Address: 813 Carey Avenue, Ruston, Louisiana 71270 Phone: 318.255.2870 Fax: 318.254.8319 Email: stacbulletin@suddenlinkmail.com Website: www.stthomasaquinasruston.com www.stac-acts.com

Masses Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Vigil Sunday: 9:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Spanish Mass 7:00 p.m. (Sept. thru May) Tuesday 7:30 a.m. Wednesday 9:00 p.m. (Sept. thru May) Thursday: 7:30 a.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m.

Clergy Pastor Father Tony Posadas, OFM

Deacons

John Serio Oscar Hannibal Robert Ransom Bro. Mike Ward, OFM

Office Manager Michelle McCumber 255.2870

Religious Education Director Elise Reis 548.6253

Campus Minister Rev. Br. Michael Ward, OFM 251.0793

Youth and Facilities Director Randall Gorman 224.7007

Parish Councils

Pastoral Council: Catherine Letendre, Pres. Finance Council: Wynn Rogers, Chairman

St. Vincent de Paul Society 255.8090

BAPTISM: Please call the Church Office to schedule.

MARRIAGE: Please call Church Office SIX MONTHS in advance

to schedule.

PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: Please call the Church Office about the homebound, ill,

or hospitalized, to add their name to the prayer list and to request Communion or Anointing of the Sick.

RECONCILIATION: 3:30 - 4:30 pm Saturday 12:00 - 1:00 pm Sunday

RCIA: Classes meet on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., September to April. Please contact Deacon John Serio or the Church Office for any questions.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and

Student Center

MISSION STATEMENT

We, as members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community of faith in the Diocese of Shreveport, affirm our mission to

5th Sunday of Lent

Fifth Sunday of Lent ~ April 7, 2019

Financial Stewardship

For the Week ending March 31, 2019 Collection Budget

General Funds $ 6,416.00 $9,019.00 Catholic Life Center $ 215.00

As always, we thank our parishioners and visitors

for their generosity!!!

This Week’s Schedule

Saturday, April 6 4:00 pm Choir practice 3:30 - 4:30 Reconciliation 5:00 pm Vigil Mass

Sunday, April 7 9:30 am Mass 10:45 am PSR 12:30-1:30 Reconciliation 1:30 pm Spanish Mass Monday, April 8 9:00 - 2:00 pm Church Office Open 7:00 pm Chaplet of Divine Mercy Tuesday, April 9 9:00 - 2:00 pm Church Office Open 7:30 am Mass Chapel Wednesday, April 10 9:00 - 2:00 pm Church Office Open 5:30 - 6:00 pm Children’s Choir 6:00 pm Choir Practice 7:00 pm Spanish Adult Ed Thursday, April 11 9:00 - 2:00 pm Church Office Open 7:30 am Mass Chapel 6:30 pm RCIA St. Thomas Bldg. Friday, April 12 12:00 pm Mass Church 6:00 pm Stations of the Cross

Mass Intentions

New Parishioners

Welcome to St. Thomas! If you are a new family or parishioner and have not registered with the Parish Office, please fill out a new membership form in the back of the church. New parishioners, or any parishioner wishing to become more involved in St. Thomas Aquinas, can fill out the “Welcome” card located in the pew.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/stthomasruston

Find us on the Web: www.stthomasaquinasruston.com Instagram stthomasaquinasruston

SAT 04/06 5:00 pm Mass

Luke LaFleur (The Vidrines)

SUN 04/07 9:30 am Mass

†Barbara Lauer (A Grateful Parishioner)

TUES 04/09 7:30 am Mass †Bill Taylor (Diane Taylor)

Please pray for the needs of the following relatives and friends of our Parish Family:

Anna Bleich, Matt Branch, Abby Bray, Charlie Bourgeois, Terry Bromell, Jim Broyles, Clarence and Pete Bullock, Sr., Becky Carswell, Tony Clark, Jill Denys, Kandy Easley, June Finnorn, Bob French, Lori French, Maria French, Emmely Gay, Barbara Green, William Green, Charlain Hanna, Bernice Harrison, Ann Hebert, Eleanor Jakiela, Magnolia Johnson, Herman Manuel, Ann McAdams, Tobie McKown, Ken Martinez, Kelly Morgan, Cynthia Murry, Ann Marie Roberts, Pearline Robey, Mary Russo, Gloria Saldana, Gin-ger Schanks, Barbara Schneider, Leta Serio, Car-melite Smith, Holly Hollis Star, Marguerite Swan-non, Joanne Thompson, Robin Thrasher, Toni Troiano, Donna Venters

Our Petitions

GOD’S ACTIONS NOW When Jews celebrate the Passover, they always tell the story of the Exodus in present terms, as if they themselves expe-rienced those events: when we were prisoners in Egypt; when God brought us out of slavery and through the waters of the sea. We would do well to follow their example and see the works of Jesus and his sacrifice as being in the present, as happening to us now. We believe that Christ’s work, his teachings, and his sacri-fice on the cross were not just for his followers in the past, but for all people at all times. When we think of this in our prayers, we become one in faith with that great cloud of witnesses, the saints. We have been striving through Lent to repent of our sins and failings, and to follow Jesus more closely. Today in the sto-ry of the woman caught in adultery, we see Jesus forgiving the woman, saving her from a horrible death, and urging her not to sin any more. This is new, and brings out something for which the law had not allowed—forgiveness. Of course one can sin no more if one is dead, caught in one’s sins forever. But Jesus intro-duces the concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

April 7, 2019

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — See, I am doing something new! (Isaiah 43:16-21) or Ezekiel 37:12-14. Psalm — The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy (Psalm 126) or Psalm 130. Second Reading — I have been taken possession of by Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:8-14) or Romans 8:8-11. Gospel — Go, and from now on do not sin any more (John 8:1-11) or John 11:1-45 [3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45]. The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41c-62]; Ps 23:1-6; Jn 8:12-20 Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9: Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-13; Jn 11:45-56 Sunday: Lk 19:28-40 (procession); Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Lk 22:14 — 23:56 [23:1-49]

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Next weekend, many churches provide palms to be carried in the opening moments of the liturgy, as we gratefully recall Jesus’ entry into the holy city of Jerusalem. The children who greeted him on that day used what was both handy and tradi-tional, since palms were carried to inaugurate the joyful harvest feast of Succoth. To this day, faithful Jews are directed to take a beautiful palm branch, green and straight as possible, called a lulav, and bind it with three myrtle branches fifteen inches long, and two longer willow branches. At the end of the temple ser-vice, everyone carries the lulav, circling the sanctuary in a dance called the Hoshanot, singing hymns of joy. In other climates, Jews and Christians alike have had to make accommodations over the years. In Italy, everyone carries olive branches today, often brought from their own garden. In England, forsythia branches are preferred, a relative of the olive, sign of peace. Germans prefer pussywillows, and others look for flowering spring branches. In our part of the world, what do you think would be the best choice to express joy and welcome, and to remind us of the joy of Christ’s victory even as we pre-pare to commemorate his passion? —James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Fifth Sunday of Lent; Third Scrutiny Thursday: St. Stanislaus Friday: Abstinence Saturday: St. Martin I

SURE CURE The only cure for sorrow is to kill it with patience. —Irish Proverb

BEST INVENTIONS I am proud of the fact that I never invented weapons to kill. —Thomas Edison

ANNIVERSARY OF Fr. BLANE’S DEATH March 28 was the second anniversary of Fr. Blane’s death. At the suggestion of parishioner Michael Adamson, he, Fr. Tony, and Br. Mike visited Fr. Blane’s gravesite and paid their respects.

Ministry Schedule

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is the model of compassion and kindness. He shows us how to be merciful and non-judgmental. When we give to the poor, God indeed pours his love, peace and mercy into our hearts and into the hearts of those suffering in poverty. We have families in need of household items, bunk beds, washer and electric dryer, please call 255-8090. Thank you!

St. Vincent de Paul

Saturday April 6th 5:00 pm

Sunday April 7th 9:30 am

Saturday April 13th 5:00 pm

Sunday April 14th 9:30 am

Eucharistic Ministers

1. Pedro DeRosa 1. Ed Jacobs 1. George Trevison 1. Carol Mercier

2. Deacon 2. Deacon 2. Deacon 2. Deacon

3. John Gass 3. Emily Chartier 3. Carmen Trevison 3. Mary Carol Vidrine

4. Mary Ghongkedze 5. Karen Jacobs

4. Gary Kennedy 5. Selene Kennedy

Lector Bre Ausbon Samantha Groce Marina Bishop Tom Garza

Ushers Carmelite Manlutac Barbara Lewis Carmelite Manlutac Yolanda Daniel

Slade Richard Billy Lewis Arthur Trevison Frank Cordaro

Altar Servers

Camila DeRosa Eli Watson Emma Moore Ruben Soto

Dawson Szymanski Owen Watson Josie Bishop Melissa Hernandez

Wade Watson

Wednesday Lunch Bakers

The Wednesday Lunch bakers for April 10 are:

Diana Venters, Beth Buske, Ken Carter, Mary Carol

Vidrine, Selene Kennedy, and Tyrette Cowan

Please bring your dessert to the Student Center by 11:00 a.m.

If there is a conflict, please contact Diana May at dianamay@centrury or 768-2333.

Holy Week Schedule

Sunday April 14th Parish Picnic

11:30 am

Holy Thursday April 18th 6:00 pm

Good Friday April 19th 6:00 pm

Easter Vigil April 20th 8:00 pm

Eucharistic Ministers

1. Father Tony 1. John Buske 1. KarenJacobs 1. Carol Mercier

2. Deacon 2. Deacon 2. Deacon 2. Deacon

3. John Ryan Serio 3. Slade Richard 3. Carmen Trevison

4. George Trevison 5. Pedro Derosa

Lector Bill McCumber Dolliann Hurtig Ed Jacobs John Allen, Marina Bishop, Bre Ausbun, and Kachi Indigo

Ushers Carmelite Manlutac Frank Cordaro Yolanda Daniel

Benjamin Grafton Maureen Hinton Arthur Trevison

Altar Servers

Jonah McCumber Cedric Serio Frank Reger Carmen Bishop, Josie Bishop, and

Samantha McCumber Kevin Serio Sophie Mariano Camila Derosa

Selected at one of the “Top 50 Catholic Campus Ministries Pro-grams” in the Unite States.

www.stac-acts.com

THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

Hola amigos!, Today (or tomorrow depending on when your reading this) is the ACTS Guatemala Mission Pan-cake Breakfast! I look forward to seeing all who bought tickets Sunday Morning. Also thank you to Mark, Caitlin, and Jody for leading and all who helped with ACTS’ Live Stations of the Cross on Friday. Y’all are awesome!

Have a great week ~A :)

DOLLAR LUNCH

See you at Dollar Lunch on Wednesday, April 3, from 11:30 am to 1 pm.

WE NEED LITURGICAL MINISTERS

The 7 pm student Mass is looking for lectors, ushers, Eucharistic ministers, and altar servers. The more that help out the better. Contact us at

the back of church after Mass.

Monday: Big Leadership Team 7pm, SOAR 6pm Tuesday: Adoration 5 pm Wednesday: Dollar Lunch 11:30 am

Thursday: Bible Study 7:30 pm Friday: Stations of the Cross 6 pm Saturday: Social 7pm Sunday: 7 pm College Mass

ACTSTIVITES FOR THE WEEK

“As the father has sent me, now

I send YOU!”

2018-19 Theme

LIVE STATIONS

Thanks to all those who participated in the ACTS “Live Sta-tions of the Cross.” This prayer was composed by St. Pope

John Paul II and first prayed in the Coliseum!

SPRING RETREAT

The 2019 Spring Retreat had a record number of attendees this year at 67. The weekend turned out to be beautiful in many ways. Even the

weather cooperated this year! Thanks again to Madelyn McKnight and Camille LeBlanc for orchestrating a 20 member team that has been

working for nearly 4 months!

MAN TO MAN

ACTS is looking for men in their twenties and thirties to help us begin a “Man to Man” night with the young men of ACTS. The point is to assist our college students with the insights and life lessons y’all have to offer. Please contact Br. Mike at acts.latech.edu@gmail.com to help us out!

CONGRATULATIONS BRENDAN!

Congratulations to Brendon Doran who successfully defended his thesis last week. The title of his work was “Surface Engineering Solutions for Two-Phase Immersion Cooling of Electronics.” It was on modi-fying heat sinks to be better at conducting heat through boiling. A really hot topic indeed!

THANKS ELISE AND ALLIE

Thank you to Elise Reis and Allie DeLeo who helped out with the first ACTS “Woman to Woman” night. The girls learned about make-up tips and had a chance to talk about woman things in the process! If you are a young woman in your 20’s or 30’s and would like to be a part of this “new” program. Please con-tact Br. Mike at

GUATEMALA BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER

PSR (Parish School of Religion)

Lent Schedule at a Glance

April 6 Confirmation Class Retreat 9am – 2pm April 7 5th Sunday of Lent PSR Classes Meet FILLED EASTER EGGS ARE DUE! April 14 Palm Sunday - No PSR Parish Picnic at Lincoln Parish Park April 15-20 HOLY WEEK Rice bowls are due to the PSR office or

at the back of the church April 18 PSR Honor for Graduates at 9:30 Mass Reception to follow hosted by the Wom-

en’s Guild April 21 NO PSR - EASTER SUNDAY April 27 ROAR VBS Planning Meeting in the

AV room at 3:00

First Communion

First Communion (2nd grade) Retreat Banners Students will receive banner craft kits on Sunday, April 7th. These will be used to mark the pews for the student and his or her family during the Mass for First Communion on May 5th. The completed banners are due back to the PSR office no later than Sunday, April 28th. Parent Meeting Parents, please make plans to attend the First Communion parent meeting on Sunday, April 28th at 10:45 am. The meeting will be held in the church during PSR. We will discuss the Mass, photography, and the reception.

First Communion (Martin Aviles Class)

Choral Practices The children will practice after the parent meeting on Sunday, April 7th (during PSR) Retreat Banners Students will receive banner craft kits on Sunday, April 7th. These will be used to mark the pews for the student and his or her family during the Mass for First Com-munion on May 4th. The completed banners are due back to the PSR office no later than Sunday, April 28th. Pictures Photography is scheduled prior to the Mass. Please arrive at 3:45 pm to have your child`s pictures taken. Discs will be provided free of charge and will be ready for pickup within two weeks. Reception Families are asked to help decorate tables and provide various foods for a small reception following the Mass. The reception will be held in the Joe and Roger Luffey Catholic Life Center at 6 pm. Students will receive of-ficial certificates, candles, and gifts at the reception. Parent Meeting The next parent meeting will be Sunday, April 7th at 10:45 am. The meeting will be held in the church during PSR.

Children’s Choir

April 10 5:30-6:00 St. Thomas

April 14 11:30-12:30 Lincoln Parish Park The children will sing at the 11:30 am Mass on Palm

Sunday

Veterans Support Group

The Family Counseling Center would like to start a Military Veterans Support here at St. Thomas. This group will be open to all military veterans and is mod-erated by a licensed counselor.

If you would like to participate please call 318-247-8409, or cell # 318-497-3424.

Happy Birthday!

Warmest Wishes for a Very Happy Birthday! April 2019

Harris Perot April 4

Bill Schodlatz April 4 Hanna-Claire Bryan April 14 Collin Jach April 14 Scott Jach April 15 Paige Denny April 18 Carol Mercier April 27

Parish Meetings

Parish/Pastoral Council

Pastoral Council meets the first Thursday of the month (except for the month of July). The next meeting is : Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 at 5:30pm in the Luffey Catholic Life Center Youth Room.

Liturgy Committee

Liturgy Committee meetings are held on the 2nd Wednes-day of the month at 7:00 in the St. Vincent de Paul Confer-ence Room of the Luffey Catholic Life Center. The next meeting is: April 10, 2019

Welcome Committee

Welcome Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month except in April as that is Holy Week so we postponed until 21 May; 5:30-6:30p.m.

Finance Council

Finance Council meets quarterly with Pastor and other times during the year as needed

Women’s Guild

The Women’s Guild meets in the Joe and Roger Luffey Catholic Life Center, at noon, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from September to May. Lunch is served for a $5.00 donation, and a babysitter is provided for mothers with young children.

Men’s Club

The Men's Club meetings are every third Monday of the month. The next meeting is : Monday, April 22, 2019 at 6:30pm in the Luffey Catholic Life Center.

Parish Picnic

Annual St. Thomas Parish Picnic Lincoln Parish Park, Sunday, April 14, 2019 begin-

ning with Mass at 11:30 am in the park Fr. Tony will say Mass at Lincoln Parish Park begin-ning at 11:30 am with the picnic to follow. Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. at the church as well. We will begin serving lunch at 12:45. The Church will provide the entrée (grilled chicken and/or hamburgers) and ACTS will provide the drinks. We ask parishion-ers to furnish the following: Last Names Beginning with:

A - H = vegetable J - Q = dessert R - Z = salad An Easter Egg Hunt will take place following lunch for children in Grades 3 and below. Those attending the picnic will NOT have to pay the entrance fee to the park. Tell the gate attendant that you are there attending the St. Thomas Parish Picnic.

Job Opening

Diocese of Shreveport is seeking an Editor of Publications. A well-qualified candidate will have experience with planning, assigning stories, editing, typesetting, laying out content for Church publications and facilitating the distribution of these pub-lications. Also, serves as a diocesan reporter and photographer. Responsible to assist in the work of the Development Depart-ment and public relations as well as manage websites and social media for the Diocese. We are looking for a person with 5+ years experience and who is creative, excellent writing and editing skills, well organized, ex-cellent with time management, knowledge of the Church, and enjoys this type of work.

Please forward your resume and references to: Diocese of Shreveport

Attn: HR Dept. 3500 Fairfield Ave

Shreveport, LA 71104 May also apply on indeed.com