Social Justice
St. Thomas More Social Justice Commission: Faith in Action
At St. Thomas More, we believe that faith is more than words—it’s action. The Social Justice Commission is dedicated to living out the Gospel by serving all of God’s people and His creation in every season of life. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, we work to uplift the poor, protect the vulnerable, and advocate for justice and dignity for all.
Through charitable works, advocacy, and awareness, we seek to create a community where compassion meets action and love transforms lives. Whether through hands-on service, educational initiatives, or outreach programs, we invite you to join us in bringing Christ’s light into the world.
Together, we can be a voice for justice, a hand of mercy, and a heart of love.
Want to get involved? Contact our Chairperson, Kim Novak, at
kimberly.a.novak914@gmail.com.
Saint Thomas More Parish 2026 WORKS OF MERCY
Join us as we allow prayer, fasting and almsgiving to transform and move us towards compassionate presence for others…
FEED THE HUNGRY ~
Donate to provide culturally/ethnically appropriate foods for our immigrant neighbors through IC COMPASSION, OR provide emergency food relief and hope through WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN. Bring hope locally, nationally and internationally to those struggling with hunger and poverty by participating with your family in the CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES RICE BOWL collection.
GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY ~ Give to the Dubuque Franciscan Sisters as they bring safe water to villages in Tanzania and Honduras through the SISTER WATER PROJECT – or give the gift of running water to those living on the Navajo Nation through the NAVAJO WATER PROJECT ~
CLOTHE THE NAKED ~ Donate new and gently used tennis shoes and socks to the CATHOLIC WORKER HOUSE FOOT CLINIC, held each month to serve those experiencing homelessness. Donate other gently used clothing to CROWDED CLOSET.
SHELTER THE HOMELESS ~ Learn about and donate to HEALING PRAIRIE FARM, a local collaboration providing youth in crisis a therapeutic place to receive care, or support homeless youth nationally through COVENANT HOUSE.
VISIT THE SICK AND IMPRISONED~ Join us in making blankets for guests of our local RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE and to fill backpacks for our friends at INSIDEOUT REENTRY March 15, or consider supporting DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
Sign-Up Genius & Amazon Wish List
BURY THE DEAD ~ Support those who experiencing the loss of a pregnancy or infant through a donation to NO FOOT TOO SMALL. Consider attending a Death Cafe for open discussion of death and dying.
Saint Thomas More Parish LENT SERVICE AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
- Bowl for Kids’ Sake – February 28, 2026 * Colonial Lanes
Join the STM team in supporting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Johnson County. Contact Kim Novak (kimberly.a.novak914@gmail.com) for information on how to join our team.
- “Observations at the US-Mexico Border”
March 1, 2026 * 3 pm * St Thomas More Social Hall
Deacon candidates Jorge Lopez, Matt Staab, and Dennis Uhl discuss their experiences and thoughts on their trip to the US-Mexico border, followed by Q&A.
- Works of Mercy Project
March 15, 2026 * 3 pm * St Thomas More Social Hall
Join us for a fun afternoon of making blankets and filling backpacks for our local neighbors in need.
Volunteer or Donate following the links: Sign-Up Genius & Amazon Wish List
- Social Support Organizations Panel
March 22, 2026 * 3 pm * St Thomas More Social Hall –
Come learn from representatives of InsideOut Reentry, Compeer, Open Heartland and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Sponsored by Stephen Ministry and the Social Justice Commission.
March 29, 2026 * 3 pm * St Thomas More Social Hall
Join us in viewing a powerful, Oscar- winning documentary created as an act of resistance on the path to justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussion to follow.
- Reserve a spot to hear anti-death penalty activist Sister Helen Prejean at Mt. Mercy University on April 13, 2026 at 6 pm
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Social Justice Commission Tithing Grants
Do you know of a worthy charity that reflects the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching or exemplifies the Corporal Works of Mercy?
The Social Justice Commission invites applications for tithing grants supporting local, national, or international organizations that live out these Gospel values. These grants are funded by St. Thomas More Parish, along with proceeds from our Fair Trade sales at St. Thomas More.
Grant Details
- Awards of up to $500 each
- Distributed twice a year
- Organizations may be eligible once per year
How to Apply
- On-line Application Link
- Printed applications are available at the Welcome Desk and in the Fair Trade Room
- Application deadline: March 1
Questions?
Please contact Tom Novak at thomas.a.novak@gmail.com
We encourage you to share this opportunity with organizations doing meaningful work to serve others and advance justice.
Service & Volunteer Opportunity - Catholic Worker House
Mark your calendars: The STM Social Justice Commission will be serving our next meal at CWH. Upcoming Date and Sign up to help here:
Season of Creation Events at St. Thomas More Parish
Celebrating Peace and Creation!
We had a wonderful time at the Peace Pole blessing on September 20th, part of our Season of Creation celebration! It was a beautiful gathering, emphasizing our commitment to peace and stewardship of the Earth. Here are a few pictures capturing the moments of joy, reflection, and unity. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this special event as we embrace our responsibility to care for creation and foster peace in our community!
Domestic Help
