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Outreach Ministries

Our lives as Catholic Christians center on the Eucharist.  As stated by our Bishop Lynch, "…good Eucharistic celebrations begin with a desire within us to become one with Christ and members of the Body of Christ.  These celebrations form and transform us to go forth and be Jesus to the world."   Nourished by the Word and the Body and Blood of Christ ,  we support one another as we carry on the missionary activity of the early disciples in today's world - we are the disciples of today!"

 

By virtue of our baptism, we are all called to ministry, and the celebration of Mass affords many opportunities to share our time and talents with our praying community.

 

 

The Bereavement Ministry Several bereavement groups meet in the parish center on a weekly basis. A licensed Hospice counselor helps guide people through the grieving process.

 

Lazarus Group Parishioners offer comfort and support to grieving families by attending the funeral Masses. The presence of these members shows the mourners that the entire STA faith family is supporting them at this very difficult time. There are times when due to circumstances, the Lazarus Group are the only people in attendance. Call 372-8600.

 

Legion of Mary The goals of this international Society includes helping members increase personal holiness through the imitation of the virtues of Mary and undertaking various Apostolic works. At weekly meetings the members reflect on the Scriptures, pray and planned activities.

 

Marriage Encounter Couples seeking to deepen their commitment to one another are encouraged to attend one of the weekend programs sponsored by the diocese. Couples experiencing a change in their lives (new job, new residents, empty nest syndrome, retirement, etc.) have found this especially useful.

 

Ministry to the Sick and Homebound Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion visit the sick and homebound in their homes. Nursing home visits are provided by teams. The ministers bring Holy Communion and visit with the people for a short period of time. These visits keep the homebound connected to the parish. Training is provided.

 

Parish Minibus The parish maintains a bus that is used to transport parishioners to and from the 4 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday masses. Drivers are needed for this ministry. The drivers work about once a month. Training is provided. Volunteers and those needing transportation are invited to call Sheila at ext. 13.

 

Parish Nursing Ministry Trained health care professionals visit members of the parish on request, providing an assessment and offering recommendations and resources. The ministry provides monthly blood pressure screenings during the winter months and periodically sponsor's information sessions on various health related topics. Betty West Ext. 16

 

Respite Care Program at St. Thomas Aquinas was established in l993. Respite offers caregiving families the opportunity to leave their disabled and/or elderly loved one at home with a trained volunteer for a short period of time. Our volunteers, both men and women, will provide caring companionship for your family member.

Visits are generally two hours in length, but we can occasionally provide longer visits upon request. Visits can be scheduled on a regular weekly basis or as needed. You must be registered with the program before we can send a volunteer. When you register, our parish nurse will meet with you in your home to go over the program in more detail and get any special instructions we may need.

It is important for caregivers to have "a time out". This also provides an opportunity for your loved one to make a new friend. If you live alone, we can also send a volunteer to visit with you.

This Respite Care Ministry is free and confidential. To register for the program or if you have any questions. Contact Betty West Ext. 16.

 

Respect Life This ministry seeks to build a "Civilization of Life" wherever it is threatened by abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, euthanasia, capital punishment and generic engineering practices that are not compatible with the sanctity of life. Members support the local "Right to Life" activities, contact legislators and assist in educating our parishioners on pro-life issues. 372-8600.

 

Retrovaille This diocesan and international program seeks to assist married couples going through a difficult time in their marriage. This multi-day program as group and individual sessions in which couples can discover the root causes of their disagreement and to learn methods of better communications. Visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com

 

Saint Vincent De Paul Society at STA has responded to the needs of the poor, the hungry, the sick and the homeless. This group of Catholic Christian volunteers receives gifts from our generous family of donors at STA and distributes them to those in need. They maintain a call -in- line to help with utility bills, rent payments, transportation, food and clothing. They operate a food pantry in our Parish Hall on Monday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 and from 1:30 to 3:30. Ext. 42

 

West Pasco Pregnancy Center This center assists any woman involved in a crisis pregnancy in a loving and non judgmental way. The center provides pregnancy testing, canceling, prenatal and newborn care classes, material assistance, and an attentive ear and comforting shoulder to lean on. Sensitive volunteers are always needed. 846-9999