St. Thomas Aquinas Church Iglesia Católica Romana

1501 South Atlantic Boulevard Monterey Park, California 91754

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time– July 14, 2019

From the Desk of Sr. Rocio Nieto, HMSP

When I became a missionary, I thought about saying goodbye to my family and friends in my passport country and then leaving. However, I had never considered how difficult other goodbyes would be. This issue has been around as long as missionaries exist. A look at Paul and his relation-ships with the people of Ephesus shows us some of the problems with saying goodbye. After speaking in the synagogue, Paul left a couple in Ephesus to continue the work. People asked him to spend more time there, but he declined, saying he could come back if it was God's will (Acts 18:19-21). He and his co-workers there had to say goodbye. Obedience has destined me to go to another Mission in Riverside. But my religious com-munity will remain in this parish sending another sister, who will continue with the projects I have started. Furthermore, I will continue serving in this parish for some weeks more to have a smooth transition with my sister. I have a major passion for seeing youth live out their faith for Christ in the world we live in today. My wish for this parish community is you may continue being faithful and your youth fill the church with joy and charity. I would like to thank all the people who supported my ministry: Fr. John and Fr. Justin, Parish staff, Parish councils, Rel. Ed. Staff, Hispanic Ministry, Chinese Rel. Education, Chinese Ministry, The Guadalupanas, and all the Parish community. I am leaving you a part of my heart; therefore, I will keep you in my daily prayers. I will be looking forward to reuniting one day with you here on earth and in heaven.

-Sister Rocio Nieto, HMSP

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 14, 2019

Matching Gift Opportunity We would like to thank everyone who has donated to our “Matching Gift” program that is aimed at paying the $40,000 loan we were granted to repair our front parking lot and back security gate installation. A generous offer by one of our pa-rishioners to match up to $10,000 col-lected from our parishioners and friends by 8/1 was accepted by STA. Currently we have collected $5,681.00. We still have a little over two weeks to collect funds for this project. We ask that you use the green “Parish Beautification” envelopes at the church entrances and/or in your monthly envelopes to make your donation. With deep gratitude, Paul Braeckmans, Finance Council Chair Rhiley Gomez, Pastoral Council Chair

STA Youth Summer Camp Saturday, July 20th 8 AM — 6 PM

"With God all things are possible" The Youth Ministry from STA is inviting all teenagers from 13 - 16 years of age to join us for our next Summer Camp, which will be held on July 20 from 8 AM—6 PM. We will have fun, food, and the most important the Word of God. Donation $10. We will start enrolling this Sunday. Don't miss out!! For more information please contact Sergio Garcia at (213) 908-4704.

Sr. Rocio Nieto, HMSP

$3,633 Collected for Mission Cooperative Appeal

Fr. Roland Biah, the missionary from the Archdiocese of Monrovia and from a small coun-try at the west coast of Africa, thanks the Pas-tor, Associate Pastor, the staff and the entire parish community of St. Thomas Aquinas for their fabulous missionary support, great gener-osity and extraordinary hospitality. A total of $3,633 was collected to sup-port clinics, hospitals, seminary and parishes in his African Diocese. Once again, STA has demonstrated compassion and kindness. May God Bless you.

English Bible Study Resumes

After a short summer break, our English bible study group began meeting again on Wednesdays at 7 PM in our church. We will continue with the Books of Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10 and forward. Please join us, bring a bible and a friend.

In Appreciation Our parish school would like to thank everyone who

contributed to the school second collection last weekend. We collected a total of $1,039. Your contribution will be used to provide a Catholic based education to our students.

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 14, 2019

SCHOOL NEWS

Enrollment Taking Place Now

STA School is now accepting student applications for the 2019-2020 school year. We encourage you to schedule a visit, take a tour, meet the teachers, and consider joining our STA parish school family. We are a small school with a big heart. We look forward to your visit. Schedule your visit today by con-tacting the school office at (323) 261-6583.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Catechists are needed for First Commun-ion and Confirmation programs. We invite you to join us as we prepare our students for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. For more information please contact The Office of Catechetical Ministry (323) 264-1338 or by email stareligioused@gmail.com Our First Communion and Confirmation classes take place on Sunday mornings from 9AM to 11 AM. We will start registration on August 4th.

FHC Information Our First Communion program is a two year process which begins in the second grade. The first year provides an understanding of God and his great love for us; they will be intro-duced to the Sacraments as well as the liturgi-cal seasons of the church. In the second year, the children will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconcili-ation as well as First Communion. They will come to understand that God is all merciful and always there to help and guide us on our path to holiness. They will learn about Jesus and His gift of Himself in the Eucharist. Parents, yours is a most important role. You provide the foundation for your child’s un-derstanding of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.

Confirmation Information

Confirmation is also a two year program process for teens in grades 9-12. They will ex-perience the Word of God and his love for them, to truly renew their faith. As a parent or guardian, you are the pri-mary teacher of the faith. Our catechists will work in partnership with you to help your child learn about Jesus and His great love.

Free Mental Health Workshops @ STA The County of Los Angeles is offering educational workshops through the Department of Mental Health. They will be taught in Spanish for free. Classes will be held in our parish hall 7 PM - 8:30 PM. All are invited to attend.

• 7/16 Anxiety Disorders

• 7/23 Family Violence Prevention

• 7/30 Drug and Alcohol Prevention

• 8/6 Stages of Grief and Loss

• 8/13 Child Abuse Prevention

• 8/20 Suicide Prevention

National Needs Combined Collection July 20th & 21st

Next weekend, July 20 & 21, the second collection will be for the National Needs Com-bined Collection. This appeal supports Black and Indian Missions, Catholic University of America, Catholic Communications Campaign (CCC), and Catholic Home Missions Appeal (CHMA). Your gift strengthens the Church at home, and helps to provide basic pastoral resources and services to needy ethnic communities. We thank you in advance for your support.

KEEP IN PRAYER

• Bertha Acuna • Esther Aguilar • Rafael Aguirre • Oscar Alberto • Anthony Arroyo • Jacob Balcazar • Adara Ballesteros • Gabrielle Benson • Anita Berumen • Soledad Berumen • Fred Bracco • Jose Calderon • Flor Cantara • Mariann Scott • Lisa Sesti • Michael Shaw • Mary Tafaya • Gary Tahara • Scotty Tamkin • Manuel Tapia • Irene Taylor • Beatriz Terminal • George Tommy • Beatriz Torres • Juanita Trejo • Antonio Ureno • Frankie Uribe • Al Valdez • Lorenzo Valdez • Emily Vallarta • Miguel Vallarta • Norma Vanegas • Irene Veloz • Eric Walters • Sofia V. Yepez • Wilson Young

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019 5:30 PM In memory of Dante Terramani SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2019 8:00 AM In memory Aurora Garcia by Joanne Liu In memory of Joe Saragueta by Bea Saragueta 11:30 AM In celebration of Raquel Rivera’s Birthday In memory of Raul Mena Sr. by Mena family In memory of Jesus Gonzalez by Gonzalez family 1:30 PM For All STA Parishioners TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019 8:00 AM For the well-being of Ai Min Lau THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019 8:00 AM For the well-being of Ai Min Lau FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019 8:00 AM For All STA Parishioners SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2019 8:00 AM For All STA Parishioners

Sunday, July 14th 10 AM– CCA—Hall 11 AM– Chn. Choir-Dining rm. 1115 AM– Legion of Mary– Copy rm. 12:45 PM– Cantonese Choir– Dining rm 4 PM– Fantasy Folk Dance– Hall

Monday, July 15th 6:30 PM– Finance Council-Dining rm

Tuesday, July 16th 6:30 PM– Mental Health Workshop-Hall mtg rm 7 PM– Ping Pong– Hall

Wednesday, July 17th 7 PM– Folk Dance– Hall

7 PM– English Bible Study-Church

Thursday, July 18th 6 PM– Pharmacy Meeting– Hall

Friday, July 19th 7 PM– Youth Ministry– Church 7:30 PM—St. Therese De Li-sieux– Copy rm.

Saturday, July 20th 8 AM– Youth Ministry Day Camp– Hall/mtg rm. 9:30 AM– Cantonese Legion of Mary-Dining Rm. 10 AM-Mandarin Legion of Mary– Copy Rm. 10 PM– Baptism– Church

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 14, 2019

READ & REFLECT ON THE SCRIPTURES

JULY 14—JULY 21

Sunday: Dt 30:10-14; Ps 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37; or 19:8-11; Col 1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37

Monday: Ex 1:8-14, 22; Ps 124:1b-8; Mt 10:34 — 11:1 Tuesday: Ex 2:1-15a; Ps 69:3, 14, 30-

31, 33-34; Mt 11:20-24 Wednesday: Ex 3:1-6, 9-12; Ps 103:1b-

4, 6-7; Mt 11:25-27 Thursday: Ex 3:13-20; Ps 105:1, 5, 8-9;

24-27; Mt 11:28-30 Friday: Ex 11:10 — 12:14; Ps 116:12-

13, 15, 16bc, 17-18; Mt 12:1-8 Saturday: Ex 12:37-42; Ps 136:1, 23-

24, 10-15; Mt 12:14-21 Sunday: Gn 18:1-10a; Ps 15:2-5; Col

1:24-28; Lk 10:38-42

Parish Information

Parish Office: (323) 264-4447

Chinese Ministry Office: (323) 264-4448 General Email: sta91754@gmail.com Parish Website: STAMPK.ORG Fax: (323) 264-2524 Hall Rental: (323) 264-4447 ext. 102

School Information

School Office: (323) 261-6583

Stefanie Lutero – Principal Email: SLutero@stampkschool.org

General Email: info@stampkschool.org Website: stampkschool.org

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 14, 2019

Religious Education Information

Office: (323) 264-1338

Sr. Rocio Nieto – DRE

Email: stareligioused@gmail.com

WEEKLY COLLECTIONS

6/29-6/30 Offertory & Online: $6,453.00 Weekly Expenses: $7,500.00 Over/(Under): -(1,047.00)

7/6-7/7 Offertory & Online: $7,194.00 Weekly Expenses: $7,500.00 Over/(Under): -(306.00)

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN

Did You Know?

Be constantly vigilant anytime your children are near water

Drowning takes only a few seconds, es-pecially when children have easy access to a body of water. Make sure children know the water safety rules — always go in with an adult, wear appropriate gear (floaties, goggles, etc.), and no unsupervised play near the pool. Be careful even at times when children are not supposed to be swimming, during meals, while cleaning, or any other non-pool time. Children can easily slip out unnoticed and can reach the water. For more information, visit http://catholicphilly.com/2018/11/news/national-news/mother-on-mission-to-preserve-legacy-of-young-son-promote-water-safety/.

Mass Schedule

Saturday Vigil 5:30 PM (English)

Sunday 8:00 AM (English) 9:30 AM (Mandarin) 11:30 AM (English) 1:30 PM (Spanish) 3:00 PM (Cantonese)

Monday 7:00 PM (Chinese) Tuesday 8:00 AM (English) Wednesday 8:00 AM (Chinese) Thursday 8:00 AM (English) Friday 8:00 AM (English) **1st Friday ONLY 7:00 PM**

Saturday 8:00 AM (English) Reconciliation Saturday at 4:00 PM

Parish Staff

Fr. John Kyebasuuta—Pastor FrJohn@stampk.org Ext. 108

Fr. Justin Liu—Associate Pastor FrJustin@stampk.org Ext. 106

Lorraine Melendez—General Manager LMelendez@stampk.org Ext. 103

Linda Almaguer—Parish Secretary LAlmaguer@stampk.org Ext. 102

Sherry Hsu—Chinese Ministry Staff stachinese@stampk.org Ext. 104

Jessie Wang—Chinese Ministry Staff JWang@stampk.org Ext. 105

Safeguard The Children Esther Hwang (323) 264-4447