STOCCC APRIL 2024 GAZETTE

Additional Liturgical Dates for April

7 Second Sunday of Easter

8 Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord 11 Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr

14 Third Sunday of Easter

21 Fourth Sunday of Easter

25 Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist

28 Fifth Sunday of Easter

29 Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

CHURCH CALENDAR

Stations of the Cross video is found on the website at: www.stoccc.org

• April 1, Monday, APRIL FOOLS DAY

• April 3, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook

• April 7, Sunday, 9:45 am, First Sunday of the Month Rosary Prayer

• April 7, Sunday, 10:30 am, 3rd Sunday of Lent

LIVE STREAM AND MASS

• April 10, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook

• April 13, Saturday, 8:00 am, PARKING

LOT GANG POPUP

• April 13, Saturday, THOMAS JEFFERSON BIRTHDAY

• April 14, Sunday, 10:30 am, 4th Sunday of Lent

LIVE STREAM AND MASS

• April 14, Sunday, After Mass, H.O.M. Meeting

• April 17, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook

• April 21, Sunday, 10:30 am, 5th Sunday of Lent

LIVE STREAM AND MASS

• April 22, Monday, EARTH DAY

• April 24, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook

• April 28, Sunday, 10:30 am, Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion LIVE STREAM AND MASS

For Readings Visit: https://bible.usccb.org/

FELLOWSHIP AFTER MASS:

Wearebackupwithrefreshments intheTeresaRoomfollowingMass. Coffeeandwater,cookiesorpastries. Thereisasign-upsheetonthewallin theTeresaRoomjustoverthe fellowshiptable.Pleasewriteyour nameontheSundayforwhichyou wanttobringcookies;thechurch providesdrinks.

Ifyouhaveanyquestions,please contactCindyGiddensorPaulaThomas Baker

April Fool’s day

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF?

➢ What was the best April Fool's prank played on you/you played on someone else?

➢ What are some April's fool pranks gone wrong?

➢ What are some of the most amazing April Fools Day pranks?

➢ It’s April Fools’ Day! What’s the funniest prank anyone has pulled on you?

➢ Were you pranked on April Fools Day? Have you been pranked in past April Fool's Days? If so, what happened?

➢ What are some of the most genius April fools pranks?

➢ What is the funniest April Fools' joke you have ever been involved with or witnessed?

➢ What are the best April Fool's day pranks you have ever played?

➢ Where did the April fools jokes begin?

➢ What are the best April fool's pranks on the web?

➢ How can I protect myself from falling into upcoming April Fool's Day pranks?

➢ What was your scariest April Fool’s prank?

Now, Isn’t April Fool’s Day Fun after all?

BEST HOLIDAY EVER!

Thomas Jefferson Birthday April 13th

Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and Founding Father who served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Following the American Revolutionary War and prior to becoming president in 1801, Jefferson was the nation's first U.S. secretary of state under George Washington and then the nation's second vice president under John Adams.

During the American Revolution, Jefferson represented Virginia at the Second Continental Congress and served as the second governor of Virginia from 1779 to 1781. In 1785, Congress appointed Jefferson U.S. minister to France, where he served from 1785 to 1789. President Washington then appointed Jefferson the nation's first secretary of state, where he served from 1790 to 1793. During this time, in the early 1790s, Jefferson and James Madison organized the DemocraticRepublican Party to oppose the Federalist Party during the formation of the nation's First Party System. Jefferson and Federalist John Adams became both friends and political rivals. In the 1796 U.S. presidential election between the two, Jefferson came in second, which made him Adams' vice president under the electoral laws of the time. Four years later, in the 1800 presidential election, Jefferson again challenged Adams, and won the presidency. In 1804, Jefferson was reelected overwhelmingly to a second term.

As president, Jefferson assertively defended the nation's shipping and trade interests against Barbary pirates and aggressive British trade policies. Beginning in 1803, he promoted a western expansionist policy with the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the nation's geographic size. To make room for settlement, Jefferson began the process of Indian tribal removal from the newly acquired territory. As a result of peace negotiations with France, Jefferson was able to reduce military forces and expenditures. In his second presidential term, Jefferson was beset by difficulties at home, including the trial of his former vice president Aaron Burr. In 1807, Jefferson implemented the Embargo Act to defend the nation's industries from British threats to U.S. shipping, limiting foreign trade and stimulating the birth of the American manufacturing industry.

Presidential scholars and historians generally praise Jefferson's public achievements, including his advocacy of religious freedom and tolerance, his peaceful acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France, and his leadership in supporting the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Jefferson is consistently ranked among the top ten US presidents, though his relationship with slavery continues to be debated. Jefferson was a slave owner, but condemned the slave trade in his draft of the Declaration of Independence and signed the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves in 1807. Since the 1790s, he was rumored to have had children by his slave Sally Hemings; according to scholarly consensus, Jefferson probably fathered at least six children with Hemings. Jefferson's writings and advocacy for human rights, including freedom of thought, speech, and religion, served as substantial inspirations to the American Revolution and subsequent Revolutionary War in which the Thirteen Colonies succeeded in breaking from British America and establishing the United States as a free and sovereign nation. Jefferson was a leading proponent of democracy, republicanism, and individual rights, and produced formative documents and decisions at the state, national, and international levels.

Make a Difference at St Teresa’s

If you were to take a moment to conduct an audit of our church to determine how well we members are doing interacting with the community, what grade would you give our church?

Perhaps the question should be asked another way: Do you believe it is important for our church to interact with the community? If so, how? If not, why not?

These are some of the questions that I ask, HOM members, and the church body at large should ask themselves as they consider their vision and mission for reaching people in our community.

Community engagement is a must in order for churches to thrive, stay healthy, and remain relevant. No longer should churches operate from a “business as usual” mentality, expecting people to come to them, although some people will. It is important that STOCCC be known as more than an “event-driven” church, hosting event after event and expecting people to “come to see them.” Rather, it’s preferable to be known as a “ministry-driven” church that is reaching out, showing interest, exhibiting compassion, and meeting needs.

In His life on earth, Jesus left the best example for the body of believers to follow. “Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom. He reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good. He sought them in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast. He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs. He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts".

If churches are fulfilling The Great Commission, given with authority by Jesus, which instructs them to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19, 20), then, “Wherever we are, we should watch for opportunities of speaking to others of the Saviour. If we follow Christ’s example in doing good, hearts will open to us as they did to Him. Not abruptly, but with tact born of divine love, we can tell them of Him who is the ‘chiefest among ten thousand,’ and the One ‘altogether lovely.’ This is the very highest work in which we can employ the talent of speech. It was given to us that we might present Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour”.

The methods and ways of how churches can become involved in their community is exhaustive. What is important is to be sure that the church’s involvement in the community is not a “one-time” thing. Ongoing activity with neighbors can result in many people coming to know Jesus. Listed below are just a few examples of how WE members can share ourselves and the Word of God with those around us.

• Get to know the names of your neighbors. How many of the people who live around our home or our church do you know by name? In order to reach people, it is important to know their names.

• Pray for our neighbors. Do this regularly and ask God to create the opportunity for us to speak and interact with them.

• Invite their children to participate in activities at our church. Vacation Bible School (something we Catholics don’t do) is one of many activities that allows children to participate. It opens the door for their parents to visit the church to see what their children have been doing and where they have been spending their time.

• Perform random acts of kindness toward our neighbors. There are so many ways this can be accomplished. Church members can offer to help carry groceries, cut their grass, rake leaves, or shovel snow, just to name a few. Members can also try to find out if their neighbors have any special needs with which they can assist like we just did in Tent City in our parking lot. All the neighbors living there just found permanent housing and jobs for themselves. YEAH - Parking Lot Gang!

• Volunteer in community activities, like Celebrate Outreach, Dream Center or heck even with the Methodists at Allendale. Volunteers are always needed and can provide services in a range of areas to those in need.

• Start a walking or running group. This is another way to build relationships while at the same time practicing a healthier lifestyle.

• Offer them a small gift at Christmastime. Consider teaming up with organizations that are working to provide gifts for those in need and help make a positive impact on someone’s life.

“There are many who need the ministration of loving Christian hearts. Many have gone down to ruin who might have been saved, if our neighbors, common men and women, had put forth personal effort for them. Many are waiting to be personally addressed. In the very family, the neighborhood, the town where we live, there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ. If we are Christians, this work will be our delight. No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart”.

A relevant church is a church that knows its community members and neighbors and is engaged in making a difference in people’s lives. What grade did you give our church for community engagement? Is there room for improvement?

Start by implementing some of the ideas, or come up with some of your own. Above all, be proactive! Get to know those around you and come up with creative ways to be relevant to our community. “Let your light shine” by drawing others to our church through our personal engagement with them, “that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16.

Fr Victor Ray, FCM

NEW HOUSE OF MINISTRY (H.O.M.) MEETING RULES AND REGULATIONS

As current Moderator for the House of Ministry, I have decided to institute a couple of new rules. It appears that I will be in this position for sometime. Because of the cancellation of the Last Two (2) House of Ministry Meetings, we did not have a quorum of voting members, changes needed to be made.

Also as current President of the House of Trustees, I have revealed a situation that should be brought to all members of the community. I hate to say this but, our future seems to be in possible jeopardy.

I know this is an unusual way of doing this, but, changes need to be made and I need all to be aware that I am taking this very serious. So, the whole world doesn’t know what is happening, I have included a “Link for Details”. Once you open the link it will ask for the Password that we use for the Member’s Only page. Use that password to open the link.

LINK FOR DETAILS

1) Time – Live Mass, Live Stream, or Participation in events (Live or Zoom)

2) Talent – Adding Input to Gazette, Parking Lot Gang, Inspiring Others, etc.

3) Treasures – Ensuring Church Meets Its Needs. Online Giving in Website @ stoccc.org or App @ Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community

HOUSE OF MINISTRY MEETING

SUNDAY, APRIL 14TH 12:15 TERESA ROOM

Purpose of this Newsletter: One format in which to “Keep the lines of Communication OPEN” and inform the congregation, friends, and guests of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community of what ishappening.

SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLICCOMMUNITY STATS:

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

3803 HAINES ROAD NORTH, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33703

MAILING ADDRESS:

SAINT TERESA OFCALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

P.O. BOX 47921, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33743

PHONE NUMBER IS:

727-245-0102

Line #1 is the Church Office

Line #2 is Father Victor Ray

Line #3 is Prayer Request

Line #4 is Healing Ministry

Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community

Existing Ministry Teams:

HOUSE OF MINISTRIES

Moderator: William Schwartz

Assistant Moderator: Michelle Mazuros

Financial: Jon Laubscher

Advertising: Michelle Mazuros

Card Ministry: Paula Thomas Baker

Decorations: Cindy and Dennis Giddens, Susanna Glisson

Hospitality: Paula Thomas Baker, Cindy Giddens

Liturgical: Alexandra Kahn

Media: William Schwartz

Outreach: Cindy Giddens

Parking Lot Gang: Shelli and Kelvin Muncy, Frank Matzelle

Welcome: Susanna Glisson

Immediate Needed Ministries:

Records Keeper Planning Marketing Future Goals Mats Ministry

Pastor is Father Victor Ray

HOUSE OF TRUSTEES

President: William Schwartz

Vice President: Michelle Mazuros

Treasurer: Jon Laubscher

Legal: Catherine E. Blackburn, Esquire

If anyone is interested in participating in an Existing Ministry, please contact the Ministry Leader. If anyone is interested in Leading any of the Immediate Needed Ministries, Please contact Father Victor Ray or William Schwartz.

Remember that Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community follows the principles of: TIME TALENT TREASURE

FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

YOUTUBE AT SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

TWITTER AT STOCCC2

INSTAGRAM AT STOCCCLOVE

APP AT SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

You can easily connect to all, on our Website: www.stoccc.org