Lord, as we gather here we remember that all we have in this world is first a gift from you that requires the collaboration of human hands. Thank you for all those who offer their time and talents, joining in our ministry of bringing healing, hope, and compassion to all those in need. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Arts and Environment

Arts and Environment reflect our recognition of the wonder of the Lord’s real presence in our midst. This ministry honors our sacred space and enhances our liturgical experiences through seasonal planning and decorating of the church, creating visual effects, and maintaining the physical interior of the church. They care for the plants in the Church with teams of two watering the plants several times per year.  Participation may include a one-time project or an ongoing interest reflecting your personal talents.  For more information, contact Sara Garlutzo at (303) 903-2041.

Funeral Planning/Bereavement

This ministry assists families with church-related funeral planning arrangements including mass readings and music and church logistics.  For more information about this ministry, contact Pat Meyer (630) 842-2225.
 

Catholic Prison Ministry (Men)

A priest and parishioners minister to Morgan County Correctional Complex (Wartburg, TN) inmates in the prison, including religious education, faith formation classes, prayer, bible studies, etc.   Mass is celebrated, and confessions are heard twice a month. For additional information regarding this ministry, contact Michael Kelly at (703) 577-5859 or via email at [email protected]

Church Grounds

Volunteers help with various aspects of the Saint Thomas the Apostle campus mainly lawn mowing, trimming, etc.  For more information, contact Randy Tarpley at 865-986-9885, Ext. 122 or via email at [email protected]
 

Food Service Support Ministry

This ministry provides support to parish events through preparing and serving food. Teams are organized from a master list of volunteers according to the need of the specific event. No prior food preparation or service experience is needed. Each team works four events per year and no more than 1-1/2 hours per event.  For more information regarding this ministry, contact Larry Elder at 865-441-5037
or via email at [email protected]
 

Friendship Kitchen

In cooperation with other area churches, this ministry prepares and delivers meals to the poor, disabled, and elderly of Loudon County. Meals are prepared in the Parish Life Center kitchen, packaged, and delivered by parishioners once a month on the second Monday. There are several teams with each team helping three to four times a year.  For additional information on how you can help in this ministry, contact Keith Mutschler at (443) 340-0892 or via email at [email protected].
 

Good Samaritan Center

This organization aids Loudon County residents including but not limited to food, utility bills, gasoline, prescription medication, emergency housing, limited medical and education, budgeting, GED (high school equivalency), and language. If interested in participating in this ministry, contact Evelyn Edwards at 865-986-1777 Ext. 12 or via email at [email protected]
 

Junta Pastoral

Leaders of the Spanish ministries update one another about their ministries and share diocesan information.  The group also forms committees to coordinate special events for the parish.  If you are interested in volunteering in this ministry, contact Brenda Gonzales at 865-271-7828.
 

KAIROS Prison (Men)

“Inside” volunteers from Christian churches in the local area do missions twice a year and subsequent follow-up visits to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with incarcerated men and women in prisons.  The goal is to help them become loving and productive family and community members. “Outside” volunteers help with prayer vigils, bake cookies, etc.  For more information regarding this ministry, contact Stu McFadden at 865-458-3911 or via email at [email protected]
 

KAIROS Prison (Women)

“Inside” volunteers from Christian churches in the local area do missions twice a year and subsequent follow-up visits to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with incarcerated men and women in prisons.  The goal is to help them become loving and productive family and community members. “Outside” volunteers help with prayer vigils, bake cookies, etc.  For more information regarding this ministry, contact Donna Maloney at 865-312-0368 or via email at [email protected]

Kitchen/Funeral Reception

Serves food/hosts small receptions for families in the Family Life Center after funeral Masses.  This is often on short notice.  For additional information regarding this ministry, contact Robin Whitson at 865-924-9603 or via email at [email protected]
 

Knights of Columbus, Council 12633

The Fr. Savoca Council at Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish serve parish ministries, sponsor events, and help with special projects. They support our clergy, fund parish equipment, assist in events for our youth and help the less fortunate. You can learn about our KofC Council on our Website, https://uknight.org/CouncilSite/?CNO=12633 or call Kenan Guarino, Grand Knight at (603) 443-7840 for additional information.  You can also scan the QR code.
 

Lawn Cutting Ministry

A dedicated group of volunteers who love working outdoors cares for the parish lawns and landscaping areas.  The volunteers are divided into several teams, each assigned on a rotating monthly schedule to operate mowers, trimmers, and blowers.  We use several mowers including zero-turn riding, commercial wide-area, and walk-behind trim mowers.   Other volunteers are involved in various landscaping projects around the campus.  We have a variety of trees, plants and flowers that require planting and trimming, and each spring our landscaped areas are covered with fresh mulch. We also have a 22-zone irrigation system that provides water for our lawns and gardens.  Our volunteers maintain this system by replacing sprinkler heads when needed, repairing leaks, adjusting spray patterns, setting irrigation schedules, and winterizing the system each fall.  You can volunteer with this Ministry by contacting Larry Elder at 865-441-5037.
 

Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos – NPH

The Child Sponsorship Program connects parishioners with individual children living in NPH residential care facilities or with families providing financial support to help with nutritious food, clothing, medical care, education, and a safe place to live. Sponsors can bond with their sponsored child through mail and personal visits.  Many Saint Thomas the Apostle parishioners support NPH El Salvador though fundraising, personal visits or promoting the mission of NPH.org.
 

Rosary Makers

This group repairs and makes cord- and chain-type rosaries for the parish, special events (e.g., first holy communion and confirmation) and parish-related ministries.  The rosaries and related materials are free, and training is provided.  Rosary makers work from home and have periodic meetings at the Parish Life Family Center.  For more information on how you can participate in this ministry, contact Pam Geoghegan at 321-482-9668 or via email at [email protected]
 

Safety and Security

Who is Team Safety? You are! This committee’s focus is ensuring that the parish has a safety-conscious church environment for Mass and other parish activities and that parishioners know how to respond in case of a medical emergency and weather incidents.  For more information regarding this ministry, contact John David Curry at 423-802-1167 or [email protected]
 

Saint Thomas the Apostle Council of Catholic Women

The focus of the group is to educate, empower, and support the women of the parish in spiritual growth, leadership, and service based upon gospel values and the needs of the church and society in the modern world. Fellowship, spiritual retreats, and service opportunities are offered to all women of the parish.  For more information on how you can participate in this ministry, contact Teri Cleary at 570-606-7015 or via email at [email protected]
 

Saint Vincent de Paul Society

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers an opportunity to put faith into action. The ministry is dedicated to the spiritual growth of all its members and to serving the needy and suffering in person-to-person service. Vincentian volunteers provide short term assistance to individuals in need (rent, utility, food, clothing, diapers, emergency shelter) of all faiths in the local community. They also help pregnant women and moms through Rosalie’s Helping Hands; facilitate the Lenoir City North Middle School backpack food program; facilitate the monthly parish food drive; and partner with other community agencies to further services to those in need.  Volunteers visit individuals in two person teams and have a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.  Training is provided.  Parishioners interested in SVDP may contact Andy Flad at 630-240-6111 or at [email protected]. 

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry provides one-on-one care, focused on active listening, prayer, and shared Scripture reading to those experiencing a difficult time in life. These life circumstances might include grief, death, divorce, job loss, chronic/terminal illness, relocation, or geographical separation. Significant training is needed and provided to be a Stephen Minister. To learn more about Stephen Ministry, contact Tom Ringenbach at (865) 458-0915 or Sue Courtney at (865) 250-8284.

Welcome Committee

One of the goals of Saint Thomas the Apostle is to be a welcoming faith community by helping new parishioners assimilate into the parish.  New parishioners are welcomed and provided information about various faith formation programs, ministries, spiritual and social event offerings, church buildings/facilities/grounds so they feel at home in the parish.  Volunteers call or reach out to our new parishioners.  To learn more about this ministry, reach out to Tim Geoghegan at 321-482-1413 or via email at [email protected].  You can also contact Pam Geoghegan at 321-482-9668 or via email at [email protected]
 

Widow’s Support Group

This ministry is for those who have experienced a recent or past loss of a loved one and provides encouragement and companionship to its members. They discuss topics that relate to individuals’ grief journeys, plan outings in or outside of church, and volunteer.  They meet monthly.  For more information on how you can serve in this Ministry, contact Angela Wichlinski at 865-567-6002 or via email [email protected]