New to St. Thomas Parish?

Being a member means celebrating and making a commitment to Jesus Christ.  If you are new to Crystal Lake, or if you have not yet become a member of Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, we encourage you to consider joining our community in worship and ministry.

Register before or after mass at the Oak Street church office any Sunday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.  You may also register at our regular business office, the Pastoral Center, located at 272 King Street in Crystal Lake Monday-Thursday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Fridays 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Coffee and Donuts Sundays

Held the first, second, fourth and fifth Sundays following the 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 am  Masses.  The Knights of Columbus host the first and fifth and parish volunteers are the guest hosts on the second and fourth.  All are invited!

Baptism

Celebrated every Sunday at 1:00 pm.  class, which is held once a month, is required.  Parishioners are asked to call the Parish Secretary at the Pastoral Center at 815.455.5400 ext. 400 to schedule both the class and Baptism dates.  Please note that Baptisms are not held during Lent.

Confirmation

Confirmation is celebrated in our parish by the Bishop of the Diocese.  There is a two-year preparation for youth 8th grade or older.  Contact the Youth Ministry office at 815.455.9037.

Marriage

Couples planning to marry are encourage to make arrangements at least six months prior to the wedding date.  Contact Parish Secretary at 815.455.5400 ext. 400.

Eucharistic Adoration

Adoration following 6:30 am Tuesday Mass with benediction at 5:00 pm, and following 4:30 Saturday Mass until 7:30 Sunday morning.

Family Mass

Side mass for families is offered during the school year in the St. Mark portion of the Community Center, Oak Street Church, at 10:30 am. Volunteers assist in planning, as gift-bears, lectors and ushers.

Rite of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A)

If you are interested in Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults or learning more about the Catholic Faith tradition or if you are an adult interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact the Pastoral Center at 815.455.5400 ext. 402. 

Saint Thomas the Apostle School

Saint Thomas the Apostle School is a Catholic Kindergarten through 8th grade elementary school serving both the parish communities of Saint Thomas the Apostle and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.  Every student in our Catholic school receives a strong foundation in all core subjects; Religion, Reading, English, Math, Science and Social Studies, along with regular classes in Spanish, computer Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education.  Call 815.459.0496 for more information.

Religious Education - Grades Pre-3 through 6th Grade

Weekly classes are held for pre-schoolers through 6th grade on Tuesday & Wednesday from Mid-fall through April.  Preparation for 1st Communion and 1st Reconciliation is also given under the direction of this department. Call RE's direct line at 815.455.9787

Youth Ministry - 7th grade to 12th grade

Weekly classes are held for Junior High on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. In addition to classes we offer many other opportunities for fun and service.  All youth are welcome! Call YM's direct line at 815.455.9037.

Hispanic Ministry

Sunday Masses for the Hispanic are at 9:30 and 11:15 am, Thursday evening at 7:30 pm and Saturday evening at 7:15 pm in Old St. Thomas Pierson Street Church located next to Pastoral Center.  For more information on our Hispanic Ministry please call 815.356.0860.

Marian Prayer Group

The rosary is prayed every morning in our Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 7:00 am after Mass and at 6:55 am Saturdays at Oak Street Church.  Monday thru Friday at 8:00 am at St. Thomas Pierson Street Church.

Traveling Fatima Statue

Sign up for a two-week visit to your home and pray the rosary with her daily.  Call 815.455.5400.

Parish Library

At the Oak St. Church, carries books, videos, audiocassettes and music CD's for parishioners of all ages. Opened before and after  Sunday morning masses.

Serving Hearts of St. Thomas

Parish family members willing to donate a couple of hours when the need arises. If you are able to help at our many parish events and receptions, helping to set up, serve or clean up, your name will be put on a master list.  When an event in the Parish (e.g. Parish picnic, Oktoberfest), needs a few extra helping hands, we will give you a call to see if you can help for a few hours!