ST. THOMAS BECKET PARISH center of unbroken praise 435 North Brooksvale Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410 Rev. Eugene J. Charman, Pastor, frgene@cox.net Rectory address: 435 N. Brooksvale Rd. Rectory Phone: (203) 272-3324 Parish Office: (203) 272-5777 Parish Fax: (203) 271-9210 Parish E-Mail : stboffice1@cox.net

Parish Secretary, Mrs. Margaret Irving, 203-272-5777; e-mail: stboffice1@cox.net Coordinator of Religious Formation, Phyllis Provost McNeil, 203-272-5777; e-mail: stb-dre@cox.net Web Site: http://www.stthomasbecket.org Masses: Saturday Vigil - 4:00 P.M. (EST) Sunday - 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM Weekdays: 9:00 AM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday); Holy Days: as announced. Confessions: Saturday, 3:00 – 3:30 PM (EST) Rosary - Monday at 6:30 PM, daily after the 9:00 AM Mass, and before the Saturday Vigil Mass.

Epiphany, January 2, 2011

Announced Masses:

AREA MASS SCHEDULE
St. Bridget - Daily (M-F) 7:00 AM, Sat. 9:00 AM, Sat. Vigil 4:30 PM, Sun. 7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 AM
Epiphany - Daily (M,T,W,F) 8:30 AM, Sat. Vigil 4:00 PM, Sun. 8:30 & 10:30 AM
O.L. Mt. Carmel - (M-F) 7:30 & 9:00 AM, Sat. 8:00 AM, Sat. Vigil 5:00 PM, Sun. 8:00, 10:00 , 11:30 AM
O.L. Fatima, Yalesville (M,T, W) 8:00 AM, Sat. Vigil 4:00 PM, Sun. 8:30 & 10:30 AM
St. Vincent Ferrer, Naugatuck (M,T,W,F) 7:30 AM, Sat. Vigil 4:00 PM, Sun. 8:00, 10:30 AM 4:15 PM

Financial Report. Offertory: $4,001 Donations: $950 Memorial Donation (imo Betty Balint) $1,000 Christmas:$19,002 That generous collection will pay the first ½ of our diocesan tax in January.

Thank You. As we start the new year we first need to thank those who worked so hard behind the scenes this past November / December to collect and distribute the many charity collections that we had. Add to that those who helped with all the Christmas preparations: liturgy, altar decorations, music, children's parties, Elim park and home visits, office printing and publications, setting up and taking down chairs and tables multiple times. The list seems unending. To all those unsung workers a sincere word of gratitude for jobs well done. {P.S. the Parish Workers Party is scheduled for January 23}

Religious Formation. Classes scheduled this week: Monday Grades 2 & 9; Tuesday Grades. 1 & 6

Church Pre-school Group will meet on Tuesday at 1:30 PM.

Mohegan Casino Bus Trip. The Men's Club is hosting a bus trip on Friday, Jan. 14^th. The bus will leave at 5:30 PM and return at 1:00 AM. Price is $30 and includes $15 meal credit and $15 in bets. Reservations will be taken after Masses Jan. 8^th and 9^th , or by calling Jim (203) 272-0768 or Mark (203) 272-9014.

Family Perspective. Today's gospel tells us “all Jerusalem” was upset because “King Herod was deeply troubled.” A similar ripple effect happens in families; one person's negative attitude can affect the whole family. If you want a peaceful and joyful home, it must start with you. Be peaceful and joyful!

Bus Trip. On Sunday January 23^rd to Monday, January 24^th, the annual pilgrimage to the Vigil Mass and March for Life will be held in Washington, D.C. The parish will contribute $50 per person to help defray expenses. For more information call Ron or Noreen (203) 272-8661.

Reflection: On Home Blessings On this Feast of the Epiphany, the day when Jesus revealed himself to the non-Jewish world in the persons of the Three Kings (wise men, magi), it is customary to bless the homes of the faithful. It is simple to do. A prayer of blessing is said by the head of the family; incense may be burned. Then, using chalk, a cross, the initials of the three wise men and the year are written over the front door or main entrance. For this year it would read: +BCM 2011. The blessing prayer can be as simple as "Lord, bless this home and those who live here". Or, the prayer of blessing the Church uses: Blessed are you God our Father, for the gift of this house as the dwelling place of this family. Grant that those who live here may obtain the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through our works of charity let us show what grace your blessing brings, so that all who visit this home will find the spirit of love and peace which only you can give. On the table in front of the ambo (pulpit) are some envelopes with incense and chalk. Take one. Bless your home. May the peace of Christ be in your homes and upon all who visit you this holy year.

Altar Servers, please pick up the gifts the Three Wise Men left in the sacristy for you.

Record of Contributions: If you would like a record of your donations for tax purposes please fill out the form below and put it in the basket. Records will only be mailed to those who request them.
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