Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We are all called to be of service to God and to each other. Getting involved in our parish services is one way we can use our many gifts and fruits from the Holy Spirit. We welcome you to join in the many services and group that we have.

• WEEKEND WELCOMING GROUP

Our parish is a warm, caring and safe environment for everyone. We do our very best to make you feel welcome when you are with us. To assist with this, we invite those who can spare some time before and after mass to join the Weekend Welcoming Group to assist with before and after mass duties. These include greeters, ushers, hospitality team,, tidying up after mass, etc. By serving and helping, you serve God. We would love to hear from you if this is something you are able to help with in our parish. This role involves pairs of people.

• LECTORS AND COMMENTATORS

This service provides the special opportunity to proclaim God's word through the 1st and 2nd readings during Mass and also other areas such as the Response Psalm and Prayers of the Faithful. This is geared for those who are can be comfortable to speak in front of the congregation, use the microphone and have clear speech. These roles require you to arrive at Mass early. Training can be provided if required.

• MUSIC MINISTRY

A call to those with musical talent to share their gifts of singing and/or playing a musical instrument at Church. Music enriches our Mass experience and enhances our worship to God. Special celebrations such as Easter and Christmas may require music practice.

• COLLECTORS AND COUNTERS

Money collectors to assist with the collections during Mass and money counters to assist with counting the weekly collections.

• AUDIO VISUAL OPERATORS

A call to those that can help with our audio visuals for Mass and Liturgies to ensure smooth running of the slides during Mass. Background knowledge with AV equipment is desirable.

• PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Our Parish Pastoral Council meets monthly and seeks to be involved in three areas:

*By becoming familiar with all aspects of parish life it advises and assists the Parish Priest in policy matters and decision making related to the parish as a whole.

*It seeks to co-ordinate and to stimulate the various lay organisations operating within the parish without regulating or interfering with their mode of operation.

*It continually reviews the needs of the parish and initiates activities, where required, to meet these needs.

• ST THOMAS’ LITURGY COMMITTEE

St Thomas’ Liturgy Committee meets on a monthly basis to oversee and co-ordinate all Liturgical activity in the Parish. As well as developing guidelines for Liturgy Preparation Groups, Lectors & Commentators, Special Ministers, Altar Servers and Church Music, the Liturgy committee also has the responsibility of making sure that church maintenance and decoration –wall hangings, flowers etc, are up to standard. Rosters for the various participants in Liturgy are maintained where appropriate and special events on the Liturgical Calendar such as Christmas, Easter and Pentecost require careful planning. At present there are fourteen members of this committee. We are fortunate to have a number of experienced liturgists within the group and we would welcome new members who would like to participate.

• CHILDREN’S LITURGY 

The Children’s Liturgy program in the parish is held on Sundays at the 10.30am Mass during the school terms. At the beginning of Mass, the priest invites children to attend children’s liturgy in the meeting room at the back of the church. Two parents run the program reading the children’s gospel, joining in some prayers, a simple discussion, and an activity to highlight the gospel story. The children then bring up the offertory gifts and return to the church congregation. It’s an opportunity for younger children in particular to understand the gospel. Parents are more than welcome to accompany their children. Parents, grandparents or younger persons are welcome to join our team.

• THE PIETY STALL

In the foyer of the Church, this stall provides a variety of religious items and magazines. A group of volunteers manage the stall at each Sunday Mass. Proceeds from the Piety Stall go to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

• ST VINCENT DE PAUL CONFERENCE

Our group has over fifty members and meets at 10:00 am every second Monday at the Presbytery. We are among the parish's most important "works of mercy", assisting the disadvantaged across Blackburn, Blackburn Nth., Forest Hill and East Burwood. The work is often challenging, but strongly supported via the State Office of the “Vinnies” in Box Hill. Our gospel oriented activity covers emergency food, clothing, furniture and other material assistance to all in need, plus a weekly bread run, visiting the sick and frail, and support for asylum seekers and refugees. Wal Stevens and Patrick Danaher is the Chair for this group.

• CHURCH FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS

• VISITATION OF PARISH FAMILIES

• PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE

Our Finance Committee is appointed by the Parish Priest in accordance with Diocesan guidelines to advise on all matters of funding and finance in the parish.

• STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

Here at St Thomas as a Parish Community we have a responsibility to enhance our community by recognising that everything is a Gift from God—our health, our talents, our family, our friends and the ability to earn income. By using our gifts wisely for our good and the good of others, we can nurture them with growth, to the Lord. If you would like to be a part of this worthy contribution please contact the Parish Office via email blackburn@cam.org.au or on 9878 0818.

• ST. THOMAS’ SCHOOL/PARISH HALL

The hall was renovated and extended in 2005. It is fully heated & air conditioned & includes a stage area (audio visual equipment available), a new kitchen & bar area, new bathroom facilities and a large entrance foyer. Ample parking is available in the school grounds. 200 people can be seated at round tables. If a function includes dancing, 150 guests can be catered for. The hall is well suited to cater for dinner dances, wedding receptions, engagements concerts and community events. Please enquire with the school if interested on 9878 8268.

If you would like to learn more about any of these or would just like to have a chat about one of our Services please do contact our Parish Office on e:blackburn@cam.org.au or phone 9878 0818. We would love to welcome you.