Welcome to St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Parish

Welcome to Saint Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, one of the most racially, ethnically and culturally diverse parishes in the Archdiocese. We are proud of the many people that make up this vibrant community.

We welcome you to explore and participate in our worship and in our service to the greater Hyde Park community. Come join us!

Our parish exists as a response to Christ’s command to preach the Good News and bring that News to others. As a parish community we exist to offer you and your family an opportunity to grow in spirituality in faith and in service to God’s Kingdom.

Thomas the Apostle comes to us as “Doubting Thomas.” He refused to simply accept that which he had not personally experienced. In this he stands as a model of one who actively explored his faith. We invite you to explore the dimensions of your faith with us, to share your gifts with the wider Body of Christ. Putting prayer into action is what this parish is about. Thomas’ profession of faith resulted in his expression: “My Lord and my God!” That is our prayer and direction even now.

Come help us bring to life the Kingdom of Justice for all those still hungering and thirsting for it today.

Fr. Elias, O. Carm., Pastor

St. Thomas front door

St. Thomas the Apostle School 125th Anniversary Weekend

"Celebrating 125 Extraordinary Years of Catholic Education!" ...and it was a great celebration, indeed, with the STA gymnasium transformed into an elegant dinner nightclub. With close to 200 attendees, the event brought together alumnus Larry Donoghue from the class of 1933 with more recent alumni, and a chance to meet faculty and staff of STA 2012.

Alderman Will Burns made room in his busy schedule to attend. Awards were given to the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa who gave the school their start, and Father Robert Oldershaw, who provided an enlightening history into the STA past. The Hyde Park Suzuki Institute welcomed the crowd as they perused the Silent Auction offerings, and Maggie Brown and her trio gave an outstanding performance to wrap up the night. Principal Candace Scheidt, 125th Anniversary chairperson Lenora Austin and Kirk Willis were emcees. Kudos to the event committee who succeeded in putting a great event together despite some daunting challenges.

Sunday's Gospel Concert was also a great success, uplifting, and inspirational, thanks to Willie Jones and the STA Reunion Gospel Choir, the Children's Choir and Maurice Griffin.

Look for more pictures in the May 6 issue of the STA Bulletin! Photo credits: Alton Brooks and Spencer Bibbs (SPB Digital Concepts)

Mass Schedule

Daily Mass
Monday thru Friday       8:30 am

Weekend Mass
Saturday    8:30 am and 5:30 pm, Sunday 8:30 am and 11:00 am

Holy Days & Holidays
8:30 am

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday           4:00 to 5:00 pm, or by appointment

Weekend Religious Education
Sunday            9:30 am - 11 am

Baptisms
1st Sunday of each month

Mission

The genesis for Justice Month came about when the Office of Peace and Justice’s (OPJ) stepped up to the challenges of the Archdiocesan Strategic Pastoral Plan, seriously engaging the Year of Teen and Young Adult. With this impetus, OPJ began asking peace and justice leaders in each vicariate this fundamental question: How can justice education spark the imaginations of Archdiocesan teens and young adults? The mission of Justice Month is, therefore, to empower local parish leaders to develop peace and justice strategies which include youth and young adults.

How are we cultivating The Tree of Life at Saint Thomas? Interested in being a gardener? Contact Juanita Burris at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to learn more about the STA Peace & Justice Ministry!

Download the Justice Month flyer here!