GOOD FRIDAY 

LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS

April 18, 2025

11:00 AM

One of the most popular traditions among Hispanic Catholics in the United States is the “Via Crucis Viviente,” or the living Stations of the Cross, celebrated on Good Friday.

It is a reenactment of Jesus’ final hours and his journey to Calvary, as described in the prayers and reflections of the Stations of the Cross. This tradition emphasizes the suffering of Christ and offers an opportunity to bring our own sufferings to the foot of the cross, allowing us to reap spiritual rewards as we celebrate his resurrection on Easter.

The living Stations of the Cross are celebrated in Latin America and other countries, such as Spain, Italy, and the Philippines. Since 2016, we have kept this tradition alive here at Saint Thomas the Apostle.

Our parish welcomes all parishioners to participate in this tradition, celebrating the universality of the Catholic faith.  The prayers and reflections for the reenactment of the Stations are conducted in Spanish, but a handout is available in English for those who wish to follow along.  

What makes our living Stations of the Cross a profoundly moving experience is witnessing the re-creation of Jesus’ last moments unfold before us, serving as a reminder of the suffering and pain he endured on his way to the cross for our salvation.

They will visualize the bloody sweat on Jesus’ tunic, the crown of thorns on his forehead, they will see him fall three times while Roman soldiers’ scourge and mock him on the way to his crucifixion.

As the scenes unfold and the procession follows, a prayer leader will recite in Spanish the prayers corresponding to each of the 14 stations. The somber and reverent atmosphere invites silent self-reflection.

As they share in the suffering of Christ, they will also bring to the cross their own sufferings, whether it is an illness, loneliness, family separations, an uncertain immigrant situation or family troubles. On that day, none of their crosses seem as heavy as the one Jesus carried to Calvary.

As we continue the celebration of the Paschal triduum on Good Friday, we unite ourselves to Jesus and accompany him on the way to Calvary, looking forward to celebrating once again with a deeper joy and renewed hope and faith his rising on Easter Sunday.

We still have room for you to join our pilgrimage to Greece as we follow the footsteps of St. Paul. The trip includes both land and sea travel. Use this link to view the ship we will be on: the name of the ship is Celestyal Discovery. The link is:

https://celestyal.com/us/our-ships/celestyal-discovery

Contact either Father Julian or Jim Gecsei for information (865-803-3555)

For more information, access the QR Code below.

NEED VOLUNTEERS TO DECORATE THE CHURCH FOR EASTER

The Arts & Environment Ministry has been established to coordinate and decorate the church's environment for the various seasons of the Liturgical year. In addition to Ordinary Time, special times of the year (Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter) provide opportunities to beautify the church interior with flowers, displays, and other suitable decorations that enhance and complement the celebrations of the Mass and other sacraments.

Volunteers are needed all year round, but especially during Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter! We would welcome any parishioners (men and women) who would like to volunteer a few hours on April 19 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (or whenever we finish) to help decorate our Church for Easter.  

Please get in touch with Sara Garlutzo at (303) 903-2041 if you are interested or show up when you can. Thank you, and God bless you!

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NECESITAMOS VOLUNTARIOS PARA DECORAR LA IGLESIA PARA LA PASCUA

El Ministerio de Arte y Ambiente se ha creado para coordinar y decorar el entorno de la iglesia para las distintas estaciones del año litúrgico. Además del Tiempo Ordinario, las épocas especiales del año (Adviento, Navidad, Cuaresma y Pascua) brindan la oportunidad de embellecer el interior de la iglesia con flores, exhibiciones y otras decoraciones adecuadas que realzan y complementan las celebraciones de la misa y otros sacramentos.

Se necesitan voluntarios durante todo el año, pero especialmente durante el Adviento, la Navidad, la Cuaresma y la Pascua. Agradeceríamos a cualquier feligrés (hombre o mujer) que quisiera ofrecerse como voluntario unas horas el 19 de abril de 10:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m. (o cuando terminemos) para ayudar a decorar nuestra iglesia para la Pascua.

Póngase en contacto con Sara Garlutzo en el (303) 903-2041 si está interesado o preséntese cuando pueda. ¡Gracias y que Dios le bendiga!

2025 Divine Mercy Sunday Devotion

Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

Holy Hour of Mercy

April 27 at 3:00 PM

Deacon Sean Smith, Presider

Join us as the entire Catholic Church throughout the world gathers to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on the Octave day of Easter. It is a day chosen by Jesus as a day of extraordinary grace promised by him. He said they would "obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment" (Diary of St. Faustina, 699). Turn to God's mercy with trust, receive His mercy with thanksgiving, and be merciful towards others. Prayer instruction cards may be found in the Narthex. For any questions, please call Mary Ruth Kelly 865-242-2623.

The Holy Hour will take place in the Church and will include …

• Introduction

• Liturgy of the Word

• Homily titled “Divine Mercy and St. Faustina" 

• Rite of Exposition 

  • O Saving Victim (a cappella)

  • Litany of Divine Mercy

  • Chaplet of Divine Mercy

• Reposition

  • Divine Praises

Divine Mercy Sunday was officially decreed by the Vatican and designated both a Universal Feast Day and a means to obtain a Plenary Indulgence by St. John Paul II on April 30, 2000, during the Canonization of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska.  St. John Paul II remarked, “It was the happiest day of my life.”  St. Faustina received visions conveying that His Merciful Love is so immense that no sinner, no matter how wretched, should fear to approach His Mercy. (Diary of St. Faustina, 723)

Plenary Indulgence

Leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday, we are invited to participate in the Plenary Indulgence of Divine Mercy, which offers forgiveness of sins and punishment for those who receive Holy Communion on that Sunday, go to Confession within 10 days of Divine Mercy Sunday, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. More information on Indulgences can be found in the links below.

Explore the links below for more information about the Divine Mercy Sunday devotion.

• History of Divine Mercy Sunday

• ABC's of Mercy

• Where to get more info on Divine Mercy

• Divine Mercy and the Dying

• Extraordinary Graces

WIDOW'S SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday, April 22

1:00 to 2:30 PM

Whether you’re recently widowed, or it’s been a while, you have a place with us!  We are a special group of ladies who truly understand the journey you’re on and we provide encouragement and companionship.  This month, our focus will be: "Loneliness in our Grief Journeys. What is it…and how can we overcome it?"  

We will meet in the PFLC on Tuesday, April 22 from 1:00 -2:30 pm.  Please join us!  Each month we address matters of interest to our members. We plan church activities, social gatherings, volunteer opportunities, etc.  For more information contact Angela Wichlinski at 865-567-6002.

Bishop Beckman has requested that all parishes in the Diocese of Knoxville participate in the "Disciple Maker Index digital survey." This survey should be completed by April 22. Seven percent of our parish has completed the survey.  The Diocese has given us a goal of 15%.  Please help the church by completing the survey.  

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El obispo Beckman ha solicitado que todas las parroquias de la Diócesis de Knoxville participen en la «encuesta digital del Índice de Hacedores de Discípulos». Esta encuesta debe completarse antes del 22 de abril. El siete por ciento de nuestra parroquia ha completado la encuesta. La Diócesis nos ha fijado un objetivo del 15%. Por favor, ayude a la iglesia completando la encuesta.

Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church has made some recent changes to address the increased parishioner participation at the Church Campus.  For example, in 2024, we added two additional weekend Mass services, the new gravel lot for increased vehicle parking, and additional paved vehicle parking at the lower North Lot.   

In 2025, another Capital Improvement Project is planned to install asphalt pavement and striping at the existing gravel lot for increased capacity and vehicle parking uniformity.  The result of this project will be 25% more vehicle parking spaces and a reduced risk of slips, trips, and falls on the uneven gravel surface.  

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Joe Piscitello in the Parish Office at (865) 986-9885.

***

La Iglesia Católica de Santo Tomás Apóstol ha realizado algunos cambios recientes para hacer frente al aumento de la participación de los feligreses en el campus de la iglesia. Por ejemplo, en 2024, añadimos dos misas adicionales los fines de semana, el nuevo aparcamiento de grava para aumentar el estacionamiento de vehículos y un estacionamiento pavimentado adicional en el aparcamiento inferior norte.

En 2025, se planea otro proyecto de mejora de capital para instalar pavimento de asfalto y señalización en el aparcamiento de grava existente para aumentar la capacidad y la uniformidad del estacionamiento de vehículos. El resultado de este proyecto será un 25 % más de plazas de aparcamiento para vehículos y una reducción del riesgo de resbalones, tropiezos y caídas en la superficie irregular de grava.

Si tiene alguna duda o pregunta, póngase en contacto con Joe Piscitello en la oficina parroquial en el (865) 986-9885.

Come to our April CCW Meeting, bring a friend!!

Loudon County Habitat for Humanity

Presented by Tony Gibbons and Rachel Rendon

Monday, April 21

Gathering and fellowship at 9:15am

Speaker at 9:30am

Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than four million people around the world construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976.  Come and hear what our local chapter in Loudon County is doing to help those in our community.

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH

PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP

NEWS FROM OUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (K-5)

Rice Bowl Collection:

Religious Education students will turn in their Rice Bowls on Sunday, April 6. Rice Bowls will be collected during Palm Sunday Masses, April 13, for those outside of the Religious Education program.

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Los estudiantes de Educación Religiosa entregarán sus Platos de Arroz el domingo 6 de abril. Los Platos de Arroz se recogerán durante las misas del Domingo de Ramos, el 13 de abril, para quienes no asistan al programa de Educación Religiosa.

Cancellations:

• Family Catechesis Sunday (FCS) has been cancelled for April.  

• No Religious Education on April 13 (Palm Sunday) and April 20 (Easter Sunday).  

• The last day of Religious Education Classes is May 11.

***

Cancelaciones:

• La Catequesis Familiar Dominical (FCS) ha sido cancelada para abril.

• No habrá educación religiosa el 13 de abril (Domingo de Ramos) ni el 20 de abril (Domingo de Pascua).

• El último día de clases de educación religiosa es el 11 de mayo.

First Reconciliation:

First Reconciliation will be held on Thursday, April 24. Students will come at their assigned time based on their class:

• First Communion A (Mrs. Anita’s class) is to arrive at 6:00 PM. 

• First Communion B (Mrs. Mary’s class) is to arrive at 6:20 PM. 

• First Communion C (Mrs. Consuelo’s class) is to arrive at 6:40 PM. 

• First Communion D (Mrs. Mayra’s class) is to arrive at 7:00 PM.

***

La Primera Reconciliación se llevará a cabo el jueves 24 de abril de 2025 en el Nártex. Todos los candidatos deben asistir. 

• La Primera Comunión A (clase de la Sra. Anita) llegará a las 6:00 PM. 

• La Primera Comunión B (clase de la Sra. Mary) llegará a las 6:20 PM. 

• La Primera Comunión C (clase de la Sra. Consuelo) llegará a las 6:40 PM. 

• La Primera Comunión D (clase de la Sra. Mayra) llegará a las 7:00 PM.

First Communion:

The First Communion Mass is May 10 at 11:00 AM. Students and their parents are required to attend the rehearsal on Friday, May 9, at 7:00 PM. Students and their parents should arrive no later than 10:30 AM on May 10.

***

La Misa de Primera Comunión es el 10 de mayo a las 11:00 a. m. Los alumnos y sus padres deben asistir al ensayo el viernes 9 de mayo a las 7:00 p. m. Deben llegar a más tardar a las 10:30 a. m. del 10 de mayo.

The Passion of the Christ

Our youth group has been viewing and discussing the movie "The Passion of the Christ." In this portrayal of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas facilitates the downfall of Jesus by betraying him to the Roman Empire's chosen officials. To the horror of his mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he carries a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a final act of grace.

***

La pasión de Cristo

Nuestro grupo de jóvenes ha estado viendo y debatiendo la película «La pasión de Cristo». En esta representación de la crucifixión de Cristo, basada en el Nuevo Testamento, Judas facilita la caída de Jesús al traicionarlo ante los oficiales elegidos del Imperio Romano. Para horror de su madre María, María Magdalena, a quien salvó de la condenación, y de sus discípulos, Jesús es condenado a muerte. Es torturado mientras lleva un crucifijo al cercano Calvario, donde es clavado en la cruz. Muere, pero no antes de un último acto de gracia.

A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers

O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties. 

Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion. 

Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life. Amen. 

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Oración por las embarazadas

Oh Madre Santa, recibiste la buena nueva de la encarnación de Cristo, tu Hijo, con fe y confianza. Concede tu protección a todas las embarazadas que enfrentan dificultades. 

Guíanos en nuestro esfuerzo por hacer de nuestras comunidades parroquiales lugares de acogida y asistencia para las madres necesitadas. Ayúdanos a convertirnos en instrumentos del amor y la compasión del Dios bondadoso. 

María, Madre de la Iglesia, ayúdanos a crear la cultura de la vida y la civilización de amor, junto con todas las personas de buena voluntad, para alabanza y gloria de Dios Creador, y amante de la vida. Amén.