A Note from Fr. Joe…. fileseeks his image in your character.” (Sermon 113A, 8-9) Do we repay God...
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1-180 St. Thomas of Villanova TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME October 19, 2014 A Note from Fr. Joe…. Have you ever felt like you were being set up? That somebody had an ulterior motive when he or she approached you? Maybe they wanted something – sort of like when we hoped to use our parents’ car to go out. “Mom, Dad, you’re the best!” Perhaps it was more serious – the person slyly tried to make us look bad in front of our classmates or to trip us up at work in an important meeting. Certainly Jesus could relate as we hear in this Sunday’s Gospel – “The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus.” As we know though, that was deadly serious, as they wanted to get Jesus in trouble with the Roman authorities, to get him out of their hair and embarrass him in front of his growing following. But, as was so often the case, Jesus saw through the false flattery and was able to turn the tables on his antagonists. Over the centuries, there have been a number of interpretations of this Sunday’s Gospel. At its core, however, I believe that it points to priorities and our relationship with God. When Jesus says, “repay…to God what belongs to God,” he’s implying that his accusers aren’t doing that – and, ironically, when asked, the Herodians, with the Pharisees’ disciples, are able to quickly produce a Roman coin, indicating their at least tacit collaboration with Caesar. The emperor is owed money – that which bears his name and image. God is owed what bears his image – that is, our very selves. Here’s how St. Augustine puts it, “Just as Caesar seeks his image in your coin, so God seeks his image in your character.” (Sermon 113A, 8-9) Do we repay God by working on our character, by developing the gifts and talents that we’ve been given? When God looks at us, does God see God’s reflection? Who do we see when we look in the mirror each morning? If we’re truthful, maybe sometimes we’re more concerned with our image in society, as was Caesar, than we are about our image in the eyes of God. In addition, is it possible that Jesus is asking us if we might have an undue attachment to money and things? How tightly do we hold onto our coins? As God reminds us in the 1 st Reading from Isaiah, “I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God besides me.” The gods, the idols of material wealth, of status, of getting ahead can entrap us, just as the Pharisees attempted to do with Jesus. But with his grace we can turn the tables too. “Repay…to God what belongs to God.” Isn’t that what we call the Christian life? If one gives to God what belongs to God, then ultimately God will get everything. St. Ignatius Loyola prayed, “Take, Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. Give me only your love and your grace. That’s enough for me.” Is that enough for us? This Sunday’s Gospel calls us to bear Christian witness in all that we do, wherever we find ourselves. It’s possible to respect the faith of others, without denying our own. Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes our civic duty, our responsibility to work for the common good and to be faithful citizens. So let’s make the effort to inform our consciences and exercise the right to vote. Finally, this is a good time to remind everyone that no flyers are to be put on cars in our parking lots or in our churches. Electoral materials from the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference are available through our parish website. God Bless! Fr. Joe Stewardship Thought for the Week “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” Matthew 22:21 Everything we are and everything we have belongs to God. We aren’t “owners” of anything, we are merely “stewards” of the gifts God has given each of us. All God is asking is that we give back a portion of what He gave us. This is the essence of Stewardship. God should be our first priority in everything. All else comes second. Thank you for your generosity for the weekend of October 11 and 12, 2014: Number of Envelopes 288 Envelope Amount $13,216.00 Loose Cash: $1,554.66 Electronic Offerings: $1,572.88 Other $100.00 Total $16,443.54 10% Tithe $1,644.35 Income for October 13, 2013 $18,631.25
Transcript of A Note from Fr. Joe…. fileseeks his image in your character.” (Sermon 113A, 8-9) Do we repay God...
1-180 St. Thomas of Villanova
TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME October 19, 2014
A Note from Fr. Joe…. Have you ever felt like you were being set up? That somebody had an ulterior motive when he or she approached you? Maybe they wanted something – sort of like when we hoped to use our parents’ car to go out. “Mom, Dad, you’re the best!” Perhaps it was more serious – the person slyly tried to make us look bad in front of our classmates or to trip us up at work in an important meeting. Certainly Jesus could relate as we hear in this Sunday’s Gospel – “The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus.” As we know though, that was deadly serious, as they wanted to get Jesus in trouble with the Roman authorities, to get him out of their hair and embarrass him in front of his growing following. But, as was so often the case, Jesus saw through the false flattery and was able to turn the tables on his antagonists. Over the centuries, there have been a number of interpretations of this Sunday’s Gospel. At its core, however, I believe that it points to priorities and our relationship with God. When Jesus says, “repay…to God what belongs to God,” he’s implying that his accusers aren’t doing that – and, ironically, when asked, the Herodians, with the Pharisees’ disciples, are able to quickly produce a Roman coin, indicating their at least tacit collaboration with Caesar. The emperor is owed money – that which bears his name and image. God is owed what bears his image – that is, our very selves. Here’s how St. Augustine puts it, “Just as Caesar seeks his image in your coin, so God seeks his image in your character.” (Sermon 113A, 8-9) Do we repay God by working on our character, by developing the gifts and talents that we’ve been given? When God looks at us, does God see God’s reflection? Who do we see when we look in the mirror each morning? If we’re truthful, maybe sometimes we’re more concerned with our image in society, as was Caesar, than we are about our image in the eyes of God. In addition, is it possible that Jesus is asking us if we might have an undue attachment to money and things? How tightly do we hold onto our coins? As God reminds us in the 1
st Reading from Isaiah, “I am the Lord
and there is no other, there is no God besides me.” The gods, the idols of material wealth, of status, of getting ahead can entrap us, just as the Pharisees attempted to do with Jesus. But with his grace we can turn the tables too. “Repay…to God what belongs to God.” Isn’t that what we call the Christian life? If one gives to God what belongs to God, then ultimately God will get everything. St. Ignatius Loyola prayed, “Take, Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. Give me only your love and your grace. That’s enough for me.” Is that enough for us? This Sunday’s Gospel calls us to bear Christian witness in all that we do, wherever we find ourselves. It’s possible to respect the faith of others, without denying our own. Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes our civic duty, our responsibility to work for the common good and to be faithful citizens. So let’s make the effort to inform our consciences and exercise the right to vote. Finally, this is a good time to remind everyone that no flyers are to be put on cars in our parking lots or in our churches. Electoral materials from the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference are available through our parish website. God Bless! Fr. Joe
Stewardship Thought for the Week “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” Matthew 22:21 Everything we are and everything we have belongs to God. We aren’t “owners” of anything, we are merely “stewards” of the gifts God has given each of us. All God is asking is that we give back a portion of what He gave us. This is the essence of Stewardship. God should be our first priority in everything. All else comes second.
Thank you for your generosity for the weekend of October 11 and 12, 2014: Number of Envelopes 288 Envelope Amount $13,216.00 Loose Cash: $1,554.66 Electronic Offerings: $1,572.88 Other $100.00 Total $16,443.54 10% Tithe $1,644.35 Income for October 13, 2013 $18,631.25
2-180 St. Thomas of Villanova
Schedule of Events for the week of: October 19, 2014 Recitation of the Rosary after the daily Liturgy.
Monday, October 20, 2014 Golden Living Ministry 10:45AM Art Class - PC-1 11:00AM Stewardship Council Mtg - PC1 7:00PM Tuesday, October 21, 2014 BP Screening after 12:05 Mass Step Parent Course - PC1 9:15AM-11:00PM Staff Meeting 1:00PM SFC Mentors 2:30PM Mom’s Group—Pumpkin Decorating 4:30PM Finance Council Mtg - PC1 7:00PM Genesis Bells - Aud 7:00PM Choir Practice - VNCH 7:00PM Wednesday, October 22, 2014 Exercise - Aud 10:00AM Honickman Ministry 10:15AM Brown Bag Lunch in Aud 12:45PM Religious Education Classes 4:45PM Thursday, October 23, 2014 Walking With Purpose - Aud 9:00AM Eucharistic Minister Training - RMCH 6:45-9:15PM Walking With Purpose - Aud 7:00PM Confirmation Parent Meeting - RMCH 7:00PM Mom’s Group Meeting - PC-1 7:30PM Peace & Justice Meeting at OMGC 7:30PM Friday, October 24, 2014 Preschool Halloween Party - Aud 6:00PM Saturday, October 25, 2014 Baptism-RMCH 5:00PM CYO Cross Country Dinner - Aud 6:00PM Sunday, October 26, 2014 Word of God 9:00AM Religious Education Class 10:10AM Rosemont Village Eucharistic Prayer Service 10:30AM Baptism-VNCH 12:00PM
Mon., Oct. 20th Weekday; Saint Paul of the Cross 12:05PM-RMCH Mabel Kuchinski Tues., Oct. 21st Weekday 12:05PM-RMCH Deceased Members of the Lynch Family Wed., Oct. 22nd Weekday; Saint John Paul II 12:05PM-RMCH Eva Keating - Mry Ann Lachman Thurs., Oct. 23rd Weekday; Saint William the Hermit and Blessed John the Good, Saint John of Capistrano 12:05PM-RMCH Forest Mervine Fri., Oct. 24th Weekday; Saint Anthony Mary Claret 12:05PM-RMCH John Salisbury - Courtney Mitchell Sat., Oct. 25th Weekday; Saint John Stone 9:00AM-RMCH 5:00PM-RMCH Albert M. Tobia - John and Tanya Briathwaite Sun., Oct. 26th Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30AM-VNCH For the Parishioners of St. Thomas 9:00AM-RMCH DeSanto Family - Josephine DeSanto 10:30AM-VNCH Sally Ann Braithwaite - Braithwaite
Family
READINGS FOR THE WEEK: Monday: Eph 2:1-10; Lk 12:13-21 Tuesday: Eph 2:12-22; Lk 12:35-38 Wednesday: Eph 3:2-12; Lk 12:39-48 Thursday: Eph 3:14-21; Lk 12:49-53 Friday: Eph 4:1-6; Lk 12:54-59 Saturday: Eph 4:7016; Lk 13:1-9 Sunday: Ex 22:20-26; 1 Thes 1:5C-10; Mt 22:34-40
“Masses in Interpreted American Sign Language”
We have an American Sign Language Interpreter at the
9:00am Mass in the Rosemont Chapel on the Second and Fourth Sunday of each month. The interpreter will be here
on October 26, 2014.
New Volunteer Opportunity
Join the parish team as we host families in the Parish Center five times a year as a part of the Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line (www.ihncares.com). We will be hosting 2-3
families the week of November 9th. We need your help with… - making a fully cooked dinner and delivering it to the Parish Center. Contact Shannon Dolan at [email protected]. - spending the night in a private room during the week of November 9th. Time commitment is 9:00pm to 6:30am. Training will be with an experienced host who will spend the night with you.
Please contact Elaine Sharer at [email protected].
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We extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our parish: Mary Heather Earley of Bryn Mawr Caroline Flotrm & Family of Berwyn Jack & Katie Ginter & Family of Valley Forge Thomas Glancey of Rosemont Erica Goddard of Ardmore Jeffrey & Christine Madison & Family of Wayne Congratulations to the newly Baptized Members of our parish: Eliza Mae, daughter of David & Claire Atkinson James Jeremy, son of Jason & Christa Bialka Colby June, daughter of Jonmichael & Rebecca Daly James Francesco, son of Thomas & Marina Harrop Sawyer Foster, son of Jordan & Gillian McIlvain Chrystian Tate, son of Nathan & Maureen Niles Ryder Thomas, son of Matthew & Noelle Noone Resting in Peace: Mrs. Anna Kruse Rev. John J. Payne, O.S.A. Remember those in need of our prayers, especially: Julia Barlow, Peggy Caulfield, Mary Ann Dadourian, Bob Ellison, Jack Geraghty, Patricia Ann Harley, Bridget Kelly, Joseph Maiorana, Garrett P. McAleer (baby), Madeleine O’Callaghan, Rita O’Connor, Julia Boland Paparella, Alice Rogers, and Annie Sears.
Please pray for our soldiers assigned in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world. Please also pray for the
soldiers who are returning from their assignments, especially the wounded soldiers.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE PRAYERLINE The parish prayerline is waiting for your prayer request. This week call Mary Ann Barrow at 610-525-4164 or email [email protected] to activate the parish prayerline. Two parish teams are available for your special intentions. The Prayerline is now virtual. Go to www.stthomasofvillanova.org. PROJECT HOPE This is a transportation ministry for our Parish. If you need a ride to your medical appointments or to food shop this week, please call Mary Ann Deviney at 610-331-2959. Please give at least 3 days notice. DINNERS TO THE DOORSTEP This ministry is for parish families who are in crisis or for parish couples welcoming a new baby. Home-made dinners are delivered. Two parish coordinators keep a list of volunteers who are called as needed. If you are in need of this delicious community support, please call Maria Gunn at 610-291-7205. We are in need of COOKS willing to prepare a dinner and deliver it to the home of a parishioner. Contact Maria Gunn for more information at 610-291-7205 or [email protected]. ST. FRANCIS INN We are forming a parish work group to serve the midday meal at the St. Francis Inn in Kensington on Sunday, November 16th. The Inn tries to meet the immediate daily needs of the poor and homeless people they serve with food, clothing and hospitality. This ministry is open to anyone 16 years or older. For more information and to sign up, contact our parish coordinator, Sheila Holst at 610-659-5828 or [email protected].
Help Wanted! We are looking for someone who can help in the religious education office for about 6-10 hours per week during the school year. This person would ensure that the records in the religious education office are kept up to date, both on hard copy and in our computer system. There are a few other light secretarial duties as well. In the past, this person worked on two mornings each week, but we can accommodate a variety of schedules that will allow things to work out for both of us. If you are interested, please send an email to Gregory Stejskal at [email protected].
Upcoming Youth Group Events
(Service) October 25, 5:00pm, St. Katharine’s Church — Provide childcare during CYO Mass.
Open to grades 9-12.
(Social) October 26, 6:00-9:00PM, St. Katharine’s Gym — Open Gym. 7-8 grades from 6:00pm-
7:30pm. 9-12 grades from 7:30-9:00.
(Mass) November 2, 6:00-8:30pm, St. Katharine’s Church — Monthly youth Mass, followed by a
youth gathering. Open to grades 7-12
Please contact Gregory Stejskal at [email protected] for details.
4-180 St. Thomas of Villanova
Row 1 (left to right) Jim Holman, Dean Miller, John Braithwaite, Vice Chair, Chrissy Quisenberry, Fr. Joe Row 2 (left to right) Fr. Art, Bob Leggiardo, Greg DiCocco, Kate Kopp, Dan Cellucci, Cathy Van Kula,
John Cellucci (Alternate), Joan Hawley, Secretary, Jessica Dasher, Deacon Don DiCarlo (Missing—Sweta Nazareth, see photo below)
Pastoral Council Corner We met with the Stewardship and Finance Councils, as well as Parish staff, at a joint meeting in mid-September. It was a good chance to interact with the other groups and meet some of the new members. Matt Manion, head of the Catholic Leadership Institute, was our keynote speaker.
Our first meeting by ourselves was held on Monday 10/6/2014. Father Joe reported for the Finance Council that we continue to search for a replacement tenant for the building previously occupied by Kencrest. The building is a total of 9,600 square feet on 2 floors. If anyone has any ideas, please relay them to John Braithwaite at 215-817-0142 or Rick Sudall at 610-508-2466. We reviewed the In-Depth Evaluation of Parish Life again to be sure we maintain our strengths and improve on any weaknesses.
Two areas we continue to put a priority on are the young adults and the youth of our parish.
We were joined at our meeting by the new head of Youth Ministry / Religious Education, Mr. Gregory Stejskal (pronounced STES-KEL ), who shared his plans for the upcoming year.
We then spoke of the plans for honoring our patron, St. Thomas of Villanova, and the activities after each Mass on the weekend of 11-12 October. Some members volunteered to assist. We closed with a prayer from St. Francis of Assisi.
St. Thomas of Villanova Pastoral Council
5-180 St. Thomas of Villanova
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR
ADVENT GIVING TREE Advent Angel sellers are need for “Selling” Angels earmarked for gifts of clothing or gift cards for five faith communities in Philadelphia. You are needed for 1/2 hour after the Mass you attend during the Advent season. Please contact Parish Coordinator, Joan Mauriello at [email protected].
STV Day Trippers
How about a trip to The Barnes Museum early next year, say the end of February beginning of March. Leaving from St. Thomas in Rosemont to The Barnes and returning home. All this for no more than $60.00 a person. We can stop off for lunch if you wish. This should be a delightful day and a nice trip. Let me know by e-mailing me. I would like to have about 26 people to get a Mini-bus to do so. Thank you. [email protected]
Theology on Tap is Back For Young Adults 21 and Over” Theology on Tap, a lecture series geared towards Young Adults, will have its next meeting on Monday evening, October 20th from 8:00 to 9:30PM. This will be held at the Bryn Mawr Beef and Ale, 610 W. Lancaster Ave in Bryn Mawr (on Lancaster Avenue across from the Acme). Food will be provided with drink specials available from a cash bar. This is the fifth in the series of talks this Fall exploring the experience of Theology and Faith lived out today. Our speaker this week is Mary Beth Appel, CPN, ‘81 who is a Villanova Alumna and Catholic Worker at the Philadelphia House of Grace. She will speaking about her journey from “Villanova to Catholic Worker”. Please join us for fellowship and conversation!
Villanova University, Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, and our own St. Thomas of Villanova
Parish are sponsoring this event.
Ann Rafferty and Dr. Margaret M. McGuinness, PhD
Thank you to Susan Fitzgerald and Committee for the fascinating Women’s Lecture last week. Thank you, STV Parishioners, for your generous gifts of school supplies for the students of St. Frances Cabrini Regional School The teachers and staff distributed your many gifts to the children in need. Many Blessings, Sr. Helene Cooke, IHM, Principal
Calling All St. Thomas of Villanova Empty Nesters, Widows and Widowers,
Singles and Couples and friends of yours!!
Please join us for another “Dine-Out”
Monday, November 17th at 6:00PM
at Primavera Pizza Kitchen 7 East Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19010
Enjoy a three course Italian Dinner
(mixed green salad, choice of Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Masala with Ziti al Forno
or Pasta Primavera, and Tiramisu or ice cream for dessert — coffee, tea and soft drinks included).
$35.00 per person which includes the gratuity plus a cash bar. Parking in rear (municipal lot)
or one block after a right on Cricket Avenue. No parking fee after 6:00pm.
RSVP a MUST by November 14th,
contact Kathy at [email protected] or call 610-525-4801.
Hosted by the STV Day Trippers!
6-180 St. Thomas of Villanova
YOU ARE INVITED TO A ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA BROWN BAG LUNCH Wednesday, October 22nd — 12:45pm
in the Rosemont Auditorium
TOPIC: Come and Make Music Together - an interactive workshop with handbells - hear about the origins of handbells Presenter: Joyce Klink, Parish Handbell Director Joyce has been playing and directing handbell choirs all over the U.S. for the past 25 years.
Joyce and her husband are active parishioners and have two children and two
grandchildren with three more on the way. —-
Drinks and desserts are provided.
Please join us.
In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, we recently offered a “Blessing of the Animals” in the
Rosemont Chapel Courtyard. Here are some pictures.
YOU ARE INVITED TO A ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA BROWN BAG LUNCH
Wednesday, November 19th
12:45pm in the Rosemont Auditorium
TOPIC: “Which Vaccines do Adults REALLY Need?”
Shingles? Hepatitis? Travel Vaccine’s Flu? Measles/Mumps Rubella?
Presenter: Dr. Bob Leggiadro Dr. Leggiardo is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric infectious disease. He is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology at Villanova University and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Hofstra Northshore LIJ School of Medicine. Bob is on the Parish Council and is married to Patti. They have three children and three grandchildren.
Drinks and desserts are provided.
Please join us.
7-180 St. Thomas of Villanova
THE FAMILY LIFE COMMITTEE INVITES YOU TO A PARENT LECTURE
Monday, October 27th at 7:00pm in the Rosemont Auditorium
Topic: Letting Go with Love and Confidence The challenges of being a parent multiply the older kids get. There are no longer sleepless nights and childcare snafus to contend with, but parents of adolescents must juggle the demands of extracurricular activities, driving lessons and increasing concerns about the growing universe of their teens. How to parents of adolescents balance safety concerns with their children’s need to achieve growing independence? And how do they create a healthy balance when the world is going 24/7 nonstop? Susan FitzGerald, a Philadelphia journalist and co-author of the award-winning parenting book, Letting Go with Love and Confidence: Raising Responsible, Resilient, Self-Sufficient Teens in the 21st Century, will offer ideas on how to transform a time of potential strife into an opportunity for positive growth for both adolescents and their parents. Her book — written with Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia — covers all the “when” and “how” questions that can drive parents crazy: When is my kid old enough to get a cell phone? Go to the mall? Date? It also addresses the tough topics that parents struggle with — How in the world do I talk with my teen about things like peer pressure and success? FitzGerald will share the “three-step litmus test” that can be applied to any parenting decision. (Is it safe? Is it practical? Does it meet my standards for decency and morality?) She will also teach parents who to use the “check-in rule” to keep their kids safe. She is an engaging speaker who delivers a positive message that parents really do matter! Susan Fitzgerald is an award-winning journalist with a specialty in children’s health issues. A former staff writer and editor for The Philadelphia Inquirer, she works as an independent writer and editor and has taught writing and journalism at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, LaSalle University, St. Joseph’s University and Villanova University. She and her husband are long-time members of St. Thomas of Villanova and have three adult sons. Please join us for a fascinating evening. There will be refreshments and a chance to socialize. Bring a friend. Please RSVP to Kathy at 610-525-4801 or [email protected].
CYO 2014 Basketball Programs
CYO Fall Sports signups for boys and girls
in grades 4 through 8 is now open and will be handled online at www.wagdogs.com. Use the OMGC Parish for STV and OMGC student athletes. CYO Basketball practice begins in November. You must sign up by October 25, 2014 to be placed on a team. We have a vibrant Boys Program and would like to have Girls Program as well. In the past, we were able to merge Girls teams. All Parishioners MUST sign up at www.wagdogs.com under the OMGC Parish link. You may not play for any other team and we cannot merge with any other team without being released from OMGC/STV parish. If you have any CYO questions, please contact Beverly Owsik 610-527-3202 or [email protected].
MOM’S GROUP NEWS
Mom’s Group is hosting Playgroup Playdates every Monday at Noon at Clem Macrone Park on Conestoga Road in Bryn Mawr. We are meeting weekly through November 10th. Join other parish Mom’s for a casual get together.
Tuesday, October 21st—Pumpkin Decorating At Clem Macrone Park at 4:30pm
Raindate: October 23rd
Are you a first time Mom? Please join other Parishioners that are also
first time Mom’s for Refreshments and Community
October 23, 2014 - 7:30pm Parish Center Babies Welcome!
