Family Faith Formation Program Grades 1 – 6

To integrate a deep rooted faith into family life through a Dynamic and solid program (Family Formation Program FFP); to engage and support the parents as the primary heralds of the gospel and give them the tools needed to do so.  FFP is a program designed to assist families in learning the Catholic Faith within the format of home lessons assisted by our pastor, parish staff and parishioners.

FFP consists of two parts:  The first of four monthly lessons is taught at church and the other three are taken home and taught by parents.  The children meet in grade-level classrooms and are taught the heart of the day’s lesson in a fun, more dynamic way, by trained volunteer catechists.  At the same time, parents meet together to listen to a teaching on the same topic taught to the students.  They also receive hints on how to teach the monthly lessons they will be taking home.

Children who are preparing to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation / First Communion provide an additional opportunity for parents to work with their children in learning about those Sacraments of Initiation.  A booklet on weekly home lessons is provided for each Sacrament from which the parents work with their child in a time of preparation.

Contact: Maria McDonald 423-3057 or [email protected]

K4J Summer Camp

“This is the best camp I’ve ever been to!” -grade 2 participant 2008 The dynamic style of K4J (Kids for Jesus) offers children an opportunity to learn about the scriptures, the saints, the traditions of the Church, and the sacraments in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Our parish offers this annual summer camp for children in grades primary to six. Each year has a theme and a set of guide books details games, crafts, catechetical teaching, snacks, etc. Summer camp is held over 4 days, mornings only. Adult small group leaders and station leaders are required. K4J will help build happy memories for the children that will last a lifetime!!

Contact: Maria McDonald at 423-3057 or [email protected]

The Edge

Come out Tuesday nights at 7 pm for a night of fun, games, skits, catechesis, and new friends. The Edge is for anyone in grades 6-8. Everyone is welcome regardless of faith background, so bring a friend. The Edge is not just for junior high catechetics students; it is a place where young people should feel free to drop in for fun and to invite their friends.

Contact: Ann Huntley 423-3057 or [email protected]

Marriage Prep Course

God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage: Jan. 27-Mar. 3 6:30-9:00pm STA Hall Fee is $80 per couple.  God’s Plan for a Joy- Filled Marriage offers a refreshing, liberating vision of Marriage and sexuality that helps engaged couples fully embrace and even celebrate, God’s glorious plan for their lives together

33 Days to Morning Glory

Feb. 15 to Mar. 22 with Consecration on March 25: Feast of the Annunciation: Fee:$25 which includes book.  Take a journey with Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, through a six-week guided retreat in preparation for Marian Consecration. Expounding on his popular book, 33 Days to Morning Glory, Fr. Gaitley explains the basics of Marian Consecration, how key saints and blesseds lived it out and how you can live it as well.

Baptisms

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated once a month during Sunday Mass. Baptism preparation is offered to those who are preparing children for Baptism. This aids parents and families in the preparation of their faith journey as first teachers of the children in the way of faith. Prior to the child’s baptism, the family will meet with a Baptismal Preparation Team member, to go over what can be expected during the baptism and to get answers to questions that they may have. The Baptismal Preparation Team is a group of couples who are interested in helping to form and support others in living their faith.

Contact: Maria McDonald at 423-3057 or [email protected]

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a program designed for those coming to know Jesus in their adult life, or those who wish to renew their relationship with Jesus within the context of the Church he founded during his ministry on earth

Contact: Parish Office 423-3057 or [email protected]

Parish Mission

Each Lent the parish hosts a mission designed to invite parishioners to experience spiritual renewal. This event provides many opportunities to serve: to help choose a speaker, to plan the Mission, promote it, and organize each evening.

Contact: Parish Office 423-3057 or [email protected]

Grief Support Group

The Grief Support Group meets monthly when necessary at the Canadian Martyrs site. It provides support for those experiencing loss in an environment of trust, compassion, and safety. The group is open to both members of the parish and those from other parishes.

Contact: Father Owen Connelly 423-3057 or [email protected]

Divine Mercy Devotion

Divine Mercy devotion comes from approved apparitions given to St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, beginning in 1931 until her death in 1938 from Jesus Himself. St. Faustina was canonized by Pope John Paul II, in 2000. The Message of divine Mercy is that God is Mercy and He wants no one to escape that mercy. Divine Mercy Devotion meets in the Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas Church every Friday at 2:45 p.m. with prayers beginning at 3 p.m. We follow a format of prayers of petition, including the divine Mercy Chaplet and the Holy Rosary asking God’s mercy and blessing on our bishops, our parish, our priests, our families, and the world. We also pray for an end to abortion. You are invited to join us in prayer and/or if you have a special need of prayer for yourself or your family please call.

Contact: Anne Ashford Hall 422-7931 or [email protected]

Eucharistic Adoration

After communal worship at Mass, personal worship of Jesus in Eucharistic adoration is the greatest of all devotions and the one most pleasing to Him. Eucharistic adoration began in our parish several years ago to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. We also pray for an end to abortion in our country, for the needs of our parish and of course our own personal needs. This time can be spent reading your bible, praying a rosary, reading favourite prayers, meditation, or just resting in the experience of peace that comes from being in His presence. For details and hours of worship please consult the following link:  Sacred Heart Chapel

Contact: Tracy Francis, 423-3057 or [email protected]

Catholic Women’s League of Canada

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization rooted in gospel values callings its members to holiness through service to the people of God. Monthly meetings (Sept.-June) consist of a spiritual component, business meeting and a social period. Fundraising and charitable works are just some of the activities undertaken and members are encouraged to volunteer their services in the parish and the greater community.

Contact: Anita Ross 429-7223 or [email protected]

The Bridge Ministry

Theme:  “For Thus Said the LORD GOD, The HOLY ONE Of Israel: In Returning And Rest You Shall Be Saved; In Quietness And In Trust Shall Be Your Strength”  Isaiah 30:15

The mission of The Bridge Ministry is to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all to come and rest in the presence of God. It is a gathering of people who are striving to live out Jesus’ command to love one another as He has loved us.  The Bridge Ministry gathers monthly on a Friday evening at 6:45 p.m.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to leave the busyness of the world behind and come rest with us in the presence of God.

NOTE:  There will not be a “Bridge Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas church during the months of July and August.  Please check back in September for Bridge Ministry Dates for the 2013/2014 year.   We  thank you and are full of gratitude for all the Graces our Lord has blessed us with this past year and how fitting that this night be one of Adoration of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Contact: Call the parish office at 423-3057.  

For more information regarding any of these activities, please contact the person listed or call the parish office at 423-3057. Our website www.stacm.ca is also a valuable resource for current information on parish activities. Sign up for the weekly e-bulletin!