MAY 3 THROUGH MAY 9
PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration in the Church Sanctuary today, April 25, 2025 until 10:00 PM, as a special time to pray for Pope Francis. This is a time to celebrate and spend time with the Eucharist.
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We also invite all our parishioners to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at the First Friday adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament (from Friday, May 2, at 12:00 PM to Saturday, May 3, at 8:30 AM) and to entrust the Lord with the election of the new Pope.
We will have an additional day of adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament for the same intentions on Sunday, May 4, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
OREN POR EL DESCANSO DEL ALMA DEL PAPA FRANCISCO
El Santísimo Sacramento estará expuesto para adoración en el Santuario de la Iglesia hoy, 25 de abril de 2025, hasta las 10:00 p. m., como un momento especial para orar por el Papa Francisco. Este es un momento para celebrar y pasar tiempo con la Eucaristía.
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Invitamos también a todos nuestros feligreses a rezar por el alma del Papa Francisco en la adoración del primer viernes del mes al Santísimo Sacramento (desde el viernes 2 de mayo a las 12:00 del mediodía hasta el sábado 3 de mayo a las 8:30 de la mañana) y a encomendar al Señor la elección del nuevo Papa.
Tendremos un día adicional de adoración del Santísimo Sacramento por las mismas intenciones el domingo 4 de mayo, de 3:00 p. m. a 10:00 p. m.
Your legacy, in Mary’s Spirit
Today, we honor all mothers—those who nurture, guide, and love with hearts full of faith. In their honor, we reflect on the legacy of Mary, the Mother of God, who brought our Savior, Jesus Christ, into the world.
Her faith is a divine act of stewardship, and in her spirit, we invite you to think about your own legacy. Your faith can endure for generations through thoughtful estate planning. With the support of our partner, FreeWill, you can create a plan online today and ensure your values are carried forward for generations.
Your will is also a place to establish your lasting legacy with St. Thomas the Apostle. It’s a gift that costs nothing today but allows you to continue answering Christ’s call to serve those in need, even beyond your lifetime.
Start your legacy today by visiting our Saint Thomas the Apostle Freewill webpage or scanning the QR code below.
If you have any questions regarding Legacy Giving, please contact Warren Hunt, STA Legacy Giving Coordinator, at legacygiving@sthomaslc.com
P.S. CLICK HERE to let us know if you have already included STA in your plan.
What are QR codes?
QR codes (also known as Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional codes that can be scanned using a smartphone. The code typically contains a website address, and once scanned, it connects you to a resource on the web.
What is STA using them for?
We are using QR codes to easily direct you to “more information.” Space is limited in the bulletin and Friday Flocknotes. We are implementing QR codes to streamline various Parish processes, including online giving, event registration, connecting with guests, and promoting resources.
- Simplified Giving: QR codes allow you to easily donate to the church's online giving platform by scanning or tapping.
- Streamlined Event Management: We use QR codes to direct people to event registration forms, volunteer sign-up pages, and event information pages, making it easier to organize and manage church events.
- Guest Engagement: QR codes are used to direct new visitors or guests to welcome materials, contact information, or other resources, making the church more welcoming and accessible.
- Quick Access to Information: We use QR codes to direct parishioners to websites, digital bulletins, maps, and other information, saving time and effort.
- Increased Accessibility: QR codes are easy to scan with smartphones and can be placed in various locations, making them accessible to a wide range of people, including those who may be “less tech-savvy”.
- Cost-effective: QR codes can be printed on a variety of materials, such as Ministry Groups Tri-fold and Religious Ed Tri-fold, and are a cost-effective way to promote information and resources.
- Enhanced Communication: QR codes can be used to direct people to videos, presentations, or other online content, enhancing communication and engagement.
In essence, QR codes offer a convenient and efficient means for our Parish to connect with our parishioners and engage with the broader community. If you are a visual learner, access this video to learn more.
So, let’s try using a QR Code… you can view our bulletins using this QR Code. This QR code will be displayed on the top of the Friday Flocknote each week.
2025 Community Connections
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
6:00 to 8:00 PM
The first 2025 Community Connections Event will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Toqua Pavilion in Tellico Village (200 Toqua Club Way, Loudon, TN). Community Connections is a faith enrichment opportunity open to everyone.
Attendees will enjoy fellowship, appetizers, a cash bar, and an inspiring presentation by Saint Thomas the Apostle’s own Deacon Jack Conrad.
Deacon Jack’s captivating topic is “Hell in the Divine Plan – You Gotta Serve Somebody.” Are you trying to get into heaven OR trying to avoid Hell? It matters.
As a deacon for 31 years, Deacon Jack has proven that he is willing to assist, teach, and inspire where needed. You can read more about Deacon Jack in the attached biography.
Space is limited, so make sure to sign up below or use the QR Code above!
The price will include a continental breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
The cost will be $20 per person, payable either now or at the retreat. Registration is needed for food ordering.
Contact Kenan Guarino kenan.guarino@gmail.com or 603-443-7840
Send a check (made out to the K of C 12633) to 659 Quiet River Lane, Loudon, TN 37774
Knights of Columbus
Council No. 12633
TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE
MAY 3 AND 4, 2025
Purpose:
The Tootsie Roll Drive is a key initiative of the Knights of Columbus to support individuals with intellectual disabilities. The funds raised are distributed to local charities and organizations.
How it works:
Knights of Columbus members, wearing yellow vests, stand outside in the STA parking lot, offering Tootsie Rolls in exchange for donations.
Timing:
While donations are accepted year-round, our official donation drive will take place on the weekend of May 3-4.
Impact:
The Tootsie Roll Drive is a key fundraiser for the Knights of Columbus. Our council generates substantial amounts annually to support KIND charities of Tennessee.
Donate Directly:
If you wish to give a donation directly to this cause, please contact either Russell Schutte at 865-368-1002 or Bob Bowen at 865-719-5129.
Deacon David Lucheon will be offering a new six-week study on the book “A Mind at Peace: Reclaiming an Ordered Soul in the Age of Distraction” by Christopher Blum and Joshua Hochschild. The book offers an approach to regaining self-mastery and interior peace through wise choices and ordered activity in our chaotic world. Two classes will be offered beginning Monday, May 12, from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM, and on Wednesday, May 14, from 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM. All sessions will be in the Deacon Jose Room. Deacon David will order books, which he will make available before the first class. If you would like to sign up for either class, please send an email to Deacon David at dlucheon@dioknox.org
WIDOWS’ SUPPORT GROUP
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, we will gather for our Annual Potluck Picnic, off our church campus, at the home of one of our members on Friday, May 16, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Please join us for some fun! 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.
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.
SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH
PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP
SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH
FAITH FORMATION NEWS
NEWS FROM OUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (K-5)
The last day of Religious Education classes is May 11. Registration for the 2025-2026 school year will begin on May 11 and close on July 27. Watch for the link to the registration form in our next Friday Flocknote.
Registration for Religious Education and Youth Ministry will be conducted online only.
You can register by selecting the form link below:
2025-2026 Religious Education (Grades K-5), Edge (Grades 6-8), and Life Teen (Grades 9-12) Registration Form
You can download the attached calendar for 2025-2026.
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El último día de clases de Educación Religiosa es el 11 de mayo. La inscripción para el año escolar 2025-2026 comenzará el 11 de mayo y se cerrará el 27 de julio. Esté atento al enlace al formulario de inscripción en nuestro próximo Flocknote de los viernes.
La inscripción para la Educación Religiosa y la Pastoral Juvenil se realizará únicamente en línea.
Puede inscribirse seleccionando el enlace del formulario a continuación:
2025-2026 Inscripción para Educación Religiosa (Gr K-5), Edge (Gr 6-8) y Life Teen (Gr 9-12)
Puedes descargar el calendario adjunto para 2025-2026.
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.
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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.
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Online registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year. All registrations will be done online, no paper registrations.
To register online, select the link below:
2025-2026 Religious Education (Grades K-5), Edge (Grades 6-8), and Life Teen (Grades 9-12) Registration Form
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INSCRIPCIÓN EN LÍNEA
Ya está abierta la inscripción en línea para el año escolar 2025-2026. Todas las inscripciones se realizarán en línea, no se aceptarán inscripciones en papel.
Para inscribirse en línea, seleccione el siguiente enlace:
2025-2026 Inscripción para Educación Religiosa (Gr K-5), Edge (Gr 6-8) y Life Teen (Gr 9-12)
Join us for the Monthly Respect Life Rosary, Saturday, May 3, after the Morning Mass!
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Únase a nosotros en el Rosario Mensual por el Respeto a la Vida, el sábado 3 de mayo, después de la Misa matutina
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 MAY 3
THROUGH MAY 9
