Saint Thomas the Apostle has decided to no longer serve or allow alcohol on its premises. This policy change is motivated by a number of factors: the evolving cultural and legal landscape around alcohol use, the increased risks it poses to both attendees and the parish community, and the practical challenges of fully complying with diocesan policies, state regulations, and insurance requirements.
Our parish recognizes that times have changed. The once-common practice of serving alcohol at family and parish gatherings now carries significant social and legal implications. Drunk driving laws, potential liability issues, and heightened community expectations all demand a more careful approach.
Beyond these societal changes, hosting events with alcohol entails considerable administrative hurdles. Diocesan guidelines, state laws, and insurance procedures require extensive documentation, special permits, and additional fees—all of which place a substantial burden on both parish staff and event organizers. While these steps are designed to mitigate liability, they also make it increasingly difficult to host alcohol-inclusive gatherings without exposing the parish, its ministries, and our diocese to undue risk.
By adopting a no-alcohol policy, Saint Thomas the Apostle hopes to create a safer environment for everyone who comes to worship and participate in parish life.
St. Blaise Throat Blessing after all Masses on…
February 1 and 2, 2025, by Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
Saturday, February 3, is the Feast of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr. St. Blaise was the bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, martyred in 316 AD. The earliest accounts tell us that Blaise was a physician in Sebaste before becoming bishop. During the 4th-century persecution under Licinius, St. Blaise was imprisoned. After enduring various forms of torture, he was beheaded.
The most popular story associated with St. Blaise took place while he was in prison, where he cured a young boy who was choking to death on a fishbone lodged in his throat. This tale, along with St. Blaise's background as a doctor, contributed to his renowned role as an intercessor for throat ailments.
The veneration of this Eastern saint spread to Europe early on, making Blaise one of the most revered saints of the Middle Ages. Countless churches and altars were dedicated to him.
On the feast day, the blessing of St. Blaise will be given in the Church Sanctuary after all Masses on Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2.
The blessing of the throat is performed with two white taper candles that were blessed during Mass on February 1 and 2, which is the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas Day). The white color of the candles represents purity, while a red ribbon tied around the base signifies the martyrdom of St. Blaise. The candles are held in an X-shape and positioned close to the throat of the person receiving the blessing: “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Last weekend Fr. Julian spoke to everyone about the annual Bishop's Appeal for Ministries. He explained to us why this appeal is so important and asked for your help. This weekend he will ask for your help by making a gift.
There are several easy ways to make a gift. Every registered family should receive a letter from Bishop Beckman inviting them to make a gift. You can bring your completed pledge cards to any of the February 1 and 2 weekend Masses and the parish will collect them and forward them to the Diocese. Simply fill out the pledge card. Gifts may be made in monthly installments from March to December or gifts may be one-time donations. The pledge card will include options that range from making your gift via credit card, check, electronic withdrawal directly from your checking or savings account or online at https://dioknox.org/give-to-the-bishops-appeal.
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El fin de semana pasado, el P. Julián habló a todos sobre el Llamamiento anual del Obispo para los Ministerios. Nos explicó por qué este llamamiento es tan importante y pidió vuestra ayuda. Este fin de semana les pedirá su ayuda haciendo un donativo.
Hay varias maneras fáciles de hacer un donativo. Cada familia registrada debe recibir una carta del Obispo Beckman invitándoles a hacer un regalo. Usted puede traer sus tarjetas de promesa completadas a cualquiera de las misas del fin de semana y la parroquia las recogerá y las enviará a la Diócesis. Simplemente llene la tarjeta de promesa. Las donaciones pueden hacerse en cuotas mensuales de marzo a diciembre o pueden ser donaciones únicas. La tarjeta de compromiso incluirá opciones que van desde hacer su regalo a través de tarjeta de crédito, cheque, retiro electrónico directamente de su cuenta corriente o de ahorros o en línea en https://dioknox.org/donar-a-la-colecta-del-obispo
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
(January 26 through February 1)
The Diocese of Knoxville offers excellence in education. Its 10 Cognia-accredited Catholic private schools are in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Johnson City, and Oak Ridge. We are committed to providing supportive learning environments rooted in the love of Christ for our children. Our parochial school system offers pre-K, K-8, and high school education.
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La Diócesis de Knoxville ofrece excelencia en la educación con 10 escuelas privadas católicas acreditadas por Cognia ubicadas en Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Johnson City y Oak Ridge. Estamos comprometidos a proporcionar entornos de aprendizaje de apoyo para nuestros hijos arraigados en el amor de Cristo. Nuestro sistema de escuelas parroquiales ofrece educación preescolar, K-8 y secundaria.
Proceeds are used to support three diocese seminarians -- Abraham Da Silva and two more to be named. Your continued generosity and prayers for these men are greatly appreciated!
Father Julian invites you to join him on a pilgrimage to trace the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece. The Pilgrimage is September 23 – October 2, 2025, departing from Knoxville, TN. Should you have any questions, contact either Fr. Julian or Jim Gecsei at 865-803-3555. This is an opportunity to experience what we read in the Bible. Download the brochure for more information.
The Council of Catholic Women invites all women to our February Meeting!!
Monday, February 17, 2025
Deacon Jose Room
Gathering at 9:15 AM
Speaker at 9:30 AM
Topic: Catholic Social Teachings
Guest Speaker: Deacon Jack Conrad
Come hear our very own Deacon Jack Conrad speak on Catholic Social Teachings. It is one of the best-kept secrets of our Catholic Social Teachings. Yet they are foundational of all the Church stands for.
Come and learn or relearn the history and key teachings of our faith. Bring a friend!
LENTEN MEN’S RETREAT
SPONSORED BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
WE APOLOGIZE, BUT THIS RETREAT IS CANCELED DUE TO UNFORESEEN FACILITY ISSUES AT CHRIST PRINT OF PEACE RETREAT CENTER.
SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH
PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP
Clases de Biblia
6:00 - 8:00 PM
"Toda la Escritura está inspirada por Dios y es útil para enseñar, para reprender, para corregir y para instruir en la justicia" 2 Timoteo 3:16
SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH
FAITH FORMATION NEWS
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
See you in class on Sunday, February 2!
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¡Nos vemos en clase el domingo 2 de febrero!
Life Teen group meets this week on Wednesday, February 5, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM downstairs in the Youth Room.
Edge resumes on Thursday, February 6, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Parish Life Family Center, Social Hall.
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El grupo Life Teen se reúne esta semana el miércoles 5 de febrero, de 7:00 a 8:30 p. m. en la planta baja en la sala juvenil.
Edge se reanuda el jueves 6 de febrero, de 7:00 a 8:30 p. m. en el Centro Familiar de Vida Parroquial, Salón Social.
RESPECT LIFE NEWS
Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb
God, author of all life, bless, we pray, this unborn child; give constant protection and grant a healthy birth that is the sign of our rebirth one day into the eternal rejoicing of heaven.
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RITO DE BENDICIÓN DE UNA CRIATURA EN EL VIENTRE MATERNO'
Dios, autor de toda vida, te pedimos que bendigas a este niño aún por nacer; dale una constante protección y un saludable nacimiento, como signo de nuestro renacimiento, un día, al gozo de la vida eterna en el cielo.
SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH
HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS!
(ALWAYS CHECK THE PARISH EVENTS OR CALENDAR ON OUR WEBSITE
FOR MORE EVENTS AT SAINT THOMAS!)
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1
THROUGH FEBRUARY 7
Sent by Penny Fleming on Friday, January 31 at 1:32PM