As we approach the beginning of the Christmas season, there is one aspect of our faith that takes center stage, and that is the Hypostatic Union. This fancy phrase refers to the dogma that Jesus Christ is a single person who is both fully divine and fully human. As we move closer towards Christmas day, when the God of the universe became fully human, take some time to study and reflect on this great mystery of our faith with the following resources.

• Christology 101: What Is the Hypostatic Union?
• Understanding Christ’s Humanity and Divinity
• How to Explain the Hypostatic Union without being a Heretic?
• YouTube Video

The Church often receives criticism for its continued commitment to an all-male priesthood.  While the rest of Western Christianity continues to turn away from what has always been believed by altering the fundamental nature of the priesthood to include women, the Catholic church has, on multiple occasions, refused to go along with the crowd. 

Unfortunately, what is seen by some Catholics as the Church’s unwavering faithfulness to Christ is viewed by other Catholics as misogynistic. There are many Catholics in America who think either the church is wrong on this point, or they believe the church will eventually change its mind, and they have to wait it out. Neither of these views aligns with church teaching.

We encourage all parishioners, especially those who struggle with this particular piece of Church teaching, to read Pope John Paul II’s short but insightful Apostolic Letter ORDINATIO SACERDOTALIS and the short explanation written by Saint Tom’s Director of Evangelization & Adult Formation James McLean. 

• Declaration on the Question of Admission of Women to the Ministerial Priesthood, 15 October 1976 
• Ordinatio Sacerdotalis (May 22, 1994) | John Paul II

• Statement on the Ordination of Women | USCCB
• Church Teaching Simplified:
  • Women and Priestly Ordination
  • Additional Resources
    • Why the Church Doesn’t Ordain Women | Catholic Answers Magazine
    • Ordination of Women In the Church - Catholic Stand
  • YouTube Video

• Gender and Sexuality Statement, St. Thomas Aquinas CC
• Catechism of the Catholic Church  USCCB

• Eden Invitation creates space to receive the whole person, grow systems of mutual support, and empower for creative discipleship. We are disciples with LGBTQ+ experiences, building community with others who desire a way of life in congruence with Christ and His Church.
• Courage International is a Roman Catholic apostolate for men and women who experience same-sex attractions and those who love them. 
• Living Waters provides a safe place to see how we've become ensnared. Program leaders walk with participants in their struggles so they can live in freedom and truth. We pray for God's healing to restore Broken areas of life so that people can "love well" as God intended.

• EnCourage: A ministry within Courage dedicated to the spiritual needs of families and friends of those who have same-sex attractions.
• Faith, Hope, Love: An online/parent/family support ministry for those whose loved ones identify as LGBTQ
• Restored Hope Network: An interdenominational network dedicated to restoring hope to those broken by sexual and relational sin
• His Wonderful Works: A mission to bring hope, healing, and freedom in Christ to individuals, churches, and ministries in the areas of family, relationships, and sexuality. 

Few doctrines are more misunderstood than the dogma that there is “no salvation outside of the Church.” Some people hear this and think it is an ancient and backward idea that the church has since disposed of. Some go so far as to say all people, regardless of religion and lifestyle, will be saved. On the other hand, some think it means that only those with a documented membership at their local Catholic parish will be saved. As with most things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. 

So, this month, watch and read through some of these great Catholic resources. Read our Director of Evangelization, James McLean’s short explanation of dogma by clicking the button below.

• Explaining NO Salvation Outside of the Church by James McLean

• Is there really no salvation outside the church?
• There is no salvation outside the Church - Part 1
  
• There is no salvation outside the Church - Part 2

In light of the recent executive order signed by President Trump using federal funds to make IVF more affordable for American families, the St. Tom’s staff thought it would be appropriate to provide and write up some resources to help our parishioners have a better understanding of why the Church teaches that IVF is immoral. Among these resources is a short article by St. Tom’s Director of Evangelization, James McLean. 

• Vatican: Respect for Human Life
• Vatican: Evangelium Vitae
• Vatican: Instructions Dignitas Personae on Certain Bioethical  questions

Recently, there have been a number of fainting spells during Mass at St. Tom's. While parishioners have been quick to assist every time, and Fr. Dennis has promised to tone down his preaching, this has left some with a question: why doesn't the Mass totally stop for a medical emergency?

• How to Receive the Eucharist Worthily
• On Sacramental Grace
• The Proper Disposition: How to Receive the Eucharist Worthily and Well (Aquinas 101)

• Church Teaching Simplified: Salvation as Stewardship by James McLean
• What Is the Catholic Understanding of the Biblical Plan of Salvation?
• YouTube Video

• What Do Catholics Believe About the Pope?
• Constitutio Dogmatica Pastor Aeternus
• Aeterna Dei Sapientia, Encyclical of Pope John XXIII on Commemorating the Fifteenth Centennial of the Death of Pope St. Leo I: The See of Peter as the Center of Christian Unity. 

• Is the Holy Spirit at work outside of the Catholic Church?
• Divinum illud munus