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Weekly E-Newsletter
Week Ending
June 12, 2009
Dear Parishioner  

St. Thomas the Apostle is an Episcopal Parish in the Anglo-Catholic tradition.  We are called by God to be a holy place where love is found, where all are named and where hearts are freed to change the world.
In This Issue
Saint Antony of Padua
Corpus Christi Sunday
Meet the Vestry: Eddie Milla
Catacheumen Class 2009-10
Weekly Services until 6/21
Weekly Services starting 6/22
1st Sunday after Trinity Services
General Convention
Pastoral Counseling
Pride Weekend
Newcomer Orientation
Follies
Movie Night
Mother Knows Best
Minutes available online
Antony of Padua - 13 June 1231
 
Saint AnthonyAntony was born in Lisbon in 1195, and spent the first twenty-five years of his life in Portugal. Desiring to become a missionary, he joined the Franciscans and was sent to Morocco to preach to the Muslims. His health failed, and he returned almost immediately and was sent to Italy, where he seemed headed for an uneventful obscurity. However, a conference of Dominicans and Franciscans was scheduled, at which each group thought that the other was about to provide the preacher, and so no one was prepared. For some reason, Antony was thrust forward and told to say something, and he astonished his hearers with the grace and power of his exhortation. He was told that he must speak more often, and he devoted the last nine years of his life to preaching. He had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, and his sermons reflect that knowledge. He was noted for his refutations of heresies, and for his denunciations of clergy who did not live dedicated lives and of wealthy and powerful persons who oppressed the common people.

It is said that Antony in his private prayers was accustomed to direct his devotion to Jesus as an infant, and to meditate on the Divine Humility that stooped to accept, not merely the limitations of being human, but the limitations of being a helpless baby, utterly dependent on others. For this reason, artists often portray Antony in a Franciscan robe, carrying a lily and the child Jesus.
 
Background note: In many countries, it is widely believed that Antony, now in heaven, makes a special point of praying on behalf of his fellow Christians who have lost or misplaced items and wish to find them. He also prays on behalf of women who wish to marry. The author has a book (My Heart Lies South, by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino, Thomas Y Crowell Co., New York, 1953) by a woman from California who married a Mexican and moved to Mexico. She tells (p 240) of a friend of hers there who repeatedly asked Antony to pray for her that she might find a suitable man to marry. After a considerable time with no results, she became discouraged and in a fit of temper threw her statue of Antony out the window. It fell to the sidewalk below, hit a pedestrian on the head, and knocked him out cold. Other pedestrians at once came to his aid, carried him into the nearest house (her parents' house, of course), and laid him on the couch before sending someone for the doctor. He awoke to find the girl fanning him and putting cold cloths on his brow. Soon they were betrothed, and then they got married and lived happily ever after.

 
Prayer
O God, who by your Holy Spirit gave your servant Antony a love of the Holy Scriptures, and the gift of expounding them with learning and eloquence, so that your people might be established in sound doctrine and encouraged in the way of righteousness, grant us always an abundance of such preachers, to the glory of your Name and the benefit of your Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Written by James Kiefer from www.MissionStClare.com
Corpus Christi Sunday
 
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi (Latin for Body of Christ) is a Christian feast. Its purpose is to honor the Eucharist, and as such it does not commemorate a particular event in Jesus' life. Its celebration on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday is meant to associate it with Jesus' institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper, on Maundy Thursday. Because of the sorrow of Holy Week, no festivals are celebrated within it; the Thursday after Trinity Sunday is the first Thursday after Holy Week, Eastertide, and the (now obsolete in the ordinary form) Octave of Pentecost have ended.[1] Within the Roman Catholic Church, the feast is officially known as the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. In most English-speaking countries, Corpus Christi is transferred to the Sunday after Trinity Sunday by the national Episcopal Conferences, including St. Thomas the Apostle.  At the end of the Mass, it is customary to have a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament (often outdoors) followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
 
The appearance of Corpus Christi as a feast in the Christian calendar was primarily due to the petitions of the thirteenth-century Augustinian nun Juliana of Li�ge. From her youth she claimed that God had been instructing her to establish a feast day for the Eucharist and later in life petitioned the learned Dominican Hugh of St-Cher, Jacques Pantal�on (Archdeacon of Li�ge and later Pope Urban IV) and Robert de Thorete, Bishop of Li�ge. At that time bishops could order feasts in their dioceses, so in 1246 Bishop Robert convened a synod and ordered a celebration of Corpus Christi to be held each year thereafter. The decree is preserved in Anton Joseph Binterim's Vorz�glichsten Denkw�rdigkeiten der Christkatholischen Kirche, together with parts of the first liturgy written for the occasion.
 
The celebration of Corpus Christi became widespread only after both Juliana and Bishop Robert de Thorete had died. In 1263 Pope Urban IV investigated claims of a Eucharistic miracle at Bolsena, in which a consecrated host began to bleed. In 1264 he issued the papal bull Transiturus in which Corpus Christi was made a feast throughout the entire Latin Rite.
 
While the institution of the Eucharist is celebrated on Holy Thursday, the liturgy on that day also commemorates Christ's New Commandment ("A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you." John 13:34), the washing of the disciples' feet, the institution of the priesthood and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. For this reason, the Feast of Corpus Christi was established to create a feast focused solely on the Holy Eucharist.

 
A new liturgy for the feast was composed by St. Thomas Aquinas. This liturgy has come to be used not only on the Feast of Corpus Christi itself but also throughout the liturgical year at events related to the Blessed Sacrament. The hymn Aquinas composed for Vespers of Corpus Christi, Pange Lingua, is also used on Holy Thursday during the procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose. The last two verses of Pange Lingua are also used as a separate hymn, Tantum Ergo, which is sung at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. O Salutaris Hostia, another hymn sung at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, comprises the last two verses of Verbum Supernum Prodiens, Aquinas' hymn for Lauds of Corpus Christi. Aquinas also composed the propers for the Mass of Corpus Christi, including the sequence Lauda Sion Salvatorem. The epistle reading for the Mass was taken from Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:23-29), and the Gospel reading was taken from the Gospel of John (John 6:56-59).

 
Prior to the liturigcal reforms following the Second Vatican Council, separate feasts existed for the Body of Christ, held on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, and the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, with a feast held on July 1. For those groups currently using the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, the two distinct feasts remain according to the liturgical calendar of the Extraordinary Rite. Until 1955, the Feast of Corpus Christi was followed by a privileged octave.

Corpus Christi is primarily celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church, but it is also included in the calendar of a few Anglican churches, most notably the Church of England. The feast is also celebrated by some Anglo-Catholic parishes even in provinces of the Anglican Communion that do not officially include it in their calendars. In Roman Catholic parishes that use the Mass of Paul VI, the feast is known as "the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ". In the Church of England it is known as "The Day of Thanksgiving for the Institution of Holy Communion (Corpus Christi)" and has the status of a Festival. It is also celebrated by the Old Catholic Church and by some Western Rite Orthodox Christians, and is commemorated in the liturgical calendars of the more Latinized Eastern Catholic Churches. The feast was also retained in some Lutheran churches up until about 1600.[2]

 
In medieval times in many parts of Europe Corpus Christi was a popular time for the performance of mystery plays.
 
Adapted from Wikipedia
Meet the Vestry - Eddie Milla
 
Eddie MillaA San Francisco, California native, Eddie has worked in various aspects of photography since graduating from San Francisco's Academy of Art with a BFA in Photography. Early in his career Eddie worked as camera assistant to French fashion designer & photographer Thierry Mugler. Recently Eddie held the position of Sr. Photo Editor for UBM's CRN Magazine earning a number of prestigious industry awards. His current editorial clients include ESPN, Essence, Forbes, Newsweek, The Source & Vibe Magazines.
 
An exhibited artist, Eddie's most recent exhibition was held at El Museo de las Americas in San Juan Puerto Rico.
 
Raised in the Roman Church, Eddie was received into the Anglican Communion in 2006.  Eddie's term on the Vestry concludes at the 2010 Annual Meeting.
  
Eddie currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California.
 
To see eddie's work please visit his websites:
 
www.eddiemilla.com or www.ajaxphotography.com
Catechumenate 2009-10
 
In the early Church, those seeking to become Christians through the Sacrament of Baptism were enrolled in a process of preparation lasting from 2 - 3 years culminating with the Great Liturgy of the Easter Vigil at which time they were brought into the fullness of the Christian Faith. This process based on the Catechism of Christian teachings was known as the Catechumenate.
 
Here at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish we have restored the Catechumenate for the modern time and as such have been recognized by Bishop Bruno as a leader in adult Christian formation in the Diocese of Los Angeles. Our Catechumenate is a strict commitment of nine months ending at Easter Vigil with the visitation of one of our Bishops. Our Catechumens are comprised of those new to the faith who are not baptized, those who are baptized but not confirmed, those who wish to be received from other communions with Apostolic Succession, and Episcopalians wishing to renew their baptismal vows. The process involves not just a didactic approach to Christian belief, but also dialog, discussion and active participation in exploring a vibrant, meaningful, and personal faith expressed in the community of our Parish.
 
We are now in the process of forming the next Catechumenate for 2009 - 2010 which will begin on July 12th. If anyone is interested in knowing more, or wishes to be enrolled please contact the office to make an appointment to see Fr. Davies.
Service Schedule through June 21, 2009
 
MASSES & DAILY OFFICES
Sundays
7:30 AM  -  Morning Prayer
8:00 AM  -  Low Mass
9:45 AM  -  Rosary
10:30AM -  High Mass with Choir - Childcare Available
4:30 PM  -  Evening Prayer
 
Monday - Friday
7:30 AM -  Morning Prayer
8:00 AM -  Low Mass
6:30 PM -  Evening Prayer
7:00 PM -  Low Mass (Tuesday only)
 
Saturday
10:00AM -  Low Mass
5:00 PM  -  Vigil Mass with Gregorian Chant
6:30 PM  -  Compline 
  
RECONCILIATION - CONFESSIONS
Tuesday 6:00 PM  -  Preceding Mass 
 
Many additional activities occur each week at St. Thomas the Apostle.  See the calendar for more!
 
Service Schedule starting June 22, 2009
 
MASSES & DAILY OFFICES
Sunday
7:30 AM  -  Morning Prayer
8:00 AM  -  Low Mass
9:45 AM  -  Rosary
10:30AM -  High Mass with Choir - Childcare Available
4:30 PM  -  Evening Prayer
 
Monday
7:30 AM -  Morning Prayer
8:00 AM -  Low Mass
6:30 PM -  Evening Prayer 
 
Tuesday
7:30 AM -  Morning Prayer
6:00 PM -  Reconciliations / Confessions
6:30 PM -  Evening Prayer 
7:00 PM -  Low Mass

Wednesday
7:30 AM -  Morning Prayer
8:00 AM -  Low Mass
6:30 PM -  Evening Prayer 
 
Thursday
7:30 AM -  Morning Prayer
6:30 PM -  Evening Prayer 
7:00 PM -  Low Mass 

Friday
7:30 AM -  Morning Prayer
8:00 AM -  Low Mass
6:30 PM -  Evening Prayer 
 
Saturday
10:00AM -  Low Mass
5:00 PM  -  Vigil Mass with Gregorian Chant
6:30 PM  -  Compline
 
 
Many additional activities occur each week at St. Thomas the Apostle.  See the calendar for more!
 
We hope to see you soon!
 
Blessings from
 
St. Thomas the Apostle
1st Sunday After Trinity
Fr Stuart
Celebrant: 
The Rev. Mark D. Stuart
Fr Davies
Homily:
The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
 
 
Deacon:
The Rev. Ian Elliott Davies
 
Patron Saint Thomas 

Readings:
Genesis 14:18-20
Psalm 116:10-end
I Corinthians 11:23-26
St. John 6:51-58
General Convention Volunteers Needed
The General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held in Anaheim, CA July 8-17.  Each congregation in the Diocese is expected to provide volunteers.  St. Thomas has been asked to provide a minimum of 10 volunteers.  Forms will be available at the back of the Church on Sunday and must be submitted via the Office.
 
To learn more about the convention, follow this link.
 
 UBUNTU
 
Ubuntu is loosely translated as I in You and You In Me.  This is the theme for the 76th General Convention. 
Pastoral Counseling
Fr Davies  Fr Stuart
Should you desire one-on-one Pastoral counseling, please contact the office (323-876-2102 ext 2) to schedule an appointment with the Clergy.
Pride
pride
The City of West Hollywood and Christopher Street West are proud to present LGBT PRIDE '09
Friday June 12th - Sunday June 14th.
 
Please note that ALL PERMIT PARKING WILL BE LIFTED CITY WIDE from 7:00AM Saturday, June 13th - 7:00am Monday, June 15th. All parking meters will be enforced.
Free shuttle service will be available on Santa Monica Boulevard between Fuller Avenue and La Peer Drive throughout PRIDE weekend. 
 
As you make plans to attend the 10:30am St. Thomas Corpus Christi Sunday service, please note that a number of streets may be closed or diverted.  Please plan accordingly!
 

Sunday June 14 2009 @ 10:30am
March in Gay Pride this Sunday
Join Episcopalians from throughout the Diocese as they join with California Faith for Equality and march with an interfaith justice group in the CSW Parade in West Hollywood this Sunday. Meet at the corner of Santa Monica and La Cienega Boulevards at 10:30 am. Episcopal information and contact person is Biff Baker: Cell 949-310-2041.
Get Oriented
If you are interested in becoming a member of  St. Thomas, or if you are already a Parishioner and wish to learn more about St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, the American Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communication, please consider attending the Newcomer Orientation Session from 10:30am to noon on Saturday, June 20
 
This session begins with an historical discussion in the Damien Chapel and ends with a tour of the Church.  The tour and discussion includes informaton about our Liturgy, Christian sybbols, practices and faith.  All are welcome!
 
Follies
Join the St. Thomas Singers on June 20th at 7 PM for coffee and pie, or a slice of cake. From the "Sound of Music" to "South Pacific" join us on a walk through some of the best of Rodger's and Hammerstein.
Tickets are $10, which includes desserts and a show. Tickets on sale at coffee hour or through the parish office.  Proceeds benefit the Choir.
Featured Article
Babettes Feast
Come one, come all to St. Thomas the Apostle's Movie Night! This month's movie will be the Academy Award Winning Babette's Feast.
 
Take the style of Ingmar Bergman, stir in some Lutheranism, add a dash of Guy De Maupassant, a pinch of Chekov (such a severe and forbidding brew!). Mix well with the grand cuisine of nineteenth century France and what do you have? Babette's Feast!
Food will be served, and a discussion will follow. What could be better than a little intellectual stimulation mixed with conviviality? All are welcome - parishioners, friends of parishioners, children of parishioners, et al. We've even got a big screen! Mark your calendars and spread the word!
Mother Knows Best
Interesting facts about
St. Thomas the Apostle
 
Doubt
The altar, pulpit, lectern, rector's seat and prayer desk all come from the original St. Thomas church, circa 1920.
Minutes
The minutes from the Vestry Meetings of St. Thomas the Apostle are now available on the St. Thomas the Apostle website.  Click here to get the minutes. (Or goto the "Wardens & Vestry" page and click on "Minutes.")
 
 Each month after the Vestry approves the prior months minutes they will be posted in PDF format.
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Do you shop online?  If you shop at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, eBay.com...or any of thousands of companies - they will contribute up to 30% of your purchase to St. Thomas the Apostle at no additional cost to you.
 
It's easy - goto GoodShop.com (www.goodshop.com) and in the box "Who Do You Support" put in "St. Thomas the Apostle." Click on the St. Thomas located in Hollywood, CA.  Then click on your store - and follow the link "Goodshop this Store."  For St. Thomas to receive donations, you must click through to the store from this site.
 
Goodshop