A Message from Ryan Hunt,
Manager of Operations and Director of Liturgy
This year, we get the opportunity to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on a Sunday, and it is a beautiful day. Traditionally known as Candlemas (Candle-Mass, like Christ-Mass became Christmas), this is a celebration of the light of Christ: “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
Simeon has been waiting a long time to see this light, and his words are prayed nightly by all priests, religious, and laypeople: “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace.” Seeing Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to him, and he is finally at peace.
Our Psalm expresses this fulfilled hope. Psalm 24 is also sung on All Saints Day, but differently: in November, we sang verses 1-6 with the response, “Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.” Today, we complete the psalm with verses 7-10 and the response, “Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!”
We have found Him for whom we have been searching, and He gives us peace! Jesus isn’t simply the last piece of the peace puzzle; the thing that fits in once everything else is figured out to complete the picture. He is the unique source of all peace even when nothing else is fitting together.
Did we reach the end of the day without having done everything we hoped to accomplish? Lord, now you let your servant go in peace. Did we reach the end of the day with a lot that needs to be done tomorrow? Lord, now you let your servant go in peace. Did we reach the end of a terrible day, having received the worst news we can imagine? Lord, now you let your servant go in peace.
Finally, did we reach the end of our lives, ready to be judged by Almighty God. If we die in God’s grace and friendship, no matter what our life was previously, Lord, now you let your servant go in peace, to see the light of your face.
May we all hope in the light of Christ: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” that same light that says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
Simeon has been waiting a long time to see this light, and his words are prayed nightly by all priests, religious, and laypeople: “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace.” Seeing Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to him, and he is finally at peace.
Our Psalm expresses this fulfilled hope. Psalm 24 is also sung on All Saints Day, but differently: in November, we sang verses 1-6 with the response, “Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.” Today, we complete the psalm with verses 7-10 and the response, “Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!”
We have found Him for whom we have been searching, and He gives us peace! Jesus isn’t simply the last piece of the peace puzzle; the thing that fits in once everything else is figured out to complete the picture. He is the unique source of all peace even when nothing else is fitting together.
Did we reach the end of the day without having done everything we hoped to accomplish? Lord, now you let your servant go in peace. Did we reach the end of the day with a lot that needs to be done tomorrow? Lord, now you let your servant go in peace. Did we reach the end of a terrible day, having received the worst news we can imagine? Lord, now you let your servant go in peace.
Finally, did we reach the end of our lives, ready to be judged by Almighty God. If we die in God’s grace and friendship, no matter what our life was previously, Lord, now you let your servant go in peace, to see the light of your face.
May we all hope in the light of Christ: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” that same light that says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
Ryan Hunt
Resources:
Livestream Mass @ 9AM
Sunday Bulletin
Readings: The Presentation of the Lord
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Parish Calendar
Parish Website
Prayer Intentions
To submit names for prayer intentions in the Bulletin, use this link or call the Parish Office at (765) 743-4652.
Announcements
First Saturday Marian, this Saturday
First Saturday Marian Devotion, together. This beautiful devotion allows us to take part in defining aspects of being Catholic, all with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We begin at 9:30 a.m. in the basement of the church (Room 3) and end at 11:30 a.m. Daily Mass. Anyone is welcome to join us for this devotion (resident or student parishioners). Download the document below for more information.
Candlemas Blessing this Weekend
A Candlemas blessing will take place during weekend Mass, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. On this feast day, we commemorate the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth. The candlelight is an outward and visible sign of Christ, illuminating our hearts and inner being. It is customary on this feast day to bless candles – those to be used throughout the liturgical year. Please feel free to bring your own home candles to be blessed.
Second & Food Pantry Collection this Weekend
This weekend is the first Sunday of the month when we collect items for the campus food pantry. Items can be placed in the southeast corner of the sanctuary. The second collection will benefit our Mother Teresa Fund, assisting our community members needing rent and utility assistance.
Theology on Tap resumes on Tuesday
"Did God Create Evil?" is this month's Theology on Tap topic. Join us this Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at Harry's Chocolate Shop. Our speaker will be James McLean, director of evangelization for St. Tom's.
"Evil, Suffering and the Goodness of God" begins Feb. 11
All are welcome to a three-part series on "Evil, Suffering, and the Goodness of God," sponsored by the Men of St. Tom's (MoST) and St. Tom's Office of Adult Formation. Sessions meet on Tuesdays, Feb. 11, 18, and 25, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 3. For questions, contact James McLean, director of evangelization and adult formation, at james@boilercatholics.org.
"Beer, Wine & Cheese" Party on Valentine's Day
All are welcome to a Wine, Beer & Cheese Party on Friday, Feb. 14, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Newman Hall. Hosted by the Men of St. Tom's (MoST) and Haiti Ministries, enjoy an evening of good libations, food, and fellowship. The suggested donation is $20 for adults and $10 for students, with a special Valentine's Day gift for the ladies. Payment and ID checks are at the door.
New Parishioner Welcome on Feb. 16
All new resident and student parishioners to St. Tom's are invited to join the New Parishioner Welcome Reception on Sunday, Feb. 16, after 11:15 a.m. Mass (about 12:30 p.m.) in Room 3. Meet the priests and staff of St. Tom's and other new parishioners. Learn more about the parish, including a building tour and the many programs and ministries to support your faith. Babysitting is available for families (with snacks for the children), and heavy appetizers will be served during the reception. Please RSVP to Joshua Branson or call the Parish Office at (765) 743-4652. We can't wait to meet you! Note: If you have been attending St. Tom's but haven't registered yet, we encourage you to do so on the parish website.
Italian Dinner on Feb. 28
Join us for an authentic Italian meal during our SPRING BREAK MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISING DINNER on Friday, Feb. 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Newman Hall! Enjoy great food, fellowship, and live classic rock music by Fr. Andy and his band. Tickets cost $25 per person, $40 per couple, $15 per collegian, or $50 per family. All proceeds benefit our Spring Break trips to Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi. Purchase your tickets (cash, check, or credit card) now at the Parish Office. There will be NO sales at the door, so get your tickets soon! Read more about St. Tom's spring break mission trips.
Adult Faith Formation, Spring 2025
St. Tom's adult faith formation programming is broad in its offerings, and both resident and student parishioners are welcome to participate. Below is what has been scheduled for spring to date:
January 29 to April 16 (Wednesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Newman Hall
Spring Discipleship Training (STARTS WEDNESDAY)
Student AND Resident Parishioners: Did you know that WE, as members of the Church, are ALL called to be Christ’s disciples and to bring our Catholic faith to others? … Do you know how? Spring Discipleship Training will prepare you. … Own your faith, step out into discipleship, and reach hearts. Sign up online or call the Parish Office at (765) 743-4652. For questions, email Br.Jacob Mazur-Batistoni or Fr. Dennis Woerter, OP.
February 11, 18, and 25 (Tuesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Room 3)
Evil, Suffering, and the Goodness of God
All are welcome to a three-part series on "Evil, Suffering, and the Goodness of God," sponsored by the Men of St. Tom's (MoST) and St. Tom's Office of Adult Formation. Sessions meet on Tuesdays, Feb. 11, 18, and 25, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 3. For more information on this parish bible study series, contact James McLean, director of evangelization and adult formation, at james@boilercatholics.org.
February 15 and 22 (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Newman Hall)
Called & Gifted
What are your God-given gifts? To learn more about yours, join Called & Gifted, offered by the Diocese of Lafayette at three parishes this spring, including St. Tom’s. The cost is $70 (includes print and online materials plus follow-up opportunities. This program is partially funded by a generous gift from Lilly Endowment, Inc., under the Phase III National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. To register or for more information, visit https://dol-in.org/spiritual-gifts.
March 11 to April 15 (Tuesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Room 3)
Lenten Scripture Study: Paul's Letter to the Galatians
This will be a six-week instructor-led study of Saint Paul's Epistle to the Galatians. Each week will be devoted to one of the six chapters of Paul's epistle. This will be a rigorous study of the text led by James McLean, director of evangelization, and parishioner TJ Bogan.
April 5 (Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. tentative schedule)
Lenten Workshop: Building Bridges in Today's Divided Church
"Building Bridges in Today's Divided Church" will be the focus of this year's Lenten Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, April 5. Hosted by the Men of St. Tom's (MoST) and facilitated by Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP, former St. Tom's pastor, participants will discuss what they are witnessing and how they can build the bridges that will reunite us at the table. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Save the date and stay tuned for more details.
KoC Chili Cook-Off on Saturday
The Knights of Columbus will host their third annual Chili Cookoff THIS Saturday, Feb. 1, after the 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass to raise funds for Food Finders Food Bank. All are welcome to enter the competition, and there is no entry fee. To enter, email council15144@indianakofc.org. Thieme and Wagner will be serving beer and wine. Tasting all chili entrants costs $5 per person ($25 for a family). Come for great chili and fellowship!
