stthomasmorechurch-coralville-ia-02-0301

Knights of Columbus - Dresser Build

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:25:43 GMT

��️✨ Dresser Build – Save the Date! ✨��️

Join the St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus for a meaningful day of service as we partner with Houses into Homes to help families in need turn houses into homes.

�� Saturday, May 16, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
�� Lower Level – St. Thomas More Catholic Church

This Dresser Build will include assembling 5-drawer dressers and nightstands —all materials arrive boxed, pre-cut, and ready to put together. The Knights have already purchased 10 dressers and 10 nightstands to get us started!

�� How You Can Help:

Join us for the build day (no experience needed!)
Donate or sponsor additional dressers and nightstands
Bring a friend or family member— students are welcome with a parent

�� Tools (hammers & screwdrivers) will be provided.
�� If you can build IKEA furniture, you’ve got the skills for this project!

Together, we can make a real difference by creating safe, comfortable spaces for families in our community.

�� Questions? Contact Keith Less
�� 319-855-8694
�� Krless@mchsi.com

�� Learn more: www.housesintohome.org/dresserbuild

May Day Baskets for Lantern Park

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:03:49 GMT

You Can Be a Part of This!

Join us in spreading joy and love to the residents of Lantern Park Specialty Care through our annual May Baskets Outreach . This simple act of kindness brings smiles, comfort, and connection to seniors in our community—and we would love for you to be part of it!

�� Volunteer Opportunities

��️ Stuff the Bags
�� Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 10:30–11:30 AM
�� Lower Level – St. Thomas More Catholic Church
�� 12 Volunteers Needed

�� Deliver the Bags
�� Friday, May 1
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM
�� Meet at Lantern Park Specialty Care
�� 8 Volunteers Needed

�� Sign up through SignUpGenius to participate!

�� Donation Needs

We are collecting items to fill each May Basket with care and joy. Suggested donations include:

Back scratchers
Large print word searches
Coloring books (easy or adult)
Markers, crayons, colored pencils
Small toys & magazines
Chapstick & lotion
Individually wrapped snacks (Little Debbies, granola bars, trail mix, candy, chips, etc.)
Pop or other small treats

�� Drop-off Location: Collection box in the Multi-Purpose Room at STM
�� Deadline: Sunday, April 26

�� Why It Matters

These baskets are more than just gifts—they are reminders to our senior neighbors that they are seen, valued, and loved. Your generosity helps brighten someone’s day in a meaningful and lasting way.

�� Questions or RSVP

Kim Schmitz – schmitziowa@msn.com | 319-621-5325
Terry Conner – tdervrich@gmail.com | 319-331-9749

✨ Thank you for helping us share Christ’s love through simple acts of kindness.

Meals from the Heart Ministry

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:28:15 GMT

Meals from the Heart Ministry

In times of need, even the simplest acts of care can make a powerful difference. The Meals from the Heart Ministry at St. Thomas More is here to support individuals and families during life’s challenging or transitional moments.

Whether you are welcoming a new baby, grieving the loss of a loved one, recovering from illness, surgery, or hospitalization, our volunteers are ready to provide home-cooked meals and compassionate support.

This ministry is a beautiful way our parish lives out the Gospel—caring for one another with love, kindness, and generosity.

��️ How You Can Help or Receive Support

Need a meal? If you or someone you know could benefit from this ministry, we are here for you.
Want to serve? Consider joining our team of volunteers by preparing and delivering meals to those in need.

�� Get Connected

To request assistance or sign up to help, please contact:
Judy Fritz
�� jfritz@yahoo.com
�� 319-430-6858

Together, we can be the hands and heart of Christ—one meal at a time. ��

CrEaTivE Connection

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:33:54 GMT

"Our Creativity is a process of discovery, of paying attention - it is an act of deep listening. When we are attentive and utterly honest regarding our emotions, desires, and interior movements, we begin to decipher important heart-held information regarding how we relate to God, ourselves, and others. And in this space of where the past and present meet, and when we are completely authentic, we begin our journey of healing or celebration."

Looking for a way to settle your spirit in 2026 or a way to connect with you heart in a new way?

Join us for a couple hours of creativity and connection the second Sunday each month from

6-8pm!

All adults (18 & older) are invited to register.
Cost: suggested $10 donation for supplies

April 12, 2026 - Poetry into Art (bring your favorite poem, psalm, prose and create it into art through various mediums.)

May 10, 2026 - Rock Mandala painting

June 14, 2026 - Block and Poetry

Registration: Contact Tracy Lees - tracylc17@gmail.com or

Kim Novak - Kimberly.a.novak914@gmail.com

Catholic Worker House

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:48:20 GMT

Catholic Worker House Meals

Serve with Love. Share a Meal. Be Christ to Others.

St. Thomas More parishioners have the beautiful opportunity to serve meals at the Catholic Worker House , offering nourishment, hospitality, and dignity to our brothers and sisters in need.

This ministry is more than preparing food — it is an encounter with Christ. When we serve, we live out the Gospel call to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and love without condition.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food…” – Matthew 25:35

What We Do

Volunteers help by:

Preparing or donating food
Serving meals
Cleaning up after the meal
Offering kindness and conversation

Families, individuals, teens, and small groups are welcome to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to serve together.

Upcoming Catholic Worker House Meals

Catholic Worker House Meals coming up.
Sign ups below:

�� May 3, 2026

�� June 7, 2026

�� July 5, 2026

(Please click the links above to view available dates and volunteer opportunities.)

Who Can Volunteer?

Adults
Families (children with parent supervision)
High school students (great service hours opportunity)
Ministry groups

No special skills required — just a heart ready to serve .

Why It Matters?

Every meal served is a reminder that no one walks alone. Your presence brings hope, encouragement, and the love of Christ to those who may need it most.

Thank you for sharing your gifts with our parish and our wider community.

New Members Welcome Brunch

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:22:51 GMT

Welcome NEW MEMBERS!

Please join us in welcoming and meeting our new parishioners who are joining our St. Thomas More Catholic Church community!

��️ New Member Meal
�� Sunday, May 3, 2026
⏰ After the 8:30 AM Mass
�� Lower-Level Social Hall

Join us for a relaxed and joyful morning featuring Make-Your-Own Breakfast Burritos �� and great conversation as we come together in fellowship. This is a wonderful opportunity to extend a warm STM welcome and connect as a community.

�� Please respectfully RSVP to Judy Frits
�� Text: 319-430-6858
�� Email: jfrits@yahoo.com

Come as you are—we can’t wait to welcome you! ��

Knight's of Columbus Fish Fry Fridays

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:52:39 GMT

Join us for our:

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Fridays this Lent—an evening of great food, fellowship, and community! Hosted by the Knights of Columbus , these dinners are a favorite tradition and a wonderful way to gather with family and friends.

��Dates:

February 20
March 6
March 20

⏰Time: 5:00–7:30 PM
��Location: STM Lower Level

��Pricing:

Adults: $15
Kids (ages 5–12): $7
Kids 4 & under: FREE
*Electronic payment option available (additional fee applies).

Come enjoy a delicious meal, support the Knights, and spend a Friday evening in good company.

All are welcome!

Epiphany

test@4lpi.com (Web Team) — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:28:16 GMT

Besides the Wise Men, what is significant about the Epiphany?

How do you manifest Jesus to all with whom you come into contact?

Epiphany means “manifestation,” or public display. The feast is usually celebrated January 6. In the US, it is celebrated on the Sunday nearest to January 6. It originates from a story unique to Matthew (2:1-12). Magi from the East come to offer homage to the newborn King, presenting him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

This part of Matthew’s infancy narrative differs from Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. In Luke there are no Magi, star, nor gifts. Luke has Jesus being born in a stable after Mary and Joseph’s long travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Matthew seems to have the family living in a house in Bethlehem, where the Magi find them.

Why these differences? They stem from the needs and concerns of the audience the authors were addressing, as well as the theological stance of each author. Knowing the original intention helps get at the correct interpretation of the text.

Since Matthew was writing primarily to a Jewish community, his concern was to show that Jesus did not come just for Jews, but for Gentiles as well. From his very birth, Jesus not only manifests himself to Jews, but also to Gentiles, who are prominently included in the manifestation, symbolized by the Magi and their journey. This is the most significant aspect of the feast of Epiphany. How do you manifest Jesus to all with whom you come into contact?

©LPi

Baptism of the Lord

test@4lpi.com (Web Team) — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 13:16:32 GMT

“We are called to live our baptism every day, as new creatures, clothed in Christ.”

— Pope Francis

What reference point do you use when making decisions? Many times, impulse takes control and decisions are made based solely on emotion and desire. We all know that these types of decisions can often get us into trouble. When a person has a confident sense of who they are and a real understanding of what is important and of value, the likelihood of kneejerk impulsive choices diminishes. Baptism gives us what we need to make well informed and purposeful decisions. By this simple gesture, God claims us as His own and provides us with the identity and purpose we need to properly live life.

It is tremendously reassuring, when we truly embrace this revelation and realize that we no longer have to wonder about the purpose of our lives or struggle to find our way. The answer of who we are in God has been given to us. We no longer have to fumble around, trip over ourselves or walk aimlessly about. Issues surrounding the sacredness of life, the meaning of death, the protection of those most vulnerable, care for the weak and the poor, offering hospitality to those in search of a home, the purpose and proper place of work, how to create a just social order, caring for creation, and understanding our roles as heralds and stewards are just a few of the wonderful gifts baptism brings. When we make decisions based on things such as these core Gospel truths we really act as Christ himself, revealing to others the new creations that we are. This is how we live our baptism.

It is difficult to walk against the tide. Yet, that is precisely what baptism calls us to do. Although we are sinners, in need of mercy and far from perfection we are called to order our life and make decisions based upon the wisdom and guidance of Almighty God. He alone is the one who can claim us as His sons and daughters. Standing up for our principles will not make us popular. But who ever said Christianity is a popularity contest? Baptism calls us to stand up for that which goes against the grain of secularism. Standing in line with other sinners, we have our anchor to steady us in the tempests of life and God is very pleased. Forge ahead. There is nothing to fear.