Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost was named the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church

Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

"Lord, source of eternal life and truth, 

give to your shepherd a spirit 

of courage and right judgment, a spirit 

of knowledge and love. By governing 

with fidelity those entrusted to his care, 

may he, as successor to the Apostle 

Peter and vicar of Christ, build your 

Church into a sacrament of unity, love, 

and peace for all the world.  

Amen."

****

Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost fue nombrado 267º pontífice de la Iglesia católica.

Oración por el papa León XIV

"Señor, fuente de vida eterna y de verdad,

dona a tu pastor un espíritu

de valentía y rectitud, un espíritu

de sabiduría y amor. Gobierna

con fidelidad a los que te has encomendado,

para que, como sucesor del apóstol

Pedro y vicario de Cristo, edifique tu

Iglesia como sacramento de unidad, amor

y paz para todo el mundo.

Amén"

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

May 11, 2025

Dear Lord, please bless our mothers in a way that only You can.  Be with them in every moment and in every way.  Hold each and every one of them in the palm of Your hand, blessing them in abundance with Your strength, Your joy, and Your undying love.   In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

****

FELIZ DÍA DE LA MADRE

11 de mayo de 2025

Querido Señor, bendice a nuestras madres de una manera que sólo Tú puedes hacerlo. Acompáñalas en todo momento y de todas las maneras. Sostén a todas y cada una de ellas en la palma de Tu mano, bendiciéndolas en abundancia con Tu fuerza, Tu alegría y Tu amor eterno. Oramos en el nombre de Jesús. Amén

Bread from Heaven

Jesus in the tabernacle lives with us as he did when he was on earth … That divine Word, that uncreated Light, lived 33 years amid our world’s darkness.  Jesus was the all-powerful God and reduced himself to helplessness at Bethlehem and on the cross.  He knew the weight of our sinfulness: hunger, cold, etc., and even death.  As God, Jesus suffered human hatred, persecution, betrayal, and hypocrisy.  And don’t think that because he was God, he didn’t feel the suffering this implied.   He was a man like us, the most perfect man, and yet his heart was more noble, more tender, more sensitive than anyone else’s, for everything human in him was divine, infinite.  

Love him greatly but get to know him.  It is in the Eucharist that Jesus is present: the God who wept, who signed, and suffered our miseries.  That bread contains a divine heart with the tenderness of a shepherd, a father, a mother, and a spouse, and God.  Let’s listen to him, for his is Truth.  Let’s gaze upon him, for he is the image of the Father.  Let’s love him, for he is the love who gives himself for his creatures.  He comes to our souls that they may be lost, deified in him.  What union, however great it may be, can be compared with this one?   And I eat Jesus.  He is my nourishment.  I am assimilated by him.  What greater happiness is there than this: to hold tightly to our heart the God who is our God!

Receive Communion as well and be deeply aware of the One who visits you, infinite love, divine madness; of One who not only became man like ourselves, but who became bread.  After you receive Communion, ask Jesus, the God you hold prisoner in your soul, to stay with you throughout the day so that you may love him and give him thanks.  Ask the most holy Virgin to prepare you with faith, humility, and love for Communion.   Ask that in every free moment you may think of your God whom you hold in your soul … Remember that you are his little home.

Saint Teresa of the Andes (✟1920) was a Chilean Carmelite nun, who died at the age of nineteen.

****

El pan del cielo

Jesús vive con nosotros en el sagrario como lo hizo cuando estaba en la tierra... Esa Palabra divina, esa Luz increada, vivió 33 años en medio de la oscuridad de nuestro mundo. Jesús era el Dios todopoderoso y se redujo a la impotencia en Belén y en la cruz. Conocía el peso de vuestra pecaminosidad: el hambre, el frío, etc., e incluso la muerte. Como Dios, Jesús sufrió el odio humano, la persecución, la traición y la hipocresía. Y no penséis que por ser Dios no sintió el sufrimiento que esto implicaba. Era un hombre como nosotros, el hombre más perfecto, y sin embargo su corazón era más noble, más tierno, más sensible que el de cualquier otro, porque todo lo humano en él era divino, infinito.
 
Amadlo mucho, pero conocedlo. Es en la Eucaristía donde Jesús está presente: el Dios que lloró, que suscribió y sufrió nuestras miserias. Ese pan contiene un corazón divino con la ternura de un pastor, de un padre, de una madre y de un esposo, y de Dios. Escuchemos, porque su palabra es la Verdad. Contemplemos, porque él es la imagen del Padre. Amémosle, porque él es el amor que se entrega por sus criaturas. Viene a nuestras almas para que se pierdan, para que se divinen en él. ¿Qué unión, por grande que sea, puede compararse con esta? Y yo como a Jesús. Él es mi alimento. Soy asimilado por él. ¿Qué mayor felicidad hay que esta: tener estrechamente unido a nuestro corazón al Dios que es nuestro Dios?
 
Recibid también la comunión y sed profundamente conscientes de Aquel que os visita, amor infinito, locura divina; de Aquel que no solo se hizo hombre como nosotros, sino que se hizo pan. Después de recibir la comunión, pedid a Jesús, el Dios que tenéis prisionero en vuestra alma, que permanezca con vosotros durante todo el día para que podáis amarlo y darle gracias. Pide a la Santísima Virgen que te prepare con fe, humildad y amor para la comunión. Pide que en cada momento libre puedas pensar en tu Dios, a quien guardas en tu alma... Recuerda que eres su pequeña morada.
 
Santa Teresa de los Andes (✟1920) fue una monja carmelita chilena, que murió a los diecinueve años.

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.

WHAT'S GOING ON AROUND OUR CAMPUS

We extend our sincere gratitude to our parishioners for their generous donations, which enable us to continue our important work around our beautiful campus.

• New light poles to illuminate the parking lot below the church have been installed.

• Paving the parking lot next to the Parish Family Life Center sometime around the end of June to replace the gravel.

• Planting trees and paving the curbing in front of the Church and Parish Family Life Center, where many parishioners have tripped over the old rocks and gotten hurt.

• Got the pump repaired to start the waterfall; still more work needs to be done to keep it going.

• Replaced old fluorescent bulbs with new LED lights in one section of the Parish Family Life Center (one at a time).

The Funeral Reception ministry has been part of Saint Thomas since the church’s inception. As the parish grows, so does our need for volunteers. This rewarding ministry offers families space and time to gather for a light meal after a funeral. Our ladies enjoy what they do and find fulfillment in helping those grieving a loved one. You won’t need to cook; we provide a simple meal, beverages, and homemade cookies. Your involvement requires just a couple of hours per luncheon and is entirely at your convenience. Call me for more information. Please leave a voicemail for Robin at 865-924-9603.

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.   

The five elements of Regnum Christi life are team life, spiritual life, apostolate, formation, and personal accompaniment. How do I know if God is calling me to Regnum Christi? There are many different vocations, and everyone is called to one. The best way to discern your call is to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. To find out more, contact Margaret Merrill at marg.anne.merrill@gmail.com

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.

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

CCW Field Trip to the 

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Monday, June 16, the tour starts at 9:30 AM.  You can meet us there, or carpool with others from Saint Thomas who will be meeting at the church parking lot at 8:30 AM. We are planning to stay for lunch after the tour, so we plan to bring a brown bag for lunch. The cost of the tour is $8, payable on the day of the event.

Please RSVP to Karen (kvacaliuc@gmail.com or 865-386-5784) by Monday, June 2. 

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

Lectio Divina

May 23, 2025

Seek Divine Wisdom by attending the weekly practice of Lectio Divina.  The practice of LECTIO DIVINA is the secret to making Scripture come alive to YOU personally through group sharing and in-depth study of bible insight!   The group meets on Friday mornings at 9:15 AM in the PFLC, Room 118.  For additional information, please contact Penny Manczko at mustang62261@comcast.net.

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

***

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)

Mother of All Nations

Risen Lord, 

Before your death, you presented to 

John your mother and to Mary, her son.

And so we inherit this cherished honor: that all may know your mother as their own.

Through ages past, we have known her consolation:   Mother of all nations, Comforter in times of affliction, Light in times of darkness, Companion in times of sorrow, Intercessor in times of prayer.

In a world touched by sorrow, by disasters and hunger, war and deprivation, disease and drought, persecution and injustice. What joy to know that it is also touched by one such as she. Reflecting God’s mercy to all, that each of us, rich or poor, broken or whole, 

May know the blessing of a mother’s love.

Mother of all nations, pray for us.

***

Madre de todas las naciones

 Señor resucitado, Antes de tu muerte, le presentaste tu madre a Juan y a María, su hijo.

 Y así heredamos este honor preciado: que todos puedan conocer a tu madre como propia.

 A través de las épocas pasadas, hemos conocido su consuelo:

    madre de todas las naciones,

    consoladora en momentos de aflicción,

    luz en tiempos de oscuridad,

    compañera en momentos de tristeza,

    intercesora en momentos de oración.

 En un mundo conmovido por la tristeza,

 por desastres y hambre, guerra y privaciones,

 enfermedad y sequía, persecución e injusticia,

 qué alegría es saber que también es conmovido por alguien como ella 

reflejando la misericordia de Dios para todos,

 para que cada uno de nosotros,

    rico o pobre,

    quebrantado o entero,

 pueda conocer la bendición del amor de una madre.

 Madre de todas las naciones, ruega por nosotros.

 Amén