Update on Choir Loft, Towers, and Organ Repair 9.26.2024

Dear Parish Family,

We hope you are all doing well, and we wanted to update you on the amazing progress we are making in the choir loft.

Sumbmerac LLC has been moving along quickly, pulling down old and damaged plaster, repairing and sealing up the exterior walls within the choir loft. They are right on schedule, and will be moving towards the Rose window with the scaffolding shortly. We have found a few new smaller areas that were hidden behind the pipes that were removed that will need repair and sealing, and we will be getting pricing for those areas moving forward. 

Konzelman and Allen Organ are currently working together pulling apart the problem areas while the repairs are being made. 

God Bless,

Damian Addis

Facility Manager

St. Thomas the Apostle Church

Concert Recital Saturday, November 2nd at 7:15pm

Upcoming Estate Planning Event

Program co-sponsored by parish Holy Name Society and Wellness Ministry.

Estate Planning: How to create your go-to box of necessities

… A gift as well as a work of mercy to your successors no matter what your age. It deals with how to remove some burden for them as well as anxiety and stress and to make room for joy at an otherwise difficult time.  

When and where:  After the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, October 19 (approximately 6 p.m.) in the parish center. (See the bulletin for more details.)  We are asking for you to preregister so we can plan the free sandwiches and beverages.  You can do this by sending an email or by making a phone call to John Nellegar at jnellegar2004@yahoo.com or (973) 338-1970. 

The 7 Key Themes of Catholic Social Teaching: 6 - Solidarity

From the Social Concerns Ministry.

Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching: US Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Theme 6: “SOLIDARITY”

We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be.  Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.” The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.

For more information about this Theme, please see the Social Concerns Ministry page (stachurchbloomfield.org/social-concerns-ministry)    

Mental Health Ministry

The Mental Health Ministry for Adults is a new ministry at STA church created to meet the needs of people who struggle with Mental Health issues for themselves and/or their loved ones.

Our goal is to provide a warm, friendly and stigma-free environment where all are welcomed and accepted. We do not provide medical advice, medication management, or diagnosis.

We need a few people step up to lead this ministry. If you are called to this very special ministry service, please contact the parish center at (973) 338-9190 to pre-register. Hope to see you there!

The 7 Key Themes of Catholic Social Teaching: 5 - Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

From the Social Concerns Ministry.

Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teachings: 5 - Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.

More on this Theme, including a witness statement, can be found on the Social Concerns Ministry page. Thanks for your prayerful consideration of these teachings of our Church.

The 7 Key Themes of Catholic Social Teaching: 4 - Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

From the Social Concerns Ministry.

Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teachings: 4- Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

The Catholic Church proclaims the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, the fourth of which is Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. This theme states that we need to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. Christ says “As you did to one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt.25:40). The United States Conference of Catholic Bishop states (in Economic Justice for All, no.86) “The obligation to provide justice for all means that the poor have the single most urgent economic claim on the conscience of the nation.”

The Social Concern Ministry has handouts at the Church exits on this theme; please take one home and read it with your family. More on this Theme, including a witness statement, can be found on the Parish website (stachurchbloomfield.org) and the Social Concerns Ministry site (stachurchbloomfield.org/social-concerns-ministry). Thanks for your prayerful consideration of these teachings of our Church.