ADULT FAITH FORMATION
St. Thomas the Apostle provides meaningful opportunities to guide adult parishioners in their faith journey, including Bible study, prayer, spiritual and personal growth, the lives of the saints; and formats, including men's and women's groups, group studies, missions, book clubs, small groups, and on-line programs through Formed.org, among others.
Fall Events Announced
Here are three AFF events that you should consider this Fall:
Sept. 11: AFF Small Groups Kick-off, featuring at short talk by Fr. Adam Royal on the Eucharist, information on joining a small group, and a kick-off for the Fall study program "Jesus and the Eucharist". Snacks and refreshments will be served. Sign up here.
Sept. 23-24: Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit. This exhibit, with over 150 examples of Eucharistic Miracles through time and from around the world, comes to St. Thomas. More information coming soon!
Oct. 27-28: Called and Gifted Workshop. This workshop, limited to 50 participants, will guide us in discerning our charisms. Based on the book Fruitful Discipleship by Sherry Weddell. More information coming soon!
Share Our Faith Book Exchange
Want to read authors like Matthew Kelly, Bishop Robert Barron, Scott Hahn, and many others? The Sharing Our Faith Book Exchange is the place you will want to check out. It's located in the lobby of the Parish Family Life Center near the large stained glass art piece. On the top shelf are extra copies of the "Holy Moments" book, which you can give to your family and friends to spread the word. All the other books are free for you to take and keep, pass on, or return after you're done with them. Later we expect to accept books that you might want to donate, but for now please do not add to the books on the shelves. Any questions, contact Warren Hunt
Faith Formation Resources List
Courtesy of our own Deacon Rafael Pubillones, we are providing three very helpful listings of Catholic resources.
Volunteers Needed!
You’ve probably benefitted from the many Adult Faith Formation programs…whether it’s Community Connections, or our recent Beyond Sunday parish mission, or a small group program, or maybe just the online materials sent through our regular Flocknotes.
That’s been made possible by volunteers…and now it is your turn to consider helping!
We have many ways to be a part of bringing Christ to others through our parish Adult Faith Formation (AFF) activities. All are very manageable time-wise with training provided and we can work with your schedule.
Some areas where we need your help:
- Monitor the Book Exchange: In the PFLC lobby, maintain the bookshelf contents
- Review new programs: watch new video-based programs and write a one-page review
- Help with special events: various jobs such as registration, greeting, and promotion
- Post AFF events on the parish website: monthly updates for new AFF programs
There are also leadership roles on the Adult Faith Formation Committee if that is your strength and the area where you would like to contribute.
You can play a part in keeping our Adult Faith Formation programs vibrant and widely available to the parish. Please prayerfully consider how you might help!
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Warren Hunt at [email protected] or (724) 759-0211.
Adult Faith Formation Ministries
Tuesday Men's Group
The Tuesday Men's Group provides a setting when men can deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. Areas covered are consistent with Adult Faith Formation (AFF) and include Bible study, Church history, the saints, prayer, the sacraments, and personal spiritual growth.
Ministry Contact: Stu McFadden/(865) 458-3911
Book Club
Parishioners meet monthly to discuss a book that has been selected for the month's discussion. Titles are centered around various aspects of the Catholic faith designed to help participants come to a better and deeper understanding of their Catholic faith.
Ministry Contact: Donna Maloney/(865) 317-0368
Small Faith Communities
These groups help parishioners continue their faith journey through discussions. The materials used are consistent with Adult Faith Formation. Typically meetings take place in a parishioner's home.
Ministry Contact: Jack McElligott/(630) 780-8419
FORMED
FORMED is a revolutionary digital platform that offers a wealth of informative and entertaining Catholic audio talks, ebooks, feature films, documentaries, and video-based study programs from trusted providers including Augustine Institute, Catholic Answers, Sophia Press, Knights of Columbus, Ignatius Press, St. Paul Center, and more.
Click here to access FORMED.
Lead Contact:
Warren Hunt AFF Chair (interim)
(724) 759-0211
[email protected]