St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church

JOIN STA MARCH 18TH DURING 40 DAYS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN

FISH FRY/STATIONS OF CROSS

The Knights of Columbus' Fish Fry will be held every Friday of Lent in Aldridge Hall at 6:00 pm.  Stations of the Cross in the Sanctuary is at 7:30 pm.

CATECHISMS AVAILABLE FOR LENT

A couple of years ago, parishioners were encouraged to procure a United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA) and to read and reflect on a brief portion daily during Lent. Nearly 500 catechisms were purchased by our parishioners, many of whom shared how much they grew into a much better understanding and appreciation of their Catholic beliefs and traditions as a result of this practice.

Based on the Universal Catechism of the Catholic Church, the USCCA is very readable. It provides an authentic summary of our Catholic Faith with abundant references to Holy Scripture. It is divided into four major sections: Faith Professed (our creed); Faith Celebrated (our sacramental life), Faith Lived (morality) and Faith Prayed (prayer life). 

We are making the Catechism available again. The actual cost is $24.99 but our parish is able to give it to you for $20. We encourage you to pick one up at the parish office and use it as part of your Lenten practice.

FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES

First Communion Classes start Monday, March 3, 2014 at 6:30 pm in the Thissen Building!

This session is only for the families and children who just received the sacrament of Reconciliation.

ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES

Adult Catholics who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation may attend Confirmation preparation classes here at St. Thomas Aquinas. Classes begin on Tuesday, March 18 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Siena Room.

The Sacrament will be administered by the bishop on the Feast of Pentecost, June 8, 2014.

Registration forms are available in the Gathering area at the back of the church.

FMI: call the parish office at 281-240-6721. 

BISHOPS 'DISAPPOINTED' BY SAME-SEX 'MARRIAGE' RULING

Texas' Roman Catholic Bishops issued a statement expressing disappointment at the decision by the Federal District Court in San Antonio to strike down the state’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage that voters approved in 2005.  This is the latest maneuver in an unfortunate campaign to redefine marriage as a legal endorsement of individual lifestyles rather than as a sacred and beneficial social institution between one man and one woman.   This campaign totally ignores the rights of children to know their father’s love and their mother’s love.
 
While we maintain the deepest love and compassion for all our brothers and sisters, we also recognize that the institution of marriage acts as the foundational unit of society and culture.  For centuries, societies have upheld marriage as a public institution between a man and a woman because of its unique and essential contribution to establishing families and ensuring the common good.  
 
No new civil definition of marriage can change what is rooted in the very nature of human beings or what has been revealed by God to be a fundamental and sacred institution within society and the community of the Church. We are hopeful that an objective review of the ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will recognize the fundamental purpose of marriage in society and affirm the right of the people of Texas to continue upholding marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

LITTLE SISTERS APPEAL AGAINST HHS MANDATE

The Little Sisters of the Poor launched their full appeal before the 10^th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday, February 24th, asking the court to protect their religious freedom from the HHS mandate. The mandate compels religious groups to pay for birth control and drugs that may cause abortions.

Without relief, the Catholic religious order faces millions of dollars in IRS fines because they cannot comply with the government’s mandate that they give their employees free access to contraception, sterilization, and abortion-inducing drugs.

Please pray and fast that religious freedom is upheld..

DIOCESAN SERVICES FUND

If you have not already offered your pledge in this year's Diocesan Services Fund, please do so. 

DSF brings Christ's comfort and care to the many pressing needs that cannot be addressed by one parish alone.

Our parish goal for 2014 is $73,500. To give online, visit www.archgh.org/dsf.

AQUINAS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER NOW HIRING

Aquinas Early Childhood Center is currently hiring substitutes in the school. Hours of operation are 6:00 am until 6:30 pm.

Professional childcare experience is preferable, but we will train.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma and a natural love for children. Children range in age from newborn to age five.

FMI: contact Rebecca at 281-240-7196 or email resume to rebecca.sta09@gmail.com.