Ministries and Organizations

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, a waters edge Catholic Community, are enriched by the presence of a diverse resident population, as well as summer visitors. As a community based on the Word and the Eucharist, we are empowered by the words to love one another and embrace the opportunity to comfort and nurture those in need. Dedicated to ongoing evangelization, we value the individuals call to Discipleship. We are a spiritual community committed to being a Beacon on the Beach. We invite all to join us.

ADULT FAITH ENRICHMENT & RCIA

Deacon Leonard Long 266-2123 266-2559 266-2123 266-2123 266-3829 264-0992 266-2123 266-3026 266-8127 266-3573 266-4649 266-8603 774-4809 266-2442 266-7949 266-2123 266-4454 266-2123 266-2123 266-0894 266-4742 266-7088 266- 1088

USHERS
Joe Maiorano 266-2123

ALTAR ANGELS
Anne Grove

YOUTH MINISTRY, JUNIOR & SENIOR H IGH:

Fr. Alfred, Deacon Long, Bobbi DeLucry, Mike Brindisi... 266-2123

ALTAR SERVERS
Fr. Alfred & Deacon Len Long

BAPTISMAL PREP TEAM

Kira Amalfitano

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS (MEETS 1ST WED. OF MONTH)

Joanne Messick

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Fr. William Vandegrift, Pastor Damon Galmin (Trustee) Rob Smith (Trustee) Anthony DiMaggio Edward Mong John Murray

CHILDRENS LITURGY OF THE WORD

Monica Eafrati

CHOIR ADULT & CHILDREN

Mary Jane Kelso

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Laurel Haeser

FUNERAL MINISTRY
Gerry Kilroy

GREETERS
Roseann DiMaggio Marion Hak Kathe Murray

HEARTS THAT HEAL (A BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP) KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS (MEETS 1ST TUES. OF MONTH)
Rich Calareso

LECTORS
Betsy Nyman

LITTLE CATHOLIC SHOP

Kathleen Zuber

PASTORAL COUNCIL Fr. William Vandegrift Fr. Alfred Mungujakisa Deacon Lenny Long Rita Pagoulatos, Chairperson Frank Burbridge Anne Cwiklinski Rick DeLucry Monica Eafrati Jim Levins Patty Mohnack

LITURGICAL DECORATING COMMITTEE

Mary Jane Kelso

MARTHAS HELPERS (1ST & 3RD THURSDAY M ORNINGS)

Anne Grove

PHOTOGRAPHY
Don

PRAYER GROUPS: BIBLE DISCOVERY, Barbara Ackerman

JOURNEY THRU THE BIBLE, Jeanne Stretch SCRIPTURE STUDY, Mary Accordino

PRAYER NETWORK MINISTRY

Barbara DuBois

The Little Catholic Shop is located in the Parish Center next to the Church in Meeting Room A. Mass cards are available for purchase. Gifts for Baptism, Baby Showers, First Communion, Confirmation and special occasions are available. Hours are: Sunday, 8:30 AM to 12:30PM.

PUBLICITY
Lynne Flanagan

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CCD

Mondays 4:30 5:45PM Sheila Daily 266-2123 266-8360 266-9317 266-2123 266-2651 266-8360

Altar Flowers Can be purchased for $50. In memory

of your loved ones. We will publish your name and the name(s) of your loved ones in the bulletin the week the arrangement is on the altar. Please stop by the Parish Center to see what dates are available.

SCRIBE MINISTRY
Dolores Morello.

SOCIAL EVENTS
Paula DiMaggio & Mike Brindisi

ST. DISMAS MINISTRY

Damon & Trudy Galmin

Electronic Giving is Available!!

Sign up online from the St. Thomas Web Site www.stthomasbrigantine.org To strengthen stewardship at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, we ask that you prayerfully consider utilizing a new and easier way to support our parish... eGiving.

ST. JOSEPHS WORKERS

Joseph Gross

STITCH IN TIME
Delores Morello

Mass Intentions
Third Sunday of Advent
Saturday,
8:30AM 4:00PM

Parish Support
Sunday, December 9 $ 6,967.00 Second Collection* $741.00 Diocesan Collection $1,322.00 *Please note, the 2nd collection is to help defray our school subsidy of $84,000. Thank you for your support. We appreciate your generosity.
th

December 15
Robert Fawley by Michael & Debi Ples st Sarah Benitto by Mary Fox (1 Anniv.) Deceased Members of Maria Culmone Family by Maria Anthony LeDonne by Wife, Angela

Sunday,
8:00AM 9:30AM 11:00AM

December 16
Darlene Re-David by Susanne & Al Joseph Leonetti by Dante & Louise Paoloca Angela M. Favazza by the Smaldore Family Charles Palmisano by Joe & Anne Migatz Deceased Members of Stella Family by Michael Stella Rose Blood by the Blood Family

Let us pray for all our sick, may they receive the healing touch of Our Lord:
Jeffrey Geisler, Bill Haeser Sr, Iris Pizio, Sue Lenahan, John Siemietkowski, Tom Bordonaro, Walter Biedron, Michele Millar, Albert Snyder, Sally Davenport, Vincent Furlano, Marie Biscardi, Terry Szczepanski, Carmella Gentile, Rosalie B. Lieberman, Jennifer Fazio, Helen Scull, Annmarie Capone, John Caruso, Conrad & Rosemary Bryan, Michael Accetta, Linda Spadano, Thomas Holmes, Jr., Kristin Noble, Rose Milewski, Nicholas Crosson, Ellen Boyle, Rev. Fred Voltaggio, Teresa Ambron, Sabrina Remy, Jim Frugoli,Sr., Charles J. Holl, Jr., Madeline Ciabattoni, Mary Ann Burns, Anna Victoria Balaguera, Baby Leland Thomas, Tyler Daily, Jean Weis, Ginny Fink, Baby Jayden Trujillo, Brendan McCulligan, Bette McAnany-Whitman, Teria Chernak, George Kendrick, Marie Coates, Lucille Rinaldi, Emily Liss, Art Klein, Paul Lockett, Angelo Coia

Monday,
8:30AM

December 17
Eric Van Sciver by the Staunton Family

Tuesday,
6:45AM 8:30AM

December 18
Roseanne White by Joe & Anne Migatz Avitine Coffey by Coffey Family

Wednesday, December 19 Thursday,

6:45AM

December 20
John Litton by Coffey & Litton Family

Friday,
8:30AM

December 21
Abbott Francis Kline by Mom & Dad

Saturday,
8:30AM 4:00PM

December 22
John F. Coffey by Coffey Family John Wahl by Mother DuBois Family by Barbara DuBois Rev. Norbert Walker by Noreen

Regarding the list of our sick.. Please call the

Parish Center at 266-2123, with the name of the person in need of prayer. The names will be published in the bulletin each Sunday and will be updated every three months.

Sunday,
8:00AM 9:30AM 11:00AM

December 23
Patrick Bartucci by Parents Joseph Kelso, Sr. by Joe & MJ. Kelso James Maguire by Wife Virginia Smith by Thomas Cumbo Dominic DiGiacomo by Family Carmen Castagna by Family

Please remember to keep the members of our Armed Forces in your prayers:
Michael Gaydos, SPC. Tyler Witchley, Army, SPC Richard Kauffmann Jr., Lance Cpl. Paul Thomas Garraty, st Sr. Airman USA, John C. Presner, 1 Lt. Jg. Andrew G. Kerr USS. Georgia, SSG Teresa DeMuro, AF Japan, PFC Michael st Staunton Army Ft. Leonard Wood, 1 Lt. Matt Valnoski, Ft. Riley, Kansas, Matthew Krimm, Army, Iraq, Michael Krimm Army, Medic Texas, Sgt. Kevin Cassano, Sgt. Michael Peterson US. Army, Washington State, PFC. Michael Spinogatti, Army, Afganistan, Lt. Colonel (Marines) Eric DiFrancesco Afghanistan, St. Sgt. Lyle Voisey Army Infantry, Ft. Drum, NY, Capt. Scott Crosky, Air Force, Middle East, John C. Presner, Sr. Air Force Airman

Please Pray for Those That Have Gone to Their Eternal Rest: John Keeley

Altar Flowers this Week are in Memory of: Abbot Francis Kline by Mom & Dad

Change in Saturday Morning Mass Schedule

There is a change in the Saturday morning Mass schedule from th December 29 , until and including th February 16 . The 8:30AM Mass is cancelled. There will, however, be a Communion Prayer Service with a Eucharistic Minister at that time.

Please Note: To include a person serving in the

Armed Forces on the prayer list, please call the Parish Center at 2662123. Provide the name of the person serving in the Armed Forces, their rank and place of service.

Liturgical Ministry Schedule

Sat. / Sun. December 22-23

Lector 4:00PM8:00AM9:30AMM. Stinson P. Mohnack T. Cumbo

EM
C. & J. Roth, M. Harvey, P. Zuber, A. DiGiacomo D. Phillips, R. Hak-Burns, A. Solari, A. Grove, J. Maiorano M. Howardell, J. DAscenzo, M. & M. Brindisi, J. Messick J. Stretch, L. Flanagan, K. Zuber, F. Sucharski

A Christmas Letter from the Pastors Desk

We have entered the most wonderful time of year again. Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. We are now more than halfway through the Season of Preparation for the coming of our Precious Lord and Saviour. One way to get fully ready is to be reconciled with God and neighbor. That opportunity will be provided in tomorrows Penance Service. You are encouraged to take full advantage of it. Although this year has brought a lot of joy and many blessings, these were interrupted by Hurricane Sandy. Many of our Parishioners have lost their homes and all of their possessions. Our hearts bleed for them. In lieu of this fact, we have made a decision to place the funds, usually reserved for appreciation of our dedicated volunteers, and use the funds, instead, for our brothers and sisters who are deeply hurting this Christmas. We will accomplish this through the parish St. Dismas Ministry. We greatly appreciate and depend upon the work of all of our dedicated volunteers. Our Parish would not function as smoothly as it does without the donation and generous giving of our volunteers time and talents throughout the year. Hopefully, in the spring, we will have an appreciation party to thank everyone. I hope that the love and peace of Christ is with you throughout this Christmas Season. On behalf of Fr. Al, Msgr. Joe, the parish staff and myself, we wish you a most blessed and joyous Christmas this year.

11:00AM- T. Monahan Altar Servers 4:00PM8:00AM9:30AM 11:00AM

S. & E. Couval R. Fabel, TJ Granahan, D. Shannon, D. Hannah N. & C. Canuso, H. Klaiss

Please do not call the Parish Center when in need of a replacement.

This Week
Sun. Mon. Sat. Dec. 16 Dec 17 Dec.22
Baptisms 12:00PM Parish Penance Service CCD Classes 4:30PM Parish 7:00PM Confessions, 2:45 PM

Monday, Dec. 17 Monday, Dec. 31

Advent Penance Service 4:30 & 7PM New Years Eve Party

Advent Penance Service

The Advent Penance Service is scheduled for Monday, December 17, at 4:30PM for the CCD students. There is an evening Penance Service for the rest of our Parishioners at 7:00PM. Several priests will be available for confessions. You are encouraged to participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Little Blue Prayer Books for Advent 2012-2013

are located in baskets at all the doors of the Church. The prayer books are Free. The prayer book contains six minute reflections on the Sunday Gospels for your preparation for Christmas. One per family, please.

Fr. Bill

The Mass Intention Book is located in the vestibule

of the Church and is available for you to write your intentions. The book will be carried up to the sanctuary during the Offertory Procession of the Mass every Sunday

Christmas Mass Schedule

(Holy Days of Obligation)

Daily Prayer
The third week of Advent this year is especially full because it is essentially the last week of Advent. In these familiar readings is an invitation to us to ask again for help, perhaps especially in dealing with our fears. In many of this week's gospels an angel, a messenger from God, reassures these holy but very human members of Jesus' family over and over: Do not be afraid. Fear can stop us from asking God for the very help we need in our lives. In the midst of what our culture tells us should be a picture-perfect holiday season, we can step back and get in touch with our fears and ask God to help us deal with the relationships we are afraid of, the family tensions that make us apprehensive and the stress that can take us out of the spirit of Advent reflection. If we pause for just a minute, we can feel in our hearts that Jesus is saying gently to us each day: Do not be afraid. These very busy days can still be a time for us to focus our desires, perhaps each morning at the side of our bed, while in the shower or while going about our daily errands. We can ask God to remind us again that what we are doing in our daily lives is touched by the sacred because God is present in even the most mundane tasks. Lord, let me place my trust in you. I get so independent and think I need to fix everything myself. Let me remember not to be afraid of so much and to ask you for the healing that my heart needs so badly. Give me the patience this week to deal with the relationships in my life that need mending and the forgiveness that I can give others and that I need so badly myself. Be with me through the darkness so that I can see the light that you bring to us and the joy with which you want to fill our hearts. We are moving toward the end of our Advent journey. Even if we don't feel like we have started on Advent yet, we can begin today. We are being invited: Do not be afraid!

Monday, Dec. 24, 2012 Christmas Eve (There is no 8:30AM Daily Mass) 4:00PM Childrens Liturgy 6:00PM Mass Tuesday, December 25, 2012 Christmas Day 12:00AM Midnight Mass (Christmas Carols begin at 11:45PM) 8:30AM & 11:00AM Monday, December 31, 2012 New Years Eve 4:00PM Tuesday, January 1, 2013 New Years Day 8:30AM

St. Dismas Ministry

People Helping People (anonymously)

Accepting Donations to Help with Hurricane Relief

The ministry is now accepting financial donations that will be used specifically to help our parishioners that have been hurt by Hurricane Sandy. Our hope is to invite the St. Thomas community to help us to become aware of those in need and to respond to those needs. Your donation will be greatly appreciated. Be assured your donation will stay within our Parish Community. If you wish to make a donation, or have questions, please call the Parish Center at 266-2123, ext. 3. Also, if you are aware of a parishioner that needs assistance, please contact Fr. Bill or Fr. Al.

CCD Classes on Monday, December 17th , will be held at St. Thomas Church due to the fact that the children from grades 3 through 8 will be going to Penance(Confession) for Christmas. Start Time: is: 4:30 Children may leave when finished their confession. Parents, we are requesting that you attend this service. Attendance will be taken by their teachers. First and Second grade students will have CCD as usual, 4:30 5:45PM in the Brigantine Elementary School.

Angels & Shepherds Needed for Childrens

Christmas Mass at 4:00PM Christmas Eve. If you wish for your child to participate in the pageant, practices will be held: Tues. Dec. 18, Wed. Dec.19 & Thurs. Dec. 20 from 4:00 5:00PM. Thank you for your cooperation!

Food Donations It is that time of the year once

again. With the cost of heat, gas prices and necessities rising, many people cannot afford food. Parishioners can help by donating cans and non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of South Jersey. Leave items in the vestibule (back) of the Church. Tom and Manny will transport it to the Food Bank for those in need. For more information, call Tom at 609-703-2505.

Come celebrate with the St. Thomas Family!

Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court of Our Lady of Hope #2144 The CDA January meeting will be held on January 2, 2013, at 6:00PM in the Parish Hall. We will have a New Years Pizza Party to start the New Year. We welcome all women of St. Thomas Parish to join us on this date as our guest to see if you would like to be a part of our active charitable organization. For more information, call Helen Hagopian, at 266-3916.

9PM til ??? Tickets $25.00 per person Tickets on Sale Now and going fast!!
Only a limited number of tickets are left. To purchase, please contact Paula Di Maggio at: 609-266-9317. No ticket sales after Masses. Full buffet includes: Two Carving stations: Chateaubriand & Roast pork Dessert Coffee and Set Ups.

RNS

Mobile Mammography Unit will offer screening mammograms at the St. Thomas Church parking lot located on Brigantine Ave. and 8th St. South, on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 from 9:30AM until 2:30PM. If there are many requests for appointments, the hours will be extended. Most insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. Funds are also available to provide mammograms to those without insurance coverage. For more information or to make an appointment, call 1-800-246-2404.

Music by Phillys Infamous: Thats Entertainment ****Remember, it is BYOB****

Announcements for the Bulletin need to be sent to our new email address no later than Monday at 10 AM. stthomasbulletin@comcast.net

Just Got Engaged?

Holy Trinity Parish, Epiphany Campus, 2801 Ventnor Avenue Longport, NJ 08403, will offer a Pre Cana experience for couples preparing for marriage. April 26, 2013 April 27, 2013 Both parties must attend! To register and for more information, please call Kathy at 609-822-7105.

-------------------------------------------------Additional Dates Available around the Diocese:

March 15-17, 2013; June 7-9, 2013; August 9-11, 2013; November 8-10, 2013

More information may be found on the Diocese of Camden website at: www.camdendiocese.org. Choose the Family/Youth/Education section and the submenu item for Marriage Preparation.