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An Incarnational View of the WorldStudents at Saint Thomas learn that God is present and active in their lives and in the world. They learn to recognize the "footprints of God" in their daily experiences, especially in the midst of life's challenges. They develop a sense of "sacramental awareness". They see the signs of God's love around them, and become instruments of God's grace in their own neighborhoods, communities and the world. In an incarnational view of the world, there is no such thing as a secular subject as all learning helps to develop and bring to full bloom that image of God that is in each person.
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At Saint Thomas School, we focus on developing the whole child and provide an education intentionally formed by the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe that it is through the strength of the Catholic faith that our students can truly become informed, caring citizens dedicated to service and community.
As a school community, we believe that learning about our faith is not simply reserved for religion class. Instead, our Catholic teachings are infused in all academic subject areas and regularly inform teacher lessons and classroom discussions.
Through daily prayer, Class Masses and All-School Masses, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, time with Jesus before the Blessed Sacrament, school-wide service projects, and active participation in the liturgical seasons of the Church, students at Saint Thomas develop a strong Catholic identity and ability to truly live their faith while becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ.
A few of the special faith traditions which have been handed down and continue today include:
- Older students mentoring younger students during the weekly all-school Masses
- Class Masses on Wednesday and Thursday
- All School Mass on Fridays
- Monthly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- Sacrament of Reconciliation at least twice a trimester
- All Saints Mass parade with costuming and participation by various grades
- Weekly all-school prayer service during Advent
- Living Rosary presentation during Catholic Schools Week
- Burial of the Alleluia right before Lent
- Stations of the Cross presented throughout Lent, culminating in a “Living Stations” event by the 8th grade
- All-school evening May Crowning celebration presented by the 2nd and 8th grades
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As part of our commitment to faith, Saint Thomas School incorporates the preparation and celebration of three sacraments.
First Reconciliation
Celebrated in 2nd grade, the reception of the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation takes place in early December. Baptism welcomes us into the Church family and Original Sin is taken away. As we grow and learn, we also do things to offend God and weaken our relationship with Him and others. The sacrament of Reconciliation is an opportunity for us to tell God we are sorry for our sins and ask for forgiveness. During the sacrament, we are absolved of our sins and receive God’s grace to reunite us with the Church and with God.
Students in Grades 2-8 have several opportunities throughout the school year to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
First Holy Communion
Celebrated in 2nd grade, the Sacrament of First Holy Communion takes place on the first Sunday of May. From the beginning of the year, the order of the Mass is learned and practiced so that we can become more active listeners to the Word of God and join our voices with others in song and praise. The word Eucharist means “great thanksgiving.” In thanksgiving, we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for the first time in this Sacrament. We as Catholics, truly believe that during the consecration, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
This sacrament is foundational at Saint Thomas School.
On the Monday after First Communion, the First Communicants will attend the parish May Crowning. On this special night, they will receive their Scapulars of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and stand as honor guard for the 8th grade class as they process in to crown Mary.Confirmation
Celebrated in 8th grade, students are invited to take their Catholic faith into their own hands and affirm their beliefs as they are enriched with the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is the third and final Sacrament of Initiation. When one is “Confirmed,” they are then full members of the Catholic Church. Our eighth graders prepare for Confirmation through regular attendance at Sunday Mass, attendance of the Confirmation retreat, completion of service hours and renewal of Baptismal Promises. The Bishop is invited to Saint Thomas Church, each year in January, to celebrate this special sacrament with students.
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Altar Servers
Boys and girls beginning in grade 4 are invited to become Altar Servers. The parish priests conduct training for servers. Contact the parish office at (859) 441-1282 for more information.
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Schola - Children's Choir
The Children’s Schola was started in September of 1989. Schola, directed by Mrs. Esther Nam, is open to all boys and girls of Saint Thomas Parish in grades 3 through 8. They sing every 2nd and 4th Sunday, from October through May at the 10:30 a.m. Mass.
Contact Mrs. Esther Nam
[email protected]
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The Saint Thomas Parish School of Religion (PSR) is a program designed for the children of our parish who attend schools without formal religious Catholic education as part of their Grades 1-8 curriculum. PSR aims to educate and form these students in our Catholic faith. We do this by preparing them for the reception of sacraments and by deepening and reinforcing knowledge of Catholic teachings and the Catholic worldview.
Although parents are the primary educators of their children and the first church is the domestic church in the home, PSR is intended to help parents fulfill this responsibility to lead our children to and active faith life and to discipleship with Jesus Christ.
The PSR program conducts regularly scheduled classes on Wednesdays from 7-8pm. There are about 30 sessions through the year and are comprised of classroom lessons, liturgical celebrations, and seasonal events. Attendance records are kept and participation is expected.
Please contact Mr. George Everett at [email protected] or call the school or parish office for more information.
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The Rosary Club is open to all students grades K-8. Meetings are the first Monday of each month from 3-4pm. We pray the rosary together, do an activity and have a snack.
Students will pray together, build a relationship with our Blessed Mother, learn to pray the rosary and encourage an active faith life. Parents are also welcome to join!
2024 Meeting Dates: TBD
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