In This Update
Invitation: XLT - Sunday, July 11
Sacrament of Reconciliation Update
Fr. Ken Wolfe's Ministry
Nine July Baptisms!
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Outdoor Holy Eucharist Reception Schedule Change - July 25
Sunday Mass Schedule Addition - July 25
Reason #2 (of 7) - Why Come Back To Mass: Because The Eucharist is Real
Return of The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy/Rosary
St. Joseph: A Creatively Courageous Father
Parish Links
Invitation: XLT - Sunday, July 11
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Church
Come! Worship and adore our Lord at St. Thomas the Apostle's XLT event - Sunday, July 11 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the Church. This month's theme is Prayer - To Hear the Still Small Voice.
XLT stands for “exalt.” It is an evening of prayer open to our entire parish community and includes praise and worship, a message and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
This month’s speaker is Associate Pastor, Fr. Callistus Iyorember.
All are welcome and invited to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in praise and adoration.
Sacrament of Reconciliation Update
Good news! Confessions have moved indoors. And scheduled times and dates have expanded.
Confession times and locations are now:
Confession times and locations are now:
Tuesday 7:40 AM - Church nave (prior to 8:00 AM daily Mass)
Wednesday 8:30 AM - Parish Hall (following 8:00 AM daily Mass)
Thursday 7:40 AM - Church nave (prior to 8:00 AM daily Mass)
Saturday 4:15 - 4:45 PM - Parish Hall (prior to 5:00 PM Vigil Mass)
Appointments made via eMail with Fr. Callistus remain an option.
Fr. Ken Wolfe's Ministry
Fr. Ken Wolfe has resumed his full schedule of ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish!
He has returned to the Sunday Mass schedule and will celebrate the 8:00 AM Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays. And, on those mornings, he will also be available to hear confessions beginning at 7:40 AM prior to Mass. You may meet him individually at the back of the nave near the “Music Room” door.
Fr. Ken’s office hours have returned on Tuesdays and Thursdays following Mass until 3:00 PM. His office is in the Religious Education office. He is available again for pastoral counseling and spiritual direction. Fr. Ken read a "lot" during the pandemic and is ready to make some good recommendations for you. (See some of his recommendations on the parish website - page one, page two.)
Fr. Ken most looks forward to welcoming everyone back to the Holy Eucharist, “the source and summit” of our life in Christ.
Nine July Baptisms!
Did you know that by the end of July, St. Thomas the Apostle will officially welcome nine new parish members through the sacrament of Baptism? It's true. There are nine Baptisms scheduled this month! How blessed are we to see our parish family grow in this wonderful way.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Knights of Columbus Council #10441 will host St. Thomas the Apostle's next Blood Drive Sunday, July 18 from 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM in the Parish Hall.
The Red Cross continues to experience a critical shortage of blood due to COVID-related blood drive cancellations. Please consider being a donor; a single donation can help save three lives!
We are unable to accept walk-ins; please sign up online by clicking the button below.
Outdoor Holy Eucharist Reception Schedule Change
Beginning Sunday, July 25, Holy Eucharist will be distributed on Sundays only from 4:00 - 4:30 PM in the parish courtyard for those who view Mass technologically because they are unable to attend Mass in person (while they isolate at home during the pandemic).
Sunday Mass Schedule Addition
Beginning Sunday, July 25, St. Thomas the Apostle will once again offer a 5:00 PM Mass. Whereas this seasonally offered Mass had previously been targeted to our parish youth, it returns year 'round with an open invitation to all parishioners any time!
The Mass will feature a choir and musicians under the leadership of Tyler Irving, Life Teen Music Director. Many parishioners came to know and appreciate Tyler's musical talents during the pandemic at the 9:30 and 11:30 AM Sunday Masses.
Reason #2 (of 7) - Why Come (Back) to Mass: Because The Eucharist is Real
Why should you come (back) to Mass? Because the Eucharist is truly the Body of Christ! More than just a symbol or nice metaphor, Catholics believe that the Eucharist TRULY is Christ.
“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you" (John 6:53). Christ wants to nourish us and be present to us. At every Mass we have this incredible opportunity.
Watch this 3-minute video from Br. Peter, a Dominican friar and friend of the Word on Fire Institute on the importance of the Eucharist we receive at every Mass.
Return of The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy/Rosary
Two parish traditions have resumed Monday - Friday prior to daily 8:00 AM Mass in the Church: The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy, followed by the Rosary at 7:30 AM.
These congregation-led devotions are open to all.
