ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH

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ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH

January 10, 2021

SUNDAY MASS

St. Thomas Aquinas Church Saturday Vigil | 4:00 p.m.

Sunday | 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. (parking lot Mass), 12:00 p.m.

St. Basil Chapel

Sunday | 10:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m. DAILY MASS

St. Thomas Aquinas Church Monday - Saturday | 9:00 am CONFESSION

St. Thomas Aquinas Church Saturday: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in the rear of the St. Thomas Aquinas parking lot or by appointment

MASS SCHEDULE

St. Thomas Aquinas Church Rev. Bill Devine, Pastor

[email protected]

Rev. Jason Giombetti, Parochial Vicar

[email protected]

Deacon Leo Donoghue

[email protected]

Parish Office

Peter Vitagliano, Finance and Operations Officer

[email protected]

Tina Larson, Administrative Assistant

[email protected] PARISH INFORMATION

Pastoral Assistant

Aaron Durocher, Pastoral Assistant 508.531.1346

[email protected]

Faith Formation Office Staff Phone | 508.697.3652

Marie Masaitis, Faith Formation Director, Grades 1-6

[email protected]

Caitlin Mack, Faith Formation/ Confirmation Director, Grades 7-10

[email protected]

Kristine Smith, Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

St. Basil, The Catholic Center

122 Park Ave., Bridgewater MA 02324 Rev. Jason Giombetti, Campus Chaplain

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Christmas Season Masses in Review:

As the Christmas Season comes to an end this weekend, I’d like to once again thank all the volunteers and staff that worked so diligently in order to provide worship opportunities respecting the safety guidelines and restrictions given us by the governor and the archdiocese. I thank those who volunteered to usher, decorate the church/chapel, musicians, lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, videographers and the staff who coordinated the Mass registration and Mass set ups. Because of everyone’s support we were able to celebrate eleven Christmas Eve/Day Masses for approximately 800 participants. Although we weren’t able to provide an outdoor Mass on Christmas Day because of the inclement weather, many who came to that Mass felt comfortable worshipping inside the church.

Outdoor Mass Heaters:

I would also like to thank the family who donated two new outdoor heat lamps to be used during the parking lot Masses. I suspect they noticed how cold I was celebrating Mass a few weeks ago. Thank you! I also would like to thank an individual, who similarly noticed how cold we were, that provided hand warmers. Your concern for us and your generosity are greatly appreciated and warmly welcomed!

Financial Support:

I want to thank all who make a financial donation to our parish in the weekly offering given in the boxes as you leave chapel/ church or basket as you leave the parking lot Mass. I also want to thank all who have so very generously contributed to the Annual Appeal. As you see in this barometer, contributions to this year’s Appeal sets a record ($161,113) for the most we’ve ever received!! The proceeds from this year’s Appeal go to directly to make up the operational costs deficit caused by less

people attending Mass due to the pandemic. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact the parish office or visit our website at

www.stthomasaquinas.com. I also want to thank those who contributed funds to cover the cost of the Christmas flowers in memory of an individual, family or deceased loved ones whose names are listed in his week’s bulletin. Your generosity is OUTSTANDING and enables us not only to cover operational costs but to have the resources to plan new and more ways to celebrate, share and grow our faith.

Finally, I want to thank all who so very generously contributed to the Christmas collection which was for the Clergy Health and Retirement Trust providing health and welfare resources for active and retired priests of the archdiocese.

Christmas Gifts:

Fr. Giombetti, Deacon David Campo and I want to thank you for your many Christmas cards and encouraging notes, for your homemade cookies, desserts and candy. We are slowly and happily eating our way through your gifts. It continues to be an honor and privilege to serve and lead you in the name of Jesus Christ!

Masses for 2

nd

Grade Children:

Given the limitations of virtual learning to prepare children for First Holy Communion, we will be offering two Masses beginning this month and every month for children preparing to receive First Holy Communion and their families. We ask and strongly encourage parents to avail themselves of this opportunity so that their son/daughter will be familiar not only with Mass but the meaning of the Eucharist. See further information in this week’s bulletin.

$ 161,113

$ 150,000

$ 100,000

$ 50,000

$ 10,000

As of January 5th, 346 of our 2,895 parish families (12%) have contributed $ 161,113. We have 65 new donors and 176 donors have increased their last year’s contribution. Thank you for your generosity!

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To visitors of our Parish, and to those who have recently moved into the area, and to those comfortable and nourished here - Welcome. Regardless of your status in the Church, marital state, your ethnicity, your prior religious experience, your personal history, background, or sexual orientation, we hope that you will continue to worship with us each week.

Our Mission is to be a welcoming community of believers continually growing in our faith and in our love of Jesus Christ through worship, education, evangelization and service within our local and broader community.

Roman Catholic Bishops

Statement on Abortion Expansion

The unborn child is a human life that must be protected. That precious child has no voice to protect itself

from the evils of abortion. The Catholic Church recognizes that it has a primary moral responsibility to

speak for the most vulnerable among us - the unborn. That responsibility is at the center of the Catholic

moral vision. Because of its centrality, the Church must oppose the directly intended taking of human life

through abortion at any stage of pregnancy. It is a serious moral wrong and directly undercuts our

unyielding goal to promote the common good throughout a civil society.

We are deeply disappointed by the failure of the Massachusetts legislature to uphold Governor Baker’s veto

of legislation which further expands access to abortion in the Commonwealth beyond 24 weeks of

pregnancy. The new legislation also reduces from 18 to 16 years old the requirement for a teenager to have

the benefit of adult counsel (parental or judicial) prior to seeking an abortion.

With the issue of abortion at the forefront of our ministries, we recommit ourselves to defend life from

conception to natural death. Our commitment to human dignity also includes strongly opposing capital

punishment and physician assisted suicide, but it does not end there. We will also continue to defend life by

protecting immigrants and refugees seeking our assistance, by serving the poor in our communities and by a

constant appeal to others in our society to see the fragile ties which hold us together as a civil community.

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap.

Archbishop of Boston

Most Reverent Edgar M. da Cunha, SDV

Bishop of Fall River

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus

Bishop of Worcester

Most Reverend William D. Byrne

Bishop of Springfield

TRAINING SESSIONS FOR NEW

LECTORS AND EXTRAORDINARY

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

January 10 ~

The Baptism of the Lord

This Sunday’s readings focus our attention on the Baptism of Jesus. They remind us of the importance of this sacrament and the effect it has on our lives – not just in the moment of baptism, but throughout our lives – if we are open to its power. Just as “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power” so too we are anointed to go about doing good, to introducing others to Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to reawaken in you the powerful graces of this sacrament.

Did you sign up to be a Lector or an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion but weren’t able to attend a training? We will be filming short training video for Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers. The video will be available at some point during the week of Jan. 18th. If you are a EMHC who needs training, please contact Aaron at [email protected] so that he can email the video to you. We are offering additional in-person training for Lectors. Aaron Durocher will call to coordinate the date of the Lector training with you directly. Reminder: A yearly training

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CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING ENVELOPES

AND PRAYERS

Thank you to all who made a donation towards our Christmas decorations in memory of living and deceased loved ones. During the month of January, we will continue to remember and pray for our family and friends.

Individuals: Edward Akers, Albert and Louise Anderson, Angie Scopiliti Anderson, Dorothy and William Arrighi, Kathy and Mariann Barry, Michael, Mary and Joe Barry, Alice Battista, Jeff Battista, Timothy Beals, Bridget and Peter Berry, Maureen Berry, Sean Berry, Antonio and Elisabetta Betta, Leo Boutiette, Jr., Katie Braz, Alec Briguglio, Frank Briguglio, David Bryant, Daniel Buckley, Jr., Mary Buono, Bernadette Bushe, Frank Cabral, Joseph Cabral, Rene Cabrera and family, Francis Caporale, Edward Carpenter, Marie Carpenter, Irene Carrow, Red and Gloria Cathcart, Manuel and Maria Chaves, Elmer and Ruth Cloutier, Martin Connelly, Ellen Connolly, Michael Connolly, Thomas Connolly, Sam and Carmela Corrente, Irene, Edward and Larry Dagesse, Claire Damiano, Rocco Damiano, Dominic Damiano, Sr., Mary Damiano, Sr., Jack Daniels, Dorothy DeAndrade, Jose and Mariana DeMoura, Maria, Mariana, and Joseph DeMoura, John J. Donna, Florence and John Downey, Joshua Downey, Adam Dubowik, Judy Dubowik, Elizabeth Edwards, Joseph Edwards, James Fahey, John and Maryjane Fahey, Nancy Fahey, William and Alice Ferioli, Margaret and Tony Ferullo, Frances Filippetti and family, Monica Flynn, Adelina Baldini Folloni, Dante and Chiarina Folloni, Sante and Luiga Folloni, Sam and Gladys Franco and family, Jean Gaziano, Salvatore Gaziano, James and Phyllis Giovanoni, Dot and Joe Glancy, Daniel Goodwin, Robert and Dorothy Goodwin, Augusta Gourgel, Gino and Helen Guasconi, Heidi Ann Gustafson, Ann and Ted Hassan, Denise Hassan, Charlie Hathaway, Tracey Hathaway, Alice, Donald, Lenny and Norrine Heath, Branden Heath, R. Clayton Hill, Robert and Claire Holland, Frank and Patricia Hughes, Alan Iandoli, Joseph and Margrett Jones, Kevin Jones, Peg and Jim Kelly, James and John Kenneally, LouAnna, Edmond, Pat and Liz Kenneally, Sandra Querzoli Klein, Annette LaFrance, Emma LaFrance, Edward LaFrance, Jr., Edward LaFrance, Sr., Arthur and Pauline Landry, Brian Lawlor, Raymond Lessard, Sabina and Ralph Lewis, Tina Lincoln, Michael Llanes, Robert F. Lucy, Janet Madigan, Paul Mahan, Christopher McCarthy, John H. McCarthy, James and Francis McClaren, Donna McDonough, Margaret and Coleman McDonough, Michael McIsaac, Mary A. McLaughlin, Edward and Delia McMahon, Diane Messaline, Joseph and Mary Monti, Bill and Martha Murray, Michael Nogron, John Oakes, Elizabeth O'Brien, Thomas F. O'Donnell, Mary Edwards O'Keefe, Victor O'Leary, Stephen Pagels, Joseph Patterson, Mary Patterson, Joao and Rosa Pimental, Dorothy and Santa Pratti, Albert and Mildred Querzoli, Rich Quigley, Matthew Quilitzsch, John Quinn, Philip Rainey, Rosa, John, Romano and Mary Ralli, Geradine Resmini, Joanne, John and Rita Revil, William Richner, Claire and Edwin Riley, Cadorno, Pasqua and John Risio, Bill and Mary Rosa, Deacon Gerry Ryan, Ralph and Linda Scopa, Franco Segnatelli, Richard Silva, Helen Silvia, Ralph and Marian Simonds, Brent Smith, Paula Querzoli Smith, Peg Sotera, Paul and Mary Stella, Tina Stoddard, Gary Tenney, Harold Terpeny, John Tosches, Jennifer Tosches and family, Jamie Toy, James R. Toy, Jr., Carolyn Traynor, Walter and Stella Tuholski, Danny and Nancy Ventola, Darlene Wanous, Denny White, John Wojcechowski, Ed and Rose Woronicz, and Karen Woronicz.

Families: The Abruzzese, Apanowicz, Bansfield, Barbour, Benya, Bosquet, Burke, Cardinale, Carle, Carroll, Casey, Chiappini, Chicoine, Cleary, Colombo, Covezoli, Cummings, Cushing, Czymbor, Donahue, Donoghue, Feeney, Ferrante , Gallant, Grondin, Hallisey, Hayward, Ignani, Keeley, Lavalley, Legan, Leger, Lemieux, Luiz, Lunsford, Mahoney, Malzone, Martin, McLaughlin, Mele, Mickiewicz, Mulkern, Murphy, Naves, Nicoli, Norek, O'Donnell, O'Hare, Ouellette, Pendexter, Perry, Peters, Pope, Proffetty, Pumphrey, Querzoli, Rolland, Sexton, Sgarbi, Silva, Steele, Swarce, Terpeny, Ticchi, Tremblay, Vacher, Walsh and Zonfrelli families.

If a name was inadvertently omitted from this list,

please contact Tina in the parish office.

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GIVING TREE

MINISTRY

Thank you once again to all who were involved in some way with our Giving Tree Ministry. Below are thank you notes that we received from individuals touched by your generosity.

We are a blessed Bridgewater family. I don't know who they are, but I need to thank the 3 people who came to our home today (I know they represent BR school) and brought food for Christmas, gifts for the children and some gift cards that will help our end of the year a lot. This community is incredible, this city is like a family; we love it here. Saint Thomas Aquinas Church also helped us with gifts for children donated by

people who I also don’t know who they are, but one

thing we know: there are many angels who don’t have

wings living around us. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year with lots of new things to learn. Thank you for everything.

- Anonymous

I wanted to thank you and the parishioners of St. Thomas for the overwhelming amount of generosity. We wasted no time and started delivering today. The families were so happy and I hope a little less anxious this week with the holiday at their doors. I will make sure to give a big shout out to the parish in my updates to the BMS community. Again, I just need to keep saying thank you. The hope that the parishioners have given truly makes the season so much brighter.

Tim Kaliff, Principal Bridgewater Middle School We love St. Thomas Aquinas and its parishioners! Our students are so lucky to have such kind, compassionate and caring people to support them throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season!

Angela Watson, Principal Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School

THANK YOU TO

PROPHETT-CHAPMAN, COLE AND

GLEASON FUNERAL HOME!

We received a delivery of beautiful 2021 calendars from Prophett - Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Homes. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the entrances of the church and chapel.

FAITH FORMATION

ATTENTION -

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PARENTS!

Some parents of First Communion students have expressed concern that due to COVID restrictions their child hasn’t been able to attend Mass. They feel their child is unfamiliar with the Mass and their understanding of the Eucharist. In response to their concerns and wanting the children to be

sufficiently prepared to receive Holy Communion, Fr. Devine has scheduled a monthly Mass just for First Communion children and their families. All Masses will follow strict COVID guidelines. There is no better way to

prepare your child to receive Holy Communion than to attend these Masses. Visit www.stthomasaquinas.com to sign up.

 Each family will be assigned a pew.

 Every other pew is empty to maintain six feet distance

 Homilies will be geared to 2nd graders.

 Masks will be required at all times.

 The Church will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after each Mass.

 Attendance will be taken.

Families’ last name ending in A-K will attend Mass on:

 January 17 – 1:30pm

 February 7 – 1:30pm

 March 7 – 1:30pm

 April 11 – 1:30pm

Families’ last name ending in L-Z will attend Mass on:

 January 31 – 1:30pm

 February 21 – 1:30pm

 March 21 – 1:30pm

 April 18 – 1:30pm

CONFIRMATION PROGRAM -

SAVE THE DATES!

We are hoping to gather during this semester for a few in-person events. Please save the following dates! Attendance is expected for Grade 9 & 10 students. We will follow strict COVID safety guidelines. Reminders and any changes will be announced via email and Facebook.

 Wednesday, Jan. 20th: Confirmation Information Video will be released!

 Sunday, Jan. 24th: Guest Speaker - Linda Thayer

 Sunday, March 14th: Lent Adoration & Confession

 Sunday, April 11th: Special Event- Vocations Night

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WEEKLY DEVOTIONS

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Saturdays 10:00 am - 11:00 am, lower church

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

1st Saturday of the month 10:00 am, lower church

DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR

Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, lower church

SACRAMENTS

If you are seeking more information about the Sacraments, or wish to schedule an appointment,

please call the parish to speak with a priest at

508-697-9528.

BAPTISM

If you wish to have your child Baptized, or to receive the Sacrament yourself, please call the parish office to request an appointment with a priest, either in person or via Zoom. Baptisms are ordinarily celebrated each

month on the 2nd & 4th Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Please

note that these dates are subject to change. Baptism

Preparation Class is on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.

MARRIAGE

If you wish to be married in our parish, please call the parish office to request an appointment with a priest at least eight months in advance. Marriage Preparation

course is required.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

If you or anyone you know would like to be anointed because of illness, please contact the parish office at

508-697-9528.

CONFESSIONS

Confessions are held on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the rear of the St. Thomas Aquinas Church parking lot or by appointment.

WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

4:00 p.m. Christopher McCallum - 2nd Anniv. SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

St. Thomas 7:30 a.m. Elaine Phaneuf - 1 year Anniv.

9:00 a.m. Manuel Fernandes 12:00 p.m. Jose Coelho

St. Basil 10:30 a.m. Our Parishioners

5:00 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 11

9:00 a.m. Robert Dolbec TUESDAY, JANUARY 12

9:00 a.m. Abelardo Sanchez

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

9:00 a.m. THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

9:00 a.m. Fr. Leo Cormier FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

9:00 a.m. Joseph Giombetti - 1st Anniv. SATURDAY, JANUARY 16

9:00 a.m. Dante Scuzzarella

4:00 p.m. Jamie Braga and Maria Pacheco SUNDAY, JANUARY 17

St. Thomas 7:30 a.m.

9:00 a.m. Dante and Chiarina Folloni

12:00 p.m. Robert Proffetty and Andrew Ticchi

St. Basil 10:30 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

Prayer List

SPECIAL COLLECTION

THIS WEEK NO SPECIAL COLLECTION JAN. 9-10

NEXT WEEK NO SPECIAL COLLECTION JAN. 16-17

FINANCIAL BLESSINGS

A Time to Heal... Jeffrey Bean Sandra Cable Meagan Chuckran John Cribben Charles Micalizzi JoAnn Micalizzi Margaret Moran Maureen Mosher Andrea Proffetty Mildred Ramalho Martha Rooney Jennifer Tosches Anna Vrana Alexis Zutaut Jason and Nicole Zutaut

A Time to Die... Andrew Downs Blanche Dubrowski Patrick Gannon James Holt Maureen Holt Marjorie McCoy Joseph Rizzatano Paul Urban Stanley Warkel

If you would like someone added to the prayer list, contact Tina in the parish office at 508-697-9528.

Summary of Collections

12/28-1/3 St. Thomas St. Basil Total

In-Pew $ 4,274 $ 628 $ 4,902

Mail-in/Drop-Off $ 2,678 $ 0 $ 2,678

WeShare $ 1,579 $ 47 $ 1,626