A Century of Blessings
SAINT THOMAS blessings.
S – Stained Glass – The stained glass windows in our Church were commissioned in 1980 and installed during the 1981 renovation. The windows which were designed by Dieterich Spahn, a native of Germany, are in a non-representation form for their color and beauty rather than a religious theme. The glass is imported from Germany and resembles the stained glass used during the High Middle Ages that adorn Medieval Cathedrals like Chartres Cathedral in France. Unlike the traditional appearance of stained glass which tells a story in a narrative program, these windows do not tell stories or represent figures. They are conceived in such a way to flood the sanctuary with light and bright colors, making it more inspirational for worshippers.
A – Apex of Church – The carved stone inserts show traditional symbolism featuring three fish encircled (representing both our Saviour and the Holy Trinity), fleur de lis carving (representing both the human nature of our Saviour and the Holy Trinity), three interlocking circles (representing the doctrine of equality and the unity of the triune God). The Holy Trinity and Saint Joseph are signified by a carved trefoil with point. Other inserts included are the Mystic Rose, heraldic representation of a rose with is the traditional symbol of the Blessed Virgin. A bursting pomegranate which typifies the Resurrection, a dove (centuries-old symbol of the Holy Spirit) and a chalice to represent the Holy Eucharist.
I – Interior Renovations – In 1974 to celebrate the Parish’s 50th anniversary, the back wall of the Church was adorned with gold wallpaper and the black grate fence was removed (now placed by the Saint Joseph garden). At this time a forward facing altar was also installed to accommodate Vatican II initiatives for worship spaces.
Plans were made in 1979 and completed in 1981 – the biggest change was the removal of the high altar and placement of a permanent forward facing altar. In addition, the side altars were removed and the statues of Mary and Joseph were placed on one side, the Eucharist chapel on the other. The sanctuary was redesigned and the three confessionals in the main body of the Church were renovated. Stained glass windows and the addition of the pipe organ rounded out the changes.
In 1993 Father Jim had the crucifix moved back to the center of the sanctuary to remind us that Jesus should be the center of our prayer life and worship.
In 2004 the Church sanctuary was renovated to make room for a new fully immersive baptistry utilizing the original baptismal font and to return the full arched ceiling of the sanctuary to its 1954 line. Decorative tile flooring was installed around and under the altar. The main level choir area was reconfigured to open clear access to the Eucharistic Chapel. The choir loft was remodeled and the organ refurbished. New carpet and refurbishment of the pews and kneelers completed work in the Church.
N – Noah’s Ark – Noah’s Ark was the theme for the second crayon mosaic creation made by Saint Thomas school and religious education students. The mosaic measures 4 feet tall and 12 feet wide and is currently on display at Cathedral Square.
T – Thanksgiving Community Dinners – The first Thanksgiving dinner at Saint Thomas is held in 1992. This ministry continues to thrive and to serve the community and the parish with a bountiful feast of good food and conversation thanks to the dedicated chairpersons, cooks, servers, greeters, dishwashers and many others who make this gathering happen each year.
T – Mr. Ted Coon – Mr. Ted has been the Director of Maintenance for nearly 40 years of our 100 year history. Ted was hired by Father Cusack in February 1986 at the very young age of 21. The committee was looking for someone who would stay and grow with the Parish. With superhero characteristics, Mr. Ted oversees 83,000 sq ft of buildings, plus the immense grounds on campus. “Every day is different.” His favorite aspect of his long term job is when alumni come back to visit, and especially when alumni become part of the staff.
H – Hornets – Until 1984 all of the school principals had been Dominican Sisters, the longest serving being Sister Paschal Barth who served from 1967-1978. The first lay principal and male, John Jaska, came on board in 1984 and served until 1993. Our beloved David Faber served from 1983- 2010 and our beloved Suzi Furtwangler served from 2010-2020. Our current principal, Ryan Corcoran, served as assistant principal and began his tenure as principal in 2021.
O – Operations – Mr. Don and Mr. Drew have been the right hand helpers for Mr. Ted for nearly 15 years of our 100 year history. Don retired from the Grand Rapids Fire Department in 2013 and started working with Ted in 1993! Drew joined the crew in 2013. Don and Drew have assigned t-shirt colors for different days so you will often see them matching. Both men are such a blessing to the Parish!
M – Music Ministry – Music has always been an important part of the worship at Saint Thomas. Choirs were formed in the very early days of the parish. The sweet treble voices of the school children could be heard singing beautiful old Latin and English hymns at the 8:00 am. Mass and the mature male and female adult voices at the 11:00 High Mass added significantly to the solemnity of the service. Mrs. Oscar Varneau was the first organist, playing for Masses in the Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel. The first organist in the newly built church was Mrs. Sichterman. She was followed by Fred Chinninck as organist and Miss Agnes Douglas as choir director. They provided music at St. Thomas until 1940. In 1940, Miss Anna Schulte, long time organist and choir director at the parish, began her ministry. Miss Schulte served for 27 years from 1940 until her retirement in 1967. She was able to build the choirs during her tenure from a handful of members to large and extremely professional singing groups. Robert Olman became organist and choir director upon Anna Schulte’s retirement. After Vatican II, new songs and ideas were added to the changing liturgies and the entire congregation became involved in singing. The choirs role was to worship with rather than perform for the congregation. In May 1969, a Folk Mass with guitars was added at the 9:00 Sunday Mass. In 1979, the group became known as “The Little Lights”. They had added clairnets, flutes and percussion to the guitars and vocals and were a staple at the 9:30 Mass on Sundays. In 1983, Kathy and Greg Proulx began their guitar ministry at Saint Thomas, succeeding “The Little Lights.” Sarah (Meinke) Hamstra served as organist throughout the 1980’s while Richard Streng, Charles Buffham and Lorraine Hardebeck served as choir directors. The first CHildren’s Choir was started in 1986 and led by Charles Buffham and Kathy Proulx. The children’s choir known as The Little Disciples led by Kathy Proulx began to sing at a 9:30 am Children’s Mass in October 1987. Dianne Penning Koperski joined the staff in 1988 in the newly created position of Coordinator of Parish Music Ministries. Kathy Proulx joined the staff as the leader of Liturgical Ensemble and Sarah Hamstra continued to serve as organist. Terry Hicks succeeded Diane Koperski. In 1993, a young Eileen Bockheim was hired as Director of Music Ministry. Kathy Proulx became Assistant Director of Music Ministry. This dynamic duo has led our music ministry for over 30 years.
A – All In Week – Right before Catholic Schools Week, Saint Thomas students celebrate a special tradition called ALL IN Week — a joyful affirmation of our commitment to inclusive education. As a Catholic school, we believe every child is created in the image and likeness of God and is deserving of dignity, respect, and love.
ALL IN Week honors the beauty of our differences and the strength that comes from learning together. It celebrates the meaningful connections between neurotypical students and those with disabilities, reminding us that:
every student is a unique learner inclusion benefits all learners a diverse classroom builds compassion and community all are worthy of belonging.
This week reflects our daily mission of love, equity, and faith in action.
S – Saint Thomas Blessings – Our Parish has been blessed by so many people and Religious. We are excited to see what the next 100 years bring!
