Prayer Shawl Ministry: New Members Needed

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An important message from the Prayer Shawl ministry.

Our active membership of those who crochet or knit has decreased over the last few years, though the needs remain great. We are asking for anyone that crochets or knits to please consider sharing your talent with our ministry. You do not have to attend meetings to be a member.

Since January, we have made and distributed 41 blankets for our baptized babies, along with numerous shawls, lap robes, and prayer squares. It is increasingly difficult to create all the items our parish relies on.

We would also appreciate donations to purchase yarn. Please mark envelopes for the Prayer shawl. We will also take your unwanted yarn which you can drop off at the parish center during open hours. Thank you for your consideration to help keep our ministry thriving!

Contact: Betsy Sabato, Prayer Shawl Leader betsy.sabato(@gmail com or call: (973) 632-9400

Rosary Society Thanksgiving Collection

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The Rosary Society is collecting donations of Shop- Rite and Stop & Shop gift cards for families in need of a little help this Thanksgiving.

There are two ways to donate:

1. You can purchase the gift cards and drop them in the collection basket at mass or in the drop box at the top of the Parish Center steps.

2. We can do the shopping for you! Please make checks payable to STA School and place them in the collection basket at mass or in the drop box at the top of the Parish Center steps. Please make your donation in an envelope marked: Rosary Society Thanksgiving Donations

All donations (Gift Cards or Checks) are requested no later than Monday, November 9th. If you haye questions, please contact Rosalie at rmescall84(@ msn.com. All donations are greatly appreciated!

Holy Name Society Man of the Year Induction Sunday, 11/8

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The Holy Name Society has chosen Stephen Carrione to be their 2025 Man of the Year.  Stephen was selected for this honor in recognition of his many services to our parish, including his work on the following prominent legacy programs:

·         Tax Preparation for our Senior and Disabled Parishioners

Without Steve’s generous donation of time and talent this legacy Holy Name Society program would have disappeared

·         Estate Planning Program

·         Cornerstone Revival Program

The following arrangements have been made to recognize Stephen and to also recognize former awardees Thomas Rossano and Daniel Bitecola.  Thomas and Daniel were chosen as honorees during the COVID pandemic but were never formally recognized due to social restrictions.

·         Induction Mass on Sunday November 8th at 10:00 AM

·         Award Ceremony in the Parish Center’s St. Peter Room.

Stephen, Thomas and Daniel will be acknowledged for their service to our parish and presented their awards.

Hospitality of coffee, soft drinks and food will be provided.

Please come join us in congratulating Stephen, Thomas and Daniel - and to thank them for their service to our parish.

Pope Leo’s Encyclical on Artificial Intelligence

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A message from the Social Concerns Ministry.

Interested in learning about Pope Leo's Encyclical on AI- ”Magnificent Humanity"? This encyclical is about safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence.  Join us here at St. Thomas the Apostle for a reading & discussion series on this timely document. Our goal is to understand the issues and concerns expressed by Pope Leo as we come to grips with AI's increasing presence in our lives. Sponsored by the Social Concerns Ministry and the Holy Name Society, we will meet for 6 consecutive Tuesday evenings in the parish center, from 7 to 9:00 pm starting October 13th and ending November 17th.

In his Foreword to the Word on Fire publication of this encyclical, Bishop Robert Barrron states: “…please read this letter and do so with care and in a meditative frame of mind. Consciously step away from the online world of shouted opinions, arrogant self-assertion, and verbal violence. And take in the work of this wise man, an expert in humanity.”

We will cover the entire encyclical, and the concluding statements – one chapter per week

1.       Introduction

2.       A dynamic approach faithful to the Gospel

3.       Foundations and Principles of the Church’s Social Teaching

4.       Technology and Domination. The dignity of the human person in the face of the promises of AI

5.       Safeguarding the human dimension in the digital transformation: truth, work, freedom

6.       The culture of peace and the civilization of love, plus Conclusion: a spirituality for our time

Registration is free but requested: call the Parish Center (973-338-9190) or register online: https://tinyurl.com/274nrdtb. Please indicate if you need a copy of the Encyclical; copies will be available for $2 each at the 1st Session. 

The Dicastery for promoting Integral Human Development states in its synopsis of the Encyclical “Safeguarding the human in the time of Artificial Intelligence is, therefore, a common and shared responsibility. The initial image returns of the opposition between the Tower of Babel and the Holy City: which do we want to contribute to building?” For the full statement and synopsis of the encyclical by this Dicastery, follow this link.

Young Adult Ministry - Upcoming Activities

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Ministry Year Kick-off - Friday, September 11, 7:30 PM, at the Parish Center

We're kicking off the official ministry year with a social/game night at the parish center! Our spiritual director, Deacon Carl, will also give a talk and pray with us for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Come by and meet new friends, bring your favorite board/card games. Light food and snacks will be provided. 

Bible Study w/ Pickleball - Friday, September 18, 5:30 PM, at Demuro Park in Nutley

We're having another Bible Study at Demuro Park in Nutley, followed by Fellowship and Pickleball! The address to Demuro Park is Margaret Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110. We'll meet either in the parking lot or at one of the metal benches by the track. And the pickleball/tennis courts is at the left of the track.


THE CHOSEN Watch Party, Season 5 - Friday, September 25, 7:30 PM, at the Parish Center

We are continuing The Chosen in preparation for the anticipated Season 6 which is coming soon in November! We will watch Season 5, starting with Episodes 1 and 2. Season 5 starts literally at Palm Sunday, so this is all leading up to Good Friday and the Crucifixion. Snacks and light drinks may be provided.


Young Adult Sunday Mass/Divine Liturgy MEET-UP: Sunday, September 27, 11:00 AM

Since many people had interest in attending a Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy again, that's what we'll be doing! We are visiting the St. Michael The Archangel Chapel, which is a Greek Byzantine Catholic Church in Woodland Park, just across the highway from Montclair State. We will be attending their Mass, which they call the Divine Liturgy! Afterwards, we'll go out for food and fellowship. The address to St. Michael's Chapel is is 415 Lackawanna Ave, Woodland Park, NJ 07424.

Don't know much about the Divine Liturgy? It's essentially Mass! But in a different format. One of the biggest key differences between the Divine Liturgy and Mass is that when receiving communion, you receive it via a spoon, where the priest will drop both the precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ into your mouth with a spoon. Interesting right! Want to learn more? Check out these two videos! We hope these will help. The Second Vatican Council referred to the Holy Mass as "the source and summit of the Christian life." Why not celebrate this in such a unique way?

3 Things to Know Before Attending Byzantine Divine Liturgy

INTRO to the Divine Liturgy of EASTERN CATHOLICS: Byzantine : St.John Chrysostom (This is my friend Renee's video! One of my favorite!)

Fall Ministry Updates - Check out our awesome ministries at STA!

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Rosary Society

The First Rosary Society meeting is on September 14, 2026, at 7 PM in the Parish Center. Subsequent meetings will be the first Monday of the month, through June of 2027.

Our Communion Breakfast is on October 4, in Herron Hall, immediately following the 8 AM mass. Reservation forms can be found in the bulletin and are due by September 21, 2026.

The Parish Picnic Ministry presents our annual picnic on September 20th!

So many people are helping keep this annual picnic going.   We have so many workers and contributors that we are able to make it all free for our parishioners   We ask every family to bring a dessert to share at our dessert table.  There are bounce houses, axe throwing, volleyball, arts and crafts, 50/50 raffle and 2 gift card raffles plus the Disney raffle will be drawn, a DJ for any music requests, children’s gym and dance party activities, hot dogs, hamburgers, desserts and a special treat with a soft serve ice cream truck.  It’s so much fun for everyone. Parishioners get to meet other parishioners in a great social environment.  

The STA Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) will begin the Inquiry Period August 4, 2026 at 9:00 in the St. Peter's Room.

This is open to all interested adults in the parish. The Inquiry Period lasts through Sunday November 1, 2026. 

On Sunday November 8, 2026, we will celebrate the Rite of Acceptance for Catechumens seeking baptism and the Rite of Welcoming  for Candidates seeking Confirmation  at the 10: AM Mass.  We will have the first meeting of the Catechumenate after mass. 

The Catechumenate is the formal instruction period of the OCIA and lasts through February 7, 2027 and the beginning of Lent. The Enlightenment Period is the preparation of the baptism of 3 adults at the Easter Vigil March 7, 2027. 

On Saturday February 13, 2027, all Candidates will be welcomed by Cardinal Joseph Tobin in the Rite of Continuing Conversion at Sacred Heart Cathedral. On Sunday February 14, 2026 or Catechumens seeking baptism will celebrate the Rite of Election with Cardinal Tobin at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Mystogogy Period anticipates the confirmation of the Candidates on Pentecost Sunday May 15, 2027.  

Spiritual Direction

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7

Spiritual Direction is a ministry that helps you to savor God’s loving presence and explore God’s seeming absence. To contemplate and recognize God’s Spirit truly with you in every day life.

Spiritual Direction is for anyone who is faced with transitions or challenges in their life.

Possibly your prayer has become dry and empty.

A Spiritual Director creates a safe confidential space helping you to listen for the voice of God in Scripture, n your prayer, your dreams and in the ordinary events of your life.

A spiritual director is one whose heart expands and welcomes another to deeply experience God’s tremendous love.

Spiritual Direction affirms God’s unconditional love and acceptance of all people .

To make an appointment, further information, or a list of more spiritual directors, contact:

Anna Graziano, cSD: 201-213-5095, annagraziano08@gmail.com

Certified Spiritual Director, Supervisor of Spiritual Directors, Director for The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius

Saint Thomas the Apostle Soup Kitchen Ministry

(Previously known as Beyond Cornerstone Service Ministry)

Meeting to be held Wednesday, September 16th at 7PM at the Parish Center.

The Saint Thomas the Apostle Soup Kitchen Ministry is a response to God’s call to serve those in need. Our ministry supports the work of the Missionary Sisters of Charity (founded by Mother Teresa) at St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen in Newark, NJ.

We visit the soup kitchen one Sunday per month. Each visit is organized by two volunteer coordinators who plan the menu, purchase the food, and assemble a team of approximately eight volunteers who help prepare and serve the meal. When the menu includes home-cooked sides, additional volunteers prepare and donate trays of food. We serve 60–80 guests.

This Ministry is rewarding both personally and spiritually. Through this work, we recognize Christ present in one another—in those who prepare and serve meals and in those who receive them. It reminds us that, at different times in life, any of us may find ourselves in need or in a position to serve. By working together with the Missionary Sisters of Charity, we evangelize through action and witness compassion, dignity, and fellowship. This shared mission strengthens our faith, enriches our parish community, and affirms the presence of Christ in all people.

Members of the ministry meet several times throughout the year to plan upcoming activities. Please consider joining us on Wednesday, September 16, at 7PM in the Parish Center.

Mental Health Ministry

The Mental Health Ministry holds meetings from October to June. The Mental Health Ministry is a ministry of accompaniment. We are a ministry for  individuals who struggle with mental health challenges and their loved ones and caregivers. Our goal is to provide a warm, friendly and stigma free environment where all are welcomed and accepted and we can discuss and educate on mental health topics as it relates to the Catholic Church.

QR codes with links to a brief survey will be in the bulletin and posted at the doors of the church shortly after Labor Day. These surveys will help guide the Mental Health Ministry in supporting the parish.

The next meeting will be on October 4th at 11 AM. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email  us at mentalheealthministry@stachurchbloomfield.org

Holy Name Society

Seminar: NJ Real Estate Tax Relief & Taxation of Retirement Income

  • Date & Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: Parish Center (St. Peter Room)

  • Presenter: Brian Sherman, CFP®

  • Overview: Learn how New Jersey programs can help lower your income and property taxes, covering the PAS-1 Form, ANCHOR, Stay NJ, Senior Freeze, property tax deductions, and pension exclusions. Recommended for anyone near retirement or working/retired seniors 65 and older.

  • Registration: Call the Parish Center at (973) 338-9190 to register. Advance questions may be emailed to Guy Pilsbury at gvpilsbury@msn.com. (Note: St. Thomas Apostle Parish is not responsible for actions taken with the advice given.)

Eucharistic Adoration Program

  • Date & Time: Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Following the 12:00 Noon Mass

  • Location: Parish Center (St. Peter Room) & Church

  • Audience: All parishioners and families are warmly invited.

  • Schedule:

    • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Parish Center, St. Peter Room): Fellowship and light refreshments (coffee, soft drinks, food). Deacon Michael will present on the meaning, types, and spiritual graces of Adoration, followed by Debra and Anthony Nole sharing their family's experience as devotees and attendees at the Eucharistic Congress, looking forward to 2029.

    • 2:00 PM (Church): Eucharistic Adoration.

Whether you sing or play, you’re needed at STA! Click here to visit the Music Ministry page and join us today.

Cherub Choir + Children's Liturgy of the Word Begin this Sunday, 9-13!

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CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD:

The children have the opportunity to hear the Sunday readings in a way that they can better understand with our Children's Liturgy of The Word Team of lectors and musicians to help deepen their love for God with Bible readings and Liturgical Music .A very uplifting and prayerful experience for the youngest children of our Parish only at the Sunday10:00 am Mass See Ms .Kathy before Mass and introduce her to your children!

 The Cherubs Choir meets every Sunday at 10:45 directly after the 10:00 am Mass.They are our "Littlest voices with the BIGGEST hearts" They will learn music,songs and even sign language as they begin their journey of their love for God.They have the opportunity perform once a month at 10:00 am Mass and various concerts throughout our Church holiday seasons!

Cal ot text Ms Kathy to sign up at 201-306-3024