About St. Thomas the Apostle · Newton, Illinois
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church is a welcoming parish in Newton, Illinois, inviting all to share in its faith-filled worship, community involvement, and diverse ministries. Located at 404 W. Jourdan St., the church offers regular Masses, Adoration, Reconciliation, and spiritual resources for all ages. The parish is led by current pastor Fr. Paul Luczak, a Pallottine priest with international experience, and continues a legacy of pastoral care rooted in its founding community. It serves as a spiritual home for families, students, and visitors seeking a vibrant Catholic presence in the region.
- Patron
- St. Thomas the Apostle
- Rector
- Fr. Paul Luczak
Why belong here
Join St. Thomas the Apostle to experience a warm, faith-filled community that values personal relationships, active ministry participation, and spiritual growth. The parish offers regular Masses, Adoration, Reconciliation, and a variety of ministries including lector and Eucharistic minister roles. Families are welcomed through school Masses and sacramental programs, and visitors are invited to participate in prayer, fellowship, and service opportunities that reflect the parish’s commitment to Christ-centered living.
Mass times at St. Thomas the Apostle
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 8:00-9:00 a.m. Saturdays
- 3:30-4:00 p.m. Saturdays
Adoration times
- 7:30-8:15 a.m. Fridays
History
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, has a long-standing history of pastoral service and community engagement. The parish has been home to many priests over the decades, including notable figures like Fr. R. Dean Probst, who served as pastor and later as a diocesan tribunal judge. The parish has also produced a deacon emeritus, Larry Miller, who served globally and returned to Newton in 2011. The church has maintained active ministries and spiritual formation, adapting to modern needs while preserving its Catholic identity and traditions.
Ministries
The parish offers a variety of ministries including lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and servers. Ministry schedules are managed through Ministry Scheduler Pro and are also available in the bulletin. Lay ministers are invited to meet with Fr. Paul in the Family Room for prayer before each weekend Mass. The parish encourages participation in these roles and provides contact lists for substitutes.
- Lectors
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Servers
- Ministry Scheduler Pro
- Spiritual Media Resources
Sacraments
The parish offers all sacraments including Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. Sacramental preparation and registration forms are available through the parish office. The parish also provides resources for spiritual growth, including the Bible in a Year and FORMED Ministries.
- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
Pastor and Clergy
The current pastor is Fr. Paul Luczak, a Pallottine priest ordained in 2020. He previously served at St. Anthony of Padua and St. Peter in Quincy. The parish also has two emeritus clergy: Deacon Larry Miller, who served globally and returned to Newton in 2011, and Fr. R. Dean Probst, who served as pastor and later as a diocesan tribunal judge. The parish has a rich history of pastoral leadership, with many priests serving over the decades.
- Fr. Paul Luczak (current pastor)
- Deacon Larry Miller (emeritus)
- Fr. R. Dean Probst (emeritus)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. R. Dean Probst1981–2013
Ordained May 30, 1981; served as pastor, later as diocesan tribunal judge and liaison for priests.
- Fr. Paul Luczak2020–present
Ordained May 2, 2020; previously served at St. Anthony of Padua and St. Peter in Quincy.