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THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD JANUARY 10, 2016

A Note from Fr. Art…..

Dear Parishioners: Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In the Eastern Churches this day is celebrated on the Epiphany because it reveals the beginning of the mission of Jesus. Why was Jesus baptized by John? It was not to admit He was sinful but it was to show to John, and the people, that the Messiah had come and His ministry started. It was also the time for the Father to publically acclaim Jesus to be His Son and sent the Holy Spirit in visible form for the people to see. John was the last of the Old Testament Prophets. Many of his followers thought him to be the promised savior, but that, he firmly denied and pointed out Jesus whom he baptized. As he did so, he acknowledged that the baptism that Jesus would give conferred the forgiveness of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit. When we were given the sacrament of Baptism, we became the sons and daughters of God and heirs to the salvation won for us by Jesus. We also became recipients of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. He, it is, who guides us in following the footsteps of Jesus. Our life of faith is life long and the Spirit is always with us to give the grace to be like our Savior. Just as the Father’s approval and the Spirit came to Jesus, they come to us at Baptism and every time we celebrate the Eucharist or other sacraments. Let us not think that Baptism is just for little children but always remember, it is a lifelong commitment to Jesus Christ. The Spirit is always with us. Many parish activities resume this week including Bible Study. The topic is the Spirituality of St. Paul. The groups meet on Tuesday at 10:00 AM or 7:00 PM, all are welcome. Next Monday the 18

th is Martin Luther King Day

and a day of service of the parish and University. Watch the bulletin for details. The vision of Dr. King still needs to be worked on; his vision was that all people would be united in love, respect and justice. Let’s do our part to bring that about. God Bless, Fr. Art

THANK YOU!!! On behalf of Fr. Art, Fr. Allan, the Parish Staff, and myself, thank you for all the prayers, cards, and

well-wishes during this Christmas Season! We also truly appreciated the many goodies and gifts.

We’d like to share the following as an inspiration as we move into Ordinary Time:

When the song of the angels is stilled.

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings have returned home,

When the shepherds are back with their flocks,

Then the work of Christmas begins…

To find the lost

To heal the broken

To feed the hungry

To rebuild the nations

To bring peace among people

To make music in the heart.

God Bless! Fr. Joe

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Mon., Jan., 11th Weekday 12:05PM-RMCH Tues., Jan., 12th Weekday 12:05PM-RMCH Evan J. Titus Wed., Jan., 13th Weekday; Saint Hilary 12:05PM-RMCH Dolores Abalo Mimo - Felix Thurs., Jan., 14th Weekday 12:05PM-RMCH Fri., Jan. 15th Weekday 12:05PM-RMCH Sat., Jan. 16th Weekday 9:00AM-RMCH Jeanne Benjamin - Connie Cleary 5:00PM-RMCH Commemoration of Deceased Relatives of Augustinian Family Sun., Jan. 17th Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 9:00AM-VNCH For the Parishioners of St. Thomas 9:00AM-RMCH Helen Prusak - Family 10:30AM-VNCH Jack Leahy

“Masses in Interpreted American Sign Language” We have an American Sign Language Interpreter at the

9:00am Mass in the Rosemont Chapel on the Second and Fourth Sunday of each month. The interpreter will be here on

January 24, 2016.

Schedule of Events for the week of: January 10, 2016 Recitation of the Rosary after the daily Liturgy. Monday, January 11, 2016 Golden Living Ministry 10:15AM Art Class - PC1 11:00AM Food Addicts in Recovery - Café 7:00PM Pastoral Council Meeting - PC-1 7:00PM Thresholds Prison Ministry Info Session - PC-2 7:00PM Tuesday, January 12, 2016 Bible Study - PC-2 10:00AM Staff Meeting 1:00PM SFC Mentors 2:15PM Genesis Bells - Aud 7:00PM Bible Study - PC-2 7:00PM Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Food Addicts in Recovery - Café 9:30AM Exercise - Aud 10:00AM Honickman Ministry 10:15AM Religious Education Classes 4:45PM Home Schooling Mid-Term Exams 6:30PM Thursday, January 14, 2016 Walking with Purpose - Aud 9:00AM Walking with Purpose - Aud 7:00PM Lenten Planning - PC1 7:00PM Friday, January 15, 2016 Saturday, January 16, 2016 Sunday, January 17, 2016 St. Francis Inn 9:00AM No Religious Education Classes Rosemont Village Eucharistic Prayer Service 10:30AM RCIA 11:15AM Baptisms-VNCH 12:00PM

WELCOME VISITORS Thank you for worshiping with us today. If you

are visiting our beautiful church or chapel, please know you are most welcome! If you have questions or are interested in joining our parish community, please call the parish office at 610-525-4801.

*** UPDATED SPECIAL NOTICE ***

The Visitor Lot is now closed – likely until May, when it and additional surface parking is scheduled to reopen. In the meantime, you are asked to park in the

Main Parking Lots. As always, if you have special mobility needs, you’re welcome to park on campus.

POTENTIAL NEW ADDICTION MINISTRY

Are you interested in learning more about what an addiction ministry could look like in our parish – and discerning if you might be

called to get involved?

If so, please mark your calendar for Saturday, January 23rd, 2016. We’ll meet in the

Rosemont Auditorium, around 9:30am, following the 9am Mass in the

Rosemont Chapel – and hear how others have started such a ministry in their parishes.

Let’s join together to see how we can be missionaries of mercy, bringing hope and healing

to individuals & families struggling with addictions.

Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to

Karen Farley at bizmgr@stvparish.org.

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We wish a warm welcome to the newest members of our parish: Joe & Cheyenne Toscano & Family of Narberth Congratulations to the newly Baptized members of our parish: Lili-Kate, daughter of Todd & Sarah-Kate Boylan Lily Paige, daughter of Gregory & Alexis Castellani Catherine Locke, daughter of Howard & Conoley Coonley Bartholomew Francis, son of Beau & Candace Cranston Bennett Christopher, son of Patrick & Ashley Haggerty Thomas Henri, son of Adam & Elizabeth Voelker Resting in Peace: Mrs. Marie DiFelice Mrs. Jean Neer, Mother of Sarah Breck Remember those in need of our prayers, especially: Julia Barlow, Thaddeus Bartkowski, Katherine Breck, Mary Ann Dadourian, Bob Ellison, Patricia Ann Harley, Joan Hunter, Bridget Kelly, Madeleine O’Callaghan, Jerry O’Connor, Bert Rodgers, Annie Sears, and Robert J. Wahl.

Please pray for our soldiers assigned in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world. Please also pray

for the soldiers who are returning from their assignments,

CHRISTIAN SERVICE PRAYERLINE The parish prayerline is waiting for your prayer request. This week call Mary Ann Barrow at 610-525-4164 or email stv1964@verizon.net to activate the parish prayerline. Two parish teams are available for your special intentions. PROJECT HOPE This is a transportation ministry for our Parish. If you need a ride to your medical appointments or to food shop this week, please call Mary Ann Deviney at 610-331-2959. Please give at least 3 days notice. DINNERS TO THE DOORSTEP This ministry is for parish families who are in crisis or for parish couples welcoming a new baby. Homemade dinners are delivered. Two parish coordinators keep a list of volunteers who are called as needed. If you are in need of this delicious community support, please call Maria Gunn at 610-291-7205. ST. FRANCIS INN We are forming a parish work group to serve the midday meal at the St. Francis Inn in Kensington on Sunday, January 17th. The Inn tries to meet the immediate daily needs of the poor and homeless people they serve with food, clothing and hospitality. This ministry is open to anyone 16 years or older. For more information and to sign up, contact our parish coordinator, Sheila Holst at 610-659-5828 or hagan1126@verizon.net.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK: Monday: 1 Sm 1:1-8; Mk 1:14-20 Tuesday: 1 Sm 1:9-20; Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20; Mk 1:29-39 Thursday: 1 Sm 4:1-11; Mk 1:40-45 Friday: 1 Sm 8:4-7, 10:22a; Mk 2:1-12 Saturday: 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19, 10-1a; Mk 3:13-17 Sunday: Is 62:1-5; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11

St. Thomas of Villanova Preschool News

Pre-Registrations are now being taken

for the 2016-2017 School Year

Please call the school office at 610-525-7554

if you would like to register or if you have any questions.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Gathering on January 10, 2016

7:00pm — Meet in Youth Room

Topic: Leadership with visit

from Parish Council

FAMILY LIFE : SAVE THE DATE!

Skate Party at Philadelphia Skating Club

Saturday, 2/13/16 @ 5:30-7:30pm Pizza & Drinks Provided

For more information: flym@stvparish.org

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Stewardship Thought for the Week

“John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming...he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’” Luke 3:16 The Catholic Catechism states that “Jesus’ immersion in the water is a sign for all human beings of the need to die to themselves to do God’s will.” In other words, as Baptized Catholics there is only one gift that we need to give to Jesus — the gift of ourselves. Once we surrender ourselves to God, we will know in our hearts what God calls us to do.

St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Community will host an

Information Night for Prison Ministry on

MONDAY, JANUARY 11TH at 7:00pm in the Rosemont Parish Center

1229 E. Lancaster Avenue, 1st Floor, Rosemont, PA

Presenter: Parishioner, Michael Stapf Thresholds Volunteer Teacher Thresholds is a non-profit organization that trains volunteers to teach decision making skills to interested teens, men and women in Delaware County prisons. Go to www.thresholdsdelco.org. You will teach a prisoner, one on one, over a ten week period, once a week (flexible hours). No experience or special background is needed. You qualify by attending one training weekend which are held three times a year. Thresholds is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for 37 years. Through this program Thresholds builds a constructive relationship between the prisoners and the community.

You are invited

to a Brown Bag Lunch on Wednesday,

January 20th at 12:45pm in the Rosemont

Auditorium

Topic: Plan YOUR OWN Funeral Presenters: Alice Obarski - Director of Liturgy John McConaghy of McConaghy Funeral Home Ted Powers of Stretch Funeral Home This workshop will answer all of your questions about the Mass of Christian Burial, cremation and burials. Liturgy planners will be available for you to complete for distribution to your children or extended family.

Bring your lunch! Drinks and dessert will be provided.

Please join us!! Thank you for generosity for the following collections: Christmas, 2015: Number of Envelopes 463 Envelope Amount $79,845.00 Loose Cash $10,582.59 Total $90,472.59

10% Tithe $9,042.76 December 25, 2014 $92,697.55 Weekend of December 26 & 27, 2015: Number of Envelopes 258 Envelope Amount $16,797.42 Loose Cash $1,479.29 Electronic Offering $1,591.88 Total $19,868.59

10% Tithe $1,986.86 December 28, 2014 $22,460.29 Weekend of January 2 and 3, 2016: Number of Envelopes 350 Envelope Amount $19,012.00 Loose Cash $1,927.61 Electronic Offering $3,700.88 Other $115.00 Total $24,755.49

10% Tithe $2,475.55 January 4, 2015 $17,918.46

Calling All Men!

As we begin a New Year, please plan on joining us

for the next Men’s Gathering on Thursday,

January 21st. We’ll celebrate Mass in the

Rosemont Chapel at 6:30am and then head to the

Auditorium for some fellowship, before going off

to work or other responsibilities. And remember –

feel free to invite a friend from the parish or

otherwise!

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OUTREACH TRIPS

Day of Service Martin Luther King, Jr.

MONDAY - JANUARY 18, 2016

Cradles to Crayons in West Conshohocken provide the essentials to children from birth

thru 12 years who live in low income households. We will be packing clothing and fixing toys to be distributed. We will leave the Rosemont Auditorium at 9:15am and travel by bus and will return at 12:50pm to Rosemont.

You must be Middle School or older and must wear closed tow shoes.

St. John’s Hospice is a Philadelphia community grounded in faith where homeless men find dignity. We will prepare and serve

lunch and do heavy duty cleaning.

We will leave the Rosemont Auditorium at 9:15am, travel by us and return to Rosemont by 2:00pm. You must be 18 years old and

wear closed toe shoes.

In case of inclement weather, check the parish website.

www.stthomasofvillanova.org.

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DAY OF SERVICE

Martin Luther King, Jr.

MONDAY - JANUARY 18, 2016

Sponsored by

St. Thomas of Villanova and Our Mother of Good Counsel Parishes

Global Gift Fair

St. Thomas of Villanova Auditorium

10:00am to 11:00am

Pre-school and early elementary school children and parents join hands to create practical gifts for children served by: - Joy of Sox - Missionary Sisters of Charity (feeding center for Norristown) - Hub of Hope (walk in center for the homeless of Project Home) - Grey Sisters Ministries (in Consuelo, Dominican Republic)

We need help at the craft tables. Contact: Kate Horn at kate.horn@yahoo.com or

Leslie Selbach at lkramer14@yahoo.com.

Stewardship Projects & AID FOR FRIENDS MEAL MAKING

Our Mother of Good Counsel Gym 10:00am to 2:00pm

For Middle School Teens and Parents.

We will assemble single trays of balanced meals. Bring a cooked main entrée, e.g. meatloaf, ham or chicken. Afternoon will include a variety of service activities.

Contact Joe and Karen Carey at 610-525-0147, ext 258 or email:

kcarey@omgcparish.net

Outreach Projects are available for middle school,

high school and adults.

Access “Outreach Trips” on the parish website at

www.stthomasofvillanova.org.

Early RSVP a MUST.

In case of inclement weather check the parish website:

www.stthomasofvillanova.org

ITEMS NEEDED FOR MLK DAY OF SERVICE

White Socks, toiletry supplies, travel shampoo, lotions, etc.

Drop off your gifts before MLK Day

at the Parish Center, Monday—Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm,

or at the Rosemont Chapel on weekends.

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Men’s Gospel Reflection Group

Join us for an hour on Thursday mornings in the Parish Center from 6:30AM – 7:30AM as we gather to read the coming Sunday’s Gospel and reflect on the message that the Holy Spirit is delivering to us. This is not intended to be a bible study but rather an engaging conversation about the Word of God. To receive our weekly Gospel Reflection, email stv.mensgathering@gmail.com

and type “Gospel Reflection” in the Subject line.

NOW through February 13th

Delivery on Valentine’s Day Weekend!!

This year we are again sending donated items to our local soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to those who have returned from war and are readjusting to the civilian world through the Philadelphia Veterans Educational Multi Service Center.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR OUR SOLDIERS DEPLOYED: Cards and Letters of Encouragement

Individual toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, baby powder, foot powder, body wash, eye drops, razors, Chapstick, sunscreen, shaving cream, Kleenex, packaged snacks and candy, playing cards and puzzles.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR OUR VETS: Cards and Letters of Appreciation

Toiletries: Larger size of above suggestions, NEW: Undershirts, Socks, Pajamas, Shirts, Large Print Crossword Puzzles, Shower Curtain Liners, Any New or Used Kitchen items

Drop your donations off at the Parish Center during the week or at the Rosemont Chapel on weekends (around Liturgies).

All Contributions will be sent to our soldiers and Vets by

Valentine’s Day Weekend

For questions, contact Bonnie Cotter: 610-745-9591 or bonnie.cotter@verizon.net Barbara Mahady: 610-688-3993 or mahadyhouse@aol.com Parishioners: If you have a family member serving in the Middle East, please let us know so we can include them with some special Hugs for Heroes gifts.

St. Thomas of Villanova proudly begins our

HUGS FOR HEROES

Learn what St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Father Stanley Rother, Mother Antonia Brenner and St. Katherine Drexel have in

common with the spirituality of St. Paul. You may discover that you, too, have similar traits regarding the spirituality of

St. Paul. Bible Study begins January 12th, 10:00am and 7:00pm.

This is a different type of bible study in that it does not focus on one specific book...come and see.

Bible Study

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VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

Augustine and Culture Seminar Program The Augustinian Institute Interactive App - a sourcebook that brings St. Augustine’s Confessions to life Are you looking to deepen your understanding of a classic story of conversion and faith? Villanova University has launched an interactive digital app book that brings St. Augustine’s Confessions to life. The author of many books, St. Augustine of Hippo is revered as a great thinker and pastor whose powerful influence on succeeding generations is well known. His Confessions is widely read today, not only a way for many to grow in self-knowledge, but also as a book that is studied across the country and around the world, and used extensively in great books programs and university classrooms. This app book allows users to read and analyze the New City Press/Maria Boulding translation of Augustine’s fourth-century work in a variety of new ways, including audio recordings by University faculty. Villanova’s President, Fr. Peter, reads book 2. This interactive digital app book has contextual materials, including images, a map, and a timeline of Augustine’s life and journeys, and a note-taking faculty for readers to keep personal reflections about the text. It also features explanatory notes, which were the result of collaboration among Villanova professors and Augustine scholars from across the country. Please see www.villanova.edu/augustinesconfessions for more information and links for purchase. Available for both Apple and Android devices.

YOUTH GATHERING

THIS SUNDAY AT 7PM-8:30PM, WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?

RSVP Special presentation on Parish Leadership by member of the parish council. We will meet in the Youth Room.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! MLK DAY OF SERVICE

Volunteers are needed for a trip to Cradles to Crayons on 1/18/16. Meet at the auditorium at 9:15am, travel by bus and return to Rosemont by 12:15 pm. RSVP a must to me at fl-youth@stvparish.org or service@stvparish.org.

St. Thomas of Villanova Youth Ministry, Young Adults of St. Thomas,

STV Moms @STVYM

St. Thomas of Villanova Parish is excited to announce a new program for all youth 14-20 years old. Adventure Crew 1842 is a fun-filled, coed group focusing on high adventure

(camping, hiking, etc), leadership development & service overseen by the Boy Scouts of America. The group will meet

monthly in the Parish Center. The group will be led & run by the teens with the help of adult advisors.

Join Adventure Crew 1842

All Females & Males, Ages 14-20 Welcome

Learn more at Crew1842Villanova.org or Contact us (info@crew1842Villanova.org)

Come to a Meeting — January 26 — 7:30pm St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Center 1229 E. Lancaster Ave., Rosemont, PA

Adventure is waiting.

BUILD YOURS.

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SPONSOR OF THE WEEK We appreciate advertisers who support St. Thomas of Villanova by advertising in our bulletin. Please patronize their business and let them know you saw their ad in our bulletin. Why Advertise in a Church Bulletin?

It’s inexpensive Advertising

It’s Effective in Catching New Neighbor’s Attention

It’s Advertising in your Own Neighborhood

It Develops Good Community Relationships

It’s Good for Developing Loyal Customers

DUNBAR ROOFING & SIDING COMPANY

For a Great Roofing Company Call

610-644-6450

GRIEF CLASSES

Life After Loss - This group is geared toward participants who have experienced the loss of a loved one to substance abuse and/or mental illness. The group focuses on surviving and thriving following these profound and unique types of losses. This group is facilitated by Fran Gerstein, LCSW, AN experienced therapist and clinical social work professor, who lost her son in 2014. The class meets on Wednesday evenings, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. You can start at any time. Open to the Public, $20 per class or 4 classes for $70. You can pay online or at the group. The New Leaf Club, 1225 Montrose Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010. You can contact us at 610-525-1711 or on our website: newleafclub.org.

ATTENTION;

MIDDLE AGERS AND SENIORS

COMMUNITY WALKING OPPORTUNITY Friday Mornings 9:00am

Radnor Trail - West Wayne Ave, Entrance (behind Vic and Deans Pizza)

Radnor Township backed, volunteer led local Public Health Initiative.

Questions? Please contact Parishioner, Jen DiLella at 610-504-3624.

CRAFTING PRAYER You’re invited to a Make and Take Craft Event

Initiate a spiritual practice Make and use a Prayer Box

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

(snow date January 27th) — 10:00am to 1:00pm

IHN Conference Center, 401 S Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA

Bring yourself, your imagination, and $15.00 for supplies and lunch

Call 610-521-0120 or 610-527-0506 or email Ihmconference@verizon.net to reserve your space!

A MOVIE WITH MEANING “Hachi”

You are invited

IHM Conference Center 401 South Brym Mawr, Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA

January 12, 2016

(snow date January 14th) 10:00am to 1:00pm (Lunch included - $15.00)

To register, please call 610-521-0120 or

610-527-0506 or email ihmconference@verizon.net

DO YOU KNOW YOUR

TRIBUNAL?

The Tribunal is a group of specially qualified Catholics whose responsibility is to come to the help of people who have experienced divorce and who may wish to remarry in the Catholic Church. When a divorce occurs, the Catholic Church always seeks to balance two realities. One is the unbreakableness of the bond of marriage. This is God’s law. It cannot be broken by human intervention. On the other hand, the Church is concerned about the spiritual welfare of the people involved. Was this a true marriage? Even though a Catholic marriage was celebrated, was there perhaps some deficiency in the consent of the parties involved? The annulment procedure addresses this problem. If you are divorced and want to marry in the Church or remarried outside the Catholic Church, please telephone the Tribunal Office.

THE TRIBUNAL 222 North 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103 Telephone: 215-587-3750