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Human Concerns
 

The St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Human Concerns committee is responsible for determining the needs of individuals within the Parish and identifying resources to meet these needs, enlisting the active cooperation of each parish member in this effort, in collaboration with other parishes within our community. In addition, we make parishioners aware of issues relating to justice and peace, so that appropriate Christian action can be determined.

This ministry is a very important part of our parish in working with the infirmed and homebound. Many volunteers are needed to help those that cannot help themselves.  Several ways you can offer your time include:

  • Provide transportation and accompany the elderly to a doctor's appointment
  • Share company with those that are homebound
  • Provide a home-cooked meal
  • Provide clothing and household items to needy families 

The list is endless! Please consider volunteering some of your time to do what Jesus taught us to do. It is an extremely rewarding and spiritual experience.

Meetings are held as needed.

Kelly Malchine
Email
Phone:  262-895-7207

Kristy Pavlovich
Email
Phone:  262-492-6721

Jan Schmidt
Email
Phone: 262-534-6782
 

CLARISSE & HER FIGHT FOR LIFE
As parishioners, we’re very familiar with her warm smile and musical talent! Some may be surprised to know she’s also in a fight for her life battling End Stage Renal Failure. Diagnosed in 2015 with renal cancer, she underwent surgery, removing the entire cancerous kidney. Shortly after, her other kidney began to fail and she eventually needed emergency dialysis. She's continued dialysis for the past couple of years. Although very difficult, she tries to make the best of it with her joyful spirit! She needs a kidney transplant and is asking for our help.
LEARN MORE
LIVING DONOR REGISTRATION
DONOR REGISTRATION

 


The purpose of St. Thomas Aquinas' Health Ministry is to assist parish members in caring for one another by helping attain, maintain and/or regain complete wholeness of the body, mind and spirit. While working with other caring ministries, the goal is to increase awareness of and practice healthy lifestyle choices.  

This ministry provides the following:

  • Nurses on the fourth weekend of each month come to take individuals' blood pressures in the Gathering Space before and after all Masses.  
  • Blood pressures are recorded and health information is available.
  • Counseling, support services, and community referrals are offered when discussing individual concerns with a nurse. 
  • Prayer shawls, bereavement journals, and other support items are provided.

If you would like to be a part of this practicing ministry, please contact:
Sue Pettit at 262-895-3205
or Carrie Nickel at 262-534-4234.




The St. Thomas Aquinas Bereavement Ministry was established to offer spiritual and emotional support to those in our community who are experiencing loss and grief after the death of a loved one. 
This ministry offers support in the following ways:

  • Attend the wake and/or liturgical service
  • Send cards, make telephone calls
  • Offer prayers, be present
  • Provide information on grief and support groups.

In addition, this committee hosts an annual Mass of Remembrance each November.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact:
Kristy Pavlovich
Email 
Phone: 262-492-6721

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry provides shawls, lap blankets, and pocket prayer shawls for anyone who needs some special prayers and comfort. This includes everyone from infants to adults, who are going through some sort of physical, mental, or emotional challenge. Available to parishioners and friends/family of parishioners,  each item is made prayerfully…prayers are said for those who will receive the item as they work. These items are available for no cost in the Gathering Space. 

This ministry is open to anyone, male or female, who likes to crochet or knit. Bring your own supplies or you may use available materials that have been kindly donated. Would you like to learn how to knit or crochet? Great! We have experienced people at each meeting who are happy to provide instruction.  

Meetings are held at 1 pm on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from September through early June, in the Gathering Space.

For more information or to join, please contact:
Estelle Moldenhauer
Email



The St. Thomas Aquinas Funeral Lunch Committee is a group of volunteers who serve a meal for the mourners after a funeral as requested by the family. Usually, contact is made through the funeral home. The family is only required to pay for the food purchased, and if they wish to donate a stipend for the service, the money goes into the treasury of the Funeral Lunch Committee. When the Funeral Lunch Committee has extra funds, they donate them to the good of the Parish. 

Anyone who wishes to volunteer for one particular funeral or become a regular member, is welcome. We are always in need of volunteers for baking a dessert.

For more information or to join, please contact:  
Pat Koszuth 
Phone: 262-514-3788
 


The St. Thomas Prayer Chain began in February of 2000. Everyone is invited to participate in our network, parish membership is not required. If you or someone dear to your heart needs prayers for strength, health issues, gratitude, etc., the STA Prayer Chain is here for you!  Send your request via email or by phone.  For follow-up purposes, please submit your name and contact information.  All prayer requests are confidential, unless name(s) are requested for inclusion. 

If you enjoy praying for others and perhaps looking for a ministry where you can help others from the comforts of your home, become part of the STA Pray Chain!  As a prayer for the Prayer Chain, you can be part of the phone or email chain, but we ask that you pray for all those on the chain, then call 2-3 others to broaden the chain.

For more information, to request prayers or join, contact:
Sue Schneider
Call or Text:  (317) 965-1317

The St. Thomas Food Pantry seeks, in a spirit of justice and charity, to help those who are suffering. The organization is active throughout the year in helping those locally who are in need, but especially at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. We help those in need in the community with food from our pantry, financial assistance as much as possible, and assist in locating other charitable organizations to fulfill needs. Membership is open to all parishioners.

Open on the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month | 1 - 3 PM
Located in the old church, on the corner of Hwy 20 and Thomas St.
LIST OF ITEMS NEEDED


 


The St. Thomas Aquinas Love Inc. Meal Program provides nutritious and tasty meals for those in need of a meal and fellowship. Parishioners can sign up via SignUp Genius each month to volunteer to donate food or help serve. We collect food donations, prepare the meal and take it to Love Inc. to serve guests.

LOVE INC. MONDAY MEALS 2023
February 13  
March 13
April 10
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11

For more information or to join, please contact:
Maureen or Peter Joy
Phone: 262-951-0240 
 

St. Vincent DePaul Meal Program on the southeast side of Milwaukee (9th and Madison) provides hot, nutritious meals to adults and children. St. Thomas Aquinas has a history of volunteering to serve at this meal site since 1994. 

Please consider volunteering! We serve every third Sunday of every third month starting October, 2023.

MEET: St. Thomas church parking lot at 3PM 
DEPART: SVDP-SE Milwaukee at 6:45 PM
RETURN: St. Thomas church parking lot at 7:30 PM.
 
Volunteer activities include setup of dining room, serving food, and light clean up of the dining room after the meal. 
Please click below to sign up! 
SIGN UP
 
Thank you for your service! Any questions or comments, please contact Peter Joy at peterjoy55@gmail.com



St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish offers the opportunity for parishioners to purchase Christmas gift cards and gifts for needy families in the Waterford community through The Giving Tree. 

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Kathy Weinkauf
Phone: 262-716-1939

 



Christian Women
 

The St. Thomas Aquinas Christian Women’s Group is open to all women in the Parish: single, married, widowed, or divorced. Program topics for monthly meetings are spiritual, educational, and occasionally social. The Christian Women sponsor events to raise money for the various needs of the parish. Regardless of age, all women are encouraged to join for spiritual and social benefits.

Meetings take place as needed and are announced in the bulletin or on this website.

For more information about the Christian Women Ministry, please contact: 
LaVerne Lewis
Email
Phone: 262-534-6208

CHRISTIAN WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP
The Christian Women are sponsoring two scholarships for parish high school seniors.  There are applications available in the office or click below to fill it out and print at home.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

The Wind & Water Senior Fellowship Program is for seniors (60+) of our parish and community.  Seniors are invited to join us for activities such as exercising, walking, pickleball, playing cards/games, book club, movie club or fellowship at both St. Thomas and St. Clare campuses.  You do not have to be a member of either Parish to participate. Ask a friend or neighbor to join you!

 

 

 

We're excited to announce that the NCF has approved a grant, in the amount of $450, to the Wind & Water Senior Program to help fund the Senior Lunch & Learn Program. As an award winner, NCF has invited us to attend their 10th Annual Fall Festival on October 18th from 6-8 pm (a fun, social affair) at The Barn, we will be honored guests during a short presentation of awards at 7 pm, as we are presented with the check. If you'd like to attend, please email cewald@saintthomaswaterford.org.



Senior Fitness - Tai Chi:  Join us for Tai Chi and Qigong classes in the St. Thomas Uhen Center. Slow-paced movement, work at your own level of ability. 

  • Session 1:  September 14 - October 12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 to 9:45 AM
  • Session 2:  January 2 - February 8 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 to 9:45 AM
  • Session 3:  April 9 - May 16 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 to 9:45 AM
  • Each session is limited to 20 participants
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 - 9:45 AM
  • Instructor: Peter Joy | peterjoy55@gmail.com for more information or questions
  • Registration required for each session

SIGN UP FOR TAI CHI
 



Senior Fitness - Outdoor Hiking:  Join us as we enjoy the benefits of outdoor hiking. Walking in nature promotes total health, both physical and mental. We will focus on the health benefits of hiking in the woods with information on "Forest Bathing," the Japanese research publication, on the benefits of hiking in Pine Tree woods. 

Three Waterford area hikes will be completed:
1)  Case Eagle Park, Rochester 
2) W. R. Wadewitz Nature Park, Rochester
3)  Saller Woods, Rochester. 
The Case Eagle hike is accessible to participants using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.  Unfortunately, the W.R. Wadewitz and Saller Woods are not accessible to people using assistive mobility equipment.  Participants will be contacted if the program is canceled due to weather or low participation.

  • Two Wednesdays per month
  • Meet at 9AM at Case Eagle Park in Rochester (1 - 2 miles on a paved trail)
  • Participants are welcome to use canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
  • Limited to 20 participants
  • Registration required for each session, sign up link below
  • Weather permitting

Instructor: Peter Joy | peterjoy55@gmail.com for more information or questions.

Fall Hiking has concluded for the season and will return in Fall of 2024.

 

Senior Fitness - Virtual Hiking (Indoor):  Two Wednesdays per month, virtual hikes from the Rocky Mountain Trails and Labyrinth.  Measured "Hiking Trails" of .5, one and two miles. Scenic trails will be shown on the big screen as hikers are led  through their paces. 

Virtual Hiking has concluded for the season and will return in September.

Instructor: Peter Joy | peterjoy55@gmail.com for more information or questions
No sign up or registration required. Join us!

Lunch of the Month: The Senior Program sponsors a monthly lunch at St. Clare on the second Tuesday of every month and they are open to the community. 

Lunch Dates 2023/2024:
August 15th
September 19th
October 17th
November 21st
December 19th
January 16th
February 20th
March 19th
April 16th
May 21st



NOVEMBER LUNCH & LEARN WITH BUNCO!
Tuesday, November 21st |  Bunco at 10:30 | Lunch at Noon | Guest Speaker at 1 PM | St. Clare Holy Family Hall.

Our presenter, Nancy Stoerzbach Wierichs from the Alzheimer’s Association will discuss how to decode verbal and behavioral messages, strategies and tips for communication challenges, and how to connect with family/friends when they lose the ability to use their words. This program is for individuals who have regular interaction with someone with dementia (as a caregiver, family member, neighbor or friend.)

MENU:  Oven Roasted Turkey and Gravy Sandwiches, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Buttered Green Beans, Fresh Apple Cranberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, Assorted Homemade Desserts, and Coffee. (Menu subject to change.)

Sign up required. Goodwill Donations Accepted. Bring a Friend! 
To register, click the link below or call either parish office (St. Clare 262-895-2729 | St. Thomas 262-534-2255).
REGISTER ONLINE


Pickleball:  Beginning September 25th, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays | 9 AM - 1 PM |  St. Thomas Uhen Center.  We will supply the nets and balls, participants will need to supply their own paddle.  Beginners are welcome! 

Walking: Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM | St. Thomas Uhen Center. 
Great exercise during the colder months! No sign up required.

Senior Food & Fellowship: Every Friday of every month following the 8:00 AM Mass | St. Clare Holy Family Hall.  Enjoy coffee, food, cards and games. No sign up required.

Movies:  Join us for movie night! The last Wednesday of the month (September through May) in the St. Thomas Gathering Space at 1 pm. No sign up necessary. 
2023 - 2024 Movie Schedule
9/27: "Dear God" | 10/25: "The Straight Story" | 11/29: "The Ultimate Gift" | 12/27: "Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows" | 1/24: "The Healer" |  2/28: "The Mighty Macs" | 3/27: "Dave" | 4/24: "The Grace Card"| 5/22: "Summer's Shadow"

Book Club: Every Monday of every month | 1 PM - 2:30 PM | St. Clare Holy Family Hall. 
No sign up necessary, all are welcome! 

BOOK CLUB
Mondays | 1 - 2:30 PM | St. Clare’s Holy Family Hall
We are reading and discussing another one of Matthew Kelly’s great books, The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity.
Do you believe it’s possible to be happier than you have ever been before? Bestselling author Matthew Kelly believes it is possible and his latest book explains how.  This book provides the practical tools necessary to help you experience more happiness than you thought possible. Together we can change the course of history, with humility, generosity, kindness, and joy, one Holy Moment at a time.  We thank the Knights of Columbus and the Southern Lakes Serra Club for donating the books for our use.

Movie Club:  Second Wednesday of every month (except in June, July and August) | 1 PM | St. Thomas Gathering Space.  No sign up required. 2023/2024 Dates: 9/13, 10/11, 11/8, 12/13, 1/10, 2/14, 3/13, 4/10, 5/8.

Bus Trips to the Fireside:  Join us for a trip to the Fireside Theatre five times a year! The bus trips are sponsored by the Wind & Water Senior Fellowship Program and are open to the community.
Tickets: $125 per person includes Motor Coach Transportation, Lunch, Theater Ticket, Taxes and all gratuities. 
All Shows: Depart from St. Thomas’ Parking Lot at 9 AM, return at 6 PM.

Jersey Boys | Friday, January 19th | Matinee
Join us for another trip to the Fireside Theatre and enjoy a delicious lunch and an entertaining theater show! $125 includes motor coach transportation, lunch, theater ticket, taxes and all gratuities. Registration and payments are due by December 15TH! Click below to register or email Carol at cewald@saintthomaswaterford.org or call either Parish Office: St. Thomas (262)534-2255, St. Clare: (262) 895-2729.
LEARN MORE
REGISTRATION

2024 Fireside Shows - Mark your calendars!
Fiddler on the Roof | Friday, March 22nd
Beautiful: The Carol King Musical | Friday, May 10th
Nunsense | Tuesday, June 4th
Matilda | Friday, August 9th
Rocky | Friday, October 4th
Miracle on 34th Street | Friday, December 6th

For more information or questions about the Senior Fellowship Program, please contact:
Carol Ewald at 262-534-2255 or email cewald@saintthomaswaterford.org
Peggy Liginski at pliginski@gmail.com

There are other senior fellowship events and activities available in our community.  Follow the links below to learn more.

Norway Lutheran - JOY (Just Older Youth
"Amazing Grays" - North Cape Lutheran
Raymond Community Church
Burlington Senior Activity Center

 

 

 
 


The Elizabeth Ministry is an international movement designed to support women and their families as they raise families.  

How does it work?
Volunteers become Elizabeth Ministers in the areas that they have experience. For example, a woman who has twins would visit and mentor a woman who is pregnant with twins. Continued support is given through the pregnancy and after the birth as needed. This support comes in the form of visits, prayer, phone calls, cards, etc.  Areas of the Elizabeth Ministry include pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, stillbirth support, regretted abortion, infant or child death, adoption, and family crisis as examples. 

The ministry can also include family mom group outings, meal outreach for parish members in crisis, welcoming baptism families, prayer support for families in need, outreach to celebrate baptism anniversaries, to name a few.

The Need: 
In past generations, the presence, intimacy, and support needed during the childbearing years were found within the structures of family, neighborhood, church, and community. In the past, women were near family members and home with neighbors and raised children together. Today, they may lack that support due to work commitments or family issues. 

Many women feel isolated during their childbearing years, particularly in times of crisis.  Elizabeth Ministry will afford a great opportunity to touch women and their families and to offer them support, encouragement, and affirmation during this time. The Ministry will engage many women of the church in active ministry with other women that will provide outreach, service, and love in the name of the entire church. 

The Elizabeth Ministry offers women an opportunity to minister to others, and to be ministered to, as needed, especially when in crises.

What are the benefits? 
Elizabeth Ministry supports a faith community’s commitment to the sanctity of life. It’s a way to reach young adults as they build their families. It also provides a focused dimension to bereavement ministry and marriage enrichment. It builds community and is especially successful in parishes with schools and young families. 

HOME COOKED MEALS
We want to provide new moms or families in crisis with meals to ease their burden of cooking. Would you like to help? We will contact you when a family is in need and you can choose when you can help. 
Many hands make light work! Elizabeth Ministry is grateful to those willing to share their time by making and delivering a meal. To sign up, please contact Stephanie at (262)225-5535 or email stephanie@gotcherfamily.com 

 




Life’s Connection (LC) is a prolife medical pregnancy, educational, and resource center located in Mukwonago and Waukesha, Wisconsin.  

Life’s Connection provides a unique “Hearts of Hope” Miscarriage Program. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee appointed LC as a sacred holding site for miscarried babies. They walk the journey with families going through miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss, providing help with planning: memorial services, funeral, and burial vessels. It assists in grief support and counseling and provides a place to hold babies' remains until the time of burial onsite at each of its locations.  

Life’s Connection works with area cemeteries and parishes to help families facing this loss. At St Thomas Aquinas Parish, LC works hand in hand with St Thomas Elizabeth Ministry through “Hearts of Hope” providing miscarriage delivery aides, burial vessels, services, and more.  

If anyone in the parish family is facing a loss, please feel free to contact Life’s Connection at 262-470-3119.  We will provide the support needed to foster hope, help, and healing during this difficult time. 

Life’s Connection is proud to be the new upcoming Elizabeth Ministry Chapter Headquarters in the coming months. We are excited to be able to support Elizabeth Ministry Chapters not only in the Archdiocese but throughout the world.

LEARN MORE about the "Hearts of Hope" Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss Support Program.

Elizabeth Ministry is a perfect forum for meeting new people in the church and greeting newcomers with a true spirit of welcome. Please contact Mary Chic at 262-497-1376 or email if you are in need of assistance or if you are interested in volunteering.
 



VERSITI BLOOD CENTER OF WI - WATERFORD community blood driveS

St. Thomas Parish sponsors a monthly community blood drive to help all those in need.  The blood drives are held in the Gathering Space of the church. To reserve your spot, please contact Pat at 262-210-6879 or Adrienne at 262-456-7342 or visit Versiti.org and enter our zip code 53185.

QUICK LINKS