Are you interested in offering your time and talent to help others? Whether you wish to participate even more in the spiritual life of St Thomas, serve others or meet new friends, or all three, you will find that St Thomas offers volunteer opportunities that are fulfilling and flexible.
Below is a list of opportunities to consider if you would like to engage more in the Liturgy and Sacramental preparatios. Please also visit the Ministries, Education/Faith Formation and About/Contact Us sections for other opportunities in pastoral care, community service and parish operations.
LITURGICAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Acolytes/Altar Servers - Assist the presider during the Liturgical celebration.
Altar Guild / Sacristans- Provide care for the church linens and the sanctuary of the church. Volunteers for Holy Wash wash and iron the purificators once a week for one month per year; the ironing takes an hour or less per week. Volunteers for Alter Work dust and vacuum the sanctuary and maintain the holy water bowls. This ministry takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours one day, two or three times a year.
Art and Environment - Plac appropriate decorations in the church to enhance daily and weekend liturgical services and highlight liturgical seasons. Also prepare the sanctuary for special celebrations
Cantors - Lead the congregation in singing during the Liturgy. We are currently recruiting more cantors. Please contact Avery Tunningly.
Children's Liturgy of the Word - Serve as catechist to children age 3 through Kindergarten at the 9:30am Sunday Mass, when the children meet with a catechist in the Chapel for activities tailored to the Liturgy of the Word.
Choir - Support the congregation in the celebration of the Mass through songs focusing on the theme of the week's liturgy. Singers and instrumentalists, please contact Nelly Bunk Baker.
Counters - Help to count contributions received by the parish. There is a rotating schedule of once every six weeks.
Eucharistic Ministers - This ministry aids in the distribution of the Body and Precious Blood of our Lord at Eucharistic celebrations.
Hospitality- Enable parishioners to enjoy fellowship as they chat after Sunday Mass or special occasions. Make coffee and serve coffee, tea, juice and baked treats in the Gathering Space. Please contact Bob and Nancy Bielawa.
Lectors - Proclaim the scriptures at all Masses..
Ushers/Greeters - Warmly greet parishioners as they enter the church. Distributes song sheets and weekly bulletins at the entrances of the church. Assists parishioners with seating as needed. Collects the weekly offertory from the congregation at a designated time during the Mass.
Votive Candle Stands - Maintain the two votive candle stands at the shrine areas in the Church.
OPPORTUNITIES IN SACREMENTAL PREPARATION :
Baptism - Embroider Baptismal stoles and wrap the gift box for our newest little parishioners. Materials and directions are provided, and you can sew on your own time. Contact Maura.
Communion - Help teach class or organize Jesus Day in our family-centered preparation for First Eucharist. Please conact the Elementary Faith Formation program for details.
Marriage - Married couples work with engaged couples, sharing experiences and facilitating pre-nuptial dialogues for a long healthy marriage.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - Help adult candidates prepare for the sacraments of initiation in the Church: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Contact Paul Edmundson.
OPPORTUNITIES IN PARISH OPERATIONS:
Pastoral Council - Vision and planning group assisting the Pastor. Meets every other month