St. Thomas Parish at 530 Elizabeth Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 US - General Info

Respect Life: Respect Life seeks to activate and cultivate respect for the sanctity of human life in the parish and surrounding community through prayer, education, advocacy for protection, and corporal and spiritual works of mercy for women in crisis pregnancies and their babies. 

The primary focus is upon abortion.  It also addresses euthanasia and assisted suicide, and other direct threats to human life, including embryonic stem cell research and human cloning.  Contact Beth Smith:  997-0371.  Click here for more information.

Ministry with Seniors: The Senior council provides the elder voice for the parish. The council and staff seek to coordinate the gifts of service among adults (60+) with the social, spiritual, educational and physical needs of the adult community of the parish. Members plan Reconciliation Services, luncheons, and educational opportunities. Volunteers provide services on an as-needed basis for seniors. Contact Deacon Warren Hecht 761-8606 ext. 2804 or whecht@umich.edu.

Health Ministry Team: Health care professionals that volunteer and share their expertise. The focus is on the physical, emotional and safety needs of the parish. The team assists the Parish Nurse in planning the Health Fair, participates in blood pressure screenings, and consults with parishioners who have specific needs. Six meetings per year. Contact, 761-8606.

Counseling Assistance Program: A ministry with licensed and/or certified professionals including Social Workers, Lawyers, and Accountants that assist parishioners with short term needs. Charges for this service are based on a person’s ability to pay. Contact Karmen Saran 761-8606 ext. 2903.

St. Vincent de Paul: Open to anyone interested in living their faith by giving the kind of aid that promotes the dignity and integrity of each individual served. They meet the second & fourth Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. The members are involved in service (on weekdays) to the needs of the poor who come to the parish office for assistance. The Society also operates a store at 1001 Broadway, 761-1400. Contact Barb Norman at 769-2581. 

Hunger Coalition: Ann Arbor provides hot meals seven nights a week for those who cannot provide for themselves. St. Thomas Parish assists with cooking, serving, and ministering to the hungry on the fourth Friday each month at Delonis Center on Huron St. Contact Sue Maguire 665-0978.

Migrant Ministry: From June to October, various ministries serve the migrants in the Manchester area: Adult and children’s catechism, a bi-monthly prayer meeting, and home visitation. Contact Cathy Martinez 761-2336.

Art Fair Ministry: In response to the command of Jesus to bring the Good News to all people this ministry sends witnesses to the Art Fair. The Art Fair Catholic Booth represents all Ann Arbor area Catholic Churches. Contact 761-8606.

Giving Tree: Christmas assistance to the area needy during November and December. Coordinators are Dan Kielczewski at 761-7214 and Karmen Saran at 761-8606 ext. 2902.

Ministers to the Sick & Homebound Parishioners: These ministers visit the sick and homebound members of the parish and those who are hospitalized, or confined to a nursing care facility. They take Holy Communion to them as requested. These parishioners help to extend our parish boundaries so that those who are unable to join us because of illness or disability, can still be with us spiritually. Contact Deacon Warren Hecht, 761-8606 ext. 2804 or whecht@umich.edu.

Ecumenical Involvement: St. Thomas Church belongs to the Michigan Ecumenical Forum VIII which meets annually for a conference in Michigan. As a parish we promote the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January each year. Parishioners and/or staff have cooperated in ecumenical efforts in the city such as Crop Walk, Life Chain and the Planning Committee for the Holocaust commemoration in Ann Arbor.