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TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN

ORDINARY TIME

SEPTEMBER 1, 2013

A Note from Fr. Joe

Happy Labor Day! I hope that we all can enjoy this last holiday weekend of the summer. And welcome back to those who have been away. We’ll have a lot on which to catch up! In the meantime, we keep in prayer those who are beginning a new school year, particularly the boys and girls at our own St. Thomas of Villanova Preschool – Mary’s House. We remember too those individuals who are unemployed and underemployed. Perhaps we can take the time to stop and say the following prayer: God our creator, we are the work of your hands. Guide us in our work, that we may do it, not for self alone, but for the common good. Make us alert to injustice, ready to stand in solidarity, that there may be dignity for all in labor and in labor’s reward. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Finally, I just want to highlight a couple of ‘housekeeping items.’ Note that, effective this Sunday, September 1

st, the

University returns to its full schedule of Masses on Sunday evenings in the Villanova Church: 5:30pm, 7:00pm, and 9:00pm. As always, any parish stewardship envelopes that are put in the collections will be forwarded by Campus Ministry to the Parish Office. And, no matter what liturgy you attend, I would ask that you be respectful of where you park, keeping in mind that the spaces around the Monastery are meant for the Augustinians who reside there. This especially can be a problem during the 10:30am Mass, as friars are returning from helping at Masses elsewhere. Parking by the Church is really only meant for those with different mobility needs. The rest of us should be using the lots across Lancaster Avenue.

Thank you and God Bless! Fr. Joe

Stewardship Thought for the Week

“Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.” Luke 14:14 We have a difficult time with the concept of giving without expecting something in return. Even when we give to charity we often want something in return - a raffle ticket, a dinner, or a chance to play golf. Yet as Christian stewards, we need to remember that the true reward for our giving awaits us in heaven.

Thank you for your generosity for the weekend of August 24 and 25, 2013. Number of Envelopes 279 Envelope Amount $12,356.00 Loose Cash $1,619.75 Electronic Offerings $965.88 Other $560.00 Total $15,501.63 10% Tithe $1,550.16 Income for August 26, 2012 $16,484.09

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Mon., Sept. 2nd Weekday - LABOR DAY 9:00AM-RMCH For American Workers Tues., Sept. 3rd Saint Gregory the Great 12:05PM-RMCH Wed., Sept. 4th OUR MOTHER OF CONSOLATION 12:05PM-RMCH Deceased Members & Benefactors of O.S.A. Thurs., Sept. 5th Weekday 12:05PM-RMCH Dante S. Roccario - John Braithwaite Family Fri., Sept. 6th Weekday 12:05PM-RMCH Isabella Burton - Burton Family Sat., Sept. 7th Weekday 9:00AM-RMCH 5:00PM-RMCH Sun., Sept. 8th Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary

Time 7:30AM-VNCH For the Parishioners of St. Thomas 9:00AM-RMCH Claire Clay - Pelesh Family 10:30AM-VNCH Elizabeth Mattison - The Cprek Family

“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 September 8 and September 22, 2013.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK: Monday: 1 Thes 4:13-18; Lk 4:16-30 Tuesday: 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11; Lk 4:31-37 Wednesday: Aug L 183: Is 49:8-11,13,15; Ps 30:2-9, 11-13; 2 Cor 2:3-7; Jn 19:25-27 or Jn 2:1-11 Thursday: Col 1:9-14; Lk 4:1-11 Friday: Col 1:15-20; Lk 5:33-39 Saturday: Col 1:21-23; Lk 6:1-5 Sunday: Wis 9:13-18b; Phim 9-10, 12-17; Lk 14:25-33

Anyone who has lost a loved one,

whether buried from St. Thomas of Villanova or not, is invited to join

Fr. Joe for a

Bereavement Evening of Prayer Thursday Evening September 26th

7:00pm in the Rosemont Parish Center

Everyone is welcome.

Any questions, call Anne Murphy at 610-525-4801 or email service@stv.comcastbiz.net

FIRST FRIDAY SOLEMN

EXPOSITION

OF THE

BLESSED SACRAMENT

Friday, September 6, 2013

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for one hour following the 12:05 Mass in the Rosemont Chapel of St. Thomas of Villanova. Benediction will follow the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The solemn exposition of the Holy Eucharist offers the opportunity to the people of God for prayerful reflection on our call to a deeper devotion to the Holy Eucharist and a more faithful living of the Christian Life. We will have Reconciliation after the 12:05 Mass. Please join us.

September 1, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In Lumen Gentium, we read, “All...are called to belong to the new People of God. This People, therefore, while remaining one and only one, is to be spread throughout the whole world and to all ages in order that the design of God’s will may be fulfilled.” (LG13) The annual Black and Indian Mission Collection has, for the last 128 years, helped lead more and more Native Americans to the Church, the new People of God. Your support has helped educate African-American and Native American seminarians for priestly service to our Catholic communities. In addition, your monetary assistance provides opportunities for a solid Catholic education in our Indian and Black Catholic mission schools, allows the purchase of catechetical materials and bibles, and provides for the formation of lay leadership, to name just a few ways the collection supports evangelization. Locally, through grants awarded from this collection, a number of parishes and organizations within the Archdiocese are able to fund pastoral outreach and evangelization programs. It is only through your continued generosity of this collection that such efforts are realized. The Collection for the Black and Indian Missions will be held in parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on the weekend of September 7 and 8, 2013. I ask your continued prayers and generous financial support of this collection. Sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap Archbishop of Philadelphia

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Schedule of Events for the week of: September 1, 2013 Recitation of the Rosary after the daily Liturgy.

Monday, September 2, 2013 Daily Mass - RMCH 9:00AM Office Closed Golden Living Ministry 10:30AM Food Addicts in Recovery - Café 7:00PM Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Blood Pressure Screening after 12:05 Mass SFC Mentors 2:30PM Genasis Bells - Aud 7:00PM Bible Study - PC2 7:00PM Wednesday, September 4, 2013 Preschool Open House (3 year olds - (9:30am-10:00am) (4 year olds - (10:30am-11:00am Exercise Class - Aud 10:00AM No Honickman Community Breakfast Team Meeting - PC1 1:00PM Young Adult Prayer Group - PC-10 6:00PM REP Catechist Meeting - PC2 7:00PM Baptism Class - PC1 7:00PM Thursday, September 5, 2013 Preschool Classes Begin Bible Study - PC2 10:30AM Friday, September 6, 2013 Saturday, September 7, 2013 Feed the Hungry Ministry Baptism - RMCH 5:00PM Sunday, September 8, 2013 Rosemont Presbyterian Prayer Service 10:30AM Religious Education Opening 10:10AM

ST. THOMAS

PRESCHOOL NEWS

It’s not too late to register for the 2013-2014 School Year. The following is a guide. Families registering for the Toddler Two Program: Children must be turning 2 by October 1, 2013. The Me And You Toddler Two’s Program is held every Wednesday from 9:30am to 10:30am beginning in October. All children will need to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Families registering for the Preschool Program: Children must be 3 by October 1

st for

our 3-year-old classes and 4 by October 1st for our

4-year-old classes. The Preschool Program runs from September thru May. Classes are from 8:20am until 11:45am. Early Arrival (7:30am) and Extended Hours (until 5:45pm) available.

Please call the school office at 610-525-7554 or send an email at

stv.maryshouse1@gmail.com St. Thomas of Villanova Preschool admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at our school. Our school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administrations of its educational policies, its admission policies, or in any school-administered program.

Religious Education Program

(CCD) NEWS

New Registrations for children in Grades K-8 are being accepted.

Classes for grades K-8 are Sundays from 10:10am –11:25am and for grades 1-6 on Wednesday from 4:30pm–5:45 pm. Opening Session: September 8 — 10:10am in the Rosemont Chapel for Sunday classes September 8 — 11:45am in the Rosemont Chapel for Wednesday classes Parents and children report for the Opening Session.

CYO 2013 / 2014 Season CYO Winter Basketball signups for boys and

girls in grades 5 through 12 is now open and will be handled online at www.wagdogs.com . Open registration will close on November 10, 2013. We are hopeful to get some clinic gym sessions going this fall as well.

OMGC and Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish members are eligible and invited to register. Students who do not attend Catholic School are required to be enrolled in the Religious Education Program (CCD).

Cross country (STV or OMGC) and Football sign ups were held for the merged St. Katharine’s Program over the summer. If you have any CYO questions, please contact Beverly Owsik 610-525-7439 or mbmmbj6@comcast.net (preferred).

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We extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our parish: Robert & Mary Jo Collins & Family of St. Davids Dirk & Colleen Simpson & Family of Bryn Mawr Remember those in need of our prayers, especially: Julia Barlow, Thomas A. Boland, Frances Carr, Peggy Caulfield, Mary Ann Dadourian, Bob Ellison, Jack Geraghty, Theresa Green, Brendan Glynn, Patricia Ann Harley, Bridget Kelly, Garrett P. McAleer (baby), Rita O’Connor, Julia Boland Paparella, Eugene and Loretta Prisco, Alice Rogers, and Michael Seeds and Charles Sweeney

Please pray for our soldiers assigned in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world,

especially Major Shawn Williams, U.S.M.C., who is currently serving in Afghanistan and Colin Devlin, PO3, U.S.N. on the USS Mason in the Truman Strike Force.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE PRAYERLINE The parish prayerline is waiting for your prayer request. This week call Mary Ann Barrow at 610-525-4164 or email mabstv@verizon.net to activate the parish prayerline. Two parish teams are available for your special intentions. 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 Anne Von Herstenberg at 610-525-6026. 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. Homemade 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 610-291-3945. ST. FRANCIS INN We are forming a parish work group to serve the midday meal at the St. Francis Inn in Kensington on Sunday, September 15th. 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, Ruth Reeder at 610-662-2055 or

villanovaruth@aol.com. FEED THE HUNGRY MINISTRY Feed the Hungry Ministry will be serving dinner on Saturday night, September 7th at the Life Center in Upper Darby. Your food donations are greatly appreci-ated. If you can prepare a meatloaf, potatoes, vegeta-ble, salad, dessert and deliver it to the Steele’s home in Villanova on September 7th, contact Dennis Steele at steelecreativity@gmail.com or call Denise at 484-343-4473.

Exciting New Youth Program Coming this Fall –

“St. Thomas YOUCAT Servant Leader Program”

Attention parents of middle school and high school students: Looking for a manageable and flexible way to keep your children connected to the parish after Confirmation and give them opportunities to take ownership over their own faith journey through the high school years? Participation in YOUCAT may be the answer. Students will be provided creative opportunities to serve their community, deepen their faith, and build leadership skills with peers – when and how they choose! Participating students will also be eligible to earn the “YOUCAT Servant Leader Certificate” in recognition of their efforts. Look for additional details in the weeks to come. Deacon Don and Denise DiCarlo will coordinate the program.

Thank you, Parishioners and Leadership Team, for the August 22nd Bloodmobile. The Red Cross collected 42 pints of parishioner blood. Special thanks to Carol Grace, Stella Carr, Helen Viggiano, Toni Bailey and Ann Evangelisti for making phone calls and staffing the refreshment table.

DING DONG NEEDED! The St. Thomas of Villanova adult handbell choir needs a ringer. Previous handbell experience not necessary, however, ability to read music is a must. Practices are held on Tuesday evening at 7:00pm. For more information please contact Joyce Klinck 610-405-9444.

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SHARE THE HARVEST! As your fruits and vegetables begin to ripen in the weeks ahead, consider sharing your harvest! The food pantry at St. Cyprians in West Philadelphia provides sustenance to needy people in the area, but summer means we can furnish healthy, fresh produce as well. If you have produce you’d like to donate, please drop it off in the Parish Center on Mondays or Tuesdays between 9:00am and 4:00pm, or at the back of the Rosemont Chapel after the 5:00pm Mass on Saturdays. Volunteers will deliver the food to the pantry on Wednesdays, in time for the Thursday morning distribution. Any questions, call or email Parish Coordinator, Barb Gollin at 610-688-4168 or bcmggoll@yahoo.com.

“Do you really want to make a

Difference in the life of a child?”

Join the ST. FRANCIS CABRINI REGIONAL CATHOLIC

SCHOOL MENTORS

New volunteers are welcome to join with us on Tuesdays, October to early May, to minister with the students: Mentoring a student on a 1-1 basis which can include homework assignments, extra math or reading support. You decide the grade of the child you feel comfortable working with and it will be arranged by the school staff. Volunteers do need to go through a 3 hour training program “Protecting God’s Children” and complete background checks this fall. Join us for an Information Session on Tuesday, September 10th, at 3:00pm in the Rosemont Parish Center of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Community.

PARISH OUTREACH NIGHT AT

CRADLES TO CRAYONS

30 Clipper Road

West Conshohocken, PA 19428

On

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

6:00-8:00pm

We will be working at the Giving Factory

sorting children’s clothing, packing gift bags, cleaning children’s shoes to look like new.

Middle schoolers and parents are welcome to come together. Parish adults are welcome.

RSVP to Parish Coordinator, Cheryl Gibson at 8gibson@comcast.net.

We plan to meet AT the Giving Factory.

Attention All Women! Do you feel God calling you to know him better but are not sure how? Do you feel yourself knowing there is more for you spiritually but are not sure what it is? Then WWP may be just what you are looking for. WALKING WITH PURPOSE is a weekly study that aims to bring women to a deeper, personal relationship with Jesus Christ by offering personal study and small group discussion that link our everyday challenges and struggles with the solutions given to us through the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church. Beginning October 3, 2013, we will be meeting at St. Thomas of Villanova, Rosemont Chapel auditorium on Thursday mornings from 9:15 – 11:15 am or Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm. Come and see what God has in store for you! Childcare is available for the morning session. We would love to see you. For more information go to walkingwithpurpose.com or email or call: Maria O’Malley, Chapter Coordinator mariaomalley@comcast.net 215-740-6742

Hello STV Women… The St. Thomas Holy Oarders Dragonboat team is looking for a few more paddlers for this year’s race on October 5th. No Experience Necessary. We are a team of beginners. All ages welcome. We will have a tent, food and drinks.

It will be a fun-filled day on the river!

Please contact Janine Bowers at neens32@hotmail.com. For more info on the

International Dragon Boart Festival go to www.philadragonboatfestival.com

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The CommUNITY Breakfast: The Community-Led Unity Breakfast of The Main Line

will be held to mark “Undoing Racism Day”, promoting unity while “embracing the difference”.

on Wednesday, September 18, 2013, 7:30-9:00am in the Villanova Room of the Connelly Center,

Villanova University, Villanova, PA

Keynote Speaker: Rev. James A. Pollard, Sr., Ph.D. Pastor, Zion Baptist Church of Ardmore

This event is open to the public: Cost is $10 per person, $75

for a group of 8. Seating is limited. Please use the order form below.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Please complete one form per person/group of 8 and return it with your payment no later than September 11, 2013. I would like to attend the CommUNITY Breakfast: $10 per person or $75 for group of 8 is enclosed. Please Print: Name ____________________________________________ Group Name: _____________________________________ (Group name will be included in Program as “Friend” of the CommUNITY Breakfast.) Phone Number: ___________________________ Email: __________________________________ Please make your check payable to The CommUNITY Breakfast, and mail this form to: St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, 1229 East Lancaster Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010.

Attention: Parishioners: Our parish is a host Church for homeless families five weeks a year. We need your help cooking a meal, hosting an evening, and/or spending the night. You are invited to hear about a solution to homelessness called Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line (I.H.N.)

Volunteer Orientation Training How can you make a difference in the lives of others?

Volunteer orientation for new and current IHN volunteers. Learn about homelessness and

the role of the volunteer in our network.

Saturday, September 14, 2013 10:30am to noon, at

St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Center RSVP Required.

Contact: Sue White-Herchek at 610-277-0977 or

suewherchek@verizon.net

Working and serving homeless families with children is a rewarding and wonderful way to help our neighbors in a time of crisis. The Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line is active in your congregation and we need your help. Learn how your love and hope for a better future can change a life.

Calling All Men!

Guys – please plan on coming to our first Men’s Gathering, since breaking for the summer, on Thursday, September 19th. We’ll celebrate Mass with Fr. Joe in the Rosemont Chapel at 6:30am, followed by refreshments and fellowship in the Auditorium. As always, feel free to invite a friend from the parish – or otherwise. Let’s keep up the momentum, as we had 35 guys at our June Gathering! Again, the hope is to come together the third Thursday of each month, before heading off to work or other responsibilities, and to share in faith & life experience, through a variety of ways. This fall we also plan to add a couple of evening opportunities; keep your eye out for a form of “Men’s Theology on Tap.”

STV MOM’S GROUP KICK-OFF THE YEAR MEETING Tuesday, September 10th at 7:30pm

Parish Center, first floor

Any Mom’s (or Dad’s) interested in joining this group should contact us at stvmoms@gmail.com or

Contact a committee member…..

Susan Chang susan.roan@uphs.upenn.edu Laura Conlon laconlon@verizon.net Kirah George kirah.m.george@gmail.com Maria Luby mmluby@gmail.com

The Mom’s Group is welcoming Mom’s, Dad’s,

Nanny’s and little parishioners 3 and under for

Music Time with our own Stephanie Twohig.

September 27th

10:30am to 11:00am

Rosemont Auditorium

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SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR ST. FRANCES CABRINI

REGIONAL SCHOOL

While you are buying school supplies for your children, grandchildren or friends, please pick up extra school supplies for the children of our sister

parish – St. Frances Cabrini Regional School. Suggested items: Pencils, black marble composition books, (no spiral books are used), erasable black ink pens, erasers, scissors for little fingers, backpacks, crayons, pencils, magic markers, scientific TI34 calculators, construction paper, glue sticks, thesaurus, 3X5 index cards, and book jackets for large text books You can bring your gifts to the Rosemont Chapel on Saturday or Sunday mornings after Mass or the Parish Center anytime during the work week. Thank you!

Are you interested in being a part of a new mentoring ministry for high school students of Christo Rey? Christo Rey’s Philadelphia High School is a Catholic college prep school for students of all faiths who cannot afford a private education. Christo Rey’s Philadelphia High School nurtures and challenging young men and women to recognize and realize their full potential as they grow to love God, respect others and serve their community. The school is located at 5218 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19141. If you are interested in developing a new parish ministry that would provide after school mentoring for Christo Rey students one afternoon a week during the school year, contact Anne Murphy at service@stv.comcastbiz.net.

Saint Thomas of Villanova Parishioners

are invited to participate in Villanova

University’s Day of Service

(Adults, High School Teens, Middle School

teens with a parent)

Saturday, September 28th Saint Thomas of Villanova was known for his great charity to the poor and marginalized. This day of service honors Saint Thomas of Villanova, the 16

th century Augustinian bishop

of Valencia, Spain. Patron of the Parish and University.

Your Commitment

Gather at the Villanova Pavilion with other Villanova volunteers at 8:30am for a send off

Work with fellow parishioners on a service site from 11:00am – 1:00pm

Cleaning at the Ronald McDonald House on Chestnut Street

Baking Bread at the Ronald McDonald House on Front and Erie Street.

Transportation and lunch will be provided. You are invited to dinner at Dougherty Hall

after you return.

If you can join our parish team, please call parishioner Dolores Verdeur 610.519.1312 or

dverdeur@verizon.net; William at wverdeur@shipleyschool.org; Chris at cverdeur@shipleyschool.org or

contact Anne Murphy at 610.525.4801 or email service@stv.comcastbiz.net

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Living a Legacy of Faith and Charity

Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish

Monday — September 16th

12:45 in the Rosemont Auditorium

The spirit of our Catholicism lies in the strength of our parish. For many of us, St. Thomas of Villanova has played an integral role in our lives. We can ensure that St. Thomas of Villanova lasts in perpetuity as a place where our faithful come together to celebrate, serve, and provide support for raising children and making life’s most significant decisions. The ability to leave a lasting legacy at St. Thomas is not dependent on our wealth, but rather, on our desire to make a positive impact for the future members of our parish community. Our Parishioner, Mary-Helen McCulloch, J.D., Director of Planned Giving at the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia will discuss how gift planning provides a wonderful way for your and your family to leave a legacy at St. Thomas of Villanova. Specifically she will discuss ways to make a planned gift, the impact these gifts can make, and the financial incentives to do so.

Bring your Brown Bag Lunch. Drinks & Desserts Provided!

Butterfly Blessings

Each item will be tagged with this blessing: “May you be blessed with the ability of a butterfly to grow gracefully. May your beauty radiate like the colors of a butterfly lighting up the world. May your love spread like the wings of a

butterfly, gently touching souls.”

If you are interested, or know someone who may be, please contact Sarah Breck at

sarahbreck@verizon.net or call 610-975-0444.

St. Thomas of Villanova Parish is looking for

volunteers who can knit, crochet, sew or do

needlework to make handmade baby items

for babies facing challenges in our local

hospitals.

Ideas include baby caps, blankets, sweaters, booties, bibs, anything

you can create!

Home Spun Resale

Boutique

Saint Thomas of Villanova — 20-50 year olds WE NEED your help!

We are collecting High Quality Clothes for the Home Spun Resale Boutique!

What we do at the Boutique:

Empower those in recovery from chronic homelessness

by creating employment and job training opportunities

produced by our own RESALE BOUTIQUE. We

interrupt the cycle of unemployment and poverty by

creating positions self-funded through the retail of new

and gently used clothing.

What we need:

HIGH QUALITY CLOTHING! We accept Men and

Women’s clothing and accessories that are in good to new

condition. We need Women’s blouses, jewelry, purses,

and scarves at this time. We need men’s shirts, ties, and

Jackets. Your donation will be sold with 100% of the

profits going to Project Home, a non profit organization that

provides housing and services to chronically homeless men

and women in Philadelphia.

HELP us Break the cycle of HOMELESSNESS

Donations accepted now through October 15th.

Contact: Parish coordinator, Johanna Tybarski at jo_tyburski@hotmail.com or 610-520-1957. You can also drop off clothing at 502 Van Lears Run, Villanova, PA 19087 or drop off at the Parish Center, Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm.