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Adult Education
Adult Education is an integral part of St. Thomas More Parish. Sessions consist of Bible studies, retreats, discussion groups, and small faith communities. Parishioners are also encouraged to take part in diocesan offerings such as the New Wine Program that trains people to be active lay-ministers in their parish community. The priests as well as the parish staff also offer adult education sessions. Speakers are occasionally brought in. Watch the bulletin for specific offerings.
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Generations of Faith
This is a new program starting at STM this fall. This program is for the whole family from grandparent to grandchild. This fall we'll start with one or two programs. All ages will come together and learn about a single topic, they will separate to do study and projects fitting for their age groups then return and share what they've learned. To help set up this new program call Ginger 942-2492 x 209 or gkroos@stmkc.com.
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Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLW)
Each week as the parishioners gather for 10:30 AM Sunday Liturgy, a special liturgy for the children is held downstairs in More Hall. The children are dismissed after the penitential rite before the Liturgy of the Word begins. They gather in their appointed rooms, ages three to six in one room and seven to twelve in another. Here they have their own Liturgy of the Word proclaimed on their level of understanding followed by a dialogue homily. A modified creed is said and the children offer their own prayers of the faithful. The children return to the congregation at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. For more information or to be a part of this volunteer group contact Ginger, 942-2492 x209 or gkroos@stmkc.com .
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Our Parish Library
St. Thomas more Parish Library is located in the parish office dining room. It contains books mostly of a spiritual nature, books on prayer, religion, children's books, bible study materials both books and tapes, also reference books, and books on teaching Catholicism to young children. Check out the link below for an online catalogue.
The library is open during office hours during the week from 8:30 to 5:00 and on Sunday morning from 8:30 to 11:30. It is wise to call the office on weekdays before coming because meetings take place in the dining room. Books may be checked out for one month, tapes for a week. Please make this library an extension of your home and come get away for awhile and read and pray.
Click here for a online catalogue
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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
What is the RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process through which men and women can look at their personal life experience and hear the message of Christ. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit they continue on this path all of their life.
The RCIA is not a series of classes or instruction experiences with the parish priest. The RCIA is a process because it takes place in the midst of the entire parish. Everyone is involved in bringing faith seeking persons into the midst of the Catholic faith community. Some members are more active than others in their involvement in this process but all of us witness and pray for the constant faith development of those who are on the journey. Once started in the RCIA Process, they will find themselves in a group with other seekers listening, discussing, questioning, discovering, and praying together.
WHO SHOULD JOIN THE RCIA ?
- Those coming from another faith tradition who want to know more about the Catholic Church.
- Those who are not baptized and are seeking a faith community.
- Those who want to be received into the Catholic Church.
- Baptized Catholics who have never received any training in their faith and wish to complete their initiation.
- Confirmed Catholics who wish to be sponsors or just want to learn and walk the journey with these candidates.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A ROMAN CATHOLIC?
Because the RCIA is a process, there is no set number of sessions one must attend. We try to be sensitive to the needs of each individual. The unbaptized and uncatechized may take a longer time than those who have been active members over a period of time or have been very active in their own faith tradition. This process of discernment takes place with the priest, the Catechumen Director, the Team and any other individuals involved before this lifetime commitment of being initiated into the Catholic Church is made.
WHEN DOES IT START?
It starts when the Holy Spirit puts a thought, or notion, or desire in your heart of wanting to check out the Catholic Church or perhaps become a member.
Anyone who has had such an inner stirring even if it is just to get more information about the process can contact the parish office.
The RCIA is not only a process for the unbaptized but also a process for baptized Protestants who wish to come into full communion with the Catholic Church.
The process also calls for parishioners to walk the journey with the Inquirers as sponsors and companions. Sponsors are willing to share their faith and to be a friend.
WHAT NEXT?
Ginger Kroos is the contact person at St. Thomas More 816-942-2492 x209. She will be glad to answer any questions and help you get started.
e-mail: gkroos@stmkc.com
SIGN ME UP!
You can contact Ginger to sign up or you can CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SIGN UP FORM, print it out and mail it to Ginger at the address below:
ST. THOMAS MORE
11822 Holmes Rd.
KCMO. 64131
816-942-2492
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School of Religion (SOR)
Children from preschool through eighth grade not attending our parish school are offered classes in religion on Saturday evenings after the 4:00 p.m. Mass. We meet in the parish office from 5:00-6:00 p.m. We currently offer 4 classes.
Our youngest students are aged Pre-K through 1st grade. Their teacher, Kitty Kennaley, uses the “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd,” a Montessori program for teaching religion. This is a hands-on method of teaching that attends to the whole child, whatever their learning style.
Second graders work with Shara Lewis to prepare for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist.
Grades 3 & 4 meet with Cathy Coffman. This is our “Explorers” class. They delve into the weekly Gospel and how it pertains to their daily lives.
Grades 5-8 work with Karen Lundgren. This is our “Living Faith” class. They work on the background of our Catholic faith and how we can grow in faith in our daily lives.
Parents are always welcome to attend the sessions. Materials are sent home after each session so parents can work with their children at home.
For more information, contact Ginger at 942-2492 x209 or gkroos@stmkc.com, or Shara Lewis at 333- 6876 or 686- 4923, or sharachristine@yahoo.com.
Click here for an S.O.R. registration form
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Vacation Bible School
This is a fun-filled week of activity for children from preschool through grade 4. Meeting in the mornings, the children learn more about five different Bible stories through the use of crafts, music, classroom activities, drama, and recreation. This year our theme is the Great Bible Reef. We will be meeting from June 25- 29. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Shara Lewis at 333-6876 or 686-4923, or sharachristine@yahoo.com.
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