Celebrating Sacraments at St. Thomas the Apostle

Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental preparation is coordinated by the Office of Religious Education. Religious education teachers and catechists are always needed to further enrich the programs available.

Baptism - Baptism of infants is a grand occasion and the parish wishes to offer a process that is as smooth and systematic, and as free of uncertainty, as we can make it.  Arrangements are initiated when a parent calls the parish office.  The secretary will ask some preliminary questions and then send an Office of Religious Education information packet out to the family.  Once the information phase is completed, the baptism will be placed on the calendar.  Preparation class for parents and Godparents (only one is required) is generally held on the second Sunday of the month.

First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation - Preparation for the sacred events of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation is done through the week-end religious education program and in the St. Thomas School.  Inquiries can be made at the parish office or through the website.

Marriage - The sacrament of Marriage is a very significant event in the life of a Catholic.  Preparation for Marriage is coordinated through the Religious Education Office but requires early review by the Pastor.  There are significant requirements which must be met before a wedding date can be confirmed. The process begins with a call to the parish office.  The secretary will review the basic process with the applicants and send out an information packet.  After the forms are completed and returned, an appointment will be made with the Pastor. Review the information on the Wedding Guidelines page below.

ORDINATION pervades the whole Church, even if we rarely get to attend one ourselves.  The church is gifted with "order" through which the many gifts of the Holy Spirit are put to use throughout the Body of Christ.  Many people may have wonderful gifts, but there is still a need to bring them into a harmonious and fruitful union with one another.  We need to pray that we will not be deprived of the leadership of those who turn their entire lives over to Christ through their service to His Body, the Church.

Perhaps you who are reading this are becoming conscious of a call to give yourself more fully to the service of the Church, whether through the archdiocese, through a religious community or in some other way.  Please take this call seriously and give it your attention.  Some are called to ministry while remaining part of the laity.  All are needed.  All are welcome.  If you need to reflect more deeply on this, please call the parish, and someone will be happy to help you find more direction and guidance.  Do not let the Spirit breathe on you to no effect.

FUNERALS, while not being a sacrament in any official sense, normally take place in the setting of the liturgy.  A funeral is the time we set aside for remembering the great destiny to which we all have been called in being summoned into existence by God's effective Word.  We try to celebrate each Funeral with the reverence and delicacy that each family requires.  Please contact the parish as soon as you are able and come help us prepare a way to give the deceased person the kind of celebration that expresses our love and places it inside the context and remembrance of God's love for us, too.