St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH 324 NE Oak Street, Camas, WA 98607 Telephone (360) 834-2126 Fax (360) 834-5106 www.stthomascamas.org [email protected] DECEMBER 15, 2019 MASS SCHEDULE

Sunday Masses Daily Masses Saturday Vigil: 5:00pm Tuesday: 6:00pm Sunday: 8:30am & 11:00am Wednesday thru Saturday: 8:30am

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Tuesday: 5:00-5:45pm Saturday: 7:30-8:15am, 9:00-10:00am or by appointment with Fr. Raja

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Adoration runs continuously each week from immediately after the Tuesday 6:00pm Mass until the Saturday 8:30am Mass. Additional adorers needed; please contact the office.

Sacred Heart Holy Hour on First Fridays “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Matt. 26:40)

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Mon-Thu: 9:00am-12:30pm, 1:00-5:00pm Fri: 9:00am - noon Closed weekends and holidays

MISSION STATEMENT

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

HIGHLIGHTS:

 Children’s Faith Formation Christmas Program Dec. 15 at 9:45am in the hall: join us for music, fun, and treats

 St. Vincent de Paul Giving Tree: don’t forget to bring your wrapped gifts back to the church by 1pm on Dec. 15

 Simbang Gabi at St. Thomas Aquinas, Dec. 17: Mass at 6:00pm with reception to follow in the parish hall  Choir Concert at St. Thomas Aquinas, Dec. 22 at 3:00pm followed by decorating of the church for Christmas!  Christmas Masses: Dec 24 at 5:00pm & 10:00pm; Dec 25 at 8:30am & 11:00am  Parish office closed for Christmas holiday, Dec 24 - Jan 1  Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God (a holy day of obligation): Masses Dec 31 at 6:00pm and Jan 1 at 10:00am

1 From the desk of Fr. Raja CALENDAR OF UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS 3rd Sunday of Advent Dec 17 Simbang Gabi: 6pm Mass and reception A Dawn in …….The Desert! Dec 22 Choir concert & church decorating, 3pm Dec 24-Jan 1 Parish office closed for Christmas holiday Dec 24 Christmas Eve, Masses at 5pm & 10pm Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus, on the first Sunday, we saw Dec 25 Christmas Day, Masses at 8:30am & 11am how God called us from His dwelling place on the Mountain to recognize Him very close to us. Last Sunday’s liturgy invited us to see Dec 31 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God; Vigil Mass at 6pm Him in family and friends and to rejoice over our family tree. This third Jan 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God; Mass at 10am Sunday, readings call us to look at a Dawn in the desert moments of Jan 21 Mass for Life and Rally at Olympia our life. It can be internal desert or external one. We shall bring those Jan 23 Instructional Mass, 6pm broken and empty desert experiences to the altar thus we may Jan 25 Serra Vocations Dinner (at St. Joseph), 6pm become aware of dawn experiences of Messiah. Feb 1 St Thomas Aquinas Feast Day Dinner Feb 26 Ash Wednesday; Lent begins Where do I not see exit path in my life? What do I consider as desert experience in my life? Is it my internal struggle of faith and emotions? Is it my illness and loneliness? Is it in my relationship and in family? FAITH FORMATION Can I see exit today….Can I see the door of dawn today? (Sunday dates in blue; most begin at 9:45am)

ADULTS: Isaiah gives the experience of Israel in the desert. They spent their life Dec 15: Children’s FF classes perform Advent and Christmas songs in the desert long years. Desert signifies emptiness, dryness, and skits for adults in the parish hall, 10:45am loneliness, deserted and helplessness. No place for water, proper Dec 22-Jan 5: No Faith Formation sessions (Advent/Christmas Break) food and shadow for rest. They are affected physically, personally, socially and spiritually. It was on their way from Babylon to Judah. HIGH SCHOOL: Isaiah tells them that this is their second exodus. The first they walked Dec 15: Confirmation: Session with Sponsors, Fireside Room, 9:45am through desert towards Promised Land as freed people from Egypt in HS FF: Discipleship Group, Youth Room, 9:45am 13th century B.C. Now again after eight centuries in 598-538 B.C., Dec 22-Jan 5: No Faith Formation sessions (Advent/Christmas Break) they were liberated in the second exodus of Babylon to Judah. After ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL: sixty years Persian ruler Cyrus freed them to go and to rebuild Dec 15: PreK4 - 8 classes in the Aquinas Center rooms, 9:45am Jerusalem. They must have travelled five hundred to six hundred - then proceed to parish hall for an informal program of Advent miles distance. They walked through desert for long years; Isaiah and Christmas songs and skits; last class before break reminded them of their ancestors’ first exodus and motivated them to Dec 22-Jan 5: No Faith Formation sessions (Advent/Christmas Break) see the dawn in the desert in these ways in order to reach Jerusalem. Dawn refers to the door to exit, exit from slavery, and exit from various SACPREP: brokenness and vulnerable situation. - Celebrate Sacrament of Reconciliation with family during Advent - Get next Blessed book (on First Holy Communion) from Miss Peters by  First dawn: The waste and dry land will be new garden with Dec. 15 to begin over break flowers and new path for their journey. Door is open for new way.  Second dawn: The weak and the sick will be healed and strengthen, door is open for new strength and energy. Today is Gaudete Sunday  Third Dawn: Sorrow will turn to singing of gladness; door is open for new joy and glory.

In the gospel the disciples of John the Baptist are missing him and inform him about the presence and preaching of Jesus. John the Baptist was inviting for the experience of third and final exodus. It was an exodus from Sin to Salvation, from power centered life of Jews and Romans to Person centered life, it is from discrimination to equality. Jesus affirms that John the Baptist is a dawn in the desert but John the Baptist affirms as his disciples say about the healings done by Jesus. Jesus is the new dawn, new hope, new way, new strength and new joy. RCIA @ STA Let us prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus to our hearts. We pray that our catechumens and candidates, seeing how God prepared the Blessed Virgin for the God bless you all. role that she was to fulfill in his redeeming plan, may implore God to prepare their hearts for the good works to which he has called them. Contact the parish office with interest or questions about the Catholic Church.

2 St. Vincent de Paul News THE POPE'S PRAYER INTENTIONS for December

SVdP Giving Tree Universal: That every country determine to take the necessary It’s that time again! The SVdP Giving Tree is up in the measures to make the future of the very young, especially those vestibule. The decorative tags express the needs and who suffer, a priority.

wishes of approximately 20 of our local families that we will be helping this year. Your generosity will help bring joy to many on Christmas day. Your wrapped gift(s) with the gift CCS Appeal for the Poor Last weekend we heard how Catholic Community tag(s) attached to the box(s) are due back by 1 pm on Services provides care for our poorest and most Sunday, December 15. Please place your gift(s) inside the large box vulnerable neighbors. Thank you to those who so by the Saint Thomas statue. God bless you for your generosity! generously made donations to the CCS collection. Your gifts are used locally to provide essential services and programs for 2019 TAX YEAR REMINDER people desperately in need. In an effort to help you with your year-end planning, please note that any Please visit the CCS website at gifts you would like credited to the 2019 calendar year for tax www.ccsww.org to donate online. purposes need to be delivered to the parish office by December 31, 2019, after hours night drop is on the right hand side of the parish office front door. If mailing in your payment, the postmark must be stamped by December 31st in order to be applied to this calendar year. Online PARISH OFFICE CLOSED Giving transactions after December 23rd may not be recorded in 2019 Again this year, we will be closing the parish office from December 24 due to varying processing procedures of banks. Thank you for your through January 1. Regular office hours will resume on January 2. We generosity! hope you enjoy this wonderful time of year. Merry Christmas!

CIRCLE OF LOVE PRAYER GROUP WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER The Circle of Love meetings are canceled for the following special event: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare December 17 as we will attend the Sambaing Gabi Mass and feast with your way before you.” Strengthen, renew, and rekindle your marriage our Pilipino brothers and sisters. No meetings on Christmas Eve or New sacrament by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. To Years Eve. Our next meeting will be January 7, 2020 - when we will find YOUR WWME Weekend go to rediscoverthespark.org. For have a family gathering to celebrate the new year. information about WWME contact Ron & Hilarie Tesch at 503-704-0836 or by email [email protected] “SIMBANG GABI” MASS Filipino for “Night Mass” a devotional nine-day series of Masses WESTERN WASHINGTON practiced by Roman Catholics. Tuesday, December 17 here at CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL St. Thomas, Mass at 6:00 pm and a reception to follow in the Hall. WWCCR Women's Retreat 2020 at The Palisades Retreat Center February 28-March 1. Additional info and online registration options GIVING THE GIFT OF JESUS available at the following link: https://wwccr.org/events-outreach/wwccr The preparations for Christmas include buying or making gifts for those -womens-retreat/ whom we love. You can give no better gift than what God has given to us: His own Son, Jesus. Invite someone who is not Catholic to attend INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTIFICATIONS Mass with you during this Advent or Christmas season. Contact Allison In general, our parish will follow the Camas School District’s weather Johnson with questions about RCIA. delays or cancellations policy. Parish closures and impacts to scheduled events, including Masses and parish office hours, will be SAVE THE DATE! published to the parish website by 7:30am on the affected day (as well With the holidays just around the corner, please mark your calendars as the parish Facebook page and local television channels which now for the St. Thomas Aquinas Feast Day Dinner, Saturday, February display scrolling reports). Thank you! 1, 2020 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The hall will be transformed once again as we celebrate our parish Saint in honor of his feast day! SAVE THE DATE! FOR THE 10TH ANNUAL VOCATIONS BENEFIT DINNER SISTER PARISH CORNER ON JANUARY 25TH, 2020 Columbia River Serra will be hosting the 10th Annual Vocations The Container is here and we want it FULL! Benefit Dinner on Saturday, January 25th, 2020, at St. Joseph’s We are sending donations to our Sister Parish, Mary Mother of Catholic Church. Once again, Bishop Mueggenborg will be the Church, Uganda. We have collected many wonderful joining us as our keynote speaker, along with other priests, donations, but there is still room in the container and we need seminarians, and religious to share their vocation stories. As in your help! Contact David Lester if you are interested and able or prior years, proceeds from this event go to support Quo Vadis if you have questions. [email protected]. and related vocation events in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

3 4 5 Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen Thursday, Dec 19, 2019 and grow—a day at a time. ADVENT WEEKDAY Lord, come and save us Sunday, Dec 15, 2019 "O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: Come to THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT save us without delay!" Today is the third day of the church's week of What are we waiting for? O Antiphons, used at evening prayer to count down the final days of Some people make the incredible claim that, 2,000 Advent. Each gives a different depiction of the Messiah; each captures years ago, God’s spoken Word became flesh and the longing of a people yearning to be saved. Today's imagery comes blood. This incarnate Word lived and served and from Isaiah 11:1, where God establishes the House of David from saved—not by rising to tremendous power, but by dying and rising to beleaguered beginnings: “There shall come forth a shoot from the new life. A lot rides on John the Baptist’s question to Jesus: Are you stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” David, the the one? If not you, then who? If Jesus is the one, trusting in him youngest son of Jesse, is as improbable a king as the Christ Child will means embracing a startling trajectory of service and surrender in a be. If you haven’t been praying the O Antiphons this week, it’s not too world of upward striving. It will turn our own lives inside out. What does late to start; nor is it too late to decorate a Jesse Tree, based on the it cost you to say: “Jesus is Lord”? same Isaiah verse. TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10; James 5:7-10; TODAY'S READINGS: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Luke 1:5-25 Matthew 11:2-11 (7). “Are you the one who is to come, or should (195). “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has we look for another?” been heard.”

Monday, Dec 16, 2019 Friday, Dec 20, 2019 ADVENT WEEKDAY ADVENT WEEKDAY Invest in the teachings Make room at the inn Magisterium is a mighty big word that means a lot to Catholics. The There’s a special Christmas season novena—that is, nine days of word derives from the Latin for “teacher.” It refers to the sacred deposit prayer—that commemorates the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy with of faith, which includes both scripture and tradition, that’s been Jesus, as well as her journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and it is entrusted to the church. And it is the source of the church’s authority to done in the nine days leading up to his birthday. Called Las Posadas, interpret this deposit of faith, which has been divinely revealed by which means “lodging,” it is celebrated by many Spanish-speaking Christ, the “Word made flesh.” What an immense gift from God, for all cultures with re-enactments of Joseph and Mary (often with entourage of us to be shown so much. Be faithful to it. and even a donkey!) knocking on neighbors’ doors seeking a “place to TODAY'S READINGS: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a; Matthew 21:23- stay.” A party usually ensues. Remember all those in the world who 27 (187). “By what authority are you doing these things? And are journeying to find shelter for their children, and work to make our who gave you this authority?” communities more open to them. In fact, celebrate their presence!

TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38 (196). “O Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019 Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal kingdom: Come ADVENT WEEKDAY and free the prisoners of darkness!” Soon and very soon

Finally, like a long exhalation during the final week before Christmas, Saturday, Dec 21, 2019 we pray the “O Antiphons,” which give us different ways to image the MEMORIAL OF PETER CANISIUS, PRIEST, long-awaited Messiah. Some of the more colorful names are: Wisdom, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH Root of Jesse’s stem, Key of David, Radiant Dawn. Praying with one Common ground is high ground each day unites us to the universal church over many centuries. Check Peter Canisius (1521-97), a Dutch Jesuit priest who was a out YouTube for a video that provides historical background on the contemporary of Saint Ignatius, was a learned and capable scholar Antiphons. Take a moment to watch it as part of your Advent who started many Jesuit colleges. Peter had a gift for making observation. theological doctrine understandable. To that end, he wrote three TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17 catechisms that helped common folk and children understand the (193). “Of her was born Jesus, . . . called the Christ.” teachings of the church and ground their faith. Peter’s ability to listen in

working with non-Catholics helped him respect differences and seek Wednesday, Dec 18, 2019 common ground. We ask Saint Peter Canisius to help us listen to ADVENT WEEKDAY those with whom we differ and seek common ground. Prelude to Nativity TODAY'S READINGS: Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14- Today is International Migrants Day, reminding us that all biblical 18a; Luke 1:39-45 (197). “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal people, including the Holy Family, were obliged to roam to survive. The light, sun of justice: Come and shine on those who dwell in mystery of the Incarnation, Christ in us, is extended to all people, darkness and in the shadow of death.” especially those who have been driven from their homelands by violence and crushing poverty, and who stand at our border seeking help. Should we wall them out or extend a hand in friendship and solidarity? All of us need rescuing! “O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: Come to rescue us with your ©2019 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; [email protected]. mighty power!” All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permitted with the following credit: Reprinted TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25 (194). with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they Bible Revised Edition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us.’” contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com.

6 THIS WEEK AT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH OFFICE (360) 834-2126 PRIEST ADMIN……….Rev. Rajasekar Savarimuthu, ext. 205

DEC 15 SUNDAY—3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, REJOICE! PA FOR ADMINISTRATION ..….….……..Lorrie Conway, ext. 208 8:30am Mass for the soul of Eric Haralson (Dayton/Smedley) PASTORAL ASSOCIATE…………...………Ted Meany, ext. 215 9:30am Coffee Hour—Faith Formation PA FOR RCIA…….………………...Allison Johnson, ext. 206 9:45am Children’s Faith Formation & Advent program PA FOR LITURGY & MUSIC……..Kristin Yoshimura, ext. 212 11:00am Mass for the soul of James Rozelle (Krantz) PA FOR SOCIAL CONCERNS….……..….David Lester, ext. 207 MAINTENANCE………………..…..……..Ryan LaFave, ext. 282 12:00pm Coffee Hour—Faith Formation SECRETARY……….………………….Audrey Hockett, ext. 0 1:00pm SVdP Gifting, Hall OFFICE SECRETARY EMAIL: [email protected] DEC 16 MONDAY PARISH WEBSITE: www.stthomascamas.org 6:00pm Pinochle, Fireside Room 7:00pm Boy Scout meeting, Hall PARISH MINISTRIES DEC 17 TUESDAY ST. VINCENT DE PAUL…………….…...(360) 834-2126 ext. 251 5:00pm Confessions Helping the poor and those in material need in our 5:30pm Rosary, church community—call for assistance or to volunteer.

6:00pm Simbang Gaby Mass for the soul of Emma Barnhart (Elseth) PASTORAL COUNCIL… [email protected] 6:45pm Simbang Gaby Reception, Hall Keeping the pastor informed. Share your input with us!

DEC 18 WEDNESDAY PRAYER CHAIN ………[email protected] 8:00am Rosary, church NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING………………[email protected]

8:30am Mass for the intentions of Gary Keller (Dean) For a listing of ministries and their points of contact at our 2:30pm Sister Parish meeting, Belisle Library parish, visit our parish website (www.stthomascamas.org) and click on Stewardship, then Apostolates. DEC 19 THURSDAY 8:00am Rosary, church Formally Registering at the Parish: Welcome! 8:30am Mass for the soul of Mary Andreotti (Smedley) Make it official, receive a Welcome Packet and envelopes. 4:15pm Vox Clara practice, Loft 7:00pm Choir practice, Loft CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT:

DEC 20 FRIDAY Baptism: Scheduling of Baptisms may take up to 6 8:00am Rosary, church weeks. Please check our website for more details. 8:30am Mass for the soul of Jack Murphy (Harrison) 9:15am Church Cleaners How to Become Catholic: Catholic inquiry program for adult non-Catholics interested in DEC 21 SATURDAY Catholicism or adult Catholics who never finished 7:30am Confessions their Christian Initiation (Eucharist and Confirmation). 8:30am Mass for the intentions of Fr. Michael Dion (Smith) Confirmation: For those in high school, two years 9:00am Confessions of preparation are required. For adults, an adapted and 5:00pm Mass, Pro Populo shortened program is available.

DEC 22 SUNDAY—4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Marriage: Catholics are required to get married in the 8:30am Mass for the soul of Lucille Piche (Smith) Church or receive permission to do otherwise from the 9:30am Coffee Hour—Aquinas Guild bishop. Preparation for engaged couples lasts about 7 11:00am Mass for the soul of Lola Crawford (Young) months and dates shouldn't be set until meeting with the 12:00pm Coffee Hour—Aquinas Guild priest. Those married outside the Church are invited to 3:00pm St. Thomas Choir Christmas Concert, Church contact the pastor to discuss how to bring their marriage 4:00pm Decorate the Church for Christmas into the Church.

Anointing of the Sick: For those about to have surgery, gravely ill or dying.

Annulments: For those seeking a declaration of nullity following divorce.

Catholic Cemetery: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Washougal, WA, call the office for available plots.

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