News - December 2021 RSS Feed

Parishioners of all ages are invited to participate in the Tied with Love blanket-making event January 15, 10:00 AM–12:15 PM in the gathering space, St. Thomas Church, sponsored by Youth Ministry and Creation Care Team.

After enjoying the beauty of our Christmas trees, return them to nature with these tips.

Donations from St. Thomas the Apostle parishioners last year continue to help provide safe, life-sustaining water for more than 450 people.

Our Last Advent Drive is this Tuesday Dec. 14 3pm-4pm in the Church Parking Lot. Our Goal is 80 Prepackaged Christmas cookies with a Christmas Card attached or any personal care products soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hand sanitizer for Street Soldiers, a grassroots organization that serves the homeless in Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Albany. Items will be shared at the Rensselaer Christmas Gathering Saturday Dec. 18, at River Front Park. Thank you for spreading JOY this Advent Season!

GOD BLESS YOU ST. THOMAS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY shown at our Giving Tree Gift Card Drive! Your kindness will assist our neighbors who are struggling this Christmas! It’s not too late for Santa’s elves to drop off cards to the Gathering Hall by 5pm Sunday Dec. 12th! Special shout out to “Saint” Nick for being our greeter! Tis the Season to share HOPE! LOVE! JOY! PEACE!

Book Club Discussion - The Seven Storey Mountain Feb. 10 at 7PM Gathering Space The Seven Storey Mountain tells of the growing restlessness of a brilliant and passionate Thomas Mertens, who at the age of twenty-six, takes vows in one of the most demanding Catholic orders—the Trappist monks. Book is available at most book sellers in paperback form. This book will take some time to read, but is worth the journey! Hope to see you in February!

Show your solidarity with our Sister Parish in Yucatan Mexico as we honor and celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Friday Dec. 10 in the church! Together join us as we pray the Sorrowful Rosary at 6pm followed by our annual bilingual Mass at 6:30pm. All are welcome! Sponsored by our Pueblo to People Committee.

As the new Church year begins, consider a new habit to protect Creation.

We continue our long-standing tradition of The Parish Giving Tree supporting local charities. Unfortunately due to continuing Covid-19 precautions we cannot celebrate in the same manner. In order to minimize contact we are requesting only gift cards this year.  We scaled back on the number of requests and agencies. We will support requests from: Albany Catholic Workers for Target or Price Chopper gift cards, Catholic Charities Housing, Hilltown Community Center, and St. John’s/St. Ann’s Outreach Center for Walmart gift cards, Interfaith Shelter for the Homeless for Walmart or Price Chopper gift cards, Lwanga House, Mercy House, Mary's Corner and Sr. Maureen Joyce Center for Walmart or Target gift cards, Bethlehem Seniors and Reilly House for VISA, MasterCard or Walmart gift cards, and Capital City Rescue Mission for $10, $15, or $20 (only) Target or Walmart gift cards. These gift cards will then be used by agencies to provide food, clothing, strollers, formula, children's toys, clothing or add to gift bags/food baskets for their most needy clients.  Please return the gift card on or before Mass on Sunday, December 12. The Advent season is a time for preparation for the coming of the Christ Child and is a perfect time to perform works of charity. All these charities are very grateful for whatever assistance we can provide.  As in the past no gift card should cost more than $25 (please include activation completed slip). Gift cards could be left in the basket in the Gathering Hall or mailed to the parish office such that they are received  on or before 5 p.m. Mass on Sunday, December 12. Gift cards will be delivered to the agencies the next day. Thank you for your generosity!

High School Students: Dec. 5 following the 5pm Mass 6pm-7:15pm in Large Conference Room “CAFÉ”, Christmas Agape Latte! Join host Ryan and Sarah for an evening of conversation and faith with Storyteller Laura Kline! More info at : https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4EA8AD22A6F94-christmas

Middle School Students: Dec. 4 following the 5pm Mass 6pm-7:15pm in the Gathering Hall! SERVICE + PIZZA + FUN! Wear your ugly sweater or favorite Christmas Hat! Sign up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4EA8AD22A6F94-middle1

Next Tuesday Dec. 7th 3pm-4pm in the church parking lot we are collecting gift cards for our Giving Tree! Agencies are requesting gift cards from: Price Chopper, Target, Walmart or Visa/Master card for $10 to $25 PLEASE INCLUDE ACTIVATION RECEIPT. These gifts will be shared with various agencies in our area who bring HOPE to our neighbors who are struggling this Christmas Season! God bless you St. Thomas for shining HIS light in the darkness

HAPPY ADVENT! Thank you so much for the socks, treats and travel size toiletries for our St. Nick Socking’s for those served at St. John/St. Ann’s Outreach Center! Your gifts will add some Christmas Cheer to their take out lunch this week! "The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic Gods giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves." - St. Nicholas of Myra

Save the Date! All are welcome to join The St. Thomas Book Club for a discussion about Matthew Kelly's Life is Messy on Thursday, December 9 at 7 p.m. Bring a friend...or 2 and enjoy an evening of engaging conversation with friends, old AND new!