St. Thomas the Apostle

Mass Schedule
Mon. - Sat. 8 AM
Saturday 5 PM
Sunday 8 & 11 AM

Holyday Masses
Day Before 5:30 PM
Holyday 8 AM

Confessions
Sat. 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Adoration Chapel
Mon. - Fri.
9 AM - 11 PM

Blessing of expectant mothers and families after Mass on the 1st Sunday of each month.

Irondequoit Catholic Community celebrating over 100 years

 IPPG Information

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Faith and Commitment are the marks that have served St. Thomas the Apostle Parish during its history.

Bishop Thomas Hickey officially created the parish by signing the Latin Decree of Establishment on July 21, 1922. He did not name the parish at this time but left the choice to the future pastor.

The boundaries of the parish were established in this document. Lake Ontario on the north, the Genesee River on the west, the south side of Titus Avenue, along the north side of Thorndyke Road and down Winona Blvd. defined the north, west and south limits. The eastern boundary was to be the east side of Leastman Lane, now called Oakridge Drive, and the west side of the Rotary Sunshine Camp to Lake Ontario. These boundaries were to be changed later on due to the establishment of other parishes on the south.

Appointed as the founding pastor was Reverend John F. Muckle, son of Irish parents, Thomas and Margaret (Delaney) Muckle. He was born and raised near Stanley, New York, one of nine children, five of whom entered the religious life. Fr. Muckle named our new church St. Thomas, in honor of his father's patron saint.
In the beginning Masses were held at the Chapel of St. George on the Lake, a 35 by 65 foot summer chapel for 300 people built by the resident Catholics of Summerville. The school of 57 children, staffed by Sisters of Mercy M. Sacred Heart Lundergan (principal) and M. Stephen Zeitvogel, opened in September, 1922, at the Chapel and in the Lyceum next to it. 1997 bulletin article about the Chapel on the Lake

Fr. Muckle purchased 1-1/2 acres of land on the corner of St. Paul/Cole(brook) Rd. for $15,500 from Edward J. Hohman on November 11, 1922, and engaged Frank Frey as architect for the new parish project. Ground breaking for the new 48' by 56' schoolhouse (two classrooms / basement hall) was on April 23, 1923. The cornerstone was laid by Bishop Hickey on June 24th and the job was completed by fall at a cost of $26,500.

An 84' extension of six classrooms and a basement church built at a cost of $55,000 was dedicated on February 21, 1926, to accommodate the growing parish and its 200 students. The basement church seated 500 people; and the main and side altars of Gothic inspiration were created by Rochester wood carver Frank Pedeville.
In the early 1930's Sister Mary Charles, Fr. Muckle's own sister, became principal of St. Thomas School. It is still recalled with amusement the rule imposed by Father and Sister Charles that all students with war-time rubber heels had to wear a pair of stockings over their shoes so that they would not mark the school's maple floors! Sister Charles also started the first parochial school uniform rule: girls - light blue pleated uniforms with tan collars, cuffs and belts; boys - knickers and light blue shirts.
First Graduation Class 1925

In 1945 the congregation numbered 353 families / 1187 parishioners; in 1950, 511 families, 1783 members. Because of these increasing numbers, two more additions were needed to the school:

In 1949 the basement church was expanded to seat 700 and three new classrooms were built above it at a cost of $165,000; and in 1952 the second floor was completed, bringing the building to its present configuration. In those days, Fr. Muckle was frequently seen about the streets chauffeuring many of his students to and from school in his large black car.

Fr. Muckle lived in temporary quarters near the Chapel of St. George during his earliest weeks as pastor, then moved into the Hohman residence on the corner of St. Paul/Cole(brook) Drive.

During our first pastor's tenure, the founding of St. Margaret Mary's parish (1929) and World War II occasioned a loss of parishioners and of revenue, but St. Thomas did more than survive, it grew. Additional property was secured. In 1932 Fr. Muckle purchased the 151' by 323' Pringle lot south of the church for $3000; on August 30, 1930 a brick residence at 138 Washington was purchased as a convent for the Sisters of Mercy; in 1952 Father acquired the Hohman-Brunner residence at 4520 St. Paul Blvd to house the nuns; and between 1946-50 he bought the Washington Avenue property on which the present rectory/parish center sits. Thanks to the pew rent, plate offerings, children's collections and school tuition, old debts were erased, but many new, expansion debts were incurred. In 1953 there were 490 students. In 1959 there were 902 families, comprising 3338 individuals. The Holy Name Society, the Rosary Society, the League of the Sacred Heart and the Sodality continued to be the main devotional societies.

Eight assistants served under Father Muckle. William D. Tobin was the first (`34-'35). He was followed by James D. Cuffney (`35-'40), Albert J. Shamon (`40-'44), Joseph H. DeVaney (`44-'45), Francis E. Donoghue (`45-'49), Donald J. Murphy (`46-'52), Michael P. O'Brien (`46-'51), and John A. Morgan (`51-'57).

On June 29, 1954, at the age of 72 and after 32 years as pastor, Fr. Muckle submitted his resignation. John Francis Muckle died on December 15, 1958. His funeral Mass took place in St. Thomas' basement church and his remains were laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

On June 29, 1954, Bishop James E. Kearney appointed as our second pastor the 42-year-old son of John Burns and Adelaide Knapp Burns, Right Reverend Richard K. Burns.

His educational and managerial experience was extensive: assistant pastor of Holy Rosary Church; teacher of history at St. Andrew's Seminary; professor of moral theology at St. Bernard's Seminary; assistant secretary on the Vatican's Sacred Congregation of the Oriental Church; vice-rector of the North American College in Rome, and U.S. representative on the board of counselors of the International Secretariat of the Missionary Union of the Clergy.

In 1956, when 790 students being taught by 15 sisters (plus 5 lay teachers), a $250,000 fund drive for a large convent was launched. The parishioners responded overwhelmingly to the new pastor's appeal. $344,403 was pledged, and in November, 1958, the sisters were formally inducted into their new home on Washington Avenue. Two decades later, however, due to an increasing shortage of nuns, the building's purpose was altered. In 1978, it became a parish center and also the rectory of the St. Thomas clergy.

Following his predecessor's footsteps and guided by his assistant, Fr. John Morgan, Msgr. Burns continued to create multiple programs for his parishioners and endeared himself to them by his warm, charismatic, and caring personality. His "Child of God" greeting at the church doors before and after services became an anticipated salute. He knew his parishioners, their problems, their concerns. He established a list for weekly communion calls, taught 7th and 8th grade religion in St. Thomas School and visited the other grades regularly, led the pupils into Church for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday, and had a fine rapport with the little children, often bringing them into the sanctuary during Mass. He fostered religious instruction for public school children on "release time". In an effort to combat racism, he provided a number of spaces in St. Thomas School for Inner City children.

His deep concern for teen-alters was evident: high school boys manned rectory phones during certain hours, where contact with the clergy made them better acquainted with the religious life. Msgr. Burns also enjoyed and attended baseball and basketball games, particularly those between the inner-town rivals Bishop Kearney High School and West Irondequoit High School: so much so that he received a Bishop Kearney High School citation stating, "Msgr. Burns has combined his inherent love of sports with a deep and pervasive faith".

The parish Legion of Mary was founded on December 8, 1955. After forty-nine years, this organization is still active, reaching out to the homebound, the elderly and the new members of the faith community.

Bishop Kearney, Cornerstone DedicationAfter the closing of St. George's Chapel in 1958, a drive for $400,000 was launched for a new St. Thomas Church. Parishioners generously pledged $508,241 and on March 25, 1963, ground was broken. The cornerstone was blessed and laid by Bishop James E. Kearney on October 4, 1964, and on Palm Sunday, April 11, 1965, the structure was completed. The costs were upward of $900,000. The proposed bell tower has not been constructed due to rising costs.
Last Mass Old Church 4/11/1965
Procession to the New ChurchFirst Mass in the New Church

With the opening of Vatican II on October 11, 1962, St. Thomas, like every other parish, had to struggle with many new changes in the Church. Scripture study and prayer groups were fostered to strengthen the spiritual life of the parishioners. With the decline in religious vocations, more lay teachers had to be hired at higher salaries to fill the positions previously held by sisters. Lay parish staffs increased: a CCD coordinator was hired. Although parish costs rose because of these changes, collections fell. A fair share program was therefore undertaken and contributions rose from $4,300 to $5,500 in 1971. Bingo was likewise started to supplement our income.

Our first parish council was formed and elected in 1973, with Jim Cotter as first chairperson.

In 1981 the FIESTA Fund (Future Investment in Education at St. Thomas the Apostle) was initiated with the intention of helping those of the parish with limited finances to send their children to Catholic high schools. This Fund is still being used today.

Fourteen assistants served under Msgr. Burns: Fathers John Morgan, Daniel V. Hogan (`53-'56), Robert J. Winterkorn (`56-'61), Thomas D. Hoctor (`57-'59), Robert J. Donovan (`59-'65), John G. Skvorak (`61-'64), Joseph M: Jankowiak (`64-'67), Walter J. Wainwright (`65-'71), Thomas G. Lenhart (`67), James E. Tierney ('67-'69), Douglas C. Hoffman (`71-'73), Andrew J. Kalafsky (`70-'76), Daniel E. Holland (`73-`79), Richard Monaghan, O. Carm. (`77) and Michael Huerter (`79-`82). Reverend Robert McNamara, a retired Rochester diocesan priest and the Archivist of the Diocese of Rochester, became a rectory resident in 1981.

April 7, 1982, was Msgr. Burns' seventieth birthday. In 1982 Rochester diocesan regulations stated that priests should retire at the age of 70. Always a respecter of authority, Msgr. Burns dutifully submitted his resignation. After his resignation, he remained at St. Thomas for three years, then he moved to Holy Cross Church.

Msgr. Burns was stricken with cancer, and passed away on September 4, 1989. His Mass of Resurrection was held at St. Thomas on Friday, September 8th at 10:30 AM and his remains are buried on the grounds of his beloved St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

On July 3, 1982, Bishop Matthew H. Clark appointed our third pastor, Reverend L. James Callan. Father Callan was ordained on March 17, 1945 in Sacred Heart Pro-Cathedral and had served as chaplain at the Rochester State Hospital for many years prior to his St. Thomas appointment.

The Pro-Life Group, Legion of Mary, Social Ministries and Building Management Committees each had many members and played an active role in the operation of St. Thomas during the tenure of Fr. Callan. Bingo continued on Saturday nights, under the leadership of its founding directors, Clement ("Bus") and Alice Crowley.

After many years of summer festivals, Fr: Callan replaced them with a Parish Picnic/Raffle on Sunday, September 8, 1985, an event celebrated since then each fall. A trip to Denver for the World Youth Conference was planned for the parish teens. They departed on August 11, 1993, to see Pope John Paul II in Mile High Stadium. Father Callan also continued the long-established CYO programs.

In November `86 the old green Hohman residence, the former parish rectory, was bodily moved north from its site on the corner of St. Paul and Colebrook to 4572 St. Paul Blvd.

His teaching of orthodox moral values from the pulpit, his promotion of dialogue on current issues and his launching of new religious programs demonstrated Fr. Callan's desire to have a strong and informed parish. The 1993 Diocesan Synod's #1 goal, "To Form Catholics in Beliefs, Catholic Morality and Spirituality Throughout Life", was already being realized at St. Thomas. A Thursday morning bible class was conducted regularly for several years and well attended by faithful St. Thomas parishioners.

Eucharistic Adoration, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday, was started on March 2, 1992, in the rectory chapel.

Religious education for children attending public schools (CCD) was expanded, and summer bible classes for children were also held.

The establishment of an adult education program and the opening of the Irenaeus Study Center on July 7, 1993, both under the direction of David Higbee, served the faith community well. A number of talks by prominent Catholic lecturers were likewise sponsored by St. Thomas.

Parochial finances were regularized during Fr. Callan's tenure. The parish church debt was amortized on December 31, 1990. A new, yearly diocesan Thanks Giving Appeal (TGA) was initiated in 1982, and St. Thomas parishioners have been supporting it generously, contributing over $750,000 since its inception. Parish diocesan school assessments and family school tuition subsidies, which helped St. Thomas parents to keep their children in Catholic schools, consumed a large portion of the financial budget. In March and April, 1994, Fr. Callan conducted a low-profile Increased Giving Campaign, requesting a weekly increase in collections of $1500. This campaign succeeded. In these developments Barbara Kelly, the secretary/business manager, played a prominent role.

As a memorial to our beloved second pastor, Msgr. Richard K. Burns, Fr. Callan established the Msgr. Burns Education Foundation in 1990. Approximately $150,000 has been donated by Msgr. Burns's friends and acquaintances. Use of the Fund is restricted to the educational needs of the parish.

St. Thomas the Apostle School was officially closed by the diocese in June, 1992, after 70 years of service, as the result of a diocesan school re-organizational program. The school building remained vacant for two years, but was then leased to the Stepping Stones Learning Center on August 15, 1994.

Four assistants served under Fr. Callan: Lawrence A. Gross (`82-'83), William G. Endres (`83-'88), Thomas F. Corbett (`88), Ralph J. Fraats (`88-'00). The permanent deaconate being established in our diocese, we were fortunate to have one of our own parishioners, Deacon Gregory Sampson, serve St. Thomas from June `92 thru June `96. Also, during Fr. Callan's tenure, Msgr. Richard M. Quinn and Fr. James Collins shared in the priestly duties during various periods of time. Fr. T. Paul Murley resided in the rectory from 1990 to 1992.

Concern was felt by the parishioners when on November 1, 1993, Fr. Callan underwent triple bypass heart surgery. Fortunately, he recovered rapidly.

On September 5, 1994, the third pastor reached the retirement age of 75. He submitted his resignation and, after celebrating his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood on March 17, 1995, spent the next three months bringing his ministry to a close. He built a home in Hamlin, New York and lived there for a time. After becoming ill with cancer, he died on Monday, April 15, 2002. Bishop Clark celebrated his funeral Mass at St. Thomas on Friday April 19th.

On June 25, 1995, Bishop Matthew H. Clark appointed our fourth pastor, Reverend Robert C. Bradler. Father was born January 28, 1935, the son of Clarence and Emma (Herbst) Bradler. He was ordained June 2, 1962.

He came to us after serving sixteen years as pastor of St. James Church in East Irondequoit. Father has likewise served as the Diocesan Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith since 1982 and as a Regional Coordinator (Bishop Clark's representative in a given area) since 1981. He also continues as Chaplain of the Rochester Fire Department, appointed to that office in 1969 by .the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. In September `97 he assumed the presidency of the Irondequoit Ministerial Association (Catholic and Protestant Church leaders working together).

Father Bradler's presence is certainly felt by all. His towering stature (6 ft., 2 in.), his "hands-on" style of administration, his inquiring mind and his strong, German nature have enhanced the sense of caring and community in our faith-filled parish. Upon his arrival the people were still feeling the effects of the school closing in 1992. A time of healing and renewal was needed: Through his programs and personality, he began the process.

Sensitive to the faith traditions of his people, our fourth pastor has introduced further teachings of Vatican II. The laity now exercise a more active role in the Church. New Eucharistic ministers have been commissioned to give Holy Communion under both species. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults? (a process calling people to the faith) has brought a number of people into full communion with the Church.

A new life was infused into the parish community. This was especially evident in the many social events of our diamond jubilee.

May Crowning

While fostering such traditional observances as Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Forty Hours Devotion (Eucharistic Days), holy hours and May Day, he introduced other time-honored rites like Morning and Evening Prayer, pilgrimages to area churches on Holy Thursday, Good Friday Tenebrae Service, and the English Service of Lessons and Carols. Lectors spoke in several languages on Pentecost.

He worked closely with the Social Ministries and the Building and Management Committee, sharing new insights and projects. Social Ministry projects include Make a Difference Day, Sock Sunday, Operation Rice Bowl during Lent, the Giving Tree, Christmas Baskets, and other projects to aid groups and individuals in our community. The Finance Committee was reorganized and reactivated.

St. Thomas parish continued to fulfill the goals set by the diocesan Synod of 1993. The first goal stating that every parish should provide life-long faith formation, the parish continues to work toward that goal. Our Sunday School of Religion with its sacramental programs, and Bible Sharing with Deacon Tom Beck and our Small Christian Community keep us knowledgeable in our faith.

The people of St. Thomas have always been noted for their strong belief in the sacredness and dignity of life in all its stages. The second synodal goal, which addresses the Consistent Life Ethic, is ingrained in the hearts and minds of the people. Prayer vigils, Holy hours, Rosary crusades, and lobbying for the rights of every individual are part of the fabric of their life as Catholics.

To keep before the minds of all the cruel injustice of abortion, the pastor gave permission to the Fingerlakes Chapter of the Knights of Columbus to construct a Memorial for the Unborn on-the church property. Ground was broken for this touching monument on June 25, 1997, and it was dedicated on September 14, 1997. The parish approved a Faith Community Pledge for Life on June 7, 1998. On the Feast of the Sacred Heart, an Eternal Flame donated by St. Josaphat Church and a new statue to the Infant of Prague were dedicated at the Monument to the Unborn.

The third goal has expanded the role of women in the Church, giving them equal opportunity and voice in the Church. The fourth synodal goal urges the establishment in parishes of “small Christian communities.” One such community has been set up at St. Thomas the Apostle. It meets after the 9:30 Sunday Mass on Sunday School days in the Parish Center.

Father Bradler asked parishioners to take part in decorating the church for Christmas, by donating decorations for the four trees that adorn the alcoves, and by decorating the trees and sanctuary. He began several Advent traditions, including the tradition of Kristkindl, where acts of kindness are done for another participant during the Advent and Christmas season. He invited families to take part in the lighting of the Advent wreath in Church, and continued the Christmas basket and Giving Tree projects.

As editor of the parish bulletin, Father Bradler imprinted his own newsy style on this in-house journal. He reports on changes in personnel, records the able use of the school building by the Stepping Stones Learning Center. He followed in detail the establishment and chartering on March 10, 1996, of our own branch of the Knights of Columbus, the Msgr. Richard K. Burns Council.

The Editor is quick to note upcoming anniversaries. Thus, Father Robert F. McNamara, our senior priest resident, reached the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on December 8, 1996, his 90th birthday on November 3, 2000 and his 65th anniversary on December 8, 2001. Father McNamara is well-known to parishioners for his weekly column (Saints Alive) in the bulletin and as custodian of our Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Father Bradler saw to it that parishioners were acquainted with these events and given an opportunity to take part in their celebration.

Miscellaneous news items are noted in the column "Pastor's Jottings." As he became more widely acquainted with his parishioners, Fr. Bradler had more parish news to relay. Wedding jubilees, birthdays, foreign mission stories, the achievements of parishioners, words of thanks and praise, even reports on his own family and what he has observed on his travels: all these give a folksy tone to our weekly newsletter.

Deacon Thomas Beck arrived in July 1996 to succeed our own parishioner, Deacon Gregory Sampson. Aside from assisting at Mass, he established and coordinated Coffee Hours after the 9:30 Mass, coordinated RCIA, and developed a greeting ministry as well as leading discussion groups.

To help bring the parish together more, Father Bradler planned a pictorial directory of the parish in 1997, our Jubilee Year. In 16 sittings held in the school, 557 families participated. James Laragy, a professional photographer of note and a son of the parish, supplied the cover picture of the church and a photograph of the altar at Christmastide, which was reproduced commercially as a Christmas card available to the people of the parish.

To celebrate our Jubilee, a Church Open House was held June 15th. On August 8 and 9 a Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima visited us. September activities included the Parish Family Picnic on the 7th, and a School Faculty & Alumni reunion on the 21st. On October 5, Bishop Clark presided at the Jubilee Mass, which was followed by a Jubilee Banquet at the Burgundy Basin Inn.

1997 also saw the end of Bingo at St. Thomas. On December 2, the Department of Health said that we could no longer allow smoking at Bingo. The ban went into effect immediately. On December 6, No Smoking signs were posted and notices distributed. The following week, only 96 people showed up, and we lost $70.00. Bingo ended at St. Thomas on December 13, 1997. Over the years, from 1971 to 1997, Bingo profits had helped immensely with paying the mortgage, subsidizing school expenditures and school assessment.

A "Vision 2000" campaign was held in 1998 to raise funds to upgrade the parking lot and make other needed repairs.

For eighteen years, Barbara Kelly served the parish as secretary, bookkeeper and business manager. With the increasing number of challenges in our modern society, it was decided on July 1, 2001 that Barbara would relinquish her secretarial duties and concentrate on the ever-growing role of business manager and bookkeeper. Joining the staff as secretary and webmaster with Deacon Tom was Ellen Brannin. In 2002 Barbara VanKeuren joined the secretarial staff on Wednesdays.

1999 was a year of preparation for the Millennium Jubilee Year. Our parish, and the five other faith communities of Irondequoit (Christ the King, St. Cecilia, St. Margaret Mary, St. Salome's and St. Ann's/Heritage), began working on Pastoral Planning; each parish assessed itself identifying strengths and weaknesses, major capital needs, and developed a set of major concerns or issues for the first five years. The planning team identified three priority issues that we as a parish need to address: concerns of our senior members, programs for youth, and ways to reach out and bring back distant Catholics. When the Irondequoit Planning Group met to identify regional needs, they identified three priority issues: ministry to Senior Citizens, ministry to youth, and joint training for liturgical ministries. Individual committees started meeting to identify areas of need and to draft plans to address those needs. In late 2000, the three initiatives, approved by Bishop Clark, were implemented.

Both of our priests had surgery in 2000: Father Bradler fell in January, ripping the tendons in both knees. He underwent surgery and spent several months at St. Ann's Home for rehabilitation. Father Fraats had surgery twice later in the year, the second time for cancer. He was in the hospital for about a week, and then recuperated for six weeks - not the best year for either of our priests.

The year 2000 was celebrated by our diocese as a "Jubilee" year. Over 34 parishes were granted debt forgiveness. St. Thomas benefited from the Jubilee Debt Forgiveness plan, with $75,670.70 (our outstanding Monroe County school assessment tuition balance from the prior two years) being `forgiven'. To help with expenses incurred, a check for $1,569.93 was forwarded to the Jubilee Forgiveness Fund. Fr. Bradler and Barbara Kelly, business manager, were successful in their efforts to obtain a reduction in the Monroe County school assessment allotted St. Thomas. In 1998-99, our MCCS assessment was $151,453; in 1999-2000 the assessment was $102,500. It has been reduced each year since.

St. Thomas joined the World Wide Web as of October 1, with an Internet site (www.stthomasirondequoit.org) to communicate to parishioners and other interested individuals. The site includes the history of the parish, photos of the "basement" church, a walk-around guide to the church (written by Fr. McNamara), Fr. McNamara's "Saints Alive" articles, a monthly calendar, bulletins, frequently asked questions, and much more (over 1,000 pages). It continued to grow. The site was named Parish Web Site of the Month in October 2003 by the editors of Web Catholic at AmericanCatholic.org, part of St. Anthony Messenger Press.

Parishioners took part in efforts by Irondequoit faith communities to build two Habitat for Humanity homes in the city, one in 1999 and the second in 2003. Various fundraisers were held to raise the funds needed, and volunteers helped build the homes.

In late October of 2000, our Deacon Tom Beck began a ministry as pastoral associate at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brockport. Father Fraats announced on December 3 that he was retiring and would leave on January 1, 2001. Father had faithfully served the parish for 12 years.

On March 1, 2001, Father Joseph Lanzalaco, a Basilian Father, was appointed to St. Thomas by Bishop Clark as parochial vicar. In April, Father Joe was elected superior of the Basilian House effective July 1st. A few months later, he became campus minister at St. John Fisher College. He continued to assist us when his schedule permitted, especially on Saturdays and early Sunday mornings.

With the departure of Fathers Fraats and Lanzalaco, after a year away, Deacon Tom returned October 1st, 2001. He returned as pastoral associate and as deacon appointed by Bishop Clark to serve the people of the parish. He took over many of Father Fraats' former duties. He began offering daytime Scripture Sharing sessions in 2002 and developed to a new Martha Ministry, which helps bereaved families by planning and hosting receptions in the Parish Center. We were delighted to have him back.

2001 year saw another milestone - Father McNamara completed 20 years of columns for our bulletin. The first series was "All God's Children", which ran for a liturgical cycle - July 26, 1981 until July 29, 1984. He then began "Saints Alive", which still runs in our bulletins and is archived on our web site. ("All God's Children will be added soon.)

Father McNamara moved to the McAuley Residence on April 8, 2002; a reception was held to wish him well on May 19. In the fall of 2002 Germaine Hill succeeded David Higbee as Director of Religious Education; Craig and Laura Rideout assumed the duties of Youth Directors.

June 2, 2002, the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, was Fr. Bradler’s 40th Anniversary of Ordination. Father celebrated the 11:30 Mass with friends and family. In the evening, 550 people joined him for dinner and a reception at the Burgundy Basin Inn, to celebrate this very special day.

Many members of our Youth Group went to Toronto for World Youth Day; they were awed by the presence of the Holy Father.

A new Parish Life committee was formed to enhance the socialization and sense of family in the parish.

The sexual abuse scandal that rocked the Church had repercussions for all parishes. All employees and volunteers are required starting in 2003 to undergo background checks and sign a Code of Conduct.

Stepping Stones, a pre-school, has been renting space in the parish school building since 1994. They continue to grow and seek more space. A feasibility study was undertaken in late 2003 to decide the best use of our space in the Parish Center and the parish-owned home at 4486 St. Paul Boulevard. The second floor of the Parish Center was renovated into 9 classrooms and offices which now house the School of Religion.

A historic Diocesan initiative, Partners in Faith, was begun in 2003. Parishes were asked to help raise funds. Half the money collected by parishes will be used for Diocesan projects and half will be returned to parishes. Money returned to the parish will be used in making necessary improvements to the parish.

In the Jubilee year of 2000, Father Bradler led a pilgrimage to three churches in the diocese designated by the bishop as Jubilee Churches. The trip was so successful that it sparked an interest to begin bus trips for the members of the parish. Three or four trips are planned each year. It doesn’t take long for the bus to fill up.

On June 30, 2007 Fr. Bradler retired after 12 years as pastor of St. Thomas. For several years the five parishes of Irondequoit had been planning for a restructuring of the Catholic community in Irondequoit and with Fr. Bradler's retirement the plan presented to Bishop Clark in 2006 was adopted and became effective.

On July 1, 2007 the parishes of St. Thomas the Apostle, Christ the King and St. Salomes were clustered together. The staffs of the three parishes were combined and the pastor of Christ the King, Fr. Norman Tanck, CSB, became the pastor of the clustered communities.

Fr. Beligotti, the pastor of St. Salome's parish became vicar of the three parish cluster along with the vicar of Christ the King, Fr. Joseph Trovoto, CSB. The Deacon of St. Salome's Larry Feasal and our Deacon Tom Beck became deacons in the three parish cluster, both retained their positions.

As we continue our journey of faith, the five faith communities of Irondequoit will once again begin planning for the future in this the 21st century, looking for ways in which they can serve the people of God with fewer priests, fewer parishioners and fewer financial reserves..

Effective with the end of 2007 our vicar Fr. Beligotti will relocated to the St. Thomas campus and resides in the house adjoining the campus at 4486 St. Paul Boulevard.

Compiled by:
Barbara Kelly,
Ellen Brannin,
Deacon Tom Beck


Page last modified on March 04, 2009, at 09:22 PM