Our lives as Catholic Christians center on the Eucharist. As stated by our Bishop Lynch, “…good Eucharistic celebrations begin with a desire within us to become one with Christ and members of the Body of Christ. These celebrations form and transform us to go forth and be Jesus to the world.” Nourished by the Word and the Body and Blood of Christ, we support one another as we carry on the missionary activity of the early disciples in today’s world – we are the disciples of today!”
By virtue of our baptism, we are all called to ministry, and the celebration of Mass affords many opportunities to share our time and talents with our praying community.
The Bereavement Group
The Bereavement Group meets in the Parish Center on a weekly basis, every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. For further information, please contact the Parish Office at (727) 372-8600, ext. 111.
The Lazarus Group
Parishioners offer comfort and support to grieving families by attending the funeral Masses. The presence of these members shows the mourners that the entire STA faith family is supporting them at this very difficult time. There are times when due to circumstances, the Lazarus Group are the only people in attendance. To help with the Lazarus Group please call (727) 372-8600, ext. 111.
Legion of Mary
The goals of this international Society include helping members increase personal holiness through imitation of the virtues of Mary and undertaking various Apostolic works. At weekly meetings held on Wednesdays at 9:00am in the Parish Center, our members reflect on Scriptures, prayer and planned activities. For more information please visit www.legionofmary.ie/
Marriage Encounter
Couples seeking to deepen their commitment to one another are encouraged to attend one of the weekend programs sponsored by the diocese. Couples experiencing a change in their lives (new job, new residents, empty nest syndrome, retirement, etc.) have found this especially useful. For further information, please contact our Parish Office at (727) 372-8600.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communionvisit the sick and homebound in their homes. Nursing home visits are provided by teams. The ministers bring Holy Communion and visit with the people for a short period of time. These visits keep the homebound connected to the parish. Training is provided. To volunteer, please contact Betty West in our Parish Office at (727) 372-8600, ext. 116
Parish Nurse Ministry
Trained health care professionals visit members of the parish on request, providing an assessment and offering recommendations and resources. The ministry provides monthly blood pressure screenings during the winter months and periodically sponsor’s information sessions on various health related topics. For the help you need, please contact Betty West at (727) 372-8600, ext. 116.
Respect Life
This ministry seeks to build a “Civilization of Life” wherever it is threatened by abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, euthanasia, capital punishment and generic engineering practices that are not compatible with the sanctity of life. Members support the local “Right to Life” activities, contact legislators and assist in educating our parishioners on pro-life issues. Please contact the Parish Office at (727) 372-8600 to get involved.
Retrouveille
This diocesan and international program seeks to assist married couples going through a difficult time in their marriage. This multi-day program as group and individual sessions in which couples can discover the root causes of their disagreement and to learn methods of better communications. Visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
St. Vincent de Paul Society at STA has responded to the needs of the poor, the hungry, the sick and the homeless. This group of Catholic Christian volunteers receives gifts from our generous family of donors at STA and distributes them to those in need. They maintain a call -in- line to help with utility bills, rent payments, transportation, food and clothing. They operate a food pantry in our Parish Hall on Monday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 and from 1:30 to 3:30. Please call (727) 372-8600, ext. 142 for assistance.
West Pasco Pregnancy Center
This center assists any woman involved in a crisis pregnancy in a loving and non-judgmental way. The center provides pregnancy testing, prenatal and newborn care classes, material assistance, and an attentive ear and comforting shoulder to lean on. Sensitive volunteers are always needed. Please call (727) 846-9999.