St. Thomas – A Parish Without Borders – Tom Cordaro Reflection
“In fact, if I were to characterize St. Thomas the Apostle parish in one phrase it would be: a parish without borders.”
Those words were spoken by Tom Cordaro during his reflection at all the Masses the weekend of April 17-18, 2021. That is high praise, and yet we are challenged to do more.
Tom Cordaro has served as the Justice and Outreach Minister at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Naperville for 24 years. He co-founded Naperville Cares, the emergency services arm of Naperville’s Loaves and Fishes organization, and is a leader in interfaith activities in our larger community.
To read Tom’s reflection, click here.
Below are excerpts from Tom’s reflection:
- Today we need parish communities that are willing it move out of their comfort zones in order to embrace a world that has been fractured by the hatred, ignorance and fear of demagogues who seek adulation and worship from their followers without regard to the damage that they do. The world desperately needs the witness of parish communities that are willing to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in breaking down barriers and creating unity without insisting on uniformity.
- Jesuit writer, Fr. James Martin, reminds us that Jesus never said, “Feed the hungry only if they have papers.” “Clothe the naked only if they are from your country.” “Welcome the stranger only if there is zero risk.” Jesus never said: “Help the poor only if it is convenient.” “Love your neighbor only if they look like you.”
Tom Cordaro has served as the Justice & Outreach Minister at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Naperville for almost 24 years. This involves providing social justice education and advocacy opportunities for parishioners supported by Catholic Social Teaching. He also co-founded Naperville CARES (now merged with Loaves & Fishes Community Services), which provides cars and emergency assistance to those in need in the Naperville area. Tom has also been instrumental in fostering inter-faith collaboration and cooperation throughout DuPage County, including organizing annual World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Services on the first Sundays in January.
