Here are the Church regulations for fasting and abstinence during Lent and on Good Friday:
 

• • Everyone 14 years of age or older is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent* and Good Friday.
  • Everyone 18 or older, and under 59 years of age, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
  • On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige.
  • Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed minimal penitential practices.

• If you are feeling sick, or around someone who is sick or has tested positive for Covid-19, stay home.
• Purify hands when you arrive; try not to touch too many things when you come to church.  Doors are held open for entrance into/exit from the church—please use the open doors. 
• Keep your face covering on at all times, making sure it covers your nose and mouth, except when placing the Body of Christ in your mouth after receiving it in your hand at Communion and moving 6 feet to the side.
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members at all times.  Please especially attend to this distancing when leaving the Church after Mass- in the gathering space and at the doors.

LET’S REMAIN DILIGENT!!
As we get news of the Covid-19 numbers trending in a positive direction in our region to the degree that we are moving toward Phase 3 in the reopening process, and more and more people are getting the vaccine, let us not “rest on our laurels” and relax our observance of health and safety protocols.  We must remain diligent with mask-wearing, distancing, and isolating ourselves if we are sick or have been around someone with the virus.  In this way, we continue to show our care for one another, and do our part to bring this pandemic to an end. 
** Thanks for your on-going financial donations to the parish! Please consider giving on-line (see the parish website) if you are not already doing so. 

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration is available this week from Monday-Friday from 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, in the Chapel. 

Catechetical Programs
** Social distancing and masking protocols are observed at all programs

*Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Pray for the Elect and Candidates of our parish as we near the celebration of their initiation into the Catholic Church through the Easter Sacraments!

Religious Education classes for students in grades K-5 are Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in the PACC. This program concludes for the year at the end of this month.  Thanks to our Coordinator, Alexis Ferrante, and catechist Katelyn Doan!  Our kids have had a great year!

*Youth Ministry gatherings for students in grades 6-12 are generally Tuesdays, 6:30-8 pm at St. Charles. There are other activities throughout the week for all youth.  See ncymspokane.com or contact J.J. Nazzaro for information, jnazzaro@dioceseofspokane.org.  See also the parish bulletin and notices on the parish website.

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH
Pope Francis has declared this to be the YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH.  On the diocesan website, www.dioceseofspokane.org there are wonderful materials to help us observe this year in honor of the husband of Mary and patron of the universal Church!
COVID VACCINES
Bishop Daly has prepared a statement on the moral permissibility of Covid-19 vaccines.  It also contains links to much information about Catholic moral theology and bioethics, as well as current wisdom from professional health care providers.  If you did not receive this via Flocknote, it can be found at www.dioceseofspokane.org.
SCHOOL AUCTION
A huge “Thanks!” to all who supported this year’s auction, which financially supports our parish school.  It was again a great success, due to your generosity!!

Lent is approaching!  Ash Wednesday, a day of Fast and Abstinence, is February 17.
Masses: 7:30 am; 4:30 pm; 7:00 pm

Here are the Church regulations for fasting and abstinence during Lent:

• • Everyone 14 years of age or older is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent* and Good Friday.
  • Everyone 18 or older, and under 59 years of age, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
  • On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige.
  • Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed minimal penitential practices.

• Start thinking now of what you will do to make Lent truly penitential and transformative:
  • What you will give up, deny yourself, to be open more generously to the Lord
  • What you will add to be open to God’s grace to grow in holiness

• Masking and social distancing will be observed

• If you are feeling sick, or around someone who is sick or has tested positive for Covid-19, stay home.
• Purify hands when you arrive; try not to touch too many things when you come to church.  Doors are held open for entrance into/exit from the church—please use the open doors. 
• Keep your face covering on at all times, making sure it covers your nose and mouth, except when placing the Body of Christ in your mouth after receiving it in your hand at Communion and moving 6 feet to the side.
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members at all times.  Please especially attend to this distancing when leaving the Church after Mass- in the gathering space and at the doors.

LET’S REMAIN DILIGENT!!

As we get news of the Covid-19 numbers trending in a positive direction in our region to the degree that we are moving into Phase 2 in the reopening process this Sunday, and more and more people are getting the vaccine, let us not “rest on our laurels” and relax our observance of health and safety protocols.  We must remain diligent with mask-wearing, distancing, and isolating ourselves if we are sick or have been around someone with the virus.  In this way, we continue to show our care for one another, and do our part to bring this pandemic to an end. 

** Thanks for your on-going financial donations to the parish! Please consider giving on-line (see the parish website) if you are not already doing so. 

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Adoration is available this week from Monday-Friday from 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, in the Chapel. 

Catechetical Programs

** Social distancing and masking protocols are observed at all programs

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Do you know of anybody who has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?  Please contact the parish office with any names (466-3811).  The RCIA gatherings, to assist these people in their discernment, are Sunday mornings in the PACC!
Religious Education classes for students in grades K-5 are Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in the PACC. This is a great way for parents to fulfill their obligation of training their children in the practice of the faith!  See the parish website to register, or sign up at class.  Next class: February 4.
Youth Ministry gatherings for students in grades 6-12 are generally Tuesdays, 6:30-8 pm at St. Charles. There are other activities throughout the week for all youth.  See ncymspokane.com or contact J.J. Nazzaro for information, jnazzaro@dioceseofspokane.org.  See also the parish bulletin and notices on the parish website.

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH

Pope Francis has declared this to be the YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH.  On the diocesan website, www.dioceseofspokane.org there are wonderful materials to help us observe this year in honor of the husband of Mary and patron of the universal Church!

COVID VACCINES

Bishop Daly has prepared a statement on the moral permissibility of Covid-19 vaccines.  It also contains links to much information about Catholic moral theology and bioethics, as well as current wisdom from professional health care providers.  If you did not receive this via Flocknote, it can be found at www.dioceseofspokane.org.

We begin Catholic Schools Week!  Thank you to all for your support of our Parish School.  Our Catholic schools truly make a difference in our parishes and in our community!!
All are invited to donate to the Collection for Catholic Schools, in support of all the Catholic schools in the diocese.  You should receive information in the mail about this collection, or see dioceseofspokane.org.
Check out the School website (thomasmorespokane.org) and Parish Bulletin for information about our upcoming School Auction!! It will be a unique and fun experience this year, and is a great opportunity to further support the mission and ministry of our school.

LITURGIES AT STM
We are livestreaming the 9:00 am Sunday Mass. 
 The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday and Holyday Masses remains in place until further notice throughout the diocese. This means that although Sunday and Holyday Mass is available for in-person attendance, if you choose not to attend these Masses because of health concerns, it is not a sin.  However, if you choose not to attend Mass in person, please do something at home to set the day aside for the Lord in a special way:  Pray the Rosary; watch a Mass on TV/On-line and make a Spiritual Communion; read the Scripture readings for the day; etc.

This week’s liturgies:
* Sunday Masses:
Saturday, 4:30 pm
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am
*   Daily Mass, Monday-Saturday:  7:30 am
* Confessions: Saturday, 8-9 am, Thursday, 4:30-5:15 pm (in the PACC)

Just a few key reminders with regard to coming to STM for Mass:

• If you are feeling sick, or around someone who is sick or has tested positive for Covid-19, stay home.
• Purify hands when you arrive; try not to touch too many things when you come to church.  Doors are held open for entrance into/exit from the church—please use the open doors. 
• Keep your face covering on at all times, making sure it covers your nose and mouth, except when placing the Body of Christ in your mouth after receiving it in your hand at Communion and moving 6 feet to the side.
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members at all times.  Please especially attend to this distancing when leaving the Church after Mass- in the gathering space and at the doors.

• If you have blessed palms from last year, please bring them to church.  They will be burned to

• Start thinking now of what you will do to make Lent truly penitential and transformative:
  • What you will give up, deny yourself, to be open more generously to the Lord
  • What you will add to be open to God’s grace to grow in holiness

 “Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving…”

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration is available this week from Monday-Wednesday from 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, in the Chapel. 

Catechetical Programs
** Social distancing and masking protocols are observed at all programs
*Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Do you know of anybody who has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?  Please contact the parish office with any names (466-3811).  The RCIA gatherings, to assist these people in their discernment, are Sunday mornings in the PACC!
Religious Education classes for students in grades K-5 are Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in the PACC. This is a great way for parents to fulfill their obligation of training their children in the practice of the faith!  See the parish website to register, or sign up at class.  Next class: February 4.
*Youth Ministry gatherings for students in grades 6-12 are generally Tuesdays, 6:30-8 pm at St. Charles. There are other activities throughout the week for all youth.  See ncymspokane.com or contact J.J. Nazzaro for information, jnazzaro@dioceseofspokane.org.  See also the parish bulletin and notices on the parish website.

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH
Pope Francis has declared this to be the YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH.  On the diocesan website, www.dioceseofspokane.org there are wonderful materials to help us observe this year in honor of the husband of Mary and patron of the universal Church!

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL
Congratulations to us!  Many thanks to those of you who have made a donation to the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal! Thanks to your generosity, STM has once again surpassed our assessed amount for the ACA, as the last report indicates our donations have reached $154,481. The assessment for our parish is $149,306.  You may still make your donations, using an envelope located in the back of the church, or on-line:  www.dioceseofspokane.org/make-a-one-time-donation.  Remember, the money STM parishioners donate to ACA that exceeds our assessed amount is returned to the parish.  We place this money in a Contingency Fund, to be available in the event of an unexpected major expense that may come our way in the parish.  This year, we will receive back $31,748.40, which was the “overage” of our donations to the 2019 ACA, whose pledge-payment period ended December 31, 2020.  Again, THANKS!!

COVID VACCINES
Bishop Daly has prepared a statement on the moral permissibility of Covid-19 vaccines.  It also contains links to much information about Catholic moral theology and bioethics, as well as current wisdom from professional health care providers.  If you did not receive this via Flocknote, it can be found at www.dioceseofspokane.org.

Update: December 4, 2020
Masses for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Tuesday, December 8
7:30 am
7:00 pm
*We have started livestreaming the 9:00 am Sunday Mass.  Go to https://youtu.be/MzlgX3faEcs

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL
Many thanks to those of you who have made a donation to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal! The theme of this year’s ACA is “One Body in Christ.”   It is so important that we unite in support the mission of our diocesan Church; it is even more important that we each recognize God as the Giver of all we have, and respond with gratitude and generosity by sharing of our money, time and talents with our Church and other organizations which carry out the mission of the gospel!  If you have not yet given, please prayerfully consider the bishop’s invitation to support the ACA.  There is an opportunity to give a one-time donation, or to spread out the donations over a period of time.  There are donation envelopes available in the Parish Office or in the Narthex of the Church if you need one.  You may bring ACA envelopes to Mass in the coming weeks, mail them directly to the Chancery, or you may make your donations on-line:  www.dioceseofspokane.org/make-a-one-time-donation
The assessment for our parish is $149,306.  To date, we have donated or pledged $143,456, which is about 96% of our assessment.  The diocese as a whole is at about 81% of what will be needed for the ministries and operation of our diocesan church in the following fiscal year.  If we all give what we can, we will once again reach this mark as a parish.  Thank you!

LITURGIES AT STM
* The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in place until further notice. This means that although Sunday Mass is available for in-person attendance, the dispensation remains for all Catholics throughout the diocese. If you do not attend Sunday Mass, it is not a sin.  However, if you choose not to attend Mass, please do something at home to set the day aside for the Lord in a special way:  Pray the Rosary; watch a Mass on TV/On-line and make a Spiritual Communion; read the Scripture readings for the day; etc.
This week’s liturgies:
* Sunday Mass:
Saturday, 4:30 pm
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am
*   Daily Masses at 7:30 am (10 am on Thursday)
* Confessions: Saturday, 8-9 am, Thursday, 4:30-5:15 pm in the PACC

Just a few key reminders with regard to coming to STM for Mass:

• If you are feeling sick, or around someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, stay home
• Wash/purify hands often; try not to touch too many things when you come to church.  Doors are held open for entrance into/exit from the church—please use the open doors. 
• Keep your face covering on at all times, making sure it covers your nose and mouth, except when placing the Body of Christ in your mouth after receiving it in your hand at Communion and moving 6 feet to the side
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members at all times

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration is available Monday-Friday from 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, in the Chapel. 

** Thanks for your on-going financial donations to the parish! Please consider giving on-line (see the parish website) if you are not already doing so. 

Catechetical Programs
** Social distancing and masking protocols are observed at all programs

*Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Do you know of anybody who has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?  Please contact the parish office with any names (466-3811).  The RCIA gatherings, to assist these people in their discernment, are Sunday mornings in the Library!

We are still in need of a catechist to work with our 5th & 6th grade students to help them prepare for Confirmation & Communion. If you are interested in helping, please contact Tracy Acker at 503-970-0776 or tracyacker83@gmail.com.
 *Religious Education classes for students in grades K-5 are Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in the PACC. This is a great way for parents to fulfill their obligation of training their children in the practice of the faith!  See the parish website to register, or sign up at class

*Youth Ministry gatherings for students in grades 6-12 are Sundays, 2-4 pm at St. Charles (no meeting this Sunday).  There are other activities throughout the week for all youth.  Contact J.J. Nazzaro for information, jnazzaro@dioceseofspokane.org, and see the parish bulletin and notices on the parish website.

ADVENT
Here is a blessing you might use in the home if you set up an Advent wreath to accompany your journey to Christmas:
“Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel, the hop of the peoples, he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation.
Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath.  May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.  May he come quickly and not delay.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen!”

Devotional Materials for Advent
https://advent.parishdata.com/
 https://advent.augustineinstitute.org/
https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever.html

The Moral Permissibility of COVID-19 Vaccines        
The USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities issued guidance regarding the moral permissibility of COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna: "Neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccine involved the use of cell lines that originated in fetal tissue taken from the body of an aborted baby at any level of design, development, or production."  At the same time, it was noted that there is a "relatively remote" connection of the vaccines to abortion.  One of the tests used by the companies to confirm that their vaccines work relied upon an abortion-tainted cell line.  The guidance also provides information about Catholic moral teaching related to vaccines.
                                            
 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Thanksgiving Day Mass at 10 am

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL

Many thanks to those of you who have made a donation to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal! The theme of this year’s ACA is “One Body in Christ.”   It is so important that we unite in support the mission of our diocesan Church; it is even more important that we each recognize God as the Giver of all we have, and respond with gratitude and generosity by sharing of our money, time and talents with our Church and other organizations which carry out the mission of the gospel!  If you have not yet given, please prayerfully consider the bishop’s invitation to support the ACA.  There is an opportunity to give a one-time donation, or to spread out the donations over a period of time.  There are donation envelopes available in the Parish Office or in the Narthex of the Church if you need one.  You may bring ACA envelopes to Mass in the coming weeks, mail them directly to the Chancery, or you may make your donations on-line:  www.dioceseofspokane.org/make-a-one-time-donation
The assessment for our parish is $149,306.  To date, we have donated or pledged $129,981, which is about 87% of our assessment.  The diocese as a whole is at about 81% of what will be needed for the ministries and operation of our diocesan church in the following fiscal year.  If we all give what we can, we will once again reach this mark as a parish.  Thank you!

LITURGIES AT STM

* The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in place until further notice. This means that although Sunday Mass is available for in-person attendance, the dispensation remains for all Catholics throughout the diocese. If you do not attend Sunday Mass, it is not a sin.  However, if you choose not to attend Mass, please do something at home to set the day aside for the Lord in a special way:  Pray the Rosary; watch a Mass on TV/On-line and make a Spiritual Communion; read the Scripture readings for the day; etc.
This week’s liturgies:
* Sunday Mass:
Saturday, 4:30 pm
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am
*   Daily Masses at 7:30 am (10 am on Thursday)
* Confessions: Saturday, 8-9 am, Thursday, 4:30-5:15 pm in the PACC (No Confessions on Thanksgiving day)

Just a few key reminders with regard to coming to STM for Mass:

• If you are feeling sick, or around someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, stay home
• Wash/purify hands often; try not to touch too many things when you come to church.  Doors are held open for entrance into/exit from the church—please use the open doors. 
• Keep your face covering on at all times, making sure it covers your nose and mouth, except when placing the Body of Christ in your mouth after receiving it in your hand at Communion and moving 6 feet to the side
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members at all times

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration is available Monday-Friday from 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, in the Chapel. 

** Thanks for your on-going financial donations to the parish! Please consider giving on-line (see the parish website) if you are not already doing so. 

Catechetical Programs
** Social distancing and masking protocols are observed at all programs

*Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Do you know of anybody who has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?  Please contact the parish office with any names (466-3811).  The RCIA gatherings, to assist these people in their discernment, are Sunday mornings in the Library!
*Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion for students in grades 2 has begun.  Thanks to our Coordinator and Catechists who help our young people prepare for the Sacraments:  Tracy Acker (Coordinator), Becky Burk, Cindy Hawk, Mary Liguori, and Nikki Myers, as well as our school 2nd Grade teacher, Tisha Millersmith.  Children in this preparation must either attend Catholic School or Religious Education classes.  See the parish website or call the Parish Office to register.  The next gathering is Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:30 pm in the Church, when the young people will have the opportunity to celebrate their first Confession!
We need a catechist to work with our 5th & 6th grade students to prepare them for Confirmation & Communion. If you are interested in helping, please contact Tracy Acker at 503-970-0776 or tracyacker83@gmail.com.
 *Religious Education classes for students in grades K-5 are Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in the Library (no class on Thanksgiving day). This is a great way for parents to fulfill their obligation of training their children in the practice of the faith!  See the parish website to register, or sign up at class.  We thank our catechists:  Alexis Ferrante (Coordinator), Pierre and Dawne Salloum, and Katelyn Doan!
*Youth Ministry gathering for students in grades 6-12 will be this Sunday, 2-4 pm at St. Charles!  There are other activities throughout the week for all youth.  Contact J.J. Nazzaro for information, jnazzaro@dioceseofspokane.org, and see the parish bulletin and notices on the parish website.

ADVENT

The season of Advent begins the weekend of November 28-29.  Watch your Flocknotes and see the parish website for devotional materials for the season.  Here is a blessing you might use in the home if you set up an Advent wreath to accompany your journey to Christmas:
“Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel, the hop of the peoples, he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation.
Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath.  May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.  May he come quickly and not delay.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen!”

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL
Many thanks to those of you who have made a donation to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal! The theme of this year’s ACA is “One Body in Christ.”   It is so important that we unite in support the mission of our diocesan Church; it is even more important that we each recognize God as the Giver of all we have, and respond with gratitude and generosity by sharing of our money, time and talents with our Church and other organizations which carry out the mission of the gospel!  If you have not yet given, please prayerfully consider the bishop’s invitation to support the ACA.  There is an opportunity to give a one-time donation, or to spread out the donations over a period of time.  There are donation envelopes available in the Parish Office or in the Narthex of the Church if you need one.  You may bring ACA envelopes to Mass in the coming weeks, mail them directly to the Chancery, or you may make your donations on-line:  www.dioceseofspokane.org/make-a-one-time-donation
The assessment for our parish is $149,306.  To date, we have donated or pledged $118,341, which is about 79% of our assessment.  If we all give what we can, I am sure we can once again reach this mark as a parish.  Thank you!
LITURGIES AT STM
* The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in place until further notice. This means that although Sunday Mass is available for in-person attendance, the dispensation remains for all Catholics throughout the diocese. If you do not attend Sunday Mass, it is not a sin.  However, if you choose not to attend Mass, please do something at home to set the day aside for the Lord in a special way:  Pray the Rosary; watch a Mass on TV/On-line and make a Spiritual Communion; read the Scripture readings for the day; etc.
This week’s liturgies:
* Sunday Mass:
Saturday, 4:30 pm
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am
*   Daily Masses at 7:30 am
* Confessions: Saturday, 8-9 am, Thursday, 4:30-5:15 pm in the PACC.
Just a few key reminders with regard to coming to STM for Mass:

• If you are feeling sick, or around someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, stay home
• Wash/purify hands often; try not to touch too many things when you come to church.  Doors are held open for entrance into/exit from the church—please use the open doors. 
• Keep your face covering on at all times, making sure it covers your nose and mouth, except when placing the Body of Christ in your mouth after receiving it in your hand at Communion and moving 6 feet to the side
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members at all times

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
**  Thanks for your on-going financial donations to the parish! Please consider giving on-line (see the parish website) if you are not already doing so.  The weekend of November 21-22, the parish and school annual financial reports for the fiscal year 2019-2020 will be presented at the end of Masses.
Catechetical Programs have begun!
** Social distancing and masking protocols are observed at all programs
*Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Do you know of anybody who has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?  Please contact the parish office with any names (466-3811).  The RCIA gatherings, to assist these people in their discernment, are Sunday mornings in the Library!
*Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion for students in grades 2 has begun.  Thanks to our Coordinator and Catechists who help our young people prepare for the Sacraments:  Tracy Acker (Coordinator), Becky Burk, Cindy Hawk, Mary Liguori, and Nikki Myers, as well as our school 2^nd Grade teacher, Tisha Millersmith.  Children in this preparation must either attend Catholic School or Religious Education classes.  See the parish website or call the Parish Office to register.  The next gathering is this coming Wednesday, November 18^th, 6:30 pm in the Church.
We need a catechist to work with our 5th & 6th grade students to prepare them for Confirmation & Communion. If you are interested in helping, please contact Tracy Acker at 503-970-0776 or tracyacker83@gmail.com.
 *Religious Education classes for students in grades K-5 are Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in the Library (enter through the east doors).  This is a great way for parents to fulfill their obligation of training their children in the practice of the faith!  See the parish website to register, or sign up at class.  We thank our catechists:  Alexis Ferrante (Coordinator), Pierre and Dawne Salloum, and Katelyn Doan!
*Youth Ministry gathering for students in grades 6-12 will be this Sunday, 2-4 pm at St. Charles!  There are other activities throughout the week for all youth.  Contact J.J. Nazzaro for information, jnazzaro@dioceseofspokane.org, and see the parish bulletin and notices on the parish website.
THE VOTES ARE IN…
Now that Election Day has passed, it is our duty to continue to be faithful citizens in the more calm and reasoned world of operating as a nation, state and county.  Let us pray for those who have been elected to office, that they truly be of service with an eye to the common good and gospel principles.  Let us pray in gratitude for those candidates who were not elected, for offering themselves to be considered for election to public office.  Let us strive to heal any wounds or divisions that were caused among us by the contentious and emotional run-up to the election.  Let us remember that, first and foremost, we are all Catholic Christians, united in Jesus Christ, and this supersedes all differences that may exist between us politically.  Those who do not share our political views are not “enemies,” they are not “them.” It is “We,” and we are in this together, striving for sanctity and the good of all.

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL

Many thanks to those of you who have made a donation to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal! The theme of this year’s ACA is “One Body in Christ.”   It is so important that we unite in support the mission of our diocesan Church; it is even more important that we each recognize God as the Giver of all we have, and respond with gratitude and generosity by sharing of our money, time and talents with our Church and other organizations which carry out the mission of the gospel!  If you have not yet given, please prayerfully consider the bishop’s invitation to support the ACA.  There is an opportunity to give a one-time donation, or to spread out the donations over a period of time.  There are donation envelopes available in the Parish Office or in the Narthex of the Church if you need one.  You may bring ACA envelopes to Mass in the coming weeks, mail them directly to the Chancery, or you may make your donations on-line:  www.dioceseofspokane.org/make-a-one-time-donation

The assessment for our parish is $149,306.  To date, we have donated or pledged $108,186, which is about 65% of our assessment.  If we all give what we can, I am sure we can once again reach this mark as a parish.  Thank you!

LITURGIES AT STM

* The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in place until further notice. This means that although Sunday Mass is available for in-person attendance, the dispensation remains for all Catholics throughout the diocese. If you do not attend Sunday Mass, it is not a sin.  However, if you choose not to attend Mass, please do something at home to set the day aside for the Lord in a special way:  Pray the Rosary; watch a Mass on TV/On-line and make a Spiritual Communion; read the Scripture readings for the day; etc. 

This week’s liturgies:

* Sunday Mass:

Saturday, 4:30 pm

Sunday: 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am

*   Daily Masses at 7:30 am

* Confessions: Saturday, 8-9 am, Thursday, 4:30-5:15 pm in the PACC.

Just a few key reminders with regard to coming to STM for Mass:

• If you are feeling sick, or around someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, stay home
• Wash/purify hands often; try not to touch too many things when you come to church.  Doors are held open for entrance into/exit from the church—please use the open doors.  
• Keep your face covering on at all times, making sure it covers your nose and mouth, except when placing the Body of Christ in your mouth after receiving it in your hand at Communion and moving 6 feet to the side
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members at all times

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Adoration is available Monday-Friday from 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, in the Chapel.  

**  Thanks for your on-going financial donations to the parish! Please consider giving on-line (see the parish website) if you are not already doing so.

Catechetical Programs have begun!

** Social distancing and masking protocols will be observed at all programs

*Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Do you know of anybody who has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?  Please contact the parish office with any names (466-3811).  The RCIA gatherings, to assist these people in their discernment, are Sunday mornings in the Library!

*Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion for students in grades 2 has begun.  Thanks to our Coordinator and Catechists who help our young people prepare for the Sacraments:  Tracy Acker (Coordinator), Becky Burk, Cindy Hawk, Mary Liguori, and Nikki Myers, as well as our school 2^nd Grade teacher, Tisha Millersmith.  Children in this preparation must either attend Catholic School or Religious Education classes.  See the parish website or call the Parish Office to register.

We need a catechist to work with our 5th & 6th grade students to prepare them for Confirmation & Communion. If you are interested in helping, please contact Tracy Acker at 503-970-0776 or tracyacker83@gmail.com.

 *Religious Education classes for students in grades K-5 are Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in the Library (enter through the east doors).  This is a great way for parents to fulfill their obligation of training their children in the practice of the faith!  See the parish website to register, or sign up at class.  We thank our catechists:  Alexis Ferrante (Coordinator), Pierre and Dawne Salloum, and Katelyn Doan!

*Youth Ministry gathering for students in grades 6-12 will be this Sunday, 2-4 pm at St. Charles!  There are other activities throughout the week for all youth.  Contact J.J. Nazzaro for information, jnazzaro@dioceseofspokane.org, and see the parish bulletin and notices on the parish website.

THE VOTES ARE IN…

Now that Election Day has passed, it is our duty to continue to be faithful citizens in the more calm and reasoned world of operating as a nation, state and county.  Let us pray for those who have been elected to office, that they truly be of service with an eye to the common good and gospel principles.  Let us pray in gratitude for those candidates who were not elected, for offering themselves to be considered for election to public office.  Let us strive to heal any wounds or divisions that were caused among us by the contentious and emotional run-up to the election.  Let us remember that, first and foremost, we are all Catholic Christians, united in Jesus Christ, and this supersedes all differences that may exist between us politically.  Those who do not share our political views are not “enemies,” they are not “them.” It is “We,” and we are in this together, striving for sanctity and the good of all.

Update: October 30, 2020

OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH!  PRAY FOR A DEEPENING RESPECT AMONG ALL PEOPLE FOR THE DIGNITY OF HUMAN LIFE.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!  Don’t forget to set your clocks back tomorrow night when you go to bed.


ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL

Many thanks to those of you who have made a donation to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal! The theme of this year’s ACA is “One Body in Christ.”   It is so important that we unite in support the mission of our diocesan Church; it is even more important that we each recognize God as the Giver of all we have, and respond with gratitude and generosity by sharing of our money, time and talents with our Church and other organizations which carry out the mission of the gospel!  If you have not yet given, please prayerfully consider the bishop’s invitation to support the ACA.  There is an opportunity to give a one-time donation, or to spread out the donations over a period of time.  There are donation envelopes available in the Parish Office or in the Narthex of the Church if you need one.  You may bring ACA envelopes to Mass in the coming weeks, mail them directly to the Chancery, or you may make your donations on-line:  www.dioceseofspokane.org/make-a-one-time-donation
The assessment for our parish is $149,306.  To date, we have donated or pledged $97,786, which is about 65% of our assessment.  If we all give what we can, I am sure we can once again reach this mark as a parish.  Thank you!

LITURGIES AT STM

* The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in place until further notice. This means that although Sunday Mass is available for in-person attendance, the dispensation remains for all Catholics throughout the diocese. If you do not attend Sunday Mass, it is not a sin.  However, if you choose not to attend Mass, please do something at home to set the day aside for the Lord in a special way:  Pray the Rosary; watch a Mass on TV/On-line and make a Spiritual Communion; read the Scripture readings for the day; etc.
This week’s liturgies:
* Sunday Mass:
Saturday, 4:30 pm
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am
*   Daily Masses at 7:30 am
* Confessions: Saturday, 8-9 am, Thursday, 4:30-5:15 pm in the PACC.


ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration is available Monday-Friday from 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, in the Chapel. 

**  Thanks for your on-going financial donations to the parish! Please consider giving on-line (see the parish website) if you are not already doing so.

Catechetical Programs have begun!
** Social distancing and masking protocols will be observed at all programs

*Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: Do you know of anybody who has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?  Please contact the parish office with any names (466-3811).  The RCIA gatherings, to assist these people in their discernment, are Sunday mornings in the Library!
*Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion for students in grades 2 has begun.  Children in this preparation must either attend Catholic School or Religious Education classes.  See the parish website or call the Parish Office to register.
We need a catechist to work with our 5th & 6th grade students to prepare them for Confirmation & Communion. If you are interested in helping, please contact Tracy Acker at 503-970-0776 or tracyacker83@gmail.com.
 *Religious Education classes for students in grades K-5 are Thursdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in the Library (enter through the east doors).  This is a great way for parents to fulfill their obligation of training their children in the practice of the faith!  See the parish website to register, or sign up at class.  We thank our catechists:  Alexis Ferrante (Coordinator), Pierre and Dawne Salloum, and Katelyn Doan!
*Youth Ministry gathering for students in grades 6-12 will be this Sunday, 2-4 pm at St. Charles!  There are other activities throughout the week for all youth.  Contact J.J. Nazzaro for information, jnazzaro@dioceseofspokane.org, and see the parish bulletin and notices on the parish website.

Voting Season
In case you haven’t heard, next Tuesday is Election Day.  As Catholics, we have a responsibility to participate in the civic life of our community and nation.  This includes being conscientious voters.  To help in our formation in preparation to vote, you are encouraged to view these documents from our state and national Catholic Bishops:
https://www.usccb.org/resources/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship-pdf
Love One Another Pastoral Statement On Civility

No matter which candidates are elected next week, let us all join in prayer for the newly-elected officials, that they be blessed with the wisdom of God, and humbly govern with an eye to the common good of our nation and gospel principles.  Let us also pray for those who will not be elected, in gratitude for offering themselves to be of service to our county, state or nation.


What Does the Church Say About Public Policy Issues?
The Catholic Church does not endorse any candidates or political parties, but the Church does advocate for public policies that serve the common good and are aligned with Church teachings.  When considering political candidates' views on public policies, we recommend reading Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility, published by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Specifically, paragraph 31 begins a discussion on "Making Moral Choices" in relation to voting, and Part 2 explains the Church's position on a number of political issues including human life, religious freedom, migration, care for creation, and more.  For detailed information about the Catholic Church's stance on national public policy issues, refer to the USCCB website.  Consult the Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) for information about state and local public policies. You may encounter websites, sources, or mailers that claim to be Catholic.  However, they may not be officially aligned with or sanctioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).  During this election season, some parishioners have received mailers that claim to be Catholic and promote specific candidates.  These mailers did not come from diocesan mailing lists.  If a source instructs you to support a specific candidate or political party, it is most certainly not officially aligned with the Catholic Church.

*The WSCC, comprised of the bishops of Washington state, recommends you check "reject" on Referendum 90 (R-90) on the fall ballot.  R-90 gives us the opportunity to reject the Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) law that was passed in March.  Also called the Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) law, Senate Bill 5395 mandates that all schools provide CSHE from kindergarten through 12^th grade.  Curriculum guidelines are not aligned with Church teachings, and the CSHE law prevents local communities and school boards from fully protecting their own values and determining local policy.  Go to wacatholics.org for more information.
 

* The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in place until further notice. This means that although Sunday Mass is available for in-person attendance, the dispensation remains for all Catholics throughout the diocese. If you do not attend Sunday Mass, it is not a sin.  However, if you choose not to attend Mass, please do something at home to set the day aside for the Lord in a special way:  Pray the Rosary; watch a Mass on TV/On-line and make a Spiritual Communion; read the Scripture readings for the day; etc.
* This week’s liturgies:
Confessions: Saturday, 8-9 am, Thursday, 4:30-5:15 pm in the PACC.
Sunday Mass:
Saturday, 4:30 pm
Sunday: 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am
*   Daily Masses at 7:30 am

Just a few key reminders with regard to coming to STM for Mass:

• If you are feeling sick, or around someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, stay home
• Wash/purify hands often; try not to touch too many things when you come to church.  Doors are held open for entrance into/exit from the church—please use the open doors. 
• Keep your face covering on at all times, making sure it covers your nose and mouth, except when placing the Body of Christ in your mouth after receiving it in your hand at Communion and moving 6 feet to the side
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members at all times