30 Reasons You Know You’re At St. Thomas
St. Thomas the Apostle is a very special place. It’s where we come to know God and all the ways we are loved. As we learn, we experience the traditions and the beauty that is our spiritual home.
Keep scrolling and learn 30 things that are amazing about St. Thomas:
1
The Our Father Involves More Than Singing
You hold hands with others during the Our Father and punctuate it at the end with a warm hand squeeze.
2
All Are Welcome... And: You Know It
You know at least two verses of “All Are Welcome”.
3
Baptism at the 9:30 Mass is Awesome
You witness newly baptized babies being paraded through the church.
4
Welcoming Includes a Challenge
You are challenged to meet at least 5 new people at the beginning of Mass.
5
The Singing Sticks With You
You leave Mass humming “Go Out In The World”.
6
Holy Water Sprinking Can Get Very Wet
During Sprinkling Rites you expect to be deluged with Holy Water by Father Bob.
7
You Know The St. Thomas Theme Song
You know that “Surely, the presence of the Lord is in this place”!
8
Many Zip Codes = Good
You have a Zip Code that extends beyond 60563.
9
Children Racing at Mass
Children race to the altar for a chance to talk with the Priest before their own Liturgy of The Word.
10
Praise Can Involve Applause
An exuberant round of applause breaks out from the congregation following an exciting announcement, a welcomed guest speaker, a heart-felt homily or the music makers.
11
Babies & Toddlers Are Blessed Too
Babies and Toddlers are lovingly greeted as their parent receives the Eucharist.
12
The Seasonal Songs
You have experienced our choir’s spectacular renditions of “God Bless America” for the 4th of July, “Oh Danny Boy” for St. Patrick’s Day, “The Hallelujah Chorus” on Christmas & even a cheerful & optimistic “Bear Down Chicago Bears” during the NFL playoffs.
13
You Know the 3 T's
You are generous in sharing your time, talent and treasure.
14
You Notice the Environment
You never cease to be amazed by the artistry and creativity with which the Sanctuary is adorned.
15
The Hanging Crucifix = Awe
You never tire of gazing at the crucifix of our Risen Lord above the Altar.
16
"In the Breaking of the Bread" Goosebumps
Singing along with the choir to “In the Breaking of The Bread” gives you the goose bumps.
17
You Know the 3 T's
You are generous in sharing your time, talent and treasure.
18
Pictures - Lots of Pictures
Your Camera Roll on your Smartphone includes pictures of St. Thomas moments.
19
Your First Visit
Upon your first visit to St. Thomas, you knew you found your spiritual home.
20
Hugging
You get hugged more before and after mass than you do the whole rest of the week.
21
When the Mass Ends
You leave Mass knowing that the Mass really never ends.
22
Donuts & Blood Pressure
You can get a doughnut and your blood pressure checked on the same Sunday.
23
You Know Who Fr. Bob Is
You know that, above all, Bob Colaresi is a Carmelite.
24
On That Holy Mountain
You imagine yourself “On That Holy Mountain” singing the solo, “Led by all the children”.
25
Communal Foot Washing
You don’t think twice about washing one another’s feet in public (on Holy Thursday).
26
Young People
You are surrounded by amazing young people.
27
Welcomed & Included
Visitors feel welcomed and immediately included in the St. Thomas family.
28
You Care About Others
You care deeply about the people of St. Mary Madeline, St. Nicholas and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
29
You Want Others to Experience This
You are eager for your extended family to experience your St. Thomas family.
30
You Are St. Thomas
You are proud to proclaim “I Am St. Thomas!”
