| Year of Faith |
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Our holy father Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated Oct. 11, 2012 to Nov. 24, 2013 , as the “Year of Faith,” which he speaks of in a special letter called “The Door of Faith.” In it, he notes that “The door of faith is always open for us,” that is that our God is always there, loving us, and waiting for our response of faith in Him. We can pass through that door every day, deepening our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Father says we can build up our faith by studying our faith—the more we learn about and understand our faith, the more we can share it with others.
But he says study will not be enough, because faith is about a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ. He says “the act of faith is our RESPONSE to God’s work in our life. It’s the decisions we make based on the love and mercy we have personally experienced from our loving God. As he puts it, “faith is choosing to stand with the Lord so as to live with Him.”
What’s more, as we walk through the door of faith, “we will grow in our living recognition of the Lord Jesus, present in out lives.” What a joy is our faith! What a difference it makes in our life. May we clearly and consciously walk through that door of faith, not just in this special year, but always!
To learn more about the Year of Faith, and to read Pope Benedict's Apolistic Letter "Porta Fidei," visit the official Year of Faith website at http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en.html
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- Announcements
- Upcoming Events
- New To St. Thomas?
- Religious Education
- Catholics Come Home
Announcements
Sign up for an Adoration Hour update: Thank you to all who signed up to adore in our Perpetual Adoration Chapel to be finished in the Fall of 2013. Pleae contact JoEllen Gregus at 815-455-5400, xt. 404 for information and to sign up.
Upcoming Events
Come and join us on Friday, June 21, at 7:00 pm. for the Evening of Prayer and Praise with Paula Sentovich, at the Oak St. Church. Paula is the author of the Light of the World Retreat Theme Song. Beginning June 10, Parish Center Office Summer Hours during the week will be 9 am to 5 pm; Sat. 9 am to 1 pm.
New To St Thomas?
Whether you're new in town, or just new to Saint Thomas Church, there are many ways to get involved in our growing community. From daily and weekend masses to education, ministries and outreach programs, there's something for everyone. See more here.Religious Education
The Saint Thomas Religious Education Department offers religion classes for students Pre-3 - 6th grade. Catechists lead the children in discussion, reflection and prayer, guiding children in discovery activities. See more here. For Jr. High, Confirmation and High School, see Youth Ministry.
Catholics Come Home
With "Catholics Come Home", we want to share with you the beautiful, historical and miraculous aspects of the Catholic Church. Come explore Catholicism. If you wish to talk to someone at the Parish Center, please feel free to call 815-455-5400. For more information, please visit the Catholics Come Home Website.