On Sunday, 6 October, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (affectionately known as "Fleas' Sunday") will be celebrated at St. Thomas. At the 10:30am High Mass; bring your pets to receive a special blessing. All [properly leashed or contained] pets are welcome! 

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Committee plans to present two free workshops to Chamber members (since St. Thomas is a member, all Parishioners are welcome) offering detailed assistance with the Covered California enrollment process. A Covered California certified agent will be available to offer an overview of healthcare reform regulations, Covered California enrollment procedures, and comparisons of alternative plans. The two workshops will be held at the Hollywood Chamber Conference Room (7018 Hollywood Blvd) on Monday, 14 October 3-5pm and Tuesday, 15 October 12-2pm. Attendance is limited to 30 individuals per session. First come first serve. The event will be free to attend. Validated parking for $4 is available at Roosevelt Hotel. Register online: 

On Tuesday, 22 October, the Parish will once again host Life Line Screening sponsored by St. Vincent Medical Center. Life Line Screening will be offering safe, painless, non-invasive preventive health screenings that are typically not part of a routine physical. Screenings to be offered are:

1. Stroke/Carotid Artery Screening ($60) - Ultrasound scan of carotid arteries that screens for buildup of fatty plaque, a leading cause of strokes.
2. Heart Rhythm Screening or Atrial Fibrillation ($60) - A quick and easy test using EKG electrodes placed on the arms and legs to identify the presence or absence of an irregular heartbeat.
3. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening ($60) - Ultrasound screening for an abdominal aneurysm (enlargement) that could lead to a ruptured aorta.
4. Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening ($60) - Evaluates for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the lower extremities, which increases the risk of heart disease.
5. Osteoporosis Risk Assessment ($35) - Ultrasound screen of the heel for bone mass density. Osteoporosis is painless and silent in its early stages.

• Package A (includes tests 1-4): $139
• Package B (includes all 5 tests): $149

Register today by calling (800) 324-9458 or visiting www.helpinghandsforhealth.com. Not only will you receive a $10 discount off any package priced at $139 and up, but St. Thomas will also receive a $10 donation for any member that signs up through this number or website and attends the screening. (NOTE: St. Thomas only receives the donation if you pre-register by phoning or visiting the website).

Trusting in the abundance of God does not prevent each person from taking responsibility for personal affairs. Just the opposite is true! The fact that God created us means we are to use our gifts - mental, physical, and emotional. We are to learn how to balance these gifts in making decisions.

The parable of the "Unjust Steward" (St. Luke 16:1-9) has always been intriguing. While this trusted servant is not a model of financial probity, he is creative. He is also responsible. After learning of his dismissal, he struggled only briefly before figuring out the situation and taking responsibility for his future. Verses 3 and 4 explain, "I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do... [so that people] may receive me into their houses."

There have been times for all of us when we have struggled when to be shrewd or wise. Perhaps it was a job that was not working out and you responded responsibly upon finding out about your dismissal. Perhaps it was a financial decision that did not turn out how you had hoped and immediate corrective action was necessary. Sometimes it is not the initial act that defines the outcome, but the responsibility or wisdom that is exhibited in the action that follows.

Sometimes trusting in God can lead people to a kind of moral or intellectual complacency that results in irresponsibility. Perhaps this is a false or misleading trust in God that does not recognize responsibility. A healthy trust in God embraces both one's talents and a desire to do the best with what God has provided.

John Wesley is reputed to have said, "Earn all you can. Give all you can. Save all you can." This pearl of wisdom is based on a healthy trust in God, trust that encourages the responsible management of God-given resources and a generous response.


Prayer: O God of abundance, remind me each day that I hath been created and endowed with the abilities to think and plan. Guide me to make wise decisions and be a responsible steward. Amen.

In lieu of admission fee, please bring a supermarket gift card donation to benefit the homeless and hungry via two Los Angeles based charities: Housing Works and Hope Net. It is also suggested purchasing cards from Target, K-Mart, Costco, Smart&Final, etc.

On 13 October, the annual AIDS Walk will take place. The Parish of St. Thomas is an annual financial supporter of this event. If you would like to contribute, Christopher Rose will be collecting contributions this Sunday and next Sunday. Checks can be made out to AIDS Project Los Angeles or A.P.L.A. Cash is also welcome. You may also place your donation in the collection plate.

We thank the 33 households (Ralph's no longer releases the names due to privacy) who shopped at Ralph's between 1 June and 31 August and registered their rewards card to support St. Thomas. This quarter's contribution of $178.02 makes the total contributed by Ralph's since October 2007 to be $4,181.49! Every time these Parishioners use their Ralph's card during checkout, the company contributes a percentage to teh church (NOTE: You must use a physical card; entering your phone number at checkout does NOT benefit the Parish). If you shop at Ralph's and would like to help the church at no cost to you, simply register your card: