Weekly Updates from St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar, NY
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Weekend of November 14-15, 2026

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friday, November 13

10:30am: Reflecting on the Sunday Scriptures, Conference Room
12:15pm: Mass
1:00pm: Adoration, Confession

Saturday, November 14

November Cemetery Prayer Services:
- 12:00pm: Highpoint Cemetery, corner of Rt. 156 & Old Stage Rd, Altamont
- 1:00pm: Fairview Cemetery, 6400 Hawes Rd, Altamont
4:00pm: Confessions
5:00pm: Mass

Sunday, November 15

7:30am: Mass
9:00am: OCIA Session, Cafeteria
10:00am: Children's Rosary, Chapel
10:30am: Mass (Livestream)
10:30am: Children's Liturgy of the Word, Chapel
11:30am: Hospitality
November Cemetery Prayer Service:
- 1:00pm: Calvary Cemetery, 481 US-9W, Glenmont
5:00pm: Mass

St. Thomas Parish,

When we go on a trip, we make sure that we’ve packed all of our essential belongings that we will need during our time away. I’m usually one who waits until the very last second to pack, and the phrase “packed everything but the kitchen sink” applies to me most times! I like to be prepared! But inevitably, we forget things from time to time, and we end up needing to buy a belt or a toothbrush or some sunscreen at a local store when we arrive.

Traveling requires packing and preparation. As we approach the conclusion of the liturgical year, when we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe on November 22, our Scriptures turn to this theme of preparation. How can we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ? How can we prepare ourselves to enter eternal life? Unlike a flight that we plan months in advance, when we can track the day, time, and gate, we simply don’t know when we will be called to eternal life. It will be a day and hour we do not know.

Should this scare us? Maybe fear is a natural reaction to not knowing, but our Scriptures this weekend assure us otherwise. St. Paul writes, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.” At first, that might not sound very reassuring! But he continues by teaching us that we are not people who should remain in darkness, waiting anxiously for something terrible to happen. Instead, we are “children of the light and children of the day.” Because we belong to Christ, we have every reason to live with hope and confidence in the promises he has made to us.

St. Paul also tells us to “stay alert and sober.” We are called to live each day with an awareness of God's presence and a readiness to respond to his invitation. Preparing for eternal life is something we do every day through the choices we make, the relationships we nurture, the forgiveness we offer, the love we share, and the faith we practice. This preparation process should not be delayed until “later in life,” whatever that might mean. And, unlike packing for a vacation, preparing for eternal life isn't about making sure we've brought enough things with us. Actually, it's often about learning to let go of the things that weigh us down: our sins, our grudges, our distractions, and the things that keep us from growing closer to God. We prepare not by filling our suitcases, but by opening our hearts.

Here are some items to note related to preparation:

In an effort to help inform our parish community about the “Medical Aid in Dying Act,” we’re offering two informational sessions on Tuesday, November 17, at 1:00pm (just following the 12:15pm Mass) and again at 7:00pm. Both sessions will take place in the Chapel and will feature the same presentation, simply offered at different times for your convenience. We will look at what the legislation proposes, what the Catholic Church teaches, and how we can approach these difficult questions with both truth and compassion. There will also be time for questions and discussion.

I've noticed that there can sometimes be confusion or uncertainty when it comes to planning a Catholic funeral. Families often have questions about the various rituals, the Church's teachings on cremation, and the options available to them. I've also encountered situations where a Catholic funeral Mass was not celebrated simply because it wasn't specifically requested or families weren't aware of its importance. To help address these questions, we're offering a presentation on the Catholic funeral rites. This presentation will outline the beauty and purpose of the three principal parts of a Catholic funeral: the Wake (Vigil), the Funeral Mass, and the Burial (Committal). We'll also discuss the practical considerations when planning a funeral. Funeral directors from Applebee Funeral Home will also join us for a Q&A session. There are two sessions, same info at each session: Monday, November 23 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm in the Gathering Hall.

Finally, we’re preparing for Advent and Christmas, believe it or not! I’m going to continue the annual request for additional liturgical ministers at Mass. If you recall last year on the weekend of Christ the King (next weekend), we had a little in-pew form that sought additional volunteers as lectors, musicians, ushers, livestreamers, altar servers, and Eucharistic ministers. We’ll do the same thing this year. I’d kindly invite you to pray: how can I use my gifts to serve the liturgy? While being an usher may not be the best fit for a parent carrying two kids and pushing a stroller, maybe others can offer to serve. Thank you!

Peace to you,
Fr. Matt

Nov. 14-15 Bulletin

Monday Message Nov. 9

This Weekend's Readings

Calendar

Next Week:

Monday, November 16

7:30am: Mass
8:00am: Rosary
7:00pm: Pastoral Council Meeting, Gathering Hall
7:00pm: Book Club, Conference Room
7:00pm: Women of Mary, Mary Chapel

Tuesday, November 17

11:30am: Confession
12:15pm: Mass
1:00pm: Info session about the "Medical Aid in Dying" Act, Chapel
3:00pm: Tuesday Drive, Gathering Hall
7:00pm: Info session about the "Medical Aid in Dying" Act, Chapel

Wednesday, November 18

11:00am: Rosary, Mary Chapel
7:00pm: Choir Rehearsal, Church
7:00pm: 518 Frassati, Conference Room

Thursday, November 19

7:30am: Mass
8:00am: Rosary
6:00-7:30pm: Open House, Grades PreK-8

Friday, November 20

10:30am: Reflecting on the Sunday Scriptures, Conference Room
12:15pm: Mass
1:00pm: Senior Luncheon, Gathering Hall
1:00pm: Adoration, Confession
7:00pm: St. Cecilia Sacred Music Showcase

Saturday, November 21

All Liturgical Ministers: Please stay after Mass for a brief conversation

4:00pm: Confessions
5:00pm: Mass

Sunday, November 22

All Liturgical Ministers: Please stay after Masses for a brief conversation

7:30am: Mass
9:00am: OCIA Session, Cafeteria
10:00am: Children's Rosary, Chapel
10:30am: Mass
10:30am: Children's Liturgy of the Word, Chapel
11:30am: Hospitality
5:00pm: Mass

GIVING TREE

The Parish Giving Tree will be set up tomorrow in the Church and we are asking parishioners to choose a tag and to fulfill the request on it. Please return the wrapped gift with the tag attached to The Gathering Hall on Saturday, December 5 or Sunday, December 6. In the spirit of Advent, we are urged to serve the poor and less fortunate in our community. By choosing to buy a gift, you are helping make Christmas special for an individual in need! No gift should cost more than $30 and many are less costly. If you take a tag, please fulfill the request (many gifts are for specific people) and return the gift before or no later than after the 5 p.m. Mass on December 6. All gifts will be picked-up by the organizations the next morning. If you are not able to be here that weekend, you may leave your gift in The Gathering Hall during the previous week.

Annual St. Cecilia

Sacred Music Showcase

Friday, November 20, 7pm
Seeking Musicians to play sacred or classical music
Contact John if you're interested in performing:

jvasto@stthomas-church.org
Mark your calendars to attend!

And, if you can,

bring a plate of cookies to share after the concert!

Send a note of THANKS & APPRECIATION!

Drop off Cards this Month in our Appreciation Box!

Staff will deliver cards in December!

Please pray for and give thanks for the Priests and Deacons who have served us here at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.
Rev. Tom Hayes, Rev. David Berberian, Rev. Geoffrey Burke, Rev. Mark Cunningham, Rev. James Ebert, Rev. Michael Flannery, Rev. Kenneth Gregory, Cpl. David Hammond, Rev. Richard Leskovar, Rev. John O'Grady, Rev. John Provost, Rev. James Walsh, Rev. Matt Wetsel, Rev. Rick Lesser, Rev. Dan McHale, Rev. Daniel Vallejo, Rev. Charles Onyeneke, Rev. Matt Duclos, Rev. Lucius Amarillas, Deacon Al Manzella, and Deacon Albert Schrempf

Please pray for the deceased priests and deacons who have served at St. Thomas.

Please pray for Vocations to: The Priesthood, Deaconate & Religious Life.

November Tuesday Drives

The next two Tuesday Drives are for St. Nick Stocking stuffers for guests at St. James Food Pantry! Nov. 17 collecting: small shampoos, conditioners, shaving cream, deodorant for men & women, bars of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, chap stick, hand lotion and warm socks or festive socks for men & women. Nov. 24 adding: festive candy treats, cookies, purse size tissues, note pad, small dish detergent and holiday kitchen towels. Thanks for sharing HIS light with others this Christmas Season!

The Traveling Chalice Program

Praying for Vocations in your Home Week by Week

The traveling chalice is an opportunity for families to take a chalice and a binder of prayers and reflections into their home and use it to pray for vocations from our families, parishes, and diocese. More information and a weekly signup are available on our website:

www.stthomas-church.org/chalice

The setup of the Traveling Chalice from

the second week!

Beautiful!

Thanksgiving Mass

Wednesday, November 25, 6:30pm
Special Collection taken for our Charitable Giving Fund

Bring a loaf of bread to be blessed for your Thanksgiving table!

No Mass, Adoration, or Confessions on Thursday, November 26

or Friday, November 27

Parking Concerns on Adams Place

Some neighbors have recently expressed serious concerns about how people are parking on Adams Place, especially the stretch of road from the church down as far as Herber Avenue. The main concern is that many people are actually parking on the sidewalk. This is a real problem for our neighbors who then have to maneuver around cars or even walk in the road. I'm sure you can appreciate that this causes a serious safety issue for those who need a walker, a cane or are unsteady, as well as those who rightly want to be able to use the sidewalk! We would appreciate it greatly if you would be very careful about how you park on the street. On behalf of our good neighbors, we thank you!