The living words of Jesus are etched into the stone walls of the Gathering Area. These passages are significant because they give us an insight into what Jesus came to teach and what He wants us to do. The most significant passage comes from the book of Matthew. “When I was hungry, you gave me to eat. When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink.”
These words are the philosophy of Christian Service at St. Thomas More.
Christmas Giving Tree: Everyone loves Christmas. Christmas offers us the opportunity to enjoy the spirit of giving. Nothing is more rewarding than giving to those less fortunate. During Advent “Giving Trees” are placed in the Gathering Area of the Church. These trees are filled with names and gift ideas offering parishioners the opportunity to purchase a gift for those less fortunate.
These gifts are sorted and packaged up for delivery to families just in time for Christmas. These gifts, purchased by parishioners, help to make Christmas brighter for those less fortunate.
Volunteers are needed to create Christmas tree tags, sort gifts and deliver gifts to specific locations. There is great camaraderie and Christmas joy for those working together at this time of year.
Clothing Drive: “When I was naked, you clothed me.” Twice a year our St. Vincent de Paul sponsors a clothing drive. Parishioners are invited to donate new or gently used clothing items to St. Vincent de Paul for distribution to those less fortunate.
Volunteers are needed to help with the “clothing drive” weekend.
Community Service: St. Thomas More receives yearly requests from the greater community for help and assistance. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Clinton River Clean-up, local soup kitchens and various other organizations frequently call on us for assistance.
Volunteers are needed to help support these requests with time and energy. Help is also needed to lead an event or drive volunteers to a charitable event.
Nursery Aid During Mass/Co-op Nursery: The Co-op Nursery is the gateway to children’s ministry at St. Thomas More. Families of children ages six months through three years are invited to become members of the Co-op Nursery. As a Co-op, families share responsibilities for child care during Mass.
The Nursery is open during the 10:30 a.m. Mass throughout the year.
Volunteers are needed to assist in the care of young children while their parents attend the Liturgy.
Parish Picnic: St. Thomas More hosts a family picnic on the first Sunday following Labor Day. Food, drinks, games, dancing, and fellowship are provided in generous measure. Everyone is invited to come and have a good time.
The picnic provides an opportunity to bring the parishioners of St. Thomas More together in a wonderful family atmosphere.
Volunteers are needed to help set up and clean up after the picnic. Help with cooking, games, bingo and decorations are all needed. Many hands make less work.
Prayer Quilts: Members of St. Thomas More gather on a regular basis to create quilts specifically for an ailing member of the parish. These quilts are blessed at Mass and delivered with prayers and the good wishes of the entire community.
Volunteers are needed to organize a gathering, to make a quilt, and to help with the assembly of quilts.
Prayer Requests
St. Thomas More has a community of men and women dedicated to praying for those in need. Prayer requests are offered for those in the military, for those who are ill, and for those suffering the loss of a loved one, as well as the deceased.
To join in praying for our communities’ needs; prayer requests can be found here; the list is updated frequently. Suggested prayers are provided.
Volunteers are needed to pray for our communities’ needs.
Red Cross Blood Drive: St. Thomas More hosts a Red Cross Blood Drive several times a year. The drive supports the ongoing need for whole blood within the community. The Blood Drive is generally held on a Sunday in the Social Hall.
Volunteers are needed to sign up Blood Bank volunteers and to work at the Blood Bank in various capacities throughout the day. Clean up after the event is needed as well.
Respect Life Committee: Jesus tells us that He has come to bring us life so we may enjoy it to the fullest.
Whatever we try to do – we try to bring God’s life into the equation. The Respect Life Committee keeps the St. Thomas More community informed on important legislative issues that impact the quality and sanctity of life. Life issues covering euthanasia, abortion, and capital punishment are discussed. A yearly Baby Shower is hosted by the Right to Life committee. This shower affords the opportunity to gather baby clothing and other items that are donated to local support charities.
Volunteers are needed to continue to study life issues and work to provide support, prayer, and encouragement to organizations that support life. Helpers are also needed to work on the Baby Shower – set up and delivery of gifts.
St. Vincent de Paul: The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a wonderful organization of men and women who provide needy families and individuals in the immediate area with assistance when extra help is needed. Monthly donations, through our First of the Month Food Collection, help support their charitable activities.
St. Vincent de Paul also sponsors a Clothing Drive two times during the year.
Volunteers are needed to be part of this worthwhile organization. Many opportunities exist to be of assistance to bring God’s loving service to those in need.
Thanksgiving Baskets: Each year the parishioners of St. Thomas More donate food and monies to our Thanksgiving Drive. Items are sorted, packed and delivered to needy families to insure their joy at Thanksgiving.
Volunteers are needed to help sort food, package gifts and deliver meals.