Vol. 30 Number 3
March/April 2017
Newsletter of St. Thomas Aquinas
Inside: Lent & Easter Schedule pg. 2 & 3; Community News, pg. 4;
RCIA, pg. 5; Getting the Most out of Lent, pg. 6; Faith Formation, etc.,
pg. 7; Congratulations!, pg. 8 & 9; Stipends and “Stole Fees”, pg. 10;
Lenten Retreats, pg. 11.
Lent/Easter
______
by Fr. Gary Lazzeroni
Celebrating the 90 Days of the Paschal Season
The paschal season, the 90 days that begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with the celebration of Pentecost,
makes up almost a fourth of the whole year. This is a message from our liturgical calendar that, what begins on
March 1st this year and ends on June 4th, this is the center and focus of the whole liturgical year.
We enter into these days by smudging ashes on our foreheads as a reminder of our mortality and our need to turn
to God and to be faithful to the Good News. During the 40 days of Lent our tradition encourages us to undertake
the practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
These practices remind us to place God and others at the center of our lives. Such re-ordering of priorities helps to
clear away those things that may have crept in over the last year, taking on undue importance for us.
Lent is a great time to become more intentional about quality time with God in prayer. Devotional practices that
are offered here at the parish like adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Stations of the Cross, and praying the rosary
before or after daily mass are some of the ways that our devotional life can draw us closer to God. In addition to
these opportunities, perhaps Lent will be a time for some of us to commit to some quiet time each day - reflecting
on the scriptures or simply being mindful in silence of God’s presence and care for us.
Fasting is an ancient practice in our church that Christians have used down through the centuries to both discipline
our bodies and to enter into solidarity with those who lack our abundance. On the Fridays of Lent we give up
eating meat - a practice known as abstaining from meat. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, in addition to
abstaining from meat, we are also called upon to fast. On these two days, our tradition calls on us to eat less by
having only one main meal that day. The practice invites us to feel a bit hungry on those days. Such an act is a
discipline for our own bodies, but more importantly, an act of solidarity with so many throughout our country and
world who do not have enough to eat.
It is this sense of solidarity that invites us into the third traditional discipline of Lent - the giving of alms. This
practice of giving our resources to the poor is both a call to charity and a change of heart. To give to those in need
reminds us of our shared humanity and our responsibility to our brothers and sisters who struggle with the basic
necessities of life. This call to solidarity will take on a particular focus this year as we reflect on the Washington
State Bishops’ letter on poverty in our adult formation sessions between the Sunday Masses.
These three disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are tools for us to prepare for the great celebrations of
Easter. On the evening of April 13th, we will enter into the great Three Days (Triduum) of Easter. From Holy
Thursday through Easter Sunday we will celebrate the new life that is ours because of the death and resurrection of
Jesus. In this one celebration over three days, we will be plunged once again into the depths of God’s transforming
love. The Church makes clear that this is one unified celebration by a small act that we might miss if we are not
paying attention. At the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, we make the sign of the
cross as usual. However, there is no final blessing and dismissal until the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. These
three days are of one piece - one celebration in three parts.
And these three days are only the beginning for us. For the 50 days following we will bask in the glory of Easter.
The 40 days of Lent have prepared us for this extended thanksgiving to God for conquering death and sin once and
for all time in Jesus. In the waters of Baptism, we become sharers in that new life. We conclude these great days
with the celebration of Pentecost, of God’s enduring presence with us in the Holy Spirit.
May these 90 days draw us deeper into the life of our God and the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Risen
Christ.
Fr. Gary Lazzeroni
Pastor
Lent & Holy Week
ASH WEDNESDAY—MARCH 1
MASS
AT
8:30 AM, NOON & 7:00 PM
SOLEMNITIES DURING LENT
St. Joseph—March 20
Annunciation—March 25
DEANERY RECONCILIATION SERVICES
FIRST FRIDAY OF LENT
SAINT FRANCIS: TROUBADOUR OF GOD’S PEACE,
By Saint Luke Productions
Holy Redeemer—March 30, 6:00 PM
St. Joseph—March 31, 7:00 PM
Our Lady of Lourdes—April 6, 7:00 PM
March 3, 7:00pm
This live theatrical performance will follow the
6:00pm Soup Supper in the hall.
FRIDAYS DURING LENT—MARCH 10-APRIL 7
Stations of the Cross at 6:00 PM
HOLY WEEK
Soup Supper in the Hall afterward
Confession 6:00PM-7:00PM
CONFESSIONS AT
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Tuesdays: 5:30—6:25 PM
Saturdays: 10-11 AM 3:30-4:30 PM
FRIDAYS DURING LENT: 6-7 PM
-or by appointment-
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord—April 9th
Join Christ as He triumphantly enters Jerusalem. We too will raise our palms
11:00 AM Mass begins in the Hall with the blessing of palms.
Others Masses begin in the Church with the blessing of palms.
Wednesday—April 12th —Tenebrae Service at 7 PM
The praying of the Divine Office, with psalms and readings, in preparation for the Triduum.
Holy Thursday—April 13th— Mass 7:00-8:30 PM
Join Christ at the Last Supper for the institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood.
Adoration in the Hall from 8:30 PM-12:00 AM
Join Christ in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Good Friday—April 14th
Tre Ore with Confessions 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Join Christ for a reflection on His seven last words.
Stations of the Cross 3:00 PM, followed by
the Divine Mercy Novena
Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Enter into the story of the Passion and venerate the Cross of
Christ, our Salvation.
2
EASTER SEASON
He is Risen! Alleluia!
Easter Vigil—April 15th—Mass at 9:00 PM
The Easter Vigil is the climax of the entire liturgical year. We begin outside blessing the
Easter Fire and Candle before moving inside for an extended Liturgy of the Word to hear the
story of our salvation. On this night, those being baptized come into the Church. It is a night of
great joy, filled with the beauty and tradition which have long been a part of the Roman Rite.
The bells which fell silent return at the Gloria as the Church is once more flooded with light,
emerging from the darkness of sin and death which have bound us as slaves.
Join Christ in His Glorious Resurrection!
Easter Sunday—April 16th— Masses 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM
Join Christ and celebrate the gift of new life!
Divine Mercy Sunday—April 23rd
Join Christ and receive His mercy!
Masses on Saturday at 5 PM; Sunday at 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM
Divine Mercy Holy Hour with the Chaplet at 2:50 PM; Social to follow
The Ascension of the Lord—May 28th -Masses: Sat. at 5 PM; Sun. at 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM
Join Christ as He rises in glory to heaven!
Pentecost—June 4th—Masses on Saturday at 5 PM; Sunday at 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM
Join Christ and the Father as they send upon us the Holy Spirit!
Pentecost Choir Concert and reception at 3:00pm, come hear the sounds of Holy W eek,
Easter and beyond. The St. Thomas Choir and Vox Clara will be performing their seasonal
favorites.
CORPUS CHRISTI SUNDAY—JUNE 18TH
Join us as for our
13th annual St. Thomas Aquinas
Corpus Christi Procession.
We will begin at 12:30 PM
and take our Lord to the streets of
Camas—all the way Downtown!
The Knights will provide lunch
after the procession
in the church parking lot.
3
COMMUNITY NEWS
St. Vincent de Paul
“Who will excuse us before God for the loss of such a great number of people, who could be saved by the slight assistance we could
give them?” -St. Vincent De Paul
We continue to collect cold weather accessories through February 12 th for distribution to local people in need of these items. These seem
so slight and small, but here is where it is being put to use. The police department keeps items in their cars to distribute when the need
arises, and they have distributed quite a bit this winter with all of the snow. St. Anne’s Episcopal has a program where homeless can
safely park and camp in their cars overnight, their need has been very big this year. Schools help children who are not properly clothed
for the weather conditions.
Our parish is amazingly gracious in all that they do with St. Vincent De Paul. Our drives always fulfill a great need in a very seemingly
slight way. Your food, clothing, prayers and monies make a big impact here in Camas and Washougal. Thank you for your dedication to
these very worthy causes.
A special thank you to Helen Sentesy and Marilyn Casteel for the many years of their service with our St. Thomas Aquinas Conference.
Both have announced their retirement. They will be missed at our monthly meetings but will always have their presence felt around our
work, both at the parish and through their prayers.
Aquinas Seniors
For the "Older Folks" of the parish, the Aquinas Seniors are no longer having a monthly lunch and Pokino gathering. We started out as
Aquinas Senior Singles when Fr. Belisle was here, and then when Fr. Gillette was here, he suggested we incorporate all the Seniors of
the parish, so we became the Aquinas Seniors. We have had very good turn outs of people over the years, but our participation has
dropped, and the work remained the same, so it is no longer "happening" as the younger generation says. It was fun while it lasted, and
for those of you who never came, you missed a lot of good times and laughs. Thanks for the memories. Jean
CDA
Irish Dinner
The 2017 Irish Dinner, hosted by the Catholic Daughters and the Knights of Columbus, will be held on Saturday, March 19 th. Doors
open at 6:00 pm. Entertainment begins at 6:30 pm, and dinner is served around 7:00 pm. Cost is $25 for ages 12 and up, and $18 for
11 and under. Ticket sales begin on February 18-19, 2017. Be sure to get yours – it’s a popular event and could sell out quickly.
Coffee Hours
The Catholic Daughters host the coffee hour following Masses on the 3 rd weekend each month. Plan to come down to the Hall for some
wonderful baked goods, fruits, coffee/tea, and visit with fellow parishioners. We are also selling Mystic Monk coffee during our coffee
hours. Your purchase of the coffee helps support our charitable contributions and the Monks providing the coffees. There are some
fantastic choices for you. For a limited time, we also have some handmade scarves and dish cloths donated by one of our wonderful
members. We hope to see you there.
Next Meeting:
Our next Business Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2017, in the Fireside Room, starting with a rosary at 6:30. Ladies of
the parish, 18 and over, are invited to attend. If you are interested in Catholic Daughters, please call Karen at 833-8805.
“Who Is My Neighbor?” Our Lenten Question
Each Lent we are called to reflect upon our relationship with God and to become more aware of the barriers we place in our lives that
limit our connection to the divine. Many of us take up a fast during Lent to help bring us closer to God and give up something that we
might see as limiting our Christian call. The bishops of Washington State have asked us as a part of prayer, fasting, learning, and giving
this Lent, to engage with their pastoral letter “Who Is My Neighbor?”
The bishops wrote this letter to provide an opportunity for Catholics across the state to learn more about the realities around being
impoverished in our state and then for us to seek ways to better care for the poor and vulnerable in our communities. There letter is
rooted in the Catholic call to see God in all people, especially in the faces of the poor. Seeing God in those that suffer among us is at the
core of our faith to do acts of charity to alleviate that suffering and to seek justice to eliminate the causes of poverty from where it stems.
To help remind us of our intimate connection to the poor the bishops state:
When we stop and look into the face of poverty, we recognize that “the poor” are not strangers. They are our sisters and
brothers, members of our human family. Those in our cities and towns who lack the most basic necessities of life- food,
housing, basic health care and educational opportunities- remind us that when our neighbors are hungry, cold, sick, and
unprepared to share fully in the life of our community, it is more than an economic challenge. Hunger, homelessness, illness,
and broken dreams shatter the bonds of community that hold us together.
Their letter to us is a call to action. To begin that action during Lent we will use their letter as a guide on our journey. We will study the
letter and ask ourselves: What are we called to do about the injustices in our community that cause our brothers and sisters to struggle
with poverty? As we seek the answer to this question our Lenten response will be to move us to action to make a difference for the
marginalized in our community. We will gather during Lent at the Sunday morning faith formation sessions to reflect on the words of
our bishops and find the answer to their call to action. Please come to share and reflect with other members of our community about this
important pastoral message.
4
We Are All on the RCIA Team!
Evangelization is every baptized person’s call and responsibility. Basically, we are all
volunteers on the St. Thomas Aquinas RCIA team. The process an individual goes through
in order to become Catholic allows a parish community to experience a renewal in faith as it
prepares and welcomes new members into the Church.
When sacraments are understood as belonging to the entire community and when the sacraments
of initiation are a priority concern for the parish, everyone realizes that they have a role to play in
the formation of people who are preparing for the sacraments. Parishioners understand their role is
to be examples of Christian discipleship, to offer continued prayer support and encouragement to
sacramental candidates, and to actively participate in the sacrament rites. (Year-Round
Catechumenate, Birmingham, pg. 11)
The portion of an article I found online, in the box below, is addressed to parish RCIA
teams but really it is addressed to all of us, especially us Catholics who tend to wait for
someone seeking to knock on our doors before we will share our love and the joy of being
Catholic Christians. We are all called to share the Good News, we are all RCIA volunteers!
Pope Francis’s message to RCIA teams: Avanti!
Avanti! That’s what Pope Francis says over and over again. Go forth! For Pope Francis, there is
only one image of the church that is life-giving — a church that goes forth, that goes out of itself,
into the streets. Pope Francis wants us to be a church that goes to the peripheries.
This is a crucial point for RCIA teams. Too often, we stay inside the church and wait for someone
to knock on the door. But Pope Francis says that when we do that, we might actually be keeping
Jesus inside the church.
In Revelation, Jesus says that he is at the door and knocks. Obviously, the text refers to his knocking from the outside in order to enter, but I think about the times in which Jesus knocks from
within so that we will let him come out. (Pre-conclave address to the General Congregation
meetings of the Cardinals)
How do we do that? How do we let Jesus out? Where are the peripheries? How do we get there?
The peripheries are those places where people are marginalized and forgotten. They are the places
where people lack hope and joy. Pope Francis said:
“Each one of us can think of persons who live without hope and are immersed in a profound
sadness that they try to escape by thinking they can find happiness in alcohol, drugs, gambling, the power of money, promiscuity. We who have the joy of knowing that we are not
orphans, that we have a father, cannot be indifferent to those yearning for love and for hope.
With your witness, with your smile, you need to let others know that the same Father loves
them, too.”
- Address to parish leaders from the Diocese of Rome, June 18, 2013
http://teamrcia.com/2016/11/pope-franciss-message-to-rcia-teams-avanti
DIVORCED?
The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide 12-week group begins Mar ch 7th from 7-9pm in the St.
Dominic’s room in Marian Hall at St. Joseph Church. Find comfort and counsel consistent with
Catholic teachings. Contact Diane Boggs, Pastoral Assistant for Marriage for more information and
to register: (360) 823-2828, [email protected].
5
Getting the Most out of Lent
Saint Francis: Troubadour of God’s Peace
A great way for the whole family to enter into Lent: let
the example of St. Francis motivate your efforts to
become the disciple Jesus is calling us all to be.
This moving, live production performed by actor Sean
Tivenan and directed by Leonardo Defilippis of Saint
Luke Productions, will be presented at St. Thomas
on Friday, March 3 at 7:00 pm. This colorful, musicfilled performance captures the spirit of St. Francis of
Assisi, whose message of peace, joy, and simplicity is
so needed for our culture. The program is filled with all
the elements of professional theater, runs 60 minutes,
and is suitable for all ages. Admission is a free-will
offering.
For additional information, contact St. Thomas
Aquinas Church at 360-834-2126 or visit the parish
website. Watch the trailer & learn more at:
www.FrancisDrama.com.
Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting in Your Domestic Church
Translating the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting into your daily routine can be a challenge.
Jesus’ teaching on these three practices in the Gospel of Matthew (see Matt 6:1-18) gives us important general principles but can still leave individuals and families struggling to figure out how to incorporate these three ancient practices
into their modern lives. A good start is to review our pastor’s letter on page one of this newsletter. For children (and the
young at heart), it may be helpful to share some additional ideas for incorporating them into our routines.
Prayer: Communicate More to strengthen your relationships, especially your relationship with God. Prayer is communication with God. During Lent, try to slip into private conversations with God at anytime during the day about what delights
you, or what (or who!) frustrates you, or about a need for divine assistance. Try to pray as a family (your “Domestic
Church”) at some point each day. At night, this can take a very simple form of inviting each person in turn to say what
they are grateful for this day, then go around again to share something that did not go well today and for which you may
wish to ask forgiveness or ask for assistance to do better tomorrow. Go around again to offer individual petitions for
those in need. This helps even the youngest family members perform a basic daily examination of conscience.
Almsgiving: Give More. Like all virtues, generosity is acquired by performing acts of generosity to develop a habit
toward acting this way in the future. This can refer to our use of any resource, whether money or time. It helps us to
become more aware of the needs of others. In Japan, etiquette demands that you not pour your own sake; each dining
partner needs to be aware of and attentive to the other. Try this approach at a family dinner (even if you don’t drink
sake!). Children will also have the chance to support the needy in our area through Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl.
Fasting: Take Less. When we can successfully deny ourselves a bit food we train our will to be able to do more difficult
things when necessary. Thus we learn to curb our selfishness. These are the real benefits of “giving something up” for
Lent, whether food, drink, gossip, or media. Isaiah Ch. 58 still challenges us to fast from selfish and immoral practices.
6
Faith Formation, etc.
Confirmation
First Holy Communion
Bishop Peter Smith (auxiliary bishop of Portland)
will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at a
special Mass at St. Joseph Church on Feb. 26 at
5pm for over 60 candidates from area parishes.
A special Mass will be celebrated on Saturday,
May 6, at 10am for our First Communicants.
Please keep our sacramental prep class in your prayers:
Jacob, Hans, Elia, Isaac, Porter, Dalilah, Noah,
Lilly, Cameron, Mason, Marisol, Cole, Marco, Alex,
José, Bianca, Katherine, Parker, Yeilan, Gael, James,
Dean, Sawyer, Kasey, Gissell, & Francisco
Please keep our Confirmandi in your prayers:
Eva, Anna, Isabel, Liam, Lydia, Brett, Warren,
Devyn, Maia, Jackson, Madison, Anthony, Daniel,
Kevin, Diego, Aaron, Billy, Ian, Emily & Harlan
FORMED.ORG
THE BEST CATHOLIC CONTENT. ALL IN ONE PLACE
For those who have not yet logged onto Formed.org, you
owe it to yourself to check out this impressive resource.
The parish is paying a monthly subscription fee so you
don’t have to. Logon to create an account and stream
hundreds of hours of inspiring movies and video series,
read Catholic eBooks, and listen to audio presentations
from compelling speakers. All available from virtually any
device...anytime, anywhere.
The next 40 Days for Life campaign begins Ash Wednesday, March 1. Join in prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil
offering hope and helping save lives, souls, and hearts
from the violence of abortion. Nearly 900 Clark County
women and girls visited Vancouver Planned Parenthood in
2014 to obtain chemical abortions or surgical abortion
referrals. Let’s fill the local Vigil site (public right of way at
NE 116th Ave just north of E. Mill Plain Blvd.) with St.
Thomas Aquinas parishioners peacefully praying every
Friday from March 1 - April 9 between the hours of 9:00am
and 4:00pm. Watch to sign up in the vestibule after weekend Masses. Contact Dan Duringer for more information
at 360-910-5077 or [email protected]. Everyday
everyone please offer one prayer and one sacrifice to
save lives, souls, and hearts from the injustice of abortion.
Opening ceremony: Sunday Feb. 26, 2-3pm at Vigil site.
Closing ceremony: Sunday Apr. 9, 2-4:30pm Pied Piper
Pizza 12300 NE 4th Plain Blvd. No host buffet including
salads and pizza.
Start enjoying your gift:
 Go to formed.org
 Enter our Parish Code on the homepage: 3FRM2C
 Create a personal account with email and password
High School families: all YDisciple materials (videos and
handouts) are available on the site; click "Programs" at the
top of the page, then scroll down to "For Youth: YDisciple"
and arrow over to see topics as listed in email updates.
Sunday Morning Faith Formation Schedule for the
remainder of the 2016-17 year:
Date
Activity
2/26/17 Class
3/5/17
Class
3/12/17 Class
3/19/17 Class
3/26/17 Class
4/2/17
No Class – CSD Spring Break
4/9/17
No Class – CSD Spring Break
4/16/17 No Class – Easter Sunday
4/23/17 Class
4/30/17 Final Class
5/6/17
First Holy Communion Mass, Saturday
Bible Study meets Tuesday mornings at 10:00am in the
Fireside Room. You are still welcome to join our current study on
Matthew: The King and His Kingdom. This is another great study
from Jeff Cavins at Ascension Press and will explore the life and
mission of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel, showing how the
promises and prophesies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in
Christ. Course includes study materials, videos (in class and
online if you wish to review them), and group discussion. For
more info, visit www.ascensionpress.com/programs and select
Matthew (under Bible Study). For more info, contact Ted Meany
at 834-2126, ext. 215, or at [email protected].
7
Catherine Stone Becomes Sister Johanna
Another former St. Thomas parishioner pursues a religious vocation.
Congratulations, Sr. Johanna!
On Saturday, January 28th, the feast of
St. Thomas Aquinas, former
parishioner Catherine Stone received
her full habit and new name, Sr.
Johanna, as a Sister in the Society of
Mary.
Sr. Johanna chose her name in honor of
St. John the Beloved and John the
Baptist. She is so excited to be living
her vocation and proclaiming the
Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.
Sr. Johanna explaining the new name she
chose for herself and donning her new habit.
Sr. Johanna received her habit and
name along with Sr. Fatima, formerly
Sr. Monica. They continue their
formation and studies in Argentina
where the order was founded.
Sr. Johanna with her parents, Linda and Charles Stone.
The Society of Mary is affiliated with
the Society of St. John. Priests and
religious from that order can be found
on several college campuses, including
Portland State University, Oregon
State University, and at the parish of
St. Patrick’s in northwest Portland.
The mission of both communities is “to
'call, form, and send' people for the
New Evangelization.”
For more information on the Society of
St. John, visit http://www.socsj.org/
Please keep Sr. Johanna,
her community,
and all those discerning
a call to religious life or
to the priesthood
in your prayers.
Sr. Johanna playing her harp at the reception following Mass.
8
St. Thomas Aquinas Parishioner
Receives Highest Rank in Scouting
You’ve heard him play in the choir loft and you’ve actually SEEN
him play during the Corpus Christi procession. Our own Dylan
Samson not only plays the trumpet for St. Thomas Aquinas Church on
occasion, but he also plays in the Camas High School Band as well as
for his Boy Scout Troop 565. Just recently, Dylan was able to “toot
his own horn”, so to speak, as his mother, Danielle Samson, proudly
pinned his newly-earned Eagle Scout medal on his uniform at his
Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Monday, February 6, 2017. Several
years of hard work and dedication led Dylan to complete all 7 ranks,
21 required merit badges (he actually has 27), and, yes, the big Eagle
Project in August of 2016. No wonder less than 8% of all scouts in the
Boy Scouts of America reach this pinnacle. Some scouts manage to
complete it by 15 or 16, but the rule is to get everything done before
the age of 18.
Dylan started Cub Scouts at age 8 during his 2nd grade year as a Wolf
Cub. Boys are actually able to start the Cub Scouting program in the
1st grade as a Tiger Cub. Dylan enjoyed the program mainly for its
diversity of activities and exciting social atmosphere. He also learned
the importance of community service almost immediately as Scouting
for Food and Christmas Tree Recycling became annual events for the
entire family. The last 18 months of Cub Scouting is basically the months of preparation for boy
scouts. Dylan’s cross-over into boy scouts was also a huge transition as they joined with older boys
ages 12-18.
Dylan’s Eagle Project consisted of internal repairs and improvements at the West Columbia Gorge
Humane Society Cat Shelter in Washougal, WA. Several scouts, scout leaders, and parents helped
paint, replace broken door trims, replace light fixtures and broken electrical outlets, and build cat
walks for the cats to actually walk on.
In his acceptance speech, Dylan thanked his parents first and
foremost, because he understood that his scouting experience would
not have been possible without his parents giving him rides to all the
meetings/hikes/campouts, etc. It is truly a family experience and
who wouldn’t want to see their own son change into a man? His
favorite part of scouting, however, was developing a bond of
friendship and brotherhood with other scouts. These experiences in
scouting are shared only by those who walk the Eagle Trail together
– Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle
– and form memories for a lifetime. Troop 565 is very fortunate to
have been sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council at St.
Thomas Aquinas Parish for over 60 years. They have enabled the
growth and prosperity of many very fine young men and will
continue to do so. The percentage of scouts getting their Eagle Rank
within the troop is currently 40%. Several other scouts in Troop 565
are parishioners of St. Thomas as well.
Congratulations, Dylan!! You are another positive example of great leadership, morals, and values
resulting in 11 years of “Being Prepared” and “Doing a Good Turn Daily.” Keep playing your trumpet
and celebrate your achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout.
9
Stipends and “Stole Fees”
I was chatting with some parishioners recently who were slightly taken aback when I
casually mentioned that priests have to presume unexplained money handed to them
is a donation to the parish, and that even money addressed to “Father” on the
envelope is not necessarily something he can keep.
This made me think that it might be worth explaining how your local priests earn
their living and how we deal with donations that one might make to the Parish
(beyond ordinary weekly stewardship). Priests are generally salaried, the amount
determined by years of ordained service, size of the communities they serve, and the
capacity in which they serve (pastor, vicar, chaplain, etc). Additionally, all priests
are provided housing, as well as food and car allowances. All this is to say priests (at
least in America) do not depend for our living on the daily Mass stipends or
donations made on special occasions (sometimes called “stole fees”); We are
salaried out of the Sunday collection like all the other staff.
Since we do not make our living based on sacramental stipends, we are required to
presume that any money we are given for weddings, funerals, baptisms, or other
ministerial services belongs first to the parish even if a check is written out to us
personally or an envelope of cash has our name on it. Now, to clarify what briefly
confused the parishioners I spoke of above (and I do not mean to sound self-serving
when I say this next bit): one may, of course, always give a gift to a priest (monetary or otherwise) out of
personal gratitude and/or esteem, even if that gratitude sprang from how his ministry and care affected one
in certain moments, but if a gift is money it must be clearly distinguished from a payment for a service.
If money is given as compensation for a sacramental service itself, and the priest who did it is the local
parish priest, that money is and must be a donation to the parish. Sometimes, an associated note or verbal
explanation clarifies whether something was intended as a personal gift or a stipend for service. All the
same, this can occasionally be fuzzy, and priests are in the habit of erring on the side of donation to the
parish if there is doubt. While we are always grateful for the generous kindness and care we receive from
parishioners, Priests do not expect parishioners to give them personal gifts.
This leads me to one final clarification, however: I have been talking about the rules by which priests must
abide. While there is no requirement that one give the local parish priest any gift on any occasion, and
while he does not keep personal stipends for sacraments, it is expected that one compensate lay
professionals who assist in a celebration. Also, it is customary to donate to the Parish itself and any parish
volunteer organizations that helped provide a private event, as it helps defray the cost of the power, heat,
bread, wine, funeral lunches, staff time, etc. Of course, people have different means, and sacraments will
never be denied or conditioned on ability to give or size of a donation.
All these rules and customs exist so that you can have confidence that the Church and her ministers are
respecting, appreciating, and using your generous donations and kind gifts in an appropriate & ethical way.
God Bless you,
Fr Thompson
Carnival ends with the excesses of Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) before another
penitential season of Lent returns the next morning with Ash Wednesday.
Join us for our parish Mardi Gras Dinner—an opportunity to get spiritually
tuned up before Lent and say farewell to feasting until Easter with a fun
evening with your parish friends and a New Orleans-style dinner, king cake,
jazzy music, mask making, a photo booth to capture the memories, and more.
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7pm, Parish Hall
Jambalaya, King Cake, Music,
Mask Making, Photo Booth
Begin with confession at 5:30pm, Mass at 6:30pm, and the Mardi Gras dinner
immediately following Mass in the parish hall at 7:00pm.
RSVP to the parish office so we know how much food to prepare!
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Lenten Retreats for Men and Women
The That Man Is You! program at
St. Joseph is welcoming all Catholic
men to join their annual retreat on
Saturday, March 11, 10am, through
Sunday, March 12, noon.
 "Do you think about the spiritual
battle around you?
 Do you engage in the battle using
prayer over your family and
extended family?
 Allow the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within you. Be equipped for the battle."
Deacon Scott Aikin will be the keynote speaker and will present talks on "Spiritual Healing" and how we are called and
equipped as baptized men of God to lead our families against the wickedness and snares of the devil. The Sacrament of
Reconciliation will be available on Saturday afternoon and will be a wonderful opportunity to be forgiven of our sins and
better prepare for the Easter celebration.
The retreat will be held at Menucha Retreat Center in Corbett Oregon, just a 30-minute drive from Vancouver. Come and
grow deeper in your faith. Take time to reflect this Lenten season on where you are in your faith journey. Come away
with tools to deepen your spiritual walk with Christ.
Cost: $75 per person - financial assistance available. Please contact Larry at 360-823-2829 or [email protected].
Annual St. Thomas Women’s Retreat:
The Real Presence
March 24-26, 2017
Our Lady's Family Retreat House in Stevenson, WA
Come spend a spiritual and reflective weekend centered on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Join us for
an inspiring and Spirit-filled weekend away to learn, reflect, renew, and grow in your faith while deepening your
relationships with other women of faith. Enjoy thoughtful presentations and discussions, adoration, prayer and
reflection, Mass, fellowship, and home-cooked meals. Take time out of your busy life to reconnect and more fully
understand the depth and mystery of this most holy sacrament, the Source and Summit of the Christian Life.
Mother Mary of the Angels, Superior General of the Sisters of Reparation, whose religious
community is based in Portland, Oregon, will direct our retreat on the true and real presence of
Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
Registration forms can be picked up in the church vestibule or parish office and need to be
returned by March 17. Cost is $120 per person (two nights, five meals, snacks and drinks).
Space is limited so please register soon.
Questions Contact Janet Lord at (360) 619-8461 or janet.lord27@gmail.
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on
the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my
flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” -John 6:54-56
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ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH
324 NE OAK ST
CAMAS WA 98607-1439
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit #4
Camas WA 98607
Change Service Requested
Parish Leadership
Pastor: Fr. Gary Lazzeroni, 834-2126, ext. 205
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Brian Thompson, 834-2126, ext. 202
FINANCE COUNCIL
Dan Monaghan, chair
216-7451
Lori Lendvoyi
210-6070
Ellen Varsek
834-3658
Jessica Hoffmann
773-398-6851
Tom Farrelly
503-297-0953
Lorrie Conway, staff
(ext. 208)
PASTORAL COUNCIL
Brett Herrmann, chair 425-223-1230
Linda Nicacio
834-7750
Randy Huibregtse
885-3460
Katelyn Steinke
518-5224
Ted Meany, staff
(ext. 215)
PRAYER CHAIN
email: [email protected]
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Anita Burkard, SVdP & Co-Chair 833-8786
John Hynds, KC’s & Co-Chair
607-3317
Jean Carpenter, Guild & Seniors 835-3601
Karen Ferguson, CDA
833-8805
Mike Hansen, Consolation
835-2898
Lisa Hix, Prayer Group
513-5731
Kim Steinke, Homebound
210-5391
David Lester, staff
(ext. 207)
LITURGY
.
Kristin Yoshimura, staff
Amy Parent, Flowers
Amy Parent, Readers
Christine Bolger, EMHC
Jeremy Baenen, Servers
Dan Madden, Ushers
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(ext. 212)
609-4218
609-4218
834-7732
281-9998
885-1429