St. Thomas Parish Calendar

MINISTRIES and  ORGANIZATIONS at
St. THOMAS the APOSTLE PARISH

Knights of Columbus

The group aims to support Catholic men in becoming holier husbands and fathers through social activities in both the parish and the broader community. Meetings: 4th Thursday of the month 6:30 pm officers, 7:30 pm general meeting.

Contact: 
knights.waterdown@gmail.com

Legion of Mary

Offers two memberships.  Active members do works in the community and Auxiliary members offer prayer support at their home only. Meets every Friday following 8am Mass.

Contact:
legionofmary.waterdown@gmail.com

Catholic Women’s League

“The Catholic Women’s League of Canada calls its members to grow in faith, and to witness to the love of God through ministry and service.”

The CWL of Canada was first organized in 1912 as the united voice of all Canadian Catholic Women. Our parish has had an active CWL since 1953 and today we have 67 members. One of our goals is to have every woman 18 years of age and over in our parish connected in some way with our council as a Fully Active Member, a Partially Active Member, a Financially Supportive Member, or a Prayer Partner.

Please see our Parish Calendar of Events for this season (September 2024 to August 2025) posted on the Bulletin Board in the Narthex. Also on the board is our Mission Statement and The League’s Objectives.

If interested in learning more, email us at stthomaswaterdowncwl@gmail.com or come out to one of our meetings, generally held in the CWL room in the church on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm. We are extending an invitation to you to become a member today.

Ladies: THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU IN OUR CWL COUNCIL!

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a lay Catholic organization founded in 1840, inspired by St. Vincent de Paul’s teachings. Its mission is to serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, and joy through personal contact. The organization focuses on education as a key to alleviating poverty, promoting the Canada Learning Bond program for low-income families. Members provide food vouchers, groceries, and other forms of assistance, connecting clients with community resources. The society also supports local initiatives, such as hosting dinners and fundraisers for migrants and Social Justice causes.

Meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Marion Room, and parishioners are welcome to attend. New volunteers are welcome.

Contact: ssvdpwaterdown@gmail.com

Altar Servers

Altar Servers assist the celebrant during Mass and other liturgies. This ministry is for boys and girls starting in grade 4 and older.

Baptism Preparation

This ministry helps prepare couples for the Baptism of their child by using a video, reflection, questions, personal witness, and a walk-through of the ceremony in the Church.  There are two classes that must be attended by the parents and godparents.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Is for children in grades JK – 1 at the both the 9:00 & 11:30 am Sunday Masses. Adult leaders help the children with the Mass readings and discuss them in an interesting and exciting way.

Lectors

Are mandated by the Bishop to proclaim the Word of God during our liturgical celebrations.

Bible Study

meets on Mondays to discuss and better understand the Sacred Scriptures.  Led by Deacon Victor.

Catechetical Correspondence Program

Children in public or private school are taught about our Faith and prepared for the Sacraments.

Children's Liturgy of the Word 

Is   for  children  in   grades JK – 2 at the 9:00 a.m. & 11:30 Sunday Masses.  Adult leaders help the children to understand the Mass Readings and discuss them in an interesting and exciting way.

Choirs 

The choirs and instrumentalist lead the congregation in singing at the Sunday Mass and other liturgies throughout the year.  We have three choirs at St. Thomas.

Collection Counters

Each week, working in a team, the Sunday collection is counted, prepared and deposited in the bank.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Offer the Eucharist during Mass, and bring Communion to the shut-ins.

Finance Council 

This is an advisory group whose purpose is to help the Pastor exercise his responsibility to use well the generous offerings made by the People of God.  Members of this committee are appointed by the Pastor.

Jammers

Are a group of volunteers who come together to make, bottle and sell jams and preserves.  These funds help to support our parish activities.

Lectors

Are mandated by the Bishop to proclaim the Word of God during our liturgical celebrations.

Prayer Chain

Parishioners in need of prayer for themselves or loved ones contact the chain leader who sends out the prayer request to all the praying members.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Knitters and crocheters make shawls for those in need of comfort and healing.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.)

Team members prepare interested candidates for initiation into the Catholic Church. The program runs on Wednesdays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., from late September until a few weeks after Easter.  The candidates will be baptized and/or confirmed at the Easter Vigil.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (R.C.I.C.)

Is for children in grade 3 – 8 who have not yet received the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance and Eucharist.

Ushers/Ministers of Hospitality

Are the men and women who help to keep order before, during and after Mass. They greet you upon your arrival, help you find a good seat when the church is full, and they pass around the collection baskets, and distribute the Parish bulletin after Mass.

Volunteer Screening Committee

This committee interviews persons interested in volunteering for any of our ministries and calls references that have been provided by the potential volunteer.