10:30 Choir rehearses in the Music Room on Wednesday evenings and sings at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. All that is required is a love for music and a desire to experience new friendships, challenges and spiritual growth. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is the minitry that ensures that a guardian is present whenever the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration in the Chapel. Contact: Sue Harrop - 770-667-8513 Adult Education needs volunteers to serve as teachers, discussion leaders, and to assist with mailings. Contact: Terry Zobel - 770-475-4508 The Altar Guild meets every Friday morning in the church for the purpose of preparing the church, chapel, vestments and altar appointments for Mass. Contact: Ruth Hall - 770-993-2153 The Altar Servers are young men and women, 5th grade and older, who have received Holy Communion, and who desire to serve God and God's people. Altar Servers lead processions, bear the cross, assist with the book and serve at the altar. Contact: Ann Thomas - 770-772-6719 Annulment Case Sponsors are parishioners who have experienced the Church annulment process who volunteer to help lead others through the process. Annulment case sponsors are trained by the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and provide compassionate and informed guidance for those who seek their rights under Church marriage law. Contact: Kathy Cicio - 404-867-5288 Baptism Preparation (infants and young children) is a ministry that welcomes parents of children to be baptized and prepares them to celebrate this foundational sacrament. The team holds a baptismal class once a month for both parents and godparents. The team also assists with hospitality at baptisms on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month except during Lent. Contact: James and Julie Price - 770-886-7831 The Bereavement Ministry offers a nine-week program at least twice a year for anyone who is dealing with a significant loss brought on by the death of a loved one. Using discussion, prayer, education and journaling, in a group environment, the program helps survivors plan for the future. Contact: Marsha Kooken - 770-664-2254 Blue Star Support Group is a ministry that provides support to military personnel and their families. We collect, assemble and send packages and cards to our troops that are deployed overseas. Throughout the year, we coordinate fundraising projects and other activities to pay for the supplies contained in the packages and the postage necessary to send them. Contact: Dan Lelak - 770-751-0618 or Suzanne Huseman - 770-641-3018 The Boy Scouts serves boys in the 5th grade up to age 18. St. Thomas supports Boy Scout Troop 841. Any boy interested is welcome to attend any meeting. Contact: Karl Heideck - 770-777-2303 Cantors lead the assembly in the sung responses and other music at mass, weddings, funerals and all liturgical celebrations. Contact: Kathy Kuczka - 770-475-4501 The Children's Choir is composed of young people in grades two through five that sing at a weekend liturgy once a month. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. Contact: Brenda Meyer - 770-475-4501, ext.119 Coffee & Donuts are served by volunteers of this ministry in the gathering area after the 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Masses throughout the year. Contact: Bryan Blackmon - 678-445-5909 The Contemporary Ensemble is a group that includes guitars, pianos, flutes, other instruments and voices that contribute to the uplifting, contemporary musical prayer at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Contact: Brenda Meyer - 770-475-4501 Cub Scouts - Pack 841 serves boys in the 1st through 5th grades. St. Thomas supports Cub Scout Pack 841. Contact: Neil Derryberry - 678-283-3451 Cursillo offers a weekend retreat focused on an experience of Christian community; a community that is a vision and experience of human love, charity and genuine friendship centered on the Eucharist. The spirit of the weekend is intended to be relived on an ongoing basis in community groups called group reunions and ULTREYA. Contact: Brad Markby - 770-740-9909 Deaf Ministry uses American Sign Language (ASL) to interpret the Noon Sunday Masses for the deaf. Listening aid devices are available for use at all Masses. Contact: Lynda Von Kanel - wohalee@aol.com The Drama Ministry selects, produces, auditions, casts, and performs theatrical productions for the enjoyment of the parish and community. Their production credits include drama, comedies, musicals and musical reviews. Opportunities include directors, on-stage actors and actresses, lighting and sound technicians, set construction, stage hands, costuming and props. Contact: Anne Renkes - 770-475-4508 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are nominated by the Pastor and commissioned by the Archbishop upon completion of a training workshop. They bring the Body and Blood of our Lord to the parish community at the celebration of Mass and to the hospitalized and homebound. Contact: Rick Braschel - 770-442-9360 Fellowship For Moms focuses on the challenges of motherhood and marriage, the desire for friendship, and the provision of spiritual growth through Christian fellowship. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month (Babysitting is provided for a small donation; however, babies are welcome at our meetings) and we sponsor charity drives and social activities through the year. Our website is http://www.fellowshipformoms.net. Contact: Sara FitzGerald - 770-345-5468 Friends of Martha are volunteers who prepare food and host a reception after the funeral of a parishioner's family member. Click here to visit the Friends of Martha website. Contact: Mariann Williams - 770-346-0758 Funeral Assistants assist with the hospitality and arrangements before and after funerals. They also assist, as needed, by serving at the altar during a funeral. Contact: Maureen Rutherford - 770-998-5033 The Gospel of Life Committee educates and informs the parish on the broad spectrum of human life issues about which the Church teaches. Contact: Deacon John Strachan - 770-998-1384 Habitat For Humanity - North Fulton is a community-based program that helps needy families have a simple, decent place to live. Since 1993 we have been an active partner by helping twelve families to build and buy their new homes. Every year we work alongside volunteers from many of the neighboring churches in an ecumenical effort to help neighbors who are in need. Contact: Michael Baker - 770-740-8950 Haiti Sister Parish Committee organizes prayer support, cultural exchange, communications, and material assistance for our sister parish of St. Martin in Delatte, Haiti. Contact: Karine McMaster - 770-360-8959 The Handbell Choir members enhance the music at weekend liturgies once a month and for special events. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. All who love music and have a sense of rhythm are welcome. Contact: - Kathy Kuczka - 770-475-4501 Hands of Christ is a ministry that seeks to share their faith, time and talent with others in the community through helping those unable to help themselves with home maintenance, home repairs, yard work and general clean up. Contact: Kevin Carroll - 404-247-4508 Health Ministry focuses on wellness in body, mind, and sprit. It is a source for health programs, medical screens services, education, referrals, and confidential counseling for individuals and families. Contact: Rita Vogel - 770-751-0592 High School Ministry needs volunteers to serve on the LIFE TEEN Core Team to assist with preparation and serving of food for Life Nights. Click here for more information about the Life Teen ministry. Contact: Allen Austin - 770-475-4508 Hospitality Minsters / Ushers are men, women and young adults with a willingness to greet and warmly welcome worshippers as they enter our Sunday worship, to assist with collections, distribute parish bulletins, and take care of the church environment. Contact: Maureen Rutherford - 770-998-5033 Job Networking Ministry assists anyone in our parish community who is looking for a new job by offering a place to meet and discuss what jobs are available and what skills are needed in the marketplace. Parishioners with open positions in their companies are encouraged to participate in the networking process. Click here to visit the Job Networking website. Contact: Bob Voltz - 770-475-1653 The Knights of Columbus is a groups of Catholic men dedicated to the ideals of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Membership is open to Catholic men 18 years and older. Our council meets on the first and third Monday of each month. Click here to visit the Knights of Columbus website. Contact: Mark Iannacone - 770-360-5483 Lectors are high school teens as well as adult men and women who want to develop public speaking skills, a greater appreciation and understanding of their Christian faith, and who desire to share these with their fellow parishioners. We provide extensive training opportunities that enhance our lectors' efforts to support the liturgy of the Word of God as it is proclaimed in our worship. No previous experience is necessary. Click here to see the Lector Roster. Contact: Gene Hayes - 770-360-9405 or gene@lectorsproclaim.org The Legion of Mary is a worldwide organization of Catholics, men and women, who offer their services to their pastor to aid him in performing spiritual works in the parish. With the help of Mary they develop greater holiness in their lives through apostolic works, such as visiting nursing homes, hospitals and people in bereavement. Contact: Reba Cole - 770-643-7935 The Life Teen Band is a group that includes guitars, drums, keyboards, other instruments and voices that leads the contemporary musical prayer at the 5:30 p.m. Sunday Mass. Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Contact: Peter Psyhogios - 770-643-7935 Liturgical Decorating is a ministry that creates and maintains the visual expression for weekly and special liturgical celebrations. Parishioners with carpentry skills, artistic and design talents, and creative ideas are always welcomed and eagerly embraced. No long term commitment is required. An interest and willingness to help are the key factors to participate. Contact: Marla Brown - 404-660-0970 Marriage Encounter is a weekend enrichment experience for couples with good marriages. Sessions are held several times a year at local hotels. Contact: Frank and Joyce Geiss - 770-442-3528 Men's Christian Book Club meets each week on Thursday at 7:00 a.m. to discuss a contemporary book and its potential application to everyday life. All materials (books and study guides) must be purchased by participants. Contact: Jerry LaHatte - 770-360-9371 Middle School Ministry needs volunteers to help with retreats and monthly social and service activities for our young teens. Contact: Anne Renkes - 770-475-4508 Newly Married Couples is a new ministry. The focus of the group is to make new friends within the faith family while receiving support from the members. It will be a monthly social group with discussion topics that relate to newly married couples. Annual service projects will provide an opportunity to serve the community and grow closer together as a group. Contact: Diane & TJ Butler - 404-488-6266 Night Shelter is a group of volunteers who serve at the Shelter in Central Atlanta. Several nights each month they set up tables and cots, make coffee, greet guests, prepare and serve meals, and stay overnight with the guests at the shelter. Contact: Tap Power - 770-772-4017 North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) is a community-based coalition of North Fulton Churches that help support less fortunate families in the area with their basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, household goods and furniture. Volunteers able to work two or more hours a month are always needed. Contact: Barbara Duffy - 770-889-0272 Parish Library needs volunteers to keep the books sorted, filed and organized. Contact: Jane McBride - 770-889-0727 Parish Picnic volunteers organize this annual expression of community spirit. Young and old alike assist in the various aspects of the day including food, tickets, rides, games and entertainment. Contact: Rick Braschel - 770-442-9360 Pre-School needs volunteers to share their hobbies, interests, or careers with the children. Magicians, singers, artists, and community service works are fascinating to pre-school children. Teachers are always present to care for the children. Volunteers are also needed to translate pre-school documents into Spanish. Contact: Pre-School Office - 770-664-2214 The Prison Ministry responds to Christ’s promise that when we visit the imprisoned, we visit the Lord himself. Opportunities include visits, catechesis, retreats, pen pals, and the One Church, One Inmate program. Click here for more information about this ministry. Contact: Paul Caruso - 678-494-4076 Rainbows is a support group for children who have experienced a significant loss or change in their lives such as death, divorce, or remarriage. The program is about sharing the normal painful feelings associated with a traumatic event in children's lives. Children meet in age-appropriate groups (kindergarten through 8th grade) for twelve weeks with trained facilitators who guide them through a journey of the healing process with stories, activities, journals and games. Confidentiality of participants is respected. Click here to download the Winter 2009 informational flyer. Contact: Jim Texter - 404-619-5704 Religious Education needs volunteers to serve as teachers and teacher's aieds in Pre-K trhough 8th grade. Volunteers also serve as chaperons, office helpers, and leaders and assistants at various activities like Vacation Bible School. Contact: Religious Education Office - 770-475-4508 Retrouvaille is a Catholic-based ministry for marriages of all faiths that are having problems. Couples attend a weekend retreat where the primary focus is on communication between husband and wife. Couples attend post-weekend sessions to continue renewal of their relationship. Also monthly support groups reinforce the concepts learned and encourage couples to become active in the ministry. Contact: Lori & Joe McMurry - 770-495-8592 Ride Ministry matches people in the parish that need a ride occasionally to get groceries or to doctor's appointments with parish volunteers. Contact: Mike Moore - 770-851-8971 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) needs sponsors to accompany people in the process of becoming Catholic as a friend and companion on the journey. Catholics who find joy in their own faith are encouraged to participate. Contact: Terry Zobel - 770-475-4608 Sacristans prepare for the celebration of Mass by setting out items that will be needed and by assisting in providing an orderly, prayerful and safe environment. Contact: Stan Kalisch - 770-992-3240 St. Thomas Seniors is a group of people, 55 and older, that seek to grow spiritually and socially by serving together with a loving concern for each other. Members maintain the parish prayer list, offer twice-weekly exercise sessions, lead a weekly Small Faith Community and direct various service projects. Contact: Mary and Henry Fetter - 770-772-7440 Saint Vincent de Paul Society volunteers provide assistance to the needy in the North Fulton area (parisioniers and non-parishioners alike) in the form of financial assistance, food and support fellowship. Volunteers serve as: caseworkers, food pantry helpers, Christmas Giving Tree assitants, and Thanksgiving and Easter food box distributors. Contact: Mary Anne Higgins - 770-475-4501 Scripture Study uses a study program to learn more about the Bible. This program includes daily readings and reflection and a weekly meeting for group discussion, prayer and a video on the week's assignment. Contact: Katy Burge - 678-910-8273 Serra Club is an international group that aims to foster and affirm ordained and consecrated leadership in the Catholic community. They promote vocations to the priesthood, sisterhood, brotherhood and permanent diaconate through monthly discussions about vocations, daily prayer for vocations, distribution of prayer cards and Eucharistic Adoration. Contact: Tricha Diaz - 770-883-7089 Sponsor Couples for the Engaged are couples who have been married for at least 5 years and have experienced a renewed understanding of the sacramentality of their marriage. They share their experiences with engaged couples through a program of communication and faith-building. Meetings are usually in your own home at a mutually convenient time so couples with small children can easily participate. A training program is provided by the Archdiocese. Contact: Melissa and Bill Dyches - 770-777-0087 Stephen Ministry is confidential, non-professional, one-on-one care-giving ministry to persons experiencing loss, illness, crisis, transition, stress, or other normal difficulties of life. Stephen Ministers serve as sounding boards for, encourage and pray for their care-receivers. Contact: John Dearie - 770-587-1563 Sunday Nursery operates on Sunday during the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses, and is open to children between 6 and 48 months. Contact: Brian Meyer - 404-642-0323 The Wedding Coordinators offer assistance to every couple preparing for a wedding here. They meet with couples to help plan the ceremony, direct the wedding rehearsal and assist on the day of the wedding. Contact: Kathy Richardson - 770-329-1780 Welcome Ministry volunteers offer a friendly welcome to new members of the parish family. Their efforts include: staffing the Welcome Table, making personal phone calls and hosting New Member Receptions throughout the year. Contact: Sheila Nadeau - 770-993-8649 Youth Basketball runs November through February with teams for boys (ages 7-9, 10-12, 13-15) and girls (ages 7-9 and 10-12). Practices are Friday nights and games are on Saturdays at Crabapple First Baptist Church. Contact: Ana Molinari - 678-762-0241