Back Students! New Parish Staff

August 7, 2016 | 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

SAINT THOMAS MORE CHURCH & SCHOOL WELCOME BACK STUDENTS! 636 W Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur, Georgia 30030 www.stmgaparish.org STM School will reopen on Monday, August 8th. Our theme PARISH OFFICE for this year is again, “Jump In- A 404-378-4588 Ripple Today Can Become a Wave of Fax 404-378-0506 Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Change Tomorrow.” All year we will Sun 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM be talking about ways that we can bring about positive change at SCHOOL 404-373-8456 school, in our homes and in the world at large. We have all been EMERGENCY NUMBER instructed by Jesus to take care of 678-337-8910 one another: “Whatever you do for SCHEDULE OF MASSES one of these least brothers of mine, SATURDAY you do for me.” (Matthew 5:30 pm (Vigil) 25:40) Throughout the school year we will have activities planned that will teach our students how to put their faith into action. SUNDAY 8:00 AM (continued on page 7) 9:30 AM 12:00 Noon 5:30 PM

MON—FRI NEW PARISH STAFF 5:30 PM

TUE & THURS We are pleased to announce that Richard D. 5:30 PM Clawson has agreed to become STM’s Director RECONCILIATION of Liturgical Music. As Director, Richard will be Saturday 4:00 to 5:00 PM responsible for planning, developing, and or by appointment directing our parish’s liturgical music program, including working with our parish musicians, cantors, and choirs.

This is a new position at STM and represents a major parish investment in our parish worship, made possible through your generous support. Our hiring of Richard will allow Joseph Messina, our present Director of Worship, to focus his attention and energies on planning and developing the non-musical aspects of our parish worship. Richard and Joseph will form a strong team that will undoubtedly help us to praise and worship God even better.

Richard’s previous position was Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Lawrence Church in Lawrenceville GA. He served there since 2008. Richard will begin service at STM on August 29. Please welcome him. PRAYER REQUESTS STAFF Rev. Mark Horak, S. J., Pastor [email protected] At the weekday Masses this coming week, the people of St. Thomas More will remember the following persons Rev. Pat Earl, S. J., Parochial Vicar along with all the living and dead. We encourage pa- [email protected] rishioners to say the names of deceased loved ones Carol Palmer, Financial Administrator aloud during the “General Intercessions” if invited to do [email protected] so by the presider. Elaine Phillips, Co-Director of Religious Ed SUNDAY, August 7, 2016 Lifeteen [email protected] 9:30 AM Unborn Religious Ed [email protected]

MONDAY, August 8, 2016 Michele McHale Pickard, Co-Director of Religious Ed 5:30 PM John and Pat Murphey † EDGE [email protected] Adult Faith [email protected] TUESDAY, August 9, 2016 5:30 PM St. Edwidges † Joe Messina, Director of Music & Liturgy [email protected] WEDNESDAY, August 10, 2016 5:30 PM Anne Barr Marie Diebold, Parish Secretary [email protected] THURSDAY, August 11, 2016 5:30 PM Mathai Kariveliel † Vince DeSantis, Plant Manager [email protected]

FRIDAY, August 12, 2016 Charlotte Collins, Receptionist 5:30 PM Milagros Lopez † [email protected]

SATURDAY, August 13, 2016 Corky Pagoria, Receptionist 5:30 PM Jewelene T. Smith † [email protected]

Pray for those who have died: Jerry Raymond, Principal, STM School Michael Souza [email protected] Bob McKinnon Karyl Davis, Financial Administrator, STM School Pray for those who are sick: [email protected] Michael Allain Kenneth Taylor Shelly and Shon Stafford, Communications [email protected] Pray for those recently baptized: Hannah Mariel Zahui, daughter of Simon Pierre Carl and Fran McColman, RCIA Coordinators Zahui and Diane Françoise Dirabou [email protected] Julian O’Connell, son of Daniela and Daniel O’Connell

To add a name to these prayer lists, contact KEEP IN MIND Charlotte Collins at: [email protected], or 404-378-4588. In order to add a name to these lists, SUNDAY BULLETIN you must be either the person seeking prayers, an Deadline for bulletin notices is Friday the week prior to immediate relative of the one to be remembered, or printing by 9:00 AM in written form or via email to have the express permission of the one to be [email protected]. remembered. PARISH MEMBERSHIP The names on the list of the sick and the dead will be We invite you to join our parish community. Registration mentioned aloud at Sunday Masses during the General forms are available online at stmgaparish.org and in the Intercessions and will be published in the parish eLetter and bulletin as soon as possible after we receive the pamphlet racks in the narthex of the church. Complete request. the forms and mail it to STM, fax it to STM, scan and email it to STM at [email protected], drop it in the In addition, you may add names or special intentions in Offertory basket during any Sunday Mass, or bring it to the Book of Remembrance that is kept in the the parish offices during normal business hours. narthex. Parishioners will remember these each time we gather for Eucharist.

FROM THE PASTOR

From the Pastor… standing parishes within a diocesan structure, at least in the This is a reprint with certain additions of a pastor’s piece that United States and in recent years. At this point in our first appeared in the bulletin on 2/28/16 history, Jesuits have come to understand that parishes are wonderful bases from which we can offer more traditional The Jesuits are best known for two Jesuit services, like preaching, giving retreats, and promoting particular ministries: their schools, the Spiritual Exercises. In 1966, and again in 1995, a General especially their universities and high Congregation of the whole Society declared that “we affirm schools, and their parishes. The irony is that ‘the parish apostolate is not contrary to our that in the beginning, St. Ignatius Loyola, Constitutions,’ and…that, under certain circumstances, it is the founder of the Society of Jesus, did an appropriate apostolate for carrying out our mission of not want the Jesuits to be engaged in serving the faith and promoting justice.” either of these, which he thought were incompatible with the Jesuit vow of What are those “circumstances,” and what ought to poverty and would inhibit Jesuit characterize ministry in a parish for the Jesuits to see it as apostolic mobility. Indeed, neither of appropriate? In essence, a parish that is an appropriate these was part of the Pope’s original charge to the brand ministry of the Society is one that participates actively in the new Society. mission of the Society of Jesus and serves the apostolic priorities of the Society. When Pope Paul III formally instituted the Society in 1540, and when Pope Julius III later confirmed the Society’s According to a recent statement by American Jesuits existence in 1550, they asked the Jesuits to undertake only involved in parish ministry, first and foremost, a Jesuit parish limited and specific work: 1) preaching, including catechizing will celebrate the sacraments of the Church, especially young children and giving the Spiritual Exercises, a series of Eucharist, “in a spirit of creativity and with a willingness to meditations developed by Ignatius and intended to free one adapt to the cultural realities of the community it serves,” to make a whole-hearted choice to more fully serve God and e.g., racial, ethnic, economic, etc. Its liturgical celebrations God’s people; 2) offering the Sacraments, specifically will be characterized by “prophetic and spirit-filled preaching Eucharist and Reconciliation; and 3) “performing works of which consoles and challenges and which results in a charity (that) will seem expedient for the glory of God and deeper understanding of God’s love….” At STM, our Sunday the common good.” celebration of Eucharist is the most important thing we do, and we will work hard to make our celebrations lively, Notwithstanding this limited charge and Ignatius’ hesitation, inspiring, challenging, and faithful to the liturgical reforms of the Jesuits opened their first school for the general the Second Vatican Council. education of boys who were not Jesuits in training in 1548 in Messina in Sicily. The success of this venture captured the Second, a Jesuit parish will evangelize not only of those who imagination of Ignatius, and very soon the Jesuits began to have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ, but also open other schools of general education. Today, there are those within our existing Catholic communities who may more than 3,700 Jesuit-sponsored universities, colleges, benefit from a new hearing of the Gospel. Such secondary, and pre-secondary schools throughout the evangelization will constructively and courageously critique world. Most contemporary Jesuits are engaged in the what is contrary to the Gospel in our modern culture. So at ministry of education STM, we will encourage one another to live lives faithful to the Gospel. While Ignatius may have been quickly convinced of the importance of schools to the success of the Society’s Third, Jesuit parishes will demonstrate in concrete ways a mission, he never warmed to the notion of Jesuits’ serving in “preferential love for the poor.” This love will extend beyond traditional, well-established parishes. In fact, the idea of almsgiving, and will include sharing directly in the lives of the Jesuits’ working in established parishes was officially poor and those others at the margins of society and working disfavored by the Society until recently. As noted above, to change unjust political, economic, and social structures. Ignatius’ rationale was that standing parishes required a So at STM, we will be committed to doing justice, and we will steady income, and he saw this as incompatible with the devote significant parish resources to support this work. Jesuit vow of poverty. Furthermore, Ignatius believed that diocesan clergy were quite capable of staffing traditional And fourth, a Jesuit parish will teach, promote, and practice parishes. He wanted Jesuits to do work that others did not that distinctive spirituality that is rooted in the Spiritual want to do or were unable to do. If the Jesuits did staff Exercises of St. Ignatius, which finds God in all things, which parishes, these parishes tended to be in mission territory understands creation as a gift from a loving God, which is where there was a dearth of diocesan clergy. Finally, in characterized by a profound gratitude which, in turn, frees Ignatius’ day, pastors tended to be assigned to a parish for one for greater service of one’s brothers and sisters. life, and this was incompatible with Ignatius’ desire that Jesuits be highly mobile, ready to go wherever they were Fr. Mark sent whenever they were sent.

Although officially frowning on Jesuits in parish ministry, Jesuits have nonetheless been deeply and widely involved in WORSHIP & SACRAMENTS ADULT FAITH FORMATION

RECONCILIATION ST. THOMAS MORE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Saturdays from 4 PM - 5 PM, or by appointment. Contact: Alex Brown at 912-713-2518 or Kirsten Wehner at 404-579-0130, or email us at [email protected] ANOINTING OF THE SICK Follow us: facebook.com/STMYoungAdultMinistry Call the Parish to request the sacrament at home twitter.com/StThomasMoreYAM or in the hospital. The sacrament is not only for Instagram @stmyam those close to death, but also for those who are seriously ill or infirm and in need of the DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A CATHOLIC? community’s prayers and support. The anointing If you are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a can be given multiple times. Catholic, contact Fr. Pat Earl at: [email protected], or 404-378-4588. For more information on the process of becoming BAPTISM a Catholic, go to: www.stmgaparish.org, and click on “Religious To schedule a Baptism, contact Michele Education and Faith Formation.” McHale-Pickard at [email protected], or 404-378-4588. Note: Persons presenting a child for baptism may be required to participate in a short RCIA PROGRAM AT STM preparation program. One might ask how we ‘advertise’ to get people interested in joining the FIRST RECONCILIATION, FIRST Catholic faith? Our best EUCHARIST, AND CONFIRMATION advertisement is YOU! Yes, you, who If you or your child want to receive the faithfully come to worship every Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation for the Sunday. You, who bring your faith out first time, or to be confirmed, contact Elaine Phillips into the world and use your love of at [email protected], or 404-378-4588. Christ to affect all you do. You, who pass on the love of God to your MATRIMONY children and neighbors. So, we’re To schedule a wedding, contact Michele McHale- asking YOU, if you know of anyone Pickard at [email protected], or who would be interested into looking 404-378-4588. Note: Persons desiring to be further into coming into the Catholic Church, please contact us married at St. Thomas More will be required to and let us know! Pass on the contact information to someone. It’s participate in a marriage preparation program. a ‘no-cost’, ‘no-obligation’ phone call or email. If you would be For more information on the sacraments at STM interested in walking this journey of faith with someone as a please visit: www.stmga.org, and click on “Worship Sponsor, let us know that too! and Sacraments.”

LITURGY NOTES “It is very important) to have well-trained and practiced lectors who can proclaim the word with all the power that it bears…. Most parishes have recognized the need for some kind of lector training days or programs…. The task is not just to read words on a page, but to proclaim to the assembled people of God the good news of revelation. This requires much more of the UPCOMING ACTIVITIES proclaimer than simply reading words. What is supposed to happen in the Liturgy of the Word is Sun Aug 7 Rosary 10:30 AM Chapel vital human communication…. And communication with a large group is an art that requires the Sun Aug 7 Youth Choir Practice 4:00 PM Church development of skills which many people in our Wed Aug 10 Bridge 2:00 PM Parish Library culture do not possess without training and practice. Some of these are simply the basic skills Thurs Aug 11 NA Group 8:00 PM Youth Room of public speaking, while others involve knowing Sun Aug 14 Rosary 10:30 AM Chapel the word of God and how to share it.” “The ministry of lector requires much of both the Sun Aug 14 Youth Choir Practice 4:00 PM Church lector and the parish. The lector must be willing to Thurs Aug 18 NA Group 8:00 PM Youth Room take time for thorough training and then to prepare carefully each time he or she is scheduled Fri Aug 19 S Factor Movie Night 7:00 PM St. Julie Room to proclaim the word of God. The parish needs to Sun Aug 21 Rosary 10:30 AM Chapel invest adequate time and money to provide extensive training that will enable lectors to fulfill Sun Aug 21 Youth Choir Practice 4:00 PM Church this ministry effectively." From Worshiping Well, by Sun Aug 21 Fr. Boyle Mass & Presentation 5:30 PM Lawrence E. Mick.

For activities, info or questions about the STM Life Teen or EDGE visit: stmgaparish.org & click on the Youth Programs.

Life Teen contact Mrs. Elaine Phillips: 404-378-4588 X 126, [email protected]

EDGE contact Mrs. McP: 404-378-4588 X 119 or [email protected]

TEEN HAPPENINGS (9th to 12th grade) Matt Maher XLT Season Kickoff Concert ! — Join us Saturday Aug. 20th at 7:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church. We encourage the whole family to attend! Tickets are $20. Visit www.stmgaparish.org to sign up! XLT dates for 2016-2017 are on our FB page: STMGA Lifeteen

EDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH (6th to 8th grade) The CHWC recap party is Sunday August 28th after youth Mass in Mulhern Hall. Pizza & dessert. One parent is required to come with the camper if you plan to attend! Sign up now at www.stmgaparish.org .

PARISH GIVING

In gratitude for the gifts we have received from God, parishioners and visitors made a joyful return to the Lord. Thank you for helping St Thomas More to continue carrying out Christ’s Mission and Ministry.

July 23-24 2016 Offertory $17,540.66 Online $ 7,557.00 Total $25,097.66

SECOND COLLECTION NEWS Fr. Augustine Myslinski, OCSO, of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, thanks the parishioners of STM for their support of the monastery operation through the second collection on 6/30/16. Fr. Myslinski wrote in a 7/28 letter to STM: “By your contribution, you join us in our work of prayer for the world and for all people of good will who look to the monastery for solace and support in their joys and sorrows. All the brothers in the community join me in assuring you of our prayers for you, your loved ones, and your intentions.”

PLAN YOUR WILL ONLINE: The Catholic Foundation has made the process of planning your Will simple. Please go to www.cfngalegacy.org and click on “Plan Your Will.” The site is free, confidential and will give you and your spouse a chance to plan in the privacy of your home. When done, simply print out the document to take to your attorney. This will save you time and money. For more information contact: Juliet Greco at The Catholic Foundation: [email protected] or 404-497-9440. PARISH NEWS & EVENTS

STM MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE SISTER ACT COMING TO STM The STM Monthly Food Drive next weekend will benefit The STM Theatre Ministry is gearing up to entertain us with DEAM - Decatur-Area Emergency Assistance Ministry. The the play Sister Act. The play will be presented the most needed items are: sweet cereal; canned meat entrees weekends of Oct 7th, 8th & 9th and Oct 14th, 15th and – beef stew, beef ravioli, and chili; soup-especially chunky chicken, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken; canned 16th. If you would like to get involved behind the scenes, corn; small boxes of corn muffin mix; toilet paper; bar soap; help with concessions, work with costumes, or help in any deodorant. Many thanks to all of you. Because of your very other way please contact Joe Messina at 404-378-4588 generous donations, DEAM is now able to allow their X 120 or email [email protected] clients to choose many foods that they prefer.

MISSION TRIP TO JAMAICA CHINESE CATHOLIC MISSION DONATIONS We are called to serve one another… STM recently gave a number of little-used liturgical items to STM will make it’s annual trip to Kingston, Jamaica, to work the Holy Name of Jesus Chinese Catholic Mission. In with the Missionaries of the Poor from November 1-7. response, Fr. Bill Hao, Administrator of that community A planning and informational meeting will be held in the wrote: “On behalf of the Chinese Catholic Community of Parish Library Tuesday, August 16, at 7PM. the Holy Name of Jesus, I extend my sincere thanks to you STM has supported the Missionaries of the Poor for several for your donation of various liturgical equipment and years through donations, food collections, new crib supplies… Through the grace of God and the support of mattresses and hands-on work in Jamaica. The Brothers benefactors like you, we are able to continue our mission work joyfully and tirelessly to care for hundreds of the to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to Chinese people discarded and unwanted in Kingston. in the greater Atlanta area.” We can help…We are called….. Questions can be directed to Corky Pagoria, RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE [email protected]. STM will be holding a blood drive on Aug 28th in Mulhern Hall from 8:00 AM—1:00 PM. You can make an AUGUST YAM HAPPENINGS appointment at www.redcrossblood.org and follow the FORM: Small group discussion nights on Aug 10th and Aug instructions. The St Thomas More’s code is sttmcc. 24th at 7:00 PM in the Youth Room. Walk–Ins are welcome. August 10th

August 24th SAVE THE DATE – AUGUST 21ST We meet at 7:00 PM in the Youth Room. Rev. Gregory J. Boyle, S.J. will preside over the 5:30 PM mass on Sunday August 21st and will then give a presentation on his work in LA immediately after Mass in Mulhern Hall. COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

MAGNIFICAT PRAYER BREAKFAST All women are invited to the MAGNIFICAT PRAYER BREAKFAST on Sat., Aug. 13, 2016, from 9:30 AM-12 PM. at Holy Cross Church, 3773 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta. The guest speaker will be Linda Gillespie Delgross. Breakfast reservations are $15 and must be made in advance. Please mail check, payable to Magnificat Joyful Visitation, by Aug. 8 to: Jo Ann Rademacher, 1260 Mountain Ivey Court, Sugar Hill, GA 30518. Check-in is at the door for those with reservations only. For information call Jo Ann Rademacher at 770-831-0693.

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX DAY OF REFLECTION Wed., Aug. 17; 9 AM-3 PM; Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center, 6700 Riverside Drive, NW, Atlanta. St. Bernard of Clairvaux was famous in his own time, but in later times was overshadowed by other great saints like Thomas Aquinas or Francis of Assisi. Yet, St. Bernard’s spirituality of the love of God is more relevant than ever. Explore his spiritual wisdom using his words. Carl McColman will lead this day of prayer and reflection, “Exploring the Love of God With St. Bernard of Clairvaux.” A light breakfast and delicious lunch are included with ample quiet time. Contact: www.ignatiushouse.org or 404-255-0503.

AN EVENING PRAYER FOR PEACE Archbishop Gregory and I invite you, our brothers and sisters from the Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as other Christian denominations, to “An Evening Prayer for Peace” to remember those martyred for their faith. Please join us on Monday, August 29th, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Marist School, located at 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. Parking is free and there is no cost to attend. Discussion will focus on how to live our faith in this world more peacefully and effectively. We will honor those who have given their lives for their faith. Please make plans to join us for this important tribute. BACKPARISH TO REMINDE SCHOOL! SOCIAL CONCERNS

(continued from cover) LIFE AND DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON As a Catholic elementary school in the Jesuit tradition, STM The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred is committed to a service of faith, academic excellence and and that the dignity of the human person is the the promotion of justice. We strive to help our students foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the find God in all things and spread God’s love to everyone foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In they encounter. We challenge our students to use their our society, human life is under direct attack God-given talents in the service of others. from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell We hope everyone had a relaxing summer, and we are research, and the use of the death penalty. The eagerly looking forward to the return of our children. intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work Our biggest project over the summer was completing the new to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by computer lab. finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. For more information visit http://www.usccb.org

PRAYER & SPIRITUALITY PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS’ INTENTIONS

General Intention: Sports That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between peoples and may contribute to peace in the world.

Evangelization: Living the Gospel That Christians may live the Gospel, giving witness to faith, honesty, and love of neighbor.

AUGUST AT IGNATIUS HOUSE Don’t let your desire slip away, Come for a Day or Come and Stay! Explore the Love of God and Experience Silence on Retreat at this sacred place of quiet & peace. Register & Reserve your space. August 17th Day of Reflection “Saint Bernard of Clairvaux”, director Lay Cistercian, Carl McColman; August 11-14th 3 Night Ignatian Silent Retreat, Spiritual Director Bob Fitzgerald. Visit www.ignatiushouse.org for more information or call 404.255.0503

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NURSERY AVAILABLE 9:30 & 12:00 MASSES