FAITH FORMATION
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
Each Sunday at the 9:00am Mass, before the Scripture readings begin, children ages 4-10 are sent to the Social Hall with trained catechists who will share the Sunday readings. The children will hear the same Scriptures that are proclaimed at Mass, but explained on a level that younger children can understand. The children will return to their family in church after the Creed, as the Offertory and Liturgy of the Eucharist begins.
CLOW LEADERS NEEDED! Is God Calling You?
If you enjoy growing your faith, and love working with children, God may be calling you to pass on Catholic faith to children in our parish. If you are interested in assisting with this ministry please contact:
Colleen Nancarrow at [email protected] or call 610-459-2224
Adult Faith Formation
"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."-St. Jerome
The Parish offers many different Bible study and faith sharing groups in the Spring and Fall . These studies incorporate videos with theologians as presenters as well as small group discussions. A specific study for women,"Wallking With Purpose" , is also offered.
Contact: Carol Szkudlapski - 610.742.9681 Email: [email protected]
Catechists
Catechists for our PREP (Parish Religious Education Program): Volunteer to teach our children religious education from 1st through 7th grade and Confirmation Prep for 8th grade. Plenty of resources are available along with training and support.
Contact: Colleen Nancarrow - 610.459.3477 Email: [email protected]
Charismatic Prayer Group
A charismatic prayer meeting consists of a group of people from varying backgrounds who meet in an atmosphere of love and support for one another in an effort to grow in the knowledge and love of God. Meets the 4th Monday of every month at 7:30 PM in the Social Hall.
Contact: Liz O'Hara-610.361.0130 Email: [email protected]
Divine Mercy Cenecale
The cenacle is a small faith-sharing group. Our focus is on the message of Divine Mercy as found in Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Diary of St. Faustina, with a special emphasis on the Eucharist. Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 9:00 AM in the Social Hall. Contact: Pat Ausman-610.361.8280
R.C.I. A. (Rite of Christian Iniation of Adults)
Are you, or someone you know, interested in joining the Catholic Church, desiring to return to the Church, or curious to learn more about our faith? Like our Lord, we say, Come and see! You are invited to attend these classes to learn and understand the roots of our Catholic faith. The class is every other week and is an hour and a half long. All materials will be provided.
Contact Kristen Acosta at [email protected] Contact: Rectory 610-459-2224
DEVOTIONS
Divine Mercy Chaplet
A Christian devotion to the Divine Mercy, based on the apparitions of Jesus reported by St. Faustina Kowalsk, known as the Apostle of Mercy. This devotion is prayed weekdays before daily mass Monday through Friday in the Church.
Contact: Pat Bruggeman - 610.459.1638 Email: [email protected]
Night of Reparation
The Reparation Vigil Mass is celebrated on the First Friday/First Saturday of the month in honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. These Vigil Masses are in response to Jesus’ request for reparation to His Most Sacred Heart so wounded by the ingratitude of men and for reparation to the Immaculate Heart of His Mother so pierced by sorrow. This Vigil allows us the opportunity to practice and incorporate the four pillars of our faith: C - Confession, A - Adoration, R - Rosary, E - Eucharist. It begins at 7:30 PM on Friday and ends at 1:30 AM on Saturday
Contact: Pam Meisch - 610.459.1169 Email: [email protected]
Pilgrim Virgin Statue
A statue of Our Lady of Fatima travels from home to home. If you would like to host the pilgrim Virgin Statue in your home for one or two weeks, please:
Contact: Carolyn Roth - 610.361.9380 Email: [email protected]
Rosary and Chaplet
A weekly devotion of praying the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which meets in the Old Church every Monday at 7:00 PM, except holidays.
Contact: Jan Bradley 610.459.2789 Email: [email protected]
Flame of Love Devotion
A twice monthly devotion involving the Flame of Love Rosary, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction with Deacon Tony. This ministry meets in the main church on the first Saturday of each month from 8AM to 9AM and on the third Friday of each month from 4PM to 5PM.
Contact: Eileen Cincotta
FELLOWSHIP
STA Men's Fellowship Group
Join us for Bible Study, discussions on the weekend's Gospel readings, sharing of faith, and membership support. This ministry meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9AM to 10AM in the Social Hall.
Please contact the Parish Office for more information! 610.459.2224
SERVICE
The Legion of Mary
The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active co-operation in Mary’s and the Church’s work. The unit of the Legion of Mary is called a praesidium, which holds a weekly meeting, where prayer is intermingled with reports and discussion. Persons who wish to join the Legion must apply for membership in a Praesidium. The Legion sees as its priority the spiritual and social welfare of each individual. The members participate in the life of the parish through visitation of families, the sick, both in their homes and in hospitals and through collaboration in every apostolic and missionary undertaking sponsored by the parish. Every legionary is required to carry out a weekly apostolic work in the spirit of faith and in union with Mary.
Contact the Parish Office for more information! 610.459.2224
Boy Scouts
Youth aged 10-18 are trained in responsible citizenship, character development,and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations.
Contact: Greg Chestnut-610. 745.4712 Email: [email protected]
Caring & Sharing
To collect and distribute life’s basic necessities (food, clothing, toiletries, baby items, etc.) on an ongoing basis to people in need who reside in our community. Any person who is need, or who knows anyone who is in need of basic necessities should contact Joe Bradley or the rectory. Contact: Ann Diersing-610.558.1659 Email: [email protected]
CYO
The purpose of St. Thomas the Apostle CYO is to provide a Catholic centered sports program for the youth of the parish, centered on sportsmanship, socialization, and learning. A variety of athletic activities are offered, with coaches who have been approved to work with the athletes, and who have experience in each sport with which he/she works. St. Thomas the Apostle CYO is chartered by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and follows its Mission Statement for Sports. There is a St. Thomas Board of Directors, made up of coaches and parents, who oversee the business parts of each activity. CYO, Scrip information can be found under the School ink.
Contact: Martha Shields- 610.358.1129 Email: [email protected]
Liturgical Art and Environmental Committee
The Liturgical Art and Environment Committee strives to enhance the environment of the church and reflect the liturgical seasons. Through the use of flowers, fabric, and other materials, it is our purpose to help the community be drawn into the worship of the day. We hope to assist people in appreciating liturgy throughout the seasons of the liturgical year.
Contact: Leona Swiacki - 484.332.3964 Email: [email protected]
Knights of Columbus
The Olde St. Thomas Knights of Columbus Council serves our parish and community through our charity outreach as well parish involvement.
Contact: Tony O’Hara - 610.361.0130 Email: [email protected]
Prayer Shawl
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of knitters and crocheters who come together to make shawls, baby blankets, and lap blankets. It is our hope that these blessed items will give comfort to those who receive them. We donate to hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, our own parish sharing and caring, and anyone in the parish who requests any of our items.
Contact: Mary Ford - 610.459.3809 Email: [email protected]
Respect Life
To raise people’s awareness of Pro-Life issues by supporting the Archdiocesan Right to Life organization. We help with the needs of the Mother’s Home, and participate in the annual "March for Life” in Washington, D.C. every January.
Contact: Teresa Santoleri - 302.345.7876 Email: [email protected]
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
The mission of all Liturgical Ministries of the parish is to acknowledge God's presence in our preparation and celebration of the liturgy and to facilitate the prayer of the assembly. Through the coordinated efforts of all ministers, The Eucharistic Liturgy is enhanced and the assembly experiences being the Body of Christ as they worship God together. Parish catechesis in liturgy and the sacraments, theology, and formation of liturgicall ministers are important components of this mission.
Individuals are asked to pray and discern the liturgical ministry in which they will serve the community: Altar Server, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, Music Ministry, Usher, Greeter. All liturgical ministers are required to participate in a brief training session before participation. In addition, ministers are strongly encouraged to attend a yearly retreat/training session to refresh and update their ministry. Using the Parish internet-based Ministry Pro Scheduling Program, ministers update their profiles, determine their availability and their frequency of ministering. Other important liturgical ministries are the Altar Linen Launders, Sewing Ministry and Sacristans.
Contact for all Liturgical Ministries: 610.459.2224
Altar Servers
Altar Servers prepare the altar for the celebration of the liturgy and assist the Presider during the liturgy. Anyone, 4th grade and older, is eligible. The time commitment of service will be the choice of the server using Ministry Pro Scheduling. Click here for more information about the ministry of Altar Servers.
Lectors
Lector's proclaim the Scriptures at all ligurgical celebrations in a manner that enables the assembly to understand and appreciate the beauty and rich content of the Word of God. They carry the Book of Gospels to the altar during the entrance procession (when no deacon is peresnt), proclaim the First Reading, the Second Reading, and lead the General Intercessions. Those seeking to participate must have received all three Sacraments of Initation: Baptism, Confirmatio, and First Eucharist. The the lector determins the time committment through Minsitry Pro Scheduling. Click here for more information about the ministry of Lectors.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The Bishop, priest, and deacon are the ordinary mninisters of the Eucharist. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are members of the lay faithful who are recommended by the Pastor and appointed by the Bishop to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to a specific Parish community for a period of three years. Those seeking to participate must have receved the Saraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. In addition, ministers may distribute Communion to those homebound or sick. Click here for more information about the ministry of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
Greeters
Greeters provide a welcoming presence and sense of hospitality. They are custodians of order, serving at the weekend liturgies as well as major feast days. They welcome and assist with seating parishoners. After Mass, the greeters tidy up the Church by picking up loose prayer books and bulletins, placing lost items in the Church lost and found.
Altar Linen Launders
Altar Linen Caretakers wash and iron all lines used during liturgies and baptisms. The linens are picked up on Sunday and returned during the week. Instructions are provided for the proper care of the linens. Launders work on their own time. Frequency depends on the number of participants.
Sacristans
Sacristan's are high school students or adults who prepare the vessels for the Eucharistic Celebration, set the altar, light the candles and make sue that all is in order for the celebration of the Mass.
Funeral Coordinators (Sacristans)
Funeral Coordinators prepare all necessary items that are used during the Funeral Mass and assist the priest (greeter, usher, lector, Eucharistic Minister or server) as needed. After the Mass, the coordinator ensures that the vessels are purified and the Church is cleaned-up.