Testimonials from Past Participants
I felt welcomed from the very beginning of RCIA and felt even more unified at the end having all gone through the same journey to accepting Christ into our lives and being disciples of His word. I feel a universal connection with other Catholics and have a new external demonstration of my faith through worship, service, and charity. I truly feel that this new relationship with God is one of love and trust; I have found such peace within myself and the world around me.
My faith, hope, and love for God and His Church advanced when I didn't know that was possible. These courses helped me fill in many blanks to questions I had thought about and needed to know the answers to and answer questions I had been asked before and needed help learning the answers. The experience has changed my life in the most integral ways.
I am now not only much more knowledgeable about our Catholic faith and able to convey it to others more persuasively, I am a better disciple of Christ than I was before.
The instructors are incredible at not simply teaching material but also prompting students to take the material learned into prayer to grow closer to the Lord. I have studied and learned more about my Catholic faith than I ever thought I would be able to, all in manageable and thought-provoking classes.
For Adults
Just starting out? Perhaps thinking about becoming Catholic?
Consider our ‘Inquiry’ sessions. While they are primarily directed towards adults thinking about becoming Catholic, any adult is welcome to attend our inquiry sessions. These sessions are casual, with no commitment, and simply help the participant to meet other Catholics, learn a bit about Jesus, and have their faith-questions answered. This meets on Sundays at 9:00am, by appointment.
Wanting to hear an uplifting talk in a casual environment?
‘Wine and Wisdom’, run by AJ Carter, is an evening of camaraderie and edification. ‘Wine and Wisdom’ is designed to foster connections among adults. These gatherings are on Friday nights and include a happy hour and a speaker offering a dose of insightful wisdom.
Ready for the Christian life 101?
Our 'We Make Disciples' program for adults helps participants to get an introduction to the Christian life. It is our preparation process (often referred to as RCIA/OCIA) for those adults preparing for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion and or Confession.
Want to discern how the Lord has called you?
Consider our ‘Called and Gifted’ program. Run by the St. Catherine of Siena Institute and hosted by St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, ‘Called and Gifted’ is a day-long workshop aimed at helping participants know and understand their spiritual gifts, known as charisms. Last year, under Fr. Steve’s leadership, we began offering ‘Called and Gifted’ for the parish. In the first year, over 150 people went through it, including parish and school staff.
Want examples of living the Christian life?
Our ‘First Saturdays with the Saints’ presentations (which typically begin at 9:15am) help connect participants to the great examples of our saints, done by engaging and faith-filled presenters.
Looking for connection as a young adult?
St. Thomas the Apostle welcomes all young adults ages 18-39. We create Christian community for young adults through social events, formation opportunities, prayer and more! You can follow us on Instagram at @sta_youngadults and visit the link in our bio!
Want community as a mom?
Our Mom’s Group is designed to support and affirm women in the many roles that we have in life as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and friends. It is a ministry about women bonded by their vocation and their Catholic faith who come together to pray and share the joys and struggles of motherhood. Moms of all ages and stages are welcome to participate in our gatherings.
What about a group for men?
The St. Thomas the Apostle Men's Bible Study is a fellowship of men devoted to studying Scripture together in order to become 'men after God's own heart.' The group meets every Friday from 7:00-8:00am in the Institute of Catholic Theology classroom, to the west of the church, off the piazza. The fellowship is open to all men who desire to deepen their relationship with the Lord.
Really like the ‘Catechism in a Year’ podcast? Want to go deeper?
We are excited to offer our 'Study the Catechism in a Year' program, which reconfigures our previous offerings into an exciting year-long process.
Since 2020, we have been offering semester-long courses with the opportunity for certificate and college credit. This year at St. Thomas, we have a new approach to our courses.
Many of you listen to the wonderful 'Catechism in a Year' podcast; our 'Study the Catechism in a Year' allows for important personal elements, including interaction with an instructor and students from Arizona and abroad.
This will meet on Monday nights beginning in late August. If you simply want to participate and not do homework, we offer a new lower-pricing option. For those interested, our Institute of Catholic Theology offers the optional opportunity to do homework towards a certificate and/or college-credit.
Not sure where to start?
The Institute of Catholic Theology has a vast online course catalog with over 200 previously recorded courses, covering a wide variety of topics. Simply go to the online library of courses at www.ictphx.org.
For Children and Teens
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
For children age 3 through 1st grade, we have our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. It is a Montessori-based program that helps children encounter the Lord through listening to Scripture, prayer, and participation in the Atrium, a room especially for young children that looks and feels like a mini-chapel. This program begins in early September.
Vacation Bible ‘Saturdays’
For children in Kindergarten through 5th grade, we have (during this time of construction) our Vacation Bible Saturdays, beginning, generally, late May early June.
Sacramental Preparation for Children/Teens – Family Catechesis
For children and teens who want to prepare for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion and or Confession, we have our Wednesday Night 'We Make Disciples for Families' program. It is a family process, in which parents participate alongside their children. Families who have already received their sacraments are welcome to attend! This program begins early September.
Ministry for Teens in grades 6-8 and 9-12
For middle school and high school teens looking friends, fun, and ways to grow in faith, our sessions are Sunday nights during the school year.