Saturday, October 18
5:00 pm – Mass with Bishop Walkowiak and invited clergy
6:15 pm – Parish photo is the Church
6:30 pm – Family dinner
7:00 pm – Activities for the whole family
As we conclude our centennial celebration, we invite our parish family and friends to join us in celebrating the first Mass held at Saint Thomas which took place on Sunday, October 18, 1925. We are excited to honor the legacy of those founding families who, along with Bishop Kelly, sought to bring the Catholic Faith to the East side of Grand Rapids by establishing a church and school which serves currently as our K – 8th school building.
Please RSVP for the Mass and/or dinner so that we have enough food for everyone. Feel free to come for as much or as little as you are able. Seating is limited in the Church for Mass (approximately 450 people) however, we welcome everyone to join in the commemorative Parish photo in the Church after Mass, and the dinner and festivities after the photo. This is a family-friendly event. Contact Pam Strobel at pamstrobel@stthomasgr.org or at (616) 459-4662 ext. 1203 with any questions.
We need you help in a variety of ways! Please sign up to volunteer to set up on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, clean up after the event, or for a 30 minute shift throughout the evening activities.
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Saint Thomas the Apostle Church and School, you are invited to share a short reflection about what Saint Thomas means to you or a specific memory about Saint Thomas. Examples may include a sacrament you received, a ministry you have been part of, a priest or staff member who has made an impact on your life, your experience as a student at Saint Thomas School, or memories of the Church itself and the surrounding campus. It is our hope that when the Parish is planning the 150th or 200th anniversary celebration those members will be able to read YOUR words and will better understand what life at Saint Thomas was like for our current generation of parishioners. Please share your memories through the link listed below by October 13.