130 n. pecos road, henderson, nv 89074 · your complete online giving history from anywhere you...

JANUARY 26TH, 2020

EUCHARISTIC LITURGIES Saturday: 4:30 pm Sunday: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 5:30 pm Monday—Friday: 8:30 am (Chapel)

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday: 3:00 - 4:00 pm or by appointment

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

The first Friday of each month from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Sunday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday—Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Closed for lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 pm

COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICE HOURS Monday—Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Closed for lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 pm

CHAPEL HOURS Monday—Thursday: 7:30 am - 7:30 pm Friday: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday: 7:00 am - 7:30 pm

CHURCH HOURS Monday & Tuesday: 12:00 - 7:30 pm Wednesday & Thursday: 7:30 am - 7:30 pm

Friday: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday: 7:00 am - 7:30 pm

GIFT SHOP HOURS Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday—Thursday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

130 N. PECOS ROAD, HENDERSON, NV 89074 PARISH OFFICE: 702-361-3022

FAX: 702-331-4221 COMMUNITY CENTER: 702-361-8840

WWW.STMLV.ORG

ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

BECOME A REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE PARISH In order that we may better serve you, please register with the parish by visiting www.stmlv.org or downloading our St. Thomas More App. Forms are also available in the parish office and in the gathering space of the church. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Call the Parish Office at 702-361-3022 if you need to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at home or in a hospital. The Sacrament is also offered communally within the Mass. Announcements will be made about upcoming Anointing of the Sick Masses. HOLY COMMUNION FOR THE SICK If you are homebound, please call Patti Sabo at 702-269-3110 and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion will visit you. In case of hospitalization, inform the hospital staff that you are Catholic and would like to receive Communion. FUNERAL MINISTRY In the event of a death of a loved one, please contact Lisa Fairweather at 702-361-3022 ext. 104 before making arrangements with any of the professional services. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Baptisms for infants and children up to 7 years of age are celebrated on Sundays. Parents and Godparents are required to attend the baptism preparation class on the first Wednesday of the month (unless otherwise announced) at 7:00 PM in the church. Please contact the Parish Office at 702-361-3022. SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Please contact Pamela Trendell at 702-361-3022 ext. 109 to discuss availability and the preparation requirements. VOCATIONS Please consult with one of the priests.

CLERGY

Deacon Bill McManus Deacon Bob Rudloff Deacon Mike Underwood Fr. Thomas Hoang, C.Ss.R., Parochial Vicar Fr. Bede Wevita, Pastor

PARISH OFFICE STAFF

Mike Ryan, Parish Business Assistant to the Pastor 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Pamela Trendell, Executive Assistant to the Pastor 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Lisa Fairweather, Director of Music & Liturgy 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Beth Lopez, Director of Finance 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Amanda Dwyer, Director of Content and Communication 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Eric Koglin, Information Systems Support Analyst [email protected]

Stacey Swiercinsky, Receptionist 702-361-3022, [email protected]

Mary Ashley Galan-Gornal, Liturgical Assistant [email protected]

COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICE STAFF

Juliann Dwyer, Director of Faith Formation 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Cheryl Schwarz, Director of More Youth and Outreach Ministry 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Ray Snead, Director of Life Teen 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Mason Molina, Life Teen Assistant 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Deacon Mike Underwood, Director of Adult Faith Formation 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Sheila Rafanello, Receptionist 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Mary Volkmar, Little Angels Ministry Coordinator [email protected]

Bette Snyder, Gift Shop Coordinator 702-361-8840, [email protected]

Joseph Galang, Building Maintenance 702-361-8840

Rafael Canizalez, Building Maintenance 702-361-8840

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.STMLV.ORG AND CONNECT WITH US ON OUR MOBILE APP AND

ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES!

2 JANUARY 26TH, 2020 — THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Dear Parishioners, Thank you to each person who was able to contribute to last year’s CSA pledge drive. It helped us reach our diocesan goal and allowed us to replace one of our large air conditioners. Thank you, also, for believing in this worthy cause and for your sacrifice. Those who are

able to help, allow the Church to continue the mission of Jesus Christ in our diocese and our parish. As you know, the Catholic Stewardship Appeal (CSA) is the vehicle by which we support many worthy causes in our diocese. It enables us as a diocese to educate seminarians (28%), continuing education of clergy and priests pension fund (23%), form new Disciples in our Catholic Churches through Faith Formation (18%) and Pastoral outreach (15%) —Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, St. Therese Center for HIV/AIDS patients, Social Ministry Office, Victims’ Assistance for safe environment office, televised mass for outreach for homebound ministries. It also provides for the campus ministry at UNLV (10%), Catholic education (6%) and many other worthy ministries within the diocese. As Christians, we are brought up to believe in these causes. Through CSA, we are allowed to put our beliefs into action. Last year, 670 families pledged $253,279.50 and as of January 13th, have paid $235,468.50. If everyone fulfilled their pledges, St. Thomas More would collect $33,347.50 over our assessment of $219,932 that we can use towards the improvements we need in the Church. For the year 2020, we have a diocesan assessment of $245,869. It is 11.8% or $25,937 increase. It is our responsibility as a parish to support the diocese in the programs and ministries mentioned above. To make this appeal successful, our parish needs your help again. So with gratitude for what you have done in the past, and with humility, I ask you to make a pledge in the same amount, if possible, to CSA this year and continue your monthly contributions if that has been your method of payment. There are two goals we would like to obtain through our CSA rebates. The first goal is to get an Audio Visual System to our worship space, replace kneelers and redo the cushions in our pews as part of our preparation for the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Church next year. This will amount to $500,000. Your help is much needed in this worthy cause. The pledges made by this community will enable our parish to stand up, side by side with the other churches in this diocese, and face the challenges ahead. It will also help us to renew our commitment to one another. Spreading God’s word and works are central to the mission of the Catholic Stewardship Appeal. So I ask you to


prayerfully consider sharing your blessings and pledge a suggested fair share contribution of $600 to this worthy cause. Those who can pledge much more, please be generous with your donation. If this amount is too great of a burden, give what you can. Pledges made by this community help us to renew our commitment to one another and will enable our parish to continue the key aspect of Jesus’ ministry through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Last year, I pledged $1,000 to CSA. This year I am increasing my pledge to $1,200. I make this sacrifice because I believe what we are doing is the word of God and the work of God. Please join me. We are making God present in our society. We are participating in the missionary mandate given to us by Jesus. Each registered parishioner will receive a Catholic Stewardship Appeal pledge card. If you do not receive one, they’re also available at church. Please fill it out and return it to the office or drop it in the collection basket on Sunday. An acknowledgment letter will be mailed to you. Please pray for me and the development of this parish. I, of course, will continue to pray for you. Sincerely yours,

Fr. Bede Wevita Pastor

JANUARY 26TH, 2020 — THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 3

BLESSING OF THE THROATS

The Blessing of the Throats is a

sacramental of the Roman Catholic Church, ordinarily

celebrated on February 3rd, the feast day of

Saint Blaise of Sebaste.

Blessings are called "sacramentals" because they

prepare us to receive the grace of the sacraments and help us to grow to be more like Christ (see Catechism of

the Catholic Church, no. 1670).

We invite you to join us on February 3rd for the blessing

after our daily Mass.


PRESIDER’S MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, January 25th 4:30 pm Vincent Perera

Sunday, January 26th 8:00 am Marianna Starling McNally 10:00 am Ronald LaPointe 12:00 pm Dolores Caracun 5:30 pm Members of the Parish

Monday, January 27th 8:30 am † Avery Burton † Catherine Monroe

Tuesday, January 28th 8:30 am Francesca Manto Caroline Czarnecki

Wednesday, January 29th 8:30 am † Willie Coleman † Robert Hudman

Thursday, January 30th 8:30 am † Rodriga Pizarro † Mark Thomas Johnson

Friday, January 31st 8:30 am † Frank Slater Kamden Aden Neuhaus

Saturday, February 1st 4:30 pm Alexis Cinko

Sunday, February 2nd 8:00 am Members of the Parish 10:00 am Warren Harhay 12:00 pm Arthur Peaslee 5:30 pm Salvadora Fruel

Jose Caballero and Christina Allen

Our parish community offers our sincere congratulations to those celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony.


WE CURRENTLY HAVE 6,196 FAMILIES REGISTERED

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

The Abelua Family The Arias Family

The Barabasz Family The Castillo Family

Austin Gima The Mariscal Family The Mercado Family

The Mejia-Gomez Family

The Reyes Family The Robles Family

The Ruvalcaba Family The Van Camp Family

Esther Visaya The Watkins Family

We recently welcomed the following child into the Catholic community of faith...

Amelia Joy Carque

Kaiden Andrew Pollard

May our community embrace him and may our word and example be a reflection of God’s love for him.

Cecilia Barragan

Let us all keep her in our thoughts & prayers.

The beautiful flowers on the altar today were dedicated by

Eusebio & Virginia Mawanay in honor of our sister


VANCO ANNOUNCEMENT

We are pleased to announce that Vanco, our direct deposit provider, will now list Easter, Christmas and Special

Collections in it’s system. Please consider using Vanco. It is a simple and secure way to tithe. We thank you for

your continued generosity!

ST. THOMAS MORE GIVING We are happy to offer these electronic giving options:

ONLINE GIVING is easy to set up and allows you to schedule recurring contributions and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have internet access. Simply follow these easy steps: 1) Visit our website at www.stmlv.org 2) Click “Online Giving” 3) Click on the Create Profile button 4) Follow the onscreen instructions to create an

online profile and to schedule your recurring contributions. If you give by credit card and have recently received a new credit card, please be sure to update your account information. Thank you!

GIVE BY TEXT is a quick way to make a donation by using your smart phone to send a text message to 702-903-2248 with the amount you would like to give. Make sure to include the dollar sign before the amount and within seconds you’ll receive a text with a link to register.

SCAN OUR QR (QUICK RESPONSE) CODE which was created specifically for our community. When you scan this image with a Smartphone's QR decoder, it will instantly connect you to the mobile version of our web page. These QR Code Signs are also being installed in our church foyer for your

convenience.


Angelo Cabrera Anthony Giannola Arlene Borski

Arturo Baguisi Athena Gam Lake Aurelio & Cipriana Valle Barbara Starke Carlos Rodriguez CarolAnne Kardash Christine Stoudner Christopher Cabrera Claire Goulet Connie Sells David Proulx Edmond Rusinek Elizabeth Martano Emily Clemente Emma Librarios Emma Reeves Flory Seering Fr. Mike Keliher, csv Francisco Luistro Jr. Frank Lopiccolo Frankie Sclafani Jr. Gary Mazzone Gayle Hornbacher George Carque Georgia Montes Gertrude Gabayan Jeanne Amlund Joe Gutridge John Federick John J. Meehan

Joseph Mazzone Justin Dougherty & Family Kay Federick Krystina Rusinek LaMonte Family Lauro Espinweva Lenny Tanchala Jr. Lenny Tanchala Sr. Lily Sison Linda McDonell Linda Steward Liz A. Delsignore LuAnn Ferron Lucy DeLuna

Margaret Watson Marilyn Galati Mario Monaco

Mary Padilla Max Howa Michael Crisci Michael David Gam Michele Gam Longhini Milagros Cerna Milagros David Minerva Ciccarelli Missy Baird Monica Denison Nancy Janush Pat Daluga Patricia Zack Patrick Keutmann Perry DeGuzman Remedio Librarios Renato Hernandez Richard Dering Richard Fellrath III Roberta Watkins Robin Speed Romeo Gabayan Romulo Rivera Jr. Rosario Rubia Rosemarie Chaloux Rosemary Thiele Ruth Ochoa Salvatore Blanco Sandra Gam Cannady Simona Dye

Stella Van Aken The Battista Family The Librarios Family The Martinez Family The Paulino Family The Rivera Family Tom Rucci Tommy & Lauren Trego Tory Strada Victor McCloud Wayne Barker Wendy Dwyer Zlatan and Adanze

Please Pray or...

WEEKLY FINANCIAL REPORT

Due to the offices being closed and the transmission deadline of this bulletin, the financial figures for January 18th &

January 19th were not available.



COMING IN MARCH

St. Thomas More Catholic Community’s Bereavement Ministry Presents

More information coming soon! In the mean time, please contact Deacon Mike at

702-361-8840 ext. 204 or at [email protected]

ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ADULT FAITH FORMATION

BIBLE STUDY SERIES PRESENTS

The Gospel According to Matthew

Join us as we take a journey through the Gospel according to Matthew. This is a two-part series and the book for Part 1 will

be available for purchase in the Gift Shop. You can also register and purchase the materials at the start of the series. Part 2 of the series will begin immediately at the conclusion of Part 1.

Books for Part 2 will be made available for purchase in mid-February.

The series begins on Monday, February 3rd, 2020 and will continue on consecutive Mondays.

Both morning and evening sessions will be available. Morning sessions will be from 9:30 am to 11:30 am and the evening sessions will be from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Materials cost $15.00 and will be available in the Gift Shop or in the front office of the Community Center.

If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Mike at 702-361-8840 ext. 204 or at [email protected]

DO YOU HAVE YOUR PALMS FROM LAST YEAR?

IF SO, WE WANT THEM!

Per the instructions of the Roman Missal, ashes are typically supposed to be made from last year’s Palm Sunday

palm branches. These branches are then burned down into a fine powder

and used on Ash Wednesday.

If you have your palms from last year, we are asking you to please bring them to church by Sunday, February 23rd.

Ash Wednesday is February 26th.


THE WEEK AHEAD

MONDAY, JANUARY 27TH 8:30 am Mass 1:15 pm Rosary Makers 4:00 pm Faith Formation Classes 6:30 pm MoMS: St. Anne, Mother of Mary 6:30 pm MoMS: St. Mary Magdalene

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH 8:30 am Mass 9:30 am Piecemakers 4:00 pm Faith Formation Classes 6:30 pm Ministry Certification– Christology 6:30 pm MoMS: St. Rita

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH

8:30 am Mass 4:00 pm Faith Formation Classes 5:00 pm Children’s Choir Rehearsal 5:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm Scouts (all groups) 6:30 pm Welcome Home Catholics

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30TH 8:30 am Mass 9:30 am Little Kingdom 6:00 pm More Youth: In God’s Image (must be registered)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31ST 8:30 am Mass

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST Women’s Guild Chili Prep and Sales (all day) 3:00 pm Reconciliation 4:30 pm Mass

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND Women’s Guild Chili Prep and Sales (all morning) 8:00 am Mass 8:30 am R.C.I.A. 9:00 am Faith Formation Classes 9:30 am Adult Confirmation Class 10:00 am Mass 10:00 am R.C.I.C. 11:00 am Faith Formation Classes 12:00 pm Mass

5:30 pm Mass

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE CHANGES THAT DO OCCUR TO THIS SCHEDULE.

WE SUGGEST ALWAYS CHECKING WITH THE HEAD OF YOUR MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION.


On February 2nd, we celebrate a joyful event told in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke, called

The Presentation of the Lord.

When Jesus was 40 days old, Mary and Joseph brought him to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

There, they met the righteous Simeon and the prophetess Anna. God rewarded them by allowing them to see the one

who was Savior and to hold him in their arms.

When the presentation was completed, Mary and Joseph, and Jesus, returned to their hometown. There they created a

home and a family life where Jesus grew up, becoming strong and wise, and the grace of God was upon him.

This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed. Simeon called Jesus “a light to the nations.” This sparked the tradition of blessing enough candles to last an entire year. It is a feast of light and the

light of Jesus’ presence in the world has been celebrated on this day for many centuries.

THIS YEAR, WE ASK YOU TO CARRY THE LIGHT OF CHRIST BY BRINGING AN UNLIT AND UNUSED CANDLE TO

MASS WITH YOU THAT WEEKEND.

LAST CHANCE! The Super Bowl is coming! The Women’s Guild will be taking orders and pre-selling their Super Bowl Chili and Cornbread on January 25/26. Chili will be $7.00 per quart and four small cornbread muffins for $1.00.

Order early to make sure you get yours! Orders may also be submitted online to [email protected] or by calling Cis at 702-837-3446.

You will be able to pick up orders on Saturday, February 1st after the 4:30 pm Mass and after all morning Masses on February 2nd.

SAVE THE DATES: Sunday, March 22nd, 2020

Sunday, July 26th, 2020 Sunday, November 15th, 2020

These are the upcoming BLOOD DRIVES hosted at STM More details soon!

Thank you very much for your support of Blood Donations Southern Nevada community.


MINISTRY & ORGANIZATION CONTACTS ALL NUMBERS START WITH 702 UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED

ADULT FAITH FORMATION Deacon Mike 361-8840

ALTAR TEAMS Deacon Bob Rudloff 260-0311

BAPTISM Parish Office 361-3022

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY Deacon Mike 361-3022

BUILDING & GROUNDS Mike Ryan 361-3022

CONTENT & COMMUNICATIONS Amanda Dwyer 361-3022

COUPLES CLUB Dan Bubb 785-318-0566

ENGAGED EXPERIENCE Pamela Trendell 361-3022

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS Lisa Fairweather 361-3022

FAITH FORMATION Juliann Dwyer 361-8840

FINANCE COUNCIL Parish Office 361-3022

FUNERALS Lisa Fairweather 361-3022

GIFT SHOP Bette Snyder 361-8840

HELP THY NEIGHBOR PROGRAM Jane Stofferahn 458-2138

HOMEBOUND MINISTRY Patti Sabo 269-3110

HOSPITALITY MINISTERS Janie Davis 361-2780

LECTORS Jerry Fairweather 994-4154

LIFE TEEN Ray Snead 361-8840

LITTLE KINGDOM Geraldine Montano Muguira 236-4332

MARRIAGE Pamela Trendell 361-3022

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Bob & Beth Wiebers 898-7865

MEN’S CLUB Dave Libby 808-3589

M.O.M.S Kim Blanc 528-2457

MORE YOUTH Cheryl Schwarz 361-8840

MUSIC MINISTRY Lisa Fairweather 361-3022

NEVADANS FOR THE COMMON GOOD Natalie Eustice 630-3543

OUTREACH MINISTRY Cheryl Schwarz 361-8840

PASTORAL COUNCIL CJ Campagna 768-3862

PIECEMAKERS Bette Snyder 685-7533

R.C.I.A. Deacon Bill McManus 606-7548

ROSARY MAKING Pat Burkitt 376-5410 Joleen Meusburger 498-5011

SAFE ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY Kit Lambert 759-5509

SCOUTS Ed Cortney 415-9980

SENIOR GAMES Salvy Mc Ilvaine 617-4547

55+ SINGLES Carol Capino Sturm 606-3900

SILENT CHRISTIAN MEDITATION Maria Kuschel 407-1697

TELE-WELCOMING Jane Stofferahn 458-2138

VICTIM’S ASSISTANCE Ron Vallance 235-7723

WELCOME SUNDAY DONUTS CJ Campagna 768-3862

WOMEN’S GUILD Cis Holzhauer 837-3446

Pastor— Fr. Bede Wevita

Ex Officio—Mike Ryan, Sandra Stahl

Members:

Mark Ricciardi JoAnn Rucci

Bernadette Schmitz Danny Siciliano

ClairMarie Slaveck Marcus Valerio

Chris Vito Dave Wirshing

PASTORAL COUNCIL

Pastor— Fr. Bede Wevita

Cecilia “CJ” Campagna (President)

Carla Wagner Clara Martinez Dave Wirshing

Glenda Hoagland Jill Heintz

John Vialpando Kathleen Walters Margaret Louis

Rene Robles Sara VanDewater

Sarah Lipps Susan Kring

ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE COUNCIL


IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF A COPY OF YOUR

2019 DONATIONS FOR TAX PURPOSES,

PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE AT

702-361-3022.

Our alarm code for our Church and Community Center have been recently changed. We are updating our key

distribution file and would like any non-staff member who has been issued a key to please return the keys to Mike

Ryan at our Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation.

- - - - - -

St. Thomas More is looking for volunteers that are certified and licensed in the trades to assist us from time to time.

Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. would greatly help when we have the need for one. Please contact Mike Ryan

at 725-214-7064 or at [email protected] for more information.

It would be a great way to share your talents and give back to our faith sharing community.

mailto:[email protected]


TODAY’S READINGS:

FIRST READING: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. (Is 9:1)

PSALM: The Lord is my light and my salvation. (Ps 27)

SECOND READING: I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. (1 Cor 1:10)

GOSPEL: From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt 4:17)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD.

The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

WEEKLY READINGS AND OBSERVANCES

ENGAGE IN DAILY MASS & PRAYER

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 26TH:

SUNDAY: Is 8:23—9:3/Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 [1a]/1 Cor 1:10-13, 17/Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17

MONDAY: 2 Sm 5:1-7, 10/Ps 89:20, 21-22, 25-26 [25a]/ Mk 3:22-30

TUESDAY: 2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19/Ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10 [8]/ Mk 3:31-35

WEDNESDAY: 2 Sm 7:4-17/Ps 89: 4-5, 27-28, 29-30 [29a]/ Mk 4:1-20

THURSDAY: 2 Sm 7:18-19, 24-29/Ps 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14 [Lk 1:32b]/Mk 4:21-25

FRIDAY: 2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17/Ps 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11 [cf. 3a]/Mk 4:26-34

SATURDAY: 2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17/Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17 [12a]/Mk 4:35-41

NEXT SUNDAY: Mal 3:1-4/Ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10 [10b]/ Heb 2:14-18/Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

OBSERVANCES FOR THE WEEK: Sunday: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time; Catholic Schools Week Monday: St. Angela Merici, Virgin Tuesday: St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor of the Church Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: St. John Bosco, Priest Saturday: Next Sunday: The Presentation of the Lord; World Day for Consecrated Life

JANUARY 26TH, 2020 THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

GOSPEL MEDITATION ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE

It begins! Jesus is doing something new. “He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea.” Jesus leaves his family, his profession of carpentry, and everything he has known and loved for the previous 30 years. He goes because it is time. Something new is beginning, and Jesus will not begin it alone. “As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers … he walked along from there and saw two other brothers.” What does he say to these men? “Come after me.” These words are for Peter and Andrew, for James and for John. They are also for all of us. “Come after me.” The adventure of discipleship will be strange, wild, and unexpected. The Apostles surely didn’t know what they were getting into. But the invitation is accompanied by a promise. “I will make you fishers of men,” Jesus tells the first Apostles. No more will their priorities be limited to this particular village, to the square miles of the Sea of Galilee. Their eyes will be open to the kingdom of God, and their priorities will shift. Most of us will not be called to roam the countryside, but we are invited to a similar shift of priorities. “Come after me,” Jesus says. “At once they left their nets and followed him.” Drop the nets of what you’ve demanded your life to be. Drop your self-seeking priorities. Drop your concept of religion as a Sunday obligation and no more. Drop your disregard for those outside your immediate social sphere. Whatever it is that keeps you from seeing as Jesus sees, from loving as he loves, start to drop it today. Because the kingdom of God is waiting for your yes!

LIVE THE LITURGY INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK

Do you feel overly oppressed or burdened by life’s demands or feel unsettled and anxious about where you find yourself? Many walk through life carrying very heavy sacks on their shoulders and are weighed down by them. Moments of joy and light are far and few between, with darkness and disappointment being more the norm. God desires that we live in light and experience joy. Christ has revealed this to us. Often, we give the world and things we have created too much power over us. We lose our sense of playfulness and freedom and allow other people and things to define and influence us. We are asked to reclaim ourselves today and realize that we are being asked to spread the Gospel of joy. Are we able and willing to do this?


©LPi


EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS

There are times I wish I had no obligations. It would be great to take my wife’s hand, hop in the car, and drive into the sunset. Where we were going would not matter as much as the fact that we would have nowhere we had to be. There would be nothing we had to do. No bills. No commitments. No problems. Freedom! Life doesn’t work like that, however. When Jesus came along and asked some fishermen to drop their nets and follow him, they did just that. Wow! In some ways, they experienced true freedom. That is what Jesus offers all of us. Yet, true freedom looks quite different than my dream scenario. In living in the true freedom that Jesus offers, there are things we must do and places we must go. That is because freedom only exists in following God’s will, not our own. We are called to be and called to give ourselves completely to God without reservations. We always have the free will to not respond to His call, but we will find that a negative answer may complicate our lives even further. God’s path for us calls on us to give freely of what we have been given. Saying no to that call means we carry the weight of those gifts. We were never meant to keep them. The path of God’s will may seem long and winding, but it is the one that leads us into that sunset. It is the way to true freedom. — Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK REFLECT AND RESPOND TO SCRIPTURE

First Reading Isaiah prophesied a great reversal of fortune for the land of Zebulun and Naphtali (two regions from the Northern Kingdom of Israel). How do you show appreciation for God’s unexpected blessings in your life? Second Reading Paul expresses his concerns over the divisions that had developed in the Christian community at Corinth. He seeks communal unity by focusing on “the cross of Christ.” How well do you employ Paul’s strategy when there is division in your faith community? Gospel Reading According to Matthew, Jesus begins his public ministry of teaching and healing from the city of Capernaum. What do you think were people’s initial reaction to Jesus?

©LPi

WHY DO WE DO THAT? CATHOLIC LIFE EXPLAINED

Question: How do I discern if a call to do something big is really from God? Answer: Each day we face plenty of decisions about following God: whether or not to pray, how to treat people, and how to prioritize our time. Sometimes there can be something much more significant we discern: a vocational call, a promotion at work that requires a move, or a new ministry position at church. In addition to a pro-con list or a cost-benefit analysis, here are a few things to prayerfully consider and to talk over with trusted individuals. Does it conform to God’s will revealed in the Church? God doesn’t call us to do something that contradicts the moral law. Will it encourage spiritual growth? Sometimes we need to choose between multiple good options. Consider the personal impact on you and others you are responsible for, like family. Other times we might be invited to do good for others, but when we assess our other life commitments, we see that saying yes to this would actually impede our prior responsibilities in the long run. Does the call seem consistent? This isn’t to say that God won’t do something new. Even so, consider if the call is consistent with your gifts and abilities. Can you see a “through-line” so to speak, with how your experiences have led you to this point? Do others confirm it? Share your reflections with trusted, insightful confidantes. Have they seen the same things you have, or are they bringing up new points to consider? Humbly add their relevant points to your considerations. Don’t forget your gut. After you’ve carefully considered everything in your mind, don’t neglect your instincts. Does your heart say yes or no?

©LPi

AROUND THE DIOCESE


Is your marriage going down the right road...or is it a little off track? Life can be difficult, and so can the challenges

you face in marriage.

Does the distance between you seem wide? Are you already separated? Looking for a better way?

Retrouvaille can help and offers hope for a better relationship. Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer

couples that can help you learn the tools of healthy communication, build intimacy and heal, just as they have

done in their own marriages. Retrouvaille is Christian-based, and Catholic in origin, but welcomes couples of all faiths as

well as non-religious couples. Retrouvaille can help get your relationship back on track. For more information about our

upcoming March 27-29th, 2020 Retrouvaille Weekend program, contact registration team: Josh & Alma at

702-812-8873 or visit our website at HelpOurMarriage.com

The Diocese of Las Vegas would like to announce a job opportunity at St. John Neumann: Custodian

Position Summary: Part time position is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of our

property in line with established standards, including the grounds, building exteriors and other areas. Duties include:

attendance as scheduled, ability to clearly communicate verbally, cleaning and sanitizing all restrooms, sweeping,

mopping, scrubbing, and dusting worship space, classrooms and office areas. Applicants must know how to use appropriate

equipment and cleaning supplies, have the ability to operate equipment safely, and be able to handle daily responsibilities and projects with minimal direction. Applicants must have the physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs. from a standing position, climb and stand on a ladder, bend, crawl, and be on hands

and knees. This position requires weekend hours and the ability to be on their feet for extended hours.

Please submit resumes to: Billy Hasbrouck, Facilities Director

St John Neumann Roman Catholic Church 2575 W. El Campo Grande Ave.

North Las Vegas, NV 89031

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Men’s Retreat

All men 18 and over are invited to attend the 2nd Annual SEAS Men's Retreat on Saturday, February 15th from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30

p.m. in the SEAS Parish Hall located at 1811 Pueblo Vista Dr., LV 89128 (702-228-8311). Mr. Carlos Obando, Programs

Director of Loyola Institute for Spirituality in Orange, CA will be the guest speaker on the topic, “True Discipleship: Men After

God’s Own Heart.” Cost is $25 and includes coffee, donuts and

lunch. Register in the SEAS Kairos Gift Shop or contact Jeff Boughrum at [email protected] (702-523-3270).

The invitation to discipleship is ever ancient and ever new…

calling people of every age to “Come” and meet the living God. The life of a disciple, however, is challenging. It means not only “knowing” our faith, but being people whose lives “witness” that faith. It means allowing ourselves to be transformed by God’s

Spirit so that we can transform the world around us. So, are you a believer or a disciple? There is a difference! Come and join other

men for a day of prayer, reflection and fellowship as we rediscover the joy of discipleship and learn how to better live our

lives as Catholic men.

mailto:[email protected]

130 n. pecos road, henderson, nv 89074 · your complete online giving history from anywhere you...

Documents