Irish Italian Fest set for March 17 - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic ...

Vol 6 Issue 4 - Spring 2012
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church - Hattiesburg, Miss.
http://www.stthomas-usm.org/
Irish Italian Fest set for March 17
Staff report
If St. Patrick or St. Joseph appeared in front of you today, what
would you ask them
This year you’ll have the opportunity to have your saintly questions
answered since both patron saints of our Irish/Italian Fest will
be in the parade and at Mass.
Deacon Ralph Torrelli will reign as King with Deanna Farve as
Colleen. Grand Marshall of the parade will be Bob Hopkins from
0USM.
Familiar favorites on the menu will be Spaghetti and Italian Bread,
Meatball Cones, Pizza, Spring Rolls, Funnel Cakes, Popcorn, Cotton
Candy, Knights of Columbus Philly Steak or Italian Sausage sandwiches,
Irish Stew with Lamb and Irish Oat Bran Bread, and Sausage
Rolls.
Irish Soda Bread with Raisins may be sold by the loaf.
The music lineup will keep your feet tapping with the Coast Stompers;
Jim Flanagan; Seisiun, an Irish Group; David Lyons who sings
Frank Sinatra songs; and a phenomenal new group, Rochelle Harper,
and Fista Jazz from the Coast.
Join us for two different children’s area at the Irish Italian Festival.
For the younger children, we will have many of the games you know
and love. This year we will have two inflatables - a giant green castle
and a big slide. Several new activities will include a crafts booth for
creating sand art and a cookie decorating station.
For the older youth there will be a rock climbing wall and jousting
medieval style.
We hope to see you there.
Photos by Steve Coleman

2
THE NEWS ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS
He will be missed by many
By Kathy Schimel
Ken Hrdlica, husband, father, grandfather
(“Pops”), and friend, died after a
brief battle with lung cancer on Friday,
February 24, and the Mass of Christian
Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, February
28.
Ken was prominent in the community
as a Chief Financial Officer at
Blendco, formerly was president of
Wards, sang in the choir, and was involved
with Hattiesburg Civic Light
Opera as a past president. He currently
was treasurer of HCLO, and was seen on stage in a number of shows.
His spot in the choir will be hard to fill, as Ken always had a smile or
a joke and made everyone feel welcome as soon as you met him.
The Irish Italian Festival will miss his large green hat on his full
head of gray hair at the ticket booth. He convinced everyone that if
they wanted to have fun they had to buy more than $20 worth of tickets
- he was a good salesman.
Ken touched many lives, and will be greatly missed by family and
friends alike. He was one of the “good guys” that always had a kind
word for everyone. He was one of a kind.
Diaper drive grand success
By Juliane Flanery
For the 2nd annual Diaper Drive this year, our Catholic Social
Services collected 117 boxes of diapers, which Sr. Carmelita -
along with members of CSS - personally delivered to families in
need in our community.
The Diaper Drive began in December when my husband, John,
and I were discussing what to give his mother for Christmas. A
strong woman in her faith, and always involved in her church, my
mother-in-law herself was the inspiration for this project... what became
our “gift” to her. We decided to find a way to help those in
need beyond our circle.
Having three children of our own at the time, two of whom were
in diapers, we were aware first-hand of just how expensive a necessity
such as diapers can become. We felt called to reach out to
those who struggle with this expense and the Diaper Drive was
born. The month of January was chosen to begin the project as a
way to commemorate the anniversary of Roe-vs-Wade and to celebrate
“Right to Life” month.
We are so very grateful to
Fr. Tommy, Sr. Carmelita,
and Social Services for their
encouragement, and to all
of the St. Thomas parish
family for making the Diaper
Drive the success it’s
been. We hope to continue
to collect for years to
come. Thank you to all
who participated. Keep up
the great work!
New Youth Minister comes
with fresh perspective
By Carolyn Nation
During college at USM Stephen
Ryan attended St. Thomas where he
was actively involved in CYO as president
and volunteered on the diocesan
SEARCH team. That and his family
values laid the foundation for his spirituality.
Originally from Bay St. Louis,
Stephen’s family moved to Oak Grove
when he was in the 7th grade. He
earned a double major in Political Science
and History, then received his
law degree from Mississippi College.
He also met his wife, Rachel, while at USM.
After practicing law in Hattiesburg for three years, he and Rachel
were asked to be on a panel to help select a new Youth Director. After
months of interviewing others and through his own prayers and soul
searching he asked, “Why not us”
Forty-eight hours later, Fr. Tommy told him to pick up the reins and
run with it. “I’m coming from a fresh perspective,” Stephen said, “because
I wasn’t aware of what activities went on before.”
That fresh perspective comes with a lot of energy and his background
as an attorney. Using the Conference of Bishops document on
Youth as the framework, he initiated discussions with St. Thomas leaders,
Ryan Myers from Sacred Heart’s youth group, and Bragg Moore,
the diocesan Director ofYouth Ministry. Then he polled the youth and
their parents about what they wanted and what was working.
“The youth were keeping it alive,” he noted. “The program is evolving.”
His recipe for success is to create a fun, safe atmosphere where
young adults can interact with one another and the adults on his team,
particularly in areas of spirituality. “We eat, have a good time, an activity,
and tie it in with a talk or lesson from scripture or a general
learning experience about their faith journey.”
Since January the Senior and Junior Youth groups combined numbered
40. “We want to have an increasing presence in service at St.
Thomas and to the community.
An ongoing goal is to become self-sufficient within the parish
through fundraisers. “We’re on our way to achieving our goals.”
The Richness of the Moment
The richness of the moment
cannot be realized
until it has grown to maturity
in a fertile mine field
where its memory can be cultivated
to its fullest treasure.
don hegwood ‘11

Forrest County Team “Bridges the Gap”
for people with disabilities in Mississippi
By Kris McNair
On October 29, 2011 LIFE of Mississippi held its 4th Annual
“Bridging the Gap Walk, Roll, Stroll-athon in Vicksburg.
Participants walked or rolled across the historic Mississippi River
Bridge. This event serves not only as a fundraiser for LIFE (Living Independence
For Everyone), but also provides an opportunity for people
with disabilities to promote awareness of the challenges that they
face every day.
Participating in this event was a group of Forrest County residents
from the Forrest of LIFE team who walked the bridge and fundraising
helpers, Dimilia Magee, her mom, Alice, and Susan and Peter Hanks.
Team members who actually traveled to Vicksburg and crossed the
bridge were (left to right in photo) Katy Dement, Charlotte Western,
Otis Lucas, Jeanette Magee, Kris McNair and Duchess. The group
raised almost $1000 and was one of the top fundraising teams.
Funds raised at this year’s event will be used to help fulfill LIFE’s
mission: helping people with disabilities to maintain their independence
in their homes, communities and workplaces. There are 600,000
Mississippians living with disabilities, about 1 of every 4 people in the
state.
LIFE provides services statewide from 6 offices: Biloxi, Hattiesburg,
McComb, Jackson, Tupelo and Greenwood. Each office is staffed
by people with first hand knowledge of disability, as the majority of
LIFE’s Independent Living Specialists have disabilities themselves.
This personal knowledge of the challenges that accompany disability
makes the LIFE staff uniquely qualified to assist others facing those
challenges.
The core services provided by LIFE are peer support, information
and referral, advocacy, and skills training. In addition, LIFE assists
with transitioning individuals out of institutional or nursing home settings
and back into home and community based living.
The Hattiesburg Office also has a Loan Closet. Unused medical
equipment or supplies can be donated to the Loan Closet. This equipment
can be borrowed by or given to people who have the need but
don’t have the resources to purchase equipment or supplies. Items most
often needed include: adult diapers, linen savers, wheelchairs (manual
& power), canes (quad or straight), walkers, grab bars, bedside commodes,
elevated toilet seats, bath benches or shower chairs, and hospital
beds. (Our space is limited, so we can only store a few beds.)
For more information about LIFE call the Hattiesburg Office at 601-
583-2108. Or you can visit us on the web at www.lifeofms.com
THE NEWS ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS 3
Duchess leads the way
By Kris McNair
At about age 3 I was diagnosed with a rare eye disorder, Retinitis
Punctata Albykins or “spots on the retinas.” I was “legally blind.”
For the first 30 years of my life I was able to get around by myself
(although I could never drive), read standard print with some magnification
and do most things. However, by 40, other complications arose
and I decided it might be time for a “new set of eyes.”
In January 2010 I applied to Southeastern Guide Dog Inc. in Palmetto,
Florida, for a Guide Dog. In addition to documentation and references,
I had to be trained in Orientation and Mobility classes
available through the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Mobility training is key, because the Guide Dog receives instructions
from the handler: if the handler is lost, then the dog probably
is too.
Guide Dogs can safely guide around obstacles or even navigate familiar
routes, but they aren’t a GPS that can determine whether to go
left or right on an unfamiliar route. However, guide dogs are trained to
“intelligently disobey.” They won’t guide you into oncoming traffic if
you give a command and the dog sees that it is not safe to obey.
After a home visit for further evaluation in November I joined 10
students to begin hands-on training. On the second day I met two-yearold
Duchess, a Golden Retriever Labrador mix. I was matched with
Duchess because she is a bit more “verbal” than most guides, she likes
to growl and bark, and since I have big dogs at home I would not be
intimidated by Duchess’s “talkativeness.”
During four weeks of training, Duchess and I went everywhere from
neighborhoods where she had to ignore squirrels, cats and barking
dogs to malls and restaurants where we both had to avoid the temptations
of good food.
Our final hurdle was figuring out how to fit a 67 pound dog into the
floor space of a Toyota, but one of the trainers helped us and we’ve
been doing it ever since. Duchess didn’t even complain about the 10
hour drive back to Petal.
Why fill out a Census Form
As a parishioner here, you already know that we request that you fill
out a form when you first join our family at St. Thomas. From time to
time people come and go, and we don’t have an accurate count of just
how large our family really is.
If you are new to St. Thomas or have not filled out a beige Census
Form (found at the back of the church), please complete this form.
Also, if you have changed your address, phone number, email, added
new babies or have had older babies fly from the nest, please update
the Census Form.
This information is important for several reasons:
* We need to keep an accurate count of church members for our
records and the Diocese of Biloxi.
* We also are required to keep an accurate total of all donations
made to St. Thomas Catholic Church for your tax records.
* We need updated addresses for correspondence from Fr. Tommy,
CCD, the Diocese, yearly financial statements and for the many and
varied things that pop up in everyday life.
* This also gives us a computer list of sacraments received by our
St. Thomas family members and their children.
We have put together this Census Form to help us keep up with all
this information. If you wouldn’t mind filling it out, we would greatly
appreciate it.

4
THE NEWS ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS
Loftus featured in Forbes Magazine as “College football’s biggest entrepreneur.”
Staff report
Jared Loftus’s T-shirt
design business was recently
featured in Forbes
Magazine as “College
football’s biggest entrepreneur.”
Jared is a USM graduate
and son of Jo Loftus
and James Loftus, whose
life is celebrated each
spring at St. Thomas with
the James Loftus Crawfish
Boil.
While at USM Jared
sold t-shirts and other
items from his backpack
in order to raise funds to run for student body president. He noticed a
pattern of most students asking for custom designs. Graduating with
degrees in International Business, a Bachelor of Science and Spanish
minor, he moved to Baton Rouge and opened a custom T-shirt design
shop close to LSU’s Tiger Stadium and named it Tiger District.
“I had no experience in retail and no money,” he wrote on Linked In,
a social media site for business, “but I felt like I had a good idea. What
started off as selling bootleg t-shirts before football games grew into a
3000 square foot store right outside the gates of LSU.”
LSU football fans couldn’t get enough of his merchandise. Two
years later he doubled his square footage. Last year he sold the store
to concentrate on a wider market with online sales.
Now with a staff of 12 he sells 1500-2000 orders a week nationwide
through his College District virtual shops. This past football season
sales approached $1 million. Sales spike when a team wins. Jared says
he no longer has to watch a game to know which team came out on top.
He simply checks his weekly sales. LSU and Alabama are the top sellers.
He plans to set up an Eagle District for USM fans.
Following the success of a Honey Badger T-shirt honoring LSU’s
cornerback, Tyrann Mathieu, Jared plans to use for his business model
the “crowd-sourced design” method where fans upload and vote on favorite
t-shirt designs. This year he is expanding his success with football
to college basketball and eventually plans to tap into professional
leagues.
Jared is a multi-tasker when it comes to entrepreneurship. He started
the Taco de Paco truck (featured on the Cooking Channel) and considers
himself the Chief Taco Evangelizer. Ninja Snowballs are trucks
selling snowballs. He offers other entrepreneurs working space through
EHQ–Entrepreneur Headquarters; and Socially Awkward, social media
consulting. And for fun he produces a monthly art show called Stabbed
in the Art.
To keep pace with his diverse interests check out CollegeDistrict.com
or look him up on Facebook.
CSA active on campus, at church and in the community
By Leighanne Lockhart
It is nearing mid-semester, and the Catholic Student Association has
already made some impactful impressions at Southern Miss and in the
Hattiesburg community.
The Leadership Team had their day-long retreat at the start of the semester
and planned a semester’s worth of exciting events, community
service opportunities, spiritual outreaches, and fellowship enhancing
activities for students this Spring.
Volunteers from CSA planned and held its annual retreat for the high
school students in the area who are going through Confirmation this
season. It lasted all day in the Student Center and included small group
sessions, group bonding games and activities and testimonials/motivational
talks by featured CSA members, James Hayden, Colleen
Reilly, and Evanne Flanders. The retreat closed with Reconciliation
and Mass.
“The high school students were really open to the experience,” said
retreat team co-chair Jody Balius. “I think both the retreaters and volunteers
benefitted from the spiritual renewal and reminder of our
faith’s roots.”
The CSA also hosted a group of Canadian students during the week
of Mardi Gras. They were welcomed with open arms and participated
in Mass and Dinner on Ash Wednesday in the new Student Center.
A group of our members participated in the CSA Statewide Retreat
the weekend of Feb. 24-26. Members who attended include Maria
Finch, Joey Tramuta, Rebecca Larkin, Evanne Flanders, Carmen
Wingerter, Erin Wingerter, Erika Calamari, Philip Geraci, Josie Cannon,
Emily DeVoe and Ashley Weaver.
“It was a fun and faith-filled weekend,” Finch said. “When we first
got there, you could tell we were all from separate universities, but by
the end of the weekend it was like we had all become one big family.”
In addition to these events, the CSA has held Praise and Worship
sessions, men’s and women’s bible studies, rosary making, and Valentine’s
Day card writing. The most recent community service excursion
was a trip to Alden Point retirement center, where students sang fun
classic songs to the home’s members.
The CSA has also been participating in intramurals every week. So
far, they have played volleyball, dodgeball, walleyball, bowling, and
soccer. CSA Athletics was the Co-Rec Dodgeball Champion, made it
to semi-finals in women’s dodgeball, won a round of women’s bowling,
and made it to the second round of playoffs in soccer. Other sports
coming up are sand volleyball, cornhole, inner tube basketball and
softball.
“Overall this has been the best competition and best participation
that our organization has ever experienced in intramurals,” Intramurals
co-chair Michelle Pontiff said.
Other activities in the works for this semester include a trip to Abbey
Youth Fest to represent our CSA, fundraisers for Relay for Life, a family
picnic, an 80’s style prom event, a benefit concert and a blood drive.
Member James Hayden said, “It has been a good year for CSA so
far, and I look forward to building a stronger community and continuing
bonding with everyone in our spiritual family.

THE NEWS ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS 5
CCD News
By Kelly Lamunyon
The CCD year started out with a “Bang” and hasn’t slowed
down since!
Several of our catechists took advantage of attending the 30th
Annual Johannes Hofinger Catechetical Conference on January
13-14 in Kenner, La. The conference was held at the Pontchartrain
Center and featured speakers of varied areas of expertise.
The attendees unanimously agreed that the conference was a
worthwhile experience and a great way to become aware of new
ideas to use in the classroom.
Catechists in attendance were Mary Camp, Hilary Duggan,
Tiffany Gragg, Kelly Lamunyon, Amy and Chris Thaggard, and
Philip Wright. Pat Peterson, church librarian, was also in attendance.
A vendor area is always an exciting part of each year’s
conference, and Pat was able to speak with various book companies
about new publications that may be helpful and of interest to
our parishioners. All attendees came back to Hattiesburg with an
energized spirit and ready to share this new information with our
parish family!
The 2nd grade CCD class celebrated their First Reconciliation
on Saturday, January 21, at 10:00am. The children participated in
the ceremony by helping with the welcome, readings, responsorial
psalm, prayers of the faithful, and the presentation of gifts.
Fr. Tommy, Fr. Godfrey, and Fr. Ken heard individual confessions,
and after each child received absolution, a parent presented
him/her with a “Forgiven” pendant. Mamie Walters provided the
ceremonial music as the 33 children received the Sacrament of
Reconciliation.
A reception followed hosted by Beverly Frosch, and Vickie
and Art Sablan. A special thanks goes to the 2nd grade catechists,
Tim and Donna Laird and Kristy Harvey for their dedication in
preparing our students for this sacrament.
The 11th grade Confirmation Class has been busily making
preparations to complete the requirements needed to receive this
sacrament. Our 16 students have chosen a sponsor, a Saint’s name
and have written a Letter to the Bishop. They are working to complete
their 20 hours of community service and have participated
in a Confirmation Retreat. Their CCD teachers, Philip Wright and
Bentley Anderson, are currently working to help the candidates
complete classroom lessons and activities in time for the April
24th Confirmation ceremony.
David Grover (back left) of Grover Brothers Equipment gave
members of various ministries a guided tour of the state-of-theart
equipment in the new kitchen. From left to right: Kelly
Lamunyon, Deles Roberts, Cathy Englert, David Grover, Crystal
Magruder, Nancy Farris, Carrie Bell, Carolyn Nation, Fr. Godfrey,
Mike McGregor.
Daley rewarded for comfort and care
Staff report
Carolyn Daley, Forrest General Hospice volunteer, received the 2011
Mississippi Heart of Hospice Award for her outstanding service within
the hospice community.
Awarded annually by the Louisiana-Mississippi Hospice & Palliative
Care Organization, the award was presented at LMHPC’s Heart of Hospice
Luncheon held in New Orleans.
Daley has been a hospice volunteer with Forrest General Hospice
since 2000 after she attended a bereavement support group following
the death of her husband, Jack Daley. She has given her time and talents
in several ways including sitting with patients and family members,
working in the Hospice office, co-facilitating monthly
bereavement support groups, planning memorial services and health
fairs and serving on the Forrest General Hospice Advisory Commit-
Count the ways for giving
Staff report
There are countless ways to contribute financially to St. Thomas,
and even a small amount helps our parish and families.
The weekly collection taken up during weekend Masses allows
everyone to contribute with cash or check. However, only when you
have registered yourself and your family with a St. Thomas census
card and use church envelopes or a signed check is your contribution
recorded in the database allowing for an end-of-the-year printout for
your personal tax purposes.
In addition to the weekly envelopes, there are several special collections.
These are for the Building Fund - the first weekend of every
month, St. Vincent de Paul - collected whenever there is a fifth Sunday
in a month, CSA (Catholic Student Association) in January and
August; and for Holy Days. Envelopes are mailed to all registered
parishioners in two-month batches.
And there are Children’s Envelopes. These are to encourage youngsters
to learn about discipleship by contributing their Time, Talent,
and/or Treasure. Most children enjoy the sound of coins dropped into
the Pickle Jar and getting a high five from Fr. Godfrey or Fr. Tommy.
If you have not yet registered, simply fill out a cream-colored Census
Card found at the back of the church and drop it into the collection
basket and your name will be added to receive envelopes by mail.
You have the option of checking No Envelopes on the Census Card.
Some parishioners prefer using automatic giving by setting up a
regular draft from their bank to the St. Thomas account. This can easily
be set up by the office staff. Provide a voided bank check with your
account number and the amount you wish to have debited from your
account.
Another method is Planned Giving where a parishioner can set up
gifts from their estate. This also can have tax benefits depending upon
how the bequeath is set up. Contact the office for more information in
making these arrangements.
Memorial gifts can honor the memory of a departed loved one.
Some examples of this have been new vestments for the priest, a new
Monstrance for Adoration, or stained glass windows for the sanctuary
and new multi-purpose building.
God loves a cheerful giver. At St. Thomas no amount is ever too
small if it is a gift from the heart.

6
Legends behind the St. Joseph’s Altar
By Carolyn Nation
Famine and feast led to the creation of the first St. Joseph’s Altar.
Sicily, an agricultural island off the boot of Italy experienced a Biblical
style drought in the Middle Ages. Crops failed. Vines shriveled
up. The land turned to dust. Only the fava bean survived, which became
honored as “the lucky bean.” The Sicilians prayed to St. Joseph
for rain. And the rains came. In thanksgiving the islanders celebrated
with a feast to honor their patron saint. They distributed the food to the
poor.
Sicilian immigrants brought that tradition with them to New Orleans.
With typical Italian flair the altar food became more creative.
Breads were fashioned into chalices, staffs, ladders, hammers, saws,
and tools that our Lord and his carpenter father might have used.
Breadcrumbs mimic the carpenter’s sawdust. Cookies and pastries
symbolize St. Joseph as the patron saint of pastry chefs.
The altar itself has three tiers to represent the Holy Trinity and generally
is decorated in green, white and red, the colors of the Italian
flag. Today St. Joseph’s Altar is a feast that is universally celebrated.
And for some, setting up a St.Joseph’s Altar in their home is a way to
give thanks for fulfillment of a prayer request.
Legends holds that those who carry a fava bean will never be poor,
and families will never go hungry if they keep the fava bean in their
pantries. You can add that to your lucky Irish shamrock charm.
Birthright to celebrate second year
By Pat Vanderloo
Birthright of Hattiesburg, a pregnancy support center celebrates its
second birthday on March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation.
In 2010 with a generous donation from the K of C Council 1908,
Birthright was opened at 607 Corinne Street following its chartering
by Birthright International in September, 2008.
There are over 400 Birthright Centers worldwide. Each is independent
sharing in common the principles of its charter. Birthright of
Hattiesburg is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation, approved by the
state of Mississippi to solicit funds.
This all-volunteer organization receives no government funds and is
completely dependent on private donations.
Birthright receives funds from the Choose Life Foundation. By purchasing
Choose Life license plates you support their work and ours.
There is a new license plate becoming available, “Love Life” at
www.chooselifems.org
Birthright will be holding a Baby Bottle Drive at St. Thomas from
May 6 - May 13th. Please be as generous as possible and consider donating
to Birthright on a regular schedule.
Birthright is also raising funds through the Belk Charity Sale on
April 21st. A $5.00 donation to Birthright is your ticket to this private
sale where discounts are available on items not usually on sale. Purchasing
additional tickets at the day of the sale will also give you a
direct $5.00 discount on each transaction. Help women who need your
love and support.
The Birthright office is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10-1,
and Wednesday 10-4:30.
Birthright has a 24 hour hotline 1-800-550-4900 for anyone needing
pregnancy support year around.
Volunteers are always needed to help with the Baby Bottle Drive,
the Belk Charity Sale, and for many other purposes. Call Pat Vanderloo,
Executive Director, 601-307-7739 to inquire. Our volunteers are
from 15-80 years old, men and women.
THE NEWS ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS
Who are these men called Knights
By Jim Ghents, Grand Knight
The St. Thomas Aquinas Knights of Columbus Council 15382 held
its first meeting on November 1, 2011.
A Knights of Columbus Council has been present in Hattiesburg for
many years, however it was servicing the three city Churches. Forming
the St. Thomas Council brought focus to the specific needs of our
parishioners, while still being available to the Hattiesburg community
as a whole.
With the formation of the St. Thomas Council, the church has at its
disposal a “can-do” organization with a variety of tools in its tool bag.
With a current membership of 55 Knights, the Council has:
* Assisted in a Soccer Challenge at Sacred Heart School with our fellow
council from Sacred Heart Church.
* Raised $500 for Sister Carmelita’s good works through parishioners’
generous support of a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich sale.
* Hosted a Catholic Student Association supper for our college students.
* Held a pancake and sausage breakfast fundraiser with (once again)
great support by the parishioners.
* Driven carts so the disabled could go from the church celebration
to the reception for Father Tommy’s 25th anniversary.
* Built wheelchair ramps and handicap hand-rails at the homes of
people in need.
* Cooked burgers at the Parish Christmas Party.
February brings the traditional Lenten Friday Fish Fries, with the
Knights looking at new and innovative Lent-friendly options. You will
see us at the Irish-Italian Festival, as well.
Come join us! Chances are, you are sitting alongside a Knight and
his spouse or family in Mass. We offer fellowship, prayer, support,
and fun!
This year’s Officers of your Knights of Columbus Council: Rear
left to right: Leroy Rider, Jude Holman, Jason Patrick, Ike Farris,
Young Yu, Jim Ghents. Front left to right: Heath Skinner, Chuck
Junek, Quincy St. Pierre, Bob Bateman, District Deputy O.D. Landrum,
Wilbur Moreland. Not pictured: Hillary Englert, Paul Donnell,
Robert Lawson.

News from St. Thomas Social Services
By Jean Fertita
To raise money for the Building Fund,
the St. Thomas Social Service Ministry
sold tickets for Belk’s Charity Day Sale
November 5, 2011 at Turtle Creek Mall.
A total of $631.63 was raised and presented
to parish administrator, Deles
Roberts, for the Building Fund. This could
not have been done without the participation
of our parishioners. Thanks to all.
Gratitude especially goes to Sister
Carmelita, Jean Fertitta, Brenda Horton,
Sherry Finneran, Jackie Melancon, and
Kathy Fleming for their help selling tickets.
THE NEWS ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS 7
Jean Fertitta, Brenda Horton and Sherry Finneran present $500 to
Deles Roberts - proceeds from the St. Thomas Catholic Social
Services Belk Charity Sale fundraiser for St. Thomas Building
Fund.
A feast for the eyes and the senses
Staff report
A Christmas party in February celebrated the completion of the new
multipurpose building begun in 2011.
Designed by Larry Albert & Associates to eventually become the
Student Center once the next phase of the Master Building Plan is completed,
the new building is already attracting students. A wall of cabinets
will allow students to store backpacks and books in shared lockers.
Outlets around the walls will facilitate computer plug ins at moveable
study desks.
The first floor with its vaulted ceiling has 5367 square feet. Of that,
3190 sq is open for seating. The mens’ and womens’ restrooms each
have two showers, which will be used by visiting college students such
as those who helped out during Hurricane Katrina relief work. Still to
come is a round stained glass window depicting a young St. Thomas
Aquinas at his desk.
The first party hosted over 200 people sitting comfortably at round
tables. Nancy Farris, assisted by the Knights of Columbus, and her
team of servers brought trays of hamburgers, boiled shrimp, egg rolls,
gumbo, deep-fried turkey and more to diners. Later in the evening,
some of the tables were moved aside to open up room for line dancing
as DJ Trae Griffin played requests.
Fr. Tommy announced that the building cost $1.3 million and is paid
for. “We have the final $300,000,” he said. “It’s in your pockets.” He
set a goal to obtain that amount by the end of the year.
Saint Vincent de Paul expansion update
By Judy Showalter
The St. Vincent de Paul Ministry, a joint effort of the parishioners of
St. Thomas and Sacred Heart, continues its dedication to reaching out
to those in need in the Hattiesburg community. When their new and
improved St. Vincent de Paul store opened its doors at 114 Broadway
last year, everyone involved with the project hoped that the additional
space would allow them to provide better service to the poor. Since
then, an average of 100 needy people enter through those doors every
Wednesday morning to receive free clothing, shoes, bedding, and
household items. The items they receive are donated not only by the
parishioners, but also by many other residents of Hattiesburg.
Carolyn Greer directs a team of volunteers at the store. She and her
team are pleased to have the extra space they needed to collect, sort,
and store donations. She reports that they have a very generous supply
of clothing and shoes in stock at this time, however, they are requesting
donations of household items, which are needed for those who have
lost their homes due to fires. Items needed are: pots and pans, dishes,
glasses, utensils, small appliances, and other kitchen items. They are
also in need of tents and sleeping bags for the homeless.
Donations may be dropped off at the store on Wednesday mornings
during the hours of 9:30 am and 11:30 am.
Don McCloskey, leader of the ministry, has been overseeing the
Phase 2 renovations on the building behind the store for the past several
months. Renovations are nearly completed, and within a few
weeks the new building will become the St. Vincent de Paul Food
Pantry.
Don’s wife, Kim, is also a member of the SVdP Ministry. She expresses
gratitude on behalf of the ministry to all who continue to support
them with donations.
If you would like to help stock the food pantry, items needed at this
time include: peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, cereal, canned
tuna and chicken, rice, instant potatoes, and canned soups.

8
THE NEWS ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS
Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church
By Judy Showalter
Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of Saint
Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
each year on March 19th. On that day, we
honor the faithful carpenter, Joseph, who was
chosen by God to be the husband of Mary and
the foster father of Jesus.
The first two chapters of the Gospels of
Matthew and Luke give us a glimpse at the
life of Joseph. We are told that he was a descendant
of King David. We do not know exactly
when Joseph was born, but historians believe it was 25 B.C., or
perhaps a few years earlier. We don’t know exactly when he died either,
but the last time that Joseph is mentioned in the Bible is in the Gospel
of Luke 2:41-51 in which Joseph, Mary and twelve-year-old Jesus traveled
to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. During that trip Jesus
was separated from Mary and Joseph, and later found in the temple.
Therefore, it is believed that Joseph died sometime after that, but before
Jesus entered his public ministry.
The Scriptures also tell us that Joseph was an obedient man, always
following the commands of God whenever an angel appeared with instructions
for him regarding Mary and Jesus. He is described in
Matthew 1:18 as “a righteous man.”
The physical appearance of Saint Joseph remains a mystery, but he
has been depicted in artwork for over two thousand years as a tall man
with dark hair and a beard. Many artists have used various mediums
such as frescoes, mosaics, stained glass, oil paintings, sculptures and
woodcarvings to capture his spirit. He is often shown either holding the
Christ Child, or gazing lovingly at the Blessed Virgin Mary as she
holds Our Savior, Jesus.
Artwork in which Saint Joseph is shown caring for flowers represents
his protection over the whole Church, and the white lily symbolizes
his role as Guardian of Virgins. (To view images online, go to
the Oblates of Saint Joseph website @ www.osjoseph.org.)
In addition to being the patron saint of the Universal Church, Saint
Joseph is also the patron saint of fathers, families, and workers. A second
feast day is celebrated in his honor on May 1st, when the Catholic
Church celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
The people of Italy and those of Italian descent in the United States
have a deep devotion to Saint Joseph. They love him because he was
the protector of Mary and Jesus, and the protector of the people of
Sicily many centuries ago during a severe drought and famine. They
honor Saint Joseph (San Giuseppe) each March 19th with altars filled
with food and flowers.
Huch receives Lumen Christi Award
By Carolyn Nation
The Lumen Christi, or Light of Christ Award shines light on outstanding
parishioners who have contributed to their parish.
The 2011 recipient is Mary Huch whose work for St. Thomas is
largely conducted out of the limelight. Mary and her husband, Don,
prefer working behind-the-scenes in the parish. She is a Eucharistic
Minister, and often takes communion to elderly shut-ins, Hospitality
Host, Small Faith Communities, member of the Welcoming Newcomers
ministry, Care and Comfort for the Bereaved, has cooked for Tailgating,
and was the organizer of last Thanksgiving’s meal in the Parish
Hall. She described receiving the Lumen Christi award as “absolutely
humbling.”
Saint Patrick, Patron of Ireland
By Judy Showalter
Saint Patrick is one of the most popular
saints in the world. His feast day is celebrated
not only by Catholics, but by the secular
world as well.
March 17th is the day when everyone
claims they are Irish so they can celebrate
with parades, festivals, and maybe even a pint
of Guinness! But what do we really know
about the life of the man we are honoring
Some people mistakenly think that he was
born and reared in Ireland. Actually, Patricius (Patrick) was the son of
Roman parents who lived in Britain. He was born in Kilpatrick, Scotland,
near Dumbarton in 387, and later declared himself a Roman and
a Briton.
When he was a teenager, he was captured by Irish slave traders and
taken to Ireland where he was sold as a slave. He spent the next six
years as a shepherd. It was during that time, as he suffered greatly
from hunger, cold, and isolation, that he began praying constantly to
God.
One night, he had a dream in which God told him to travel to the
coast and leave Ireland. He obeyed, and after traveling over two hundred
miles on foot, he reached the coast and was rescued by sailors on
a ship. Patrick was ordained a priest, and later a bishop.
He had a strong desire to return to Ireland as a missionary after God
spoke to him in another dream. Eventually he was sent to Ireland, and
the thirty years he spent there spreading the Good News led to the conversion
of thousands of Irish people, the ordination of 350 bishops,
and the building of many churches and monasteries.
It is said that Patrick was a humble man who was embarrassed by
his lack of formal education. However, his gentle and humble manner
is what made him so human and endearing to the people.
Once, when he was trying to explain the Holy Trinity and the people
were having difficulty understanding, he looked down and saw a
shamrock growing near his feet. He picked it, and holding it up explained
that it has one stem, but three leaves just as there are three divine
Persons in one God.
Patrick died on March 17, 461 in Saul, where his first church was
built years earlier. He is buried at Down Cathedral in Northern Ireland.
Pets ministry helps shelter
By Kathy Fleming
The St. Francis People & Pets Ministry began in late August
2011 and has been on a roll since.
Volunteers assist two area animal shelters by providing supplies
during Social & Shelter Days, spreading the word that the ministry
is a resource to help struggling pet owners in the Hattiesburg
area, and by completing a variety of projects. The Treats & Toys
for Toto and Taz event collected 50 toys and 12 bags of treats that
were distributed to four area animal shelters.
Several fun events are planned: In January Towels for Toto &
Blankets for Barney Collection assisted SPAS and the
Spay/Neuter Clinic. There will be a Spring fund raiser, a Social &
Shelter Day, and a Birthday Party. For more information, contact
Kathy Fleming at 601.265.9945 or sfpp_stt@hotmail.com.