Catholic Parish of St. Thomas More

210 Haddow Close, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6R 2P3, Ph: (780) 434-6313, Fax: (780) 438-2088

WEEKLY BULLETIN

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Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time:

August 17, 2008

The Life of Discipleship:
St. Paul Through the Lens of Stewardship

Few people in the 2000-year history of Christianity have had as much impact on our faith life as St. Paul. The Church Father St. John Chrysostom’s admiration for this Apostle was such that he claimed no one had imitated Christ as closely as Paul. Paul himself made claims no less daring, “be imitators of me as I am of Christ,” or at other times, simply “be imitators of me” (1 Cor 11:1; 1 Cor 4:16).

In what ways are we to imitate this disciple par excellence of Christ? Or, better yet, what type of discipleship does Paul expect in the Church of God? If we think of stewardship as discipleship beginning with gratitude and culminating with responsibility, then we are well on the way to understanding Paul’s vision of what it means to follow Christ as he does.

We begin, as Paul does in his letters, with thanksgiving. The Apostle adorns the opening lines of his epistles with words of gratitude. His first impulse is to acknowledge the great gift God has given: his Son. God has sent his Son “who was descended from David” (Rom 1:3). That is, he has sent the long expected Messiah (Messiah means the “Anointed One” and is rendered in Greek as Christ) who has established the New Covenant.

Significantly, this New Covenant has given Gentiles (non-Jews) access in the Spirit to the Father. “So then,” Paul explains, “you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God” (Eph 2:19). This is no small matter. Through the waters of baptism, we have gone from strangers wandering in the darkness of this world, to adopted sons and daughters of the Father, the living children of God. For this we give thanks!

Admittedly, the significance of this saving act, as well as the gratitude it evokes, can be wanting. Paul experienced the same phenomena even among the first generation of Christians. Paul has to remind the Romans of what it means to be baptized: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” He continues, “we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:3-4). Paul is telling us, in two short sentences, everything about discipleship.

We are thankful for entry into the New Covenant through baptism because this means union with Christ, his cross, and resurrection. Furthermore, we manifest our thanksgiving by the way we live – since through Christ, says Paul, you “have become slaves of righteousness” (Rom 6:18).

Paul offers a number of directions on how our thankfulness can be manifested in the world. The primary means is most simple: by our conduct. “Fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these” are contrasted to the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal 5:19-23).

Paul not only provides guidelines by which individuals gauge their conduct in conformity with the Spirit of Christ – but he also expects believers to use their talents and gifts for building up the Body of Christ. His beautiful exposition on gifts in 1 Corinthians highlights that “to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7). Our sharing of gifts, wealth, and resources is, if anything, a reflection of God’s saving act. Paul explains, though Christ “was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9).

In sum, discipleship and good stewardship, in the eyes of St. Paul, is a life freely shared with others in a spirit of deep gratitude towards the Father. May Paul also say of us:

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him . . . so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:4-8).

Gerard McLarney , BEd, MDiv , MTh, PhD candidate
Gerard currently lectures at St. Joseph’s College, U of A, Edmonton.

Questions For Reflection:

What is the New Covenant? How do we enter into this covenant, and why is the New Covenant integral to how we live, love, and act as disciples of Christ?

When Paul tells the Corinthians, “be imitators of me” (1 Cor 4:16). In what ways do you think he expected them to imitate him?

Paul’s letters are full of thanksgivings. If I were the one writing, what would I be thankful for?

Sunday June 29 to Saturday July 5

Sunday
MASS 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Baptism 11 am

Monday
No MASS
Dust Angels 9 am

Tuesday
MASS 7:00 pm

Wednesday
MASS 7:30 a.m.

Thursday
MASS 7:30 a.m.
Legion of Mary 7:30 pm

Friday
MASS 7:30 a.m.

Saturday
Reconciliation 4:00 p.m.
Rosary 4:25 p.m.
MASS 5:00 p.m.

Summer Mass Times June 28 through August 31 INCLUSIVE:
Saturdays at 5:00 pm and Sundays at 9:00 am and 11:00 am.
Weekday Mass Times will not change.

Summer Office Hours June 30 through August 29 INCLUSIVE:
9:00 am till 3:00 pm.

Reconciliation: 4:00 pm Saturdays or by appointment.

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NEXT BULLETIN – SEPTEMBER 7, 2008
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VOLUNTEERS PLEASE !! The “STM Dust Angels” are taking flight to Rome. The church will be in need of cleaners while they are away. Would you like to don a halo and help out for two Monday mornings in September and the first Monday in October? Duties include dusting, vacuuming, washrooms and interior windows. Many hands make for light work and we usually finish in 2 hours; followed by “heavenly goodies” and coffee. Please contact Mark at 780-490-9122.

ST. THOMAS MORE MINISTRY FAIR: Would you like to use some of your time and talent that God has given you? Do you like to give and receive? Then ST. THOMAS MORE MINISTRY FAIR on SEPTEMBER 13 & 14 is looking for you! Stay tuned for more on the ministry fair in the September 7 bulletin.

K4J (KIDS FOR JESUS) FOR KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN: Would you like your Kindergarten child to know more about the Catholic faith through virtues, have fun living them and make friends? K4J welcomes children attending Kindergarten in the catholic, public or home school system. Beginning Sept 22, STM will be offering K4J once a month on Monday evenings from 6:15 pm – 6:45 pm. Brochures are in the display stand in the foyer.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BECOME CATHOLIC? For Adults wishing to be initiated into the Catholic Church, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) will run from 18 Sep 2008 to 31 May 2009. A graphic depicting the four-phase RCIA Process is located at the entrance of the Church. For information on registration, or if you wish to sponsor someone entering the faith, call Darlene Smigelski – 435-3370 or 434-6313 ext 226 or e-mail at stm.rcia.coord@telusplanet.net or visit the RCIA links at http://www.stmparish.com/rciaprep0809.html . Visit the Photo links on the Parish website at http://www.stmparish.com/photo_gallery.php?level=album&id=4 for a photo journey through the program! See the RCIA links for more details on the program.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BECOME CATHOLIC? This is a richly rewarding experience of sharing faith and an opportunity to learn more about the “treasure” that is yours! See the pamphlet at the entrance of the Church and call Darlene Smigelski – 435-3370 or 434-6313 ext 226 or e-mail at stm.rcia.coord@telusplanet.net. Visit the Photo links on the Parish website at http://www.stmparish.com/photo_gallery.php?level=album&id=4 for a photo journey through the program! See the RCIA links for more details on the program.

STAINED GLASS WINDOWS – UPDATE: As a continuation of our stained glass window project, we now focus our attention on the Chapter room. The Chapter room is located on the west side of the church. It is a large room that has within its walls 20 windows. The concept drawings for these windows are displayed at the entrance of the church. The 20 windows will depict the 20 decades of the Rosary. We have received $70,000 for this project. This will pay for the 10 larger windows that are found on the bottom part of the walls. We will soon be ordering these windows. We are still looking for $43,000. If you wish to donate toward this project, please let Fr. Sylvain or David Matwie (Business Administrator) know.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY BAPTIZED: On July 12 and 13, the following children were received into our parish family through the celebration of Baptism: Holly Cooper, Dominic DeLuca, Alexander Gazala, Jade Smith, Kurt Dator, Callie Clarke, Joseph Filan and Tyson Knapczyk. We pray that each child will come to know our Father’s great love through the example, care and prayer of our parish community.

CONFIRMATION 2008: Brochures are now available in the brochure display stand in the church foyer. If you are entering grade seven this fall please pick up a brochure and return the completed information section to the parish office ASAP. Confirmation this year will take place on Sunday, Nov 23 with Most Reverend Archbishop Richard Smith.

FIRST RECONCILIATION/FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: These programs are for school age children. Brochures are in the display stand in the foyer.

BAPTISM FOR INFANTS TO AGE 7 is one of the Sacraments of Initiation by which children become members of the Body of Christ, the church. We at St. Thomas More would be happy to assist you with the preparation for your child’s baptism. Parents are asked to pre-register 2 months in advance and attend 2 Baptism Preparation classes prior to the Baptism Celebration. To register contact Monica at 780-434-6313 ext. 227 or email at stm.pastoral.assist@telusplanet.net. For more information please pick up a blue baptism brochure from the display stand. Note: Expectant parents are encouraged to complete the Baptism Preparation Classes before your child is born.

DO YOU HAVE A CHILD BETWEEN THE AGES OF 7 AND 15 AND WOULD LIKE THEM TO BECOME A CATHOLIC? C.I.C (Christian Initiation of Children) is a process for children aged 7 -15 years who are inquiring and seeking initiation into the Catholic faith. The program runs from Sept 18, 2008 to May 31, 2009. For information on registration, pick up a yellow brochure from the display stand. You may also call Monica at 780-434-6313 ext 227 or email Monica at stm.pastoral.assist@telusplanet.net.

2008-2009 CATECHISM PROGRAM: Would you like your children to receive instruction on the Catholic faith? Do your children attend a Public School or are Home-Schooled? If so, you may be interested in the Catechism Program at St. Thomas More Parish. Beginning Sept 22, we are offering Catechism for children in Grade 1 – Junior High. If you would like to know more about this program and would like to register, please pick up an orange brochure from the display stand.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION AT STM: Brochures are now available in the display stand in the foyer. The next Marriage Preparation course will begin on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 6:15 pm to 9:30 pm, continue Saturday, March 14, 2009 – 9 am to 4 pm, and conclude on Sunday, March 15, 2009 – 9 am to 1 pm. Please phone Judy at 780-434-6313 to register.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: The last meeting of the group was June 13. There will be no meetings throughout the summer. If you would like a prayer shawl contact Linda at 988-9229. This ministry will begin again in the fall, Sept 5 and continue to meet each Friday from 9:30 – 11:00, in the library, until June, 2009.

SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL “Remember, if you need help or know of someone who does, give us a call at 471-5577.

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR GUATEMALA EDUCATION PROJECT: Our parish is having a Special Collection on August 30/31 for the Guatemala education project. Funds raised by the Special Collection will be added to the proceeds from the Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament. Envelopes will be available at the church entrance in August for the Special Collection. The parish will issue tax receipts for this collection. By supporting ONENESS, our parish will help plant seeds for a more hopeful future for poor Guatemalan families through the opportunities made possible through education.

K OF C CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT - Our second annual charity golf tournament is scheduled for Friday, September 12 at Cougar Creek Golf Resort - it's a Texas Scramble event beginning at 9 am. The tournament is being hosted to benefit families in Guatemala - through an organization called ONENESS, proceeds of this event will be used to assist families by supporting educational programs, building schools and other community endeavors. Golfers will receive an entry to play, breakfast, registration prize, steak BBQ and many chances to win a host of other prizes. You can register to golf ($200 per player), donate prizes or sponsor part of the event by calling James and Kim Wilson at 780-432-3407, Ken Schwartz at 780-434-2860 or Mitch and Lesley de la Salle at 780-481-6071. We'd appreciate any form of support.

NOTICE TO CWL MEMBERS: We have been asked to contribute sandwiches and squares/cookies for the reception following the ordination of Victor Botari on Monday, August 25th. If you are able to donate something, please call Jean at 780-435-1861.

THE LADIES AUXILIARY will resume meeting on Wed, September 3 from 9-11 am. This will be the beginning of year 31 that we have been making quilts for WINGS. We also donate quilts to the Society of St Vincent DePaul and prepare baby layettes for the newborns at the Misericordia Hospital. We welcome the ladies of the parish to join us for a touch of warm hospitality and a lasting friendship. Our annual mini craft sale will be held October 25/26 in the Chapter Room.

PROVIDENCE RENEWAL CENTRE is inviting applications for the full time position of Program Assistant effective early September. For more information check the website www.providencerenewal.ca , or see the posted notice on the St. Thomas More bulletin board. To apply email retreats@providencerenewal.ca.

SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE has an opening for Administrative Secretary in the Finance Department. See the full advertisement on the St. Thomas More bulletin board.

PROVIDENCE RENEWAL CENTRE is inviting applications for the part time position of Administrative Assistant. For details see the posted notice on the St. Thomas More bulletin board.

Fair Trade Coffee is served at our social time after Mass.

REGULAR NOTICES

ARE YOU REGISTERED WITH THE PARISH OFFICE? Being registered with the parish office is of the utmost importance. It allows us to serve all parishioners by providing a better vision of the active populace so that we may respond to the needs of this growing and dynamic parish. Please do not assume that you are automatically registered if you or your children have received sacraments at STM or if you live within the parish boundaries and attend Mass. The only way we can register you and your family is upon your submission of a registration form. These forms are on the counter at the main entrance. If you live in and attend St. Thomas More Parish and have not yet registered, or if your information is not up to date, please fill out a form and return it to the parish office. If you have moved or are leaving the parish, we ask you to contact the office and advise us of any changes as soon as possible.

NEW PARISHIONERS / CHANGE OF ADDRESS - Please fill out a Parish Registration Form located on the counter below the bulletin board at the church entrance.

INTERESTED IN PRE-AUTHORIZED DONATIONS? – The Pre-Authorized Donation (PAD) Forms are located on the counter below the bulletin board at the church entrance.

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