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e-Bulletin
Week of September 22-28, 2024
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... to Love, to Serve, to be Hope ...
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FALL FESTIVAL
This past Saturday, we celebrated our traditional Fall Festival with a 4:00 pm Mass. Even though the weather was a bit humid, hot and cloudy, we still managed to have a great crowd and a wonderful time.
After Mass we all enjoyed delicious food. We then continued to enjoy the games, the huge inflatable slide, bingo, scavenger hunt, Selfie Stop, Cake Walk, live music and the Silent Auction.
Thank you to the amazing organization by the Fall Festival Committee, Fun & Fellowship Council, and all the volunteers and parishioners who donated and participated… so
THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH for all your help and support.
WE, as a community, continue to raise the bar for next year’s Fall Festival.
T H A N K Y O U !
VIEW MORE PHOTOS HERE
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CALENDAR
Saturday, September 21:
- Individual Reconciliation, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
- 5:00 pm Mass, Fr. Kevin - Mass Intention for Timothy Bade
Sunday, September 22:
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God’s Word for Kids during 9am Mass - Both age groups 4/5 year old and 6-10 year old
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9:00 am Mass, Fr. Tim LIVESTREAM available
- Bible Study 1: Gathering the Chosen: The Exodus, 10:15 am - 11:30 am
- 11:00 am Mass, Fr. Tim
Monday, September 23:
Tuesday, September 24:
- Friends in Faith Bible Study, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- 1st Recon. Parents only meeting, 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
- AA meeting, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Choir rehearsal, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Wednesday, September 25:
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Serve at Dakota Woodlands, 3pm-6:30pm offsite
- Catechist Training - Elementary, 6:15 pm - 8 pm
Thursday, September 26:
- Lawn Mowing Crew 2
- 10:00 am Mass
- Bible Study, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Al-Anon meeting, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, September 27:
Saturday, September 28:
- Individual Reconciliation, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
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5:00 pm Mass, Fr. Tim/Deacon Mickey preaches -Mass Intention for Timothy Bade
Sunday, September 29:
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Fr. Kevin Prairie walk offsite
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God’s Word for Kids during 9am Mass -Both age groups 4/5 year old and 6-10 year old
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9:00 am Mass, Fr. Kevin LIVESTREAM available
- LYTS, 10:10 am - 10:55 am
- 11:00 am Mass, Fr. Tim - Mass Intention for Souls in Purgatory
- Confirmation Y2 Catechist Meeting/dinner
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OUR TURTLES!!!
On Sunday, September 8, the turtles hatched near our south door entrance and a couple of kids saw them and brought them to
Fr. Tim to show him. Last year we had other turtles hatch on the front entrance, and it was also during a Mass.
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THIS COULD BE YOU
Interested in planning fun, social activities and outings for STB Seniors?
We’d like to create a few lighthearted social gatherings for Seniors at STB!
Would you consider being part of a core team of 4 or 5 that would meet to brainstorm fun ways to get together?
Our first task is to come up with a great name for the gatherings and then decide what we want to do.
Let’s meet soon!
Call or email Mary at STB to help – (651) 683-9808 Ext. 108 or marym@stbeagan.org
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HANDBELL CHOIR
The STB Hand-bell choir will begin practicing October 1st and we would love to have some new ringers join us.
We meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-8:30 PM and play at various masses throughout the academic year. The ability to read music is helpful but beyond that, we'd welcome your enthusiasm as a substitute ringer or a committed musician.
If you are interested, please contact Chris Angel, the music director, at 651-452-8767 or email him at chrisa@stbeagan.org.
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ADVENT OPPORTUNITIES
Looking Ahead ….
STB Fall / Advent Enrichment Opportunities
Each of us is different, our interests, our needs and our relationship with God.
Please take some time to review the many ways to learn, pray, serve, listen and share with the community of STB. Mark your calendar and please watch the bulletin / website for more details and registration.
VIEW CALENDAR HERE!
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CATECHISTS NEEDED!
We are recruiting Volunteer Catechists—the heart and soul of the program. All lessons are prepared for you and emailed to you a week ahead of time.
Have some time to share?
Questions? A list of FAQ's for catechists might help clear some questions.
Contact Wendy at wendyc@stbeagan.org or 651.683.9808 (ext. 111) if you can donate your time to our faith community—whether or not you have children in the program!
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ALTAR SERVERS
SEPTEMBER 29
Are you interested in learning how to serve at Mass?
We need you! Serving at Mass is open to children ages 5th grade and above, as well as teens and adults. We will set up a training time that works for you, make sure you are comfortable every step of the way, and then make sure you have an experienced server with you the first couple of times you serve at Mass. Schedules are set around dates you are available.
Sound good? Please reach out to Wendy at wendyc@stbeagan.org or our Lead Server, Sheila Stei at steveandsheila1234@q.com or 651-470-3541. Sheila will be offering a training session between Masses on Sunday, September 29. Please let her or Wendy know if you plan to attend or need to make arrangements for a different date.
| BIBLE SERIES AND NEW BIBLE STUDY | |
BIBLE SERIES
SEPTEMBER 22
Eucharist in the Bible Series
Gathering the Chosen: The Exodus Experience
Sunday, September 22nd - 10:15am
Deacon Mickey Friesen will be making the first of four presentations during the next year on the Eucharist in the Bible. He will help us to connect our biblical roots to the Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith and worship.
The first presentation will explore the Exodus Experience and being Chosen to be God’s people.
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NEW - BIBLE STUDY
BEGINS SEPTEMBER 26
NEW Weekly Bible Study
Sign-up Now – NEW Weekly Bible Study
7-Week Fall Series Begins September 26
JOIN US for a new weekly Bible Study coming to St. Thomas Becket
Deacon Mickey Friesen will lead our 7-week Fall Study and Discussion.
The Fall Bible Study Series will be: The Book of Exodus and the Eucharist.
We will study several books of the Bible over the next year to learn more about
Scripture and make connections with our faith life today.
Our theme for the year will be: The Eucharist in the Bible.
Start Date: Thursdays, beginning September 26th
Time: 10:30am – 12 Noon.
To Sign up: Contact Deacon Mickey at
mickeyf@stbeagan.org / 651-291-4445
Sign up by September 20th to make sure we have enough materials.
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BLESSING BAGS - DONATIONS NEEDED
Have you ever been driving around and notice people asking for help on street corners and at the end of exit ramps? If you have noticed this too and feel unsure about how to help, consider making blessing bags.
Blessing bags, also known as necessity bags or care kits, include a variety of items for people who are homeless, hungry and in need of basic necessities. You can keep these bags in your car to offer when you see someone asking for help. Many of these bags will also be going to Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul.
Join the STB Community in assembling personal care blessing bags for those in need. This event will occur after the 9:00 Mass on Sunday, October 27, 2024 during Trunk or Treat.
Please help by bringing in the assigned items by Thursday, October 24.
Thank you!
Last name beginning with: (Travel size items for all items please)
- A-D protein bars or beef jerky sticks
- E-H Chapstick and/or lotion
- I-K shampoo and conditioner
- L-N deodorant
- O-Q body wash or small bars of soap
- R-T adult socks -size large
- U-W toothbrush and toothpaste
- X-Z small Kleenex tissue packs
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L.Y.T.S.
At home, at work, at school, and volunteering in your community,
you use your God-given gifts to Love, to Serve, and to be Hope!
Join us for an introductory, one-session
What is Living Your Talents and Strengths (LYTS)?
Sunday, September 29 / 10:10 – 10:55 am / Room 101
Registration is not required.
Attending this introductory LYTS session is a way for you to become familiar with what LYTS offers. This introductory session will include a brief introduction to the CliftonStrengths® talent development tools and practices, which equip people to better articulate their God-given talents and gifts. There is no commitment beyond this session.
For those interested in continuing the LYTS journey after the intro session, they will be given the option to bring home a book to take the talent assessment. Those attending the session will also learn about ways to continue the LYTS journey at home, online, and/or in a small group format.
What if you are not available on September 29? Send an email to strengths@stbeagan.org to contact a LYTS facilitator, who can give you the introductory session on the phone or on Zoom.
Do you use CliftonStrengths at your workplace? Attend LYTS to understand how CliftonStrengths can also apply in your faith life.
Are you a parent or a teacher? Learn how CliftonStrengths can better equip you to help children and teens celebrate and develop their God-given natural talents.
What are LYTS participants saying? https://stbeagan.org/lyts
LYTS is 100% affirming, supportive, growth-inducing, positive experience. What I liked the most about LYTS is the clear explanation of the talent themes and strengths and the chance to discuss with others to integrate the learnings. ~Judy Urban
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WELCOME
Welcoming
New Parishioners
Rebecca Driscoll
and her daughters Sophia and Mary
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LIVING SIMPLY CHALLENGE
This summer the Spirit of Justice Ministry presented a challenge to live out Gandhi’s call to “live simply so others may simply live” …to cut out some excess from our spending and set that money aside to donate to a worthy cause. We asked people to share their experiences. Here are a few.
For the summer, I decided to not buy my favorite Almond M&Ms. You might think “no big deal, small bag”. However, I do not buy the small bag. I buy the big bag that says “share”. The only person I share them with is myself, so it was a big deal! I will donate my savings to the Open Door Food Shelf.
~Fr. Tim
During the challenging times of COVID-19, I sought a meaningful way to express gratitude to those who serve us daily. I began distributing Lindt truffles and Ghirardelli chocolates as small tokens of appreciation. The joy and surprise these simple gifts brought – from smiles and laughter to tears and even dancing – were truly heartwarming.
When the Living Simply Challenge was introduced, I decided to continue this act of kindness in a new way. I now keep 20 dollar bills in my wallet and when I encounter someone in need – whether on the street or the freeway ramp – I give them both a $20 bill and a piece of chocolate. It’s a small gesture, but it’s my way of showing that I see and appreciate them.
Philomena Satre
I have been adding an additional amount to my tips for servers so they can directly benefit from my bonus.
Deb S.
I have been abstaining from some, but not all, alcoholic drinks when I go out with family and friends. I have set aside that money and have donated it through Kiva.org to a farmer in Kenya named Josephine, who will use the funds to purchase seeds and fertilizer.
Dan R.
It’s not too late to share your stories. Please email them to parish@stbeagan.org.
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BLESSING OF THE BEASTS
OCTOBER 6
Sunday, OCTOBER 6 at 2:00 pm
Plan to bring all your critters to the Blessing of the Beasts for the Feast of St. Francis.
We will bless all the animals in our parish that walk, creep, run, fly, swim, or slither. Invite your friends to join us with their animals.
There will be treats for cats, dogs, rabbits and other furry friends.
Sorry, we can’t feed the lizards and the snakes, but they are welcome to come and be blessed!
Service hours will be given for students who come to help with the animals on Sunday and/or help prepare treat bags on Saturday, October 5 at 3:30 pm.
Do you love animals?
Join our committee to plan and prepare our Annual Blessing of the Beasts.
We will find a time to meet that fits everyone's schedule. We’ll plan the music, the readings and the treats.
We always have young people to help with the animals.
This committee is open to all ages.
You just have to love the beasts and want them to get blessed.
Questions? Contact Wendy at wendyc@stbeagan.org
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ADOPT A HIGHWAY
OCTOBER 12
Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up Project. To move our mission beyond our parish doors, the Sustainability Committee has secured the adoption of Cliff Road, between Pilot Knob and Lexington, from Dakota County for the Catholic Community of St. Thomas Becket. Saturday, October 12 is the next scheduled clean up of our stretch of road.
We will meet outside the front of the church at 8:30am to gather supplies and then move out to different zones along the road. Expect to spend two to three hours between safety briefing and clean up efforts.
Minimum age to participate is 12. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, or have an adult available to sign waiver. Bring your own gloves, grabbers, sunscreen, and hats. Please bring a safety vest if you have one. The county will provide bags and some safety vests. Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Please bring your own safety vest and/or trash collection bucket, if you have them.
SIGN UP HERE
Questions?
Please contact Michelle Sharp at michelle.m.sharp@gmail.com
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Have you seen this woman?
Two years ago, we heard from Sen. Mary Kunesh about efforts to address the crisis of murdered and missing indigenous women. We learned that, while Native women and girls make up only 1% of the population of Minnesota, they represent 8% of known murder victims and 20% of sex trafficking victims.
The Spirit of Justice Committee has invited Sen. Kunesh to update us on the statewide work to address this issue as well as other Native issues in Minnesota.
Please join us: Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
(6:00 – 6:30 for social time, pizza, wine and soft drinks) here at STB.
This event is free, but we ask that you sign up so that we can properly plan for space and food. There will be a free will offering for local organizations who support Indigenous Minnesotans.
SIGN UP HERE
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SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
OCTOBER 12
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SALT FALL
OCTOBER 7/14/21/28
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So much of how we form community and celebrate Mass starts when we enter the doors. Many have shared that the smiles and warm greetings given by a greeter at the door has made all the difference as they come to St. Thomas Becket for Mass. We don’t know if it’s their first time visiting or if they are coming with a heavy burden, but we do know that our friendly hello has made a difference.
Some have said the greeter is the first person they met at 4455 South Robert Trail, others share it’s one of the reasons they joined our parish community. Can you come 15-20 minutes early to the Mass of your choice, take a stack of worship aids, and stand at the door greeting people?
Please Sign-up ONLINE as a Greeter or look for the sign-up board in the commons.
If you notice nobody is doing the ministry, feel free to step in and do it to keep the STB welcome alive and well!
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HOSPITALITY MINISTRY
Fall is here! Please consider helping out with Hospitality in the coming months.....if you are new, we will provide "training"! Kids love it, and it's not a long term commitment....you can chose to try it once, once a month, or whatever fits in your schedule.
Sign up on-line on our website, or starting this weekend, a paper sign-up is posted by the kitchen. Thanks in advance for your support of one of the longest and special ministries here.
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THIS COULD BE YOU
Ever wonder…
…how those who bring up the gifts of bread and wine at offertory time are chosen?
Have you thought it would be an honor to present the gifts at the altar, or a neat experience for your family? Please let us know!
Simply sign up on this white board when you arrive at Mass, located on the table inside the sanctuary, to the right of the doors. You can also speak to the Mass Coordinator to let them know you are interested—that person is often standing near the baptismal font greeting people and holding cross necklaces, looking to recruit Eucharistic Ministers as they arrive. Thanks!
Step by Step of What to Do
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GOD'S WORD FOR KIDS
We want to keep nurturing
our youngest members of STB!
As well as their parents, who are often tired and find Mass can be a very long hour. As we call up our children, ages 4-10, to be dismissed after the Opening Prayer to go out with an adult or teen leader until the offertory time to hear God’s Word and reflect on it together, we know this is a rich time meant just for them.
Ages 4 and 5 go to one room to hear a popular Bible story, sing a song and do a craft. Ages 6-10 go to a separate space to hear the readings of the day proclaimed and share what they hear God’s Word saying to them.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We need a few more Volunteer Leaders to come forward to help lead at the 9:00 am Mass so this can be offered consistently year-round. Training is provided, materials are emailed to you the week before, you will lead in teams of two, and the schedule will be made based on your availability.
Questions? contact Wendy at wendyc@stbeagan.org or 651.683.9808 (ext. 111) if you are curious or ready to help. Our little ones, and their parents, thank you!
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GROWING THROUGH LOSS
Twin Cities South Suburban
“Understanding the Basic Characteristics of Grief”
Paul V. Johnson - Retired Bereavement Professional
Where? Augustana Lutheran Church is located at:
1400 South Robert Street, West St. Paul, MN
September 26, 2024
“Missing our Son and How we Cope”
Christine & Bob Lewis— Bereaved Parents
Time? Registration, 6:30 p.m.
See full details:
https://www.growingthroughlosstcsouth.com/speakers.html
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STB's MEMORIAL WINDCHIME
Got architectural skills?
The Worship Council is looking for a couple of folks willing to design a Memorial Windchime (like the one at St. Olaf’s College) for STB to build one for our parish.
If interested please contact Jack Hackley at nhackley338@comcast.net.
View St. Olaf's Windchime Memorial:
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STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE
In every walk with nature
one receives far more than one seeks.
John Muir
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR:
General Schedules page HERE
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STB VIRTUAL PRAYER WALL
Let's pray for each other!
When you get to this page, double click on the brick wall to post your prayer or a prayer request, or click on the "+" on the lower right of the wall.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE
September 22, 2024
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
When I was a wet-behind-the-ears seminarian, I was sent for an immersion with the poor. For one month, I lived in a home for adults with developmental disabilities. It was a challenge for me because the residents had significant communication issues. A 30-year-old man there named Robin was totally deaf and mute. He had Down’s Syndrome. He looked like a Viking, with a shock of red hair and a fine beard. But I felt awkward and disconnected from him. All my normal ways of interacting failed. I resigned myself to the fact that we’d never connect.
Then one morning something amazing happened. He was on the living room floor quietly playing with toys. Watching him from a chair, I sensed Jesus’ words float into my mind, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me” (Mark 9:37). I thought, “Jesus, you must somehow be in Robin.” I sheepishly made sure no one else was in the room, and then I spoke in a clear voice: “Jesus, are you there?” Robin did not turn to me and say, “Hi, John. Yes, it’s me, Jesus.” He kept playing with his toys in silence.
But something changed in me. From that moment on, it was easier to just be with Robin, to joke around with him, to try sign-language with him, to let him be himself, and for me to be myself. His “disabilities'' were no longer obstacles to overcome. He became just Robin, my friend.
Who in your life seems awkwardly distant or uncomfortable to be with? Next time you see him or her, quietly invoke the name of Jesus, and see how the barriers disappear in you.
— Father John Muir
©LPi
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EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP
The View from the Back of the Line
Have you known that person? The one who leaves every person they encounter feeling a little more blessed for having met them? They’re the friend you can count on when nothing is going well. They’re the one who’s always “doing” for others. They’re never gossiping or sniping or complaining.
We wonder how they do it, how they have it in them. We’re a little envious, even if we don’t let ourselves acknowledge it.
That, folks, is what the view is like from the front of the line, gazing at those suckers in the way back and wondering why they’re smiling so much.
We’ve all been at the front of a line and felt no shame about it. We show up early, we put in the time and the legwork, and we “earn” whatever it is we came for — sports tickets, the latest Apple product, whatever. That’s how it works here on Earth, where the fastest win the race, the fittest survive and the first shall be first, always.
It’s exactly why stewardship is such a tall order. Stewardship calls us to play by the rules of another kingdom — one where the richest have the least amount in their bank accounts and the happiest don’t seem to have anything to show for it, at least materially.
If you have a person in your life who always seems happy “doing” for others, it’s because by a boatload of God’s grace, they play by the rules of the other place.
Watch and take notes — and don’t be afraid to join them at the back of the line.
— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
©LPi
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PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
Please hold these parishioners in your prayers:
Robert Carraher
Roger Urban
Lynn Galarneau
Gary Hite
Nancy Bailey
If you have someone you would like added to our confidential Prayer Line call Bonnie Berquist at (cell) 612-865-3691, (home) 651-450-1043 or email her at Bonnie_B_02@msn.com.
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READINGS
Sunday:
Wis 2:12, 17-20/Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6-8 (6b)/Jas 3:16—4:3/Mk 9:30-37
Monday:
Prv 3:27-34/Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5/Lk 8:16-18
Tuesday:
Prv 21:1-6, 10-13/Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44/Lk 8:19-21
Wednesday:
Prv 30:5-9/Ps 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163/Lk 9:1-6
Thursday:
Eccl 1:2-11/Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b/Lk 9:7-9
Friday:
Eccl 3:1-11/Ps 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4/Lk 9:18-22
Saturday:
Eccl 11:9—12:8/Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17/Lk 9:43b-45
Next Sunday:
Nm 11:25-29/Ps 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14 (9a)/Jas 5:1-6/Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-4
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The Catholic Community of Saint Thomas Becket is dedicated to protecting children and vulnerable adults. Your cooperation and support strengthens our parish’s commitment to keeping children and vulnerable adults safe in our community. Volunteers serving with minors and vulnerable adults must complete requirements before engaging in ministry. For more information contact:
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