On the morning of May 29, 1961, the Reverend John J. Wall, then assistant at Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, Chicago, received al letter from Albert Cardinal Meyer, Archbishop of Chicago, appointing him the founding pastor of a new parish in Palatine. The parish was given no name or official boundaries. There were no buildings or lists of parishioners. There was nothing but twelve and one half acres of land located in the Winston Park Northwest subdivision.

The first and most immediate task was to find a house for a rectory, and a place to celebrate Sunday Mass. A fully furnished model home was rented, and the Palatine School Board was approached for permission to celebrate Sunday Masses at the Winston School on Chicago Ave. Permission was granted. But, because the Presbyterian Church was already holding its services at the school, our Mass schedule had to be set up before and after their services. Thus the first parish Mass schedule was 8:30 and 12:30.

Temporary boundaries for the new parish were set up. These included the Northwestern section of Arlington Heights and the northeastern section of Palatine. An announcement to this effect was made at the two parent parishes: St. Therese and St. James. For St. Thomas was formed from sections of both parishes.

On Sunday August 27, 1961, the first Sunday Mass of the new parish was celebrated. During the early months attendance at Sunday Masses was low, seldom more than 175 at both Masses. The first daily Mass at the new parish was celebrated on September 4, 1961 at the temporary rectory at 144 N. Boyton.

St. Thomas had a difficult childhood. Inadequate Mass schedules, lack of definite boundaries, and weekly collections that averaged $135 a week were all discouraging. But the seeds of the parish were there. Families in the parish sponsored block parties so all could get to meet their new pastor. Women took turns cleaning the rectory, doing the laundry, and fixing meals. Father Wall had no car, and so had to rely on the people to take him from place to place.

From the day the first Sunday Mass was celebrated, the parish began to take shape. On that same day, August 27, the parish’s first baptisms were held in the rectory. Taken into the Faith were: Michael Nicklas, Patricia Clemens and George Moncek.

The parish was little more than a month old when Father Wall received a phone call telling him the house he had been living in was sold. He would have to move by the end of October. This was another worry, but the work of building the new parish went on.

Sister Bernadetta and Sister Honor of the Sinsinawa Dominicans visited with Father Wall on October 14, 1961 to discuss staffing the new school. Pleased with the area, the nuns promised to do all they could do to provide nuns for the opening of the 1963 school year.

On October 16, 1961, Father Wall met with the late Monsignor Casey Chancellor of the Archdiocese, to discuss parish boundaries and a name for the new parish. At first the name, St. Aidenn was suggested, but this saint was not officially recognized in the Roman Martyrology. The name St. Thomas of Villanova was then chosen. His Eminence Cardinal Meyer officially approved the name on October 23, 1961, and on that day the present parish boundaries were certified.

Now the parish had a name, boundaries, and a list of parishioners. The parish would cover a zig-zag area. Starting at the upper Northwest corner of the parish at Rohlwing and Dundee Roads the boundaries continued South East to Ridge Ave; East to Wilke Road; South again to Oakton St.; then East to Ridge Ave.., and back North to Thomas St.; Thomas St. East to Buffalo Grove Road; North on Buffalo Grove Road to Hintz Road; Back West to Wilke road, and Wilke North to Dundee Road.

The time came to vacate the first rectory. On November 1, Father Wall moved to a rented home at 716 E. Lincoln in Palatine. The home was in neighboring St. Theresa’s parish.

Four months had gone by since the new parish’s first Mass. Many of the earlier difficulties had been overcome. It was now time to begin the work of organizing the people of the parish. A meeting of the men was set for November 24, 1961 at the Palatine Fire House. Ninety-seven men turned out – the nucleus of the Holy Name Society, Ushers Club, and eventually the men who would run the fund drive.

The Viatorian Fathers helped with the spiritual needs of the parish. They began assisting in November, 1961, and have continued to the present day. The parish cannot express its appreciation to the priest of this congregation who now assist with many more Sunday Masses, confessions and on occasion morning Masses.

On December 3, 1961 the parish first began using Sunday envelopes. A week later, the first parish bulletin was published. Christmas was fast approaching, the parish’s first Christmas. Special permission from the School Board was obtained to have Midnight Mass in the school gym. There was no Choir at this Mass, but all in the congregation joined in singing the familiar hymns.

A meeting to form the Holy Name Society was held on January 15, 1962 at St. Viator’s High School. Here, plans were finalized for the first parish dance which was held at St. Collette Parish Hall in Rolling Meadows on January 27. The cost of the dance was purposely kept low (45 a couple) to enable the parishioners to attend. Yet, $1265 in profit was added to the church building fund.

For the first time everything seemed to be going just as Father Wall had wanted — until. On Tuesday, February 27, 1962 Father Wall was operated on for what was thought to be a minor ailment. But surgery revealed the presence of cancer. In spite of his illness the work of the parish went on. The viatorian Fathers were most helpful during this trying period.

The Presbyterians had moved into their new church. Arrangements were made to add two additional Masses to this schedule: 7:30 and 11:30. Attendance grew.

After a short stay by Father Donald Runkle, Father John McEnroe of St. Mel’s Church, Chicago, was appointed assistant. On Sunday, March 25, 1962 a letter from Father Wall was read at all the Masses informing the parishioners of his illness and enforced absence from the parish. It was at this Mass that the first architect’s drawing of the parish was on display.

When father McEnroe arrived, he immediately put into action the plans of Father Wall. The Building Fund Drive was next in the order of importance. April 8, 1962 was set as Fund Drive Sunday.

The men of the parish were organized into teams; the parish was divided into area; and at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday April 8, 100 men began calling on all parishioners asking them to pledge their monetary gift to the new parish. A total of $210,000 was pledged that day.

On April 26, the women of the parish met for the first time to form a Women’s Club, and elected to office: Lorraine Clery, president; Betty Kunzweiler, vice president; Pat O’Neill, recording secretary; and Kay Gordon, treasurer. Two months later the Holy Name Society elected their first officers: Paul Ulich, president; William Carroll, Vice president; Thomas Ahern, secretary; James McEnerney, treasurer; and Robert Murphy, marshal.

The first parish picnic was held in Barrington Park on June 24, 1962. The afternoon brought a pleasant surprise. Father Wall, absent since first being taken ill in March was able to attend. Few realized how serious his condition was, and in a month Father Wall would be called to the rewards of his priesthood.

On July 30, 1962 Father Wall passed away. He lied in state in St. Theresa’s Church where a solemn requiem Mass was celebrated with Cardinal Meyer presiding on August 2. Father Wall had planted the seeds of the new parish, but the work of cultivating and building would be left to others.

On August 12, Cardinal Meyer appointed the Reverend Francis Waldron, formerly assistant at St. John Brebeauf, Niles, as pastor of the parish. Father Waldron had been a close friend and classmate of Father Wall. In his first sermon to the people he stated his goal: to build a parish as a living memorial to its first Pastor.

Much more work remained. During Father Wall’s illness, Father McEnroe proceeded with the preliminary work of building a school and church. Father Waldron now had to finalize these plans, and obtain bids from contractors.

On the feast of St. Thomas Of Villanova, September 22, 1962, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new school was held. Msgr. Ignatius McDermott of the Catholic Charities presided at the 2 P.M. ceremony. Almost 500 couples crowded into the Post and Paddock Club of the Arlington Park Race Track.

Because most of the children of the parish were attending public schools, Father Waldron saw the need for an active Confraternity of Christian Doctrine to instruct children in their Faith. On October 6, CCD classes began. Classes were taught by 50 women of the parish under the direction of Father McEnroe and Marion Radigan. Today more than 700 children are enrolled in CCD classes; next year the number will increase to more than 800.

On January 27, the pastor and his assistant moved back into the parish when they took up residence in the new rectory at 1138 E. Anderson, across from the church property. Another home several doors away at 1152 E. Anderson, was purchased and remodeled to serve as the convent.

The new parish was growing in size. New homes were being built, and many Catholic families were moving in. It soon became apparent to Father Waldron that four Masses in the Winston School would not be enough. He was able to add a fifth Mass at 10:00, which was celebrated in the Elks Club on Wilke Road.

On April 20, 1962 with the promise of three nuns by the Dominican Sisters and the assurance of the contractor that the building would be ready, registration was held for the new school. Because of the amount of room available, it was decided to open only 4^th 5^th and 6^th grades the first year. The parish would open 7^th grade in 1964; 8^th grade in 1965; and planned to open the remaining three grades as soon as possible.

Just two days before the first anniversary of Father Wall’s death, July 28, 1963, the first Masses were held in the new Church. The church was in an area of the building, which would in the future serve as six classrooms, but those attending the first Masses in the building could find no hint of this. The sanctuary was wood paneled and carpeted. The alter stood out against a marble backdrop. The statues and Stations of the Cross were of contemporary style, but not extreme. Most people’s comments echoed the sentiments of Father Waldron: “Now we’re a real parish.”

Three Sinsinawa Dominicans, Sister Josef, Sister Carolus, and Sister Amatus arrived at their new convent on august 18, 1963. Little more than 2 weeks later, on September 4, the grammar school opened for the first time. A month later on October 26, 1963, 89 children made their First Communion.

Almost three years have passed since Father Wall first received his appointment from Cardinal Meyer to form a new parish. Almost two years have passed since Father Waldron was appointed his successor. Today, the same Cardinal comes to dedicate the building that both labored to see completed, and to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation for the first time in the parish.

Many have said, “The parish is its people.” True as this might be, the opposite is also true, “the parish is its priests.” St. Thomas is fortunate to have had Father Wall, and now to have Fathers Waldron and McEnroe.

The names of the parishioners who have worked to build the parish are legion. They will be found among the sponsors in this book. Twenty-five years from now their names may be unfamiliar to those who will be at the parish; we hope they will say a prayer for the founding parishioners who, wherever they might be, can always say they helped build this House of God.

On March 31, 1967, Father Waldron passed away after a brief illness. Once again, Father Mac assumed the role of an administrator, assisted by Father Eugene Sordyl, who had been assigned to the parish in June, 1996. Then, on October 24, 1967, Father James Rowley was named pastor by John Cardinal Cody.

Father Rowley’s first major undertaking was to begin work on a new church, which was to be built on corner of Anderson and Williams. The completed church was first used on May 4, 1969 for the First Communion class, and a week later it was opened to the entire parish for Sunday Masses. The formal dedication of this church was scheduled for September 28, 1969 — eight years after the parish was founded. Cardinal Cody, scheduled to preside at the dedication, was called to Rome, and appointed Bishop Thomas Grady to act in his place.

Father Rowley took over as pastor at a time when the Church was undergoing great change. Vatican II had a profound effect on the life of the parish. Many found it difficult to adapt to the liturgical changes that were taking place. As a product of the pre-Vatican II Church, one could understand a reluctance of Father Rowley to move to fast in making changes. But that was not to be the case. During his pastorate Father welcomed innovation and the participation of the laity in both the liturgy and in assisting him in running the parish.

Men and women acted as extraordinary ministers of communion, and as lectors and commentators. Early on he encouraged formation of Parish Council and a Board of Education. It was the laity that spoke at Masses on Sunday requesting additional financial support and who annually presented the financial report. The use of laity in these areas permitted the clergy to concentrate more on the spiritual needs of the parish.

During this time the religious education program was expanded with the addition of a high school program, directed by Dee Mclaughlin. Today, the program carries on as “Touch”, directed by Mary Ann Wirth. Last year about 200 teens participated in the program, which also involves about 50 adults. The parish also started an adult education program, with Sister Melita and Frank Fenton as prime movers.

Entering the 70’s, father Mac, who had done so much to help build St. Thomas, finally received a parish in his own right. He was named pastor at St. Francis de Sales in Lake Zurich. Father Robert Burnell replaced him as associate pastor and served the parish until his transfer in 1971.

Early in 1970, Robert Mayer, acting as chairman of the steering committee, together with others, worked with Father Rowley to lay the foundation for the formation of a parish council. The concept was a new one — the laity helping the clergy to run the parish. The first meeting of the parish council was held on March 15, 1970, and Chuck Kincaid was elected president. Six months later in September, the St. Thomas Board of Education held its first meeting, electing Ray McGrath as president.

 As with any new organization there were problems. This was a new adventure with no guidelines. But thanks to the patience of Father Rowley, problems were resolved. Today, although many changes have occurred, the Parish Council and Board of Education are still the backbone of the parish.

Just a year ago, a newly structured parish Council issued the following statement:

 “It is our mission to:
 Nourish the faith of others to help foster and develop a Christian community.
Witness to the good news of God’s love by recognizing and responding to the needs of others both within the parish and the world community.
Joyfully share our human and spiritual gifts.
Affirm responsible parish stewardship by planning for the future, encouraging an active role for the laity and giving vision to the Christian dream of love and peace.”

 In 1971 another organization joined the growing list of parish activities. The St. Thomas Home-School Association met for the first time. School principal Sister Patricia Ann thought there was a need for greater participation of the parents in their children’s school life. In the intervening years this organization has made a myriad of contributions not only of money, but also of time and energy. One of its more popular projects is the annual lottery, which began in February 1977.

The “Post-Vatican II” Church took on added meaning on December 10, 1972 when two of our parishioners— John Pistone and John Richard— were ordained Deacons. Over the last 14 years, the parish has been very fortunate to have a number of laity willing to assume this difficult undertaking. The list is large: Jerry Forbes was ordained a Deacon on May 24, 1975; Ed Kaczmarek and Terry Dineen on on December 9, 1978; and Bill White on December 6, 1980. We’ve lost a few of our Deacons because of business transfers, but also gained John Kucera who transferred to Palatine in November, 1982. He had been ordained in the diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

When Father Sordyl was transferred to St. Eugene’s in Chicago in September, 1971, he was replaced by Father Wally Huppenbauer, who little realized at the time the role he would play in the parish. Almost a year later, fresh from the seminary, Father Tom Rzepiela moved into the rectory.

In 1972, when the parish school opened in September, it had its first lay principal, Charles Swangren, who replaced Sister Patricia Ann. Also in that year the religious education program was expanded when St. Thomas added a SPRED program to instruct the exceptional child. A year later, on May9, 1973, Bishop Nevin Hayes confirmed seven participants in that program. Five years later, to put his blessing on the program, Cardinal Cody traveled to Palatine to confirm four SPRED students.

By this time the parish could no longer be considered new. It was a parish that served the physical, social and spiritual needs of its members. Sister Barbara was handling the religious education needs of the school, and Sister Jean, Sister Ellen and Sister Judy were involved in the other religious education programs.

There has never been a want for social activities in the parish. The list is long. St. Patrick’s Day parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, parish picnics, Red Garder and Las Vegas nights, the summerfest and Octoberfest, square dancing — the list goes on and on.

But care for others remained an important parish goal. It was in 1975 that Father Tom and Pat Cavenagh began a “Feed the Hungry” program, sharing our blessings with the less fortunate of the parish of Maternity of Blessed Virgin Mary. Since then, that program has grown and expanded to include the needy not only that parish but our own.

As 1975 drew to a close, the parish began planning to mark our nation’s Bicentennial. Special liturgies, prepared by various groups within our parish, were celebrated throughout 1976.

Sister Judy, who left the parish in July 1975, was replaced by Sister Maria Talmont O.P. in early January, 1976. And it was in this year that the parish lost a good friend and dedicated apostle when Sister Jean moved on to new and more challenging work. In her farewell note to the parish she referred to her “Camelot”. But before she left, she represented St. Thomas at an Ecumenical Bicentennial Service in Community Park on July 4 where she delivered the main address.

One could tell the parish was reaching adulthood. There were so many activities occurring that our bulletin was expanded, and a quarterly newspaper, “The Vine”, with Don Roudebush as editor, was started. It was in 1976 that parishioners began seeing the button, “TUIT”, aimed at getting people more involved in parish activities. Father Tom explained, people would always say, “I’ll help when I can get around tuit.”

To further recognize the need for volunteers, the parish held its first “Commitment Weekend” that year recognizing all those individuals in the parish who donated their time and talents to many areas of parish activities.

The foundation of the Catholic Church is concern for one another. The parish formally set out to fulfill Christ’s command to “love one another” with the formation of the Compassion Ministry. While what much of this ministry set out to accomplish had already been done by individuals in the parish, this was a parish effort to see that no one was overlooked. Volunteers visit the sick in their homes and in the hospitals; they aid those who have had a death in the family; and do many other charitable acts. This ministry, greatly expanded, continues today, now under the direction of Sister Phyllis Gill P.B.V.M.

In 1976, two new additions joined the parish religious education program — Sister Mary Margaret and Sister Diana.

A year later a number of personnel changes occurred in the parish. Father Huppenbauer left in June 1977 for his new assignment at St. Gilbert in Grayslake. He was replaced by Father James Bacchi, fresh from Mundelein. Deacon John Malone was transferred by his company to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where, by the way, he helped develop a deaconate program in that diocese. Sandy Rose, who had worked in the religious education program for eight years, left for a teaching position. Charles Swangren, school principal, Sister Diane also moved on. Edward Doherty took over as school principal while John Anthony accepted as assignment as Youth Minister.

That was also the year that the New World became the Chicago Catholic; our new expanded bulletin made its appearance; and the laity began receiving the Eucharist in their hands.

We also would not like to forget that in 1977, our pastor, Father Rowley, celebrated the 40^th Anniversary of his ordination, marked with a special Mass and parish reception.

As the saying goes, “time marches on”. In 1978, the parish lost Sister Mary Margaret to Mobile, Alabama, but gained two nuns from the Sisters of St. Joseph, Sister Agnes Zaroski and Sister Marie Basile.

Keeping with changes in the liturgy, a new Reconciliation area was constructed to allow parishioners to receive the sacrament either face to face or in private. And, an old friend, Father McEnroe, now a vicar of our area, returned to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation.

In 1977, the Church grieved the death of Pope Paul VI, and welcomed his successor Pope John Paul I. we were shocked at his untimely death later that year, but prayed for his successor, our present pontiff Pope John Paul II.

St. Thomas parish life has always been one shared by laity and clergy alike. Thus the parish was sad to learn in 1979 that Father Tom Rzepiela, who had made countless contributions to parish life, had been assigned to the faculty at Mundelein Seminary. But as the old Irish saying goes, “God doesn’t shut one door, but He opens another.” And so Father Carl Szukala, newly ordained, moved into the rectory on Anderson.

St. Thomas School also lost its principal, Ed Doherty, who had accepted an assignment in Midland, Texas. His replacement was Arlene Allie, who served as principal until 1984.

Christ Renews His Parish was a new concept. It provided men and women of the parish the opportunity to spend a weekend renewing their faith and commitment to the parish. The first CRHP weekend, as it was called was held in 1979. Today hundreds of parishioners have participated in the program.

The parish celebrated “The Year of the Family” in 1980 with special liturgies and social functions. It was also this year that Father Bacchi was transferred to Mary Queen of Heaven, Father Raymond Yadron came from St. Henry to replace him. Sister Theresa Cashman joined the parish as Adult Education Coordinator, and Michelle Gallas replaced John Anthony as Youth Minister.

Nineteen hundred and eighty-one was a quiet year in the parish. New programs were introduced, old ones strengthened. Sister Agnes left for an assignment in Jackson, Mississippi.

Father Rowley, still going strong strong, celebrated the 45^th anniversary of his ordination, while Sister Therese commemorated her 50^th anniversary as a nun. And, a letter in the bulletin that year from former associate pastor, Father Huppenbauer invited all parishioners to help him celebrate his 25^th year of ordination. Sister Marie also left the parish for a new assignment at the Bethlehem Center in La Grange, Illinois.

The Archdiocese lost its shepard John Cardinal Cody in May, 1982, and many parishioners traveled to Grant Park in Chicago to welcome our new archbishop, Joseph Bernadine.

The parish continued to grow and prosper spiritually. In 1983, Father Rowley announced that after almost 5o years in the vineyard, he was ready to retire. The personnel board of the Archdiocese sent a team of priests to the parish to discuss with parishioners his replacement. Every person who attended the meeting had an opportunity to voice their ideas on what type of pastor they wanted for St. Thomas.

The parish was pleasantly surprised when they learned the Cardinal had decided to appoint our former associate, Father Wally Huppenbauer, pastor. He was a person familiar with the parish’s past, and willing to guide it into the future.

In 1984, father Yadron was named pastor of Queen of the Apostles in Riverdale. Interesting to note, this was the last parish Father Rowley had served in before coming to St. Thomas. Father Dan buck moved in to replace Father Yadron; John Rice took over as principal of the school; and Sister Therese left for another ministry. With no nuns occupying the convent, it was decided to turn it into a parish office.

Last year saw a number of other changes in the church. A new fountain, that made its appearance on Easter Sunday, was moved to the back of the church as permanent fixture representing the Fountain of Life through Baptism. Pews were removed from the front of the church to provide room for the various choirs and musical groups. And in 1985 the parish also celebrated its 10^th anniversary of sharing with Maternity BVM.

While the parish rejoiced that one of its deacons, John Pistone, received the Stephen Award from his fellow deacons for outstanding ministry, it was also sad to see Father Carl move to St Francis Borgia. For a time it appeared that the parish would have to make do with two priests. No one had been assigned to replace Father Carl. Then we learned that Father David Braun had accepted an assignment to the parish.

As everyone knows, 1986 marks the 25^th Anniversary of the parish. Most of the founding members of the parish are no longer here. They have moved to other cities and states. Some are celebrating with us in Heaven. Anyone reading a history of this parish must marvel at the number of priests, nuns and laity whose hard work has made St. Thomas the Christian community that it is.

But the parish, like any organization, must continue to grow and to change. Twenty-five years from know the parish will prepare to celebrate its 50^th Anniversary. Few, if any, of us will be here. One can only hope and pray that those who follow us will foster the same love and concern that exists in the St. Thomas Parish today.

A History of Priests who served St. Thomas of Villanova Parish

St. Thomas of Villanova, Parish Life

Participating in the parish of St. Thomas of Villanova entails more than going to Mass on Sunday. Parishioners

Have spiritual, social and educational needs, and some have very special needs. The parish handles all these needs through the various ministries that exist.

While the parish is principally spiritual in nature, it does exist in the finite world. To help it cope with the problems that face any other organization, the parish has the Parish Council, the Finance Committee and the Communications Committee.

The Parish Council has representatives from five areas of the parish who meet monthly to assist the pastor in making short and long range plans for the parish. The Finance Committee is naturally involved with placing the parish on a firm financial footing. This committee, composed of about 14 members of the parish, concerns itself with the parish’s financial condition and makes suggestions regarding the parish budget

The Building and Grounds Committee is responsible for maintaining the parish plant. To keep parishioners aware of what is going on, the Communications Committee publishes a newsletter called The Vine, assists in the publishing of the weekly Villanovan and develops the Calendar which schedules all the parish meetings and activities that take place in the parish facilities.

Educational needs of the parish are handled by the Board of Education, the Religious Education Center, the Youth Ministry and St. Thomas School. Each year, parishioners elect parishioners elect representatives to serve on the Board of Education, which, in cooperation with the pastor, establishes educational programs to serve the parish. The Religious Education Center coordinates programs that involve elementary, family, adult and SPRED educational programs. Its efforts are enhanced by the more than 150 adult volunteers who donate their time and talents to these programs.

St. Thomas School, which has an enrollment of more than 270 students from K to 8^th grade, provides education, extra curricular activities and special opportunities for its students to grow through faith experience.

Finally, the Youth Ministry provides an opportunity for teens in the parish to expand their knowledge of the faith through discussions, retreats, liturgies, social events and service projects.

The parish supports an active program of spiritual development. The Catechumenate (RCIA) provided instruction and support for those who wish to become members of the church. Other parishioners are involved in baptism and marriage preparation. Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP), Marriage Encounter and the Cursillo are weekend events that assist parishioners to draw closer to Christ. The parish sponsors prayer groups, bible study programs and ministries for inactive Catholics and divorced and separated persons.

Members of the parish are also actively engaged in participating in the liturgies on Sundays and other festive occasions. They act as readers and lectors, as auxiliary ministers of Communion both in the hospitals and within the parish. They also participate as ushers, musicians and Choir members.

The St. Thomas Ministry of Care provides solace and support to those members of the St. Thomas community who are facing temporary problems. People involved provide meals and other assistance to those who have had an illness or death in the family. They furnish emergency transportation, help clean house or act as baby sitters. The parish also has established a food pantry for the needy in our immediate area.

In addition, we have twined with Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish, one of Chicago’s poorer parishes. As a parish we have donated food, clothing and furniture to people in that parish. Many parishioners adopt a family from that parish for Christmas. And each year there is a special Mass at which parishioners from both parishes gather to offer fellowship, share in the liturgy and in a meal.

For those with special problems the parish offers the S.T.O.P. program for those who have an alcohol or drug dependency. SHARE FOOD is a monthly distribution of food for those families operating on limited budgets. Food packages are available at minimum cost. There is also a Senior Citizens group which meets once a month.

Recognizing that man does not live by food and spirituality alone, there are a wealth of social activities occurring throughout the year. The Women’s Club sponsors numerous fundraisers, service projects and social activities. Others in the parish have been involved in running Las Vegas Nights, bowling and bridge leagues. We also have parishioners involved in scouting groups with the Knights of Columbus and Pro Life. The reality is that new ministries are continually being developed whenever a need arises. This is a parish of caring and concern.

Developing a history of the parish is a dangerous undertaking. You must rely on past histories, bulletins and people’s fallible memories. There is always a danger that names will be omitted, a date wrong or that some major milestone will have been forgotten. We apologies for any of these errors. Thousands of people have contributed to St. Thomas over the last 25 years. Their names may not be in this book, but the Lord will remember and reward them.