We are pleased to offer a variety of faith opportunities during Lent. All are welcome to attend. If an activity is age specific, it is noted in the descriptions below. Please join us!
You can read below or click on the link for the Lenten brochure.
Stations of the Cross
Fridays of Lent | 7:00 pm | Church
The Way of the Cross has been a powerful and popular part of the faith tradition and devotional life for Catholics throughout the ages. The early practice of Christians attempting to retrace and walk the path of Jesus has always been a treasured way to commemorate the Passion and Death of Christ.
Family Stations of the Cross
Families are invited to walk the Stations of the Cross inside the church, or outside along the path behind the church. An independent prayer guide is available to borrow, leading your family through each station. Guides are available at the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Area. If you have any questions, please contact the Religious Education office at REAdmin@stapostle.org or 630.305.6318.
No Greater Love
Thursdays, March 13, 20, 27 and April 3 | 10:00–11:00 am | Gym
No Greater Love is a biblical pilgrimage that reveals Christ’s amazing love for us. Best-selling author Edward Sri guides you through the last hours of Christ’s life. 30-minute video presentations followed by discussion and walking to various meditation stations along the Way of Sorrows. Contact Annette Kubalanza at akubalanza@stapostle.org or 630.355.8980, x124 to register by March 10.
Mid-day Meditation
Tuesdays March 18, 25 and April 1, 8, 15 | 12:00–12:30 pm | Chapel
Spend some time in silent prayer nurturing the seeds of faith and hope deep in your heart. Jesus’ heart is waiting to embrace yours.
Middle School Family Mass
Sunday, March 23 | 6:00 pm | Church
Middle school families are invited to celebrate Mass together. Help is needed with this special liturgy. Middle school students can volunteer to greet others, lector, carry the cross or bring up the gifts. Scan the QR code (opposite page) or visit stapostle.org to sign up. Come worship together and stay for a reception afterwards.
Pause for Prayer
Wednesday, March 26 | 5:30–6:30 pm | Lighthouse
Middle and high school students are invited to reflect deeper on our theme, Seeds of Hope. The evening will include faith sharing, quiet individual prayer experiences and an activity. Stay for the soup and bread night dinner following our time together. If you plan to attend, scan the QR code (opposite page) or visit stapostle.org to register by Monday, March 24.
Lenten Evening of Reflection
Wednesday, April 2 | 7:00–9:00 pm
“Where’s the Cross?” Centering on the figure of Simon of Cyrene, Deacon Dan Welter from Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago, will lead us to examine the crosses in our own lives and to express our gratitude to Jesus for carrying our crosses.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Wednesday, April 9 | 7:00 pm | Church
This is an opportunity for God’s healing mercy. Through this form of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, all gather in prayer and an examination of conscience as a community. Then individually receive penance and absolution after confession one-on-one with a priest.
Called to Serve: Christ’s Love in Action
Friday, April 11 | Following Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm | Church
Listen to Sr. Laura Toth speak about life as a Franciscan of the Eucharist of Chicago and how you can get involved. Sponsored by St. Thomas Young Adults. Open to everyone.
Taizé Prayer
Monday, April 14 | 7:00 pm | Lighthouse
Gather in prayer with other members of this faith community to worship in a Taizé style — with scripture, song and silence.
Living Stations of the Cross
Good Friday, April 18 | 3:00 pm | Church
Middle school students are invited to be a part of the Living Stations of the Cross prayer service on Good Friday, April 18. The stations are prayerfully portrayed with still poses. This is an opportunity to come into a deeper understanding of the gift of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us. Practices will be held weekly on Sundays beginning March 23, from 12:30–1:30 pm, in the Church. Please sign up by scanning the QR code (opposite page) or contact Ann Cotner at acotner@stapostle.org, for more information.
Lenten Project
This year, the Outreach and Social Justice office is offering an opportunity to support Corpus Christi Church in Pacific Palisades, California. In the recent California wildfires, the church building and rectory were completely destroyed, and the school was severely damaged. The money collected will be used to support elderly Corpus Christi parishioners who lost homes in the fires. A recent communication from Corpus Christi ended with “Thanks for being a light in the darkness.” Please consider joining in the goal of being light in the darkness.
Our Goal: $10,000
Knights of Columbus Friday Fish Dinners
The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring two Friday Fish Dinners. The dinners will take place March 14 and April 11, in the Gym, from 5:00–7:00 pm. Come enjoy a delicious meatless meal and a chance to experience community with others. For more information and to sign up, please click here.
Food Donations for Care Pantry
Drive-thru donations will be collected Tuesday, March 11, from 9:00–10:00 am and 5:00–6:00 pm.
Food items most needed are:
- cereal
- pasta
- pasta sauce
- canned fruit
- canned vegetables
- cake mix
- Jiffy Mix
- Ramen
- side dish
Place the items in the trunk or the back of your vehicle, stay in your vehicle and we will remove the items for you. Items will be collected outside Door C, which is across from the labyrinth.
Social Justice Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross “Toward Justice and Peace” will be posted on the St. Thomas website at stapostle.org. The stations follow the final journey of Jesus while highlighting 14 women and men who walked in his footprints, including St. Kateri Tekakwitha (Native American) and Archbishop Oscar Romero. Click here for more information.
Soup and Bread Night
On Wednesday March 26 the St. Thomas Lector Ministry will sponsor the 30th Soup and Bread Night from 6:30-8:00 pm in the St. Thomas Gym.
The concept behind offering a simple meal of soup and bread is to return to the basics and to show solidarity with those who may only have soup and bread, or less.
Come for a simple Lenten meal. A free-will offering will be taken. Click here for more information.
Easter Ham Collection
The Easter ham collection is Palm Sunday weekend, April 12–13. The goal is 800 hams for the Naperville, Aurora and Joliet areas. The truck will be in front of the church. Volunteers will accept hams and monetary donations at all Masses Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13.
Easter Flowers
You are invited to make a donation toward Easter Environment/Flower Fund in recognition of a loved one. The names of these individuals will be on display at the Easter Masses. A suggested donation of $10 per name (exact change or check made payable to St. Thomas the Apostle) should be remitted with the order form (click here). Donations due Wednesday, April 9.