Organizations and Activities

Saint Thomas More Pastoral Council

The Saint Thomas More Pastoral Council is a body of elected and appointed parish members, who, together with the Pastor, provide direction and leadership for the parish. The council is the principal deliberative body of the parish that recommends and implements parish policies and activities. The Council meets the third Thursday of each month. Meetings are open to all parish members.

Parish Council
President	Gene Avilla
Vice President	Ray Bachiller
Secretary	Andrea Wilkinson
Past President	Steve Bartlett
Member	Sandy Avilla
Member	Joe Veltri
Member	Doug Nichols
Member	Bob Schovaers
Member	Vince McCormick
Member	Carol Brindle
Member	Kathi Slick
Member	Darryl Smith

Liturgy

The Second Vatican Council Constitution on the Liturgy reminds us that the Eucharistic liturgy is the source and summit of our spiritual life. Parishioners are invited to serve in several ministerial roles in the liturgy: Eucharistic ministers, sacristan, lectors, altar servers, ushers, musicians, accompanists and the art and environment committee. The Pastoral Assistant supervises liturgical ministries and serves as staff liaison to the parish liturgy committee. If you are interested in serving the community as a liturgical minister, please contact the parish office.

Saint Thomas More has various music ministry groups who provide music for weekend Masses. Groups include an adult choir and an acoustic ensemble, as well as other small groups. We always welcome new voices, accompanists and instrumentalists. Please contact the parish office for more information.

Spiritual Life

The parish exists to promote and enrich the spiritual life of parishioners. Several prayer groups meet regularly at Saint Thomas More. Information on prayer groups can be provided by the parish office.

Prayers are offered for various needs of others by the parish prayer chain. When a request is made, each person on the prayer chain is notified of the confidential request for prayer. If you are interested in being a part of the prayer chain, or if you have a need for prayers, please call the parish office.

Several retreats are also held throughout the year. Retreats are conducted for specific groups, such as youth, liturgical ministers, ladies group, parish council, and others. Retreats are announced in the weekly parish bulletin.

The parish also provides an annual parish renewal, a week-long event of prayer, homilies, reconciliation, and spiritual direction. All parishioners are encouraged to participate in the parish spiritual renewal.

Pastoral counseling is available to all parishioners at any time. The parish office can direct you to an appropriate spiritual counselor.

Vocations Task Force

Saint Thomas More Parish has a twelve member vocational task force that promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults begins in September and continues through June of each year. This is a process of initiation that reaches out with the gospel, inviting men and women to a converted life, leading them to Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. It is a journey shared by the inquirers, their sponsors and the RCIA team. Contact the office for further information.

Youth Ministry

Saint Thomas More has an active youth ministry program, serving junior and senior high school age youth. A variety of social, spiritual, and community service activities are regularly scheduled.

Pre-School / Kindergarten

Saint Thomas More Pre-school provides a Christian learning environment for children ages three to five. The pre-school meets on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00 am to noon. The cooperative nature of the pre-school allows parents to volunteer in the classroom. This time is special for both parent and child. The school days are filled with a variety of activities that build self-esteem, encourage independence, and develop a sense of joy and excitement for learning. Blocks, puzzles, playdough, music, crafts, story time, circle time, computers, and bible stories are a part of each day. Creative play centers and visitors from places like the Tracy Aviary, the Sandy Fire Department, and many other programs help our children learn about God's wonderful world.

Parish Outreach Programs

Newcomers

The purpose of this committee is to welcome new parishioners to our parish community. Welcoming socials are scheduled quarterly so that new parishioners can meet each other and gain information about the many pastoral opportunities available at Saint Thomas More. Coffee hours after Sunday Masses also provide an easy way to meet our parishioners. We want everyone at St. Thomas More to feel welcome and needed. Please call the office if we can be of help.

Parents of Small Children

The parish sponsors support groups for mothers and fathers of young children, and mothers' ministry groups. More information on these groups can be provided by the parish office.

Social Justice

The Social Justice committee serves as the community services arm of Saint Thomas More. The Parish supports a wide array of social justice programs administered by Catholic Community Services (CCS). Food baskets are distributed to needy families in the area during holiday seasons. Parishioners in need of economic assistance should contact Father Dave. If you are interested in helping with Social Justice, please contact the parish office.