"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."-St. Jerome
The Parish offers many different Bible study and faith sharing groups during the spring and fall. These studies incorporate videos with theologians as presenters as well as small group discussions. A specific study for women,"Wallking With Purpose," is also offered. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact:
Carol Szkudlapski at [email protected], or call (610) 742-9681
Each Sunday at the 9:00AM Mass, before the Scripture readings begin, children ages 4-10 are sent to the Social Hall with trained catechists who will share the Sunday readings. The children will hear the same Scriptures that are proclaimed at Mass, but they will be explained on a level that younger children can understand. The children will return to their family in church after the Creed, as the Offertory and Liturgy of the Eucharist begins.
CLOW LEADERS NEEDED! Is God Calling You?
If you enjoy growing your faith, and love working with children, God may be calling you to pass on Catholic faith to children in our parish. If you are interested in assisting with this ministry, please contact:
Elizabeth Smith at [email protected], or call (267) 614-1564
Catechists for our PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) volunteer to teach our children religious education from 1st through 7th grade and Confirmation Prep for 8th grade. Plenty of resources are available along with training and support. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact:
Colleen Nancarrow at [email protected], or call (610) 459-3477
A charismatic prayer meeting consists of a group of people from varying backgrounds who meet in an atmosphere of love and support for one another in an effort to grow in the knowledge and love of God. This group meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Social Hall. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact:
Liz O'Hara at [email protected], or call (610) 361-0130
The cenacle is a small faith-sharing group with a focus on the message of Divine Mercy as found in Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Diary of St. Faustina, with a special emphasis on the Eucharist. Meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 9:00AM in the Social Hall. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact:
Pat Ausman at (610) 361-8280
Are you, or is someone you know, interested in joining the Catholic Church, desiring to return to the Church, or curious to learn more about our faith? Like our Lord, we say, "Come and see!" You are invited to attend these classes to learn and understand the roots of our Catholic faith. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact:
Kristen Acosta at [email protected], or call (610) 459-2224
A Christian devotion to the Divine Mercy based on the apparitions of Jesus reported by St. Faustina Kowalska, known as the Apostle of Mercy. This devotion is prayed weekdays before daily Mass Monday through Friday in the Church. If you are interested in this devotional, please contact:
Pat Bruggeman at [email protected], or call (610) 459-1638
The Reparation Vigil Mass is celebrated on the First Friday/First Saturday of the month in honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. These Vigil Masses are in response to Jesus’ request for reparation to His Most Sacred Heart, so wounded by the ingratitude of men, and for reparation to the Immaculate Heart of His Mother, so pierced by sorrow. This Vigil allows us the opportunity to practice and incorporate the four pillars of our faith:
C - Confession,
A - Adoration,
R - Rosary,
E - Eucharist.
The Night of Reparation begins at 7:30PM on Friday and ends at 1:30AM on Saturday. If you are interested in this devotional, please contact:
Pam Meisch at [email protected], or call (610) 459-1169
A statue of Our Lady of Fatima travels from home to home. If you would like to host the pilgrim Virgin Statue in your home for one or two weeks, please contact:
Carolyn Roth at [email protected], or call (610) 361-9380
A weekly devotion of praying the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which meets in the chapel every Monday at 6:30PM, except holidays. If you are interested in this devotional, please contact:
Jan Bradley at [email protected], or call (610) 459-2789
A twice monthly devotion involving the Flame of Love Rosary, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction with Deacon Tony. This ministry meets in the main church on the First Saturday of each month from 8:00AM to 9:00AM, and on the third Friday of each month from 4:00PM to 5:00PM. If you are interested in this devotional, please contact:
Eileen Cincotta at (610) 212-9560
Formed in response to our Bishops’ national call for Eucharistic Revival, the purpose of this Ministry is to foster a deeper devotion to the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of our Faith by providing opportunities for personal encounters with Christ through Adoration and other Eucharistic activities. To the extent we can play a role in opening and reigniting a fire in the hearts of our parish family to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, we will then be in position to accept the next challenge of our National Revival call to action - to share the Good News by launching an “Invite One Back” campaign. You are most welcome to join us in this Spirit-led devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament. If you are interested in this devotional, please contact:
Kathy Plush at [email protected], or call (484) 832-6567.
Join us for Bible Study, discussions on the weekend's Gospel readings, sharing of faith, and membership support. This ministry meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9AM to 10AM in the Social Hall.
Please contact the Parish Office at (610) 459-2224 for more information!
The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active co-operation in Mary’s and the Church’s work. The unit of the Legion of Mary is called a praesidium, which holds a weekly meeting, where prayer is intermingled with reports and discussion. Persons who wish to join the Legion must apply for membership in a Praesidium. The Legion sees as its priority the spiritual and social welfare of each individual. The members participate in the life of the parish through visitation of families, the sick, both in their homes and in hospitals and through collaboration in every apostolic and missionary undertaking sponsored by the parish. Every legionary is required to carry out a weekly apostolic work in the spirit of faith and in union with Mary. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact:
Loretta Ciarrochi at (610) 316-1904
Youth aged 10-18 are trained in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. If you are interested in this group, please contact:
Greg Chestnut at [email protected], or call (610) 745-4712
This group's goal is to collect and distribute life’s basic necessities (food, clothing, toiletries, baby items, etc.) on an ongoing basis to people in need who reside in our community. Any person who is need, or who knows anyone who is in need of basic necessities should contact Joe Bradley or the Parish Office. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact:
Ann Diersing at [email protected], or call (610) 558-1659
The purpose of St. Thomas the Apostle CYO is to provide a Catholic sports program for the youth of the parish that is centered on sportsmanship, socialization, and learning. A variety of athletic activities are offered with coaches who have been approved to work with the athletes and who have experience in each sport with which he/she works. St. Thomas the Apostle CYO is chartered by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and follows its Mission Statement for Sports. There is a St. Thomas Board of Directors, which is made up of coaches and parents, who oversees the business parts of each activity. CYO Scrip information can be found under the School link. If you are interested in this program, please contact:
Martha Shields at [email protected], or call (484) 919-1411
The Liturgical Art and Environment Committee strives to enhance the environment of the church and reflect the liturgical seasons. Through the use of flowers, fabric, and other materials, it is our purpose to help the community be drawn into the worship of the day. We hope to assist people in appreciating liturgy throughout the seasons of the liturgical year. If you are interested in this group, please contact:
Leona Swiacki at [email protected], or call (484) 332-3964
The Olde St. Thomas Knights of Columbus Council serves our parish and community through our charity outreach as well as parish involvement. If you are interested in this group, please visit www.KofC11051.org or contact:
Al Frattarola at [email protected], or call (484) 437-3012.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of knitters and crocheters who come together to make shawls, baby blankets, and lap blankets. It is our hope that these blessed items will give comfort to those who receive them. We donate to hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, our own parish Caring & Sharing ministry, and anyone in the parish who requests any of our items. If you are interested in this group, please contact:
Mary Ford at [email protected], or call (610) 459-3809
The goal of this ministry is to raise awareness of Respect Life matters by supporting the Archdiocesan Right to Life organization. We help with the needs of the Mother’s Home and participate in the annual "March for Life” in Washington, D.C. every January. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact:
Donna Wroblewski at [email protected], or call (610) 715-4641.
The mission of all Liturgical Ministries of the parish is to acknowledge God's presence in our preparation and celebration of the liturgy and to facilitate the prayer of the assembly. The Eucharistic Liturgy is enhanced through the coordinated efforts of all ministers, and the assembly experiences being the Body of Christ as they worship God together. Parish catechesis in liturgy and the sacraments, theology, and formation of liturgical ministers are important components of this mission.
Individuals are asked to pray and discern the liturgical ministry in which they will serve the community:
If you are interested in participating in a Liturgical Ministry, please contact the parish office at (610) 459-2224.
Altar Servers prepare the altar for the celebration of the liturgy and assist the Presider during the liturgy. Anyone who has received their First Holy Communion is eligible. The time commitment of service will be the choice of the server using Ministry Pro Scheduling. We ask each Altar Server to serve at least once a month to continue in the ministry. Click here for more information about being an Altar Server.
Lectors proclaim the Scriptures at all liturgical celebrations in a manner that enables the assembly to understand and appreciate the beauty and rich content of the Word of God. They carry the Book of Gospels to the altar during the entrance procession (when no deacon is peresnt), proclaim the First Reading, the Second Reading, and lead the General Intercessions. Those seeking to participate must have received all three Sacraments of Initation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. The lector determines their time committment through Ministry Pro Scheduling. Click here for more information about being a lector.
The bishop, priest, and deacon are the ordinary ministers of the Eucharist. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are members of the lay faithful who are recommended by the Pastor and appointed by the Bishop to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to a specific Parish community for a period of three years. Those seeking to participate must have receved the Saraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. In addition, ministers may distribute Communion to those homebound or sick. Click here for more information about being an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
Greeters provide a welcoming presence and sense of hospitality at the church. They are custodians of order, serving at the weekend liturgies as well as major feast days. They welcome and assist with seating parishoners. After Mass, the greeters tidy up the church by picking up loose prayer books and bulletins, placing lost items in the church lost and found.
Altar Linen Caretakers wash and iron all linens used during liturgies and baptisms. The linens are picked up on Sunday and returned during the week. Instructions are provided for the proper care of the linens. Launders work on their own time. Frequency depends on the number of participants.
Sacristans are high school students or adults who prepare the vessels for the Eucharistic Celebration, set the altar, light the candles, and make sure that all is in order for the celebration of the Mass.
Funeral Coordinators prepare all necessary items that are used during the Funeral Mass and assist the priest, greeter, usher, lector, Eucharistic Minister, or Altar Server as needed. After the Mass, the coordinator ensures that the vessels are purified and the Church is cleaned up.