We seek to serve our brothers and sisters by assisting them to enter into a closer relationship with their Creator. Everyone is invited to participate in one or more of these ministries after prayer and careful discernment. Through various ministries the Eucharist is more easily recognized as the source and summit of what we do.

To participate in any ministry, please contact the church office at office@stthomaselkhart.com or (574)262-1505.

Liturgical Ministries

Altar Care Volunteer—Volunteers work in groups to clean the sanctuary and sacristy before weekend masses.

Altar Linens Volunteer— Volunteers take altar linens home, launder them according to the proper procedure, iron them and then return them to the sacristy.

Sacristan— Assist with setting up before weekend liturgies one half hour before mass begins.

Greeter/Usher—Welcome worshippers before the Eucharistic celebration, seat & assist those in need, gather the collection, assist with the procession of the gifts & Communion procession, and distribute bulletins.

Lector—Volunteers age 16 and older have the privilege of sharing God’s Word in a clear and dignified manner. Initial training and yearly renewal required.

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion—The privilege and honor to communicate the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ to the faithful either at mass or to the sick and homebound.

Altar Servers

Faith Formation Ministries

Eucharistic Adoration Chapel—Volunteers devote one hour a week in quiet prayer, reflection and adoration of Our Lord in the adoration chapel during open hours (Mon—Thurs 3pm-9pm, Friday 3pm to 7pm).

Youth Ministry—for students grades 9 through 12. Group meets almost every Sunday after the 6pm mass to grow in spirituality, knowledge and service. Adult volunteers needed.

Altar & Rosary Society—An organization of women with special devotion to the Blessed Mother, meet on a monthly basis.

RCIA Volunteer—Volunteers support the RCIA program either by serving as sponsors to candidates or by providing meals to the RCIA group. RCIA meets during the school year, Tuesday after the 5:30pm mass.

Funeral Luncheon—Volunteers prepare dishes and/or give their time to serving at funeral lunches.

Prayer Chain —Volunteers pray for requested needs & pass on prayer requests to other chain members.

Arts & Environment– Decorating & assisting with liturgical and seasonal changes throughout the year.

Sons of St. Joseph Men’s Group– Men’s organization, meets monthly to discuss and bond through faith.

Next Generation Parish—help out with one of our committees: Spiritual Growth & Discipleship Committee (help plan programs such as bible studies, faith sharing groups, etc;.), Active Involvement Committee (plan things to get parishioners more involved and volunteering), or the Weekend Mass Experience Committee (discuss ways to make the weekend experience more enriching).

Parish Life Ministries

Boy/Cub Scouts—Adult leaders plan and orchestrate meetings and supervise student participants.

Girl/Brownie Scouts—Adult leaders plan and orchestrate meetings and supervise student participants.

Catholic Solitaires—Gather as a group to bring singles together in a Christian, social environment.

Bereavement Group—Offers spiritual and emotional support to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Holy Innocents/Elkhart County Right to Life—Fundraise and perform activities with the purpose of defending life from the moment of conception to natural death.

Haven for Healing—We are a community of love and acceptance walking with women who have been wounded by abortion.

Faith Community Nursing—The experienced registered nurse uses her nursing and spiritual commitment in a healing ministry within the parish.

Prayer Shawl Ministry—Volunteers make shawls for the home bound and those in nursing homes. The group meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month in a member’s home.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul—An independent, volunteer organization focused on providing for those within the community who are in need.

Picnic Committee—Volunteers coordinate and orchestrate the parish picnic each summer.

Advent Wreath Committee—Volunteers coordinate and orchestrate the Advent preparation session.

Knights of Columbus—a Catholic-based Fraternal Organization engaged in charity.

Rosary Makers—Gather as a group to make rosaries.

Music Ministries

Schola Cantorum—A men’s choir focused on Gregorian chant music.

Adult Choir—Sundays at 10:30am mass. Practice is before mass.

Cantors—Vocalist who assists the choir or leads the singing at mass.

Folk Group—Saturday at 5:30pm mass. Practice is before mass.

Contemporary Group—Sunday at 6:00pm mass. Practice is before mass

Children’s Ministries

Religious Education Catechist— instructors teach the student who Jesus is and invite the student into a close relationship with Jesus.  Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:15. Preparation for the lessons requires at least two hours.

Vacation Bible School Volunteer—Catholic Kids Camp takes place at the end of June. Volunteers are needed in all areas of the camp: Bible presentations, crafts, music, snacks, interactive games, and teen leaders. 

Parish Office Help

Special Mailings—Volunteers assist in stuffing mailings to parishioners throughout the year.

Money Counting Team—Count weekend collections on Monday mornings.