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St. Thomas More Catholic Parish Newsletter February 2019 more INFORMED

The Path of Your Life interaction with holy people

Lessons from ’ Agony in the Garden inspiration from His example

A Season of Hope enrich your Lenten journey

Your Faith is More Than You Realize living as missionary disciples

How Do We Go Out? 10 Things To Do in 2019 Gifts of Life ideas for sharing your faith guide loved ones back home a family’s pro-life journey with others to the Church filled with love and joy info content

St. Thomas More Catholic Parish 8035 South Quebec Street Centennial, CO 80112 303.770.1155 stthomasmore.org editor: Carly McGillick contributing editors: Jerry Nix 19 24 director of communications: 3 The Path of Your Life 18 Praying Prodigal Hearts Irene Lindemer By Msgr. Tom Fryar Home photographers: Dave Rich 4 Parish Photo Album 19 Gifts of Life Nicole Turner By Jeff & Sonia McGarrity 5 A Season of Hope pastor: By Francis (Lenten homily) Msgr. Thomas Fryar 21 Parish Staff Changes & Updates parochial vicars: 5 Enrich Your Lenten Rev. John Ludanha Journey 23 A Vital Role in the Faith Rev. Rohan Miranda, O.C.D. By Dominika Cicha By STM Religious Education Staff Rev. Ivan Monteiro, O.C.D. deacons: 7 Worship With Us This 24 News From Around

Deacon George Brown Lent & Easter the School Deacon Bob Cropp By STM School’s Faculty & Staff Deacon Tim Kenny

Deacon George Morin 8 Lessons From Jesus’ Deacon Alan Rastrelli, M.D. Agony in the Garden 25 Meet Our New Deacon Steve Stemper By Fr. Martin Pable Deacon Tim Walsh (retired) Preschool Director By Karen Churchill 11 & Prayer MORE 25 Inspiring Curiosity INFORMED 12 Your Faith is More About the World Published by the St. Thomas More Office Than You Realize of Communications six times a year. By Jo Holt Its mission is three-fold: to proclaim 26 Sharing Joy With the , to build up community by keeping them informed, and to call the Children in Need 14 How Do We Go Out? By Greg Johnson community to worship and service. By Jim Broski Copyright 2019, St. Thomas More Parish 16 10 Things To Do in 2019 27 Fellowship On the By Chris Stewart Basketball Court deadline By Ella Burke February 15 for the April issue and April 15 for the June issue. Articles may be edited for clarity and space.

2 More Informed our pastor’s message

The Path of Your Life interaction with holy people

We all remember ’s comforting words: “Where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Mt. 18:12) There is power in being with others who carry a similar love of and devotion to the Lord. We are reminded of that often in the lives of the . In this month of February, we are reminded of this in both family ties and the value of being around and growing from the interaction with other holy people.

The feast we celebrate on Sunday, February 10 is for St. Scholastica, twin sister of St. Benedict. While many know him as the father of Western , not as many are familiar with the fact that she herself founded a community of women living in a monastic style in a setting near where her brother carried out his work.

She is said to have so enjoyed the spiritual conversations they had that on one occasion when he was visiting from his monastery and wanting to get back before nightfall, she prayed the Lord would keep her brother with her a little longer to continue the conversations. When a major storm arose and Benedict and his were prevented from leaving, he asked his sister what she had done. In reply she said, “I asked a favor of you and you refused. I asked it of God and He granted it.” As my sisters will Moravia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Bohemia, Southern Poland tell you, the moral of this story is you should never and beyond. In their effort to bring the Gospel and underestimate the effectiveness of your sister’s prayers! liturgy to the peoples of these lands, they even created a new alphabet that we now call the Cyrillic one, Also this month, on Thursday, February 14, we familiar to those who study Russian. They composed a celebrate two brothers on the same day, St. Cyril and Slavic language liturgy, highly irregular then. They were St. Methodius. Often called the apostles to the Slavic again a support for and encouragement to one another peoples, they spent their lives bringing the faith to and even after the death of Cyril, Methodius continued for over a decade to carry on the work they had begun.

One other I would bring to your attention is celebrated on Saturday, February 23, St. . He Who has the was a bishop in the first half of the second century. He had been taught and encouraged in the faith by none Lord brought less than the Apostle John. He was Bishop of Smyrna in what is now Turkey. Polycarp was visited by St. Ignatius into the path of Antioch on his journey to his martyrdom in Rome. Polycarp himself died in this region when he was burned of your life? in persecutions around 156 at age of 86. His life and care of his flock reflects the pattern of the “ February 2019 3 , which he undoubtedly learned about a regular basis for prayer and support, and by family and from the beloved . friends who keep me aware of the Lord’s call in my life.

I share these portraits of holy men and women with you What about you? Who has the Lord brought into the to point to one thing. You will find that those who attain path of your life to help make Him a bigger part of who holiness never do it in isolation. Sometimes it is within you are? Who reveals to you the love of God in ways that the very family they belong to; think of St. Thérèse of encourage you on to greater faith and commitment? Lisieux and her parents Sts. Zelie & Louis Martin, St. Monica and her son St. Augustine, and St. Isidore and And most importantly, who is it you know who offers a his wife St. Maria Torribia. Sometimes it is the witness serious invitation by the Lord to help make Him present and invitation of the holy ones who share their journey, in your relationship with that person? Parents – what as with St. John, the beloved disciple, and his friend St. about your children? I am assuming you already know Polycarp. Sometimes it is in the groups that are gathered the responsibility you have to your spouse. Is it someone around and join in the faith journey, as in St. Francis of you see regularly at Mass and have over time built a Assisi and his companions. Whatever the case, it is always relationship with that is more than “Have a nice day” in best to find the Lord while in the company of good and its depth? And what about that individual who says that faith-filled companions. they will pray for you? Do you pray for them?

I personally can say with great appreciation that my Where two or more are gathered in the name of the own faith journey has been challenged to greater grace Lord, there is tangible strength and power. Our Lord Jesus and discipleship by the parish communities I have been didn’t teach us to pray My Father. Be aware of those who fortunate to be assigned to, by the brother priests whom are part of your own expression of Our Father. u I gather with monthly, and have for over forty years, on – Msgr. Tom

Parish Photo Album

Our pastor Monsignor Tom says, “Come be part of our parish photo album. It won’t be complete without you!" Being part of this pictorial directory is an important part of being a member of St. Thomas More Parish. For those of us who participated in the 2015 parish directory, and for some of us who have been in more than a few directories, we know what a valuable resource it is to learn fellow parishioner’s names and just helping us to realize what a family we are to each other. Take advantage of the convenience of having your photograph taken at the parish library right off the Narthex from Saturday, March 2 through Saturday, March 23. If you prefer an indoor or outdoor studio, you can set your appointment with Bettinger Photography Studio in Denver. You will receive a free session, complimentary 5x7 printed portrait and the new photo directory for free. Despite the current digital age, a tangible directory will be what preserves the history, membership, tradition, memories and pride of our parish. Be part of it! u

Make your appointment today! Call Bettinger Studio: 303.400.6023 Or schedule online: pictorialservices.net

4 More Informed A Season of Hope in lenten encouragement from our pope

By May our celebration of Lent renew our hope in Christ’s (from his past Ash Wednesday homily) promises and our commitment to follow Him ever more closely, so that at Easter, in union with Mary our Mother, On Ash Wednesday, we begin our Lenten journey toward we may rejoice in the gift of eternal life and the triumph Easter. Lent is demanding, because love is demanding. of God’s saving love. u Yet Lent is also a time of hope, an exodus from slavery that leads to an encounter in freedom with the Risen Christ.

Lent is essentially a pilgrimage of hope. It is a season of penance and spiritual renewal that prepares us to share more fully in the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection.

We re-live the experience of the Exodus, in which the Chosen People journeyed toward the Promised Land and, through spiritual discipline and the gift of the , learned the love of God and neighbor. Easter is Jesus’ own exodus, His Passover from death to life, in which we participate through our rebirth in Baptism.

By following Christ along the way of the Cross, we share in His victory over sin and death. By living the new life bestowed by the Holy Spirit in the communion of the Church, we are united more fully to the Lord in the sacraments, prayer and adoration.

Enrich Your Lenten Journey

By Dominika Cicha

Finally, on Ash Wednesday, March 6, it is here. The long-awaited Lent. Finally, we have an excuse to once again … give up sweets. But Lent isn’t a diet. How do we approach Lent wisely and not waste another chance to change our life? What do we do when “ascetic” resolutions only bring us daily frustration instead of leading us closer to God?

Lent is your time to learn something about yourself. What is secretly gnawing at your soul? What pulls you away from Heaven? Take a challenge that will require effort but that you’ll be able to accomplish. In your heart, you know very well what will help you open the door.

Look at your life

We all have a mess in our lives. Sometimes it is a minor Students receiving ashes at Ash Wednesday Mass at STM thing, a small problem, but a small mess is still a mess. February 2019 5 “Take a look at your day, everything that is happening Is your email inbox bursting at the seams with unwanted around you, your relationships, your body,” said notifications? Do you often see the “not enough memory” Fr. Jarosław Studziński, a Jesuit. notice on your mobile devices? Clean up your inbox or device storage. Unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t He proposes making two lists – the first with what you read. Un-“like” unnecessary pages on Facebook, Twitter feel is missing from your life and the second with what and Instagram. Cancel senseless YouTube subscriptions. you have too much of. You will know what to do next. You will save a lot of time and energy.

Walk with the Lord Another idea is to make more of an effort to buy consciously. Think of the book you bought but will Look to the Scriptures and walk with the Lord every day. never read, the shirt that hangs in the closet with tags Open your eyes and ears to Him. What does He want to still attached or too much food that slowly goes past its tell you today? Which part of you does He want to heal? expiration date. Perhaps Lent is a good time for financial self-examination. Maybe you could even begin praying for someone you do not like or someone who endlessly annoys you. Read or see something good

When you find it difficult to speak to God in your own On the internet, at the library and in the bookstores, there words, reach for the . Perhaps you might enjoy are many worthwhile offerings that could nourish your praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. This short prayer, soul. They can be texts written by , good articles, for which we give thanks to St. Faustina, can work biographies of saints, interviews or testimonies that you wonders. It takes away anxiety and has a calming effect. are always putting aside for “later.”

On Fridays of Lent, take time to go to the Stations of A few faith-enriching movie suggestions include: the Cross. If you cannot make it to the church, meditate Silence, Hacksaw Ridge, Heaven Is For Real, For Greater at home on the Scriptures of the Passion of Christ. Glory, The Mission, Fireproof, Courageous, Miracles From Heaven and The Shack. Lent is also a good time for a thoughtful Confession. Prepare for it and make a plan to do better. Immerse yourself in music. Music can open our hearts and bring us closer to God. Light a candle, turn on your favorite Clean up and simplify quiet melody and talk with Him.

Clean your house and closet. When you have chaos Take care of your body around you, you also have it inside you. How many times have you thought of sharing your unused clothes God gave it to you so you would take care of it. When with those who need them? This is a good time to do was the last time you had a yearly check-up? Maybe something about it. Or maybe you have something there is something causing you pain and you push it away that doesn’t belong to you on the shelf, something that for later instead of going to a doctor. Is there food or should have been returned to its owner long ago. physical activity that somehow takes away your freedom? Remember, you don’t live only for yourself.

Share your time

Time is one of the most precious things you have and can give to someone. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what, where and how you do something, as long as you do it together.

Is there someone you haven’t talked to for a long time – a friend or relative, perhaps – or a person you would like to forgive? Give them a call and, if possible, get together with them in person. Or, think of someone to whom you should say “Sorry,” Thank you,” or “I love you” – and say it.

Slow down and make time for God

That’s what it’s all about it. We have 40 days to say to ourselves: Enough. Put stop signs on all roads that lead you away from God. u Lenten display near the altar at St. Thomas More 6 More Informed WORSHIP with us this LENT & EASTER!

ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 18 Masses with ashes at 6:30am in the church and Sung Morning Prayer: 8:30am 9:00am & 6:00pm in the church & McCallin Hall; Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:00pm* Ashes-only services at 11:00am & 1:00pm. Includes Washing of the Feet. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after Mass until midnight in McCallin Hall. No evening Confessions nor . Fridays, March 8–April 12: 3:05pm & 7:00pm Both times will be “traditional” stations. GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19 Sung Morning Prayer: 8:30am LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE Stations of the Cross: 12:00pm Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary: 1:00pm Thursday, April 11: 6:30–8:00pm Divine Mercy Novena begins: 2:00pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: 3:00pm , APRIL 13 & 14 Includes of the Cross and Communion. Palms distributed at all Masses. “The Nazarene” Stations of the Cross: 7:00pm Procession begins in the narthex at 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm & 5:30pm Sunday. HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 20 The Walk on Palm Sunday: 3:00–5:00pm Sung Morning Prayer: 8:30am – meet in the High School Youth Center with Easter Food Blessing and RCIA rites. Solemn Vigil of Easter: 7:30pm* MONDAY–WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15–17 No 4:00pm or 5:30pm Masses on Daily Masses: 6:30 & 9:00am Saturday, April 20. No morning Masses or Morning Prayer: 8:30am Confessions Thursday–Saturday, April 18–20. Confessions: 8:00–9:00am & 3:00–4:00pm EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21 6:30am in Church (Youth Mass) & McCallin Hall 8:30am & 10:30am* in Church, McCallin Hall & School Gym 12:30pm in Church & McCallin Hall

NO evening Mass on Easter Sunday.

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA Good Friday, April 19 at 2:00pm; Saturday, April 20 through Friday, April 26 daily at 3:00pm in the church; and Saturday, April 27 at 2:30pm in St. Francis Hall.

* Incense at these Masses.

February 2019 7 Jesus’ Agony in the Garden lessons and inspiration from His example

By Fr. Martin Pable, OFM Cap. Knowing what was ahead of Him, it is understandable that Jesus would be overwhelmed by His emotions. Like us, Jesus could be besieged by his emotions. But Luke’s description of this dramatic scene invites us to His example shows us that God is there to comfort and engage in deeper reflection and consider times when support us. we too have succumbed to our feelings.

Lately, as I’ve been praying the Rosary, I’ve been reflecting specifically on Jesus’ agony in the Garden Following Christ’s Example As We Face Our of the night before He died. It struck me Fears that He must have been feeling weighed down by three strong emotions that all of us experience at various When Matthew describes this scene, he says that times in our lives: fear, loneliness and a sense of failure. Jesus “began to feel sorrow and distress.” (26:37) But I believe that His primary emotion would have been So powerful were those feelings that, as the Gospel of fear. Like all Jews at that time, Jesus would have been Luke tells us, “His sweat became like drops of blood familiar with the Roman manner of execution: death by falling on the ground.” (Lk 22:44) This is not hyperbole crucifixion. but a medical phenomenon: Under severe emotional stress, the small capillaries can become so engorged It was an incredibly cruel and brutal manner of putting with blood that they burst, allowing blood to seep someone to death. First, there was the scourging of through the sweat glands. the body with whips that tore the flesh, then forcing the criminal to carry his own cross through the streets of the city, despite being weakened from the loss of blood. Finally, the criminal was fastened to a cross and forced to hang there until his legs could no longer support him. Unable to breathe, he would die of asphyxiation. The soul of Jesus must have been shrinking with fear as He thought of facing those terrible physical tortures.

We have all experienced fear and anxiety: taking a wrong road at night and losing our way; worrying when we or our loved ones have a serious illness or accident; feeling anxious about losing our ; fearing not being accepted by our peers.

Yet the word of God constantly urges us to put aside fear and anxiety. I once heard a Scripture scholar say that the words “fear not” or “do not be afraid” appear in 365 times — one for each day of the year!

His example shows us that

In His agony in the garden, Jesus’ sweat became “like God is there drops of blood.” (Lk 22:44) When His disciples fell asleep, He turned to His heavenly Father for comfort to comfort and and support. When we feel abandoned and afraid, we can draw strength from Jesus’ response. support us. 8 More Informed “ A word of caution: Because of our human fragility and the many dangers in the world around us, it is impossible to be free of all fear and anxiety. Both are normal physiological responses to threats or danger.

Instead, I understand “do not be afraid” to mean, “do not let fear determine your choices.” Many sins, I believe, are driven more by fear than by evil intent. For example, people often tell lies because of the fear of looking bad or being criticized rather than with the intent to harm others. Or they insult or ridicule other people out of fear of not being accepted by their peers. Even sexual sins are often driven by the fear of not being loved rather than by lust.

Returning to Jesus’ agony in the garden, the describe a man overcome with fear to the extent that it manifests in a bloody sweat. Yet, despite that, Jesus did not allow His fears to turn Him away from His passion and death. Instead, He made the decision with seven simple words: “Not my will, but yours be done!”

Turning to God to Deal with Loneliness When we experience anxiety and loneliness, it can seem as if we are The second strong emotion Jesus hopelessly adrift. Jesus, both human and divine, felt the same emotions. experienced in His agony was a With Jesus by our side, and relying on God to be our anchor in the storm, profound loneliness. All three synoptic we can face our distress with courage, trust and a calm heart. Gospels state that Jesus asked Peter, James and John to accompany Him into the garden and to keep watch and pray with Him. But each time He rose from His Adult children leave their birthplace to find jobs in places prayer and went to them, He found them sleeping. His far from home. Friendships formed in high school or disappointment was evident in his gentle rebuke: “So college often do not survive the many geographic moves. you could not keep watch with me for one hour?” Then, Romantic relationships can be strained or broken when in a note of compassion, he added, “The spirit is willing, new jobs require cross-country transfers. And hearts but the flesh is weak.” (Mt 26:40–41) are broken when those dreaded words are spoken: “I just don’t think we are a good fit.” Add to this the huge But the realization was unmistakable: Jesus could not numbers of people whose marriages have been broken count on the emotional and spiritual support of even by separation or divorce. His best friends. He would have to face His sufferings alone. So it can be spiritually helpful to reflect on the loneliness of Jesus, especially during His agony in the garden, and Social-science surveys have revealed the large numbers how He dealt with feelings. As He became aware that of people in our nation who experience strong feelings He could not rely on human support, He turned to His of loneliness — this at a time when communication via Father in heaven. social media, opportunities for travel and connecting with people on the Internet are more abundant Undoubtedly, He recalled those two powerful moments than ever. I once heard someone put it like this: “We in His life – His baptism and His transfiguration – when have an abundance of connections, but a scarcity of He heard the voice of His Father: “This is my beloved relationships.” Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Mt. 3:17) He was

February 2019 9 strengthened by the comforting message: “I love you. whom God’s promises were being fulfilled. Moreover, I am with you. I will never abandon you.” He knew that even the ordinary people who welcomed His teachings and were thrilled at His healings and other The Church teaches us that God has spoken the same miracles would soon join the crowd calling for His death. words and made the same promise to each of us at our And perhaps worst of all, even His chosen apostles and own Baptism: You are my beloved son/daughter. In you friends would abandon Him in the end. I take delight. “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” (Heb. 13:5) Again, is this not often our own experience? We work so hard and put our best efforts into some worthwhile Loneliness is not a disease or a disorder. It is a painful project, only to see it fail or be rejected. Or we aspire situation that simply has to be endured. Sometimes to reach a certain goal or dream in our lives, only to see it can be ended by our efforts to reach out and make ourselves fall short. connections with others. In the meantime, we find comfort in the fact that Jesus, our savior, has shared — Parents may feel a deep sense of failure when one or and understands — our pain. more of their children get into trouble with the law, become addicted to drugs or alcohol or get divorced. Finding Comfort in Jesus When We Experience Most of the time, parents have no reason to blame Failure themselves for these problems, yet they may feel responsible — along with a deep sadness and a sense of The third source of suffering for Jesus in His agony, I helplessness. believe, was a sense of failure. With a few exceptions, He had been unable to convince the Jewish religious So it can be helpful for any of us who experience failure leaders that He was the long-awaited Messiah in to recall that Jesus, our savior, truly understands what we are going through.

In the midst of His feelings of self-doubt and failure, Jesus is given consolation: “To strengthen [Jesus], an from heaven appeared to Him.” (Lk 22:43) What comfort did this envoy from heaven provide? I would like to think the angel revealed to Jesus the millions of people who would come to believe in Him, receive Baptism and the other sacraments and live faithful lives of love and service, often to the point of sharing in His sufferings through their own martyrdom.

Drawing Strength From Our Lord’s Sufferings

During this Lenten season, we can draw spiritual strength and inspiration from our meditation on Jesus’ agony in the garden.

Perhaps we can learn to embrace our own times of agony in union with Him, so that those times can be sources of spiritual growth for ourselves and for the people the Lord brings into our lives.

Moreover, our prayerful meditation on this mystery will inspire us to act as It can be helpful for any of us who experience failure to recall that Jesus comforting to people around us our Savior truly understands what we are going through. Jesus faced who are hurting or bearing heavy burdens u His fears in a human way, and found His path to acceptance through the in their own lives. love of the Father. His simple words on the cross — “Not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42) — gave Him strength. Jesus’ steadfast faith Reprinted with permission from St. Anthony can calm our fears when we encounter trouble and uncertainty. Messenger. 10 More Informed Peace & Prayer our lady of fatima statue visit

In December, through the beautiful Marian feasts of the Solemnity of the and , St. Thomas More parishioners enjoyed the presence and beauty of the newly commissioned pilgrimage statue of Our Lady of Fatima at our parish.

Parishioners spent time praying and contemplating the love, joy and grace of Our Lady of Fatima.

This statue’s visit provided “a wonderful opportunity to stop in the church and spend time reflecting on the role of our Blessed Mother,” said our pastor Monsignor Tom.

The 140-pound statue was placed near the altar in our church by a team working with Catholic Charities. The five-foot tall statue is made from a single piece of African wood, according to the Denver Catholic article Lourdes, Knock, Guadalupe and near Green Bay, Wisconsin, “Mary is coming to see you.” Mary’s gown is bright she is “always bringing a message of peace, hope and the white and trimmed in , her beautiful crown is a importance of prayerfully following her Son,” he said. gleaming gold and she holds a Rosary in her hands. “Give thanks and praise to our Lord,” Monsignor Tom Monsignor Tom recounts how, during Mary’s many added, “that He uses His mother so well in reaching out to apparitions over the centuries in places such as Fatima, her children and calling them to her Son.” u

February 2019 11 Your Faith is More Than You Realize living as missionary disciples

By Jo Holt STM Director of Marriage & Family Life

As I sat in adoration one morning, I began to wonder – what encourages a baptized person to live out their life in a joyful way?

I admit there was a time when my faith was stagnant and not growing or moving anywhere. I was convinced that it was only my responsibility to believe in the Church’s teaching, attend Mass and go to confession at least once per year. As long as I did these things, I was a good Catholic, right?

My faith was separate from the rest of my life; they really didn’t overlap. And at the same time, I felt empty and unwanted. I remembered hearing some people who said their faith provided them with what they needed to feel fulfilled, but I didn’t experience that. I thought something had to be wrong with me. Why did I feel so different than the rest of them? Why did all of their lives seem so perfect in comparison to mine, which was full of constant obstacles?

Then one night in desperation, I was ready to give up. how much Jesus loves me. Each new discovery was I couldn’t fight anymore or carry the frustration and accompanied by another step towards Him. burdens. So I gave God an ultimatum. If He really existed and could transform anyone’s life, I was prepared to let I was so intrigued and curious that I kept going until go and give Him the authority to do what He wanted. ultimately He reached into my heart and healed my deepest wounds, showered me with His mercy and It was in that moment of letting go that God began to embraced me with His love. Jesus also showed me the work on my heart. For the first year, my intention was to tenderness of His mother, Mary. She then brought me to prove Him wrong, so I could say that I was right – after all, the love and protection of the Father. I thought, not everyone deserves or receives happiness! Then as time passed, I learned more about myself and Perhaps your journey is very similar to mine, or maybe as you read this, you can relate to the very beginning where my journey began – feeling empty and unfulfilled. No matter where you are in your faith at this very moment, I Each one of us can tell you that your faith is more than you realize. Each one of us are called to be outward with our faith, is called to be giving witness to the love of God to everyone we outward with encounter. We should receive people with joy and tender hearts so they can experience the love of Christ. our faith, giving We should do our best to get involved in the life of the witness to the love of parish, which frees up our priests, deacons and staff so they can allocate their time toward the spiritual growth God to everyone we of our community. By sharing our time and talent, we can be an extension of Christ to others. Not only is it encounter. extremely helpful, but it allows us to be good stewards of “ the gifts God has given us. 12 More Informed In addition to these things, we need to equip ourselves to live as the missionary disciples we were called into being at our baptism.

Do you feel comfortable sharing stories about your faith journey with others? Are you afraid or ashamed to admit your struggles and weaknesses? Are you currently walking with anyone on this journey right now?

Then after we are formed, we have to go out and bring others into our Catholic community. There are many opportunities in our parish to introduce people to the faith for the first time, or help to welcome them home when they have been away. Are we taking advantage of these opportunities? This then leads us into authentic friendship because we Last fall, around 5,000 Catholics (about 90 from St. are able to recognize that everything we have is because Thomas More) gathered in northern Colorado to of God and His love for us. participate in a new initiative from the Archdiocese of Denver called More Than You Realize. And finally, with clarity and conviction we understand that in order to help more people experience this love We were reminded of St. Pope John Paul II’s visit during and mercy, we have to go out and tell them. Then those in 1993. He selected Colorado to host people will go through the process and bring more the event because he recognized that there were great people, and so on. opportunities here for evangelization. As a result of his visit, many organizations were created like FOCUS, In reviewing this, where are you with regard to these Augustine Institute, Endow and Real Life Catholic. habits? Do you have divine intimacy with God? If so, then do you have an authentic friendship with Jesus? If you Were you there? How did your experience at World Youth responded yes, what are you doing to bring others into Day impact your life as a Catholic? Do not forget these our Catholic community so they can experience it too? moments in our life that God reveals himself to us. They are moments of conversion, and according to FOCUS, This year, our parish will be providing a lot of these events help lead you towards a life of intentional opportunities to experience these foundational habits, discipleship. but if you need more direct assistance, reach out to our clergy, our religious education office or myself. We will Just last month, many of our ministry leaders and happily accompany you in the journey! u attendees of More Than You Realize gathered for a Saturday morning reflection with musician and storyteller Shaun Garrison from Windswept Missions and Shannon Zurcher from FOCUS. Four Pillars of Discipleship

They walked us through FOCUS’s three habits that are All of us as baptized Catholics have an important foundational to discipleship: (1) divine intimacy, role in the mission of discipleship. Our parish is (2) authentic friendship and (3) clarity and conviction focusing on fostering, promoting and developing with regard to spiritual multiplication. discipleship in our community and lives. Fr. Randy Dollins describes four pillars of discipleship Divine intimacy relates to experiencing the love of on which you might enjoy reflecting. These are: God in a personal way. This of course includes prayer, (1) How do we receive others? (2) How do we participating in the sacraments and fellowship with other free up our time to disciple? (3) How do we form believers. The personal relationship with our Lord is others? (4) How do we go out right now? – See the unique and unforgettable. next page for ideas on how to “go out” right now!

February 2019 13 How Do We Go Out? ideas for sharing your faith with others

By Jim Broski do more and be more open about my faith. I am sure STM Parishioner that the Holy Spirit and great homilies have had an influence, as has the grace from the sacraments and We are all called to holiness. That should not be a the loving witness of others. surprise to any Catholic. We are also called to give witness to others. Our witness demonstrates our faith Give some thought to a few concrete things that you and encourages others to know our Lord and His Holy can do today, this week and this month to “go out into Church. the world with your Catholic faith.”

There are many ways to do this. Each of us is called to Some ideas that I would suggest that I personally have do our part. All we need to do is to participate with the found beneficial include: promptings of the Holy Spirit. The parish provides ample opportunity for participation in the community. For some ŠŠ Take the time to recognize a religious medal that an of us, that may mean joining a group at the parish that individual is wearing. I did so recently and learned does outreach to those living on the street (Christ in the that a medal of Pope John the XXIII belonged to a City, for example) or bringing the Holy Eucharist to those nurse’s father. That led to a discussion about him. in a hospital or nursing home. Naturally, the nurse asked me if I was Catholic. I responded with a yes and let her know I was wearing You may feel more of a call to give witness a bit closer to a . She did not know about it, so I home: in your immediate family, your circle of friends, told her. I did learn that she was a relapsed Catholic. neighbors or those you meet in your daily life. Witness This conversation was a great way for her to have requires only a “lean in.” It does not need to be perfect. a positive experience regarding the Catholic faith, possibly planting a seed for her eventual return to I have found that the Holy Spirit has prompted me to the Church.

14 More Informed Witness requires only a “lean in.” It does not need to be perfect.

ŠŠ Prior to eating at home or in a public place, make the Sign of the Cross and say your prayer before the “meal. I did so this past week at a small coffee shop in Cheyenne and had a wonderful thing happen. An older woman came up to me and said, “You are Catholic.” I replied, “Yes.” She then said, “Come sit over here with a few other Catholics.” I did and met three new friends. What a joy that was!

ŠŠ Let your children and siblings know that they are your Mass or Rosary intention.

ŠŠ When you see a feast day on the calendar and know like to say if someone asks about it, providing a great people with that name – for example, for St. Thomas opportunity for a friendly conversation in which you Aquinas on January 28, send a text or email to the can introduce your faith. Perhaps this might even lead Toms you know – mentioning that it is their saint’s to future conversations with them about it. day and that you have them in your prayers. ŠŠ Pray for an intention on the spot. One of my sisters ŠŠ In your calendar, note the dates of the deaths of and I were talking on the phone. When she asked how loved ones. On those days, make an outreach to the I was, I mentioned my back pain. She did not reply surviving family member(s) or other friends who with a remedy or with the common, “I will keep this in knew the deceased, letting them know that you are my prayers.” She went beyond that and said, “We are keeping the soul of the deceased in your prayers in a going to pray about this right now.” She went on to call special way on this day. upon God, asking for His “healing power for my ailment and for my spirit, in Jesus’ name. Amen.” Powerful. ŠŠ Wear a religious medal, pin or ring that gives witness to the cross, a saint or the unborn (the little feet.) ŠŠ Make things personal. Recently, someone in my office Engage in dialogue about what image represents and that I do not work with very much lost a son in a why you wear it. shooting. It was a real tragedy for sure. She was out of the office for a couple of weeks. I thought about ŠŠ Ask friends and family if they have a prayer intention leaving a sympathy card on her desk for her to see that you can include in your spiritual life. Send a card when she returned. That action would have been good. or note to them that you prayed a Rosary or spent The Holy Spirit prompted me to do something a bit time in adoration for the intention. more. When I knew that she was at her desk alone, I went over to her desk with a card, knowing that I had ŠŠ In the event of a death of a friend or loved one, no script of what to say. The Holy Spirit gave me the instead of just a sympathy card, send a card notifying words to say. She was most grateful. the family that you are having a Mass said for the deceased. You can obtain these easily from the parish ŠŠ The is a great community. We can office or a or even a religious order. learn from each other. In your conversations with other Catholics exchange ideas on actions of witness. We can ŠŠ Trace the Sign of the Cross on your spouse and all gain from the insights of others. children’s forehead when they are at the airport getting dropped off to catch a flight. Listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and take action. Do not worry about what to say. After all, Exodus ŠŠ Place a crucifix, small statue or other religious item 4:12 reads: “Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I on your desk at work. Think ahead about what you’d will teach you what to say.” u February 2019 15 10 Things To Do in 2019 guide loved ones back to the church

By Chris Stewart Casting Nets Ministries 2 Invite We all have family members, loved ones and friends Have we actually invited them back, told who have left the Catholic Church. The ache of the them that we want them back? Or what are we trying broken heart is all too real for so many of us when we to invite them back to? Some might not be ready for think of their absence. But what can we do? Mass or Confession, but would they join you for prayer in a Blessed Sacrament chapel? Even that could be too Here are my top 10 things we can (and must) do to much for some. Maybe invite them to read a book, help bring them back to the Church: listen to a podcast, or watch a video. Maybe it is just inviting them to a parish Fish Fry for dinner.

Discern Keep in mind that discernment is a major component 1 of invitation, because if the Lord wants you to be silent, Ask for the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit to know then you may need to wait on the inviting. what we can and should do. It may be that we need to speak up – or the Spirit may need us to be silent. To be honest, both of those options can be difficult Walk depending upon the situation or person (so also ask for 3 Fortitude from the Spirit as well). So many times, we find ourselves in a situation of “us vs. them,” or at least they feel like this is the wanted to end the oppression of God’s people, case. To avoid this, we need to “walk” with them. but his first attempt at it did not go very well (cf. Ex “Walking” with someone is a form of accompaniment, 2:11–15). Peter knew one of his duties was to protect which hopefully turns into discipleship. Christ and the Church, but his first “swing” at it was not the right move. (cf. Jn 18:10) By simply being present, listening and developing empathy, they will come to know that we truly do love While we know the Lord desires our loved ones to them. (Of course, I’m NOT saying that we condone make it to Heaven, we need to be sure we are correctly grave actions or that we participate in anything that working with and in His plans. would be sinful.) The goal of walking with them is that hopefully they will begin to walk with us and in the right direction towards Home (cf. Lk 24:13–35).

4 Pray You probably have been doing this, but this year, pray with a new energy characterized by confidence. When God’s Chosen People betrayed Him by worshiping a cow made of a precious metal, Moses prayed to the Lord. The Lord listened to Moses’ prayer of intercession, His anger was abated and mercy was granted. (cf. Deut 9:18–20)

Have confidence that what you desire – salvation for the lost – is exactly what our Heavenly Father desires (cf. 1 Tim 2:4). Since that is true, “This is the confidence which we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of Him.” (1 Jn 5:14, 15)

16 More Informed 5 Fast 7 Saints One of the most powerful spiritual acts is Get the Saints involved! Are they named after fasting. Jesus instructed that sometimes only prayer a saint? Or do you know their Confirmation saint? and fasting can overcome certain problems. (cf. Mk Maybe there is a saint whose story is like their life or is 9:29) Now, by mentioning this particular chapter of a of their profession or an area of interest. the Gospel, I am not implying that anyone’s loved ones Pray and maybe a saint will come to your mind – or just are possessed (which does still happen), but if it works pick one! for getting rid of demons, it will work on sin. Begin to develop a relationship with this Saint, asking This could include fasting on bread and water, or them to partner with you to bring your loved one back fasting from a meal, or fasting from coffee or chocolate into the Church. or alcohol, or giving up something until they come back to the Church. Be like Ezra, who fasted for himself and his children to find the “straight way,” and the Lord Give granted it to him. (cf. Ezra 8:21–23) 8 Offer up your time, talent and treasure for your loved ones. In other words live as a steward for them. Mom As the declared, “Almsgiving delivers 6 from death, and it will purge away every sin.” (Tob 12:9) We need to get the Blessed Mary, Using the analogy of water putting out fire, so does giving Queen of Heaven and Earth, on the case. This holy do for sins (cf. Sir 3:30). woman – who said “Yes” to the Incarnation, requested the first miracle of Christ, stood at the Cross and Let me be clear before I say anything here, no one can prayed with the Apostles to call the Holy Spirit to come buy their way into heaven; the Church has clearly spoken upon the Church – continues to play a role in bringing on that issue. We fall into these extremes because we do the lost home. not understand that almsgiving is not simply a “donation” or “tax write-off;” it is a prayer. If you have yet to do a consecration to Jesus Christ through Mary, I encourage you to do so. Place your Almsgiving is an act of worship, “an excellent offering in prayers for your loved ones into her immaculate hands, the presence of the Most High.” (Tob 4:11) Next time you asking her to bring them to her Divine Son. are writing your tithe check, put someone’s name in the memo or envelope, offer them up with your prayer, your worship, your sacrificial gift. MEMORARE 9 Mass REMEMBER, O most gracious Offer up every Holy Mass that you can for Virgin Mary, that never was it your loved ones. Mass is the greatest prayer we have because it remembers the very act that granted every known that anyone who fled to grace and mercy to humanity. thy protection, implored thy help, When you are at Mass, imagine placing your loved ones or sought thy intercession was on the altar with the bread and wine. Just as the Holy left unaided. Inspired with this Spirit turns bread and wine into something completely new, ask the Spirit to transform your loved ones. confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do In our Catholic faith, we have a tradition of having priests offer Masses for the deceased. This is a highly I come; before thee I stand, sinful encouraged devotion, and we can also have Masses and sorrowful. O Mother of the said for the living. The saints have told us that Masses said for us while we are alive are very powerful. Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear [Editor’s Note: For Mass intentions at St. Thomas More for your loved ones (living or deceased), visit the front and answer me. Amen. desk of the parish office on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00am–5:00pm.] February 2019 17 though He knew what He was going to do (cf. Jn 11:35). It 10 Give Thanks is to encourage a thankful heart. Thanksgiving should be a natural part of a Thank the Lord for all the ways He is moving in the life of Christian’s life. Jesus said, “I tell you, whatever you ask our loved ones in ways that we cannot even perceive yet in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and you will.” (cf. Is 43:19), because He is always working towards our (Mk 11:24) Since that is true, then we should go ahead good (cf. Jer 29:11). u and offer thanksgiving for this great gift. Reprinted with permission from Chris Stewart and Casting Nets This is not to suggest that it is wrong to cry or feel pain Ministries, www.CastingNetsMinistries.com. over our lost loved ones. Christ wept for Lazarus even

Have your children, siblings or PRAYING other loved ones left the Church? Praying Prodigal Hearts Home meets monthly at St. Thomas More to pray for the return of adult prodigal children and other relatives and friends back to Jesus and His Church. We pray a Scriptural Rosary and support one another in persevering in prayer. HEARTS A note from the group’s founders: “As parents who raised our six children in the Catholic Church — going to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, taking them to religious education classes and Confession, having them involved in Youth HOME Group and being Confirmed — we were saddened and dismayed when most of them stopped going to Mass when they went to college.

When we realized that other parents were in the same situation, Praying Prodigal Hearts Home was formed to intercede for children and loved ones who had left the Church.”

A note from a group member:

“‘Where two or more are gathered’ — so true with our Praying Prodigals Home ministry. For years, I felt the guilt and loneliness of my children’s lapse from our Catholic faith. The support of this group is so encouraging, as it offers solidarity of our feelings and heartfelt prayers for our loved ones to return to their Catholic heritage. Come join us to pray the Rosary for the return of our prodigals.”

Watch the STM bulletin for the meeting dates, times and locations. For more info about Praying Prodigal Hearts Home, contact [email protected].

18 More Informed Gifts of Life a family’s pro-life journey

Editor’s note: The following is the presentation Jeff and adoption.” That led me to chat with Robin at the National Sonia McGarrity gave at the January 12, 2019 Celebrate Down Syndrome Adoption Network who had herself Life Rally & March held in Denver, Colorado. Jeff is the adopted several children with Down Syndrome and who Music Director at St. Thomas More and Sonia is a very busy was now helping other parents throughout the country to stay-at-home mother of eight children, four of whom have do so. Down Syndrome, and their three little girls were adopted. After talking to Robin, I thought, “Yes Lord, we could love a Jeff second sweet kiddo with Down Syndrome,” so in 2010, we Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to met and adopted Cecilia as a newborn. share about the joy of our family’s life. Then, to prove that God has a sense of humor and knows Allow me to begin by asking you if you know why Down exactly what we need, our son Augustine was born in Syndrome is called what it is. Many people think that 2011, one year and four days after Cecilia’s birth. the name Down Syndrome comes from the observation that individuals with this condition are often “delayed” or Since then, we have adopted RoseMarie, who was born “down” in certain abilities or their IQ. But that’s not the in 2015, and Charlotte, who was born three months ago reason. We’ll tell you why in a few minutes. and whose adoption is yet to be finalized. Both these precious have Down Syndrome. That brings us to five boys First a little about us: After our first two sons, Thomas and and three girls, or four typical kiddos and four kiddos with Sean, were born in 2003 and 2004, our third son, Jeffrey Down Syndrome. was born in 2006. Jeffrey’s prenatal ultrasounds looked just like our previous children, so about an hour after his birth, Jeff when our midwife told us she thought Jeffrey had Down Now to answer the question why Down Syndrome has Syndrome, we were surprised, and we began a journey its name. “Down Syndrome” is actually named after the that we could not have anticipated before that day. English doctor who first described the condition in the 1860s, Dr. John Langdon Down. Sonia In 2007, our fourth son, Brendan, was born and in 2008, In case you don’t know, Down Syndrome is also called God put it on my heart to Google “Down Syndrome “Trisomy 21” because people with this condition have

Photography by Patrick Sola Portraiture, Centennial, Colorado February 2019 19 three copies of their twenty- first chromosome instead of two.

In an article entitled Why is it called Down Syndrome? author Mark Leach wishes that Dr. Down’s last name had been “Awesome” instead! Think about it! Here’s how the conversation where a doctor informs parents that their child has Trisomy 21 would sound if his name had been Dr. Awesome:

Parents: “Yes Doctor. What do you need to tell us?”

Doctor: “We believe that your child has Awesome Syndrome.” a pregnancy with a chromosomal abnormality said this Sonia about aborting babies with Down Syndrome: “We ended As we gather today to voice our respect for life, we are a possible life that may have had a huge complication ... aware that the pro-life movement is sometimes criticized preventing suffering for the child and for the family.” as just being “pro baby.” Our family loves babies! I guess that is obvious. But we love mothers and fathers as well, While families who have children with special needs (and and we have open adoptions with all three sets of our all families, for that matter) certainly have their share girls’ birth parents and honor them as “heroes” because of sleepless nights and frustrating days, we are glad to they have chosen life instead of abortion for their children. welcome the “suffering” that has these four bright-eyed Open adoption is a win-win situation because it allows kiddos as part of our lives! birth parents to continue to experience their children’s love rather than feeling the loss of that love if they were to Sonia have chosen abortion. Baby Charlotte became part of our family rather quickly, and so telling our children was quite a surprise to them. Jeff When we told Brendan, our 11-year-old, that we were Unfortunately, there is a tragic connection between adopting again, he quickly asked us, “Does the baby have abortion and Down Syndrome. In 2017, CBS published an Down Syndrome?” And when we said that she did, we article about Iceland entitled, “What kind of do you were touched by his response: “Yes!” want to live in?: Inside the country where Down Syndrome is disappearing.” As I consider the amazing pro-life warriors here and across our country who have tirelessly proclaimed the pro-life From the title of this article, you might think that the message, I sometimes feel the need to do more for the doctors in Iceland have somehow figured out how to pro-life movement, and then I remind myself of Mother “cure” Down Syndrome. In fact, the article relates that, Teresa’s challenge: “If you want to change the world, “Since prenatal screening tests were introduced in Iceland go home and love your family.” Each one of us and each in the early 2000s … close to 100 percent [of women] who family can change the world by being pro-life, “for-life,” received a positive test for Down syndrome terminated which begins with “going home and loving our family.” their pregnancy.” Before we wrap up, we need to say that we could not And to bring this shocking tragedy closer to home, the do what we do without the support of amazing family, article explains that according to recent data, the United amazing friends, an amazing church community at St. States has an estimated termination rate of 67 percent Thomas More and amazing “guardian angels,” the myriad when a child tests positive for Down Syndrome before of folks who have prayed, brought food, transported kids, birth. watched kids, helped with financial resources and so much more, some of whom we know well and others we hardly Iceland has almost eliminated Down syndrome by aborting know or who are anonymous. We want to thank each and virtually 100 percent of fetuses that test positive. A every one of them and invite everyone here to consider counselor in Iceland who meets with women who have how you can support one another in our pro-life journey.

20 More Informed Jeff I said, In closing, I recently heard a song entitled Do Something by ‘God, why don’t You do something?’ Matthew West, which spoke to my heart. The lyrics begin He said, ‘I did… like this: I created you.’” “Saw a world full of trouble now Thought, While not every family is called to raise four kiddos How’d we ever get so far down with Down Syndrome, we’ve discovered that this is the How’s it ever gonna turn around “something” that God has called us to do. The question So I turned my eyes to Heaven we invite you to consider is: what is the “something,” the I thought, “something else” or the “something more,” that God has ‘God, why don’t You do something?’ called you to “do?” Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of People living in poverty Thank you for letting us share a bit of our story with you Children sold into slavery today. And let’s all go “do something” to build a culture of The thought disgusted me life! u So, I shook my fist at Heaven

Parish Staff Changes & Updates

Our parish staff has had several changes recently, and we In our parish accounting department, our part-time would like to introduce you to the new staff members. assistant accountant Doreen Smith is now providing accounting services for an interior design firm. We thank The liturgy department’s longtime employee Sheila Lupton her for her time at St. Thomas More both at the parish has retired to pursue volunteer activities, continue training and at the school. service dogs and plan a return to to walk the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage trail. We thank her for Kendra Wilt her many years working at STM and wish her the best. Kendra joins are staff as the part time We welcome the new part-time staff members who will assistant accountant. She brings much share Sheila’s varied responsibilities. experience in the financial field and appreciates the flexible hours, allowing Maryanne Carter her time with her children.

Maryanne Carter has returned to our parish staff and is responsible for the archives of our parish, recording the The Communications and Stewardship department has a recipients of the sacraments as well as couple of new faces as well. Nicole Turner has replaced funerals held at our parish. Ian Lee, who has pursued another opportunity with photography. Tanya Swegler Nicole Turner Tanya, currently a sacristan, assumed the responsibility of custodian of the 57 first- Nicole is our new Communications class reliquaries currently residing at our Content Technician. She has a degree in parish. She will arrange for the display of Film/Media from Baylor University and the relic on the saint’s feast day as well as previously was a motion graphic artist Holy Days during the liturgical calendar. for Tegna, Inc., local station Channel 9.

Peggy Finan Nicole is in charge of all parish videos, both the parish and school websites, the parish social media as well as Peggy joins the Liturgy staff as a sacristan the photography of our numerous parish and school to assist with funerals and the Liturgy functions held at our parish. She created the recent department in variety of duties that More About... The Epiphany video as well our STM include keeping an inventory of items Catholic School video highlighting our STM alumni. needed. February 2019 21 Parish Staff Changes, cont.

IT Manager Gary Olmsted retired this past fall and Keith served in the United States Navy and has been continues enjoying time with his wife, Pat, and their married to his wife Mary for thirty-five years. They have grandchildren and spending time away in their three children and four grandchildren. Their youngest son mountain cabin. We occasionally see his smiling face at attends Mullen High School. various parish activities. Keith is very focused on providing our parishioners and visitors an excellent and hospitable experience when they Bob Lehto come to St. Thomas More.

Bob is our new IT manager taking over the IT management responsibilities for both the parish and school facilities. John Cox

He has 20 years experience with John joins our parish staff as our Trautman & Shreve, Inc. including new Director of Catechesis. holding the position as their IT manager. He has extensive He is a graduate of Franciscan technical knowledge, experience University with a degree in in designing, installing and upgrading networks, and Philosophy. After graduating, expertise with security and data storage and backups John moved to Texas and taught management. middle school religious education among other classes including Bob and his wife, Teri, celebrated their 30th anniversary Latin. He eventually became the this year and have three adult children. His strong Catholic assistant principal at St. Bernadette Academy. faith and extensive experience has helped him fit right into his role as St. Thomas More IT Manager. After about five years, he took on a position as the Director of Faith Formation at St. Church in Arlington, Bob enjoys helping our staff with technology training, Texas. In addition to working at St. Maria Goretti Church, system updates and the necessary troubleshooting he also had the privilege of serving the diocese of Fort required with the occasional equipment malfunction. Worth by providing classes for Catholic school teachers as required for the diocesan certification program, specifically in the area of Christian moral principles.

During this time period, he received a Master’s Degree Keith Tellus has joined the parish staff as the Facilities in Theological Studies (M.T.S.) from the Institute of Manager, replacing Tony Mercado who transferred to Meet John Cox Pastoral Theology from Ave Maria University, graduating Risen Christ Catholic Parish as their facilities manager. magna cum laude.

Keith Tellus After a few years, the Cox family moved to Longmont, Colorado, where John worked with Fr. Frank Maroney and Keith came to us from All Souls the parish of St. Francis Church. Catholic Church in Englewood. He was their facilities manager for He and his wife, Amanda, whom he says is the most 20 years. He brings a great amount amazing person he knows, have five children: of knowledge and experience in Joshua, Abigail, Monica, Emily and little Colette. running a parish and school facility – from maintenance and repair to He is most looking forward to getting to know all the budgets and contract negotiation. wonderful parishioners of St. Thomas More and being able to teach classes for all of us. u He has a strong desire to identify and implement the most cost-effective management tools and resources available and approaches every day as an opportunity to make a difference here at our parish.

22 More Informed A Vital Role in the Faith confirmation preparation team

By STM Religious Education Staff In such a busy world when so many commitments compete for our energy, some of us might think, “I’d Think about your Confirmation preparation experience. love to be involved as a catechist, but I’m nervous about Who was there for you for prayers, guidance and adding a big commitment to my busy schedule.” Table questions? leading in Middle School Confirmation is the perfect low-commitment way to get started as a catechist. Confirmation is a new beginning of a life lived and served in the name of Christ. Would you consider helping to Not only will you guide youth in sacrament preparation witness this truth to our middle schoolers preparing for but you will also learn something new about your Confirmation? We walk with the youth on their journey own faith every time you join us. Leaders have direct to receive the sacrament and know our Lord. interaction with the youth, provide answers to their questions and are involved in activities, guidance and Leaders are 16 years old or older, have received their small-group discussion. You’d be playing a vital role in Sacrament of Confirmation, are well-versed in the helping us bring the material to life. Catholic faith and teachings and enjoy working with middle school youth. Every leader is asked to commit to just one session per class (equaling once a month, five total times per year, as You don’t have to be a theologian or an expert on dogma. a minimum). That’s it! You’re also invited to help on our Maybe you’ve just been fully initiated into the Church day retreat in the fall. and you’re on fire for your faith, or maybe it’s been a while since you’ve been involved – either way, there’s a To join the team, please contact John Cox at place for you on our team! [email protected] or 303.221.9245. u

Confirmation Registration

“The sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.” (CCC 1285)

Registration is going on now for 2019 Middle & High School Confirmation!

Our spring-to-fall sacrament preparation program is for current fifth to seventh graders (middle school) and eighth to eleventh graders (high school) who are baptized Catholic and have completed their First Communion.

Through our Confirmation preparation experience, you will take a journey of being strengthened as warriors for Christ and growing in participation with the Holy Spirit.

The last day to register is Monday, February 25. To learn about eligibility to enroll and class information, please visit our website at stthomasmore.org. u

Register now! For questions, contact John Cox at [email protected] or 303.221.9245.

February 2019 23 stm catholic school

The Lion’s Roar

News From Around the School

By STM Catholic School Faculty & Staff An Introduction to Coding

Epiphany Blessing at our School Fourth graders were introduced to coding through the use of Dash Robots. Through our Mane Event Father John “marked” the occasion of Epiphany with the fundraiser, we were able to purchase the Dash Robots. kindergarten and first grade students and teachers as he placed the Epiphany blessing on the classroom doors. Throughout the school year, STM students will be able to continue to create codes within the robots’ We wish the Lord’s blessing to those who visit our software to make them do new activities. The students classroom and school and God’s grace and love to all. u especially enjoy having the robot catapult plastic balls into a container and coding the robot to go through a student-created maze. These interactive, hands-on activities are very educational – and lots of fun! u

24 More Informed Meet Our New Preschool Director

By Karen Churchill was fortunate New STM Catholic Preschool Director to meet some wonderful I feel blessed to have recently joined the St. Thomas More educators Catholic School and Parish family as the new preschool and families. director. I will always cherish those I am a proud mom of two Mullen Catholic High School relationships and graduates. My family moved to Colorado from Texas memories. almost 18 years ago, and we fell in love with this beautiful state with all the wonderful year round activities and I was truly majestic mountains! excited when I learned about As an educator, I bring many years of experience teaching STM Catholic preschool to fifth grade, substitute teaching middle School needing school, and then becoming a Colorado certified preschool an experienced director in 2007. director for their outstanding I was one of the first to create a preschool program within program. This community is something special, and I the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools in 2007. strongly feel that it is God’s plan for me. I am blessed to I was then led to other local Catholic schools, where I be part of the STM community. u

Inspiring Curiosity About the World

St. Thomas More Catholic School recently hosted our Geography Bee. The National Geographic Geography Bee is hosted nationwide. It is an annual competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world.

STM students have participated in it for the last three years.

We are so proud of our competitors: Sixth grader Henry Johnston; seventh graders Natalie Castillo, Julia DeLurgio, Kaitlyn Hartmann, Kristen Konkoth, Aaron Roll and Louie Roth; and eighth graders Cole Brandsma, Ella Burke and Ben Maly.

Congratulations to our champions. Henry Johnston earned third place, Kristen Konkoth earned second place, and our school champion is Cole Brandsma. Cole will take a test on a computer in February to see if he qualifies for the state bee in March.

Way to go, STM! u

February 2019 25 middle school & high school youth

The Spark

Sharing Joy With Children in Need

By Greg Johnson bigger and more enjoyable for them as well as for all Middle School Youth Minister the eighth grade through twelfth grade youth and adult volunteers who assist in making the day so special. Each year during the first week of November until the first week of December, St. Thomas More Youth Ministry Throughout the day at the party, the teachers take their collects around 600 new toys for kindergarten boys and classes of kids to celebrate and participate in so many girls from 10 Denver inner-city schools. varied activities and stations, such as face painting, arts and crafts, story time with Mrs. Claus, puppet Classes of kids from these schools come to STM along entertainment, a pizza lunch with cookies and of course with their teachers on the first Monday of December for everyone’s favorite: getting to see Santa Claus. a big Christmas Party that our Youth Ministry, youth and adult volunteers help out with. This year’s Project 600 was yet another amazing day!

For some of the kids who come, it is the only Christmas The STM Youth Ministry will be looking for more help they get to celebrate due to tough circumstances at home from adult volunteers in the future for Project 600. and in their communities. As a result, this day is so much If you’re interested, contact the Youth Ministry office. u

26 More Informed Fellowship On the Basketball Court building relationships through fun & friendly competition

By Ella Burke competition. Boys and girls play together or against each Eighth Grade Student other, and rivalries are built in an instant!

The STM 3on3 Youth Group tournament was such a blast! Teams are made up from all over the metro area. I saw The competition was great, and there were many high familiar faces from my school and youth group as well as school and middle school teams that came out to play. other schools and basketball clubs I have played against What’s great about the tournament is the level of over the years.

It is a fun and friendly environment too. No pressure, just good ole’ basketball. This was my second year playing in the STM 3on3 and I am looking forward to continuing on into high school! u

On December 29, STM Youth Ministry had our fifth annual Holiday Hoops 3on3 basketball tournament for middle and high school youth. Each year it seems to be growing and becoming more popular for the parish, and even outside groups get invited to participate with current STM families and youth.

This year, one of the middle school teams playing was an all-girls eighth grade premier travel team that included two STM youth. One of the current eighth graders, Ella Burke, a student at STM Catholic School, wanted to share her experience playing in the tournament this year (in the above article). – Greg Johnson, Middle School Youth Minister

February 2019 27 LENT prayer, fasting & almsgiving

28 More Informed