St. Thomas More Catholic Church

SCHOOL STAFF

2510 So. Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803 (626) 284-8333 Website: stmcatholicalhambra.org

School Office: (626) 284-5778 Fax: (626) 284-3303 Principal: Norma Gibson (ext. 128) Secretary: Mary Helen Lazo, (ext. 129) School Website: www.stmcsa.org School Email: ngibson@stmfalcons.net

Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

**Closed to the Public** Office hours are for staffing only,

for responding to emails, and answering phone calls.

PARISH OFFICE (RECTORY) HOURS

PARISH STAFF

Office: (626) 284-8333 Fax: (626) 282-4459 Pastor: Fr. Thai Le (ext. 110) frthaile@yahoo.com Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Jeremiah O’Neill Deacon Couple: Rogelio and Emilia Garcia rogelio.emilia@hotmail.com (626) 705-1072 Safeguard the Children Contact: Mae Ho (ext. 139) or (626) 457-5302 stmdrealhambra@gmail.com Director of Religious Education: Mae Ho (ext. 139) or (626) 457-5302 stmdrealhambra@gmail.com Liturgy & Music Coordinator: Sr. Andrea Johnson (ext. 137) stmmusiclit@gmail.com Accounting Manager: Lucy Lai (ext. 141) acct_stm@yahoo.com Youth Ministry & Confirmation Coordinator: Francisco Ramos stmlifeteenymc@gmail.com Assistant Coordinator: Gabriella Ramos (ext. 135) Parish Secretary: Lucia Alcantar (ext. 112) stm_secretary@live.com Parish Receptionist: Mimi Lewis

COVID-19 SCHEDULES CHURCH EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS ARE CANCELED

MARCH 17 to MAY 15, 2020

The church and all parish facilities are closed until further notice

Attend Mass online at stmcatholicalhambra.org or facebook.com/lacatholics.

ALL MASSES AND EVENTS

ARE CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Visit our website at stmcatholicalhambra.org

Sunday, May 24, 2020

First Reading — Jesus tells the disciples that they will be wit-nesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:1-11).

Psalm — God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord (Psalm 47).

Second Reading — May the Father of glory give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17-23).

Gospel — Jesus instructs the Eleven to baptize and teach people of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20).

Monday: Acts 19:1-8; Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab; Jn 16:29-33 Tuesday: Acts 20:17-27; Ps 68:10-11, 20-21; Jn 17:1-11a Wednesday: Acts 20:28-38; Ps 68:29-30, 33-36ab; Jn 17:11b-19 Thursday: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11; Jn 17:20-26 Friday: Acts 25:13b-21; Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab;

Jn 21:15-19 Saturday: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Ps 11:4, 5, 7; Jn 21:20-25 Sunday: Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104:1-2, 24, 35, 27-28, 29-30; Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39 Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Jn 20:19-23

LECTURAS DE HOY Primera lectura — Este Jesús que les han llevado volverá de la

misma manera (Hechos 1:1-11). Salmo — Entre voces de júbilo y trompetas, Dios el Señor

asciende hasta su trono (Salmo 47 [46]). Segunda lectura — Dios sentó a Jesús a su derecha en el reino

de los cielos (Efesios 1:17-23). Evangelio —Vayan, pues, y enseñen a todas las naciones

(Mateo 28:16-20).

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

12:3b-7, 12-13; Jn 20:19-23

The Ascension of the Lord May 24, 2020 Page 2

CURRENT EVENTS & MASS SCHEDULES

All Masses and Current Events are canceled while California’s Safer at Home guidelines remain in effect

The Church, Parish Office, and all Parish Facilities are closed to the Public Rectory staff are available to answer phone calls and emails

NOT SURE WHAT TO PRAY ABOUT? HERE ARE FIVE THINGS YOU CAN PRAY FOR

1. PRAY FOR GOD TO BE KNOWN "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all genera-tions, for ever and ever! Amen." -EPHESIANS 3:20-21 2. PRAY FOR THE WORLD "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." -EPHESIANS 6:18 3. PRAY FOR WHAT YOU NEED "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -PHILPPIANS 4:6 4. PRAY FOR FORGIVNESS "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." -MARK 11:25 5. PRAY FOR HEALING AND PROTECTION "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord." -JAMES 5:14

Collections for 5/17/20 Envelopes Total

By Mail and Online 3,180.00 3,180.00

Building Fund 1,856.00 1,856.00

Special Projects 20.00 20.00

Altar Society 11.00 11.00

Mother's Day 65.00 65.00

$ 5,132.00 $5,132.00

DONATE ONLINE Convenient and Easy!

Visit our website at stmcatholicalhambra.org and click the Online Donations link.

The Ascension of the Lord May 24, 2020 Reflections Hello!

When we develop a deep, trustworthy relationship with someone, it is not easy to say goodbye. Memories are infused in our minds, generating a sense of comfort, joy, and peace so vigorous and real that parting is difficult. We feel so close to that person that we say, “they are a part of us.”

Sentiments of similar sadness and uncertainty resonate in today’s celebration. The Ascension marks forty days after Jesus’ resurrection and returning to his Father in heaven. The first disciples were naturally reluctant to accept the Lord’s departure, which triggered fear and sadness. How would

they deal with pagans and pompous religious leaders? What resources could they draw on to preach the Good News to unknown people in faraway lands? Jesus knew their worries and fears. Most of all, he knew they could never accomplish their mission without his love and protection.

We can compare Jesus’ love and protection for his disciples with the love of parents for their children. When parents are at work or absent from home, they don’t leave their children alone. Instead, parents ask a relative, a nanny, or a friend to look after their children. A caretaker can’t only pretend to be there; he or she must have the ability to assess each child’s needs, ensure the surrounding environment is safe, and be ready if anything goes wrong.

Similarly, God never leaves His children without His loving care and protection. He knows we cannot go about our lives and missions without His protection. For that reason, He sent us someone to care for, guide, and protect the dis-ciples. As we read in today’s gospel, Jesus says, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” That promises to ener-gize the disciples so they can face all challenges and obstacles on their missions.

Every baptized Catholic has a mission—to know God, to follow Jesus, and to return to where we came from. Jesus does not en-trust anybody with any mission that exceeds his or her capacity to carry out. Moreover, Jesus provides us with the nec-essary tools! If an individual fails to carry out their mission, it’s because they used the wrong tools for too long. Pride and ego demean the wisdom of God’s supreme plan for us sent from on high.

To know God means to follow His Commandments. “Do I prioritize God above others?” “Do I exercise God’s com-mandments?” Take time to renew these commitments daily. When you love someone passionately, you want to be with that person. You share your joys and sorrows with that person. You want to attract that person’s attention like a mag-net. When we admire someone, we often try to emulate that person. The same is true with God: When we want to deepen our faith and love for God, make time to be with Him in prayer.

To follow Jesus is to know his Truth. The mentality of society is that we “earn but are never given.” We must work hard to achieve our goals. Or, if you make a mistake like breaking a driving law, there are consequences for your ac-tions – and you can’t undo it. This mentality impedes our trust in God. That is, God will punish me for my past sins and unfaithfulness. The Truth is that Jesus suffered and died for you. Though we do not merit his love, we will be blessed when we focus and follow this Truth!

Our desire for our own good mixed with pride tells us we do not need God. God’s path is like a road that has many exits. Some exits are magnificent and attractive, tempting us to exit God’s road. Once we exit, we may not want to get back on God’s road for us. However, God’s road leads us to fulfill our missions through the Sacraments of the Church, God’s Commandments, and our love for others. In other words, our missions need faith, action, and commitment to stay true to God’s plan.

Like good parents do for their children, God sent the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us from harm and danger. The disciples trusted God’s Spirit – staying on God’s path while they were on their mission. Let us learn from them and pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.

God bless!

Fr. Thai Le

La Ascensión del Señor Mayo 24, 2020 Reflexiones

¡Hola!

Cuando desarrollamos una relación profunda y confiable con alguien, no es fácil decir adiós. Los recuerdos se infunden en nuestras mentes, generando una sensación de comodidad, alegría y paz tan vigorosa y real que la separación es difícil. Nos sentimos tan cerca de esa persona que decimos "son parte de nosotros".

Los sentimientos de tristeza e incertidumbre similares resuenan en la celebración de hoy. La Ascensión marca cuarenta días después de la resurrección de Jesús y el regreso a su Padre en el cielo. Los primeros discípulos eran naturalmente reacios a aceptar la partida del Señor, lo que provocó miedo y tristeza. ¿Cómo tratarían con paganos y pomposos líderes religiosos? ¿Qué recursos podrían utilizar para predicar las Buenas Nuevas a personas desconocidas en tierras lejanas? Jesús conocía sus preocupaciones y temores. Sobre todo, sabía que nunca podrían cumplir su misión sin su amor y protección.

Podemos comparar el amor y la protección de Jesús por sus discípulos con el amor de los padres por sus hijos. Cuando los padres están en el trabajo o ausentes de casa, no dejan a sus hijos solos. En cambio, los padres le piden a un pariente, una niñera o un amigo que cuiden a sus hijos. Un cuidador no solo puede pretender estar allí; él o ella debe tener la capacidad de evaluar las necesidades de cada niño, asegurarse de que el entorno sea seguro y estar preparado si algo sale mal.

Del mismo modo, Dios nunca deja a sus hijos sin su cuidado y protección amorosa. Él sabe que no podemos continuar nuestras vidas y misiones sin su protección. Por esa razón, nos envió a alguien para cuidar, guiar y proteger a los discípulos. Mientras leemos el evangelio de hoy, Jesús dice: "Estoy contigo siempre, hasta el fin de los tiempos". Eso promete energi-zar a los discípulos para que puedan enfrentar todos los desafíos y obstáculos en sus misiones.

Todo católico bautizado tiene una misión: conocer a Dios, seguir a Jesús y regresar de dónde venimos. Jesús no le confía a nadie ninguna misión que exceda su capacidad de llevar a cabo. ¡Además, Jesús nos proporciona las herramientas necesa-rias! Si un individuo no cumple con su misión, es porque utilizó las herramientas incorrectas durante demasiado tiempo. El orgullo y el ego degradan la sabiduría del plan supremo de Dios para nosotros enviados desde lo alto.

Conocer a Dios significa seguir sus mandamientos. "¿Priorizo a Dios por encima de los demás?" "¿Ejerzo los mandamientos de Dios?" Tómese el tiempo para renovar estos compromisos diariamente. Cuando amas a alguien apasionadamente, quie-res estar con esa persona. Compartes tus alegrías y tristezas con esa persona. Desea atraer la atención de esa persona como un imán. Cuando admiramos a alguien, a menudo tratamos de emular a esa persona. Lo mismo es cierto con Dios: cuando queremos profundizar nuestra fe y amor por Dios, hagamos tiempo para estar con Él en oración.

Seguir a Jesús es conocer su verdad. La mentalidad de la sociedad es que "ganamos pero nunca se nos da". Debemos traba-jar duro para lograr nuestros objetivos. O si comete un error o comete un delito, hay consecuencias por sus acciones, ¡no hay segundas oportunidades! Esta mentalidad impide nuestra confianza en Dios. Es decir, Dios me castigará por mis peca-dos pasados e infidelidad. La verdad es que Jesús sufrió y murió por ti. ¡Aunque no merecemos su amor, seremos bendeci-dos cuando nos enfoquemos y sigamos esta Verdad!

Nuestro deseo de nuestro propio bien mezclado con orgullo nos dice que no necesitamos a Dios. El camino de Dios es co-mo un camino que tiene muchas salidas. Algunas salidas son magníficas y atractivas, nos tientan a salir del camino de Dios. Una vez que salgamos, es posible que no queramos volver al camino de Dios por nosotros. Sin embargo, el camino de Dios nos lleva a cumplir nuestras misiones a través de los sacramentos de la Iglesia, los mandamientos de Dios y nuestro amor por los demás. En otras palabras, nuestras misiones necesitan fe, acción y compromiso para mantenerse fieles al plan de Dios.

Al igual que los buenos padres hacen por sus hijos, Dios envió al Espíritu Santo para guiarnos y protegernos del daño y el peligro. Los discípulos confiaron en el Espíritu de Dios, manteniéndose en el camino de Dios mientras estaban en su mi-sión. Aprendamos de ellos y oremos por la guía del Espíritu Santo en nuestra vida diaria.

¡Dios bendiga!

P. Thai Le

The Ascension of the Lord May 24, 2020 Page 5 INTENTIONS Fr. Jeremiah O’Neill

A Lucia Adame L Anna Lovoy Mary Louise Aluzzi M Christopher Maimone Elias Alvarez Danilo Magsino Francis Araiza Ruben Magsino Noreen Arroyo Ariana Alonso Morales Kelly Artozgui Bertha & Efren Moreno George Astacio Fred Maroon Rosa Astacio Felipe Martinez Brianna Ayestas Jean Miceli B Aletha Bailey Arianne Miller Carla Baker Cheryl Morten Michele Baker Betty Murray Harlene Breaux N Gloria Natividad Steven Brown Mario Nieto Tod and Rose Marie Brown John Ng C Rita Campanella P Arcadio Pablo Celia Carmona Alebert Palaez Erik M. Casillas Fernando Parra Daniel Cerpa Ernestina Placencio Joan Cervantes R Ramon Ramos Patricia Cisneros Virginia Reyes Leah Grace Cisneros Cheryl Ann Reynoso Rosalba Covarrubias Salvador Reynoso Catalina Cruz Laura Rico Mary Louise Cruz Francisco Rios D Ronnie De La Cruz Domenic Rizzi Julio Diaz Mary Rodriguez Do Duong Mike Romano Jesus M. Dulay S Mason Saldaña E Jan Edwards Francisco Sanchez F Donna Finochio Dylan Silva Louis Finochio Nicole Smith Daniel Fuentes Lilian Smitter G Ramona Garcia Connie Sotelo Daniel Gonzalez Angie Stockwell Ricardo Gutierrez T Mike Teong Carolina Guzman Jennies Tiu H Toni Horlick V Walfrido Verendia I Francisco Ibarra Romeo Villafranca J Gary Jones Ricardo & Felicidad Villegas K Erin Kametani Therese Huyen-Duong Thi Vu L Adolphes Lages W Terry Wilson Minoy Lee Janny Wong Andrea Leija Jennifer Wong Gudalio Lim Maria Wong Vasquez David Lindsey Z Christine Zampese Antonio Lipsun

Constante Del Castillo Edgardo Magpantay Raquel Sandro Garcia Lupe Malacate

Ricardo Gutierrez Carmel O'Neill Ruben Juarez Vincent Sotelo

Saturday, May 23, 2020

8:30 AM Henrietta Martinez: Healing Vincent Sotelo†, Arianne Miller: Special Intentions

5:00 PM Patrick Yiu† Georgiana Auyeung: Healing, Walfrido Verendia: Healing

Sunday, May 24, 2020 7:30 AM Peter Phan†, Vincent Sotelo†, Jose Luis Moreno: Healing,

9:00 AM Ricardo Gutierrez†, Carmel O'Neill: Healing, Adolphes Lages: Healing

10:45 AM Rafael Garcia Jr †, Maria Medina†, Concepcion Sotelo: Healing 12:30 PM

Arianne Miller: Special Intentions, Edgardo Magpantay†, Constante Del Castillo†

Monday, May 25, 2020

8:30 AM Cimatu & Soriano Families, Concepcion Sotelo: Healing, Jose Luis Moreno: Healing

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

8:30 AM Cheryl Morten: Healing, Vincent Sotelo: Healing, Adolpes Lages: Healing

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

8:30 AM Modesta Espiritu†, Michael Moreno: Helaing, Angie Stockwell: Healing

Thursday, May 28, 2020

8:30AM Ruben Juarez†,Barbara Moreno: Healing, Romeo Vilafranca: Healing

Friday, May 29, 2020

8:30 AM Henrietta Martinez: Healing, Francisco Sanchez: Healing, Domenic Rizzi: Healing

Saturday, May 30, 2020

8:30 AM Ernestina Placencio: Healing, Ricardo Gutierrez†, Arianna Morales: Healing

5:00 PM Patrick Yiu† Georgiana Auyeung: Healing, Aletha Bailey: Healing Sunday, May 31, 2020

7:30 AM Peter Phan†, Vincent Sotelo†, Jose Luis Moreno: Healing,

9:00 AM Arianne Miller: Special Intentions, Constante Del Castillo†, Lupe Malacate†

10:45 AM Jennifer Wong†, Vincent Sotelo†, Edgardo Magpantay† 12:30 PM Carmel ONeill†, Pat Tamasulo†, Felipe Martinez: Healing