<p> Saint Thomas More Parish & Academy 4275 Fourth Street, Southeast Washington, D.C. 20032 Telephone: 202-562-0431 Fax: 202-563-7347 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stthomasmoredc.org School: 202-561-1189 October 1, 2017</p><p>Pastoral Staff: Rev. Raymond Moore, Pastor, x12 Mass Schedule: Ms. Patricia Hamilton, Pastoral Administrator, x11 Saturday 5:00 pm (Rectory Chapel) Mrs. Mary Waters, Office Assistant, x10 Sunday 8:45 am Youth Choir Ms. Bridget Coates, Academy Principal 11:30 am Gospel Choir Ms. Wanda Brooks, Coordinator of Religious Education, x31 Weekdays 8:00 am (Rectory Chapel) Mr. Henry Herrera, Gospel Choir Director Mrs. Charnetta Dobbins, Youth Choir Director Mrs. Denese Clay, Glorify Praise Team Director Bulletin Deadline: Items for Sunday’s Bulletin must be Mrs. Barbara Elliott, Parish Council Chair received via email by 12:00 pm Monday in order to have them Ms. Diana Brown, Finance Council Chair included in Sunday’s publication. Thank you for honoring this important timeline. Baptism: Please call the Parish Office to register for classes.</p><p>Confession: After Sunday Masses, by appointment, or on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm in the Rectory.</p><p>Marriage: Diocesan policy requires notification to the priest at least six months in advance. Attendance at pre-Cana classes is also required. Contact the Parish Office for more information.</p><p>Pastoral Care of the Sick: Please notify the Parish Office when a member of the parish is in the hospital, nursing home, or is otherwise unable to come to Mass and wishes to receive any of the sacraments. Religious Education: Interested in becoming a Catholic? Please contact Fr. Raymond Moore at the Rectory. CCD Classes: Every Sunday at 10:30am Bible Study: Every Tuesday at 7:30pm Twenty-Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time ~ PRAYER REQUESTS ~ Preparing to Hear God’s Word Please pray for the speedy recovery of Deacon Ralph Cyrus.</p><p>Please pray for the health and well-being of Kayla Adams, Introduction: Who is truly righteous? In today's readings, as Earl Hamilton, Elizabeth Holmes, Marion & Ruth throughout the Gospel, it isn't always who we might think. Richardson, Robert Robinson, Daja Rogers, Anthony Savoy, Appearances may deceive us, and we shouldn't compare ourselves Paul Waters, all of our members who are on the road to with others. There is hope for those of us who recognize our recovery, sick, shut-in or grieving; and mistakes, rely on God's mercy, and make changes. Self-emptying seems outdated in our current culture. But as followers of Jesus, Pope Francis, Fr. Moore, Fr. Casmir & Ed Poindexter we are called to examine our own lives and walk in humility. STEWARDSHIP REPORT Reading I: Ez 18:25-28- The prophet's word is a call to conversion in our lives--a life or death choice. EFFECTIVE SUPPORT OF YOUR CHURCH Responsorial: Ps 25: Remember your mercies, O Lord. IS WISE STEWARDSHIP</p><p>Reading II: Phil 2:1-11-St. Paul points to Jesus' self- Give and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed emptying and uses it as an example for the Philippians and down, and shaken together, and running over, shall be given to you. For with the same measure that you measure it shall be us as well. measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)</p><p>Gospel: Mt 21:28-32-Jesus calls us to make a choice: to Lord, let us not be guilty of withholding the best parts of life, choose life by taking "the way of righteousness" and doing even our money, for ourselves. Instead, enable us to give all the Father's will. we can so others can know the victory we have found through Readings for Next Sunday Jesus Christ. Receive our gifts as grateful representations of our devotion and service to the Gospel. AMEN! Is 5:1-7 Phil 4:6-9 Mt 21:33-43 Stewardship Thought: “You never seem to have more money DAILY MASS READINGS than when you are giving it away to someone who has less.”</p><p>Monday: Zec 8:1-8 Matt 18:1-5, 10 Tithes and offerings for September 24, 2017 amounted to Tuesday: Zec 8:20-23 Luke 9:51-56 $8,268.00. Faith Direct-$3,012.97; Youth-$8.00; Wednesday: Gal 6:14-18 Luke Maintenance-$35.00. 9:57-62 Thursday: Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12 Luke 10:1-12 Attendance 5:00pm 15 Friday: Bar 1:15-22 Luke 10:13-16 10:00am Joint Mass 374 389 Saturday: Bar 4:5-12, 27-29 Luke 10:17-24 Thanks to all who have so well supported our Growing One MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK: Step stewardship program. Because of the strong commitment Sunday 8:45am Health of Deacon Ralph Cyrus of many of us, we are blessed with good success thus far. May 11:30am Elma Garnett-Birthday we be blessed as we bless our ministry and commitment to the</p><p>Monday In loving memory of Harold Holmes-Birthday Lord! Tuesday Our Sisters and Brothers in Puerto Rico Your on-going contributions are most appreciated! Wednesday In memory of Rick Middleton Thursday In loving memory of Roderick Bell-Birthday FAITH DIRECT 2017: Your generous support using Faith Friday In memory of Doris & Dcn. N. Martin-Prayer Gp Direct can help provide consistent resources we need to continue Saturday In memory of Dcn. Nerus Martin-Birthday to serve the Lord and his church. If you have not yet signed up for Faith Direct, please consider doing it now by going to PLEASE KEEP THE SICK IN YOUR PRAYERS: www.faithdirect. Our church code is DC773. Thank you for your Kayla Adams, Veronica Apiafi, Monique Bailey, Viola Barnes, Betty Beatty, Marie loving and generous support of St. Thomas More. Brown, Shirley Brown, Francillia Browne, Cynthia Bruce, Felicia V. Bush, John Bush, Mary Agnes Bush, Jane Cannon, Dixie Clark, Shertia Clark, Odessa Curtis, Francess PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: Our Bible Study for Adults will Davies, Barbara Deale, Barbara DeJesus, Renee Feliu, Diane Finley, , Eric Fuller, Craig Fulmer, Betty Furr, Tasha Gant, David Garner, Tyrone Garrison, Brenda Green, resume on Tuesday evening, October 10, 7:30pm in the rectory Emmanuel Greene, William Gunn, Earl Hamilton, Andre Harris, Margaret Harris, Vance living room. All are invited and encouraged to be a part of our Harris II, June Harrison, Shant’e Hawkins, James Hilton, Maximillon Holland, Elizabeth instruction and lively discussions! Holmes, Darryl Jackson, Jimmie Jackson, Ivy John, Carolyn Johnson, Larry Johnson, Sarah Jones, Seymour & Patrick Jones, David Larison, Dennis Lucas, Gloria & William McCaskill, Emma McEntyre, Robert Milner, Betty Moeller, Gloria Morgan, Dorothy 2017-2018 FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM: Adults Myrtle, Angela Neal, Tammy Peterson, Charles Queen, Marion Richardson, Arthur seeking a closer walk with Jesus are invited to join our Faith Robinson, Jean, Leroy & Robert Robinson, Daja Rogers, Thelma Sawyer, Robin Sescoe, Formation Program for Adults. We meet on Sunday morning at Ciara Shields, Brenda Smith, Claudell St. Julien, Edsel Swann, Jane Thomas, Kristine Vivican, Kayla Warren, Paul Waters, Marilyn Denise Whetstone, Anita Williams, Bertha 10:30 in the Red Room. Sessions will begin on October 8. Williams, Kobe M. Williams, David Wilson, Jean Wright, Marianne Young, and all who are Sick/Shut-In. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION! “Where There’s Light, There’s Hope.” Religious Education Registration is underway!! Registration will take place this morning from 10:30 to 2017 CARDINAL’S APPEAL AUGUST UPDATE 11:30am in the school foyer. All children are expected to participate in this program! “Seek first the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:11) It is not too late--if you have not yet made your pledge or Religious Education Classes will begin outright gift to the Cardinal's Appeal there is still time. NEXT Sunday, October 8, 10:30-11:30am, in the school. We need everyone's support ~ GRATITUDE ~ to reach our goal of $37,045. The Bush Family would like to extend a special heartfelt So far, this year we have pledged $25,511.00. Last year, “thank you” to our St. Thomas More Parish family. We at this time, 125 persons pledged while this year only 87 appreciate all acts of kindness. Your calls, cards, words of have pledged. We are short of our goal by 11,534.00. encouragement and prayers help to sustain us during this Let's try and close this gap! difficult time. A special thanks to the Ushers, Bereavement Committee, Adult Choir and Father Moore. We are forever grateful for everything, especially making the SODALITY NEWS! Homegoing Service for Mary Virginia Bush a true Saturday, October 7, 2017: Sodality Union celebration! Commitment. Mass/Rosary to be held in the Crypt Love, The Bush Family Church of the National Shrine. Time-TBD. Sunday, October 8th: STM General Meeting immediately PASTOR’S PEN following the 8:45am Mass. Rosary-8:15am. RECIPE FOR REVIVAL! ATTENTION--STM LECTORS! WORKBOOKS NOW AVAILABLE! If all the sleeping folk will wake up— All lectors are reminded that the Workbooks for 2017 are and all the lukewarm folk will fire-up— now available in the Hospitality Ministry Room. and all the dishonest folk will confess up— and all the disgruntled folk will sweeten up— WELCOME VISITORS! and all the discouraged folk will look up— and all the estranged folk will make up— We warmly welcome our visitors to and all the gossipers will shut up— St. Thomas More Church. and all the dry bones will shake up— Please sign our Visitors’ Book! and all the true soldiers will stand up— We invite all who are seeking a and all the church members will pray up— church home to join our church family. then we will have revival. Please encourage all visitors to sign our Guest Book. 2017 EAST OF THE RIVER REVIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW, 65TH ANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 2, 2017! HAPPENINGS! The 2017 East of the River Revival will take place October 2-4 at </p><p>Holy Family Parish, SPECIAL INVITATION~~All Women’s Choir! Hillcrest Heights, Maryland. ~Revivalist~ Father Roy Lee, STM Church presents “Women of the Spirit” Atlanta, Georgia. on Sunday, October 29, 2017! ~Our 2017 Theme~ Current and former female choir members are invited to join a special Women’s Choir now forming to sing for this Memorable Concert Event, LINE DANCE SOCIAL! under the direction of our own Charnetta Dobbins.</p><p>PAC’S Annual Line Dance Social will take place Saturday, October 14, 2017, 6:00-10:00pm, in the STM Cedar Room. Rehearsals begin at 7:00pm on Monday, October 9, 2017. </p><p>If interested please add your name to the list posted in Donation: $12.00. Refreshments will be available for church no later than Sunday, October 8, 2017. purchase. Contacts: Liz Berry, Laura Brown, Margaret Butler, Deborah Johnson, Judy Kenner, or any Parish For more information please speak to Margaret Chambers Action Committee member. or Barbara Elliott by Sunday, October 8, 2017! </p><p>**LINE DANCE WORKSHOP** ~CONCERT INFORMATION~ </p><p>The Women of the Spirit Concert will take place on PAC is sponsoring ONE Special Line Dance Workshop on Sunday, October 8, 1:30-2:30pm in the Cedar Room. Sunday, October 29, 2017, and will feature special guests, as well as our STM All Women’s Choir! Please come out to participate in the workshop so you can fully enjoy PAC’s Line Dance Social on October 14!</p><p>Time: 3:00pm Tickets-$10.00</p><p>Please see flyer insert for more detailed information!</p><p>**********************************************</p><p>SAVE THESE DATES! ST. THOMAS MORE Please mark your calendars now as we CATHOLIC ACADEMY continue our celebration throughout the year! CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF GREATNESS! ~Saturday, November 18, 2017~ Serving Students in Grades Pre-K3-8! *STM Church’s Day of Reflection* </p><p>*Spaghetti Dinner*</p><p>~ Sunday, December 10, 2017~ *Christmas Concert, STM Church* Catholic Environment ~ Academically Details forthcoming! Please stay tuned! Excellent </p><p>Before and After School Care Provided! Tuition Assistance is Available! Almighty and loving Father, we humbly pray that You will bless Registrations are still being accepted our Revival with the powerful assistance of your Sweet Spirit. for the current school year. Grant that our parish may respond to this time of grace and mercy through "Where There is Light, FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CALL 202-561-1189. There is Hope." Help us put aside all things that STM FOOD PANTRY crowd our lives so that we may DONATIONS APPRECIATED! schedule four days to come together PLEASE HELP US DO OUR BEST TO as a praying and fasting community. PROVIDE NUTRITIOUS FOOD FOR We ask for the grace to learn to live CHILDREN & FAMILIES! the simplicity that Jesus taught in a complex world. PLEASE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN TO HELP KEEP OUR PANTRY STOCKED. Bless our revival priest, Father Roy Lee, We are seeking the following items: preacher and teacher. Prepare his heart with the message you have for us. ~DRY GOODS~ Fill him with your Sweet Spirit to help us be Rice/Pasta/Beans/Hot & Cold Cereal transfigured in Christ. ~CANNED GOODS~ May Mary, our model and guide, Meat/Tuna/Soup/Fruit/Vegetables obtain for her divine Son, STM has served as a REFUGE OF RELIEF for many! all that we need to make this a time of Food/Monetary donations will help keep our pantry Spiritual Renewal. viable! This we ask of You: Father, Son and Sweet Thank You! God Bless! Holy Spirit, who lives and reigns forever and ever. SHARE UPDATE! AMEN! EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 2017… NOTES FOR TODAY Sign-up will now take place on the 2nd & 3rd Sunday of ______each month. Pick-up time is now 9:00-10:00am. ______Sign-up: October 8 & 15. ______Pick-up: Saturday, October 21, 9:00-10:00am! ______Unclaimed packages will be donated to the STM Food Pantry. ______Please consider making a monetary donation of $21.00 to ______provide a SHARE Package to a family in need. If interested please see any member of our SHARE Team. Thank you! ______CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK ______Sunday Religious Ed Classes-Registration ______Second Chance (3:30pm-Old Library) ______Monday Youth Choir Rehearsal (7:00pm-Church) ______NCW 2nd Community (8:00pm-Cedar Rm) ______Tuesday Bible Study (Resumes October 10) nd ______NCW 2 Community (8:00pm-Cedar Rm) ______Wednesday NCW 1st Community (8:00pm-Cedar Rm) ______Thursday Adult Choir Rehearsal (7:00pm-Church) Friday AA (8:00pm-Old Library) ______Saturday NCW Communities (8:00pm-Church) ______~ PRAYER FOR OUR REVIVAL ~ ______</p>