To visitors of our Parish, and to those whohave recently moved into the area, and to

those comfortable and nourished here-Welcome to All

Regardless of your status in the Church,marital state, your ethnicity, your prior

religious experiene, your personal history,background, or sexualorientation,we hope thatyou will continue to

worship with us each week.

To visitors of our Parish, and to those whohave recently moved into the area, and to

those comfortable and nourished here-Welcome to All

Regardless of your status in the Church,marital state, your ethnicity, your prior

religious experiene, your personal history,background, or sexualorientation,we hope thatyou will continue to

worship with us each week.

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS PARISHDECEMBER 6, 2015

MASS TIMESSaturday 9:00 a.m. / 4:00 p.m. u Sunday 7:45 a.m. / 10:00 a.m. / 12:00 p.m. u Weekdays 7:00 a.m. / 9:00 a.m.

ST THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH103 Center St, Bridgewater, MA 02324 u u P (508) 697-9528 F (508) 279-1859

MASS TIMESSunday 10:00 a.m. / 5:00 p.m.

ST BASIL CHAPEL122 Park St, Bridgewater, MA 02324 u u P (508) 531-1346 F (508) 531-6188

from Fr. Bill . . .Year of MercyThe insert in this week’s bulletin further explains Fr. Adrian’s bulletin piece on the Holy Father’s Year of Mercy. We have moved the day and time for the Divine Mercy Adoration to every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. in the lower church to make it more available to individuals and families. During adoration, the Lord’s Body is placed in a beautiful monstrance so that the faithful can spend some quiet time in prayer before the Lord. At the beginning of the hour we will pray the brief Divine Mercy Chaplet. Prayer cards will be

In keeping with this Year of Mercy, in addition to Saturday afternoon (3-3:45 p.m.) we will have a Penance Service/Confession on

Snow Removal As was announced two weeks ago, Bob Emord, our Maintenance Supervisor, is having shoulder surgery next week and will be out of work for a number of months. In Bob’s absence the Parish Maintenance Council and I are attempting to establish a contract for this season’s snow removal. Because of the size of our property we are looking primarily for an established snow removal business however are open to other options. Because many snow removal companies do not include snow removal from sidewalks, steps and walkways

be available to clear these sites following a snow storm. Anyone using our snowblower has to be over 18 yrs old.

Knee UpdateFor crutches now and will begin physical therapy this week. I thank Fr. Adrian not only for his patience but his willingness to assume the responsibility for many of my Masses and commitments. I would also like to thank the large number of parishioners and friends who have encouraged me, scolded me for not taking it easy and have prayed for me and my recovery. Hopefully I’ll be ready to ski in February.

Many Thank you’s………- -ing Dinner a huge successes. I would like to acknowledge and thank many of our religious education students who not only set up for the Bazaar but served the meals to our senior citizens,

-

from our Giving Trees in order to help senior citizens and families in Bridgewater and our local area,

-the lower church,

-to all those who are responding to our Grand Annual Appeal,

-to all those who contribute so generously every week,

-to all those who support our work of evangelization by generously sharing their prayers, time and talents.

Capital Improvement Repairs UpdateEach month a collection is taken to support our capital improvements. Your support to this collection enables me to repair and maintain our property. I’ve tried over the past few years to keep you informed what we’ve been able to accomplish due to your gener-osity. Like any homeowner there are always parish maintenance issues that need to be addressed depending on time, importance and

execute these projects.

S

including the center door landing and side buttresses. We are also in the process of identifying a contractor to replace the utility sink and bathroom in the lower church.

St. Basil’s Chapel

Second Sunday of Advent December 6, 2015

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Our Mission Our Mission is to be a welcoming community of believers continually growing in our faith and in our love of Jesus Christ through worship, education, evangelization and service within our local and broader community.

REGISTERED ? ? Our Mission is to be a welcoming community of believers continually growing in our faith and in our love of Jesus Christ through worship, education, evangelization and service within our local and broader community.

HOLY DAY - December 8th �is Tuesday, December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a hold day of obligation. We encourage parishioners to attend mass and celebrate the great love that the Lord has for us in choosing Mary, from the moment of her conception, to be the Mother of His Son.

Mass times7:00 a.m. St. �omas Aquinas9:00 a.m. St. �omas Aquinas7:00 p.m. St. Basil’s Chapel

St Thomas Aquinas Women’s ClubChristmasLuncheon

Wednesday, December 16, 2015Meadowbrook Restaurant in Hanson,

Tickets are $20 and include the luncheon & bus trip.Bus will leave from the church parking lot at 12:00 p.m.

�ere will be an Yankee Swap (optional)with a value of no more than $15.

Please call Nancy Querzoli at 508-697-6626 or Rosemary Symes at 508-279-1757

Being the Voice of Peace On Tuesday I took part in a short discussion at Bridgewater State University entitled Not in My Name: �e Muslim Community Speaks Out Against Radicalism and Terrorism. I spoke along with a number of others, some Muslim and some not, and I chose to speak about Sarah, a good friend of mine that I’ve known since elementary school back in San Diego. Speci�cally, I spoke about how frustrating it is that the image of Islam in our country is shaped primarily by people who hate, rather than by people like my friend. It seems that the loudest voices de�ning Islam are either the violent extremists who run terrorist groups in Africa and the Middle East and use the Muslim faith as an excuse to hate others, or people who hate Muslims and try to caricature them as all being violent, oppressive, and backwards. I believe that events like the one held at BSU the other day are important because they give an opportunity for other Muslims to speak in their own voice. For people like my friend Sarah to be able to share about the faith that they love and try to live to the best of their abilities, a faith that they see calling them to love, forgive, learn, and be generous. I believe that all of us, as Catholics, need to make sure that we are promoting understanding and peace in our country and our world. �ere is a lot of room for debate about the best way in which we can make sure our country is going to be safe and grow more prosper-ous and more free. I don’t pretend to have the answers to what exactly is the right policy in that area, nor is it my place to tell you what you should think about it. I do know, however, that there is no space for us to fall into the language of hate and disparagement. Given that we ourselves are not strangers to being hated and misconstrued, we have to stand up against hatred and violence and for support-ing those who su�er. As such we must do what we can for the Christians and others experiencing persecution at the hands of ISIS and other groups in Syria and throughout the world. We must also speak up for those who are being insulted, spat upon, or kicked o� of airplanes right in our own country because of their faith, status as refugees, or country of origin. �e only way we will be able to live in the full freedom that we received from Christ, and are guaranteed in our Constitution, is if make sure that all people are able to feel comfortable speaking about who they are, what they believe, and what they hope to give to the world.

Advent Prayer e prayer that follows is to be repeated each day of the

second week.

Leader: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for

Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

any of you that might have been away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation for a while, to experience Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Gathering together as a parish family, we will be able to let go of some of the burdens weighing us down and

future while supporting each other by prayer. If you have been away from the sacrament, this is a perfect opportunity to experience it again in an non-threatening environment

go to. Please join us this Tuesday, and invite anyone you know

come with you as we celebrate this opportunity to make straight our lives in preparation for Christmas.

In Christ

Fr. Adrian

Advent Pennace Service We will be having our parish penance service at

7:00 p.m.Wednesday, Dec. 9, at St. Basil Chapel

In Christ

Fr. Adrian

Second Sunday of Advent December 6, 2015

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Faith Formation Grades 1-8

To celebrate Advent, our catechists have many supplements in the o�ce to choose from. �ey can bring an Advent wreath into their classroom and use the accompanying prayers and activities. We encourage them to give Advent their full attention to prepare for Jesus’ coming. �e Advent wreath has rich meaning and symbolism. �e candles contrast darkness and light. Christ is the light drives out sin and darkness. Each week as candles are lit, Jesus’ light shines brighter. �e progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes our growing expectation and hope for the birth of Christ. We encourage our families to make Advent more meaningful by using an Advent wreath at home and praying the prayers in the bulletin.

Grade Level Liturgy for Grade 5 On Sunday, December 13th we will have our next Grade Level Liturgy for Grade 5. If your child is interested in being a reader, greeter, or gift bearer please contact Liz Longo who is coordinating this Mass.

Con�rmation I & II – Grades 9 & 10

Con�rmation II students are reminded to complete their Challenge of the Week (check your email). We are accepting completed paperwork: Con�rmation Name, Sponsor Form, and Christian Service Form. We ask both grades to complete 3 projects of at least 3 hours each. We ask that the students choose projects that are parish and/or faith based.

Youth Group Christmas In The City "On Sat. 12/19 & Sun 12/20, 50 students from the Youth Group will be assisting with a Christmas party for homeless families in Boston. �ere is limited space left available to help. Please visit the Youth Group page on the parish website for more information and to sign up."

Girl Scout Cookies Girl Scout Troop #75117 will be selling cookies after all the Masses at St �omas and St Basil, December 12th & 13th to raise funds for the troops to attend Girl Scout programs and functions throughout the year, and to earn badges. �e cost is $5per box.

Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner Volunteers

Second Sunday of Advent December 6, 2015

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Calendars for the New Year �ank you very much to Prophet-Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Homes for the donation of calendars for the new year. Please pick up the free calendar in the back of the church or Chapel. May the year 2016 be a blessed one for all of us.

Bereavement support group

St. �omas Aquinas Parish in the Prophett Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral home in Bridgewater will o�er a bereavement support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. It will start in 2016 after the holidays. �e purpose of the group is to provide a caring compassionate, safe, and con�dential environment where people experiencing a loss can share their experiences and be nurtured in a loving and supportive community.

For more information and or to register, please contact Mark Chapman at 508–697 – 4332 or at markchapman@ccgfuneralhome.com

Financial Blessings �ank you again for being such an inspiring and generous faith community. I know I have said it often, but only because it is

true . . . It has been a privilege to serve you! Most recently, I have been amazed by the dedication of all the Bazaar Volunteers who have succeeded in organizing another wonderful parish event to usher in the holiday season! �eir tremendous e�orts yielded a pro�t of over $15K this year! �ank you, thank you!

Last week, gifts to the o�ertory collection were as follows:

In addition, your gifts to the parish monthly collection came to

$2520. May the Lord continue to watch over St. �omas Aquinas Parish and guide the administration of all your generous gifts.

Blessings,

Gina

In Pew $6218 Online/Mail $1895 TOTAL $8113

Christmas Flower O�ering Every year volunteers decorate the church and chapel so that they will re�ect the beauty and solemnity of the Christmas Season.�e �owers and additional decorations are made possible because of the generosity of our parishioners. If you would like to contribute to the cost of these decorations please take and return the Flower Decoration envelope at the entrances of the church and chapel. �ank you.

Bringing Forward Your Gifts We encourage all individuals and families, both young and old, to take the opportunity to bring up the gifts for each of our Masses. �e gifts being brought forward represent the prayers, hopes, and lives of the community gathered together to worship, so it is a beautiful sign to have all sorts of people come forward to participate in this part of the Mass. If this is something that you would be willing to help with, please see an usher before the start of Mass. �ank you for your willingness to represent the community in this way.

Giving Tree Gifts Due Dates

for all St Basil Gifts that have not been returned by Dec. 6th, please call Barbara Black 508-414-5078

for all St �omas Gifts that have not been returned by Dec. 12th, please call Andrea Papasodoro 508-697-6741

In Need of Christmas Assistance?Are you or someone you know in need of support this Christmas season? Our loving community wants to help. Our assistance is available to individuals, couples, or families - regardless of age. Please call the Parish O�ce 509-697-9528

the 2nd Collectionthis week is for

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT

Following the 10:00 a.m.Sunday Mass

Co�ee and Donutsat St. �omas Aquinas Church

in the Parish Center gym

In previous years we have allowed parishioners to stand in the aisles during the 4 p.m. Christmas Masses. �is year because of safety regulations and for comfortable worship, no one will be allowed to stand in the aisles. Once the church is �lled, which could be as early as 3:15 p.m., seating will continue in the Parish Center, which has a larger capacity than the lower church. For this reason families will not be able to reserve pews.

Christmas Mass Schedule

10:00 a.m. - St �omas 10:00 a.m. - St. Basil Chapel Noon - St �omas

CHRISTMAS DAY - December 25

CHRISTMAS EVE - December 24 4:00 p.m. - St �omas4:00 p.m. - St. Basil Chapel 4:00 p.m. - Parish CenterMidnight Mass - St �omas

Second Sunday of Advent December 6, 2015Second Sunday of Advent December 6, 2015

5

We encourage all parishioners to spend some quiet time with the Lord

ADORATIONSaturdays 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOURWednesdays 7:00 pm

St �omas Aquinas - Lower Church

Weekly Devotions

Bereavement support group

St. �omas Aquinas Parish in the Prophett Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral home in Bridgewater will o�er a bereavement support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. It will start in 2016 after the holidays. �e purpose of the group is to provide a caring compassionate, safe, and con�dential environment where people experiencing a loss can share their experiences and be nurtured in a loving and supportive community.

For more information and or to register, please contact Mark Chapman at 508–697 – 4332 or at markchapman@ccgfuneralhome.com

Baptism Preparation ClassWill be held

7:00 PM MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

Weekly Mass Intentions

Saturday, December 54:00 p.m. Germaine Lanzikos

Sunday, December 67:45 a.m. Jack H. Voyer

10:00 a.m. Ashley DonahueSt Basil -10:00 a.m Francisco & John Vicente

12:00 p.m. Gerald Manning & Joseph Manning

Wednesday, December 9St Basil -5:00 p.m. Alvin Arsenault

9:00 a.m. Filippo PrestiSaturday, December 12

9:00 a.m Scott Christopher McCampbell. 4:00 p.m. Joseph, Josephine & Joseph B. Leandres

Sunday, December 137:45 a.m. Jose Coelho

10:00 a.m. Mary Katherine Gallo & Mary Gallo KirouacSt Basil -10:00 a.m José Curvelo, Sr.

St Basil -5:00 p.m. Mass for the People12:00 p.m. Maria Borges

“A time to love. . .”Carlos Ulloa and Jocelyn White

Ryan Boursiquot and Ryanne SpannMark Dondero and Jennifer White

“A time to be born...”Aubry Elizabeth Enos, Dylan Creedon, Adeline Kimble,

James Soderbom, Corinne Desjardins, Nicholas Sordillo, Declan Roberts

“A time to die. . .”�omas Balboni, Michael LeClair, Vincent J. Stratoti,

William Wilder, Janusz Sliz, Diane L. Messaline, Frances L. Bukin, Edith Shepard, Richard B Moore,

Joanne Mantia, Janet Marie Rey Rowbottom,Je�rey A. Rys, Gregg Laskoski,

“A time to heal. . .”Olga (Cassiani) Alberghini, Edward Albert, Jean

Andrade, Je�rey Bean, Baby Valerie Belcher, Olivia Bon�glio, Jim & Jean Brennan, Caitlin Burnett, Kim

(Sweetman) Carnello, Sandra Cable, Christine Cabral, Kelli Callahan, Bill Carey, Jacquie Cordaro, Matthew Costantino, Michael Costantino, Baby Mychal Joseph

Cotone, Joanna Crabtree, Sandra Croall, Jannine Dawicki, Mary DeLeon, Mark Denault, Marty

Dickerman, Joseph Kelly, James LaFranchise, Rylee Fontes, Lee Fuller, Jesus Galindo, Ben Gallo, Jim

Geraghty, Alanna Gillis, Beverly Gui�re, Jack Hennessy, Fred Laham, Daniel John, Kevin Looney,

Alanna Gillis, Beverley Gui�re, Tim Johnson, Beverly Jufree, Bob Mackey, Taylor McLean, Kaleena McHar-

dy, Stephen McNally, Marjorie Mello, Baby Chase Miceli, Lauren Minchella, Charles Monestere, Alice

Moniz, Arlene Morin, Bob Morris, Bob Morse, Anna Nakouzi, Antonio & Lucilia Nunes, Paul D’Olimpia, Glenn O’Neil, Ann Paulino, Carolyn Perry, Richard

Piantoni, Dorothy Pope, Maria Presti, Andrea Pro�etty, Rich Quigley, Matthew Ryan, Dan Sante, Paul Segreve, Sarah Silvia, Deana Spingel, Kim Sullivan, John Swan,

Betty Tarentino, James Toy Jr., Anna Vrana, Don Weiner, Margaret Yanuskiewicz, Mary (Sweetman)

Zunino, Alexis Zutaut

“A time for peace. . .”General Joseph F. Dunford, USMC

CW4 �omas Ahl, USACaptain Vincent Chiappini, USA

1st LT. Karen Chouinard Holliday, USMCCaptain John Costantino & USA

PFC, William Vey, USACPL Brandon Jamieson, USA

Army PV2 Harry TerpenyPFC,Christopher Ahl, USA

CPL Kelly O’Leary

Confessions: Every Saturday 3:00 p.m.- 3:45p.m. inthe lower church or by appointment.

Baptisms: Ordinarily celebrated on the 2nd and 4thSunday of each month at 1:30 pm. Please call the Rectory to speak with a priest prior to making any

arrangements. Parents are welcome to attend classes during the pregnancy if it is more convenient.

Marriage: Please call the Rectory at least eightmonths in advance. Attendance at the Marriage

Preparation Course is required. Anointing of the Sick: If you wish to receive thesacraments at home or in the hospital due to illness,

handicap or age, please contact the Rectory.

Sacraments

Second Sunday of Advent December 6, 2015

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For Advertising Information, Please Call 617-779-3770 Spotlight Advertising www.PilotBulletins.net

For Advertising Information, Please Call 617-779-3770 Pilot Bulletins • www.PilotBulletins.net Saint Thomas Aquinas, Bridgewater, MA

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