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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
email: [email protected]
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
8635 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN 46321
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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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
Oblates of St. Benedict
Craftsmanship
Environment & Art
Facilities Development
Garden Club
Gifts of Love & Warmth
Encouragement
Altar & Rosary
Career Networking
Gabriel Project
Hospitality & Ushers
New Parishioner Welcome
Pastoral Care of the Sick
Senior Citizens
Giving to Others
Catholic Services Appeal
Holy Name Society
Knights of Columbus
Planned Giving
Treasure
Helping Others
Career Networking
Diocesan Council of Catholic
Women (DCCW)
Gabriel Project
Gifts of Love & Warmth
Greeters/Hospitality
Homeless Shelter Meals
Ministries Fair
New Parishioner Welcome
Nursery
Parish Life Special Events
Pastoral Care of the Sick
Peace & Social Justice Special
Events
Senior Citizens
Society of St. Vincent DePaul
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
Greeters/Hospitality
Holy Name Society
Homeless Shelter Meals
Knights of Columbus
New Parishioner Welcome
Parish Life Special Events
Pastoral Care of the Sick
Peace and Social Justice Special Events
Senior Citizens
Society of St. Vincent DePaul
St. Thomas More Travel Club
Spirituality & Worship Commission
Special Events
Leadership
Boy Scouts
Career Networking
Catholic Services Appeal
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
Oblates of St. Benedict
Pastoral Care of the Sick
Religious Formation (CCD)
Society of St. Vincent DePaul
Prayer
Adult Formation
Altar & Rosary
Bible Study
Circle of Prayer
Evening Scripture Study
Gabriel Project
Holy Name Society
Oblates of St. Benedict
Pastoral Care of the Sick
Senior Citizens
Society of St. Vincent DePaul
Vocations Committee
Special Ministry/Peace Making
DCCW—Diocesan Council of
Catholic Women
ICC-Indiana Catholic Conference
Service to Parish & Community
Altar Server
Eucharistic Ministers
Gifts of Love & Warmth
Festival
Greeters/Hospitality
Holy Name Society
Knights of Columbus
Lectors
Music Ministry
Nursery
Parish Life Special Events
Spirituality & Worship Commission
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
email: [email protected]
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/
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
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
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:
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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
email: [email protected]
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{
8501 Calumet Avenue • Munster, IN 46321
Phone: (219) 836-8610
Fax: (219) 836-9185
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stm-church.com