Parish Councils & Commissions
All Meetings on hold due to COVID
"In accord with the knowledge, competence, and preeminence which they possess, [lay people] have the right and even at times a duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church, and they have a right to make their opinion known to the other Christian faithful, with due regard to the integrity of faith and morals and reverence toward their pastors, and with consideration for the common good and the dignity of persons." - Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 907
This page describes the various leadership groups in the parish, their missions, and their current membership.
Parish Pastoral Council
This council is an advisory body consisting of men and women nominated by the parish, serving three-year staggered terms. Through prayer and discernment, it makes recommendations to the pastor regarding issues affecting the life and mission of the parish.
Current Members: Zef Arroyo (President), Lynn Pauley (Secretary), Briant Duray, Ernie Dutton, Jessica Fehr, Mitch Gallagher, Jim Harris, Jan Ostermiller, Steve Page, Fr. Steve Zabrocki (Pastor)
Parish Finance Council
As mandated by Canon Law, this appointed consultative body advises the pastor regarding the development and management of the parish’s financial resources so that the mission of the Church is effectively pursued.
Current Members: Mike Follett, Jim Harris, Lollie Ray, Rita Turley, Paul Miron (Finance Manager)
Development Council
This council is a consultative body charged with the responsibility to plan implement & oversee stewardship programs, educate parishioners on the stewardship programs, and communicate the St. Thomas story. The council will consist of five to eight members with terms of three years.
Education Commission
The education commission reports to the parish council and is responsible for supporting the spiritual growth of the community through religious education, youth ministry, adult continuing education and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Members of the commission work with parish staff and volunteers to ensure that spiritual development of our parish community does not end with conferring of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The commission's objectives include: promoting continuing spiritual development and faith education, fostering spiritual formation and faith life of children and youth, and communicating the good work of our parish ministries. At least one member of the education commission sits on the parish council and all other membership is voluntary. The commission meets the second Tuesday at 5:30 pm in the St. Kateri Tekakwitha room (classroom 6 in the church basement).
Current Members include Linda Johnson (Chair), Lynn Pauley (Parish Council), Ernie Dutton (Parish Council), Joanne Birkle, Cheryl Cormier, Amber Erlenbusch, Marlene Hensley, Joyce Hollowell (Director of Religious Education)
Liturgy Commission
The liturgy commission reports to the parish council and is responsible for promoting the sacred liturgy, aiding the assembly to participate in a full, active, conscious way in the sacred mysteries, and suggesting practices which evangelize the people in their own lived experiences. At least one member of the liturgy commission sits on the parish council and all other membership is voluntary. The commission meets the second Tuesday at 6:00 pm in the Reconciliation Chapel on the main church level.
Current Members include Jina Arroyo, David Brimmer, Dan & Glenna Burmeister, Char Rollman, Carolyn Peters (Liturgical Music Director)
Parish Life Commission
The parish life commission reports to the parish council and is responsible for enabling and promoting the parish mission by fostering a spirit of community through social events, special projects and parish communications. The commission's objectives include: welcoming and promoting families through various activities, increasing feelings of belonging to the faith community while encouraging greater participation in the life of the church. The commission meets the second Tuesday at 5:30 pm in the St. Monica room (classroom 4 in the church basement).
Current Members include Barb Junnila (Chair), Audrey Parks (Assistant Chair), Briant Duray (Parish Council), Jennifer Bodine, Dan & Ann Curtis, Mary Fitzpatrick, Anne & Darrell Holm, Alicia McFarlin, Patty Palaoro, Karen & Verne Petermann, Theresa Ball (Administrative Assistant)
Social Justice Commission
The social justice commission reports to the parish council and is responsible for enabling and promoting the parish mission through the ministry of service, promoting awareness of the needs of the parish community as well as the greater communities in which we live and the ways in which we may be of service to them. The commission's objectives include: reinforcing Gospel values through activities and example, increasing awareness with regard to social justice among the parish community, ensuring that members of the parish community who are interested in social justice feel welcome to contribute, promoting participation in outreach ministries through cooperative, respectful and dignified action. At least one member of the social justice commission sits on the parish council and all other membership is voluntary. The commission meets the second Tuesday at 6:00 pm in the St. Thomas More room (Classroom 7 in the church basement).
Current Members include Zef Arroyo (Parish Council), Steve Page (Parish Council), Cathy Downey, Joan Smith, Kathy Lombardozzi (Outreach Coordinator)