Ministries and Organizations

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, a water’s edge Catholic Community, are enriched by the presence of a diverse resident population, as well as summer visitors. As a community based on the Word and the Eucharist, we are empowered by the words “to love one another” and embrace the opportunity to comfort and nurture those in need. Dedicated to ongoing evangelization, we value the individual’s call to Discipleship. We are a spiritual community committed to being a “Beacon on the Beach.” We invite all to join us. ADULT FAITH ENRICHMENT & RCIA… Deacon Leonard Long… 266-2123 ALTAR ANGELS Anne Grove… 266-2559 ALTAR SERVERS Fr. Alfred & Deacon Len Long… 266-2123 BAPTISMAL PREP TEAM Kira Amalfitano… 266-2123 CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS (MEETS 1ST WED. OF MONTH) Joanne Messick… 266-3829 CHILDRENS’ LITURGY OF THE WORD Monica Eafrati… 264-0992 CHOIR – ADULT & CHILDREN Mary Jane Kelso… 266-2123 EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Laurel Haeser… 266-3026 FUNERAL MINISTRY Gerry Kilroy… 266-8127 GREETERS Roseann DiMaggio… 266-3573 HEARTS THAT HEAL (A BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP) Marion Hak … 266-4649 Kathe Murray … 266-8603 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS (MEETS 1ST TUES. OF MONTH) Rich Calareso… 774-4809 LECTORS Betsy Nyman… 266-2442 LITTLE CATHOLIC SHOP Kathleen Zuber… 266-7949 LITURGICAL DECORATING COMMITTEE Mary Jane Kelso… 266-2123 MARTHA’S HELPERS (1ST & 3RD THURSDAY MORNINGS) Anne Grove… 266-4454 PHOTOGRAPHY Don… 266-2123 PRAYER GROUPS: BIBLE DISCOVERY, Barbara Ackerman… 266-2123 JOURNEY THRU THE BIBLE, Jeanne Stretch… 266-0894 SCRIPTURE STUDY, Mary Accordino… 266-4742 PRAYER NETWORK MINISTRY Barbara DuBois… 266-7088 PUBLICITY Lynne Flanagan… 266- 1088 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – CCD Mondays 4:30 – 5:45PM Sheila Daily… 266-2123 SCRIBE MINISTRY Dolores Morello…. 266-8360 SOCIAL EVENTS Paula DiMaggio & Mike Brindisi… 266-9317 ST. DISMAS MINISTRY Damon & Trudy Galmin… 266-2123 ST. JOSEPH’S WORKERS Joseph Gross… 266-2651 STITCH IN TIME Delores Morello… 266-8360

USHERS Joe Maiorano… 266-2123 YOUTH MINISTRY, JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH: Fr. Alfred, Deacon Long, Bobbi DeLucry, Mike Brindisi... 266-2123

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Fr. William Vandegrift, Pastor Damon Galmin (Trustee) Rob Smith (Trustee) Anthony DiMaggio Edward Mong John Murray

PASTORAL COUNCIL Fr. William Vandegrift Fr. Alfred Mungujakisa Deacon Lenny Long Rita Pagoulatos, Chairperson Frank Burbridge Anne Cwiklinski Rick DeLucry Monica Eafrati Jim Levins Patty Mohnack

The Little Catholic Shop… is located in the Parish Center next to the Church in Meeting Room A. Mass cards are available for purchase. Gifts for Baptism, Baby Showers, First Communion, Confirmation and special occasions are available. Hours are: Sunday, 8:30 AM to 12:30PM.

Altar Flowers – Can be purchased for $50. In memory of your loved ones. We will publish your name and the name(s) of your loved ones in the bulletin the week the arrangement is on the altar. Please stop by the Parish Center to see what dates are available.

Electronic Giving is Available!!

Sign up online from the St. Thomas Web Site www.stthomasbrigantine.org

To strengthen stewardship at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, we ask that you prayerfully consider utilizing a new and easier way to support our parish... eGiving.

Please Pray for Those That Have Gone to Their Eternal Rest: John Keeley

Altar Flowers this Week are in Memory of: Abbot Francis Kline by Mom & Dad

Change in Saturday Morning Mass Schedule There is a change in the Saturday morning Mass schedule from December 29th, until and including February 16th. The 8:30AM Mass is cancelled. There will, however, be

a Communion Prayer Service with a Eucharistic Minister at that time.

Parish Support Sunday, December 9th $ 6,967.00 Second Collection* - $741.00 Diocesan Collection - $1,322.00 *Please note, the 2nd collection is to help defray our school subsidy of $84,000. Thank you for your support. We appreciate your generosity. Let us pray for all our sick, may they receive the healing touch of Our Lord: Jeffrey Geisler, Bill Haeser Sr, Iris Pizio, Sue Lenahan, John Siemietkowski, Tom Bordonaro, Walter Biedron, Michele Millar, Albert Snyder, Sally Davenport, Vincent Furlano, Marie Biscardi, Terry Szczepanski, Carmella Gentile, Rosalie B. Lieberman, Jennifer Fazio, Helen Scull, Annmarie Capone, John Caruso, Conrad & Rosemary Bryan, Michael Accetta, Linda Spadano, Thomas Holmes, Jr., Kristin Noble, Rose Milewski, Nicholas Crosson, Ellen Boyle, Rev. Fred Voltaggio, Teresa Ambron, Sabrina Remy, Jim Frugoli,Sr., Charles J. Holl, Jr., Madeline Ciabattoni, Mary Ann Burns, Anna Victoria Balaguera, Baby Leland Thomas, Tyler Daily, Jean Weis, Ginny Fink, Baby Jayden Trujillo, Brendan McCulligan, Bette McAnany-Whitman, Teria Chernak, George Kendrick, Marie Coates, Lucille Rinaldi, Emily Liss, Art Klein, Paul Lockett, Angelo Coia

Regarding the list of our sick….. Please call the Parish Center at 266-2123, with the name of the person in need of prayer. The names will be published in the bulletin each Sunday and will be updated every three months.

Please remember to keep the members of our Armed Forces in your prayers: Michael Gaydos, SPC. Tyler Witchley, Army,

SPC Richard Kauffmann Jr., Lance Cpl. Paul Thomas Garraty, Sr. Airman USA, John C. Presner, 1st Lt. Jg. Andrew G. Kerr USS. Georgia, SSG Teresa DeMuro, AF – Japan, PFC Michael Staunton Army – Ft. Leonard Wood, 1st Lt. Matt Valnoski, Ft. Riley, Kansas, Matthew Krimm, Army, Iraq, Michael Krimm Army, Medic Texas, Sgt. Kevin Cassano, Sgt. Michael Peterson US. Army, Washington State, PFC. Michael Spinogatti, Army, Afganistan, Lt. Colonel (Marines) Eric DiFrancesco – Afghanistan, St. Sgt. Lyle Voisey Army Infantry, Ft. Drum, NY, Capt. Scott Crosky, Air Force, Middle East, John C. Presner, Sr. Air Force Airman Please Note: To include a person serving in the Armed Forces on the prayer list, please call the Parish Center at 266–2123. Provide the name of the person serving in the Armed Forces, their rank and place of service.

Mass Intentions Third Sunday of Advent

Saturday, December 15 8:30AM 4:00PM

Robert Fawley by Michael & Debi Ples Sarah Benitto by Mary Fox (1st Anniv.) Deceased Members of Maria Culmone Family by Maria Anthony LeDonne by Wife, Angela

Sunday, December 16 8:00AM 9:30AM 11:00AM

Darlene Re-David by Susanne & Al Joseph Leonetti by Dante & Louise Paoloca Angela M. Favazza by the Smaldore Family Charles Palmisano by Joe & Anne Migatz Deceased Members of Stella Family by Michael Stella Rose Blood by the Blood Family

Monday, December 17 8:30AM Eric Van Sciver by the Staunton Family Tuesday, December 18 6:45AM Roseanne White by Joe & Anne Migatz Wednesday, December 19 8:30AM Avitine Coffey by Coffey Family Thursday, December 20 6:45AM John Litton by Coffey & Litton Family Friday, December 21 8:30AM Abbott Francis Kline by Mom & Dad Saturday, December 22 8:30AM 4:00PM

John F. Coffey by Coffey Family John Wahl by Mother DuBois Family by Barbara DuBois Rev. Norbert Walker by Noreen

Sunday, December 23 8:00AM 9:30AM 11:00AM

Patrick Bartucci by Parents Joseph Kelso, Sr. by Joe & MJ. Kelso James Maguire by Wife Virginia Smith by Thomas Cumbo Dominic DiGiacomo by Family Carmen Castagna by Family

This Week… Sun. Dec. 16 Baptisms 12:00PM Mon. Dec 17 Parish Penance Service

CCD Classes 4:30PM Parish 7:00PM

Sat. Dec.22 Confessions, 2:45 PM

Monday, Dec. 17 Advent Penance Service 4:30 & 7PM Monday, Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Party

Advent Penance Service The Advent Penance Service is scheduled for Monday, December 17, at 4:30PM for the CCD students. There is an evening Penance Service for the rest of our Parishioners at 7:00PM. Several priests will be available for confessions. You are encouraged to participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Little Blue Prayer Books for Advent 2012-2013 are located in baskets at all the doors of the Church. The prayer books are Free. The prayer book contains six minute reflections on the Sunday Gospels for your preparation for Christmas. One per family, please. The Mass Intention Book is located in the vestibule of the Church and is available for you to write your intentions. The book will be carried up to the sanctuary during the Offertory Procession of the Mass every Sunday

A Christmas Letter from the Pastor’s Desk

We have entered the most wonderful time of year again. Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. We are now more than halfway through the Season of Preparation for the coming of our Precious Lord and Saviour. One way to get fully ready is to be reconciled with God and neighbor. That opportunity will be provided in tomorrow’s Penance Service. You are encouraged to take full advantage of it. Although this year has brought a lot of joy and many blessings, these were interrupted by Hurricane Sandy. Many of our Parishioners have lost their homes and all of their possessions. Our hearts bleed for them. In lieu of this fact, we have made a decision to place the funds, usually reserved for appreciation of our dedicated volunteers, and use the funds, instead, for our brothers and sisters who are deeply hurting this Christmas. We will accomplish this through the parish St. Dismas Ministry. We greatly appreciate and depend upon the work of all of our dedicated volunteers. Our Parish would not function as smoothly as it does without the donation and generous giving of our volunteer’s time and talents throughout the year. Hopefully, in the spring, we will have an appreciation party to thank everyone. I hope that the love and peace of Christ is with you throughout this Christmas Season. On behalf of Fr. Al, Msgr. Joe, the parish staff and myself, we wish you a most blessed and joyous Christmas this year.

Fr. Bill

Liturgical Ministry Schedule Sat. / Sun. December 22-23

Lector EM 4:00PM- M. Stinson C. & J. Roth, M. Harvey,

P. Zuber, A. DiGiacomo 8:00AM- P. Mohnack D. Phillips, R. Hak-Burns,

A. Solari, A. Grove, J. Maiorano

9:30AM- T. Cumbo M. Howardell, J. D’Ascenzo, M. & M. Brindisi, J. Messick

11:00AM- T. Monahan J. Stretch, L. Flanagan, K. Zuber, F. Sucharski

Altar Servers 4:00PM- S. & E. Couval

8:00AM- R. Fabel, TJ Granahan, 9:30AM D. Shannon, D. Hannah 11:00AM N. & C. Canuso, H. Klaiss Please do not call the Parish Center

when in need of a replacement.

Christmas Mass Schedule (Holy Days of Obligation)

Monday, Dec. 24, 2012

Christmas Eve

(There is no 8:30AM Daily Mass)

4:00PM Children’s Liturgy

6:00PM Mass

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas Day

12:00AM Midnight Mass

(Christmas Carols begin at 11:45PM)

8:30AM & 11:00AM

Monday, December 31, 2012

New Year’s Eve

4:00PM

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Year’s Day

8:30AM

St. Dismas Ministry

“People Helping People (anonymously)”

Accepting Donations to Help with Hurricane Relief

The ministry is now accepting financial donations that will be used specifically to help our parishioners that have been hurt by Hurricane Sandy. Our hope is to invite the St. Thomas community to help us to become aware of those in need and to respond to those needs. Your donation will be greatly appreciated. Be assured your donation will stay within our Parish Community.

If you wish to make a donation, or have questions, please call the Parish Center at 266-2123, ext. 3. Also, if you are aware of a parishioner that needs assistance, please contact Fr. Bill or Fr. Al.

Daily Prayer The third week of Advent this year is especially full because it is essentially the last week of Advent. In these familiar readings is an invitation to us to ask again for help, perhaps especially in dealing with our fears. In many of this week's gospels an angel, a messenger from God, reassures these holy but very human members of Jesus' family over and over: “Do not be afraid.” Fear can stop us from asking God for the very help we need in our lives. In the midst of what our culture tells us should be a picture-perfect holiday season, we can step back and get in touch with our fears and ask God to help us deal with the relationships we are afraid of, the family tensions that make us apprehensive and the stress that can take us out of the spirit of Advent reflection. If we pause for just a minute, we can feel in our hearts that Jesus is saying gently to us each day: “Do not be afraid.” These very busy days can still be a time for us to focus our desires, perhaps each morning at the side of our bed, while in the shower or while going about our daily errands. We can ask God to remind us again that what we are doing in our daily lives is touched by the sacred because God is present in even the most mundane tasks. “Lord, let me place my trust in you. I get so independent and think I need to fix everything myself. Let me remember not to be afraid of so much and to ask you for the healing that my heart needs so badly. Give me the patience this week to deal with the relationships in my life that need mending and the forgiveness that I can give others and that I need so badly myself. Be with me through the darkness so that I can see the light that you bring to us and the joy with which you want to fill our hearts.” We are moving toward the end of our Advent journey. Even if we don't feel like we have “started” on Advent yet, we can begin today. We are being invited: “Do not be afraid!”

CCD Classes on Monday, December 17th , will be held at St. Thomas Church due to the fact that the children from grades 3 through 8 will be going to Penance(Confession) for Christmas. Start Time: is: 4:30 – Children may leave when finished their confession. Parents, we are requesting that you attend this service. Attendance will be taken by their teachers. First and Second grade students will have CCD as usual, 4:30 – 5:45PM in the Brigantine Elementary School.

Angels & Shepherds Needed for Children’s Christmas Mass at 4:00PM Christmas Eve. If you wish for your child to participate in the pageant, practices will be held: Tues. Dec. 18, Wed. Dec.19 & Thurs. Dec. 20 from 4:00 – 5:00PM. Thank you for your cooperation!

Food Donations – It is that time of the year once again. With the cost of heat, gas prices and necessities rising, many people cannot afford food. Parishioners can help by donating cans and non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of South Jersey. Leave items in the vestibule (back) of the Church. Tom and Manny will transport it to the Food Bank for those in need. For more information, call Tom at 609-703-2505.

Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court of Our Lady of Hope #2144 -

The CDA January meeting will be held on January 2, 2013, at 6:00PM in the Parish Hall. We will have a New Year’s Pizza Party to start the New Year. We welcome all women of St. Thomas Parish to join us on this date as our guest to see if you would like to be a part of our active charitable organization. For more information, call Helen Hagopian, at 266-3916.

RNS Mobile Mammography Unit will offer screening mammograms at the St. Thomas Church parking lot located on Brigantine Ave. and 8th St. South, on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 from 9:30AM until 2:30PM. If there are many requests for appointments, the hours will be extended. Most insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. Funds are also available to provide mammograms to those without insurance coverage. For more information or to make an appointment, call 1-800-246-2404. Announcements for the Bulletin need to be sent to our new email address no later than Monday at 10 AM. stthomasbulletin@comcast.net

Come celebrate with the St. Thomas Family!

9PM til ??? Tickets $25.00 per person

Tickets on Sale Now and going fast!!

Only a limited number of tickets are left. To purchase, please contact Paula Di Maggio at: 609-266-9317. No ticket sales after Masses.

Full buffet includes: Two Carving stations: Chateaubriand & Roast pork Dessert Coffee and Set Ups.

Music by Philly’s Infamous: “That’s Entertainment”

****Remember, it is BYOB****

Just Got Engaged? Holy Trinity Parish, Epiphany Campus,

2801 Ventnor Avenue Longport, NJ 08403, will offer a Pre Cana experience

for couples preparing for marriage. April 26, 2013 April 27, 2013

Both parties must attend! To register and for more information, please call Kathy at 609-822-7105.

-------------------------------------------------- Additional Dates Available around the Diocese:

March 15-17, 2013; June 7-9, 2013; August 9-11, 2013; November 8-10, 2013

More information may be found on the Diocese of Camden website at: www.camdendiocese.org. Choose the Family/Youth/Education section and the

submenu item for Marriage Preparation.