ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
4100 South Coulter Street Amarillo, TX 79109
The Ascension of the Lord May 24, 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.
REFLECTION
Everlasting Easter
The Easter season is almost over. This season is always a
tougher one for us Catholics. We get Advent and Lent:
preparation. We are on board with Christmas, mainly
because we like to keep up our decorations until someone
tells us the exact day we must take them down. But Easter
as a season is a bit more difficult to observe. The rest of the
world has moved on. There are no Easter eggs left in store
windows and all those religious movies on television have
given way to reruns or season-ending episodes. It just feels
like Easter anywhere … except in the Church.
The truth is that it should feel like Easter all year-round
in the Church. Every Sunday, we celebrate a mini-Easter.
Our Lord is ALIVE! He is risen and alive, and we need to
celebrate. We also need to be about the work of the Lord.
We are an Easter people who bear witness to his resurrection
through our stewardship. If he had never risen, then we
would be called to nothing by no one. But he lives! As this
Easter season is drawing to a close, it is prudent to reflect on
what his death and resurrection mean for each of us. How
has it changed us? How does it motivate us? It doesn’t look
like Easter in most corners of the world, so it is up to us to
bring a little Easter to every place we go and to everyone
we meet.
~Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
©LPi
Parish News/Events
Our Stewardship
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
A pair of ducks found their way to the same little corner of
the property year after year. Sheltered by a little grove of
trees, they quickly made their preparations to build a nest,
lay eggs, and welcome in a new family. Then one year, only
one of the ducks came to that little corner. She went about
the business of building a nest, but this time, she was clearly
unsettled. She would wander around, sometimes seemingly
without purpose, almost hoping perhaps that her mate might
come along. But, she remained alone. There were many
times when we could hear her “crying”, mourning her
loneliness and lack of purpose, sitting on a batch of eggs
that would never hatch. One day, she quietly left that little
corner never to return again. Many human beings approach life this way. We silently
grieve our loneliness, lack of direction, and sense of pur-
pose. Maybe life once had meaning for us, but nothing
seems to claim us and settle our restlessness any longer.
We wander around looking and hoping for someone or
something to come our way. We may even sob at times,
wailing as we sit with the misery of our pain. Will happiness
ever come our way again? Or will we simply leave where
we are never to return again? Many are lost, wandering
souls who are not quite sure where to settle or where to
make a home. We are meant to be in Christ. This glorious feast of the
Ascension shows us, with clear vision, who Jesus really is!
Understanding ourselves in Christ really changes things up
and reorients us to our greater purpose, mission, and
meaning. We are part of the cosmic wonder of creation and
part of a bigger plan and mystery, destined to be much
more than what we now know ourselves to be. Could Jesus’
friends know who he would become? If we can find the
Christ present within and see the Christ bursting forth in all
creation and beyond, then we can come to know our truth
and understand where our home and life is meant to be. Advancing upon the blessing of each new day with the
certain knowledge that you are an unconditionally loved
child of God gives you the axis and the safe harbor to cope
with whatever comes your way. The gift of joy will be yours,
and you can discover your true meaning and purpose. Look
within, look without, look above, and look below. You are
not alone. Trust that God will lead you where you need to be
and transform you into who you really are.
©LPi Budget Actual Variance May 17, 2020 NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO PUBLICATION DATE “I am praying for them…” ~JOHN 17:9
Prayer is the foundation of our Faith and the foundation of Stewardship. Pray in good times and in bad. Prayer is always the first best option in any situation, not just the last resort. Pray for friends and family and for those that don’t treat you very well. Pray to give praise, to thank, and to ask God for help. Pray to see what God wants you to do with the gifts He has given you. ~archstl.org
PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS:
OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND:
Kate Schmidt, Ben Canales, Cleta Bustos, Steve Chontos,
Glenda Fassauer, Braxton Sandoval, Cheryle Wayne, Jerry
Stone, Jerry Terry, Esther York, Mike O’Neill, Emile Jones,
Madeline Arrott, Lupita Randon, Betty Cutting, Judy Allen,
Jordan Barrientez, Paul Kiefer, Doug Tyler, JoAnn Mercer,
John (Jack) Hoben, LaRuth Haverfield, Richard Herbsleb,
James Rhodes, Rod Lancour, Jack Turner, Ray Ramirez, C. D.
Williams, Kim Zinsmeyer, Michael Hubbs, Margaret Herring,
Carol Olivas, Jac DeMont, Don Terrill, Marilyn Carr, Glenda
Gerber, Erminia Wiggs, Cecilia Gleason, Jeannine
Bellinghausen, Madeline Ryberg, Tom Leezer, Steven Torres ,
Marisa Delgado, Ofelia Horich, Rhonnie Kaplan
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, David Graham, William Weinheimer ,
Trevor Bunkers, Chase Logan
Sunday, May 24:
Acts 1:1-11/Eph 1:17-23/Mt 28:16-20 Monday, May 25:
Acts 19:1-8/Jn 16:29-33 Tuesday, May 26:
Acts 20:17-27/Jn 17:1-11a Wednesday, May 27:
Acts 20:28-38/Jn 17:11b-19 Thursday, May 28:
Acts 22:30; 23:6-11/Jn 17:20-26 Friday, May 29:
Acts 25:13b-21/Jn 21:15-19 Saturday, May 30:
Acts 2:1-11/1/Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13/Jn 20:19-23 Sunday, May 31:
Acts 2:1-11/1/Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13/Jn 20:19-23
Daily Scripture Readings
Holy Cross Catholic Academy congratulates the graduating seniors for the class of 2020! Selena Luna Kristine Nguyen John Reeves Karina Ronquillo Pierce Seidenberger Yesenia Torres Aaron Vincent
Father, I have knowledge, so will You show me now, How to use it wisely and find a way somehow To make the world I live in a little better place, And make life with its problems a little bit easier to face. Grant me faith and courage and put purpose in my days, And show me how to serve Thee in effective ways. So my education, my knowledge and my skill May find their true fulfillment as I learn to do Thy will. And may I ever be aware in everything I do, That knowledge comes from learning, and wisdom comes from You. Amen.
PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: At this time, the Adoration Chapel is closed until further notice. We will keep the parish updated. 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.
CARDBOARD RECYCLING: The green cardboard recycling bin is still available for your use. Be sure to recycle those boxes when you get your on-line orders! Bring your clean, flattened cardboard and place in the container located near the dumpster at the back service entrance. The monthly fee is sponsored by Gloe Landscaping.
St. Thomas Youth Events
All Youth activities are suspended until further notice. Updates
will be posted as they become available.
Stay safe and stay well.
Holy Cross Catholic Academy Parish News/Events
VOCATIONS CRUCIFIX: The crucifix is taken home by an individual or family each week and put in a safe place of honor. The prayer for vocations is then prayed each day by the person or family for the entire week. Your prayers are greatly needed so we ask that you sign up now in the Bell Tower.
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.
A big “THANK YOU” to St. Thomas Altar Guild for donating the beautiful flowers that surrounded the Blessed Mother’s statue on Mother’s Day. A big “THANK YOU” to St. Thomas Men’s Club for donating the funds to purchase the congratulatory banner for the 2020 High School Seniors that is displayed in front of the church.
Here are a few more kind notes from some of our members
that were included with their weekly/monthly offerings:
“Thank you and miss seeing the family church. Really appreciate the Live Streaming of the Mass.” /s/ Myrtle White Father John, “Thank you so much for the encouraging messages. They are so needed at this time. Hoping to join together soon for Mass. Sending prayers and blessings.” /s/ Elias & Dorothy Urias Dear Fr. John & Fr. Victor, “How I look forward to Mass at St. Thomas. Here at the Craig we are still in lock down and the church is closed. This has been a very difficult time. I cannot get your daily Masses so EWTN has been my help….. I pray my rosary daily and ask the Blessed Mother’s help that this pandemic is over soon. May God bless us all. Be careful & stay well.” /s/ Shirley Mager.
If you want a lovely memorial tribute to a lost loved one or loved ones or a way to honor those special individuals in your life, be reminded that you may purchase a beautiful fresh flower arrangement designed by Scott’s Flowers for a donation of $85.00.
If you are interested in purchasing Altar Flowers, complete a request form (forms can be found next to the credenza outside the bell tower) or just call the Parish Office, 358-2461.
SAVE THE DATE:
The 37th Annual Jerry Harpole
Memorial Scholarship Golf
Tournament originally scheduled
for May 16, 2020, has been
tentatively rescheduled for Aug. 29.
Parish News/Events
ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH STAFF
Pastor ……………………………………………..….Rev. John Valdez
Assistant Pastor…………………………..Rev. Victor Hugo Andrade
Deacon ………………………………….…………….Blaine Westlake
Deacon …………………………………………………..Phillip Whitson
Retired Deacon ……………………………………………..Jim Brown
Retired Deacon ……………………………………..Terry Pevehouse
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 Gallegos
Facility Assistant …………………………..…..…….....Glen Starcher
Custodian …………………………………………….Mark Ebenkamp
Custodian ………………………………………………....Curtis Zeissel
Liturgical Environmentalist………………………………..Julie Pierce
Mass Intentions
MONDAY, MAY 25
11:00 AM
+Leo Joseph & Kevin Joseph Mack by Maureen Mack TUESDAY, MAY 26
11:00 AM
+Stew Bryant by Gary Rider
+Wayne Kuehler by Narcisa Slaton
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
11:00 AM
Int. of Rev. John Valdez by Pat Wilcox
+Edna Henke by Pat Stich THURSDAY, MAY 28
11:00 AM
Int. of Shelly Diller by Albert & Betty Sciumbato FRIDAY, MAY 29
11:00 AM
Int. of Kim Schmucker
Int. of Mary Moreno by George & Rebecca Moreno SATURDAY, MAY 30 5:00 PM +Carmen Arosemena by Carrizo Family SUNDAY, MAY 31
9:00 AM
MEMBERS OF THE PARISH FAMILY
11:15 AM
+Stew Bryant by Stephen & Rosalie Chontos
Religious Education & RCIA Memorial Day - May 25, 2020
RE NEWS *All R.E. classes are cancelled for the time being. Take home lessons have been emailed for anyone interested. Please let Kerry know if you haven’t received lesson ideas but want some. *1st Communion II and RCIC II students have materials for a take-home retreat and material to complete at home before the Sacrament of 1st Communion, which will be rescheduled for a later date. Please check your email and the Remind app to know when these will need to be returned! *Confirmation I students will need to complete their saint projects and other lessons at home. Information about the assignments has been emailed to parents. Please email Kerry at [email protected] if you have not received this information.
RCIA NEWS +Since we will not be able to gather for our traditional Holy Week masses, our candidates and catechumen will plan to enter the Church during Pentecost, May 30!
+ If you’re an adult who has never been baptized, NOW is the time begin your preparation! The first step of RCIA is an Inquiry class that meets from 10:05-11:05 a.m. in the library. The class is informal and fun!
**All Inquiry classes will be put on hold temporarily.
+Please note that these classes are a required part of the RCIA formation process.
Conntact Kerry Acker DRE at [email protected] or 806.358.2461, Ext. 106, for more info on RCIA or Religious Education
Adult Faith Formation
A Prayer for Strength, Hope and Healing
Dear heavenly Father we come to you today with heavy hearts for the countless number of people in need today. We pray for Strength, Hope and Healing. Lord we pray for all the healthcare providers all around the world, our heroes, and their families. We pray for Strength, Hope and Healing. We pray for our leaders all around the world. We pray for Strength, Hope, and Healing. We pray for our entire family, and our employees who are uncertain of jobs, we pray for financial grace and for the moms and dads who are both teacher and parent. We pray for Strength, Hope and Healing. Lord you told us “Faith the size of a mustard seed” is all we need as we know this too shall pass. We pray a prayer of Strength, Hope and Healing . Amen ©Creighton University Online Ministries
With Gratitude and Honor
Gracious God, on this Memorial Day weekend, we
remember and give thanks for those who have given their
lives in the service of our country. When the need was
greatest, they stepped forward and did their duty to
defend the freedoms that we enjoy, and to
win the same for others.
O God, you yourself have taught us that no love is greater
than that which gives itself for another. These honored
dead gave the most precious gift they had, life itself,
for loved ones and neighbors, for
comrades and country - and for us.
Help us to honor their memory by caring for the family
members they have left behind, by ensuring that their
wounded comrades are properly cared for,
by being watchful caretakers of the freedoms
for which they gave their lives, and by demanding
that no other young men and women
follow them to a soldier's grave unless the
reason is worthy and the cause is just.
Holy One, help us to remember that freedom is not free.
There are times when its cost is, indeed, dear.
Never let us forget those who paid so terrible a
price to ensure that freedom would be our legacy.
Though their names may fade with the passing
of generations, may we never
forget what they have done. Help us to be
worthy of their sacrifice, O God, help us to be worthy.
- J. Veltri, S.J.
catholic-cemetery.org