We, as a Parish, are Grateful for our Wonderful Staff and Volunteers

We find ourselves within the Octave of Easter. Spring has arrived even with a little hint of snow. Memories of the Easter Vigil are foremost in the thoughts of our Elect. Another Lenten Season has come and gone. With the help of God’s grace I hope we have all turned away from the sin in our lives and have become at least a little more faithful to the Gospel. In these past few months we have all been to many liturgies. I hope many of them have lifted you up spiritually. I know they have me.

Sometimes I think we overlook all the hours of preparation that goes into all of our worship here at Saint Thomas More.

When we arrive, we find the sanctuary all neat and clean thanks to Chris Conrady and her wonderful team of volunteers who clean and vacuum the church every Saturday morning. I would like to say a special word of thanks, to Jodi Bridges. Jodie, after many decades, has stepped down from leading this group. These dedicated people prepare our worship space for us to gather each weekend to celebrate the Sacred Mysteries of our Faith.

There are always candles to light, the altar is neat, altar clothes are fresh and clean and the sacristy is in good order. Flowers are kept fresh and watered, due to the tireless efforts of Alice Kortyka.

And of course the wonderful flower and liturgical decorations to aid in our prayer are designed and put up by many wonderful people on our "Arts and Environment Team." Karen Klysz and her group called "Our Lord’s Linen Ladies" weekly washes and irons all the purificators, towels, altar cloths and server albs we use at Mass.

We certainly cannot forget our Ushers and Greeters who welcome us to all our Liturgies.

Also, our parish choirs, under the direction of Doug Stegeman. They worked countless hours preparing for all the Liturgies of Lent and Holy Week. There are more wonderful things coming throughout the Easter Season. Thank you one and all.

Finally, thanks to our parish altar servers and their parents who get them here and remind them of their assignments. We as a parish are grateful for all the help you give us not just at special times like Christmas and Easter. We need you every weekend, every Holy Day, for funerals, weddings, Stations of the Cross and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Perhaps when you see these people, especially those I didn’t mention by name, thank them. For us they are the ones Jesus sends ahead to prepare the Passover Feast for us.

Happy Easter to all! Jesus Christ is Risen!