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Outreach Ministries

The Bereavement Ministry at this time consists of volunteers who will serve in three areas:

1. The Bereavement Team - members of this team will contact surviving family members and assist them in planning funeral and wake services for their deceased loved ones. The family is able to choose their favorite hymns and Bible readings for the funeral mass. They can also plan and arrange for wake services. They may also choose to participate in these services by giving the readings, or presenting the Gifts, or providing special remembrances of their loved one.

2. The second part of the Ministry is the Bereavement Support Group. Hospice has assisted us with these group sessions. The sessions are structured to give the participants a basic knowledge of the grieving process. They also allow the bereaved an opportunity to interact with each other and to support each other. After the initial six week sessions, which are held in our Parish Hall, are completed, the group members are encouraged to continue with Hospice's ongoing support groups. Those who need individual counseling are referred to a Hospice Counselor.

3. The third part of our Bereavement Ministry is our Hospitality Circle. Parish volunteers are available to prepare and serve light refreshments to the family and their guests in the Parish Hall after the funeral Mass.

 

I urge you to call us if you could use any of the services of the Ministry to the Sick or the Bereavement Ministry. Also if you would like to become a volunteer. Call the church office at 372-8600.

 

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.

 

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 established 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.

 

Only One Again This group of widows and widowers meet for a pot-luck lunch in the parish center on the third Thursday of each month. Following the luncheon the members enjoy a time of further socialization (cards, conversation, etc.).

 

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. Those needing transportation are invited to call Sheila at ext. 13.

 

Parish Nursing Ministry Trained healthcare 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.

 

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, a Respite coordinator 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 Mary Miller Ext. 11.

 

Respect Life This ministry seeks to build a "Civilization of Life" by defending life whereever 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 their parishioners on pro-life issues.

 

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 offer 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.

 

West Pasco Pregnancy Center This center assists any woman involved in a crisis pregnancy in a loving and nonjudgmental 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.

 

In Times of Disaster, Catholic Charities forms a partnership with the American Red Cross to enhance services to those affected. STA Parish Hall has been designated as a shelter by the American Red Cross in times of Hurricanes or other disasters. Those who need to evacuate can find safety and support. The Red Cross provides supplies and trains volunteers to operate the shelter. Parishioners are always welcome to volunteer for this service.

The West Pasco Pregnancy Center provides Pregnancy and Parenting support to families in the West Pasco area. There is no need for us to duplicate their services. As a Parish we can assist them by providing volunteers and raising funds to support their mission.

 

Besides the Outreach Ministries discussed, the Parish also offers you Christian fellowship through its organizations.

 

I hope you have found this information helpful. And maybe you've said to yourself. WOW!! I could uses that service. Or "That sounds like something I'd like to do". Call us at 372-8600 and we'll make it happen. Thank you for your kind attention.