St. Thomas More Vtà{ÉÄ|v V{âÜv{ - stm-church.comstm-church.com/MinistryDirectory.pdf · Please use this book as a guide. ... Thank you for making a New Beginning at St. Thomas

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Directory of Ministries, Programs & Organizations

St. Thomas More Vtà{ÉÄ|v V{âÜv{

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being a good Steward of our gifts is a clear

response to the call of Jesus to come and

follow Him.

At St. Thomas More Parish, we have many

opportunities for you to commit yourself to follow Jesus through

the giving of your time and talent. We are also open to new

ministries that individuals would like to start here.

Please use this book as a guide. The first few pages contain

information about our parish. The remainder of the book contains

information about the many ministries and organizations at St.

Thomas More. Please call the contact name for more information

or if you would like to get involved.

On pages eight and nine, you will find a listing of our

organizations by charisms or talents that are used by participants

in a particular ministry. This listing is not complete, but will serve

as a guide for you to best discern where your interests and talents

lie and how best to follow them. The directory itself is organized

alphabetically for your convenience.

Please take the time to review and reflect upon the opportunities

listed in this directory. Decide where your gifts and time may be

best used. Please call the contact listed with your questions.

Thank you for making a New Beginning at St. Thomas More

Parish!

The St. Thomas More Parish

Stewardship Commission

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St. Thomas More Parish

8501 Calumet Avenue

Munster, IN 46321

Phone: (219) 836-8610

Fax: (219) 836-9185

Website: www.stm-church.com

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday to Friday —8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday— 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Pastoral Staff

Pastor …………………..Reverend Michael J. Yadron; Ext. 2312

email: [email protected]

In Residence….………….. Reverend Andrew Corona: Ext. 2314


Deacons:

Joseph Stodola, Daniel Zurawski, Dave Kapala

Senior Deacon:

Napoleon Tabion

Pastoral Care Coordinator………Deacon David Kapala; Ext. 2315

Director of Religious Formation ……. Emily Hackett; Ext. 2332

Parish Office Staff Director of Finance...…………………...Noreen Bickel; Ext. 2330

Business Manager.....……………………… ; Ext. 2339

Daytime Receptionist…..………………... Susan Strain; Ext. 2300

Evening Reception-Sharon Aschinger/Phyllis Krizmanic; Ext.2300

Bulletin Editor…………….………………. Pam Pasyk; Ext. 2309

Email Address for Bulletin……….……[email protected]

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Mass Schedule

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Mass & 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass

Sunday Masses Masses at 6:30 a.m. • 8:00 a.m. • 10:00 a.m. • 12:00 Noon

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Masses at 6:30 a.m. & 8:30 a.m.

Thursday Masses at 6:30 a.m. & 9:00 a.m.

Sacramental Information

Confessions

Saturdays ................................................ 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. First Friday ................. 1/2 hour before the 6:30 a.m. Mass

Baptisms

First & Third Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Parents must be registered parishioners and regularly attending

at least six months before the Baptism. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic.

Pre-Baptism Class

2nd Tuesday of the Month at 7:00 p.m. Parents must call the Parish Office to schedule class and/or Baptism.

Marriage

Must be a registered, practicing member of the parish at least six months before beginning the six-month preparation

program for marriage.

Communion Calls/ Visits to Hospitals & Homebound

Call the Parish Office for Sacraments at hospital or at home.

New Parishioner Registration

To make it as convenient as possible for you, new parishioners may

register at any time in the Parish Office.

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St. Thomas More School Preschool through 8th Grade

8435 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN 46321

Office Hours: Monday to Friday — 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. School Website: www.stm-school.com

School Phone: (219) 836-9151

School Fax: (219) 836-0982

Principal…………………………….Dr. Samantha Francis; Ext. 2258

President…………………………………… Noreen Bickel; Ext 2330

Director of Student Special Services……….Cynthia Block; Ext. 2226

Admissions & Communications Coordinator… Pam Pasyk; Ext. 2309

Director of Development ………………...…Karen Leluga; Ext. 2307

Parish & School Offices Associate…..........Mary Jo Biscan; Ext. 2311

School Administrative Assistant ............Jennifer Gonzalez; Ext. 2200

School Administrative Assistant….…...…... ; Ext. 2201

Weis Center St. Thomas More School Early Childhood Center

Preschool & Pre-K


Weis Center Phone: (219) 836-2660 Weis Center Fax: (219) 836-2655

Weis Center Administrative Assistant………..…..…… Sandra Steele

St. Thomas More

Religious Education Kindergarten through 8th Grade

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday: 1:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Religious Education Phone: (219) 836-8610

Director………………...………….……... Emily Hackett; Ext. 2332

Administrative Assistant…………….. Rosemary Strimbu; Ext. 2336

Religious Education Classes for Kindergarten through 8th Grade

meet on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons from 4:30 —6:00 p.m.

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2017/2018 Pastoral Council

Jim Secviar — Chairperson

Thomas Alexander

Bernadine Barrett

Carolyn Cenko

Diane DeSoto

Deborah Jarvis

Tim Jevyak

Jim Kaspar

Christi Kordeck

Paul Liszewski

Eric Miller

Dwight Reed

Pastoral Commissions

Chairpersons

Formation/Education

Allen Blocker

Parish Life

Elaine Herrmann

Peace & Social Justice

Mari Casas

Spirituality & Worship

Kaaren Mashura

Stewardship

Paul Liszewski

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Time Talent Treasure Time Talent

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St. Thomas More Church Mission Statement

he Roman Catholic

Saint Thomas More Parish

Family welcomes and invites every

person to join us on our journey in

faith and celebration. With the grace

and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and

through Sacred Scripture and

Tradition, we proclaim the Gospel of

Jesus Christ, especially in loving

service to those in need.

As part of the Universal Church, we

affirm the dignity of every person.

All this we do to give glory and honor

to God.

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Administrative Work

Career Networking

Catholic Services Appeal

Facilities Development

Ministries Fair

Planned Giving

Treasure

Artistic Activities

Altar & Rosary

Environment & Art

Garden Club

Music Ministry

Parish Life Events

Communication Ministries

Adult Formation

Career Networking

Gift Discernment

ICC-Indiana Catholic Conference

Ministries Fair

New Parishioner Welcome

Oblates of St. Benedict

Parish Life Special Events

Respect Life

St. Thomas More Travel Club

Treasure

Vocations Committee

Compassionate Endeavors

Circle of Prayer

Homeless Shelter Meals

Hospitality & Ushers

Pastoral Care of the Sick

Respect Life

Society of St. Vincent DePaul

St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen

Counseling

Gabriel Project

Gift Discernment


Craftsmanship

Environment & Art

Facilities Development

Garden Club

Gifts of Love & Warmth

Encouragement

Altar & Rosary

Career Networking

Gabriel Project

Hospitality & Ushers



Senior Citizens

Giving to Others


Holy Name Society

Knights of Columbus

Planned Giving

Treasure

Helping Others

Career Networking

Diocesan Council of Catholic

Women (DCCW)

Gabriel Project


Greeters/Hospitality


Ministries Fair


Nursery



Peace & Social Justice Special

Events

Senior Citizens


St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen

Spirituality & Worship Commission

Special Events

Find the Ministry that meets your Listed below each area of interest are ministries

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Hospitality

Altar & Rosary

Festival


Holy Name Society


Knights of Columbus




Peace and Social Justice Special Events

Senior Citizens


St. Thomas More Travel Club


Special Events

Leadership

Boy Scouts

Career Networking


Cub Scouts

DCCW—Diocesan Council of

Catholic Women

Festival

Girl Scouts

Ministries Fair

Planned Giving

Faith Formation

Adult Formation

Bible Study

Evening Scripture Study

Gift Discernment



Religious Formation (CCD)


Prayer

Adult Formation

Altar & Rosary

Bible Study

Circle of Prayer

Evening Scripture Study

Gabriel Project

Holy Name Society



Senior Citizens


Vocations Committee

Special Ministry/Peace Making

DCCW—Diocesan Council of

Catholic Women

ICC-Indiana Catholic Conference

Service to Parish & Community

Altar Server

Eucharistic Ministers


Festival


Holy Name Society

Knights of Columbus

Lectors

Music Ministry

Nursery



Special Events

Teaching & Instructing

Boy Scouts

Cub Scouts

Girl Scouts

Religious Formation (CCD)

Vacation Bible School

special talents and interests. that would best fit your individual personality:

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Adult Formation Contact: Barbara Topete at (219) 836-2185


Provide intellectual and Faith Formation to adult parishioners.

Facilitators and participants are needed for faith sharing groups

and for weekly bible study groups. Individuals are also needed to

plan and implement other programs. Time commitment varies

and family participation is welcomed.

Altar and Rosary Society Contact Cindy Keilman - (219)923-9862 or email:

[email protected] or Kaaren A. Mashura

at (219)836-5079 or email: [email protected].

An organization of women in the parish involved with fostering

devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through prayer, fellowship,

and charity. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the

month, September through March. Corporate Communion

Sunday is held at an 8:00 a.m. Mass in April. Our fundraising

event is the Christmas Bazaar which is held each November.

There are no meetings in January, February,

May, June, July and August.

Altar Server/MC Coordinators Contact: Sue Burke (219)322-6462 or

email:[email protected]

The Altar Server/Master of Ceremonies (MC) Coordinators

are responsible for the training and scheduling of the altar

servers and MC’s, arranging for wedding/funeral servers and

scheduling individuals to launder the server albs. Training

classes are held for one week (several hours each day)

during the summer. Scheduling time varies dependent upon

the time of year.

Bible Study Contact: Cindy Keilman at (219)923-9862/

[email protected] or

Kaaren Mashura at (219)836-5079/ [email protected]

An invitation for all to experience the joy and knowledge that

God has given us in His work. Bible Study Sessions are held

every Wednesday, September through May, from 9:30 a.m. until

11:00 a.m. in the Parish Conference Room.

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Career Networking Group Contact: Christine Spencer at (219) 836-8610 or


The Career Networking Group is a free program that meets the

third Thursday of each month at the STM Weis Center from

7:00 to 9:00 p.m. During these difficult economic times, we

offer assistance to our fellow parishioners and members of the

surrounding community who are seeking improved

employment. Our fellowship utilizes a faith-filled forum

to help members find an improved employment situation

and provide an ongoing Christian community for job

seekers. Our primary purpose is to prepare participants to

face the challenges of a new job search and to shorten the

time of unemployment, underemployment or career and

position changes. We provide assistance in the following

areas: Resume Review, Interview Skills, Network

Strategies and Job Search Resources and Opportunities.

Catholic Services Appeal Contact: Deacon Dave Kapala, Deacon Joe Stodola, Deacon

Napoleon Tabion or Deacon Dan Zurawski at (219) 836-8610

Become involved with the planning and running of the St.

Thomas More Diocesan Catholic Services Appeal. The Appeal

starts each year after Lent. After the diocesan goal is met, the

additional money collected is used for a specified parish project.

Individuals are needed for the planning committee, collect

pledges after Masses and to make follow-up calls.

Circle of Prayer Contact Carolyn Cenko at (219) 741-2509 or


Individuals are called upon to pray for the needs of others.

Individuals are needed to participate in a telephone prayer chain.

The number of calls to be made depends upon the need within

our parish. There are no meetings.

Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Contact: Barbara Shaver at (219)838-9200 or


Locally, meetings of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

(DCCW) are held on the third Wednesday of each quarter in the

months of January, April, July, and October. Women from

across the diocese share activities from their parish, as well as

share information regarding national and international issues and

updates on legislative concerns. We are affiliated with the

National Council of Catholic Women.

Visit nccw.org to learn more.

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Environment and Art Contact: Susan Gryfakis at (219) 688-8209 or Helen

Jaworski at (219) 836-1833 or Jim Landowski at (708) 204-

4690 Responsible for designing and implementing the visual

aspects of the seasonal liturgical celebrations in the parish,

enhancing and giving dignity to worship. There are no

meetings. All communication is by phone or mail. The

major events are set up for Christmas and Easter. No

experience necessary! We can train any able-bodied person

interested in a very gratifying experience.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Contact: Dan Zurawski at (219) 742-6005


Assist at parish Masses in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist

to the faithful. Participation is during the Mass. Eucharistic

Ministers are scheduled as needed at their preferred Mass. No

extra meetings except for training. Families are invited to

participate together. Must arrive 15 minutes before Mass.

Evening Scripture Study Contact: Denise Gard at (219) 836-9115 or


We meet to create a rich spiritual learning experience through

prayer, study and understanding the message of the Bible, small-

group faith-sharing, and integrated lectures with the help of the

Little Rock Scripture series. Emphasis is placed on

developing a more personal relationship with God and a

deeper relationship with others in the parish. Studies include

each of the Gospels, Old Testament subjects, and new

Testament letters. Meetings require 1.5 hours per week for 7

to 15 weeks with some additional reading and reflection time

at home. Study materials are provided.

Facilities Development Committee Contact: Mike Popovich at 219-836-8610, Ext. 330


Provide recommendations for short and long term projects

concerned with new construction, remodeling, and maintenance

which are related to the physical facilities supporting all church

and campus buildings. Individuals are called upon on an

as-needed basis to review and discuss the physical facilities.

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Festival Contact: Ed & Deb Pilawski at 219-718-9952 or


The annual St. Thomas More Festival is one of Northwest

Indiana’s premiere festivals. It is held each year in June and

promotes parish fellowship and provides family entertainment

and fun for the parish and surrounding communities. It takes

hundreds of hourly volunteers of all ages in a variety of areas to

make our Festival a success (i.e. cleaning tables, assisting with

bingo, etc.) Most importantly it takes a large, energetic Festival

Committee willing to help each other to coordinate the entire

event (i.e. rides, vendors, raffles, etc.).

Gabriel Project

Contact: Marilyn Glennon 219-836-8610 or


Gabriel Project members provide friendship and support for

pregnant women in many different ways. Spiritual, personal

and material aid is offered according to each mother's needs,

and we inform them of possible assistance available through

other local resources. We meet every other month on the 4th

Wednesday in the evening, and our meetings last around one

to one and a half hours. Other time spent depends upon the

needs of our mothers. Training is on the job...simply working

with mothers and other angels. If you have a desire to help

others, you have all the skills you need! There is a job for

everyone.

Garden Club

Contact: Paul Mazerik at 219-644-8409 or


The mission of the Garden Club is to beautify the St. Thomas

More Parish campus. Individuals are needed to help with the

landscaping (planting flowers, weeding, etc.) on the St. Thomas

More parish grounds. Work is completed when weather permits

on Wednesday and Friday mornings starting at 9 a.m. The

Garden Club is looking to have other times open for individuals

to come and work on projects.

Gift Discernment

Contact: Noreen Bickel (219) 836-8610


Assist parishioners in determining which ministries and

organizations could best utilize their gifts and talents.

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Gifts of Love & Warmth Contact: Bernadine Nemeth at (219)513-6544

If you love to knit or crochet, come join us on Friday mornings in the

Parish Conference Room from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Donated yarns, in

full or partial skeins, are the source of materials used to create lap robes

and shoulder wraps for those that are in nursing homes or

homebound. In addition, we make baby hats and blankets for the

Women’s Care Center and baptismal bibs that are used at parish

baptisms. A basic knowledge of knitting or crocheting is helpful, but

not necessary. We help each other while having fun for a good cause!

Holy Name Society Contact: William Burke at (219) 322-6462


An organization of men of the parish involved in service, spirituality,

charity and social activities. Holy Name makes annual contributions to

Catholic charitable organizations and groups. Meetings are held on the

third Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Other activities include a Fish

Fry held during Lent, Corporate Communion in the spring, and an

Evening of Reflection.

Homeless Shelter Meals Contact: Joseph and Cookie Janostak at (219)923-3699


We prepare an evening meal for the Hammond Homeless Shelter on the

second Tuesday, the third Wednesday, and the fifth Wednesday when it

occurs, each month. Meals are prepared in the kitchen of St. Thomas

More School starting at 3:00 p.m. and delivered to the shelter by

6:00 p.m.. We serve 50 to 60 people.

Hospitality The goal of the Ministry of Hospitality is to increase the feeling of

friendship and support for parishioners and visitors year-round. Greeters — Chris Shearman at (219) 923-1419

Greeters welcome all who enter our church before each Mass. Time

commitments are flexible and families are invited to participate. Ushers —Jim Marmalejo at (219) 836-1463/ [email protected]

Ushers welcome parishioners and visitors to weekend & Holy Day

Masses, assist with seating, aid the elderly, take up collections and deal

with emergencies. Participation is during the Mass. The Ushers host

their annual Pancake Breakfast at the end of January.

ICC– Indiana Catholic Conference Contact: Barbara Shaver at (219)838-9200/ [email protected]

ICC keeps parishioners informed about pending legislation affecting

your faith (i.e. death penalty, abortion, school choice, healthcare) and

asks that you contact your State or Federal Representative via phone,

fax or e-mail with your concerns about these legislations. There are no

meetings. For more information, go to www.indianacc.org. Tim

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Knights of Columbus Contact: Joseph Janostak at (219)923-3699


A Catholic men’s organization based in our parish. The

Knights are involved in spiritual enrichment, social

interaction, and fund-raising for charitable causes. Meetings

are held on the second and fourth Monday of the month at

7:30 p.m. Some of the other activities include: Christmas Tree

Sale, fish fries, ball games, corn roast & golf outings. Time

commitment varies. Members must be practicing Catholics.

Lectors Contact: William McDunn at (219) 922-9459 or


Proclaim the scriptures at Mass. Participation time at home is

approximately 30 minutes and consists of reading and

reflecting on the scriptural passages and the lectionary

(workbook commentary) and prayer as you feel appropriate.

Participation takes place during Mass. Lectors are required to

arrive and sign-in 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass.

Training is provided and is available on an ongoing basis. You

will be scheduled to serve as a lector monthly or bi-monthly,

depending upon your Mass preference and schedules are

produced quarterly. Families may participate in this ministry.

Ministries Fair Contact: John Kovach at (219) 922-8374 or


Individuals are needed to work with the parish ministries to help

organize and run the bi-annual Parish Expo/Ministries Fair.

Music Ministry Contact: Angie Lorandos at (219) 836-8610 x2338 or


Participate in our Music Ministry in any of theses capacities:

Chorale— Sing at the Sunday10:00 a.m. Mass. Rehearsals are

Thursdays at 6:45 p.m.

Youth Chorale — Sing at bi-monthly 5:30 p.m. Saturday Masses.

Rehearsals are at 4:00 p.m. (prior to Mass) in the Chapel.

Cantors — Lead the assembly during Masses. Rehearsals vary.

Funeral Choir — Sing during funeral Masses. No rehearsals.

Handbell Choir — Play once a month at the 5:30 p.m. Mass and

for special liturgies. Rehearsals are on Mondays.

Schola Cantorum — Choral chamber group singing a variety of

sacred music. Chosen by audition. Sing at 12:00 Noon Mass.

Rehearsals are Mondays at 7:00 p.m..

Instrumentalists — Always needed. Play at a variety of Masses.

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New Parishioner Welcome Contact: Elaine Herrmann at (219) 924-1936 or


Individuals and families are needed to mentor and welcome new

parishioners to St. Thomas More parish and help familiarize them

with the activities and ministries of our parish for a brief period until

they are acclimated to the parish. A New Parishioner Gathering will

be held bi-annually for new and mentoring parishioners.

Nursery Contact: Kaaren A Mashura at (219) 836-5079 or


Provide care for children, ages one to four, during the 10:00

a.m. Mass on Sundays. We meet in the Brides Room. Adult

volunteers need to have completed their Virtus Training and

have a Virtus Certificate turned into the Parish Office to

volunteer in the Nursery.

The Nursery is open from September through May.

Oblates of St. Benedict Contact: Denise Gard at (219) 836-9115


Ours is a daily ministry, keeping mindful that God is everywhere,

while keeping our focus on Him in every person we meet and every

decision we make. We join the Sisters of St. Benedict, located at St.

Mary Monastery in Rock Island, IL who guide us and embrace us as

important members of their monastic community. There is no

scheduled time commitment, though attendance at our monthly

meetings (2nd Saturday of every month at 10:00 a.m.) is encouraged.

We require no special skills or special training. We seek God through

prayer, discussion and in all aspects of our day to day lives.

Parish Life Events

Contact: Elaine Herrmann at (219) 924-1936 or


Individuals are invited and needed to help run and organize Parish

Life activities. Some of the special events held each year are the

Parish Appreciation Dinner and Picnic. Parish Life Commission

meetings are held on the first Monday of the month.

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Pastoral Care of the Sick Contact: Deacon David Kapala at (219) 836-8610 Ext. 2313


Answering Christ’s call to love one another by caring for each

other and our fellow parishioners when they are in need,

offering our love, time and commitment, and ourselves. We

visit our sick parishioners who are homebound, hospitalized,

and in the nursing homes in the community. During these

visits we minister the Eucharist. Mass is also celebrated in

the nursing homes. Those grieving from the loss of a loved

one are cared for by keeping in touch with them through phone

calls and cards to remind them that they and their loved ones are

remembered and in our prayers.

Peace & Social Justice Events Contact: Mari Casas at (219) 801-0615

Individuals are needed to help run and organize various Peace &

Social Justice events and activities. Some of the special events

and activities are the blood drives, food collection for St. Vincent

De Paul, Hospice and The Riley House.

Planned Giving

Contact: Barbara Shaver at (219)838-9200 or


Develop and market plans to assist parishioners in giving and

benefiting from giving to the St. Thomas More parish.

Individuals are needed to serve on the committee to help develop

and implement the planned giving program at St. Thomas More.

Religious Formation

Contact: Emily Hackett at (219) 836-8610 x2332 or


The mission of the Religious Formation Program is to fulfill the

promise that the Church makes at every Baptism: to support and

instruct the baptized and to foster their growth in faith. The

catechists proclaim Christ’s message and strive to develop

community, to lead children and parents to worship and serve.

Individuals are needed to participate as catechists, classroom

aides, hall monitors, parking lot attendants and office helpers

for the Kindergarten to 8th grade students. Classes meet on

Wednesday or Thursday afternoons from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m.

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Respect Life Contact: Leslie Dernulc at (219) 741-3739 or

[email protected]

The Respect Life Committee, part of the Diocesan Respect Life,

strives to educate, inform and encourage parishioners to be aware

and active in the promotion of a culture of life issues, from birth to

natural death. Open meetings are held at a time convenient for

committee members. Activities include the Pro-Life Rosary, as well

as joining other pro-life groups in the Life Chain ( in October)

and 40 Days for Life Program. STM Respect Life also presents a

Respect Life speaker (forum) every two or three years.

Scouting Girl Scouts: Renee Whelan at (219) 796-6809

www.munstermints.com

Boy Scouts: PJ Caraher at (219) 838-2943 or email:

[email protected]

Cub Scouts: Kevin Ranos at [email protected]

The emphasis in scouting is to grow self-reliant, dependable and

caring individuals who learn to do their best, value family life,

serve God & country and assist others. Activities concentrate on

weaving a lifetime of values into fun and educational events

designed to provide our youth with leadership skills, good

citizenship and physical fitness. Volunteers of all skill levels are

needed to assist our young people and their leaders.

Senior Citizens Contact: Bob O’Donnell at (219) 877-5050

The club is organized for the purpose of social enjoyment and

benefit of its members, age 60 years or older. One meeting per

month is a social meeting. Yearly activities include: Memorial Mass

for deceased members, Pizza Party, Potluck Dinner, Christmas Party

& Summer Picnic, as well as a monthly luncheon at an area

restaurant. Meetings are the first & third Wednesdays of the month

from 1:00— 3:30 p.m., September to May. We currently meet in the

Kish Community Room in Munster.

St. Thomas More School Contact: Dr. Samantha Francis, Principal at (219) 836-9151 or


The mission of St. Thomas More School is to educate the whole

child in the values of Jesus and Mary through spiritual, educational

and extra-curricular programs. Contact the school for more

information about participating in school life and events.

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Society of St. Vincent DePaul Contact: Michael Martinelli at (219) 836-8610

Individuals help those who are less fortunate by maintaining a food

pantry, delivering food to the homes of the poor and by handling

requests for assistance with utility bills, etc. We cover the Munster

and South Hammond areas. Meetings are held on the 2nd & 4th

Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Individuals are “on call” with

their team for one week at a time— every month. Training and

support is provided and families are invited to participate. We play

Bunco with residents at the Med Inn on the 2nd Saturday of the

month at 10:00 a.m.. We distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas

baskets from the gym during the holidays.

St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen Contact: Marilyn Pajor at (219)934-0738 or


On the first Thursday, second Friday and fourth Wednesday of the

month, St. Thomas More parishioners staff the St. Joe’s Soup

Kitchen. The hours are from 8:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Responsibilities include preparing food, preparing trays, serving

food and cleaning up. Individuals are typically scheduled one day

every other month.

Spirituality & Worship Events Contact: Kaaren A. Mashura at (219) 836-5079 or


The purpose of the Spirituality and Worship Commission is to

encourage and support liturgical worship and the spiritual formation

of our parishioners, and to work closely with the Liturgical

Ministries of Altar Servers, Environment & Art, Extraordinary

Ministers of the Eucharist, Greeters, Lectors, Music Ministry,

Nursery and Ushers. Some of the special events are the Taize Prayer

Service, 40 Hours, House Blessing Kits and the Parish Mission.

Travelers Club Contact: Parish Office at (219) 836-8610

The travel club was formed to benefit all parishioners of St. Thomas

More parish with the intent of promoting prayer and social activities.

We strive to make travel affordable for everyone and look to broaden

the travel experiences for all who join us. We vary our trips and have

most recently traveled to Turkeyville in Michigan, Chicago for a

luncheon cruise on the Odessey, Basilica of St. Josaphat & Apple

Holler Farm in Wisconsin and a Christmas trip to White Fence Farm

in Illinois. We have plans for many more future adventures.

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Treasure Contact: Cal Bellamy at (219) 924-7858/(219) 227-6109 or


Provide opportunities for parishioners to learn about tithing and

assist in running the annual treasure renewal program.

Vacation Bible School Contact: Emily Hackett at (219) 836-8610 Ext. 332

email : [email protected]

Individuals are needed to help our faith come alive during

this week-long summer program in July geared toward

children. Assist in the planning, organizing of Bible

stories, skits, songs, and crafts. Monthly planning meetings

are held, starting in April, to plan the week’s events.

Venture Crew 542 Contact: Fr. Ben Ross at (219) 322-4505

This is a fun-filled, co-ed organization (ages 14-21) run,

organized and executed by teens, for teens, designed to

help develop leadership and teamwork through unique

outings and activities. Although co-ed, it's a separate and

senior division of the Boy Scouts of America. Meetings

are scheduled at mutually available dates among the Crew

Members and Crew Advisors.

Vocations Committee Contact: Mary Kochis at (219) 322-7262

This committee brings about an awareness of the need for

religious vocations and re-emphasizes the value and importance of

the priesthood and religious life. We do this through bulletin

articles, communications with our seminarians, recitation of the

Rosary before Mass and by praying the Vocation Cross. You can

sign up to take the Vocation Cross home for one week at a time

and recite the enclosed prayers for vocations with your family.

Revised: August 2018

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Your Children Can Be Active Parish Members, Too!

Children of All Ages Can Serve or Participate in:

• Altar Servers/MCs

• Festival (Volunteer in the Children’s Games Area)

• Music Ministry — Youth Chorale

• Nursery (Volunteer)

• Religious Formation (Students or Volunteers)ing—Cub

Scouts, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts

• St. Thomas More School

• Vacation Bible School (Participants or Volunteers)

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St. Thomas More Vtà{ÉÄ|v V{âÜv{


Phone: (219) 836-8610

Fax: (219) 836-9185


Website: www.stm-church.com

Documents

St. Thomas More Vtà{ÉÄ|v V{âÜv{ - stm-church.comstm-church.com/MinistryDirectory.pdf · Please use this book as a guide. ... Thank you for making a New Beginning at St. Thomas