Dear parishioners,
As I reflect on my first year and a few months as your pastor at Saint Thomas More, I feel a great deal of gratitude for this community. I mention during Masses that your presence is your greatest gift, and I truly believe that. We are blessed with a vibrant, growing community eager to know God and share the Good News.Our theme this October, “Embracing a Synodal Church,” is intended to invoke our spirit of accompaniment as a parish actively engaged in the Synod on Synodality happening this month in Rome. As Christians rooted in Jesuit Values, we join in excitement and optimism that our faith journeys will grow in the Synodal church guided by the Holy Spirit.At Saint Thomas More, we strive to meet our parishioners wherever they are on their faith journey. Throughout the past year, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for all that goes into “meeting people where they are” – time, energy and resources. A quick scroll through our parish website shows the myriad opportunities we offer to those seeking to enter into and deeper their relationship with Christ.Our formation opportunities – from various retreat offerings to guest speakers and beyond – cater to our youngsters, those perhaps advanced in years, and everyone in between. Our ministries continue to expand as we aim to be a parish living “for and with others.” And when it comes to our liturgies, I’m biased but I believe ours are among the most beautiful around.As I look at the year ahead, our budget must increase by about 5% – to a total of $1.25 million – as we respond to the very real impacts of inflation. Beyond that, we want to ensure we can pay our staff a livable wage and to continue making investments in all that we offer to our community.So this month – Stewardship October – we are asking all of our parishioners to prayerfully consider increasing their commitment to Saint Thomas More to help us continue our mission. As you reflect on God’s many blessings, I simply invite you to respond however you feel called, and to know of our deep appreciation for your commitment to Saint Thomas More.Gratefully yours in Christ,Fr. R.J. Fichtinger, S.J.Pastor
Online Giving - Set up an account with Our Sunday Visitor at www.osvhub.com/morecommunity and create a recurring offering gift.Stewardship Envelopes - Sign up for weekly or monthly offering envelopes. Place them in the collection at Mass or drop them off/mail them to the parish office.
Planned Giving - Include the parish in your estate planning. Please contact us to arrange.
Get Involved - We need volunteers to be active in the life of the parish. Use your gifts to serve your community.