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The Service Ministries include ministries that
provide service to different parts of our parish. These ministries include:
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THE SOCIETY OF ST.VINCENT DE PAUL
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The St. Thomas Aquinas Conference of the Society of St. Vincent se Paul is a group of volunteers who work to assist the poor and needy within our Parish boundaries. The Society members staff an office at the parish every weekday, and take calls from people needing food, help with rent, utilities, etc. Every day, several calls come in requesting assistance. Members work in pairs to visit the people requesting help, verifying their need, and bringing help and hope. The Society members are able to help the needy because of the generosity of the parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas. In any month that has five Sundays, members accept donations after all the Masses. Parishioners donate food, appliances, furniture, and money at other times, as well.
In addition to the daily assistance provided to the poor, the Society conducts a Thanksgiving Food Drive (including a turkey drive), and a Christmas Angel Tree Drive to provide gifts for children in needy families. The Parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas have always responded to these drives with unsurpassed generosity.
The St. Vincent de Paul members meet twice monthly. There is a meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM, usually in St. Clare Hall. This during the summer months, St. Clare Hall is closed, and other arrangements for the Thursday meeting must be made. There is a Breakfast meeting at TJ’s Restaurant on the last Monday of the month at 9:00 AM.
New people are always welcome!! Please contact our office at (623) 535-9455; we can discuss the great opportunities available in our very special ministry.
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FROM GRIEF TO HOPE |
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Contact: Betsy Ross – 623-935-4139
You do not have to be alone on this journey.
This is a group that meets to
support an individual who is grieving the loss of a loved one. It is
difficult to face the pain of separation and the many changes that this
loss creates in a person’s life. Beyond the funeral, as disbelief and
shock begin to subside, we are faced with the reality of our changed
circumstances. We grieve not having someone to talk with and many of
the rituals we did with our loved one, even going to Church, are now
different. Grief work encompasses not only dealing with the death, but
also working through the pain of not having that person with us for
family celebrations, the holidays or to help during the tough times.
All are warmly welcomed. You may contact the Parish Office for the time
and location of these gatherings. You don’t have to be on this journey
alone.
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ST. MATTHEW’S MINISTRY |
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Contact: Janet Hobbs 623-935-4324
The Sunday collection is
counted and deposited by this group. Members of this ministry count the
collection after each of the Masses on Sunday, keep accurate records and
make weekly deposits. This Ministry requires people who are detail
oriented, and good with figures. If you have any of these skills your
expertise will be put to good use.
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BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
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This ministry offers support and
consolation within our community of faith when a loved one’s life on
earth has come to an end. This group will be present for the family
during their time of loss. This dedicated group will arrange the hall
following the funeral, they will arrange tables and provide food for the
reception. This helps make the time following the funeral of a loved
one, a time of healing and comfort for the family and friends of the
deceased.
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MARTHA & MARY MINISTRY |
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Contact: Eileen Warga 623-935-2151
This is a one of the most
important ministries in our parish and yet it is usually one of the last
mentioned.
There are two important parts to this
ministry:
- The first is cleaning the interior of our church weekly. These
dedicated men and women keep the interior of our church clean and
bright. They vacuum, dust and polish the entire church and keep it in
tip top condition.
- The other very important
side to this ministry is the group of ladies that keep the church linens
washed and pressed each week. Each volunteer does the linens one month
each year. This group is always in need of help so please consider
joining.
Volunteers are always needed to help clean the church
on Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m.
Skills in keeping God's house sparkling is all you
need. Working for God on earth does not pay much, but his
retirement plan is our of this world.
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PASTORAL COUNCIL |
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Contact: Parish Office 623-935-2151
The St. Thomas Aquinas Pastoral Council’s
mission is to assist the community in its spiritual is an elected body
of parishioners, meeting monthly to represent the “Voice” of the
community in matters concerning the overall direction of the parish.
Meetings are held on the 2 nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00
PM and are open to all parishioners. There are no meetings scheduled for the months of July and August. If
you are interested in the Pastoral Council contact the parish office and leave your name with the
Parish Secretary.
Current activity: Council is working on development of a thee year Pastoral Plan for the parish.
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FINANCE COMMITTEE
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For more information, contact the Parish Office 935-2151 |
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PRISON MINISTRY |
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Contact: Sandra Shaw 623-935-0386
The Prison Ministry of
Catholics in the West Valley was formed in 1995 at the
request of the Chaplain of the Perryvale State Prison. Since then the
ministry has grown by relying on lay volunteers, a deacon and retired
priests. Both ministers and inmates claim that this ministry has
changed their lives and brought them closer to Christ. The
qualifications for those who wish to serve include a willing heart and
desire to bring the Catholic Faith to those who are incarcerated. A
Communion Service is held weekly at each unit. Orientations are
mandatory, as well as background checks and TB skin tests. Two
volunteers are assigned to each of the units for each visit. There is a
great need for people to serve in this special ministry.
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS |
Derringer Martinez 623-670-1207
Visit the Knights of Columbus Council 11675 Official Webpage: http://www.kc11675.com
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, family, fraternal organization founded in 1882 by Fr. Michael McGivney and a group of Catholic men with the goal of providing security for the widows and orphans of parishes. The St. Thomas Aquinas Holy Family Council serves the parish and the larger community by addressing pro-life issues, needs of Intellectually disadvantages and mentally retarded children as well as conducting various social activities within the parish. I would welcome a call to talk more about how you can help your church and community by becoming a Knight of Columbus – 623-907-2199. Requirements to join are quit simple – be a practical catholic man at least 18 years old. Make a positive difference in your church and community – join the Knights of Columbus!
Joe Fairlie
Grand Knight
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