Our Parish Prayer

Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory,
my understanding, my entire will -
all that I have and possess.
You have given it all to me; to you, Lord, I return it.
All is yours, Lord;
Dispose of it according to your will.
Give me only your love and your grace.
That is enough for me.
St. Ignatius

Worship and Liturgy

Liturgy is the most dynamic means that the people have to share and express their faith in and love for God. Everything in the liturgy must reflect that faith and unity with God. Worship at St. Thomas is enriched by a variety of ministries: Music, Liturgical team leaders, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Linen washers, Liturgical Arts Volunteers and Liturgical Planning Committee. These people use their talents to enrich the experience of all who worship at St. Thomas. Whether liturgy is celebrated at a home mass, in the chapel or in the center, the community comes together for meaningful and creative worship experiences.

A special aspect of worship at St. Thomas is the covenant connection with St. Mark's Episcopal parish. This may be seen through the January "pulpit exchange" or shared liturgical celebrations (such as Advent Lessons and Carols, Good Friday's walking Stations of the Cross, Blessing of the Animals and Peace garden). St. Thomas remains committed to this ecumenical relationship and the richness it provides in the worship experience.

Leadership

The leadership component provides direction and an organizational vision for the parish. Parishioners work closely with the parish staff to consider parish needs and implement plans to meet them. The Parish Council, for example, is an important advisory group for the affairs of the parish. The Stewardship Committee plans, organizes and implements the Stewardship program. The Finance Council advises and works with the pastor on budgetary matters. Fund Raising has established a procedure for distributing more than $3000 to local charities and others in need. Other areas of leadership include Grounds and Maintenance and Office Assistants - providing a reliable structure for the needs of the community.

Adult Education and Evangelization

A journey in faith calls for continued learning about the faith experience. St. Thomas is committed to providing many opportunities for parishioners and all interested persons to grow in their understanding of the gospel message.

The Loyola Colloquium is offered as a series of lectures throughout the academic year. The objective of the series is to promote dialogue between the Church and the University Community. Speakers have included Dr. Sidney Callahan on "Sexual Diversity and Catholicism", Fr. William Byron, SJ on "Spirituality in the Workplace" and E.J. Dionne on "Faith and Politics after Sept. 11," Kathy Galloway, leader of the international Iona Community based in Scotland "Hope in a Time of War" and Irish Jesuit Fr James Corkery "Reflections on Benedict XVI"

The Catechumenate process offers reflective preparation for adults desiring to join the Church. Other areas in the education ministry include strong marriage preparation and baptismal programs, an improved library, and a bi-monthly Book Club. Further educational programs cover a variety of topics such as Catechetical training and development, Spirituality and Ecology, the Triduum, and Ethical Issues in an Age of Pluralism.

Service and Outreach

St. Thomas has a long history and strong commitment to outreach programs. The following list identifies key areas where the parish seeks to be Christ's hands in the world

• Visitation Ministry - parishioners who are sick or shut-in are offered communion and visits on a regular basis.
• Grief ministry - support is offered to those who have lost a loved one, continuing throughout the first year of bereavement.
• Drivers - available for rides to attend Mass.
• Social Justice committee - recently re-established to look at the relationships between urban and rural communities in a coordinated effort with St. Mark's
• Windham Area Interfaith Ministries (WAIM) - St. Thomas offers volunteers and funds to support area needs and programs.
• Haitian committee - this sponsorship program provides an opportunity for people at St. Thomas to make a difference in the life of a child by supporting his/her education. The committee oversees parish fund-raising (and immersion experiences) to support children's school needs, medical supplies, toys and other items.
• Additional Service Opportunities - a variety of agencies and organizations are available for members of the St. Thomas community to share their time and talent with others.

Social Activities

Members of St. Thomas take advantage of the many opportunities for fun and fellowship in the parish. Through small get-together's or organized events, parishioners renew their sense of community and connection. The Social Committee organizes a variety of activities ranging from a murder mystery evening to the St. Patrick's dinner and dance to coffee and doughnuts after Mass. "Roundtable" is a social program, which provides fellowship among its members while raising funds for St. Thomas. The Stewardship Committee offers dessert and coffee hours for new parishioners and wine and cheese and continental breakfasts to renew links between "veteran" parishioners. The full calendar of events attests to the sense of aliveness that is present at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Additional Service Opportunities for the Community

Catholic Charities:
Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to share their homes as temposhelters for homeless, pregnant teenagers. This is a new program being started by Catholic Charities.
CONTACT: Sister Joanne Campanini at (860) 848-2237 between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, weekdays.

Holy Family Home And Shelter:
The Holy Family Home and Shelter is an emergency shelter located in Willimantic that provides transitional living facilities, food. and empowerment programs for homeless families. Volunteers are needed to: tutor children: read to children; provide childcare while parents are in classes; perform yard work; help in kitchen; sort clothing; run errands; help with office work; and help with special holiday programs.
CONTACT: Sister Mary Peter at the Holy Family Home and Shelter at (860) 423-7719.

Hospice Of Eastern Connecticut (Hec):
HEC, based in Mansfield, is a multi disciplinary support system that helps individuals and their families with terminal illness to live as fully and as comfortably as possible until death. Many volunteer opportunities exist to work directly with patients, general office work, and bereavement support.
CONTACT: HEC at (860) 456-7288, ext. 214.

Mexican Sewing Cooperative:
Ruth Moynihan is looking for support for a program which provides markets for the craft productions of a group of seven work cooperatives in Guernavaca. Mexico. There are hand embroidered T shirts from Ruben Jaramilla Sewing Co op, hand woven bags and clothing by The Mario Pocop Family Co op, and many other items. All proceeds for the items go directly to the "Artesanos Unidos." This is a practical ministry aimed at providing economic help a few of those who struggle within today's inflation prone, opportunity poor, indigenous Mexican economy. Ruth is looking for people interested in buying or helping to sell items.
CONTACT: Ruth Moynihan through St. Thomas (860) 429-6436.

North Central Hospice:
The North Central Hospice Program, based in Vernon, is a multidisciplinary support system that helps individuals with terminal illness to live as fully and as comfortably as possible until their death. It also assists the families/caregivers of these patients with their own needs as well as
those of the patient. Discover the power of one person caring for another by becoming a hospice volunteer. Training classes meet twice a week for six weeks, usually from 6:00 8:00 PM. Some of the topics included in the training are: the role of the Hospice volunteer, current concepts for the care of the terminally ill, death and dying, listening skills, bereavement, spiritual awareness.
CONTACT: Deborah Richards at (860) 872-9163, ext. 3047.

Saint Paul'S Covenant Soup Kitchen:
This soup kitchen, located in Willimantic, serves meals to the needy and homeless. Donations of time may be made by offering to help prepare or serve meals. Donations of non perishable food items may be made every Sunday by bringing your items to Mass and leaving them at the foot of the altar.
CONTACT: Jean Kupek at (860) 423-1643.

No-Freeze Shelter:
The Windham Region No Freeze Hospitality Center is a Community Coalition founded in 2003 by individuals dedicated to making sure no one is left out in the cold. Our goal is to provide basic overnight shelter from cold weather for homeless persons over the age of 18 from November 15th through March 31st of each year. No one is turned away, all we ask is that our guests respect the volunteers and each other.
Contact: David Fenn - Director at (860) 465-0169

Windham Aids Program:
Volunteer opportunities are available to provide support to persons afflicted with AIDS to help them live with their disease. Opportunities are also available in general office help, public health information, fundraising, etc.
CONTACT: Windham AIDS Program at (860) 423-4534.