The Altar Guild of Saint Thomas Church is open to all women of the Parish who are interested in learning more about God's Work in the preparation of the altars for the Holy Eucharist each day. Serving on the Altar Guild takes dedication and a certain amount of time and is a wonderful way to feel closer to God.
The High Altar Acolytes are appointed by the Rector to assist with the ceremonies of the Liturgy. Their tasks include preparation of Missals and other printed materials, acting as crucifers, torch-bearers and thurifers, escorting clergy and lay guests of the Parish, and serving the Offertory.
The Adult Acolytes, or Lay Readers, is a Guild of men and women who read the Daily Office and assist the clergy at the 8 a.m. and 5:30 weekday Eucharist and at the 12:10 Eucharist on Saturday. The Adult Acolytes are licensed by the Bishop of New York and serve at the discretion of the Rector.
The Lectors are a group of communicants who serve as readers of the first lesson for Choral Eucharists on Sundays and specified Feast Days throughout the year. All lectors serve with the approval of the Rector.
The Usher Corps, a group of men and women of the parish, serves at Sunday worship services, at weekday choral services, at choir concerts, and at special events. Ushers greet parishioners and visitors, distribute service leaflets, direct worshipers to the pews, take the collection, and guide communicants to the altar.
The Saint Thomas Soup Kitchen is a lay ministry to the homeless in our New York community. Every Saturday morning at 9:45 a.m. throughout the year, volunteers gather in the Parish House (One West Fifty-Third Street) to prepare between 350 and 400 bag lunches consisting of soup or fruit cup, a sandwich and cookies. Distribution of the lunches along routes in mid-Manhattan begins at 11:00 and is completed by 12:30 p.m. Twice monthly, toiletries are also distributed along the routes. Everyone is invited to join in this important lay ministry.
Tour Guides are parishioners who relate the architectural history and describe the artistic features of Saint Thomas Church. Tours are given after the 11 a.m. Sunday service and at other times on request. Each guide conducts a tour every six weeks to two months on a rotating basis. Tour guide candidates undertake a program of study prior to giving their first tours. There are periodic meetings of the group and tours of other churches and buildings of architectural interest.
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