Today we begin our October Rosary Challenge! Our community saw so many benefits last year during October as a result of all the prayers that were said for the challenge. We encourage you to participate by saying rosaries throughout the month and to consider attending some of our events to participate in the prayers together as a group. Please see the tab at the top of the page for a full list of events.
BIBLE STUDY
You are invited! Thursday nights at 6:30, starting October 13.
The Gospel of Mark
From FORMED: “Join Dr. Tim Gray in this powerful 14-part series to discover the Gospel of Mark like never before. Immerse yourself in this action-packed Gospel that offers Saint Peter’s account of Christ’s life and teaching. Combining the insights of Dr. Tim Gray with the masterful artistry of the Augustine Institute, this Lectio series uses the Church’s rich tradition of Lectio Divina to help you better understand and better pray with the Gospel of Mark.” Thursday nights at 6:30, starting October 13. Please sign up today using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JR64dlyHPrykQ-9jGR6ltONufE-jxxVm0dMMvfNm450/viewform?edit_requested=true&fbclid=IwAR1XJwr-zmFeuuaz0zKBVy1_OfxbS7KvEeGJETgqm2QquMzn5f6PPDdrBko or by contacting the rectory at office@stthomaselkhart.com by contacting the rectory at office@stthomaselkhart.com, so we can order your book!
Small Faith Sharing Group
Starting Soon—Sign up now through October 9th
Walking Towards Eternity: Engaging the Struggles of Your Heart.
For anyone who enjoyed this past spring/summer groups or who would like to join or start a new group, SIGN UP NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 9TH. Sign up using this link or with the forms in the
Gathering Space https://forms.gle/BnuCEJrBYDMJw1XW7.
Since we have a reception in Elliott Hall this weekend, we wanted to make sure everyone was aware the elevator is NOT operational. The repair company has us on their schedule, but they were not able to get out yesterday.
Father Levi's Installation - Please join us this Sunday, September 11th, at the 10:30am Mass to celebration Father Levi's installation as pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. All are also encouraged to join us in Elliott Hall after Mass for a cake and punch reception. Hope to see you there!
Religious Education Families - Don't forget, classes start this week with a Religious Education Program Meet and Greet in the school starting at 9:00am! See you there!
Life Chain - Saturday, September 3rd at 11:00am
Right to Life Michiana and Holy Innocents are feeling more joy on the Life Chain as we consider that around 90% of the lives of the preborn in Indiana will be spared from abortion due to recent legislation! Even so, many lives are at even greater risk in several states, which are amending state constitutions to declare abortion a right. Pray that all lives will be welcomed, saved, and loved and that abortion will become unthinkable.
Now, we must be more prepared than ever to help those in unexpected pregnancies. Please be prepared to help these mothers and fathers by referring them to Women's Care Center or to RETA.
Please join us on the next Life Chain on September 3rd from 11:00 to noon along Bristol Street.
Thursday before First Friday confessions tomorrow, Thursday, September 1st from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.
Blessed St. Joseph Traveling Icon
Tuesday, August 30th at 6:10pm & Friday, September 2nd at 7:00pm in the church.
Following the Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis, the Knights of Columbus Pilgrim Icon Program honors St. Joseph, who carried out his mission of raising, guarding, and preparing Christ quietly, courageously, and faithfully. The icon depicts
St. Joseph bearing the child Jesus, whose own Hand is raised, blessing the world. In his right arm, St. Joseph holds a flowering staff.
The Elkhart Knights of Columbus will have the blessed traveling icon at St. Thomas the Apostle Church for two events:
On Tuesday, August 30th, following the 5:30pm Mass, the Knights of Columbus will display the St. Joseph icon during a Rosary starting at 6:10pm. On Friday, September 2nd at 7:00pm, the St. Joseph icon will be on display during the 471th consecutive First Friday Rosary presented by the Knights of
Columbus. For more information regarding the St. Joseph
Pilgrim Icon search Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Icon or
visit kofc.org/pilgrimicon.
RCIA classes begin next Tuesday. If you are interested, please call Theresa Hock at (574) 848-4127 or come to Elliott Hall on August 23rd at 6:30pm.
THIS WEEKEND - St. Vincent de Paul Special Collection. This weekend, members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be in the Gathering Space collecting items to fill their pantry and answering any questions you might have about their ministry. Please be sure to support this collections if you are able. They are asking specifically for
Toilet Paper
Pancake Mix
Pancake Syrup
Breakfast Cereal
Spaghetti
Spaghetti Sauce
Baked beans
This past weekend we welcomed our new pastor, Fr. Levi Nkwocha. Here is a welcome message from him:
Hello!!!
Dear Friends of St Thomas Parish,
To the glory of God, I moved in (or returned to stay) yesterday (July 28) from Wabash. Following Bishop Rhoades’ recent transfer letter, we would be working together to grow the body of Christ at St. Thomas, Elkhart. That would be our collective goal. I am not only happy to be with you, I also feel at home to serve you, wonderful people of God, in my capacity as your pastor.
I vividly recall our lovely memories from 2017/2018. But please give me a little more time to reregister your names. This would be in line with our parish growth process: Crawl -- Walk ----- Run. At
St. Thomas, We are TEAM, because Together Everyone Achieves More.
I believe that it is providential that our first weekend Masses mark the feast of our patron Saint Thomas (July 3rd). With the powerful intercessions of Saint Thomas our integral growth is assured.
Jointly, we appreciate Father Jason Freiburger for his great shepherding and your supportive followership. May the Lord inspire him the more in his new mission at St. Monica, Mishawaka. Amen.
For our new parishioners, Father Levi Nkwocha is my name. Originally from Nigeria, I obtained a PhD in Theology at the University of Notre Dame (2018) and transited into the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, but also teach at the University of St. Francis. Calling me Father Levi is very okay. However, for the super strong, here is the clue to pronounce my last name:
N-KW(Q)-O-CHA (N-qo-cha).
God bless you.
Father Levi
Happy Birthday, America! May God guide you.
REMINDER - Confessions today from 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Also, NO Catholic Cocktails tonight. Join us NEXT THURSDAY!! Come listen to Fr. Pete McCormick, Director of Campus Ministry and team chaplain for the Irish men’s basketball team at The University of Notre Dame, as he discusses "what does it mean to 'love'? Why are we commanded by Christ to do so?"
Watch the slide show of pictures from Father Jason's Farewell party below.
Thank you to our Fathers.
The Trinity does not live in a splendid solitude, but is rather inexhaustible font of life that unceasingly gives itself and communicates itself
SAVE THE DATE! CATHOLIC COCKTAILS
Catholic Cocktails is back for our summer series!! Next Thursday, June 16th, come listen to Msgr. Mike Heintz, Academic Dean at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, as he kicks off the Catholic Cocktails Adult Faith Speaker Series at Antonio’s Italian Ristorante, 1105 Goshen Ave., Elkhart.
Admission is free—and so is the pizza (courtesy of Paul Cataldo)! However, all drinks (alcoholic or not), as well as tips, are up to the attendees. No reservations are necessary…just come to be “stirred and shaken” by Msgr. Mike’s inspiring words. His topic—“How to Read and Pray the Bible Like a Catholic”—is intended to explore the bible through the unique perspective of a Catholic lens. In so doing, Msgr. Mike will not only assist all in their Christian journey but will also deepen their understanding of what it means to specifically be a Catholic. A brief Question-and-Answer time will follow.
Catholic Cocktails is sponsored by the Spiritual Growth & Development Committee of St. Thomas Church. It is open to all over the age of 21. Come to be “Shaken and Stirred” by this faith and fellowship series.
FATHER JASON'S FAREWELL PARTY - The St. Thomas community is invited to a farewell party for Father Jason on Sunday, June 26th from noon until 3:00pm in the school gym. Please RSVP by June 19th at https://forms.gle/tR3GYv4bWS947M327.
Our phones are working again!