HAPPY EASTER! Deacon Tim Reflection

Christ is Risen!  We have endured the darkness and loss of Good Friday, the Crucifixion and internment of our Lord and Savior.  But as the Psalmist tells us, “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.” 

And scripture tells us that Mary arose “early in the morning” to go to Jesus’ tomb. This image of a new day speaks to us of a new beginning, new opportunities, new encounters. Early morning speaks to us of the freshness of new life.

By contrast, this gospel uses the word “tomb” seven times, speaking to us about the seeming finality of Jesus’ death.  By even greater contrast, the gospel ends with the Scripture certitude that Jesus “had to rise from the dead.”

I leave you this week to reflect on all that has happened this Lent, during the Triduum and Easter.  As Hesychius of Jerusalem shared on an Easter morn in 412,

“This day brings a message of joy: it is the day of the Lord’s resurrection when, with himself, he raised up the race of Adam. Born for the sake of human beings, he rose from the dead with them.

On this day paradise is opened by the risen one, Adam is restored to life and Eve is consoled.

On this day the divine call is heard, the kingdom is prepared, we are saved, and Christ is adored.

On this day, when he had trampled death under foot, made the tyrant a prisoner, and despoiled the underworld, Christ ascended into heaven as a king in victory, as a ruler in glory, as an invincible charioteer.

He said to the Father: here am I, O God, with the children you have given me and he heard the Father’s reply: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’

To him be glory, now and forever, through endless ages, amen.

We joyfully reflect in prayer…

Today, death is overcome.  Death has no victory.  God is the Lord of life.  Easter celebrates a new beginning, our certitude of new life.  May we choose that Life.

Deacon Tim

Midweek Update 12/14

Mission Session 3

Join us for our Third Session of Forgiven. We will meet after the Masses on Sunday. After the 8 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc in the school Library and after the 10:30 at St. Thomas More right in the church. Thank you to our Deacons for leading this experience!

EMHC’s Needed for Homebound

Are you EMHC trained? We are in need of help with our homebound parishioners at both parishes. Our brothers and sisters in Christ desire to take part in communion on Sunday.

St. Thomas More: Rick Fanciullo

St. Joan of Arc: Dcn. Tim and Ruth Leininger

Promote Your Business in the Bulletin

Bulletin promotions help fund our bulletin. If you, a friend, or a loved one owns a business and would like to advertise in our bulletin please contact Jaime Arvizu. Phone (602) 642-4136 Email jarvizu@4lpi.com

Schedule Mass Intentions

Scheduling Mass intentions for either SJA or STM are BY MAIL REQUEST ONLY until January 2nd. After that, you can call or walk in with requests. Blank request forms are in the vestibule at each church and at Midtown Catholic Office, 4804 Grover.

Penance Services are Next Week

If you haven’t been to reconciliation in the last month or two, now would be a great time to go! Our penance services are:

Next Tuesday, December 20th, at St. Joan of Arc from 6-8 p.m.

Next Wednesday, December 21st, at St. Thomas More from 6-8 p.m.

Events going on the Week of December   12th into the weekend.

St. Vincent de Paul Gift Matching

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you!   During the month of December, all monetary gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha will be matched – dollar-for-dollar – up to $100,000. These “matching challenge funds” were recently offered to the Society by some generous local donors who also share our mission of serving members of our community who find themselves in a financial crisis and need assistance to be able to stay in their homes and feed their families.   This is great opportunity to make your donation go even further this December – essentially doubling it!   Also, you may be interested to know that there are many options to consider and choose from, when making a financial gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, including:   Send a check, cash or money order to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, 1715 Izard Street, Omaha, NE 68102.Make an online gift, using a credit or debit card – at ssvpomaha.org.Set up a recurring/monthly donation – also at ssvpomaha.org. Make a gift of securities (stocks or mutual funds). SSVP partners with the Omaha Community Foundation to accept gifts of securities. Please contact Nathan Morgan at the OCF, who will facilitate the securities transfer at nathan@omahafoundation.org or at 402-933-4229. Make a qualified charitable distribution from an Individual Retirement Account (for those 70 ½ and older).Make an estate planning/legacy gift in your will, one that will provide hope for those in need to last well into the future.   Again, all gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha by December 31st will matched – dollar-for-dollar – up to $100,000.

TMIY Serve Day- Saturday, December 17th

6:00am – TMIY Meeting and Group Discussion

7:30am – Start putting together the Winter Care Packages (should take no longer than 30 minutes)

8:30am – Break or breakfast at Billie J’s

10:00am – Deliver Winter Care Packages to Siena Francis House

10:45am – 5 Volunteers to serve Lunch and 8 Volunteers to help stock the pantry

12:45am – Done.  

How can I get involved?  You are welcome to participate in any and/or all of the activities on Saturday, December 17th.

1) Attend the TMIY Meeting

2) Help package winter care packages for men

3) Join us for breakfast and socialize, following TMIY

3) Sign up to serve at Siena Francis House using the link below

4) Pray for us or purchase items for the care packages (not tax-deductible) – contact Woody at 651-353-6243

What is a winter kit?

Winter Hat

Winter Gloves

3-pack Wool Socks

Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt
 Base Layer Pants
 Chapstick
 Candy Cane

Steps to register to volunteer:

1.       Go to this link to see your group reservation http://thatman.sienafrancis.volunteerhub.com/

2.       Click “Create Account” and follow the prompts (you do not have a join code)

3.       Click “Sign Up” next to the reserved event

4.       Agree to volunteer waiver

The day of the event:

–          You will be volunteering in the Emergency Shelter Building.  The address is 1117 N 17th St. Omaha, NE 68102. 

o   When you pass the intersection of 17th and Nicholas St. going North, you will see a parking lot on the west (left) side of 17th St.  All volunteers can use this parking lot.  The emergency shelter is across the street from the parking lot.  The building says Siena Francis House Emergency Shelter on an exterior wall.   o   Go in through the main door, and tell the staff at the front desk that you are kitchen volunteers.  Staff will guide you to the kitchen

Midweek Update 11/30

It’s the first week of Advent, and we’ve got plenty going on!

Mission Starts this Weekend

Join us after Sunday Masses on December 4th, 11th, and 18th to watch a video and discuss the concept of forgiveness. Video and discussion should last just over an hour. There will be breaks between mass and in the program. We look forward to seeing you there!

Peddler’s Market Thursday Night

St. Nick’s Dinner on Sunday

Come to the St. Nicholas Dinner in the St. Joan of Arc Social Hall!

Sunday December 4th, 2022, 12 Noon-4:00 pm

$12/Adults;$6/Children under 11

Menu: turkey, mashed potatoes, 2 vegetables, dressing, cranberries, beverage, and dessert

Santa will be in attendance from 12:30 pm-3:30 pm

There is still time to sign-up to help before, during, or after the dinner.

Contact Alyssa Schulz 402.331.6432 or Sharn Carr or Jeni Burlage with questions.

Would your group or event like a spot on the Midweek update? Send info to tjsimpson@midtowncatholic.church

Midweek Update 11/23

Holiday Mass Schedule

Thanksgiving Day:

Mass at 9 am (Both Locations)

Immaculate Conception:

December 8th, Solemnity, Holy Day of Obligation

St. Thomas More: December 7th Vigil Mass 6 pm. December 8th 7 am and 8:15 am

St. Joan of Arc: December 8th 8:30 am and 6:00 pm

Penance Services:

SJA: December 20th 6 pm

STM: December 21st 6 pm

Christmas Weekend Mass Schedule

Vigil Mass (both parishes) 4 pm

Midnight Mass (12 a.m.) at STM

8:00 am SJA

10:30 am STM

New Year, New Schedule

St. Thomas More will no longer have a 5 pm Vigil Mass on Saturdays starting on December 31st, with its first Sunday 4:30 pm Mass the next day on January 1st.

sorry we re closed but still awesome tag

Holiday Office Schedule

Normal Schedule:

Mon-Fri 8 am to 4:30 pm

The office will be closed:

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 24th

Friday November 25th

Immaculate Conception, Thursday December 8th

Friday December 23rd at Noon

Monday December 26th

Friday December 30th at Noon

Monday January 2nd

Thanksgiving Blessing

Bring some food to the Thanksgiving Day Masses for a food blessing! Bread and wine are the traditional move, but you can certainly bring more. Follow instructions at each parish for keeping food with you or putting it on the altar.

Parish Mission

Join us after Sunday Masses on December 4th, 11th, and 18th to watch a video and discuss the concept of forgiveness.

Peddlers Market

Get your Christmas Shopping done early and shop with local and small vendors!

St. Nick’s Dinner

Come to the St. Nicholas Dinner in the St. Joan of Arc Social Hall!

Sunday December 4th, 2022, 12 Noon-4:00 pm

$12/Adults;$6/Children under 11

Menu: turkey, mashed potatoes, 2 vegetables, dressing, cranberries, beverage, and dessert

Santa will be in attendance from 12:30 pm-3:30 pm

There is still time to sign-up to help before, during, or after the dinner.

Contact Alyssa Schulz 402.331.6432 or Sharn Carr or Jeni Burlage with questions.

Did St. Nick really punch a heretic? Read here: Let’s Stop Celebrating St. Nicholas Punching Arius| National Catholic Register (ncregister.com)

Midweek Update 11/16

Subscribe to the Newsletter directly here

Parish Mission

We will be watching the Forgiven Series from Formed for our Parish Mission. Viewings will be following the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Joan of Arc and the 10:30 a.m. Mass on December 4th, 11th, and 18th. More details to follow.

Peddlers Market

Come get your Christmas shopping done with local vendors at St. Thomas More.

St. Nick’s Dinner

Good food, better company! The Ladies Guild is hosting the St. Nick’s dinner on Sunday December 4th from 12:00 to 4:00. Candy bar raffle means you get a candy bar even if you don’t win a prize!

First Friday Gathering December 2nd

The Ladies Guild is sponsoring this 4th Frist Friday of the Nine First Friday Prayer and Refreshment hour from 5:00 pm through 6:00 pm. Come to St. Joan of ARc at any time during the hour to light a candle with your prayer, and have a light refreshment. You don’t have to stay for the full hour.

STM Movie Night- November 21st

The St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus are presenting Home Alone for their November movie night. Monday November 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Thomas More cafeteria. Popcorn and refreshments will be provided!

person holding board with pancakes

And don’t forget from last week, St. Joan of Arc has their pancake feed this weekend!

Midweek Update 11/9

Subscribe to the Midweek Updates Newsletter to stay up to date on happenings at St. Joan of Arc and St. Thomas More Parish Communities

photo of planner and writing materials
Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com

New Mass Schedule Starts New Year’s Weekend

On Saturday, Dec 31st, STM will have its normal 8am Mass (does not count towards Solemnity Obligation)

On Saturday, Dec 31st, SJA will have the vigil Mass at 5:30 pm

On Sunday, January 1st, SJA will have Mass at 8:00 am On Sunday, January 1st, STM will have Mass at 10:30 am and at 4:30 pm

On January 2nd, we will begin the New Weekday Schedule:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays – Mass at 8:30 am at SJA

Thursdays, Fridays – Mass at 7:00 am at STM

(Fridays when school is in session, STM will have another Mass at 8:15 am)

Saturdays, Mass at 8:00 am at STM

  (does not count towards Sunday obligation)

Saturdays, Mass at 5:30 pm at SJA

Sundays, Mass at 8:00 am at SJA

Holiday Mass Schedule

Thanksgiving Day

Each church will have Mass at 9am

Immaculate Conception Mass Schedule

On Wednesday, Dec 7th, STM will have a vigil Mass at 6:00 pm.

On Thursday, Dec 8th, STM will have Masses at 7:00 am and 8:15 am

On Thursday, Dec 8th, SJA will have Masses at 8:30 am and 6:00 pm

Penance Services – Dec 20th at SJA and Dec 21st at STM both at 6:00 pm. 

Christmas Weekend Mass Schedule

On Saturday, Dec 24th, both STM and SJA will have a vigil Mass at 4:00 pm

On Sunday, Dec 25th, STM will have Midnight Mass and

      a Christmas Day Mass at 10:30 am

On Sunday, Dec 25th, SJA will have a Christmas Mass at 8:00 am

baked chicken
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Thanksgiving Food Blessing

Following the 9 a.m. Masses on Thanksgiving, both priests will offer a food blessing for thanksgiving. Ideal is to bring a bottle of wine and loaf of bread to Mass. Other food (in small samples) is fine as well. Keep in mind it will be sitting the duration of Mass. Follow instructions at the church about keeping the food in your pew or placing it near the altar.

The Chosen Comes to Formed

The hit show, The Chosen, has taken the Christian world by storm since 2019. Season 1 is now available to stream on Formed.org, which is available to all of our parishioners. The series will be followed with a Catholic commentary series from the many theologians and scholars involved with Formed. If you have not yet experienced the phenomenon, I highly recommend giving the first episode a watch!

person holding board with pancakes
Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Pexels.com

Pancake Feeds at Both Parishes this Month

St. Thomas More will have a pancake feed on Sunday November 13th starting at 8:30 a.m. and St. Joan of Arc will follow up the next Sunday, November 20th. A fun two weeks if you enjoy pancakes or want to get to know more of your parish family! See the bulletin or talk to a member of the Knights of Columbus for more details.

St. Thomas More Peddlers Market

Please join us for our 16th annual STM Peddlers’ Market. We are hosting this on THURSDAY, Dec. 1st, 2022 from 5-9 p.m. This is a unique shopping experience with two floors of artisans and vendors. Shoppers will enjoy free admission, soup, and Orisi’s Pizza. Sip on beer and wine while shopping.

If you are interested in being a vendor at this event, we still have some tables available. You can register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-thomas-more-peddlers-market-2022-registration or simply search for this event on Eventbrite!

Please Contact Sara McCandless with any questions you may have, 402.981.9941 or email stmpeddlersmarket@gmail.com.

person holding pen pointing at graph
Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

Advent Mission Poll Results

I was pleasantly surprised by your feedback in my poll for the Advent Mission. We actually had more people answer the poll than I can view on the free version of Survey Monkey! The initial results showed a strong favor for a traditional mission with a service opportunity as a solid second. I will be meeting with our priests and deacons next week to put a plan together.

Please reach out to me at tjsimpson@midtowncatholic.church or (402) 507-5546 if you would like to be involved in running the mission. I am hopeful that if we have enough volunteers, we can also do a service opportunity and run the mission conjunctively at both parishes.

love paper bags with sale text
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

STM Scrip Pizza Contest

This year’s contest starts Monday, November 7th. The classroom with the highest average amount of SCRIP (Gift Cards) purchased can win a classroom pizza party. There is also a weekly drawing for every person that makes a purchase that week (winner gets a $25 gift card). Make sure to include your STM child’s name and grade anytime you purchase SCRIP before Monday, January 2nd.

Christ the King Novena starts November 11th

Sunday November 20th marks the Solemnity of Christ the King. You can join other Catholics in praying a novena to Chris the King on November 11th.

EWTN has a simple repetitive prayer to follow: Novena to Christ the King | EWTN

Pray More Novenas has a background on the feast and a prayer for each day: CHRIST THE KING NOVENA PRAYERS – Pray More Novenas – Novena Prayers & Catholic Devotion

Chris Stefanik in Freemont Wednesday November 30th

Are you struggling with joy? Have joy but want more? Wherever you fall on the spectrum, you will not want to miss Chris Stefanick coming to St Pat’s to share part of his teaching on joy!

Chris will be here Wednesday, November 30 at 6:30 pm for a one-hour talk in the church, followed by Q&A and a book signing. Parishioners are also planning to share treats that bring them joy in Delaney Hall after, so be sure to mosey on down there and see what that’s all about! 🥳 Register for FREE here: https://stpatsfremont.flocknote.com/signup/101832

All Saints and All Souls

All Saints- Holy Day of Obligation

November 1st, The Feast of All Hallows, is a Holy Day of Obligation. The Parish Office will be closed. Masses are as follows:

Vigil October 31st: 6:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More

Tuesday November 1st:

7:00 a.m. St. Thomas More

8:15 a.m. St. Thomas More

8:30 a.m. St. Joan of Arc

6:00 p.m. St. Joan of Arc

Please look up Mass times of surrounding Parishes if you cannot attend any of these!

Feast of All Souls November 2nd

We will have an extra Mass, St. Thomas More 6:00 p.m., along with our typical 7 am and 8:30 am at STM and SJA respectfully.

On the Feast of All Souls up to the 8th of November, one might attain an indulgence. Read the article below to learn more. Consider visiting a graveyard.

All Souls Day History and Tradition: All Souls | EWTN

Mass intention scheduling for 2023 for both SJA and STM will begin BY MAIL REQUEST ONLY on November 15th. Keep watch in the bulletin for specific information and a flyer insert toward the end of October with all the directions you will need. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Midtown Catholic Parish Office

4804 Grover Street

Omaha, NE 68106

Midweek Update 10/19

This week’s Gospel talks about our disposition before God. Do we approach as righteous saints, or repentant sinners? Every saint (other than Mary and John the Baptist) is a sinner. All have fallen and need the mercy of God. By his grace and forgiveness, we find our place as his Children. When we share our story of redemption, we truly act righteous.

The Parish Offices will close at noon this Friday the 21st. We have a vacation, a retreat, and a wedding for three members of our staff. Next week’s post will be shortened.

Advent Poll

The last two Advents saw great missions led by our own pastors, and Fr. Dave Belt from St. Stephen the Martyr. This year, I would like your input on how we can take advent to grow as a community. Please take this poll if you have not yet: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WD3MC7G

Don’t be discouraged if your favorite doesn’t win out! Contact me after Advent to see if you can help me do another item on the list. tjsimpson@midtowncatholic.church

Damage in Fort Myers after Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian Relief

There will be a 2nd collection at all Masses October 22-23, for the victims of Hurricane Ian. Checks can be made out to SJA- Ian or STM-Ian

Please be generous.

School Fundraisers:

La Casa Pizza Supports SJA- TODAY ONLY!

All day Wednesday, your purchase at La Casa Pizza will support St. Joan of Arc Catholic School.

Christmas Wreath Fundraiser for STM

St. Thomas More 8th Graders will be selling Christmas Wreaths in the Back of church after STM masses this weekend.

All Saints- Holy Day of Obligation

November 1st, The Feast of All Hallows, is a Holy Day of Obligation. The Parish Office will be closed. Masses are as follows:

Vigil October 31st: 6:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More

Tuesday November 1st:

7:00 a.m. St. Thomas More

8:15 a.m. St. Thomas More

8:30 a.m. St. Joan of Arc

6:00 p.m. St. Joan of Arc

Please look up Mass times of surrounding Parishes if you cannot attend any of these!

Feast of All Souls November 2nd

We will have an extra Mass, St. Thomas More 6:00 p.m., along with our typical 7 am and 8:30 am at STM and SJA respectfully.

On the Feast of All Souls up to the 8th of November, one might attain an indulgence. Read the article below to learn more. Consider visiting a graveyard.

All Souls Day History and Tradition: All Souls | EWTN

Mass Intention Scheduling

Mass intention scheduling for 2023 for both SJA and STM will begin BY MAIL REQUEST ONLY on November 15th. Keep watch in the bulletin for specific information and a flyer insert toward the end of October with all the directions you will need. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Fr. Frank’s Think Tank

In case you missed it, here is Fr. Jindra’s podcast from the past weekend: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1896336/11509615-16-october-2022

Midweek Update 9/28

Events Happening This Week and Upcoming at Midtown Catholic

The Midweek update is back. Please send all propositions and concerns to tjsimpson@midtowncatholic.church

close up photo of person selecting votes
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Voting on Mass time continues this weekend.

Be sure to attend Mass at one of our two churches to help inform the Pastors and Parish council on our preference for a different Mass time. We need to adjust so that one priest can say all four Masses.

a close up shot of food donations
Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

St. Vincent de Paul Pantry Collection- both parishes this weekend.

Bring non-perishable food items to church this weekend to share with the less fortunate. Appreciated items include rice, beans, cereals, hamburger helper, oatmeal, pancake mix, peanut butter jelly, pasta sauce, canned meat, macaroni & cheese, toilet paper, dish and laundry soap, and diapers.

alamy statue of saint francis of assisi petting a dog in monterosso al mar liguria italy
Photo by Ryan Klaus on Pexels.com

Blessing of Pets from 2-2:30 Sunday at St. Thomas More

Registration is still open

Youth Choir Practice Thursday

5:30-6:15 p.m. at St. Thomas More. Your kids can still join. Contact Rachel Bielstein at rjbielstein@midtowncatholic.church for more info.

beads cross prayer rosary
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

October is Month of the Rosary

Symbol of Hate? Rearview mirror decor? Sacramental? Find our here: The History of the Rosary – Catholicism.org

Join us in praying the Rosary at 6 p.m.:

Tuesday Nights Queen of Peace Garden at SJA

Sunday Nights St. Thomas More

man in brown coat smiling beside woman in brown coat

Volunteer! Winter Coat Give Away- November 5

St. Vincent de Paul Society is looking for helpers on November 5th to help give out coats at the Omaha Home for Boys from 8 am to 1 pm. Send an email to coats@svdpomaha.com

Donate NEW or GENTLY USED coats for children and adults at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift stores or Gloria Deo Store. Financial Contributions welcome at svdpomaha.com/donate

Midweek at Midtown

Missionary Priest

Fr. John Luong, an Oblates of the Virgin Mary Missionary, will visit Midtown Catholic churches this weekend, June 25-26. Fr. Luong will celebrate the 5:30 pm and 8:00 am Masses at St. Joan of Arc and the 10:30 am Mass at St. Thomas More on Sunday, June 26.

There will be a second collection at each of his weekend Masses. Please be generous.

State of the City and Neighborhoods

Jed Mullenix from Within Reach is hosting a 30-minute information session about the ambitious State of the City Project on Thurs, June 23rd from 3:00-3:30 pm. This is an ecumenical initiative in Omaha which aims to better understand the people of Douglas and Sarpy county and to collaboratively create solutions to the “unacceptable realities” in our city, so that “more lives, neighborhoods, and communities might be transformed by Jesus’ beauty and goodness.”

The primary avenue for participation at this time is to join a Neighborhood Assessment Team, which will be sent on a “listening tour” to hear the heart of our city. Teams of about 20 people will visit one of 5 regions of Douglas and Sarpy County to hold roughly 300 conversations with neighbors from July-September 2022.

Please invite anyone from your parish who might enjoy having conversations with people of different backgrounds in their community. Pass along the attached calendar invite and use the Zoom link below on Thursday, June 23rd from 3:00-3:30 pm to hear more from Jed.

https://archomaha.zoom.us/j/81659791421?pwd=UFZKc0V4VUo1a3FDVkJIRkhPSWVEUT09

This project will help Catholic parishes identify opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ in the wider community.

Pilgrimage to France

Fr. Frank Baumert is going to be leading a group tour of the best Catholic shrines in France. The group will be gone from
October 1st through October 12th, 2022. This cross-country Pilgrimage will take you across the country of France. From
small villages in the South of France to Paris, one of the greatest cities in the world. France is sure to take your breath away. On this pilgrimage, you will see magnificent Shrines and Churches and learn of the lives of St. Bernadette, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Veronica and Zaccheus, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Catherine Labourne. There is also a stop at the beaches in Normandy. Check out https://www.pilgrimages.com/frbaumert/ for all the details of this trip. This trip is set up by 206Tours. Their website is http://www.206Tours.com.

Serve Here

The surest way to grow is to serve. Check out the “Serve Here” page on the website and prayerfully consider ways to serve here and grow here.