A Message from Fr. Chris Saliga, OP
Our Ephphatha
In today’s Gospel, we hear about an amazing miracle that is neither locked in time nor limited to the person spoken of therein.
[Jesus] put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”—that is, “Be opened!”—And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. (Mk. 7)
This is the miracle prayed over children when we baptize them. Even when the prayer itself is not part of those prayers called “the explanatory rites” of the baptismal celebration, which is usually the case in emergent situations, the effects still hold.
Next time you’re at a Catholic baptism, note things that quickly occur after the child has been baptized. First, the priest anoints the crown of the child’s head with sacred chrism. This action calls to mind the fact that this child has been fully adopted as a son or daughter of God. The child is then presented with the baptismal candle lit from the paschal candle–the passing of the Light of Christ in whom the child has eternal life. Then, the Ephphatha prayer is prayed without the spitting. The priest does touch the ear and the mouth of the child and prays:
May the Lord Jesus, who made the deaf to hear and the mute to speak, grant that you may soon receive His Word with your ears and profess the faith with your lips, to the glory and praise of God the Father.
This prayer is optional because the effects of baptism necessarily include this miracle in our lives. It is God who opens our ears to hear Him and frees our tongues to spread His Good News of Salvation. Our senses are elevated by God’s Grace!
Of course, as newly adopted children of God, we are disciples and are joyfully compelled to share Jesus and His Good News with others. So, go for it!
Fr. Chris Saliga, OP
In today’s Gospel, we hear about an amazing miracle that is neither locked in time nor limited to the person spoken of therein.
[Jesus] put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”—that is, “Be opened!”—And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. (Mk. 7)
This is the miracle prayed over children when we baptize them. Even when the prayer itself is not part of those prayers called “the explanatory rites” of the baptismal celebration, which is usually the case in emergent situations, the effects still hold.
Next time you’re at a Catholic baptism, note things that quickly occur after the child has been baptized. First, the priest anoints the crown of the child’s head with sacred chrism. This action calls to mind the fact that this child has been fully adopted as a son or daughter of God. The child is then presented with the baptismal candle lit from the paschal candle–the passing of the Light of Christ in whom the child has eternal life. Then, the Ephphatha prayer is prayed without the spitting. The priest does touch the ear and the mouth of the child and prays:
May the Lord Jesus, who made the deaf to hear and the mute to speak, grant that you may soon receive His Word with your ears and profess the faith with your lips, to the glory and praise of God the Father.
This prayer is optional because the effects of baptism necessarily include this miracle in our lives. It is God who opens our ears to hear Him and frees our tongues to spread His Good News of Salvation. Our senses are elevated by God’s Grace!
Of course, as newly adopted children of God, we are disciples and are joyfully compelled to share Jesus and His Good News with others. So, go for it!
Fr. Chris Saliga, OP
Why should we return to Mass?
Whether you've already started coming back to Mass or not, we hope our weekly series of reasons to return will inspire you and your friends and family.
SHARE these messages with those who need to hear of God's love for them!
Reason #6: Our Story is Real
Why should you come back to Mass? Because the story of our faith is REAL!
Jesus historically lived, died, and rose from the dead. The Biblical sites exist and can be visited today. Our story of faith isn't a myth, legend, or something in a galaxy far, far away.
What's more, God wants us to take an active role in passing on this reality to others. We're in the age of evangelization where the Holy Spirit wants us to be fueled by the Word and Eucharist at Mass and then go out to bring this real Jesus to others.
Watch this short video message from Bobby Angel, author and fellow at the Word on Fire Institute, that details the reality of our Christian story:
Fr. Chris Saliga, OP
Mass Resources:
Livestream Mass @ 9AM (Note: Livestream Mass is NOT recorded for later viewing.)
Sunday Bulletin (PDF)
Readings: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Faith Direct e-giving
St. Tom's welcomes all Boiler Catholic to participate in our Homecoming 2021 event. Join us for morning brunch at St. Tom's, in the stadium cheering on the Boilermaker football team (Purdue vs. Minnesota at noon), and at the Saturday Vigil "Alumni" Mass at 5:30 p.m. Purchase tickets online to sit with St. Tom's alumni at the game. Attend and/or participate in the Vigil Mass. If you would like to participate in music ministry during the Mass, email Brad Bodine, music coordinator. If you are an alum who would like to participate in liturgical ministries for the Mass, email liturgy@boilercatholics.org
Be a Part of Hunger Hike 2021
Join Hunger Hike as a participant on or donor to the St. Tom’s team while helping to raise awareness of hunger in our community. The 3K event takes place on Sunday, Sept. 19 at Riehle Plaza downtown Lafayette. Proceeds benefit Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, and St. Tom’s Haiti Ministry. So far, the team has raised $9,000 towards its $35,000 goal. Join the St. Tom's team or donate!
Labor Day Schedule at St. Tom's
The Church office will be closed this Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Daily Mass at 11:30 a.m. and confessions from 11:00 to 11:25 a.m. WILL take place. Afternoon and evening confessions and Mass will NOT take place.
Theology on Tap returns on Tuesday
This month's Theology on Tap presentation, scheduled for Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m., features Fr Ben Keller, OP, who will speak on “Principles of Training for Virtue.” Note: Due to the Theology on Tap location, Harry’s Chocolate Shop, the event is open to adults 21 years of age and older.
Announcements
Join the Pro-life Warrior 5K on Sept. 18
Matrix Lifecare of Lafayette is calling all Pro-life Warriors! Join us as we fight for life every step of the way at Central Catholic Jr./Sr. High School for the Pro-life Warrior 5k Walk/Run on Saturday, Sept. 18 The funds raised at this family-friendly event directly support women with unintended pregnancies, encouraging them to make life-affirming decisions. For more information or to sign up, visit: www.prolifewarriorrun.com. Questions? Email Traves Freeland: tfreeland@matrixcares.org
Volunteer Office Receptionists
Volunteers are still needed to staff the office reception desk on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and noon to 2:00 p.m. and Fridays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Volunteer substitutes also are appreciated. If you would like to help, please email Mary Riehle at mary@boilercatholics.org.
St. Tom's Pastorate Plan Launches September 11
St. Tom’s will launch its Three-Year Pastorate Plan during Mass on the weekend of September 11. We thank all who completed the all-parishioner surveys, provided input at the all-parish open meeting, and our 13-member Vision Planning Team, which helped shape the plan further. Your input was vital to our direction, which Fr. Tom will share with you at Mass that weekend. There will be many ways to become involved with the plan. In addition to Fr. Tom’s talk and a mailed document, a portion of our parish website will be dedicated to sharing the plan and inviting your participation.
German Mini-Fest at St. Boniface
A little smaller but still great fun, the German Mini-fest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Church in downtown Lafayette. Featuring new food from area vendors and the priests’ “Hamburger Stand.” Fun for kids includes games and a bounce house. Polka Boy returns this year with a new name—Polkatz.
The Third Option Starts Sept. 13
The Third Option, an inter-faith, skills-based program to build strong and healthy marriages, will be offered on Mondays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. starting September 13 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2224 Sacramento Dr., West Lafayette. There is no cost to attend, and babysitting is available with 48 hours notice. One or both spouses are welcome. For more information, call this confidential phone (765) 421-06541 or email ttOlafayette@gmail.com.
September Schoenstatt Events (All are welcome)
10: Simple Supper followed by a talk for all with Fr. Pushpa Antonsamy, Church of the Blessed Sacrament: West Lafayette, 6:00 p.m. Hardebeck Hall
11: Rosary and Outdoor Mass, Delphi Schoenstatt Wayside Shrine: 9:30 a.m. begin Rosary; 10:00 a.m. Outdoor Mass Concelebrated by Fr. Jeff Martin and Fr. Pushpa Antonsamy
11: Talk for Men & Young Men by Fr. Pushpa; Talk for Women & Young Women by Sr. Ann Astell, Delphi St. Joseph Church Honan Hall (after the outdoor Mass) 11:15 a.m. After the first talks, a simple lunch will be served at noon in Honan Hall, followed by talks for men and women.
18: Rosary Walk at 1:30 p.m. at the Schoenstatt Wayside Shrine, Delphi
21: Adoration and Prayer Hour at 7:00 p.m., St. Lawrence Church, Lafayette, with Fr. Jeff Martin.
For more information, visit the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement webpage.
Ladies Mass invites You to its First 2021 Gathering
Join the first 2021 Ladies Mass gathering this Wednesday, Sept. 8 starting at 6:00 p.m.
at the SAMARA, a Frank Lloyd Wright Home, 1301 Woodland Avenue, West Lafayette. Space is limited, so reservations to attend are required. To make a reservation - please email monica@watersfamily.com and provide our name(s). Mass cannot take place outside of the church so that we will begin with Fr. Tom McDermott, OP leading a prayer service, followed by a tour of the home. There is a covered area outside to have our prayer service, so please bring a chair. No food or drinks this month.
Join Morning Prayer
Seeking a few minutes of peace in your life? Thinking about how to build a closer relationship with our Lord and faith community? Join others (in the comfort of your own home) for 15-minutes of prayer and fellowship weekday mornings beginning Tuesday, Sept. 7. To join Virtual Morning Prayer, visit St. Tom’s parish calendar. Select the day, and click on Morning Prayer link within the calendar entry. If you have any challenges connecting or would like any additional information, contact Dcn. Dan Finn at deacondanfinn@gmail.com
Volunteer for Liturgical Ministries
St. Tom's is in need of people to fill our liturgical ministries (Sacristans, EMHCs, Readers, and Altar Servers) for all our masses and especially the Sunday evening masses. If you have served as a liturgical minister before (At St. Tom's), please log in to your Ministry Scheduler profile and update your preferences so you can be added to the schedule. Please also plan on attending one of the training sessions (see the times below). If you have never served as a liturgical minister before OR have done so at another Church, we would love to see you at one of our upcoming liturgical minister training sessions.
Training Sessions (attend one of the two dates)
Saturday, September 11
10 AM - Readers
10:10 AM - Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
10:25 AM - Altar Servers
10:45 AM - Sacristans
Saturday, September 18
7 PM - Readers
7:10 PM - Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
7:25 PM - Altar Servers
7:45 PM - Sacristans
Visit the liturgical ministries page for more information. If you have any questions, please email liturgy@boilercatholics.org
Family Promise Volunteer Week, Sept. 13 to 19
Please consider a volunteer opportunity with Family Promise by clicking on this "sign up" link. Follow the instructions for setting up an account by entering your e-mail plus your own password. Thank you for volunteering in our worthwhile ministry. Please note that these volunteering opportunities are at the Family Promise Day Center, 2010 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette. Due to COVID19, we have been asked to provide meals ONLY.
Christendom Courses offered this Fall
The Christendom@ program is offering three courses this Fall. These credits have transferred to Purdue transcripts in previous years. There are no prerequisites. Fall classes include:
Early Christian Literature, HIST 501
Learn about the lives, conceptual themes, and historical events that shaped the development of Christian writings in the first six centuries. 3 credits. Tuesdays, 5:00 – 7:00pm, ETThe Bible, SCRI 502
Investigate the religious content of the Christian Scriptures in light of the historical, social, and intellectual contexts out of which they emerged. The student will be introduced to problems and methods of interpretation. 3 credits.Tuesdays, 5:00 - 7:00pm, ETCatholicism and Modernity: From Vatican I to John Paul II
Explore the life of the Catholic Church from see . 1870-2005. Questions about faith and reason, Church authority and structure, the role of the laity, and social action will be focalized as students study the documents of the two most recent ecumenical councils. 3 credits. Mondays, 5:00 - 7:00pm, ETRegister today! For questions, contact Grant Freeman
grant.freeman@christendom.edu or (765) 430-8307.
To provide a one-time or recurring gift to St. Tom's, visit our FaithDirect giving page. We are grateful for your generosity to our mission and ministries.
