Dear Faithful Parishioners of St. Thomas of Canterbury,

I am very happy to see the October Mass’ count this past weekend went up to 501. Given that the County has given us the green light to celebrate religious services indoor and that the weather is getting colder/windier/rainy soon, we have made these changes below.  After discussing with the Mass Transition Team and the Liturgy Committee, making sure both Mass goers and volunteers are protected and safe, and complying with the updated Social Distancing Protocol, we are ready to welcome you back inside the church again.  We have spent a few days cleaning and disinfecting the church both on the inside and the outside.  We also have shampooed the carpet to welcome you back with a clean and safe worship space.   We will sanitize/disinfect the church after each Mass using the professional and advanced Clorox Total 360 System, thanks to an anonymous benefactor.  Although most Masses will be indoors, one will be celebrated outdoor for those who feel more comfortable.  We will evaluate this setting regularly.

          Wednesdays – Thursdays – Fridays @8:30AM – INDOOR (78 people max)

          Sunday: 9:00am – OUTDOOR (200 people max)

                        10:00am – INDOOR (78 people max)

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we transition inside our church.

Take the opportunity to learn more about the New Testament.  All are invited to a talk led my master catechist, Joy Aspenall this coming Thursday night at 7:45pm.  Sign up below.

Next, I would like to take this moment to thank our Boy Scout, Jonathan, along with his family and peers, and with Hank Schwoob, for leading the beautiful garden project as seen here for our church. 

Last, please invite your children or grandchildren to our next Youth Mass, this Sunday, 10/25, 11AM, Outdoor.  This Mass is prepared, served and sung by our very own youths!  I hope that more youths could attend as they get to see their friends, but most importantly that they get to see their best friend, Jesus.

With prayers,

Fr. Andrew

Adding beauty to our parish, one project at a time!

“Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces!” - St. Padre Pio

October 2020 Prayer Intention of Pope Francis – The Laity’s Mission in the Church: We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church. 

Faith Formation Sessions have begun!  All sessions will be remote via Zoom.

Tuesday Sessions: 4pm - 4:45pm

First Grade:  November 3 and December 1

Second Grade:  November 10 and December 8

Third/Fourth Grade: October 20 and November 17

Fifth/Sixth Grade: October 27 and November 24

Registration for Family Faith Formation and Religious Ed has begun.  All previously registered families have been mailed a registration packet.  If you are new to our parish, all registration materials are available on our parish website.

Faith Formations sessions will be on-line/virtually. 

Registration: https://www.stthomassj.org/faith-formation-registration

 

Sacramental Preparation Sessions for First Reconciliation/First Eucharist will take place the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 1pm to 2pm, unless otherwise noted.  First Sunday Session is November 8th.  See our website for schedule and details: https://www.stthomassj.org/sacramental-preparation

 

Preparation for Confirmation Year One will take place on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 11am to noon, unless otherwise noted. 

First Sunday Session is November 1st, via Zoom.  See our website for details.

Visit our website for schedules and more specific information or contact Vicki Schwoob, Director of Family Faith Formation.

Has God called "you" to serve as a catechist?  For more  information, contact Vicki at info@StThomasSJ.org 

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Team  welcomes all!  We are here to provide information and spiritual guidance for all those interested in becoming Catholic, those interested in completing the sacraments and those who have a desire to know God.

The RCIA itself is a process developed by the Catholic Church for unbaptized adults and adapted for children (ages 7 and above) guiding them through education, formation and ritualization of entrance into the Catholic community.  

The process for the RCIA is always open and is year round since God’s time and plan is different for everyone.

Contact Vicki Schwoob for inquiries and sacraments; info@StThomasSJ.org 

or (408) 378-1595.