From the Social Concerns Ministry Regarding "Special Message" on Immigration

/

From the Social Concerns Ministry.

U.S. Bishops Issue a “Special Message” on Immigration from Plenary Assembly in Baltimore

On November 12, 2025, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. In a vote of 216 votes in favor, 5 votes against, and 3 abstentions, the bishops overwhelmingly approved the Special Message, with sustained applause of the body following the vote.

This message begins: “As pastors, we the bishops of the United States are bound to our people by ties of communion and compassion in Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status. We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones. 

Despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation. We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.”

For the full text of this message, please go to the USCCB website (www.usccb.org). Please read this message and pray with the bishops for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement.

Simbang Gabi Friday, December 19th at 7:00pm

/

A message from the Filipino Ministry.

Join us for Simbang Gabi, a cherished Filipino Advent tradition, on Friday, December 19th at 7:00 PM. This beautiful celebration invites the whole community—Filipino and non-Filipino alike—to prepare our hearts for Christmas with joyful expectation, gratitude, and hope.

Simbang Gabi is a novena of evening (or early morning) Masses leading up to Christmas, honoring Mary and anticipating the birth of Christ. Even if you are not Filipino, you are warmly welcomed to experience this beloved expression of faith, community, and cultural heritage. Its focus on light, devotion, and spiritual preparation speaks to all Christians awaiting the coming of Christ.

Fellowship will follow the service in Herron Hall. All are invited.

2025 Advent Giving Tree begins Saturday, November 22nd

/

The Advent Giving Tree is St. Thomas’s annual Christmas gift drive to help our brothers and sisters in need.

We collect and distribute all donated items to local organizations such as Mercy House, Family Promise, RWJ Hemophilia Center, Dr. Lena Edwards Charter School, St. Rose of Lima Church in Newark, Montclair Care Center, and St. Joseph’s Social Service Center.

2025: We split the request list between an electronic version and the trees set up in the church by the reconciliation rooms. Starting Saturday, November 22rd through Sunday, December 7th the tags will be available.

  • Kindly return all items by December 7th with the tags attached.

  • Please do not wrap the gifts.

  • Gift Cards with the tag attached along with the dollar value should be placed in the collection basket or dropped off at the Parish Center.

The spirit of generosity at St. Thomas has always been boundless. Please continue to help us bring joy to those in need during the Christmas season.

click to access the digital tree

2025 Christmas Pageant Signup Now Available

/
 

All children of the parish are invited to sign up now for the 2025 Christmas Pageant, a beloved STA tradition.

Children ages 3 through 12 are invited to participate in a performance telling the story of Jesus' birth. No matter your child's age or ability level, all are welcome.

The pageant will be on Sunday, January 4th with a mandatory rehearsal on Saturday, January 3rd at 6:00pm.

Click the button below to sign your child up today. See you there!

Sign up now
 

Please donate a Thanksgiving Turkey, Chicken, or Ham

/

From the Soup Kitchen Ministry.

Please remember those who are less fortunate or facing hardship as we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Joanne Hand will collect turkeys, chickens and hams on Saturday Nov 22nd between 7:30 and 8:30 in the parish parking lot by the handicapped entrance and will bring them directly to the St. Augustine’s soup kitchen in Newark. The Sisters will be distributing Thanksgiving meals to needy families.

Additionally, the UNICO Thanksgiving food drive at the Brookdale Shoprite will be Saturday November 15th from 8AM until 1PM.  Please do your best to support this mission, as St. Augustine's Soup Kitchen is one of the kitchens that receives donations from this drive. Thank you very much!

As we thank you for your continued generosity, let us remember to give thanks to all of God’s blessings.

We Are His Witnesses: Invitation to Attend Your Parish Session

/

Cardinal Tobin invites all of the faithful to participate in a Parish Listening Session.

At your parish session, you will learn more about the We Are His Witnesses initiative and your planning area and will see multiple draft model options to consider for the respective planning area.

There will be small group discussion and facilitated large group feedback. If your parish has more than one Listening Session, the information presented at both is the same.

You are encouraged to review the planning area information and draft models in preparation for attending your parish session. They will all be available at www.WeAreHisWitnesses.org beginning October 1, 2025.

Our parish Listening Sessions will be held on Monday, November 10th and Thursday, November 13th from 6:00-8:00pm, in the church. Both sessions will be the same, parishioners need only attend one.

For your parish to properly plan for its sessions, please register for the session you plan to attend by clicking below.

 
Parish Registration Session