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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

For more information, contact the Parish Office  935-2151

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.

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