Advent: The Sign
This Sunday, the Church begins her liturgical calendar with the Advent season. It is a time for all of us, as members of the Church, to reflect on our welcoming of Jesus in our life journey. On the first Sunday of Advent, Jesus speaks about signs when He says that there will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars. He goes on to give a disturbing and terrifying picture of what might seem to be the end times. But Jesus also adds that it is in those times that the Son of Man will come in a cloud with power and great glory. With this, Jesus tells us what we should do for now: to watch ourselves, or our hearts will become hardened by the unimportant things of life. Jesus ends by urging us to stay awake, praying at all times, and standing with confidence.
Yes, we must watch ourselves, stay awake, and keep our hearts from being hardened by the cares of this world, lest we ignore the signs that God is showing us. As we begin the season of Advent, we light the first candle of the Advent wreath. This first Sunday of Advent marks a new beginning in the liturgical life of the Church. The lighted candle serves as a sign for us to reflect more deeply on life, so we can recognize the signs pointing to life and love.
The signs that God wants us to focus on are not in the sun, the moon, or the stars. God wants us to see the signs in the people we encounter. He wants us to recognize that in each person, there is potential to bear the fruits of life and love. When we can see that, the season of Advent will prepare us for a joyful celebration of life and love.
Can we do this during Advent? What are our plans for this Advent season?
Fr. Aegidius Warsito SCJ
Christmas Concert – “A New Noel”
We are excited to announce a special Christmas concert
“A New Noel.” This concert will feature talent from our own Parish, as well as special guests.
Location: – St Thomas More Church
Date and Time: – Sat, December 7th at 8:00 pm
Admission is $15. Children are free.
Donations are gratefully accepted. Please mark your calendars for this special event!
Adoration
Join us for Adoration on Saturday, December 7th, at 6:15 p.m. conducted by the Holy Trinity Community. The Adoration will last for one hour. This is a special opportunity for prayer and reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Come spend some quiet time with the Lord and deepen your faith.
All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you
Young Adults- Advent Retreat
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Saint Thomas More Parish
Are you looking to recharge your faith and connect with others as you prepare for the Advent season? Join us for a special Advent Retreat themed “HOPE: Joyful Expectation for the Coming of the Lord.” This day of reflection, prayer, and community will help you prepare your heart for the coming of Christ.
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Fr. Allyn Rose, Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish
This retreat is free of charge, but registration is required. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and grow in fellowship!
For more information, visit the parish website or check the posters in the church.
Prayers Needed for the Sick
We are praying for the sick of our parish: Jill Downs. Melina and Rolando Castillo, Keith Achue, Angelo Hizon III, Kayden De Silva, Teresita Bruce, Victoria Munson, Benjamin Zdesar, Marion Blake, Jose Benjamin Mallari, Kayla Reyes Pecson, Steve Dowell, Lilly Ousman, Salvacion Origene, Rene Refuerzo, Janet Lim Exconde and Tina Lopes. May they be supported by our prayers and pastoral ministry and by the grace of God.
Mass Schedule Changes - 2025
Beginning January 1st, 2025, our Sunday Mass schedule will be changing. The new Mass times will be as follows:
- 8:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
These changes are being made to ease our parking situation. The 2:00 pm (Spanish) and
8 :00 PM evening Masses remain unchanged. We look forward to seeing you at Mass!
Volunteers Needed
We are seeking volunteers to help do a deep clean of our parish on Monday, Dec 9th at 6:30 pm.
If you are available to help, please call the parish office. Thank you for your time and support.
Pilgrim Virgin Statue
The Pilgrim Virgin Statue is a Blessed replica of our Blessed Mother. It is a traveling sacramental offered by the Legion of Mary to be given to any home, wishing to create a prayerful, sanctifying space where family and friends are encouraged to pray the Rosary, and meditate its mysteries.
If you are interested in having the Pilgrim Virgin Statue in your home, please sign your name in the binder provided at the back of the church and a Legion member will contact you.
Mass Intentions for November 30 – December 7, 2024
Saturday 5:00 p.m.
+Ofelia Lim, requested by the family
Sunday 8:30 a.m.
+Rafflaelle, Sebastiana and Maria Privitera and Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
+James Joven, requested by the family
Sunday 11:30 a.m.
Intentions of the Parish Community
Sunday 8:00 p.m.
+Maruja DeLeen, requested by the family
Monday 7:15 a.m.
+Juan Bernal, requested by the Myers family
Tuesday 7:15 a.m.
+Souls in Purgatory, requested by the D’Almeida family
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of our Priests and the families of the SERVIAM Ministry of St. Thomas More and for the vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life
+Jacob Adeskan, requested by C. Peters
+Rodolfo Melgar, requested by Friends and Family
+Dionisio Lubiran
+Gemma Hamilton
+Bertram Bradley
In thanksgiving, Joel and Imelda
In thanksgiving, Laonor and James Philip family
+Stephen Correia, requested by the Gonsalves family
+Surge Colas, requested by the family
Wednesday 7:15 a.m.
+Souls in Purgatory, requested by B. D’Almeida
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
+Souls in Purgatory, requested by M. Palumbo
Thursday 7:15 a.m.
Intentions of Sr. Mariani
Thursday 7:00 p.m.
Intentions of Edwin and Tina
+Margaret Dent, requested by the Bedford-James family
+Dorothy Alphonso, requested the family
Intentions of Mark Arasaratnam
+Fransisca Gnanaratnam Romuwalter, requested by the family
In thanksgiving, Genier and Rowena Mayuga
In thanksgiving, Nelson, Clara Peters and family
Intentions of Midhuna Mathew and Amith baby
Intentions of Donna and Renee
+Theresa Fernandes
Friday 7:15 a.m.
+Victor and Pearl Philip, Satha, Lily Selvaratnam, Sylvester, and Jeyaranee Nicholas, requested by the Reginold family
Friday 7:00 p.m.
+Rowena Torres, requested by the family
Saturday 9:00 a.m.
+Jillianne Gabriel and Hansel Caballero, requested by M. Faller
SACRAMENTAL PREP NEWS
Email: stmpsacraments@gmail.com
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
• Registration is now closed.
CONFIRMATION
• Registration is now open.
R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
• Registration is closed.
