is now back in session. The students and faculty will be attending the daily Mass every Friday of the school year.

To accommodate their attendance, the Friday Mass will always begin at 8:30am. The other daily Masses will remain as usual at 8:00am.

Would you like to offer Mass for a special intention, thanksgiving, healing or for a beloved departed? Our Mass Intention Schedule

has plenty of opportunity to do so, for more information or to offer a Mass contact the Parish Office at 415-452-9634

Suggested donation is $10 per intention.

08/28 Sat 5:00PM Ray Chao + Albert Lin [bday] Dorina Romasanta + Stephanie & Eric Carillo [sp.int] Kaylee Carillo [heal] Ricky Elare + Conrado Villar + Fidel Songco +

08/29 Sun 10:00AM Agelio M. Altares + Ariel Mangoba [heal] Liz & Garrick Law [thx] Nieves Vierneza + Ashley Jacala [bday] Tyler Sheaves [bday] Jacala Family [thx] Ricky Elare + Conrado Villar + 8:00PM Sr. Haydee Librojo + Jose & Remedios Librojo+

8:00AM

08/30 Mon Sr. Haydee Librojo + 08/31 Tues Nora Baluyot [bday] Ramona Luena + Jonas Manzano [bday] Fr. Labib Kobti [bday] 09/01 Wed Raul Tariga + 09/02 Thu Raul Tariga + 8:30AM 09/03 Fri Leopoldo Racal +

09/04 Sat 8:00AM Corazon Aquino + Letticia Aquino +

AUGUST 21-22, 2021

1st Collection: $ 3,366.66 2nd Collection: (AAA) $ 1,119.52

Your contributions and donations help us run your church.

Please continue to send your donations through mail or drop it off in our mailbox,

or online at sfarch.org/lifeline select St. Thomas More Parish.

Venmo & Zelle are also available options.

Please do not forget your church when you do your will. Thank you!

Congratulations to the Newly Baptized in our Community!

Gabriel Alves Moura Valentina Rene Owens

Amiyah Celine P. Ramiro Dylan Jeremiah F. Villamar

PARISH REGISTRATION Welcome! If you are new to the area and not yet registered at St. Thomas More Parish, we invite you to ill this out, cut it out, and return to the parish of ice/rectory or drop it in the collection basket.

I choose to become a member of St. Thomas More and commit myself to building a community that seeks to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God. I will

commit myself to this mission by my active & consistent presence at worship and financial

giving even when I can’t be present.

Name:____________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________

City:________________________________________ ____________________________ Zip:_____________________________________________________________________

Phone :___________________________________________________________________

Email:____________________________________________________________________ I want to receive the envelopes and commit myself to a weekly contribution

Yes, please________ No, thanks__________

STM Church Liturgy Guide Donor Slip Please fill in the requested information and mail back to us or drop in the collection basket or in our mailbox

with your $100 donation. Without this slip, the name on the check will be printed as the donor. Many Thanks!

Please print clearly your name or the name you want to honor with your donation in the box below.

Please indicate if living or deceased.

[ ] Deceased [ ] Living

Donor’s Name:_____________________________ Signature of Donor:___________________________________

Telephone #:_________________________________________

We are here to pray for you!

In Gratitude of Our Donors & Benefactors

Andrada Family

Lucila P. Bagabaldo & Family Kathy Lynn Brouette

Lary & Grace Carreon & Family Gloria Chee & Family

Arsene & Girlie Cruz & Family Claravall & De Guzman Families

Bryant & Malou Eslabon Olney & Nancy Fortier & Family

Felicidad Santos Gosalvez & Family Lingat & Mosquera Family Antonio & Lourdes Ocbena

Patricia Ana B. Paraiso Hermogeno & Sadsad Families

Seymour Family Marcy Villamor & Family

Priscilla Sook Hee Wu & Lane Wu Family

In Honor of Our Beloved Departed

Albert & Jeanne Abramson †

Marie Asaoka † Edgardo Paterno Nidua Alcala †

Agelio & Luisa Altares † Santiago & Iluminada Angeles †

Benito Sr. & Ceferina Baluyut †

Ricardo & Segundina Bocalbos † German Buensuceso Jr. †

Gloria Mag-iba Cruz † Mateo Tuazon Cruz † Cipriana Cunanan † Pedro Dimapasoc †

Marco Ditano † Ross L Domingo †

Remedios M. Domingo † Ronald M. Domingo † Arcenio Estilo, Sr. †

Jesus “Gil” Hermogeno † Jose & Ramona Hernandez†

Annie Hinchion † Suzanne Hockel †

Taehee Anna Kim † Gerundio & Eulogia Labit †

Gonzalo “Charles” Montaner † Lawrence & Angelina Nannini †

Juanito & Florencia Nepomuceno † Marco Antonio B. Ocbena † Isidro & Beatriz Ocbena †

Filemon K. Poklay † Carlos Antonio Rivas †

Teodoro & Aurora Romasanta † Yacoub “Jack” Saba †

Tobias & Josephine Solis † Maria Tan †

Federico & Pacita Tañedo † Wilhelmina Lindo Tañedo †

Thank you to our 2021

Liturgy Guide Donors

513559 St Thomas More Church www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-675-5051

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERYTHE CATHOLIC CEMETERIES | ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FRANCISCO

Your Catholic Cemeteries

offer a variety of burial and

cremation options.

COLMA1500 Mission Rd.

650-756-2060www.holycrosscemeteries.com

A Tradition of Faith Throughout Our Lives.

Catholic Cruises and Tours and The Apostleshipof the Sea of the United States of America

Catholic Cruises/Tours to Worldwide Destinations

Call us today at 860-399-1785 or email

eileen@CatholicCruisesandTours.com

www.CatholicCruisesandTours.com

Take yourFAITHON A

JOURNEY.(CST 2117990-70)

Get this

weekly bulletin

delivered by

email - for FREE!Sign up here:

www.jspaluch.com/subscribe

Courtesy of J.S. Paluch Company, Inc.

If You Live Alone You Need MDMedAlert!24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY!

✔Ambulance✔Police ✔Fire✔Friends/Family

CALLNOW!

FREE ShippingFREE ActivationNO Long Term Contracts

Solutions as Low as $19.95 a month

This Button SAVES Lives!As Shown GPS,

Lowest Price Guaranteed!

GPS Tracking w/Fall DetectionNationwide, No Land Line Needed

EASY Set-up, NO Contract24/7 365 Monitoring in the USA

800.809.3352MDMedAlertSafe-Guarding America’s Seniors Nationwide!

$29.95/Mo. billed quarterly• One Free Month• No Long-Term Contract• Price Guarantee• Easy Self Installation

Call Today! Toll Free 1.877.801.8608

Medical Alert System

Grow Your Business, Advertise Here.Support Your Church & Bulletin.

Free professional ad design & my help!email: RushT@jspaluch.com

Call Traci Rush925.239.1401

www.jspaluch.com

Grow in your faith,find a Mass, and

connect with yourCatholic Community

with OneParish!

Download Our Free App or Visit

www.MY.ONEPARISH.com

The Most Complete

Online National

Directory of

Catholic ParishesCheck It Out Today!

What We Can OfferYou and Your Business:• Many ad size options to meet your budget in color or black and white• One-on-one customer service to help build and design your ad• The ability to change your ad up to 12 times per year

J.S. Paluch Company 1.800.231.0805