Announcements

SCRIPTURE SPEAKS
Each Wednesday, an explanation of the following Sunday's four lectionary readings (and how they relate to each other) is posted on the parish website. Prepare for Mass by clicking on the "Scripture Speaks" blog on the right side of the page.

STEWARDSHIP
Plate collection for January 15th $16,564
Weekly Average—January Auto Tithe $5,833
Weekly Total $22,397
Total plate collection for the fiscal year July 1,2011— January 15, 2012 is $874,634.
The total budget for the plate collection for fiscal year July 2011—June 2012 is $1,625,920. Thank you for your generosity.

GIFT SHOP
Thank You for supporting Bishop Wall's rosary fundraiser. The first fundraiser check will be sent at the end of January. Do consider a rosary for that special gift. The "Catholicism" video, beautiful Vatican book and "Fatherless" has been restocked. Please consider reading the "Fatherless" trilogy. Missals have been restocked. Institute books are on hand. "The Boy who met Jesus" by Immaculée is on the shelf. Lots of wonderful things happening! Enjoy the last days of January and the first days of February. Blessings!

CHILDREN’S CATECHESIS
Wednesday Night Catechism Classes have resumed. Kindergarten students are learning about Saints and practicing reverence during prayer. 4th graders are getting practice with finding scripture verses in the Bible. Catechists have noted students’ thirst for truth demonstrated by an eagerness to read Sacred Scripture. 5th and 6th grade students had a lively discussion on the Sacraments of Initiation. Mark your calendars, JULY 9th – 13th Summer Bible Camp! This year’s theme is Vatican Express. Junior high and high school students and adults interested in volunteering, please contact Lani Bogart in the Parish Office.

MUSIC MINISTRY
The STA Choir is looking for new members. Currently, they are working on music for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. If you have experience singing and would like to join a music ministry focused on refined music that is at the service of the Mass, please contact Greg Hebert at ghebert@staphx.org for details. Rehearsals are in the church on Tuesday nights from 6:30pm - 8pm.

Jr. STAT
We have a very special night this week! Fr. Vietor will be joining us as our special guest. It will be great to have a priest's perspective. You don't want to miss this night!

STAT
Join us this Monday as we take a deeper look into the examination of conscience. We will meet from 7-8:30. Tuesday we will meet from 6-8 PM for pizza and Frisbee. Please bring a donation if you plan to eat pizza.

STA DAD’S BREAKFAST
Come celebrate Catholic Schools Week by joining us for a delicious hot country breakfast with special menu items, music, raffles and more. Open from 8:00am to 11:00am and at $12 per family or $5 per adult, $3 per child, it’s the best deal in town!

STA SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE/TOUR
Beginning this month St. Thomas the Apostle School will be accepting prospective new student applications for the 2012-2013 year. Applications are available on the STA website www.staphx.org . Please contact Mrs. Mason at (602) 954-9088, Monday-Thursday with questions.

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE MEN'S BIBLE STUDY is a fellowship of men devoted to studying scripture together in order to become 'men after God's own heart.' The group meets every Friday from 7AM to 8 AM in the St. Raphael Room on the campus of St. Thomas the Apostle. The fellowship is open to all men who desire to deepen their relationship with the Lord. Newcomers are always welcome. We are currently studying the life of King David. For more information contact Gary Somers at gary.somers@gmail.com.

SPRING STAMPEDE CARVIVAL SAVE THE DATE—Saturday, March 3, 2012. The Spring Stampede will have new rides, games, prizes and treats for everyone! Trinkets and Treasures...We are bringing back the Country Market of yesteryear! Donations needed: high quality of new or gently used items to sell (cratfy items, home decor, baby items and holiday decorations). Dates for donation drop off are Feb 9-10 and Feb 23- 24 in front of school. For more information, contact Kim Kunasek 602-574-1757 or Renee Bioletto 602-908-8555. Also in our Country Market, reasonably priced rental space available for you savvy vendors looking for an opportunity to showcase your talent and special treasures. Contact Kim Kunasek (kimkunasek@gmail.com) for an application. Hurry! Space is limited.

MEALS FOR MOMS If you are expecting a baby and would like help with meals or would like to volunteer to make meals for new moms, contact Emily Hamra (emilyhamra@yahoo.com) two months in advance.

DIOCESAN MEN’S CONFERENCE Catholic Men from St. Thomas the Apostle! Bishop Olmsted invites you to a world class Roman Catholic experience, Saturday February 25, 2012 from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. at Grand Canyon University Sports Arena. The day includes 4 speakers, Lunch, Benediction & closing Liturgy. In 2012 commit to being the best Catholic man in your house. (We offer a money back guarantee) If your not 100% satisfied we'll give you your money back. Call Mike Clancy for a 1$0.00 discount. 602 909.9966 or CMFP.org.

NUN—RUN The Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration are proud to announce the 3rd Annual Nun Run on Saturday, March 10, 2012 in Tempe, AZ. For registration and fundraising info visit: www.desertnuns.com

[ Announcements ]