Apostolates
Pillars of Stewardship
Hospitality | Prayer | Formation | Service
Through the Pillars of Stewardship—Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service—each parishioner is invited to live stewardship as a grateful response to God and to his or her baptismal call to follow Christ.

Hospitality
Reflect Christ’s love by welcoming and accompanying others so each person feels known, valued, and part of our parish family. Hospitality calls us to recognize Christ in one another, build genuine relationships, and create a parish community where people know they belong.

Prayer
Deepen our relationship with Christ through the Mass, the sacraments, and personal and communal prayer. Prayer places God at the center of our lives and helps us listen for His voice, recognize His gifts, and respond more fully to His call.

Formation
Grow in knowledge and love of our Catholic faith so that it forms how we live and follow Christ. Through ongoing learning and reflection, we deepen our understanding of what we believe and allow our faith to shape our choices, relationships, and daily lives.

Service
Offer our God-given gifts for the good of others and share in the mission of Christ and His Church. Each of us has gifts to offer, and through service we put those gifts into action for the good of our parish, our community, and those in need.
Apostolates
To follow Christ is also to be sent by Him. The word apostle means “one who is sent.” As missionary disciples, we are called to live and share our faith in every part of life. At St. Thomas Aquinas, we call our parish groups apostolates because through them, we put our God-given gifts at the service of Christ and His mission.
Apostolates are grouped by the four Pillars of Stewardship—Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service—with separate sections for School and PTO opportunities and Pastor-Appointed Apostolates.
(A) Pastor approval or appointment required
(H) Homebound participation available from home
(S) School opportunity, including PTO
(V) VIRTUS training required
(Y) Youth may participate
Hospitality
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Church Greeters (Y)
Welcome parishioners and visitors as they arrive for Mass and occasionally assist at other parish events. Open to adults & families; children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.
Rachel Philips · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 316-992-1949
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Coffee & Donuts (Y)
Help set up, serve, and clean up Coffee & Donuts in Allen Hall following the 9:00 am, 10:30 am, and Noon Sunday Masses. Children under 16 may help outside the kitchen with a parent.
Josina Sharau · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 316-518-0013
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Easter Egg Hunt (Y,V)
Help plan and host the annual Easter Egg Hunt for children age four and younger following the Noon Mass on Easter Sunday. Children under 16 may help with parent.
Amy Baars · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 248-309-1307
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Hospitality - Special Events
Parishioners plan, coordinate and host special parish events as well as assist with hospitality for parish activities such as adult education classes.
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Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus Council #10242 was chartered in 1990. Knights participate in Kansas Council, fraternal and charitable activities, and are active in parish events. In addition, the Knights help with various projects in the school. Knights meet the 1st Monday of the Month at 6:30 pm in the Assembly Room. Any Catholic male 18 years or older is encouraged and welcome to join.
For more information about joining the Knights of Columbus or to pay annual dues, click HERE.
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Military Support
Parishioners provide support to active service members and veterans through outreach, support, and encouragement.
If you have are an active military parishioner or an active military family member of a parishioner, we kindly request you fill out this form to share their name with us. Click HERE.
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55+ Fellowship
A parish fellowship group for parishioners age 55 and older, offering opportunities to connect with others in a similar stage of life through social, spiritual, and service activities throughout the year. No pledge commitment; reservations may be requested for some activities and events.
David Nibert · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 316-258-0586
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Parish Dinner
Parishioners assist with hosting the annual parish dinner, which is held on the Saturday closest to January 28, the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas.
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Fall Fest (Y,V)
Help plan and host the parish’s annual Fall Fest, including food and drinks, games and activities, setup, and cleanup. Open to adults and families; children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.
Carrie Hagan · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 913-636-6801
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Boy Scouts (V,Y)
Adult leaders mentor boys in grades 6–12 through scouting activities that develop faith, character, leadership, self-reliance, and life skills. VIRTUS training required.
Anjie Weidman · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 316-259-2105
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Cub Scouts (V,Y)
Adult leaders and committee members help boys in grades 1–5 develop character, leadership, and life skills through activities, events, and service. VIRTUS training required.
Erik Runge · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 620-757-0943
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Girl Scouts (V,Y)
Adult leaders and mentors help girls develop leadership, confidence, teamwork, and life skills through meetings, activities, service, and badge work. VIRTUS training required.
Belit Neeley · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 316-461-4497
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STArlight Gala
The STArlight Gala is a benefit event for our parish endowment fund. Help is needed with general event planning, auction solicitation, marketing, sponsorship, food and beverage, entertainment, décor, hospitality, set-up, check-out, and clean-up. Time requirements vary depending on the area of interest.
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Welcome Committee
Parishioners deliver welcome gifts to new parish members and assist with new parishioner welcome events.
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Women of Aquinas
Women of Aquinas (WOA) unites women of the Parish through planned social functions, promotes Christian stewardship within the parish and community, and provides bread and wine for the Altar and other special parish needs on occasion. Women become members of WOA upon joining the parish.
Each woman of the parish is asked to make a suggested donation of at least $25 in dues to the Women of Aquinas each year. These are used to fund all the needs of the Altar, which include bread and wine.
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Act 2: Living After Loss
Provides fellowship and support for Catholics who have lost a spouse, offering a compassionate place for healing and connection. Open to widows and widowers of all ages and stages of grief. Meets the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 am in Allen Hall.
Kathi Moore · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 316-209-3114
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Couples Connect
Couples from newlyweds through approximately their first ten years of marriage gather for fellowship while strengthening their marriage, deepening their Catholic faith, and building friendships with others in a similar stage of life. Monthly gatherings are held in the fall and spring. spring. No pledge commitment; registration is offered for each session.
Megan Sellers · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. · 316-312-8795
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Prayer
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Altar Flowers & Decor
Parishioners are responsible for appropriate liturgical decorations, displays, and altar flowers that reflect our Catholic faith.
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Cantors
Vocalists are selected to provide musical leadership to the congregation during weekend Masses. Cantors must be musically inclined and be able to proclaim the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation in beautiful song. Membership in one of the choirs is encouraged, but not required.
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Choir (10:30 am Mass)
Vocal and instrumental musician stewards provide a varied repertoire of music, with an emphasis on traditional composers such as Palestrina, Bach, Handel and Mozart. While the ability to read music is helpful, it is not required and no experience is necessary for vocal music participation. Practice is held on Wednesday at 8:30 pm.
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Choir (5:00 pm Mass)
Vocal and instrumental musician stewards provide a varied repertoire of music, with an emphasis on contemporary Catholic composers. Choir practice is on Tuesday at 7:00 pm Vocal music experience is not necessary for participation.
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Choir (9:00 am Mass)
Stewards lead the singing so as to enhance the full and active liturgical participation by all the people. Musical style is based primarily on contemporary Catholic composers. Ability to read music is helpful, but not required. Instruments, such as guitar, flute, strings, etc. are most welcome. Practice is held on Wednesday at 7:00 pm
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Consolation
Parishioners meet with grieving families to plan funeral Masses for loved ones, assist with planning and hosting the annual Evening Prayer for the Dead each November, and send condolence cards to grieving families. This is a no pledge group. If interested, please contact the Church Office.
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Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration involves “the contemplation of the Mystery of Christ truly present before us”. In other words, it is adoring Jesus Christ, who is truly present under the appearance of bread and wine, as the Holy Eucharist.
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) at Mass
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass assist the Celebrant in distributing Communion. A devotion to the Eucharist is essential. EHMCs are appointed by the Pastor and training and commissioning are required. This is a no pledge group. If interested, contact the Church Office.
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) to the Sick
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick make Communion calls to the sick and homebound of our parish. EMHCs are appointed by the pastor and diocesan and parish training and commissioning are required. This is a no pledge group. If interested, please contact the Church Office.
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Lectors
Parishioners proclaim the Word of God during the celebration of the Mass. Lectors are appointed by the pastor and training is required. This is a no pledge group. If interested, please contact the Church Office.
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Legion of Mary
Parishioners seek to be instruments of grace and aiding the pastor by carrying out Spiritual Works of Mercy and by promoting devotion to Mary. Apostolic stewards visit and take Holy Communion to the sick at homes, hospitals and care facilities as well as coordinate transportation for parishioners to attend Mass and Adoration. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 5:15 pm in the Church Library. This is a no pledge group. If interested, please contact the Church Office.
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Nursery
Parishioners provide childcare for children, ages 1-3, during the Sunday 10:30 am Mass during the year excluding holidays, so their parents can fully participate in the liturgy. VIRTUS training is required.
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Prayer Line
Stewards serve as prayer warriors for those who are ill, grieving or suffering in any way. Prayer partners are notified of particular prayer requests by email. Prayer requests may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Tobits
Parishioners are needed to accompany fellow parishioners and their families as they grieve the loss of loved ones. Members will attend funerals and offer prayers for the dead and living.
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Traveling Statue
Host the statue of St. Thomas Aquinas for one week and pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life as well as your own vocations.
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Ushers
Ushers maintain decorum and dignity during the celebration of the Mass, seat parishioners and visitors, take up the collection, put out bulletins, and check pews and commons areas after Masses.
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Formation
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Children's Liturgy of the Word
The Children's Liturgy of the Word is available for children ages 4-6 during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, October through April, except on holiday weekends. Adult members are needed to teach age-appropriate lessons that follow each Sunday’s Gospel. Teacher guides are available online in advance. VIRTUS training is required.
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High School Youth Ministries (STAY)
The parish's High School Youth Ministries focus on enhancing the spiritual, social, and emotional development of students in grades 9-12. STAY (High School Youth Group) meets weekly on Sunday evenings, from 7:30 - 9:00 pm, and is open to all high school students. Throughout the year, high school students have the opportunity to participate in various events across the diocese, including TEC, Totus Tuus, Prayer and Action, Steubenville Conferences, and the Dream Conference.
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Married Mentors
Parishioners serve as role models for the newly engaged and/or married. This is a no pledge group. If interested, contact the Church Office.
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Middle School Youth Ministries (Ignite)
Middle School Youth ministries at the parish focuses on enhancing the spiritual, social, and emotional development of students in grades 7 and 8. Ignite (the Middle School Youth Group) meets every Thursday in the School Cafeteria from 7:00-8:30 pm. Medical Release Form: https://stthomaswichita.formstack.com/forms/youthwaiverandpermissionform
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Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC)
OCIC is a process to educate and prepare youth, ages 6-14, for full membership in the Catholic Church. Members serve as catechists. VIRTUS training is required.
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Parish Library
The Parish Library Apostolate oversees a collection of books and audiovisual materials, which are available for self-checkout. Parishioners who possess organizational, marketing, and promotional skills are a welcome addition to this Apostolate.
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Parish School of Religion (P.S.R.)
The Parish School of Religion (P.S.R.) is the religious education program from Grades K-8, which is offered to children in the parish who do not attend a Catholic school. P.S.R. classes are held in the classrooms of our parish school on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:15 pm. Students in grades 1-8 begin classes in September. Kindergarten students begin classes in January.
Click HERE to register.
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Respect Life & Social Justice
Parishioners work for the respect of all human life from conception to natural death through prayer, education, awareness of legislative issues, and outreach to organizations.
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Totus Tuus
Totus Tuus (Latin for "Totally Yours") is a Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through catechesis, evangelization, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship.
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Vocation Support
Parishioners encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life through various activities and prayer opportunities.
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Service
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Act 2: Living After Loss
Act 2 is a mutual support group for Catholics who have lost spouses. Act 2: Living after Loss meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 a.m. in Allen Hall. This is a no pledge group. All who have lost spouses, no matter their gender, age, or stage are invited and encouraged to attend.
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Altar Linen Care
Steward members are responsible for laundering small altar linens used at Mass. The time commitment is three to four hours per week for one month of the year. Other members launder the altar servers albs in May and November. Each member is given four-five albs to wash, dry and press, if necessary.
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Church Office Assistants
Members assist with answering phones, data entry, running errands, preparing mailings, and other projects as needed.
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Food Drives
Members plan and coordinate two annual food drives including delivering donated food to the local food bank.
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Funeral Dinners
Parishioners assist in preparing and serving meals after funerals. Stewards are needed to donate food, set-up, serve, and clean-up. Three teams that share hosting responsibilities on a rotating basis. Daytime (mid-day) availability is required.
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Good Samaritans
Good Samaritans helps fellow parishioners in-need by way of emotional support and lending a hand.
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Health & Wellness
Stewards members assist with taking blood pressures after all Masses the third weekend of each month. The group also sponsors Red Cross Blood drives and various health and wellness seminars and workshops.
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Meals on Wheels
This is a Senior Services project through which stewards are responsible for delivering meals to the homebound on two consecutive weekends about every four to five months.
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Mission Outreach
Mission Outreach Services provides financially for those in and outside of our parish community who are disadvantaged, suffering or in need. The Corporal Works of Mercy are used to guide the decision-making process.
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Rosary Makers
Parishioners gather to make corded rosaries for various missions and local area groups. Meetings are held in the Assembly Room on Tuesdays following the 8:15 a.m. Mass. Members may also work at home.
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The Lord's Diner
Parishioners prepare food, serve food and clean up at The Lord’s Diner, on the 30th day of each month. Afternoon food prep (12 Noon-3:00 p.m.) and evening (5:00-8:00 p.m.) shifts available. Virtus training and an online food safety class are required.
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Spiritual Gifts Inventory
Each of us has unique, God-given gifts to share in the life and mission of the Church. No gift is more important than another, and all are needed. The Spiritual Gifts Inventory is designed to help you recognize your gifts as part of a prayerful process of discernment. The inventory includes 115 questions and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. For the most accurate results, please answer every question honestly and spontaneously, avoiding “undecided” when possible. When you finish, your Personal Spiritual Gifts Inventory will be generated automatically. Your results will identify areas in which you may be gifted and will include related Scripture passages and suggested parish apostolates where those gifts might be shared. Use these results as a starting point for prayerful discernment about how God may be calling you to share your gifts in the life and mission of the parish.
Are you ready to fill out an online stewardship form? Click the button below
Questions about stewardship? Contact the Director of Stewardship and Pastoral Planning.
Mary Pat Ayres| 316-683-6569 |This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

