ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH May 19, 2019

St. Thomas Aquinas Rev. Bill Devine, Pastor Rev. Jason Giombetti, Parochial Vicar Deacon Leo Donoghue

Parish Office Staff Peter Vitagliano, Business Manager Tina Larson, Administrative Assistant

Parish Office 103 Center St, Bridgewater MA 02324 Hours | Monday - Friday | 9 am- 5 pm Phone | 508. 697. 9528 Fax | 508. 279. 1859 Email|tlarson@sta-parish.org Website | www.stthomasaquinas.com

Faith Formation Office Staff Phone | 508. 697.3652

Marie Masaitis Faith Formation Coordinator, Grades 1-6

Shannon Murphy Middle School/Confirmation Coordinator, Grades 7-10

Kristine Smith, Administrative Assistant faithformation@stthomasaquinas.com

St. Basil, The Catholic Center 122 Park Ave., Bridgewater MA 02324 Rev. Jason Giombetti, Campus Chaplain fathergiombetti@gmail.com Amber Ezeani, Campus/Youth Minister aezeani@bridgew.edu Phone | 508.531.1346

PARISH INFORMATION

SUNDAY MASS

St. Thomas Aquinas Church Saturday Vigil | 4:00 pm Sunday | 7:45 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm

St. Basil Chapel Sunday | 10:00 am

DAILY MASS

St. Thomas Aquinas Church Monday - Saturday | 9:00 am

CONFESSION

St. Thomas Aquinas Church Saturday | 9:30 am - 10:15 am Saturday | 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm or by appointment

MASS SCHEDULE

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 19, 2019

COLLECTIONS UPDATE

As pastor, I want to truly express my appreciation for all the generous support of time, talent and treasure we receive. A large part of my responsibility as your pastor is to ask for your financial support throughout the year. Over the past eight months there have been three major collections. To provide transparency, I’d like to once again explain the purpose of each collection and provide you with the most up-to-date results. The Grand Annual Appeal (Sept. - Jan.) is our parish’s once a year request for money to offset the shortfall in our weekly Offertory Collection and to fund specific projects. This year’s projects are the installation of a fire suppressant system in the parish center and classrooms, the renovation of the parish offices and the installation of new landscaping around the church.

The 2018-2019 Grand Annual Appeal raised $142,008 given by 364 donors which represents 12% of parish families. 189 donors increased their contribution and 90 were first time donors. The average donation was $390 with $12,000 being the largest single donation. In comparison the 2017-2018 Appeal raised $145,555 given by 344 donors.

The annual Growth in Stewardship Initiative (Jan. - Feb.), which began five years ago, was not only to increase our volunteer participation but also to increase the amount we receive in weekly collections. Over the past years, we are steadily increasing both the number of volunteers as well as the amount we receive in the offertory collection which is helping us offset operational shortfalls.

211 parishioners completed a 2019 Growth in Stewardship Initiative, Time/Talent and Treasure Form compared to 280 in 2017. (We did not do a Growth in Stewardship Initiative in 2018). 48 parishioners indicated that they would increase their weekly financial commitment. 15 individuals have followed through their intentions to use electronic giving (WeShare). Presently we have 96 families/individuals using electronic giving regularly. 8 parishioners have followed through and signed up to contribute through offertory envelopes. Presently 269 parishioners/individuals contribute using envelopes. 14 new persons indicated interest in volunteering for a ministry during this year’s GIS initiative, bringing our number of volunteers to 448.

The annual Catholic Appeal (Mar.) supports the Archdiocesan Pastoral Ministry Programs. These programs not only reach out to support inner city parishes and agencies helping the homeless, immigrants and Pro Life initiatives, seminary education and Protection God’s Children programs, but also provide local parishes with critical resources including but not limited to legal, financial, Human Resources, campus, prison and hospital chaplains, Faith Formation guidance, and programs for those who are engaged, married and divorced.

Each parish in the Archdiocese is given a financial assessment and a goal based on a percentage of our weekly collections and Grand Annual Appeal. Our assessment for 2019 is $44,251 and our goal is $60,270. Assessment is what a parish is required to contribute, the goal is that amount that the Archdiocese hopes our parish can contribute. To date we have raised $61,061 which is 138% of our assessment and 101% of our goal. 238 families/individuals have contributed to the Catholic Appeal so far, and because of your generosity, our parish has earned a rebate which will go directly to our parish operations.

I continue to be impressed and humbled with the generosity of our parishioners. My experience has been that once parishioners understand the specific intention and the need, they respond very generously. We have made significant strides in getting more people involved in our ministries (time/talent) and strengthening our financial (treasure) base. This has been accomplished in great part not only because of your generosity but also proper fiscal management and accountability along with the oversight and recommendation of the members of our incredible Parish Finance Council. Thank you.

- Fr. Bill

DEACON BILL’S FIRST MASS

THIS SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2019

Deacon Bill invites parishioners to attend his First Mass at St. Brigid’s Parish, Lexington, THIS SUNDAY, May 19th at 11:00 a.m.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 19, 2019

"Following the international summit in Rome this past February, Pope Francis pledged “concrete measures” to respond to the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Church. Vos Estis Lux Mundi is one means of fulfilling that pledge, establishing specific mandatory protocols and reporting systems for matters concerning such abuse.

This document directly addresses needed improvements to the Church’s response by requiring all dioceses in every country around the globe, within one year’s time, to establish a public, accessible and reliable system for reporting crimes of clergy sexual abuse and any cover up of abuse. It also requires the establishment of new procedural norms for investigating crimes by bishops and supreme moderators of religious institutes, including both allegations of sexual abuse and any cover up by way of actions or omissions intended to conceal information or to interfere with investigations.

These new norms address the sexual abuse of minors and they also expand the definition of the “vulnerable persons” who suffer abuse. But it is also quite significant that Vos Estis Lux Mundi includes adults who suffer sexual offenses through violence or intimidation or the abuse of authority. People who suffer abuse from those in positions of authority can include, for example, seminarians and religious.

It is notable and of great importance that the new provisions require that information be given to the victim of an alleged offense regarding investigations and, further, that the Holy Father places particular emphasis on lay persons participating in the investigations.

During the past year it has become far more clear that the people of the Church and our wider society rightfully demand substantive action for disclosure, transparency and accountability with regard to any occurrence of sexual abuse, or intimidation, or cover up in the life of the Church and that that all Church personnel, regardless of office, be subject to the same policies, procedures and sanctions. Vos Estis Lux Mundi is an important and substantive response to that demand. I am grateful to the Holy Father for his recognition of the critical need for these new policies and procedures and his actions to as best possible assure the protection of all the people we serve throughout the world."

The following is a statement from Cardinal Seán following the

issuance of the Apostolic Letter Vos Estis Lux Mundi.

Welcome

To visitors of our Parish, and to those who

have recently moved into the area, and to

those comfortable and nourished here -

Welcome. Regardless of your status in

the Church, marital state, your ethnicity,

your prior religious experience, your

personal history, background, or sexual

orientation, we hope that you will

continue to worship with us each week.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to be a welcoming

community of believers continually

growing in our faith and in our love of

Jesus Christ through worship, education,

evangelization and service within our

local and broader community.

May 19 ~ Fifth Sunday of Easter

Paul and Barnabas tell the other disciples, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Even today, the Church experiences hardships. In today’s Gospel Jesus gives a simple command but one that can be hard to live by: “…I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Notice the catch in Jesus’ words. He doesn’t say love one another rather He says love as He loves. Imagine life in your family, in your parish and in our world if you took this command to heart. Yet that is the mark of a disciple!

COFFEE AND DONUTS

The last day for Coffee and Donuts at St. Thomas will be THIS SUNDAY, May 19th. It will resume again in September.

Weekly Coffee and Donuts at St. Basil Chapel will continue through the summer as usual. Thank you for all of those who participate in this to make it a success!

Faith Formation News

HIGH SCHOOL BACCALAUREATE MASS

The St. Thomas Aquinas High School Baccalaureate Mass will be held Sunday, June 2nd at 10:00 a.m. The Seniors will process in robes. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend, and there will be a reception following Mass. To register for this, visit our website at www.stthomasaquinas.com. All graduating high school seniors from our parish are encouraged to attend.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 19, 2019

Congratulations to the eighty-six children from our parish that celebrated their First Holy Communion

on Saturday, May 4th and Saturday, May 11th. For the last two years these children have been preparing

for this sacrament with the guidance of their parents and Faith Formation teachers. We would like to

thank everyone who participated in making this day special for our children.

VACATION BIBLE CAMP

July 29 - August 2 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Age 4 - entering Grade 6 Cost: $50 per camper, $125 Family Maximum

To register, visit www.stthomasaquinas.com and download a registration form.

Questions? Contact the Faith Formation office at 508-697-3652.

THIS WEEK NO SECOND COLLECTION MAY 18 & 19

NEXT WEEK NO SECOND COLLECTION MAY 25 & 26 THE 2ND COLLECTION

St. Thomas Aquinas Golf

Tournament & Auction Dinner

Please join us for either the Golf Tournament or the Dinner Auction or both! Please register on line with the link noted below. Dinner is included for golfers. For non-golfers, please join us for a fun evening with a great meal and lots of raffle and auction prizes. Register online at www.stthomasaquinas.com. Contact Mary Crealese at mcrealese@kpmg.com or at 508-269-2979 with questions or to volunteer.

FINANCIAL BLESSINGS ST. THOMAS ST. BASIL TOTAL

SUMMARY OF COLLECTIONS 5/7 - 5/13

In-Pew Giving - Weekly Collection $ 5,481 $ 632 $ 6,113

WeShare - Online Giving $ 959 $ 475 $ 1,434

GRAND TOTAL $ 6,440 $ 1,107 $ 7,547

CONFIRMATION COORDINATOR-DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION (FULL-TIME) We are seeking a dynamic faith filled individual to become our Coordinator of Faith Formation for grades 7 & 8, and for Confirmation (grades 9 & 10). The Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to develop and administer the parish Faith Formation Program for students in grades 7-10. If you are interested in this position and would like to review the complete job description, please visit www.bostoncatholic.org and Click on “Employment.” This position may be found under the South Region jobs.

MUSIC DIRECTOR (FULL-TIME/JOB SHARE) We are seeking an accomplished music professional to become our Music Director. This individual will direct and coordinate all musical needs for the Parish with the guidance of Fr. Bill. The Music Director will be responsible for development and enhancement of a robust program that will strengthen faith in the Eucharist through music. If you are interested in this position and would like to review the complete job description, please visit www.bostoncatholic.org and Click on “Employment.” This position may be found under the South Region jobs.

MAINTENANCE WORKER (PART-TIME) Maintenance is a vital part of parish operations. Maintenance does it all: lighting, HVAC, cleaning, plowing & shoveling, cemetery operations, or even just the physical moving and constant setting up and taking down for events. This is a 20-25 hour per week position that involves regular maintenance of all parish properties. During the spring and summer months, this job may have expanded hours. Prior experience is preferred. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Peter V. in the parish office at 508-697-9528.

When: Friday, June 7, 2019

Where: Olde Scotland Links, Bridgewater, MA Cost: Golf = $150/person (box lunch & dinner included) Dinner only (for non golfers) = $35

Schedule: 12:30 p.m. Registration

1:00 p.m. Driving Range

1:30 p.m. Shotgun Start (Scramble format)

7:00 p.m. Dinner, Awards, Auction, Raffle

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 19, 2019

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE MASS

Memorial Day Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 27th at 9:00 a.m. at the grotto in the Old Cemetery on Center Street. We will remember our veterans, family and friends who have died and all those who are buried in our cemeteries. If attending, we encourage you to bring a lawn chair. If the weather is inclement the Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS

SATURDAY, MAY 18 4:00 p.m. SUNDAY, MAY 19 7:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. St. Basil 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 21 9:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 9:00 a.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 23 9:00 a.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 24 9:00 a.m. SATURDAY, MAY 25 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. SUNDAY, MAY 26 7:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. St. Basil 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

Elena Rea

Jose and Maria Moura Frances Morast Arthur Lessard Ingrid Januskis Timothy Dowling Keith Arsenault

Frances Lomazzo

Philip and Josephine Montalto Margarida and Mario Garcia Guido Rea - 30th Anniversary David Colburn - Month’s Mind Mass Lucilia Nunes Bob Lucy and Isabel Hayes Rudolfo Famularo

WEEKLY DEVOTIONS

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., lower church

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY 1st Saturday of the month 10:00 a.m., lower church

DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, lower church

SACRAMENTS If you are seeking more information about the Sacraments, or wish to schedule an appointment, please call the parish to speak with a priest at 508-697-9528.

BAPTISM If you wish to have your child Baptized, or to receive the Sacrament yourself, please call the parish office to request an appointment with a priest. Baptisms are ordinarily celebrated each month on the 2nd

& 4th Sunday at 1:30 pm. Please note that these dates are subject to change.

Baptism Preparation Class is required.

MARRIAGE If you wish to be married in our parish, please call the parish office to request an appointment with a priest at least eight months in advance. Marriage Preparation course is required.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK If you wish to receive the sacraments at home or in the hospital due to illness, handicap or age, please contact the parish office at 508-697-9528.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 19, 2019

NEXT BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS

Monday, June 3, 2019 7:00 p.m.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Center - Adults Only.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SEMINARIANS Greetings! My name is David Campo, and I am very grateful to be spending the next two years here at St. Thomas Aquinas. I am entering third theology at Saint John's Seminary, and am studying for both the Boston Archdiocese and the Archdiocese for Military Services. You can take a wild guess who was a good influence for me discerning the call to Navy chaplaincy.

I am the oldest of three brothers: we're practically Irish triplets in age and stubbornness, but in all honesty I have an incredible family who taught me how to love and to sacrifice. I went to BC High, BC and worked for a year before entering the Seminary, and each year I become more excited about my future ministry as a priest of Christ, God-willing. I look forward to meeting you, and know that you're in my prayers.

My name is Alphonsus Hien Vu. My goal is to become a priest, following God’s will and serving His Church. I have entered St. John’s Seminary to be trained and formed in accordance with the priestly formation of the Roman Catholic Church. My priestly call is influenced by my upbringing in a devout Catholic family - my parents, two younger sisters and myself.

My parents constantly pray for me, and they chose St. Alphonsus to be my patron saint when I received the Sacrament of Baptism with the hope that when I grew up, I would follow his example in my vocational journey. I am excited and happy to be sent to your parish for my summer assignment. I believe that this opportunity which God has given me will allow me to grow as I learn from the faithful community here at Saint Thomas Aquinas. Please pray for me to be faithful to my vocation!

JOB FAIR / CASTING CALL

Friday, May 24, 2019

10:00 AM Sharp

DRESS TO IMPRESS It’s a fun way to interview!

Edaville Family Theme Park

5 Pine Street, Carver, MA

Late arrivals not permitted * 18 years of age or older only Photo ID Required * Please allow up to 3 hours.

Please fill out an application prior to the group interview by going to our website www.edaville.com.

For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Saint Thomas Aquinas, Bridgewater, MA 4450

Rosaries from Flowers “Handmade from the Flowers

of your Loved One”

841 Main Street Tewksbury, MA 01876

(978) 851-9103

www.rosariesfromflowers.com

Providing Quality Home Health Care For 38 Years

508-584-4400

We o� er trained Professional Home Health Aids, Personal Care Workers, CNA’s, and Homemakers to come into your home and assist you in any of your home and health needs.

Patricia C. Shea, Owner | 1350 Belmont St., Brockton

FAST CASH FOR YOUR HOMEAny Size Big Or Small | Any Condition We Buy Them All

✔ House Needs Repairs✔ No Home Inspection✔ Close In as Few as 5 Days

781-819-5100 | www.GarmourGroup.com

✔ Downsizing✔ Life Transition✔ Inherited Property

As Seen OnCall NOW for a FREE Evaluation

of Your Home

Save The Environment No sorting required Save TimeSave EnergySave Space

508.583.9500415 West St. West Bridgewater, MA

www.noonanwaste.comRecycling

Service Available

Special Offer!for New Customers*CALL TODAY!*Some restrictions apply

Tired of Going to the Dump?Tired of Buying Special Bags?

Giant 95 Gallon Rolling Barrels Provided!

Noonan Waste is committed to you.We are locally owned and operated. We live and work in the local community and are committed to being your residential waste removal service.Call us today for pickup options and our special offer.*

We offer Single Stream Recycling

Request info today and start the journey to a life-long love of learning!

sacredheartkingston.com/info

Preschool to Grade 12 Private Education

A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence

Steven VieiraBroker/OwnerTel: 508.930.4380atlas.realty@aol.com6 Pleasant St, Taunton, MA

John M. Klefeker, BC-HIS

534 Main StreetWeymouth

140 Bedford StreetBridgewater

Certifi ed Hearing Specialist

www.familyhearing.net

781-337-1144 508-279-0700

“Be a Servant” Matthew 20:26

AD SPACE AVAILABLE

617-779-3771

TO STAND WITH US. Boston Priests Answer the Call .

Please support our priests who have been there for us

clergytrust.org

Stand

OutColor Advertising 617-779-3771

For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Saint Thomas Aquinas, Bridgewater, MA 4450

“Solid Service since 1919”

PLUMBING• HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING E-mail: info@mywilliamsenergy.com

Lic.#15201/2990c Braintree, MA (781)-843-0415

Lic.#15278/3654c

RTE.18 Auto Body

AuTo SERvicE AuTo SAlES

781-878-3863

www.rt18autobody.com325 Washington Street, Abington

RS#972

Prophett-ChapmanCole & Gleason

Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

of The Bridgewaters

There is a Choice in Funeral Service

www.russellpicafuneralhome.com

508-586-1700David F. Russell, Jr., President

. Spacious brand new facility

. Large off street parking

We accept any pre-need contracts you have with any other funeral home

441 South Main Street (RT.28), West Bridgewater At the Bridgewater Line

George J. Pica . Robert N. Corliss . Jerald Fraatz Certified Funeral Directors

. Traditional Funerals

. Cremation Options. Pre-Need Planning

-Experience-Comfort-Compassion-

JOHN E. McCLUSKEY, ESQ. ATTORNEYS AT LAW

ESTATE PLANNING, WILLS, TRUSTS, ASSET PROTECTION, ELDER LAW

1325 Belmont St., Brockton, MA www.mccluskeylaw.com

TEL: 508-583-2221

“God is Love” 1 John 4:8

www.bearce.comBridgewater508-697-3400

Brockton508-586-3400

We Service Brockton & Surrounding

Towns Since 1946

www.ptuclinic.comFollow us on Instagram or Facebook @ptuclinic for updates

If you want to get stronger and feel better call PTU where YOU’RE more than a patient

and WE’RE more than physical therapy!

Call 508-697-2000

Call for Estimates - 781.447.4336www.drivewaysbyheap.com

SAINT BRIDGET SCHOOLA Catholic school educating Preschool through Grade 8

Where Faith, Friendships, and Futures are Formed

Enroll Online for 2019 - 2020Preschool and Pre-K programs and Full-Day Kindergarten

Before and After School Childcare • Technology Rich Environment 455 Plymouth Street, Abington MA 02351 • 781-878-8482 • www.stbridgetschool.us

morseins.com . 508.697.5300

Where should you go for local understanding of your insurance needs?

. Houses . Pool Decks . Roofs . FencesMOBILE WASHING

Joe (781) 878-9990 FREE ESTIMATESJoe (781) 878-9990 FREE ESTIMATESVisit us at www.nicemobilewashing.com | info@nicemobilewashing.com

WWW.NERDSTOGO.COM

63 Tremont Street, Unit ATaunton, MA 02780

1.508.659.4640

Visit Our Showroom or We Will Come to YOU! Commercial & ResidentialCarpeting • Luxury Vinyl Plank

Sheet Vinyl • Hardwood • Laminate Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

547 Centre St., Middelboro, MA • (508) 947-7277 • www.newenglandfloorscapes.com

Custom Window Treatments • Pleated shades

• Honeycomb shades • Vertical blinds

• and more!

150 Fireworks Circle Bridgewater, MA

Serving all of New England

www.bridgewaterpolyvinyl.net508-697-7050 •

Areyoulookingforawaytoenrichyourlife,aswellashelpothers?

DoyouknowofsomeonewhowouldliketolearnbasicEnglishandReadingSkills?

ConsiderESLtutoringthroughLiteracyPlaceinBridgewater.

Youcanreachusat

774-409-2110

ThisPhotobyUnknownAuthorislicensed

Literacy PlaceAreyoulookingforawaytoenrichyourlife,aswellashelp

others?

DoyouknowofsomeonewhowouldliketolearnbasicEnglishandReadingSkills?

ConsiderESLtutoringthroughLiteracyPlaceinBridgewater.

Youcanreachusat

774-409-2110

ThisPhotobyUnknownAuthorislicensed

thebridgewaterseamstress@gmail.com 508-807-5138

The Bridgewater SeamstressSewing & Alterations

General sewing • Contract sewing Alterations • Garment construction

and more!

AD SPACE AVAILABLE

617-779-3771

Rob MatthewsYour Local Reverse Mortgage Specialist

(781) 493-6045 Office • (617) 719-3607 Cellrmatthews@pr1mtg.com

LO21644 | MB2873We arrange but do not make loans