Youth Choir Rehearsals this month:
Tuesdays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, 5:30-6:30pm in the church.
All children ages 7-18 are welcome to join us. Questions? Sherry Scott sscott@dsj.org.
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Christmas Eve Gospel Dramatization

Any students interested in being part of the Christmas Eve Pageant, please come to a rehearsal on December 8, 5:30-6:30pm in the church. Parts will be given out at that time for the pageant. There will be a dress rehearsal on Dec 22, 5:30-6:30pm. You may also contact Sherry at sscott@dsj.org

Coming Up in December...

Giving Tree Parish Outreach Program
Runs from Nov 28 to Dec 18
Choose an ornament from the tree in the church.
Buy a gift for one of our families in need.
Return it to the tree wrapped with ornament by the due date.
Questions? Contact Sherry sscott@dsj.org


Parent’s Night Out
Friday, Dec 4, 6-9pm
Our treat to you. Drop your child off in Becket Hall for an evening of games and movie, while you shop, wrap or otherwise prepare for the season. Donations gratefully accepted.
A service to CM families, benefiting CM families. Please RSVP to Sherry by Dec 2 so we can plan for this event. sscott@dsj.org


Advent Morning of Prayer
(Adults/Teens only)
Saturday, Dec 5, 9-11:30am


Youth Mass (with choir)
Sunday, Dec 6, 11am


Nativity Display
Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6, after all masses
Come and see the wide variety of nativity displays from our parishioners. If you have a Nativity Scene which you would like to show during our display, please contact Carol Reiss or call the parish office, 378-1595.


Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Tuesday, Dec 8, masses at 4pm and 7pm
(students are dropped off for class as usual, parents are encouraged to stay for mass)


Parish Reconciliation/
First Reconciliation Service
All CM families are encouraged to attend
Saturday, Dec 12, 9:30am

Youth Ministry Christmas Caroling
Friday, Dec 18, time TBD
All ages are welcome to come caroling with our teens. We will also come to your house if you live nearby and give us your address.

Need a break?

Want to find time to pray in your busy workweek?

Check out these two websites from Loyola Press. (Loyola Press is the publisher of our catechetical textbook series.)

"Finding God" daily 3 minute retreat

http://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer.htm

Sunday Connection (This site gives you the readings for Sunday mass. It helps you to prepare for full, conscious and active participation during the Liturgy.)

http://www.loyolapress.com/sunday-connection.htm

Advent Family Workshop Photos

Yesterday, we praised Jesus in song as we celebrated the feast of Christ the King. We shared a meal together and we made a countdown to Christmas calendar for use in our homes during the season of Advent.

This wonderful event could not have taken place without the generous support of many. For coodinating and serving the breakfast, I thank Marika Harkins and Lucy Chai. For leading us in song, I thank Luisa, Mark and Jackson Lennon. For sewing, ironing, and a multitude of cutting, I am very grateful to Nancy Lindsey, Diana Valdez, Marisa and Kiele Pozas, Diane Dalton, Kim Hanrahan, Carol Reiss, and Brenda Osborne. For set up and clean up, I thank Vicki Schwoob Ralene Wasielewski and Luisa Lennon.

All of the food for breakfast was donated by: Sandra Tagatac, Delia Besio, Kathy Quick, Kathy Foos, Ralene Wasielewski, Vicki Schwoob, David Silva, Marianne Etzel, Leticia Tapia, Maria Panelli, and Ying Holden.

Youth Ministry Retreat

Our teens really enjoyed the retreat this past weekend. It was all about music! We focused on the Psalms as the music of the Bible. We rocked, rapped, did a country line dance and so much more! "Shimmy!"

My favorite part was the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It was inspiring to me to be part of so large a group; to pray and meditate in front of the Monstrance, in the candlelit semidarkness.

The annual Faith Formation Conference is one week away!!!
Don’t miss this inspirational gathering. It is a time to connect with other ministers from five dioceses, to learn and be nourished to serve the Lord. For online registration and more information click http://sitekreator.com/faithformation/main_page.html This event is open to catechists, liturgical ministers and any adult who wishes to strengthen their faith. We will be carpooling to and from St. Thomas for this two day event which is held at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Can only attend one day? That's OK.

We look forward to seeing you there!!!!

Reconciliation Workshop

Our workshop on Saturday was a time to reflect on what we are learning about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our students also made a beautiful clothes pin crucifix, do you know the difference between a cross and a crucifix?

Parent Helpers Needed

on Tuesday, November 10, during class times. I need a few parents to cut out handprints for the Kairos ministry. Also, I need a few parents to sort t-shirts for our Youth Retreat this weekend.

Monthly Food and Clothing Drive

This weekend after all masses. This is a great way to live out the corporal works of mercy and model that for your children.

You may also drop off non-perishable foods and new and gently used blankets and clothing on Tuesday during classes.

Pat Arand needs a few helpers on Sunday at noon to sort food. (the teens who usually help are on retreat) If can help out for an hour, please email me at sscott@dsj.org

Advent Family Workshop



Thank you to all who have already signed up! All are welcome to come enjoy fellowship with your St. Thomas community while we reflect together on the meaning of Advent with fun music, games, and yummy continental breakfast. We will make the Countdown to Advent calendar you see here.


Day: Sunday, November 22
Time: 10:00am-12noon
Place: Becket Hall

Kindly RSVP by Tuesday November 18 to Sherry Scott at:

(408) 973-1098 or sscott@dsj.org with your family name and number of adults and kids attending. We want to make sure we have enough crafts and food for all.