About St. Thomas the Apostle · Gladstone, North Dakota
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Gladstone, North Dakota, is a small, close-knit Catholic community that celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2020. Founded around 1900, the parish has been served by Benedictine monks from Assumption Abbey in Richardton until 1980, after which diocesan priests took over until the Benedictines returned. The current church was built in 1973 and is maintained by parishioners who also host events like the Fall Breakfast and care for the cemetery. The parish has about 40 households and 60+ individuals, with a strong emphasis on prayer, community service, and faith formation.
- Established
- 1900
- Patron
- St. Thomas the Apostle
Why belong here
St. Thomas offers a warm, prayerful community where parishioners come early to reflect on readings and engage deeply in Mass. The parish is known for its strong ministries, including Parish Circles that host funerals, luncheons, and coffee/rolls after Sunday Mass. Events like the Fall Breakfast and cemetery care foster fellowship, and the parish is proud of its beautiful church and ongoing stewardship efforts.
History
When the railroad reached Gladstone in 1880, Benedictine priests from Mandan, ND, visited periodically to offer sacraments and instruction. The first Mass was celebrated in Peter Dassinger’s home. St. Thomas the Apostle Parish was formed around 1900 and celebrated 120 years in 2020. From 1899 to 1947, Benedictine monks from Assumption Abbey, Richardton, ND, served the parish. Diocesan priests served until 1980, when the Benedictines returned. The present church was built in 1973. Recent improvements include stained glass windows, insulation, new altar and sanctuary, and a computerized chime system. Parishioners maintain the church and host community events like the Fall Breakfast and cemetery care.
Community Life
The parish has about 40 households and 60+ individuals. Like any smaller parish, parishioners chip in to take care of things, especially hosting their famous Fall Breakfast (homemade farmer hats, homemade chokecherry syrup, scrambled eggs and homemade sausage patties), raffle and St. Thomas Cemetery care. The Knights of Columbus Council and their counterpart, KCettes, along with the Parish Council work together in these endeavors. Parish Circles help with funerals luncheons and monthly provide delicious coffee/rolls after Sunday Mass.
Faith and Worship
This nice little community of Catholics always comes to church early to spend time in prayer, meditation and reflecting on the readings. They are good listeners and engaged in the Mass. Like their patron, their doubts help lead them to deeper faith in Jesus Christ.
Records and Administration
The pastor of St. Mary, Richardton, ND, serves St. Thomas and the baptismal, marriage, and death records are kept at St. Mary. A book containing all the baptisms, marriages and deaths is available at the office at St. Mary, Richardton for $20.00 or through the mail for $23.00. (Make checks payable to: St. Mary Parish.) It also contains the same records of Sts. Mary (Richardton), Stephen (Stark County) and Philipp (Hirschville).