Ministries
Although we are recipients of almost limitless gifts, our tendency is often to call them our own and claim them for ourselves exclusively.
Christian stewardship reminds us that these gifts are not our own, that we have a trusteeship over them and not an ownership.
Through the St. Thomas the Apostle parish mission statement, we are invited to:
- GROW in our experience and understanding of God’s grace;
- BUILD strong bonds of mutual support within our community; and
- SERVE the cause of mercy, justice and evangelization in our world.
Liturgical Ministries
The Liturgical Ministries work as a team to prepare liturgies that promote active participation of the assembly and serve to transform us, with Jesus Christ as the center of our lives, especially in the Eucharist.
Liturgical Ministries Overview
Altar Servers
Altar Servers enhance the quality of liturgical celebrations by assisting the priests and serving the assembly at weekend liturgies and various liturgical celebrations. Boys, girls and adults from 4th grade and up who have received First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are welcome to join this ministry. Participants must attend a training class.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
During the 9:30 a.m. Mass, adults share the Scriptures with the children of our parish on a level that makes the readings more understandable.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Extraordinary Ministers Of Holy Communion
Eucharistic Ministers are specially trained and commissioned parishioners who assist eh priests in distribution of Holy Communion at parish liturgies.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Lectors
Lectors serve the faith community by proclaiming the Word of God through Scripture readings at Mass with the hope of enhancing the proclamation through preparation and understanding. The goals are to help make God’s Word come alive and to inspire contemplative reflection within the assembly.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Liturgical Environment Committee
Members maintain the environment of the church during the year. This ministry includes (but is not limited to) seasonal decoration, ongoing plant care and votive light maintenance.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Ministers of Hospitality
Ministers ensure that all visitors are respectfully greeted in a warm and welcoming manner so that they may feel like God’s home is their home. Participants also provide helpful information about the parish to visitors and parishioners alike at all weekend liturgies. Training is provided.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Ministers to the Sick and Homebound
In order to extend the loving and reconciling presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist to those of the community of St. Thomas who are unable to attend Mass, participants in this ministry are called to carry the precious Body of Jesus into homes, hospitals and nursing homes. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion called for this purpose receive additional training and materials. This is an ancient practice which brings mutual graces to both those who receive and those who administer the love of Jesus Christ.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Music Ministry
Promoting the “fully conscious and active participation of the assembly.” the Music Ministry of St. Thomas strives to “assist the assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith” through the unique ability of song.
- Cantors – Lead the community in sung prayer at weekend and Holy Day Masses
- Parish Choir – 9:30 – Leads the community in sung prayer each week at 9:30 a.m.
- Sunday Mass, Holy Days and celebrations
- Music Group – 11:30 – Singers and instrumentalists lead the community in sung prayer each week at 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass
- Instrumentalists – Enhance music at Mass, as soloists or ensemble players
- Life Teen Band – Lead the Sunday 5:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass community in sung prayer
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Sacristans
The mission of a Sacristan is to lovingly provide clean linens to be used during Communion, reverently clean all Communion vessels, and maintain a respectful order in the Sacristy.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Service Ministries
The mission of the Service Ministries is to reach out to Christ’s presence in the poor and the suffering of our parish and the community through works of charity, mercy and justice and to inspire and promote respect for all life.
Service Ministries Overview
Girl Scouts
This program is part of a national organization for girls, ages 5 to 17, which strives to assist all participants in becoming self-assured, resourceful women who will be tomorrow’s leaders.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Habitat for Humanity
It is this ministry’s mission to provide adequate housing for needy families in the Cobb County area by building each year in partnership with those of all faiths who wish to serve God.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Jamaican Outreach
Living Christ’s Gospel through a relationship with the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) and their ministries in Kingston, Jamaica is the mission of the participants of this organization. Through a variety of activities, members touch the lives of the poor in the ghetto of Kingston, Jamaica. Through prayer and good works, members participate in a variety of activities: a Lenten Food Drive, a Tour of Italy dinner and fundraiser, a MOP newsletter mailing, promotion of a MOP concert in the parish and the community and an annual visit to Jamaica where the love of Christ is lived out in a hands-on way.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Knights of Columbus
This is an international fraternal service organization of Catholic men built on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism whose purpose is to conduct programs that support the church, community, council, family and youth. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Social gathering on the fourth Wednesday of the month (meetings are held in the Community House located at 4240 King Springs Rd, Smyrna, GA 30082).
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Legacy: A College Ministry
Legacy is open to all young adults ages 18-22. Participants do not have to be attending college, but must fall within the age range noted. The mission of this ministry is to grow deeper in faith, build a community of support, and serve others. Monthly service projects focused on giving back to the community and our parish will be a part of participant’s spiritual growth.
Jesus is our perfect model in how we respond to our call to a personal relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit; to grow in faith; to serve others; to grow in community; and to love. This is His “Legacy” for us and this program has been developed to help young adults realize and continue the “Legacy” they are called to live.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Night Shelter
This ministry helps Central Presbyterian Church and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception provide nourishment and companionship several nights each year for the homeless who come to the shelter in Atlanta. Through this ministry, Jesus calls us to: feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and reach out to the needs with love, compassion and kindness.
St. Thomas the Apostle Church provides volunteers each winter to the Central Night Shelter, usually two nights per month, to staff the shelter and provide the food. This normally requires up sixteen people per night to cover the various tasks.
The shelter is open every night from Nov 1st thru Mar 31st from 6:oo p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Up to 65 homeless men are provided shelter here each night in the winter. These men are provided with an evening meal/light breakfast and a bagged lunch when they leave in the morning. The Central Night Shelter is located in the Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta, between Washington Ave and Central Ave (next to the Capitol Building).
The shelter is operated entirely by volunteers (no paid staff). The volunteers come from all church denominations , companies, and organizations all coordinated by a volunteer Shelter Director and volunteer coordinators from the various churches etc..
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Pro Life Ministry
Under the guidance of the Pastor and the Archdiocesan Office of Pro Life Activities, it is this ministry’s mission to promote the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until the moment of natural death. Programs focus on four areas: Education, Service, Public Policy, and Prayer.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Red Cross Blood Drive
Members help the Red Cross facilitate at least two blood drives per year a St. Thomas. The American Red Cross Blood Services is committed to fulfilling the humanitarian mission to provide the safest possible blood components for every patient who must have a life-saving transfusion and to maintain a blood supply sufficient for any emergency.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
St. Vincent de Paul House of Dreams
This holistic program strives to provide homeless women, who are willing and able to take the necessary steps to change their own lives, with the resources and support they need to become self-reliant. Members believe that by aggressively addressing the factors that cause homelessness, lives can be changed one person at a time through education, self-awareness, knowledge and independence. The House of Dreams is managed exclusively by volunteers. Volunteer positions include mentors, apartment inspectors, administrators, fund-raisers, screeners, employment assistants, counselors, spiritual advisors and nutritionists.
Read article about House of Dreams in the Georgia Bulletin
If you would like to volunteer, contact: SVdP Hotline at 678-626-3939.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Volunteers of this ministry encounter Christ in the face of His children by assisting the poor and underprivileged in the community. Without regard for class ethnicity, religion, or cultural background, members provide clients with a path to regaining control of their lives and their self-worth and offer financial and spiritual assistance when appropriate. Volunteer opportunities are numerous with a variety of time commitments. Training is provided. To volunteer, please leave a message at 678-626-3939.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
If you are in need of financial help, please CLICK HERE.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
This retail store is provided to the local community through the efforts of an all-volunteer staff. Donations of clothing, household items, books, furniture, and working appliances are provided by parishioners and others in the area. Proceeds from the store’s operation are distributed to the three parishes that support this store with staff members.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Saturday Morning Work Project
In an effort to reach out to the elderly, physically impaired, or other persons in need of assistance, this ministry offers help with a variety of services such as: yard maintenance, minor home repairs and maintenance, painting, help with a local move, and more.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Welcome Ministry
Provides a personal welcome for new parishioners and helps them to identify and fulfill their spiritual, educational and social needs, and to develop an active life of stewardship withon the Saint Thomas the Apostle Church community.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Women’s Auxiliary of St. Thomas
The mission of the Auxiliary is to promote the welfare of St. Thomas the Apostle Church by creating social, intellectual, and spiritual unity among its members through civic activities and charitable projects. All women of the parish, 18 years of age and older, are encouraged to participate in this important service organization.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Social Ministries
The Social Committees provide fellowship with the parish by organizing activities and events throughout the year. These events encourage parish-wide participation for all ages and help foster the sense of belonging and community ever-present at St. Thomas.
Social Ministries Overview
Dinner Committee
Providing the opportunity for all St. Thomas parishioners to share fellowship in a social atmosphere while breaking bread as family, this ministry prepares and serves dinners in a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. Volunteers prepare five to six dinners each year.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Over 50’s
This ministry encourages all parishioners who have achieved 50 years or more of maturity to participate, contribute, and share in a variety of activities. This spiritual, social and service organization offers fellowship with the love of Christ at its core recognizing that each member is called to be Christ to all others.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Summerfest/Kermesse Committee
This Committee organizes a yearly picnic/festival which is an opportunity to build community and celebrate our diversity in the parish.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Support Ministries
It is the goal of the Support Ministries to identify and respond to the pain and suffering of the Body of Christ within the parish community. Assistance is provided through prayer, support groups and special services. Depending on the needs of the community, the Support network is ever-changing.
Support Ministries Overview
African Parishioners Organization
With Our Lord Jesus Christ as the Center of our lives, especially in the Holy Eucharist, this Ministry calls all participants to answer Christ’s call to grow in faith, hope, love and understanding of God’s grace while building cohesive and concrete support among its members and the entire parish community.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Charismatic Prayer Group
The mission of this ministry is to promote and participate in the ongoing renewal of the Catholic church by witnessing to the reality of Jesus Christ and the love of the Father, under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit and exercising the charisms through the release of the Holy Spirit. Opportunities for parishioners to experience baptism in the Holy Spirit and spiritual growth through the annual Life in the Spirit Seminar as well as provide the means to discover, develop, and use spiritual gifts through periodic healing services, intercessory prayer and more. Group meets weekly for praise and prayer, and walk-ins are welcome.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Cursillo/Ultreya
The St. Thomas Ultreya Group is prayerfully dedicated to helping men and women seek, find and promote Christ in their daily lives. Participants continue the support of those who have completed their Cursillo weekend and encourage one another toward growth in Christian service, study and prayer, as well as encouraging other adults to encounter the Lord in Cursillo.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Homeschoolers
This ministry is dedicated to connecting and supporting home schooling families through theme related field trips, monthly parent support meetings and playgroups.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Legion of Mary
This group of dedicated men, women and children of St. Thomas show their sincere, moral and prayerful support to the entire parish community under the guidance of our Mother Mary and spiritual assistance of the parish priests.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Remember Their Sacrifice (RTS) Military Ministry
The RTS Ministry has been established serve the needs of military families within our parish. The ministry has 3 goals:
1) To facilitate a way for parishioners to communicate with members currently serving
2) To sponsor prayer and sharing sessions for all veterans and those returning from active duty as well as similar sessions for parents, spouses, siblings, and children of those serving
3) To sponsor special liturgies for all active duty members of the military as well as all veterans of all conflicts, their families and friends on Veterans Day and Memorial Day
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Marriage Encounter/WEDS
WEDS is designed to provide Witness, Enrichment, Dialogue opportunities and continuing Support for couples who have attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend. The mission of the group is to assist all couples in living a joy-filled and happy marriage by providing the Catholic Weekend Experience, offering continued support for dialogue and growth, sharing marriage values, and by awakening in each couple an awareness of their marriage as a Sacramental gift, a realization that can affect change in our world. Meetings are held on the second Saturday evening of the month (September through May) in one another’s homes.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Mercy Meal
Members of the Mercy Meal Ministry seek to know God through serving others most especially during a time of bereavement. In answering God’s call to love one another, support and compassion are extended by offering a dinner reception after the Mass of Resurrection to members of our St. Thomas parish family who have recently lost a loved one. Volunteers prepare a food dish and may assist with serving at the reception.
Contact: See Ministry Coordinators List
Prayer Line
Members of the Prayer Line give prayerful support to God’s people in an effort to act as Jesus’ comforting arms. Participants receive God’s grace to: grow closer to Jesus and his Mother, develop a special bond between members, appreciate God’s gifts, and to experience first-hand the awesome power of prayer. Prayer requests are received by phone and e-mail and are passed on to members in the same way.
