Three Hours for Peace and Mercy

APRIL 12, 12:00–3:00 PM, STM CHURCH

In response to Pope Leo XIV’s call to pray for peace, Saint Thomas More is hosting "Three Hours for Peace and Mercy" this Sunday, April 12, following the 10:30 AM Mass from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. 

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the monstrance on the altar, and the church will remain open for prayer throughout the afternoon. We invite you to commit to a 30-minute adoration slot or to come and pray for any amount of time that suits you. At 3:00 PM, we will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and conclude with Benediction.

"On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by a hatred and indifference that make us feel powerless in the face of evil." 
–Pope Leo XIV's Urbi et Orbi Message on April 5, 2026


This Holy Place

One hundred years after the faith and generosity of those who came before us, we are stepping into the next great chapter of this holy place. As we begin sharing our Centennial Capital Campaign with the full parish community, we do so with gratitude for the strong foundation already built. This weekend, Fr. R.J. will introduce this effort at each Mass, and every household will receive a mailing with a campaign brochure, letter, and pledge card in the coming weeks. We invite you to review these materials, prayerfully discern your participation, and consider being part of this historic effort at Saint Thomas More. Questions about the campaign? Contact Brennan Hall, Director of Stewardship and Development, at bhall@morecommunity.org or 651-227-7669 x163

STM's New Online Giving Platform–Blackbaud

This May, we will be switching from OSV to a new online giving platform called Blackbaud. This change offers a more modern and user-friendly giving experience for our parishioners. No action is needed yet—watch for an email in May with simple instructions to set up your giving in Blackbaud. When you receive that email, please make the switch promptly to help ensure a smooth transition. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of our parish community!

Blue & Gold Auction 2026


MAY 1, 6:15 PM, STM AUDITORIUM

Join STM families, staff, and parishioners for our annual fundraising evening: STM's Blue & Gold Auction! Live music, delicious bites, spirited bidding, and love for our school will be on full display, you won't want to miss it! Purchase your tickets here before the price increases next Friday, April 17. We'll see you there!

Easter Stewardship

As we rejoice in the risen Christ this Easter, we invite you to consider a special gift to Saint Thomas More. Your generosity helps sustain this sacred community — now celebrating 100 years of faith, prayer, and grace — so that its light may continue to shine for generations to come. Thank you, and Alleluia!

The Next Chapter Program

The University of St. Thomas is offering a program for those already retired or thinking about retiring soon. Participants meet once a month at St. Thomas on Saturday mornings, using principles of Ignatian spirituality to assist in discerning what God might be calling them to next. Sign up here for their upcoming Zoom information sessions, or visit their website for more information. Come explore with others who are seeking purpose in retirement!

Lenten Project–Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Lenten Project and returned their bags during the Easter Triduum. Throughout Lent, participants followed a calendar of daily activities and donation suggestions. Nearly 100 bags were returned, providing 1000 pounds of food for the food shelf! Well done, St. Thomas More!

Fish Fry Stats for 2026

Thank you for an incredible fish fry season at STM! Our auditorium was filled with great food and even greater company. Here are our final numbers for 2026:

• 720 pounds of Fish
• 375 pounds of French Fries
• 128 9x13 pans of Mac & Cheese
• 220 pounds of Coleslaw
• 38 pans of Peach Cobbler
• 1296 Cookies
• 12 gallons of Tartar sauce
• 1728 Dinner Rolls
• 50 pounds of Lemons

Easter Flower Care


We're looking for volunteers to care for our beautiful Easter flowers during the Easter Season. Please sign up here for a time convenient for you, between 8 AM and 4 PM. Email Kellen O'Grady with any questions. No green thumbs needed, but highly appreciated!

Men's Parish Softball Team!


Looking for something to do outdoors on Wednesday evenings this summer? Join the Men's Softball Program starting mid-April through mid-August playing ball against other local parishes in the St. Paul Catholic Slo-Timers League! Games start the first Wednesday in May. Email Tim Stutzke at stutzkes@netzero.com to get involved!

St. Matthew's Spring Tea


APRIL 11, 1–3:00 PM, ST. MATTHEW'S

St. Matthew’s Rosary Society is holding their Spring Tea in the St. Matthew Social Hall. Tickets for Adults are $15, Seniors (age 65+) are $12, and Children (10 and under) are $7. Please bring your own china cup and saucer if you can! Hats and/or white gloves are optional. Visit their website for more information.

Mother Baby Gatherings

APRIL 15, 5:00 PM, IGNATIUS HALL

All new mothers and their babies are invited to these Mother Baby Gatherings for fellowship and discussion. Parishioners Anjanette Carr (and baby Rosie) and Chris Weimholt (mother of 4 young adults and RN) are guiding the group and cannot wait to meet you and your little one. Mark your calendars now, their last gathering before summer break is May 13!

Ignatian Inspired Talk

APRIL 13, 7:00 PM, IGNATIUS HALL

This evening reflection will explore the resurrection stories through the use of Ignatian imagination. We will be guided to deeper contemplation of God’s promises of new life, moving beyond suffering and sin. In conversation with Christ’s disciples, we will seek a loving encounter with Jesus who shares with us his message of new life, mercy, and fulfilled promises. Please RSVP here for this talk (livestream option available).

Team Savvy Mass & Lunch

APRIL 14, 12:00 PM, STM CHURCH

Join STM's Team Savvy for another Mass & Lunch! Please bring a lunch from home. Local author Jeff Olson is coming to speak about his book "Kindred Spirits," about the golden age of nature conservation. Please RSVP here for this event. To join the email list and notified be of future events, email Patti Rhodus.

Spring Bible Study Group

APRIL 14, 2–3:30 PM, PARISH OFFICE

Celebrate the joy and rebirth of spring with a scripture study focused on the Acts of the Apostles for 5 weeks! Fr. R.J. will be leading the group in the STM Parish Office from 2:00–3:30 PM on Tuesdays. We will be following the Little Rock Scripture Study guide from Liturgical Press in Collegeville, MN. Please sign up here for this group.

Reconciliation with Fr. R.J.

APRIL 14, 7:00 PM, IGNATIUS HALL

Fr. R.J. will present on the sacrament of Reconciliation and its importance to Catholics. Refreshments will be served, so please RSVP here. Then, on April 18, reconciliation will be starting at 3:00 PM with a special invitation for people who are new to the sacrament or who haven't been in a long time. All are welcome to come and receive!

Silent Retreat for Women

APRIL 28–30, CHRIST THE KING RETREAT CENTER

The Ignatian Spirituality Center offers Women’s Silent Retreats in the spring and fall at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, Minnesota. Their upcoming midweek retreat will be led by Dr. Kathy Coffey-Guenther. Register here for this restorative retreat!

Apr 14, 7:15 AM - ♰Marie Michel

Apr 15, 7:15 AM - ♰Theresa Hempeck

Apr 16, 7:15 AM - ♰Margaret Hermes
Apr 17, 7:15 AM - ♰Gary Sauer
Apr 18, 4:30 PM - STM Community

Apr 19, 8:00 AM - ♰Carol and Jerry Halloran

Apr 19, 10:30 AM - ♰Laurel Scorpio

Reader Notification: STM's E-News is a publication of St. Thomas More Catholic Community in St. Paul, MN. Each edition contains articles and news feeds that are included for awareness of current topics in our world today. The positions expressed by outside authors and news feeds are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of St.Thomas More Catholic Community or its staff. This E-News was compiled by Marie Valois, Director of Communications.