2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231 | Phone 941.923.1691 | Fax 941.923.1692 | parish@stthomasmoresrq.org | www.stthomasmoresrq.org

January 31, 2016 • 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We are a welcoming Catholic community devoted to living out and celebrating God’s Word and Sacraments by connecting people to Christ through faith, love and ministry.

2506 Gulf Gate Dr. Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-923-1691 | stthomasmoresrq.org

Social Justice Ministry: Project TanzaniaSacred Heart Parish, Iringa, Tanzania, Africa

Hear about this ministry: Sunday, January 31 4:00 pm in the Spirit Center (article, page 10)

The Parish Office is located in the Chelsea Center: 2506 Gulf Gate Drive Sarasota, FL 34231

Office Hours 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday-Friday

Contact us 941-923-1691 or info@stthomasmoresrq.org

Website stthomasmoresrq.org

Confessions 2:00pm (Saturday, in the Chapel) Saturday 8:00am, 3:00 & 4:30pm Masses Sunday 8:00am Mass 9:45am Mass (Traditional choir) 11:30am Mass (Contemporary choir) Weekdays 8:00am Mass

Regulations on Fasting and AbstinenceAsh Wednesday, February 10, and Good Friday, March 25, are days of fast and abstinence. All Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence from meat.

Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics between the ages of 18 years and 59 years (inclusive). On a fast day one full meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals in not permitted, but liquids are allowed.

Abstinence is observed by all 14 years of age and older. On days of abstinence no meat is allowed. Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday are all days of abstinence.

Note: If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or other serious reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self denial that are suitable to their condition.

Fasting, almsgiving and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter.

8:00 am Mass 4:00 pm Mass11:00 am Mass 7:00 pm Mass

Ashes distributed during the Mass

Fr. Michal SzySzka Parochial Vicar

CHURCH STAFF

Sr. Judy BaldinoPastoral Associate

rev. Mr. BoB GaitenSDeacon

rev. Mr. kevin MonahanDeacon

alex dilanOrganist & Music Director

PeGGy nardi Health Ministry Coordinator

leiland theriotInterim Youth Ministry Director

carolann loveJoy-JeSSuPExecutive Assistant

david FelicianoParish Accountant

Mary MaxwellParish Secretary

SuSan JacoBSFront Office Coordinator

Joanne tararaChelsea Coordinator

raMon alveroMaintenance Supervisor

John driScollMaintenance/Set up

Fr. Joe cliFFordPastor

John & lucy koitSchSacristans

rev. Mr. david waGnerDeacon

Couples Celebrating Marriage All couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or more than 50 years of marriage are invited by Bishop Frank J. Dewane to an Anniversary Mass in their honor.

The Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 13 at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. If you and your spouse wish to register, contact Susan or Mary in the Parish Office, 941-923-1691. A reception will follow in Epiphany’s Parish Hall.

Liturgical MinistriesIf you are an Altar Server, Lector, or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and will be away, contact Joanne Tarara: tarjmt1@verizon.net.

If you are a Hospitality Minister, contact Charles Ballschmieder: cjball01@verizon.net. Please let Joanne or Charles know your away dates.

Written notice of your changes is required the 1st of each month. If you are scheduled and cannot make it, you are asked to find a replacement from our list.

Social Justice: Join us for a presentation by death row Chaplain Dale Recinella

Saturday, February 13, 9:00 am - 12:00 pmin the Chelsea Center.

Hear this dynamic expert share the truth about the death penalty from his perspective as the spiritual director for many men as they prepare for execution. This presentation is based on the Catholic church’s teaching on Social Justice. Dale is the author of “Now I Walk on Death Row,” and “The Biblical Truth about America’s Death Penalty.”

Call the Parish Office, 941-923-1691, to attend

Sunday 8:00am Kathleen Farrell Helen & Tony Lingrosso- Happy 68th anniversary!

9:45am +Randy Murphy +Michael Banovich

11:30am+GeneHoeffler +Filomena Nardulli +Anthony A. Yanatsis, Sr.

Monday 8:00am +Margaret Oldenburg

Tuesday 8:00am +Marian Murphy +Charita McAlarney

Wednesday 8:00am +Jack Baker +Mary Vesci

Thursday 8:00am +Michael Pittman Lillian Elliott

Friday 8:00am +Sam D’Anza +Mary Jo D’Anza +Walter Green

Saturday 8:00am Jerry Wood +Marie Risbano

3:00pm +Eleanor Messer +Ellen Provencher

4:30pm +Marion Cannelongo +Ed Burke Sunday 8:00am +Charita McAlarney +Leonard Costa

9:45am +John Cederborg +Therese Luongo

11:30am +Susan Brown +Richard Farabee

PRAYER INTENTIONS January 31 - February 7

Centering Contemplative Prayer Thursdays10:30 am in the Bavaria Room6:30pm in the Bavaria Room - NEW!

Spirit of Love Prayer Group 2nd Monday2:00 pm in the chapel

Rosary Weekdays 7:30 am in the Church

Women at the Well & Micah’s Men 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30 pm in the Chelsea Garden Room

Join us for Prayer

Sanctuary Candle Lighted in memory of

Susan DeAngelis - given by Ellen & Rudy DeAngelis

Our prayer book of the sick is located in the chapel. You may write your intention; be assured that those entered are prayed for daily.

Altar FlowersGiven by the Gadway family

in honor of Ron Gadway’s 80th birthday.

Join Our Parish: stthomasmoresrq.org/register

Catholic Professionals NetworkThe Catholic Professionals of STM are business leaders providing a support community to come together with a dedication to help each other grow and prosper.

We meet the second Tuesday monthly in the Garden Room at the Chelsea Center. We will provide food for the body: 7-7:30 am and food for the mind: 7:30-9:00 am.

Our Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 9

Contact: Jon Lemole at 941-445-3087 or follow @CPofSTM

Youth Ministry at St. Thomas More Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 pm in the Spirit Center

Youth Ministry leader: Leiland Theriot youth@stthomasmoresrq.org

Scouting @ St. Thomas More Cub Scouts Pack 100 Mondays - 6:00 pm in the Spirit Center Boys ages 7-11 welcome! Pack Leader: Michelle Dunn 941-806-8133 or cubmaster@pack100.com

Boy Scouts Troop 100 Mondays - 6:00 pm in the Spirit Center Boys ages 11-18 welcome! Troop Leader: Javier Aristimuño 941-232-8073 or scoutmaster@troop100.com

Girl Scouts Troop 780 Thursdays - 6:00 pm in the Chelsea CenterGirls ages 5-18 welcome! Troop Leaders: Jill Crabill or Ginny Lawlor: girlscouts780@gmail.com

OffertoryJanuary 23/24, 2016 $24,915.33St. Vincent de Paul $ 439.00Catholic Seminary Support $ 63.00Missions to Latin America $ 1,068.00

Have you established online giving in the parish through ParishPay? It is an easy way to give to your Parish and not worry whether or not you have offertory envelopes. Visit www.parishpay.com to set up an account with St. Thomas More Parish.

AA & N-A Support GroupsAlcoholics Anonymous 5:30 pm Mondays, Bavaria RoomAl-Anon (Family Groups) 7:00 pm Mondays, Bavaria Room

Alcoholics Anonymous (Meditation) 6:00 pm Wednesdays, Bavaria Room

Alcoholics Anonymous (Sober Living) 6:00 pm Fridays, Bavaria Room

Narcotics Anonymous & Nar Anon 8:00 pm Sundays, Spirit Center, Gathering Room

Mingle More SinglesTired of being a couch potato? Bored seeing TV reruns? Join our Mingle More Singles family and you may never sit again! Although you missed the Mote Sea Life Encounter guided-boat tour, you still have time for the next meeting on Monday, February 8, Doo Wop Dance on February 13, Royal Tea at Crosley Estate on February 16, Happy Hour at Square One Burger (date not set) and brunch on February 29 (place not set).

Our next meeting is Monday, February 8, when we gather in the Chelsea Center Garden room. Meet and greet begins at 6:00 pm. Bring a snack to share and your own beverage. See you then!

We are thankful that our group was able to celebrate Christmas in a special way by giving Christmas gifts to some singles in our parish. As a surprise result, a Mass will be offered for the Singles and their intentions on Sunday, April 3 at 11:30 am.

For information about Mingle More Singles, contact Prudie 941-504-3699; Rob 941-355-2159.

This Week’s CalendarSunday, January 318:00am Mass - Church9:45am Mass - Church11:30am Mass - Church4:00pm Tanzania Talk - Spirit Center Stan Muessle 941-358-17058:00pm N.A. Meeting - Spirit Center8:00pm Nar-Anon Meeting - Spirit Center

Monday, February 17:30am Pray the Rosary - Church8:00am Mass - Church10:00am Quilters of St. Thomas More - Spirit Charity Rm. Bonnie Lagner 941-921-12615:30pm AA - Chelsea Bavaria Rm.6:00pm SURE - Chelsea Chancellor Rm. Sue Morusiewicz 941-922-1257; morusiewicz@verizon.net6:00pm Cub/Boy Scouts - Spirit Center Michelle Dunn 941-806-8133; Javier Aristimuño 941-232-80737:00pm Al-Anon - Chelsea Bavaria Rm.Tuesday, February 27:30am Pray the Rosary - Church 8:00am Mass - Church5:15pm Youth Choir - Church Alex Dilan 941-923-16916:00pm Faith Formation - Chelsea & Spirit Centers Sr. Judy Baldino 941-923-1691; sjbaldino@aol.com

Wednesday, February 37:30am Pray the Rosary - Church8:00am Mass - Church9:30am Mothers’ Circle - Spirit Center Natalie Lelyo 215-620-1184 6:00pm AA - Chelsea Bavaria Rm.6:00pm Just Faith - Chelsea Lancaster Rm. Sue Morusiewicz 941-922-1257; morusiewicz@verizon.net6:30pm Youth Group - Spirit Center Leiland Theriot youth@stthomasmoresrq.org6:30pm Micah’s Men & Women at the Well - Chelsea Garden Rm. Roger Grenier 993-2908; roger.grenier@sothebysrealty.com7:00pm Knights of Columbus Officers - Chelsea Lancaster Rm. Dan Bulinski 941-556-9673; danb6002@comcast.net7:00pm Traditional Choir Rehearsal - Church Alex Dilan 941-923-1691

Thursday, February 47:30am Pray the Rosary - Church 8:00am Mass - Church

9:30am Crafty Ladies - Spirit Center Faith Rm. Mary Hautanen 941-922-889210:00am Quilters of St. Thomas More - Spirit Charity Rm. Bonnie Lagner 941-921-126110:30am Contemplative Prayer - Chelsea Bavaria Rm. Ed Savoy 941-923-5706 6:00pm Girl Scouts - Chelsea Center Jill Crabill girlscouts780@gmail.com6:30pm Centering Prayer - Chelsea Bavaria Rm. Bob Ferkenhoff 941-483-4165; bferken@verizon.net6:30pm Women’s Club - Spirit Center Rita Toole 631-786-18517:00pm R.C.I.A. - Church Sr. Judy Baldino 941-923-1691; sjbaldino@aol.com7:00pm Contemporary Choir Rehearsal - Church Alex Dilan 941-923-1691

Friday, February 57:30am Pray the Rosary - Church8:00am Mass - Church9:30am Adult Bible Study - Chelsea Westminster Rm. Mary Jo Dranttel 941-343-0522 1:00pm Cards & Mah Jongg - Chelsea Center6:00pm AA Meeting - Chelsea Bavaria Rm.

Saturday, February 67:30am Pray the Rosary - Church 8:00am Mass - Church8:00am Day of Recollection - Spirit Center12:00pm Scouts Blue & Gold Event - Chelsea Center Michelle Dunn 941-806-8133; Javier Aristimuño 941-232-8073Concert Ticket Sales before & after all Masses3:00pm Mass - Church4:30pm Mass - Church

Sunday, February 7Concert Ticket Sales before & after all Masses8:00am Mass - Church9:45am Mass - Church11:30am Mass - Church4:30pm Chili Cook-Off & Super Bowl Party - Chelsea Center Roger Grenier 993-2908; roger.grenier@sothebysrealty.com8:00pm N.A. Meeting - Spirit Center8:00pm Nar-Anon Meeting - Spirit Center

You are cordially invited to A Day of Recollection

“New Life for the 2nd Half of the Spiritual Journey”

Sponsored by the Men of St. Thomas More Open to all Men of the Parish

Saturday, February 6, 2016 8 A.M - 4 P.M.

At The St. Thomas More Spirit Center

By Fr. Robert Mattingly

Fr. Bob served as an educator and principal, diocesan vocation director and a monk at St. Benedictine Abbey in Pecos, NM. He also served as pastor of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish

for twelve years and as retreat master on numerous occasions.

Cost $35 Per Person

(Includes Continental breakfast following the 8 A.M. Mass, lunch and beverage service during the day)

Reservations are a must! Capacity is limited. Order reservations via email: roger@greniergroup.com or call Roger Grenier at 941.993.2908.

Fr. Michal Polish Chili Cook - Off & Super Bowl PartySunday, February 2 in the The Chelsea Center

Doors open @ 4:30 pmChili contest begins at 5:00 pm - with cash prize for the top chilies

All attendees get to vote for their favorite chili!

THIS FAMILY EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL PARISHIONERS AND GUESTS

Prospective contestants wishing to enter their award-winning chili must register with Roger Grenier 941-993-2908 or Jack Miller 941-807-6801

Cost: $5 per person; $15 per family Fast pass members are free. Cash or check at the door.

You will be sampling 40+ award-winning chilies. Beverages and snacks will be provided.

A Day of Recollection Saturday, February 6 in

The St. Thomas More Spirit Center8:00 am - 4:00 pm

“New Life for the 2nd Half of the Spiritual Journey” OPEN TO ALL MEN OF THE PARISH

Given by Fr. Robert Mattingly, who has served as an educator and principal, diocesan vocation director and a monk at St. Benedictine Abbey in Pecos, NM.

He served as pastor of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish for twelve years and as retreat master on numerous occasions.

$35 Per Person(Includes Continental breakfast following the 8 A.M. Mass,

lunch and beverage service during the day)

Reservations are a must! Capacity is limited. Order reservations via email: roger@greniergroup.com or

call Roger Grenier at 941-993-2908

A Spring Fling Fashion Show & Luncheon

Michael’s On East - Monday, February 29, 11:00 am $43 (includes tax and gratuity)

Choice of Entrée: • Classic Chicken Picatta in lemon white wine parsley sauce • Ginger -Orange Grilled Salmon topped with zest of lemon, lime & oranges • White Vegetable Lasagna Cupcakes (Vegetarian)

Entrées served with: orzo with tomato and fresh basil-roasted asparagus & baby carrots Specialty breadbasket Iced tea, coffee and teaDessert: Myers truffle cake

Fashion Show Luncheon Reservation RESERVATION DEADLINE: Monday, February 22nd – NO REFUNDS

Please list names of all attending and entrée choices: (Chicken, Salmon or Vegetarian) be-low. Group reservations: tables are for 8 or 10 and one check per table is requested. _______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Name & Phone Number of Contact:______________________________________________

Number of Reservations:____________________________ Total Enclosed: $___________

Checks Payable to: St. Thomas More Women’s ClubMail to: St. Thomas More Women’s Club, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231. Contacts: Carol Szafranski 941-922-5928 or Pat Cleary pcleary54@gmail.com

Women’s Club NewsAll ladies are invited to our Thursday, Feb. 4 meeting. We will gather in the Spirit Center at 6:30 pm for social time followed by a short meeting and the program: “Essential Oils in the Bible.” We looking forward to seeing you!

Please note: our February program, “Aging with Grace,” has been postponed. Details will follow in a future Bulletin.

We have Care NotesStop by the table located to the right of the chapel to find a wide assortment of pamphlets - all free for the taking. Many are geared for Teens.

Helpful information is geared for everyone. Topics include: anger, tolerance, grief, death, bullying, prayers and many more topics.

Social Justice Ministry: Project TanzaniaOur parish is now building an important partnership with Sacred Heart parish in Iringa, Tanzania, Africa.

This Sunday, January 31, we will gather to hear about the goals and objectives of this plan. The project has grown out of a partnership between the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Iringa and our STM parishioner Stan Muessle to bring

computer libraries to students in the second level of education. This will be an exciting global outreach and an opportunity to help and to be helped by a growing, developing community. We will meet in the Spirit Center at 4:00 pm. There will be time for questions and refreshments.

Safe Environment TrainingThis required training is for those working with children or vulnerable adults in any ministry/volunteer capacity at St.Thomas More. Train-ing will be held at Incarnation Parish, 2929 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota.

Please call the parish at 941-921-6631, to register from these choices: Thursday, February 18 6:00-8:00pm

Saturday, February 20 9:30-11:30am

Hand-made vestments and altar cloths presented to St. Thomas More Parish last weekend by the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish in Iringa, Tanzania, Africa.

Catholic Charities Tours During the Year of Mercy, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., is offering bus tours to its four locations throughout Collier County.

Sign up and discover the work of Catholic Charities! Tours will be held monthly on the last Wednesday. Journey from the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center in East Naples, to Guadalupe Social Services in Immokalee, with two stops at Catholic Charities locations in Golden Gate.

Those who have taken the tour in the past remarked on the difference it has made in understanding the programs and services of Catholic Charities.

If you are looking for ways to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy, contact Catholic Charities: maryshaughnessy@catholiccharitiescc.org. or 239-455-2665.

Vocation Awareness Weekend St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami is hosting a Vocation Awareness Weekend on Friday, March 4, 8:00 pm-Sunday, March 6 at 12:00 pm.

This is open to all young men, juniors in high school and older. Come and experience what daily seminary life is like for one discerning God's call to the priesthood! There is no cost for the weekend and transportation is provided.

To register, contact Vocations Director, Father Eric Scanlan, at scanlan@dioceseofvenice.org or call the Vocations Office at 941-486-4720.

Bethesda House Mardi Gras Madness Tuesday, February 9, 6:00 pm at Michael's on East. Proceeds benefit Bethesda House, a program of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., providing professional and compassionate support for individuals suffering with HIV/AIDS. Include: cocktail hour, auctions, Mardi Gras festivities, dinner and dancing. Tickets are $150 a person.

For information, contact Marisa Pufta at 941-355-4680, ext. 305 or email mpufta@ccdis1.org or visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, Venice

Silent Ignatian Retreat Ignatian Preached Retreat held Sun., April 3-Wed., April 6.

This is a silent retreat that includes scheduled conferences each day, Mass, and an opportunity to meet with the retreat director. The topics center around Ignatian spirituality, prayer and discernment.

Scripture passages will be provided for personal prayer and meditation. All rooms are single occupancy with a full size bed and private bathroom and shower. Cost is $395.

For information/register, call 941-486-0233 or email gazo@olph-retreat.org.

Monthly Eucharistic Adoration at 3:00 pm. on the first Thursday, through May. The next opportunity will be Thursday, February 4. Adoration concludes with Benediction, followed by Mass. All are invited to come and spend time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

For information call 941-486-0233.

Incarnation Parish Women’s Club Charity Luncheon and Fashion ShowSaturday, February 13, 11:00 am - 2:15 pm @ Michael’s On East Contact Judy Levis 941-379-3124 or Elaine Ames 941-379-8480

Leaven Conference The 2016 Leaven Conference will be held on Saturday, February 20 at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Fort Myers. The theme this year will be “Laudato Si’: Understanding and Applying the Message” and will explore Pope Francis’ recent encyclical on the environment.

The cost is $10, students $5, and will include lunch. For more information, please contact the Diocese Office of Peace and Justice at 941-484-9543 or chestine@dioceseofvenice.org.

Pray for a greater respect for all human life regardless of age or condition.

Respect Life

Sponsored by Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office

1000 Pinebrook Road Venice, FL 34285

941-441-1101 www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife

Annual Garage Sale Sacred Heart Parish, 1220 15th Street West, Bradenton’s annual garage sale: Saturday, Feb. 6, 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Items for sale include collectibles, jewelry, crystal, linens and much more.

Knights of Columbus Assembly 167St. Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance

Saturday, February 13 4880 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota

Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Dessert

Featuring: Emcee and Disk Jockey Don Cositore. Cocktails at 6:00 pm; dinner served at 7:00 pm, followed by dancing

Tickets: $25 per couple or $15 per single

Contact: Bob Morrissey 941-726-9107 or Sal Naimo 941-809-5766