St. Thomas More Parish

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March 31, 2019

Fourth Sunday of Lent

6511 176th St SW, Lynnwood WA 98037 |Ph: 425-743-2929, Fax: 425-743-3652 | Website: www.stmp.org

Parish Office Hours: 9am-5pm M-Th, Friday 9am-1pm

School Office Hours: 8am_-4pm M_-F | Ph: 425-743-4242, Fax: 425-745-8367 | Website: www.stms.org

The mission of the St. Thomas More Parish community

is to become the real presence of Christ

through prayer, education, worship and service.

St. Thomas More Parish

JN 9:1, 6_-9, 13_-17, 34_-38 As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes,

and said to him,

“Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” — which means Sent —. So he went and washed, and came back able to see. His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beg-gar said,

“Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is, “

but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.”

They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them,

“He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” So some of the Pharisees said,

“This man is not from God,

because he does not keep the sabbath.” But others said,

“How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them. So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?”

He said, “He is a prophet.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,

he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said,

“Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him,

“You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said,

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March 31, 2019

Liturgies and Sacraments: Mass Schedule:

Saturday Vigil: 5 pm, Sunday: 8:30 am, 10:30 am Weekdays: 9 am T-F,8:30 am– Wed (Sept– mid June)

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Satur day 3:30_-4:30 pm or by appointment

Sacrament of Baptism: held dur ing Mass, 5 times a year, contact Sharon Guerrero in the Parish Office for information.

Sacrament of Marriage or Anniversary Celebrations: to ar r ange date and begin your preparation, contact Violeta Juzon in the Parish Office at least 6 mos. prior to the date.

Sacrament of the Sick: This Sacr ament is celebr ated with those who are seriously ill, injured or preparing for surgery. Contact Parish Office

Communion to the Sick and Homebound: If you have a loved one who is homebound and would like to receive Communion at home on a weekly basis, please contact the Parish Office or email [email protected] to arrange for an Extraordinary Minister of Holy

Communion visit.

Funerals: Contact, Cathy Bellande in the Par ish office to schedule. Catholic Cemetery: Holyrood Cemetery, 205 NE 205th St, Seattle, Ph. 206-363-8404

Mass Usher Capt. Mass Steward Altar Servers Lectors

5:00pm Pat Portolese Laura Piispanen Hannah T.,Audrey H.,Catherine T.,Angela T. Brian Harrington & Diane Walton 8:30am Jerry Lehman Hong-Thuy Bui Camille P.,Max R.,John M.,Katrina V. Jim Zepeda & Andrea Carroll 10:30am Peter Nguyen Ann Ayson Luke G.,Michael B.,Noah B.,Morganday B. Kevin Mullins & Susan Dino

Welcome! Whether you’re just visiting us for a brief time, looking for a new parish home, returning to the practice of your Catholic faith or interested in finding out more about the Catholic Church, we’re delighted to have you here.

Our parish is a community of diverse believers who are supportive and loving. We encourage you to explore and get to know our community. We hope that you’ll find our parish to be your source of your spiritual growth, to put your faith in action, and to use your gifts of time and talent as disciples of Christ. We look forward to answering any questions you may have. Check our website for registration and more information. www.stmp.org.

PARISH STAFF

Pastor: Fr. Stephen Okumu_-x104/[email protected] Deacon: Clark Goecker_-[email protected]

Pastoral Assistant for Administration_-Vacant Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation: Sharon Guerrero_– x114/[email protected] Pastoral Assistant for Youth Ministry: Kelly Orozco-x106/[email protected]

P. A. for Parish Engagement & Involvement: Violeta Juzon– x111/[email protected]

Administrative Assistant:

Cathy Bellande_- x100 /[email protected] Maintenance Supervisor:

Gary Dawes_– x105/ [email protected] Pastoral Assistant for Music:

Debra DeMiero/[email protected] ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL Principal: Ann Leichleiter– x202/

[email protected]

Vice Principal: Dan Sarlitto-x203/

[email protected]

Office Manager: Barb Hennessey_– x201/ [email protected]

Office staff: Sandra McLaughlin_– Office Assistant_– x200

CONSULTATIVE BODIES Pastoral Council Chairs:

Ann [email protected]

Karen Austin_- [email protected]

’

Finance Council Chair:

Richard [email protected]

Stewardship Commission Chair: Laura Piispanen_-[email protected] Faith Formation Commission:

Vy Lai_-[email protected] Maintenance Commission Chair: Vacant

Intercultural Commission Chairs:

Eddie and Ellen [email protected]

Justice and Peace Commission Chairs: Mary Charles_-[email protected]

School Commission Chair:

Derek Millett_-[email protected] Liturgy Commission Chair:

Kevin [email protected]

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March 31, 2019

Fourth Sunday of Lent

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IN OUR PRAYERS

Loving God, we join with others of your people here at St. Thomas More asking you to hold in Your hands all your people in need of your care. Bob Dixon, husband of Loretta Cynthia Espina, mother of Cora Rita Tollefson, mother of Patricia

BULLETIN SPONSOR

We thank the very generous sponsors who advertise on the back of our bulletin. This week we recognize: Andy Di;om. CLU, Agent for State Farm Insurance.

THIS WEEK AT ST. THOMAS MORE Sunday—March 31st

CLOW

9:30am_-Faith Formation Class

9:30am-1st Reconciliation Parent Meeting-School

Library

11:00am-Altar Server Leader Training-Renggli Room

No_-Confirmation Class_-School Library

Monday_—April 1st

6:30pm_-Spanish Rosary_-Chapel

Tuesday_—April 2nd

9:30am_-Novena to our Mother of Perpetual Help 10:00am-Scripture Study-Parish Office

6:30pm_-Mission Choir Practice_-Music Room

6:30pm-1st Eucharist Parent Meeting-School Library

7:00pm_-Scripture Study_-Parish Office

Wednesday_—April 3rd

5:00pm_-Tai Chi_-Renggli Room

6:30pm-Children’s FF Class-Parish Office

6:30pm_-Jr High FF Class_-Youth Room

7:00pm-Multicultural Choir Practice-Music Room

7:00pm_-Liturgy Commission_-Parish Office

Thursday_—April 4th

6:00pm_-CDA_-Renggli Room 7:00pm-RCIA-Parish Office

Friday—April 5th

9:00am-1st Friday Mass w/anointing-Church

9:30am_-Adoration_-Chapel

5:30pm-Stations of the Cross-Church

6:00pm_-Soup Supper_-Dalton Hall

Saturday_—April 6th

12:00am_-Adoration_-Chapel 8:00am-Benediction-Chapel

Sunday—April 7th

CLOW

9:30am_-Faith Formation Class

11:45am_-Confirmation Class_-School Library & Youth Room

SUNDAY READINGS This Sunday, The Fourth Sunday of Lent First: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6_-7, 10_-13a Second: Ephesians 5:8_-14 Gospel: John 9:1_-41

Next Sunday, The Fifth Sunday of Lent First: Ezekiel 37:12_-14

Second: Romans 8:8-11

Gospel: John 11:1_-45

PARISH EVENTS: SAVE THE DATES !!! April 10th, 7 pm_– Men’s Lenten Reflection Mass

This Week at STM Parish School • Last Monday, Teach for America facilitated a ½ day workshop focused on “Culturally Responsive Teaching”. Teachers were given the opportunity to reflect on their own teaching practices and potential for growth in the context of cultural sensitivity.

• Thank you to the Parents Club for organizing last Wednesday’s Ice Cream Social in celebration of our students and the close of the second trimester. Report cards were sent home on that day in the Wednesday envelope.

• Stations of the Cross continue to be celebrated during the school day each Friday during Lent. Please contact the Main Office for the exact time as these may change from week-to-week.

• If you have family members, friends or new neighbors are who are interested in learning more about St. Thomas More Parish School Preschool _– 8th Grade, would like to schedule a visit, or enroll a child, please have them contact us at www.stms.org or call (425) 743-4242. Enrollment for the 2019

-2020 school year is open!

O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith, we may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. Amen

DATES to REMEMBER

Mar. 31st and Apr. 2nd Parent mee ngs for First Communion

Apr. 1: 5th and 8th Grade ACRE Begins Apr. 4: Parents Club Mee ng

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March 31, 2019

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Catholic Faith Development

Parish Of ice (425) 743-2929

Baptisms for babies and young childr en will be the weekends of May 5th and June 23rd. Parents and godparents must take one 4 hour class to prepare for raising children in the Catholic Faith. At least one godparent must be a practicing Catholic who has been Confirmed. Call Sharon for more information.

Becoming Catholic

Those who would like to explore becoming Catholic are invited to join the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The classes will start again in September. Contact Sharon for more information.

RCIA is the appr opr iate path for anyone 8 or older who is seeking baptism or membership in the Catholic Church after baptism in another faith tradition. It is also the path taken by those baptized in the Catholic Church who have not had the opportunity to learn about the faith or received Communion. Call the Parish Office for more information.

FAITH FORMATION

Sharon Guerrero (425) 743-2929 x114, [email protected]

Tues. Apr . 2nd-Clifford, Ariel and Kenneth Diaz

Wed. Apr . 3r d_-Helen Ampusta & Loreetta Wilson

Thurs. Apr . 4th-Susan Gray & Nancy Hannicker & Joseph

Hap Pham

Fri. Apr . 5th_-John and Maria Dang & Francisco and Severa Relacion & Rev Alphonso Phuong Tran

Sacrament of First Eucharist (Communion) Parent Meetings

The meetings are on Sunday, March 31st at 9:30am or Tuesday, April 2nd at 6:30pm in the School Library. It is mandatory that at least one parent attends one of the meetings to receive information about the sacrament and take home materials for review with your child. The First Eucharist Retreat is scheduled on Saturday, May 11th from 9am-12noon.

The First Eucharist Celebration is on Sunday, May 19th at the 8:30am and 10:30am Masses.

2019 Vacation Bible School

Our team is excited to announce this summer’s VBS faith-building theme

“ROAR” Life is wild, God is good. Please mark your calendars for August 5th_-9th. More details to follow.

LENTEN FOOD DRIVE

The drive is half way through and we would like to acknowledge and extend our appreciation to all who have generously brought in donations and supported our stewardship project to benefit St. Vincent de Paul and Next Step Pregnancy Services. May the Lord continue to bless and reward you in many ways as you put a smile on the faces of our less fortunate neighbors.

STM Youth Ministry – Meraki

St. Thomas More Youth will be at the Stations of the Cross and Stone Soup on April 12thApril 12thApril 12th. Please join April 12th us in prayer and community as we break bread and share in the journey of Christ.

The next Youth Leadership meeting will take place on April 14th at 2pm in the Youth Room.

Confirmation will take place on April 8April 8April 8April 8thththth at 6pmat 6pmat 6pm. at 6pm

Save the date

Save the date for Tai Chi (seated or standing), 3 session on Wednesdays, April 3rd, 10th and 24th from 5-6pm. Both in

the Renggli Room, brought to you by STM Health & Wellness Ministry, details to follow.

Donations for Easter

Flowers

Easter is approaching and the planning for decorating the church and

sanctuary is already underway. We would like to continue the tradition here at St. Thomas More of parishioners making a donation in the name of a deceased loved one, or in their own name, for the purchase of Easter flowers and decorations. Their names will be written on the rocks at the altar during Lent. Special envelopes are in the pews and can be put in the regular collection basket or left at the parish office.

1st Friday Mass with Anointing

This Friday, April 5th during the 9am Mass is the quarterly anointing, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration in the Chapel.

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March 31, 2019

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Our Lenten Journey of Faith

Open Wide Our Hearts

Can you imagine how many hundreds of people walked past the beggar born blind at birth? The townspeople and the Pharisees ridiculed him. They saw him simply as a sinner. As the Gospel portrays, “You are that man’s disciple; we are disciples of Moses.” How often do we set ourselves apart from those who are different from us_—different in color of skin, in language, in culture or religious belief? On-going events in the life of our country and communities suggest that

all of us are blind to some extent to our brothers and sisters. In November 2018, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) adopted for dissemination to the American Church Open W ide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism.

They write “Through his Cross and Resurrection, Christ united the one human race to the Father. However, even though Christ’s victory over sin and death is complete, we still live in a world affected by them. As bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States, we want to address one particularly destructive and persistent form of evil. Despite many promising strides made in our country, racism still infects our nation.” This is not the first time the Catholic bishops have addressed this evil. Previous pastoral letters were disseminated in 1958, 1968 and in 1979. Each of these pastoral letters called for a genuine conversion of heart, a conversion that will compel change and reform our institutions and society. In Open W ide Our Hearts, the bishops call to mind the words of Pope Francis “let no one think that this invitation is not meant for him or her.” All of us are in need of personal, ongoing conversion. This is an essential part of our Lenten journey.

In addressing the necessary steps that would lead to conversion, the bishops find inspiration, as we can kind inspiration, in the words of the prophet Micah: “You have been told. O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Do Justice- For a nation to be just, it must be a society the recognizes and respects the legitimate rights of individuals

and peoples. These rights precede any society because they flow from the dignity granted to each person as created by God. The bishops stress the importance of listening to and knowing the stories of all our brothers and sisters.

Love Goodness-As Chr istians, we know it is our duty to love other s; that we live by the Holy Spir it and the fr uit

of that Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).

We must be honest with ourselves. Each of us should examine our conscience and ask if these fruits are really present in our attitudes about race. Or, rather do our attitudes reflect mistrust, impatience, anger, distress, discomfort or rancor?

Walk Humbly with God_- As missionary disciples and especially during Lent, we are called to rebuilding relationships, healing our communities and working to shape our polices and institutions toward the common good. The bishops remind us that evangelization is the work of the Church, that “means not only preaching but witnessing; not only conversion but renewal; not only entry into community but building up the community.”

Racism is a moral problem that requires a moral remedy—a transformation of the human heart—it impels us to act. As

Christians, we know this is true, “for with God all things are possible.”

You are encouraged to read and reflect on the U.S. Bishops Pastoral Letter Open W ide Our Hearts. The full document can be found at www.usccb.org/racism/open_-wide_-our_-hearts/pdf

Walking & Witnessing for Immigrant Families

The Archdiocese of Seattle is sponsoring Walking & Witnessing for Immigrant Families, a two-week pilgrimage through Western Washington, April 29 through May 11, 2019. The Pilgrims will be walking from parish to parish, on a designated route; and meet at the NW Detention Center in Tacoma on May 11th for Mass at 11:00 a.m.

We ask that you add the pilgrims to your daily prayers list, donating to the Archdiocese of Seattle’s fund designated to help families on the border,and/or attending Mass on the May 11th.

For more details, visit WACatholics.org/PrayerWalk2019. https://www.wacatholics.org/PrayerWalk2019

All are welcome to join our parish as we gather for a prayer, immigration education followed by dinner on May 4, 2019, 5 pm in the Renggli Room. If you are not available or able to walk the full route, we encourage you to consider walking a portion or helping with hospitality. Sign up will be

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March 31, 2019

JESUS NEEDS YOU!! We need You!

Imagine for a moment that you are at the doors of the church. Everyone is inside praying and receiving communion. But you are locked out? This is the feeling many of our faith community experience when they are unable to attend Mass because they are in the hospital, or in a care facility or homebound. In response to the increasing need for ministers to parishioners who are sick and homebound, the parish PASTORAL CARE TEAM needs you!

Will you consider becoming a Eucharistic Minister to the Sick?

Will you be willing to be Jesus’ hands and feet to parishioners who need you to bring prayers, comfort and the Eucharist to them at home, in care facilities and in hospital at Swedish Edmonds?

St. Thomas More Parish offers two types of Pastoral Care Team to the sick: Eucharistic Ministers who visit the sick at Swedish Edmonds Hospital once a week or Eucharistic Ministers who periodically visit the sick who are homebound or in a care facility.

We have an excellent formation and instruction program for Eucharistic Ministers to the sick. This special and distinct ministry to our diverse faith community NEEDS Y OU!

Please pray and reflect on how you might be willing to be a part of this special ministry. We will be holding brief orientation sessions following each of the Masses

on April 27/28 in the Renggli Room

We hope to see you there! Pray on it!

Catholic Relief Services Collection

This week, we take up the Catholic Relief Services Collection to help Jesus in disguise. This collection helps six Catholic agencies provide relief and support to struggling communities and work for peace and reconciliation among marginalized brothers and sisters here and around the world. Please prayerfully consider how you can support the collection. Learn more about the collection at www.usccb.org/catholic_-relief. The envelopes are in the pews.

Separated, Divorced or Widowed?

Beginning Experience will be offering a retreat at Gwinwood Retreat Center April 5th_-8th for people suffering from pain or grief due to separation, divorce or widowhood. This nonprofit Catholic organization will provide speakers, time for writing and reflection, and small group discussions to help people cope with their loss. Cost for the weekend is $225. Financial aid is available. For more information, or to register, contact Chris Coylar, Regis-trar at 253_-223_-2645 or email [email protected]. Find us on the web at

www.beoftacoma.org.

Intercultural Pentecost Festival

The STM Intercultural Festival Committee is seeking talented performers for our entertainment stage during the Intercultural Pentecost Festival on Sunday, June 9th from 12_-4pm. If you are a solo performer, or a member of a group that performs ethnic/cultural song, dance, storytelling, drumming, etc, and would like to share your talents, please contact Susan Dino at [email protected], or call the Parish Office at 425_-743_-2929 and leave a message

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March 31, 2019

Fourth Sunday of Lent

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Parish Stewardship-On-line Giving

How do you sign up for online giving? Scan this QR code OR

1. Visit the parish website at www.stmp.org

2. Click on the DONATE ON-LINE

link on the bottom right of the webpage.

3. Complete the on_-line registration form.

Electronic Giving

To help save the Parish some money, if you make your Stewardship pledge electronically and still receive a packet of envelopes in the mail monthly, please contact Cathy Bellande in the Parish Office to have their delivery stopped.

Don’t forget St Thomas More when you shop at AMAZON SMILE.

Check us out at www.stmp.org You may also download our parish app through our website or download the Link:http:// myapp.parishapps.com/St%20Thomas%20More% 20Lynnwood%20WA

Below is a link to the Apple store download.

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/ wa/viewSoftware?id=1191878891&mt=8

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION– 4th Sunday of

Lent

“No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan.” (Joshua 5:12)

Over the forty years that the Israelites journeyed through the desert, God provided them with manna to eat. As soon as they were able to enjoy the fruits of the Promised Land the manna ceased. Likewise, God’s blessings to us may change over the years but it is important to trust that God will always provide us with all that we need.

RICE BOWL AND STONE SOUP (Soup Suppers)

During Lent, we participate with Rice Bowl program to help the people in the marginal. The proceed from Stone Soup and Rice Bowl collection goes to CRS Rice Bowl program.

Stone Soup dates:

• April 5th, 6 pm– Renggli Room

• April 12th, 6 pm– Renggli Room (sponsored by: Suzie Lorenzana/ Loida Ambion)

• Rice Bowl will be collected at the end of Lent on Holy Thursday, April 18, 2019

ENCOUNTER KUMBA

We encounter Kumba from Sierra Leone, who, through her education, is providing hope for her family and community. How has education given you opportunities in life? How do you use your education for the common good? Visit crsricebowl.org for more information.

Holyrood Cemetery Seminar

All are invited to lunch at our live, eat and learn seminar at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, April 6th beginning with Mass at 10:30am, 11:30am discussion, and then 12:30pm lunch. There will be a discussion about the churches teaching on cremation, green burial, non_-Catholic burials, veterans burials, options, and costs. Seating is limited, so please RSVP to 206-366-8834 or email

[email protected]. The address for Holyrood Cemetery is: 205 NE 205th St, Shoreline 98155.

St. Thomas More Parish

Financial Report to the Parish Community

Seven Months of the Fiscal Year 07/01/18 through 01/31/19

Be'er This Year Last Year (Worse) Parish Income (Half Year)

$499,746 $520,768 $(21,022 Parish Expenses (Half

Year) $525,741 $528,524 $2,783 6 mos Surplus (Deﬁcit)

$(25,995) $(7,756) $(18,239 January 2019 Income $85,757 $91,580 $(5,823) January 2019 Expenses $74,116 $57,532 $(16,584 January Surplus (Deﬁcit)

$11,641 $34,048 $(22,407

7 mos Surplus (Deﬁcit)

$(14,354) $26,292 $(40,646

January Income was $3, 650 below budget but overall spending was down reducing our deﬁcit for the year to $14,354. However, we enjoyed a surplus of $26,292 at the same me last year, leaving us $40,656 down for the 7 months. Please direct all inquires or comments to Ed dos Remedios by email: [email protected] or call 425-743-2929 ext 107.