ST. THOMAS AQUINAS – THE CATHOLIC CENTER AT PURDUE
St. Tom's Community
FALL 2019
EMPOWERS JOYFUL DISCIPLESHIP
“Community” is a place, but it’s also a feeling of fellowship. And it’s the prevailing word voiced by each person interviewed for stories within our fall parish newsletter. It’s also what is responsible for the incredible growth of St. Tom’s parishioners and its ministries. And it’s why we embarked on the Empowering Joyful Discipleship (EJD) program this fall. Our goal for this program is simple – to substantially increase our Sunday offertory in support of St Tom’s many ministries so they may continue to grow and support our community and beyond with even greater impact.
EMPOWERING
JOYFUL
DISCIPLESHIP
Some of that impact was shared by Father Patrick at his opening homily about the EJD program in early October … • 216 families helped by our Mother Teresa fund last year (more than $21,097). • 400 children in our religious education program – taught by 70 volunteer teachers – most of them Purdue students. • 300+ students participating in Boiler Awakening retreats this fall. • 175 resident and student parishioners pursuing mission trips last year. • Mentoring at-risk children at Klondike and LUM and sending our best musicians to entertain the elderly through our Movement D program. • Engaging the elderly whether at home or in senior residences through our Never Alone Ministry to the Elderly. While parishes around the country see their numbers shrinking, St. Tom’s is experiencing something very different. In one year, our resident parishioners have increased 26% (from about 900 to 1,137 families). Also, as the number of college students without religious affiliation continues to climb nationally from 10% in 1986 to 31% in 2016 (CIRP Freshman Survey), involvement in the Purdue Catholic Students organization has continued to grow to include more than 2,000 participants. Our parish growth and its impact are attributable to the St. Tom’s community and our shared commitment to supporting and participating in its 50-plus ministries. Both resident and student parishioners were asked to submit their Commitment Card to the Empowering Joyful Discipleship program by November 24. And results of our renewed commitments will be shared with you in the coming weeks.
Inside this issue
Spotlights: Katie Arnold, Caleb Moster, Eileen Strater...................................2-3
St. Tom’s Fall Snapshots..............4-5 Program Impact: Ignite, Senior Challenge Gift, Lilly Grant.......6-7 Calendar & Upcoming Events........ 8