THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH MASSES FOR THE WEEK MONDAY, December 29 1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2:3-11 7:00 a.m. Daniel Reichenbach 8:45 a.m. Maria and Olga Costa TUESDAY, December 30 1 Jn 2:12-17; Lk 2:36-40 7:00 a.m. Whitey March 8:45 a.m. Barbara Raab 5:30 p.m. Louis Celli WEDNESDAY, December 31 1 Jn 2:18-21; Jn 1:1-18 7:00 a.m. Norman Reiss 8:45 a.m. Bob and Dolores Seng 5:30 p.m. Lyn Hertzog 7:30 p.m. Marino Family Solemnity of Mary THURSDAY, January 1 Nm 6:22-27; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 9:00 a.m. Intentions 10:30 a.m. Of Our 12:15 p.m. Parish Family FRIDAY, January 2 Jn 2:22-28; Jn 1:19-28 7:00 a.m. Alice Martin 8:45 a.m. Richard Spugnardi SATURDAY, January 3 1 Jn 2:29-3:6; Jn 1:29-34 8:00 a.m. Edward McLaughlin 5:30 p.m. Margaret Voegel Steelman 7:30 p.m. Joseph McHale SUNDAY, January 4 Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a,5-6; Mt 23:1-12 7:30 a.m. Raymond Partridge 9:00 a.m. Leona and Bill Kessler 10:30 a.m. John Wilchek, Sr. 12:15 p.m. Mary Young HAVE A BLESSED, HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR ********** "The Mystery of Christ has now been revealed."- Eph 3:3,5 ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 1 5:30 p.m. David and Nick Carolan, Elizabeth Fahrney, Veronica Ugarelli 7:30 p.m. Luke and Tim Creighton, Brad Kreider, Ryan Peiffer 9:00 a.m. Courtney and Rachel Cusick, Liam Damitz, Alexandra Soleta 10:30 a.m. Jack Michaelis, Isabelle Stringer, AJ Abate, Derek Basta 12:15 p.m. James Haag, Braden Damitz, Dan Chlebove JANUARY 3-4 5:30 p.m. Nicole Freeman, Noah Reimert, Tryce Weber, Michael Mistier 7:30 p.m. Harrison Mello, Michael Murphy, Fyodor D'Souza, Jason Augustus 9:00 a.m. Emily and Paul Spann, Georgia Johnson, Triston Margolis 10:30 a.m. Joseph Lettera, Rob Haag, Sophie Ravenelle, Isabelle Stringer 12:15 p.m. Katie and Matthew Martinez, Jeffrey Rander, Anthony Julian EUCHARISTIC MINISTER SCHEDULE DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 1 5:30 p.m. Michael Fink, Steve Kolbe, Jim Goodreau 7:30 p.m. Herb Klotz, Ann Geis, Gene Buckley 9:00 a.m. Tim Schamberger, Joe Cusick, Xavier Faura 10:30 a.m. Laura Michaelis, Mike Lanyi, Nick Fiorillo 12:15 p.m. Gene Buckley, Greg Stahley, Bob Donatelli JANUARY 3-4 5:30 p.m. Chuck Lowitzer, Andrea Freeman, 9:00 a.m. Todd Johnson, Kelly Waters, Steve Kolbe, Solomon Tembo 10:30 a.m. Jared Rabold, Mike Spirk, Eric Schnabel, Gene Buckley 12:15 p.m. Alane Lynch, Nick Sacco LECTOR SCHEDULE DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 1 5:30 p.m. Jared Rabold, Joe Conlon 7:30 p.m. Lynn and Diane Rankin 9:00 a.m. Rick Orloski, Roseann Pastir 10:30 a.m. Ed Olearczyk, Kathleen Malek 12:15 p.m. Midge Barilla, Bill Ehritz JANUARY 3-4 5:30 p.m. Linda Lapos, Christine DeLoggio 7:30 p.m. Veronica D'Souza, Bill Walsh 7:30 a.m. Theresa Pez, Chris Vaughan 9:00 a.m. Joe and Dottie Crago 10:30 a.m. Marilyn Cassidy, Mark Karoly 12:15 p.m. Bruce and Tasia Gilbert This schedule is posted as a courtesy. Please remember that the deadline for bulletin items is several days before it is actually being read. Some changes to the schedule may not have been available when the bulletin went to print. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES Grades K-6: Sundays, 8:30-10:10 a.m. - Dec. 28, (no class), Jan. 4, (no class,) Jan. 11, 18, (no class,) 25. Grades 7-8: Sundays, 8:30-10:10 a.m. - Jan. 11, 25 (Gr. 7 only), 26 (Confirmation Retreat Gr. 8.) Grades 7-8: Mondays: 7:30-9:00 p.m. 12, 26. DECEMBER 28, 2014 PRIME TIME NEWS We invite anyone over the age of 55 to join Prime Time. We meet the second Thursday of the month at 1:30 PM in the Family Center. Dues are $5 per year. Trips for 2015: Wed., Mar. 18 - Hollywood Casino, Trip Info TBA, Cost $22, leaves STM 10:00 a.m. Tues. Mar. 31 - Atlantic City, Visit 3 casinos, buffet, slot play. Cost $102 D. Bus leaves STM at 9:00 a.m. Wed., Apr. 1- Atlantic City. Overnight Resorts. $130 S. Wed., Apr. 15 - Mt. Airy. Cost $20, $20 slot play, $10 food. Bus leaves STM 10:30 a.m. Wed., May 6 - LeCreccis, "Legends in Music" entertainment. One hour open bar, served meal, beer/ wine. Cost $78. Bus leaves STM 8:45 a.m. Please note: Take photo ID on all casino trips and must be 21 years of age. On all our bus trips your check is your reservation and will be handled in that order. If you need to cancel, you are responsible for filling your reservation. We will try to assist you if we have a waiting list. Call Marie Ormanoski, 610-9659960. STM BIBLICAL STUDIES Jan. 8: Faith Sharing Group following 8:45 a.m. Mass in the Church Library. Jan. 9: Men's Bible Study, 6:45 a.m. in Disciple's Room. Jan. 11: Sunday Morning Bible Study, 8:30 a.m. in School Conference Room. For more info, please see the parish website. Faith Communities Small Group: The next 10 week session is scheduled for the Spring. Safe Environment Program, Requirements for Volunteers - At St. Thomas More, all adult volunteers (18 and older) who come into contact with children are mandated to complete several requirements. A list of requirements, along with the necessary forms, can be found on the Church's website under the "Parish" tab. Upcoming PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN WORKSHOPS in the Disciple's Room: Jan. 28: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.; or 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. If you are planning on attending a workshop, you must register in advance. Childcare will not be available. To register or for more information, please contact Jared Rabold at 610-433-7413x49 or by email at [email protected]. "Don't look back, you're not going that way." PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OUR STM PARISHIONERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES "We live in the land of the free because of the brave." CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS! City Lights: Comedy Night will take place at St. Joseph the Worker Parish Center, 1879 Applewood Dr., Orefield, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, January 10. Join us for an evening of food and fun, an opportunity to meet Bishop Barres, and music and laughter provided by comedy duo Dave & Brian. The event is $10/person which includes appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages (cash bar available, please bring valid ID.) The attire is classy casual (no jeans, t-shirts or sneakers.) Preregistration is required by visiting allentowndiocese.org/citylights. Any questions, contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at [email protected] SAVE THE DATE The Mother-Son Snowtubing Event will take place on Thurs., Jan. 22, from 6-9 at Bear Creek Mountain. Admission is $15 pp. Boys must be at least 6 years old and a minimum of 41" tall. Call Cathy Spisszak, 610-390-6505. See flyer in next week's bulletin. LIFE AD DONATION Sign-ups for the Life Ad will be held at the Church exits after all Masses next weekend. This pro-life ad will be published in the Allentown Morning Call newspaper on Thursday, January 22, 2015, the 42nd Anniversary of the legalization of abortion in this country. A donation of $5 is being collected for individuals and $10 for families and organizations. Each sponsor will have their name listed in the Ad under our parish. Proceeds in excess of the Ad cost will be donated to Mary's Shelter, Cay Galgon Center in Bethlehem. Those unable to sign-up after Mass can use the sponsorship coupon in today's bulletin. ************ A sincere thank you to all the many volunteers, Mrs. Natalie Pionegro and the Church choirs; those who cleaned and decorated the Church; the Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers, Ushers; those who donated to the Giving Tree; Food Bank, and in any way helped to make our Christmas at St. Thomas More so meaningful. STM TRIPS Open to all Parishioners and their guests. Feb. 7, NYC Ballet "Hear the Dance America," all American composers, 2nd ring, bus and ticket $99, brunch and tour extra. Bus leaves Trident at 9 a.m. OR "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time." Best play on Broadway, $139. Mar. 5 - Phila. Flower Show "Lights Action Bloom," Hollywood theme, $52. March 28 - Broadway shows, choose one: "The King and I" with Kelli O'Hara, $144; "An American in Paris, (old Gene Kelly Movie), $139 or "On The Twentieth Century," Kristen Chenoweth, a classic "train" show, $147. For all trips above, contact Lori at 610-674-4374 or 484-951-0440, email [email protected], Checks should be made out to St. Thomas More Church and mailed to Lori O'Hara, 323 Tamarack Dr., Allentown, PA 18104. More info on St. Thomas More website under stmchurchallentown.org. ADULT FAITH FORMATION Next classes will begin in January. Watch bulletin for dates and times. R. C.I. A. R.C.I.A will hold its annual Epiphany Party on Tues., Jan. 6, 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Family Center. All are welcome, especially past participants of R.C.I.A. Come follow in the footsteps of the Magi and celebrate Christ among us. Contact Kevin Damitz for more information, 610-437-3491. MARCH FOR LIFE 1-22-2015 Please consider joining members of St. Thomas More on Thursday, January 22, 2015, to take part in the 42nd Annual MARCH FOR LIFE. The March begins on the National Mall and concludes at the United States Supreme Court Building, approximately a 1/2 hour walk. The cost for transportation to Washington, DC, is $20 per person and students $10. Please send your payment to Deacon Jim Toolan, St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown, PA 18103. Questions, please call him at 610-433-7413 or send an email to [email protected]. We will have Mass at 7:00 a.m. and depart from STM Church parking lot at 7:30 a.m. We anticipate returning by 9:30 p.m. Please bring lunch/snacks/refreshments. Dress warmly. The bus will stop for dinner on the return trip. I urge you to attend and experience a proactive, holy and spirit-filled day. ST. THOMAS MORE BANQUET FACILITY Let us help you customize your special event Wedding Receptions, Cocktail Parties, Corporate Events FOR INFO CALL Gwyn Baker 610-217-0840 or email www.stmweddings.com ********** SCHOOL NEWS Kindergarten and transfer students for STM School will take place on Sun., January 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Family Center. Registration packets' will be available the day of registration as well as in both school offices two weeks prior to registration. In order for the registration to be accepted, a copy of your child's birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if not baptized at STM) and immunization record must accompany the registration. If you have any questions on kindergarten and first grade registration, please call 610-432-4525x2. Questions regarding second through eighth grade registration, please call 610-432-0396x0. CENTRAL CATHOLIC VIKETTE MIDDLE SCHOOL SOFTBALL Girls in 7th and 8th grade who attend one of the parish schools are invited to participate in the 2015 Vikette Middle School Softball Program. By PIAA rule, only girls attending one of the parish grade schools are eligible. Meet and play with your future high school teammates in a highly competitive league. You will compete against the middle school teams of all the top programs (Parkland, Emmaus, Nazareth, Liberty, Freedom, Easton, etc.) If interested or if you have any questions, please contact Coach Lou Stalsitz at [email protected] or call Home at 610-432-9930 or Cell 484-661-9424. FIRST FRIDAY - JANUARY 2, 2015 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION - The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration and prayer on Friday, January 2, in the Chapel, beginning at 9:15 a.m., concluding with Benediction at 4:55 p.m. VOCATION HOLY HOUR - Please join our parish family in the Chapel from 4-5 p.m. as we pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. This hour of prayer includes a scripture reading, homily, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Litany of Humility and of the Sacred Heart, vocation prayer, rosary for priests and Benediction. ARMATA BIANCA - CHILDREN'S ROSARY - will take place in the Church at 3:15 p.m. to recite the rosary and other favorite prayers. All ages welcome. Ques., call Lori Samer, 610-395-0097.