ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE

CATHOLIC CHURCH

4100 South Coulter Street Amarillo, TX 79109

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 22, 2020

Church Phone: (806) 358-2461

Rectory Phone: (806) 353-1016

Fax: (806) 358-2529

Website: https://amarillo.church

Office Hours: (M-F) 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Diocese of Amarillo

Mass Times Saturday: 5:00 PM (Sunday Vigil Mass)

Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:15 AM

Monday & Tuesday: 6:00 PM

Wednesday thru Friday: 7:00 AM

Holy Days: (to be announced) Sacrament of Reconciliation Wednesday: 5:30-6:30 PM

Saturday: 3:30-4:30 PM

Other times by appointment

Sacrament of Baptism

Contact the Parish Office to schedule a date and

time. Parents and sponsors must attend a Baptism

class. One sponsor must be Catholic and at least

16 years of age.

Sacraments of 1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion

These sacraments combine into one sacramental

preparation program which takes two consecutive

years of religious education classes to complete.

Students must be at least in first grade to begin this

preparation.

Sacrament of Confirmation

This sacrament takes two consecutive years of faith

formation to complete. Students must be in at least

seventh grade before beginning this preparation.

Sacrament of Matrimony

Contact the Pastor at least six months before the

date of the wedding.

Sacrament of the Sick

Please notify the parish secretary of any sick or

elderly shut-ins and all those in the hospital.

The Rite of Christian Initiation

The program for adults (RCIA) is open to

non-Catholics who wish to learn more about the

Catholic faith and to Catholics who have not

celebrated the Sacraments. This process is offered

on an ongoing basis.

There Is Much to Be Done Growing up Catholic means I must have heard a million

times the passage in Matthew’s Gospel about how doing

things for the “least of these” means you have done them for

Jesus. Okay, that is an exaggeration to make a point. But it

has been a slogan for so many social justice activities, from

clothing and canned food drives, to letter writing campaigns

and peaceful protests.

Growing up I only knew how to help the least of these

through the school and church activities of the time. Today,

YouTube and GodTube are filled with videos of creative ways

people reach out to one another. Have you seen the one

about the pizza party for the homeless? How about the fake

lottery ticket or the house bought from online donations for a

poor man? There are even videos of people paying for the

car behind them at the drive-through! The awesome thing

about this is that it serves as a witness to others. It is not

boasting but instead sharing the Good News. Giving and

good stewardship can be contagious!

Our pastor has several times over the years handed out $10

bills to confirmation candidates and asked them to “pay it

forward.” They can keep the money or use it to make a dif-

ference in someone else’s life. One teen planted a garden

for an elderly woman. One bought ingredients for brownies

and sold them to give even more than $10 to charity. The

teens not only learned something about good stewardship in

the process, but also served as great examples to the parish

community.

As always, there is much to be done. The King is coming

soon! Let’s spread the news and some love at the same time! — Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS ©LPi

Catholic Question

What is Eucharistic Adoration?

Question: What is Eucharistic Adoration?

Answer: The practice of Eucharistic Adoration is a centuries old ritual

and falls within a broader category of devotions and rituals

that are associated with the Sacrament of the Eucharist. In a

particular way, Eucharistic Adoration is an extension of the

worship and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament that occurs

in every Mass. In a long-standing practice, a period of Eucharistic

Adoration often ends with “benediction,” the blessing

of the faith with the Blessed Sacrament. Several parishes throughout the United States have

introduced the practice of perpetual Eucharistic Adoration,

while other communities have the custom of shorter periods

of Eucharistic Adoration. Care should always be taken that

these periods of adoration respect the instructions outlined

in Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of

Mass, the liturgical book that gives the instructions for the

proper celebration of Eucharistic Adoration. Although adoration of the Blessed Sacrament can never

take the place of Eucharistic Communion, many Catholics

find great comfort and consolation in their prayers before

the Eucharist enshrined in the tabernacle or when it is

exposed in the monstrance (both are equally valid, as the

Christ is not more present in one than in the other). But when

we consider our eucharistic devotions, it is always important

to remember the fundamental connection these acts of

devotion have the celebration of the Eucharist in the Mass

and reception of Christ in Communion. ©LPi

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS:

OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND:

Kate Schmidt, Ben Canales, Steve Chontos, Glenda

Fassauer, Braxton Sandoval, Cheryle Wayne, Jerry Stone,

Jerry Terry, Esther York, Mike O’Neill, Emile Jones, Madeline

Arrott, Betty Cutting, Judy Allen, Jordan Barrientez,

Paul Kiefer, JoAnn Mercer, John (Jack) Hoben, LaRuth

Haverfield, Richard Herbsleb, James Rhodes, Rod Lancour,

Jack Turner, Ray Ramirez, C. D. Williams, Kim Zinsmeyer,

Margaret Herring, Carol Olivas, Jac DeMont, Marilyn Carr,

Glenda Gerber, Erminia Wiggs, Cecilia Gleason, Jeannine

Bellinghausen, Madeline Ryberg, Tom Leezer, Steven Torres,

Marisa Delgado, Rhonnie Kaplan, Gerald Lis, Alicia Gurney,

Elsie Wieck

OUR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN:

Sheldon Fowler, A. J. Serafin, Lee Wingfield, Sean Callahan,

Bryan Revell, John Nussbaum, Rachel Nussbaum, Matt

Nussbaum, Christopher Schrock, David Oviedo Cantu,

Jacob Bitonel, Jason Freeby, Jacob Tumbelson, Swasey &

Jena Brown, Cody Keesee, Justin Spencer, Ryan Huseman,

Ethan Thomas Weaver, Toby Bitonel, Jeremiah Tumbleson,

Jarred Romero, William Weinheimer, Trevor Bunkers, Chase

Logan.

Sunday, November 22:

Ez 34:11-12, 15-17/1 Cor 15:20-26, 28/Mt 25:31-46 Monday, November 23:

Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5/Lk 21:1-4

Tuesday, November 24:

Rv 14:14-19/Lk 21:5-11 Wednesday, November 25:

Rv 15:1-4/Lk 21:12-19 Thursday, November 26:

Rv 18:1-2, 21-23/ 19:1-3, 9a/Lk 21:20-28 Friday, November 27:

Rv 20:1-4, 11—21:2/Lk 21:29-33 Saturday, November 28:

Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7/1 Cor 1:3-9/Mk 13:33-37

Sunday, November 29:

Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7/1 Cor 1:3-9/Mk 13:33-37

Daily Scripture Readings

“...whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me.” ~MATTHEW 25:40 Most of us are generous when it’s convenient for us. We are generous when we have the time or the money. But, generosity is the opposite of that. It means giving of one’s time, money, compassion, forgiveness or mercy when it’s not convenient; when it’s not on our schedule, but on the other person’s schedule. ~archstl.org

A Loving Tribute

Stewardship

The fresh flowers this week are

in loving memory of

David & Roberta Van Vickle

donated by Robert, Andrew, Lisa & Tina

INSPIRING THANKSGIVING QUOTE

“O God, grant that whatever good things

I have, I may share generously with those who

have not, and whatever good things

I do not have, I may request humbly

from those who do.”

~St. Thomas Aquinas

OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

Many Americans are fascinated with England’s monarchy. For

many different reasons, we are drawn to the regal pageantry and all

of the protocols associated with royal lifestyles. What’s most amaz-

ing is that for all of the media attention focused on the comings and

goings of English royalty, they really have very little effect on the

day to day dealings of their country. Thoughts and images of kings

and queens are often centered on this story book understanding of

who and what they are. We associate protocols, etiquette, and

proper words and actions to how we approach members of a royal

family. These tools serve the necessary purpose of keeping them

isolated, enthroned, and at a distance. There is something attractive

about being an observer of ritual, pomp, and circumstance. It’s al-

most theatrical.

Is this how we see Jesus Christ, too? We often behave as if Christ

is an isolated, enthroned, royal, and even ineffective king. Jesus

wants nothing to do with having the status of an earthly king. Jesus

also does not want to be watched, observed, or set apart. He wants

to get down and dirty with the very stuff of life especially the poor,

marginalized, confused, hurting, lost, broken, imprisoned, and for-

gotten ones. Jesus is the king who turns the tables on us and wants

not only our attention but our engagement and conversion. He

wants us to get dirty too.

How we treat other people is at the heart of Christ’s kingdom.

“Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for

me.” At different times in our lives we are all counted among the

“least” ones. We may not be physically poor, but we can easily

become emotionally and spiritually poor. We may not be

marginalized as many physically are, cast aside because they

have too many needs or don’t quite fit in. But who hasn’t experi-

enced isolation, loneliness, inner turmoil, angst, heartache, or loss?

Almost every human being has experienced brokenness at one

point or another, or will most definitely at some future point, facing

discouragement, fear, insecurity. People are thirsty for more than

water. We are imprisoned by our prejudices, misconceived notions

and ideas, self-focused obsessions and ideologies. There is a lot of

pain and many least ones around us. Stop, look and listen. This is

what Christ the King is asking us to do. Look deeply into the eyes

and soul of your sisters and brothers, all of them, and see Christ

himself.

Being a spectator and observing all of the pageantry isn’t

enough. Jesus wants us to inherit the kingdom and live the kingdom.

It is built on the blocks of love, mercy, compassion, hope, faith, and

blessing. It engages those who want it, changes and informs minds,

inspires and transforms hearts, converts and renews souls, and sets

things right. There is such a great need around us. Are you ready

and willing to do whatever you can to serve in God’s kingdom?

©LPi

GETTING MARRIED? If you are getting married sometime this year, NFP is a mandatory requirement in the Diocese of Amarillo for couples seeking the sacrament of matrimony. For more information and class schedules near you, please visit the website, www.amarillodiocese.org/nfp.

Holy Cross Catholic Academy Sacrament Information

If you are new parents and/or first- time 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. Mary’s Cathedral, 1200 S. Washington, St., welcomes

Dominican priest, Father Brian Thomas Becket Mullady ,for an

Advent Mission -”Healing & Forgiveness.” This virtual mission

will be presented on Tues., Dec. 1, & Wed., Dec. 2, beginning at

7:00 p.m. Rev. Tony Neusch will lead a Prayer Service on

Thurs., Dec. 3, at 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend, but

for those who wish to view Father Mullady’s presentation at home,

the talks will be live streamed on the cathedral’s website,

stmarysamarillo.com.

Employment Opportunity

The faculty, staff and students from Holy Cross Catholic Academy would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. God our creator, your gifts to us are countless

and your goodness without limit. As we come in thanksgiving, teach us to use wisely the riches of land and seas and all the blessings which come from you. Grant us hearts that know the needs of others that we may give as freely as we have received from you. Amen

Meditation

THE DIOCESE OF AMARILLO is accepting applications for the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO is responsible for providing, developing and maintaining financial accountability standards and ethics for all diocesan matters. The CFO directs, manages and supervises the financial operations of the Pastoral Center in conjunction with the Bishop. The CFO manages the diocesan assets and advises management in financial operations. Applicant must be licensed as a Certified Public Accountant or have compatible experience. Familiarity with diocesan financial operations is preferred, but other accounting experience will be considered. Experience as a chief finance officer or other high-level accounting or finance position is a plus. The position requires excellent communication and organizational skills. Applicants should have proficiency with information technology, including knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and accounting computer applications. For a full job description, please visit our the diocese website at www.amarillodiocese.org/finance. Resumes will be accepted until August 31, 2020 and should be sent to: Dcn. Phil Whitson Diocese of Amarillo P. O. Box 5644 Amarillo, TX 79117 or pwhitson@dioama.org.

Advent Mission

THANKSGIVING DAY IS THURS., NOV. 26;

MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED AT 10:00 A.M.

BRING THE BREAD & WINE YOU WILL BE SERVING

AT YOUR MEAL FOR A SPECIAL BLESSING.

PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED

THURS., NOV. 26, & FRI., NOV. 27.

THE STAFF WISHES EACH OF YOU

A SAFE & HEALTHY THANKSGIVING!

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH STAFF

Pastor ……………………………………………..…..Rev. John Valdez

Deacon ………………………………….…….……….Blaine Westlake

Deacon …………………………………………….……..Phillip Whitson

Deacon…………………………………………………….....Mark White

Deacon …………………………………………….…...…..Darryl Dixon

Retired Deacon ……………………………….……..Terry Pevehouse

Retired Deacon………………………………………..……..Jim Brown

Music Director/Organist/Choir Master……...….……..Jim Gardner

Children/Youth Choir Director………………….….Mykel Byersmith

Religious Ed & Adult Faith Formation Director…...……Kerry Acker

Youth Director……………………………………...Andrew Neighbors

Parish Secretary ……………………………………….…....Rita Walker

Facility Administrator ……………………………….…….Bryan Webb

Parish Bookkeeper …………………………..…..….Virginia Christian

Parish Life Coordinator ………………………..….……….Julie Jones

Ministry Assistant ……………………..…….… .Dayamin Winchester

Music Secretary ………………………..….…….....……Judith Tucker

Music/RE Assistant ..……………………..…..…..….Stephanie Kelley

Facility Assistant …………………………..…..….…......Glen Starcher

Custodian ……………………………………….…….Mark Ebenkamp

Custodian ………………………………………….……....Curtis Zeissel

Liturgical Environmentalist………………………….……..Julie Pierce

Mass Intentions

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23

9:00 AM +John C. Tobias by Fran Tobias Robbins TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24

9:00 AM Spec. Int. of Gilda Galdo by Genevieve Sinclair WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25

9:00 AM +Julia Pena by the Pena Family THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 - THANKSGIVING DAY

10:00 AM +Pete Aboytes by Rudy & Vickey Velez

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 NO MASS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28

5:00 PM +Victor Blick by Joe & Kathy Hart SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29

7:00 AM

MEMBERS OF THE PARISH FAMILY

9:00 AM

+Darlene Lopez by Dolores Hernandez

11:15 AM

+Warren J. Slaton by His Family

Religious Education & RCIA

RE NEWS *We are seeking more people to volunteer to sub for in-person Sunday religious education classes. If you would be hoping to helping in this way, please contact Kerry in the RE office! *1st parent meetings will be families who have children in RCIC II and 1st Communion II. Options for meetings will be sent out via Flocknote and will require sign up to make sure we can space participants adequately. November 18 (virtual), November 19 (in-person), or November 22 (in-person). *Confirmation II families will have meeting options beginning in Dec. Sign ups are sent out via email/flocknote groups. Please sign up for Dec. 2 (virtual); Dec. 3 (in-person); or Dec. 6 (in-person). *Calendars for the RE year were sent to family emails and placed on our website. Our next weekend off is November 26 for Thursday classes and November 29 for Sunday classes. *The Diocese of Amarillo has adopted the Virtus program, Protecting God’s Children, for the training of adults working with minors. Registration for Virtus training must be done online in advance of the scheduled training. To register go to www.virtus.org and follow the instructions. From that site you will be able to register for any session offered in the diocese. If you have questions, please call Ann Lueb at the parish office.

RCIA NEWS

**Want to know more about becoming Catholic? Please con-tact Kerry Acker! We also prepare adults 17 and older for the Sacrament of Confirmation through this class.

Contact Kerry Acker DRE at kacker@stthomasamarillo.org or

806.358.2461, Ext. 106, for more info on RCIA or Religious Education.

Daily Prayer This Week

This week we might be inspired by the gospels to ask God to help us be attentive for the signs of God's presence in our lives each day.

We can ask Jesus to help us open our hearts and be more generous in our daily lives. Inspired by the poor widow, we can ask ourselves, in faith, "How willing am I to share? Do I give from my surplus or is it a real sacrifice?" Are we generous with our time and talents? Perhaps we spend too much time at the computer or at work or in various other projects, neglecting our family or other relationships. Are there places where we could give more of ourselves to peo-ple who need us?

When Jesus speaks of the "tribulations" that are ahead for all Christians, this might prompt me to ask myself how willing I am to live my faith courageously. Caring for the poor, seeking justice and self-giving love are basic ele-ments of following Jesus, but they are not valued by our culture. Am I willing to face the objections of family and friends for being so "counter-cultural" in following the gos-pel?

Perhaps we are distracted by the pressures of daily life, or as Jesus says so aptly, we allow our hearts to grow drowsy from "carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise...." What is it in our lives that keeps us from recognizing God's Kingdom here on earth? Maybe we abuse alcohol, are greedy, or know deep inside there is a basic selfishness we don't even want to recognize in ourselves. We can only rely on Jesus for an "awakeness" that will help us to see ourselves as Jesus sees us, with love and forgiveness. Taken from the "Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer" on the Creighton Uni-versity's Online Ministries web site: http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html Used with permission.

Adult Faith Formation

St. Thomas the Apostle Youth

Keep up with what is going on at St. Thomas by signing

up for Flocknote at www.amarillo.church and like us

and follow our latest news and updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amarillo.church

Staying Informed

S.T.A.Y. gatherings are going strong! Look on our website for dates and times. The most up-to-date information will be on our REMIND. Youth are required to have temperature taken, sign that they do not have symptoms, and wear a mask. For those who do not drive, parents will need to escort children to a volunteer just inside the Dwelling entrance for temperature checks. Children who fail the temperature check will leave with their parents. If children have any symptoms, contact with anyone with symptoms, or are on school-quarantine, then please keep them at home. Let's work together to keep everyone safe! For more information, contact Andrew Neighbors, Youth Director, at neighborspatriot@gmail.com.

NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARISH?

Visit our website at www.amarillo.church Daily Mass Mon. thru Fri., is at 9:00 a.m.;

doors open at 8:15 a.m.; enter Entrance B; Weekend Liturgies: Sat., 5:00 p.m., & Sun., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m., (11:15 a.m., is live-streamed) enter Entrance A or B. Face covering required at all Liturgies. Confessions are heard on Sat., 3:30-4:30 p.m., in the Parlor. Enter Entrance B.

Face covering required.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE TEXAS PANHANDLE

Drop-Off Food Drive which was

held at St. Thomas on Wed., Oct. 14, & Sat., Oct. 17,

resulted in food donations totaling $2,474.81.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!