Most Reverend
Louis F. Kihneman
Bishop of Biloxi

UPDATING THE DIOCESE OF BILOXl'S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

 To the Clergy, Religious, and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Biloxi:

 The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. By our in-person participation in the Mass, we fulfill Christ's commandment to "Do this in memory of me." At Mass, we not only gather around the table of the Last Supper, we also mysteriously join in the heavenly supper of the Lamb. Participation in the Holy Mass is central and indispensable to the believer, and reception of the Holy Eucharist is our "medicine of immortality." While online streaming of Mass has been immeasurably helpful of the course of the pandemic, it can never replace the assembly of the faithful.

On March 17 of last year, with the advice of the medical professionals, I responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with a number of directives and a dispensation for the faithful from the Church's Mass participation obligation. After the initial 30 days of the dispensation, it was renewed until further notice.

Having consulted the Presbyteral Council on February 11, 2021, it seems opportune that the general dispensation from Mass participation be allowed to expire, although in a phased manner.

Therefore, beginning with the Saturday Vigil for Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, March 27, 2021, the general dispensation from the obligation of in-person participation in the celebration of Holy Mass will expire.

That said, I hereby extend a  particular dispensation from the obligation to personally participate in the celebration of Mass for the following:

• those who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to an underlying health condition and who have not yet been vaccinated, and
• those 60 years and older who have not yet been vaccinated.

On a case-by-case basis, parishioners who are particularly concerned about their own or a family member's vulnerability may approach Pastors for a one-month dispensation, renewable as the Pastor determines appropriate.

I encourage all the faithful to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as the opportunity becomes available.

Masks, handwashing, and social distancing are still to be practiced in parishes.

Please be assured of my prayers and a remembrance in my daily private Masses. Let us remember in prayer those who have died, those who are sick, and all who are anxious and hurting at this time.

Given at the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Biloxi on February 18, A.D. 2021.

Most Reverend Louis F. Kihneman
Bishop of Biloxi

04.09.2021 St Thomas News

CONGRATULATIONS...

...to our two catechumens received into the church at Easter Vigil:
(left to right) LaDonna Sue Culver McDaniels and Morgan Danielle Speranzo Hoda



If you see either of these wonderful ladies be sure to introduce yourself!

There's Still Time...
ATTENTION JEEPERS !!!
The Blessing of the Jeeps registration has been extended until April 11th.
Payment can be made via Venmo@BOJ-2021. Be sure to include your email so we can send you the confirmation.
After party will be at Coastal Daiquiri Company. Live Music! Door prizes! Raffle! Jeep Show & Shine! You don't want to miss it.
It’s not too late to participate!
Proceeds benefit St Thomas Life Teen and the Batman LBMS Animal Rescue.
 
This Weekend!
We would like to invite all of our 6th-12th graders to our Edge and Life Night, April 11th. Tonight's theme is "Called”. The goal of this night is to help teenagers understand their call to be disciples of Christ. This call to discipleship is also a call to their universal vocation of holiness, which is the foundation for Christian leadership. We hope to see y'all there!  

Plan For It...
USM's  Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is presenting a seminar on "Angels in Scripture", facilitated by Dave Gauthier. 
The two sessions are on Wednesdays. 

May 5th and 12th
from 11:30am to 1:30 pm
This is a ZOOM meeting

Cost for OLLI members is $15.  For information on how to register call MaryAnn at (228) 214-3277.
All the world's great religions recognize the existence of these spiritual creatures. Join us to discover who they are and what the Bible tells us about this Heavenly Assembly and listen to stories of angels in action.  

 
Registration is Underway (YEAH)! Catholic Kids Summer Camp for Kindergarten through 6th Grade will be held Monday thru Friday, June 21ST – June 25th.  
Cost is $25 per child or $40 per Family. 

To Register, or for More Information, Contact Dave Gauthier at (228) 596-8835 or religiouseducation@saintthomaslb.org.
Check out the below awesome flier! 

RETURNING TO NORMAL

Church Daily Mass, Tues, Wed, & Thurs, 8:30 am, Fri 6:30 am
Confession, Sat, 3:15 to 3:45
Vigil Mass, Sat, 4 pm
Sunday Mass, 7:30 am, 9 am, 11:30 am & 5:30 pm

Adoration 9 am-4 pm, Fri, Children's Church
 
Youth Gift Cards (SCRIP) During office hours,
9 am-4:30 pm Mon-Thurs, and Fri, 9 am-12 pm

Baptism Class 9:30 am, Last Sat of every month,
Sue Hoffman at 228-864-5868

Music Ministry Small Group Practices. See Parish Calendar

Good Shepherd Showcase
Personal shopping appointments
Contact Darlene Barry 404-630-6624
or
email dar.gbarry@gmail.com

Knights of Columbus
Meetings 1st & 3rd Thurs every month, 7 pm
Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus
Meetings 3rd Thurs every month, 7 pm

SVdP Society Open to help those in need. Please call
228-822-0609. Your call will be returned within 24 hrs

Quilters, 1st Wed of the month and Tues thereafter 9:30 am, Rm 222

St Joseph’s Helping Hands  Workday is the 1st Sat of the month, gather at 8:30 am Church parking lot. 
Meet 4th Thurs every month at 6 pm.

Youth Gift Cards (SCRIP)  During office hours, 9 am-4:30 pm Mon-Fri
 
 

Edge / Life Teen
Plans and Covid Protocol

In compliance with the Diocese requirement to publish our plans, these two pages outline the six plans that we have for Edge and Life Teen programs. We have also included information regarding COVID and the different protocols that we are going to implement throughout this year. Please take the time to review and read this information.
      We cannot wait to see everyone back and begin our year. We have all missed you so much! 
~ Ashlie Moran 

Edge / Life Teen Plans

Edge / Life Teen Covid Protocol