Around Roswell
The communities of Roswell and Alpharetta have experienced significant changes since June 1, 1972 when the parish of St. Thomas Aquinas was formed to serve all of North Fulton County from the Chattahoochee River to the county line. What was once a rural, sparsely populated community has grown to become a bustling metropolitan suburb, richly populated with Catholics from all over the world. During this critical time of growth and change, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church has been a welcoming place for tens of thousands of Catholics who have called this parish home.
The church celebrated its anniversary recently with three days of homecoming festivities for current and former parishioners, including a 35th Anniversary Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Atlanta, Wilton D. Gregory and former Archbishop John F. Donoghue; a concert with composer, artist, and former St. Thomas Aquinas parishioner Ed Bolduc; a Family Day; and an anniversary cake after the morning and Spanish-language Masses.
During his homily for the 35th Anniversary Mass, Archbishop Gregory said, "The most successful parishes are born of faith, hope, and love."
"As a parish family, it's important to celebrate our history and remember where we've been," said Rev. Gregory D. Goolsby, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas. "Understanding who we are helps us refocus our energies so we can decide where we are going to go for the next 35 years."
More than 20 visiting priests and deacons joined Archbishop Gregory, Archbishop Donoghue, and Rev. Goolsby to kick-off the parish's 35th anniversary festivities. Others in attendance included several former St. Thomas Aquinas pastors; pastors from St. Thomas Aquinas's sister parish in Delatte, Haiti; and the Mayor of Alpharetta, Arthur Letchas, and his wife. Composer Ed Bolduc wrote and performed a beautiful responsorial psalm for the occasion, "How Wonderful Your Name in All the Earth." A special collection was taken and all proceeds were donated to the sister parish in Haiti.
A parade of nations reflected the international make-up of the people of St. Thomas Aquinas with active parishioners represented from a number of countries, including: Poland, Sierra Leone, Canada, England, Scotland, Haiti, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, among others. More than 600 people enjoy games, food, dancing, and fellowship at a special Family Day and the parish's Hispanic culture was celebrated in music, dance, and food with traditional American fare prepared by the Knights of Columbus.
Parishioners Russ and Kim Hayes served as anniversary chairpersons for the celebration and were assisted by numerous volunteers. "Kim and I were truly privileged to serve as co-chairs for the anniversary celebration," said Russ. "St. Thomas Aquinas is very special to us, and we were honored on behalf of ourselves and all of the members of the parish to have this opportunity to express our gratitude to all those, past and present, who have contributed to building this wonderful, welcoming, Christ-centered community. We have all been blessed to be part of St. Thomas Aquinas, and it was fun and moving to both look back and forward as we celebrated our theme, 35 Years of Grace."
Throughout all of its growth and change, St. Thomas Aquinas continues to be a vibrant, welcoming parish that is highly diverse. Today the parish is home to more than 3,300 families, 86 different ministries, nine commissions, and two councils. The church offers a comprehensive religious education program with many families participating in Small Faith communities. Eight Masses are celebrated on the weekend and two are in Spanish.
"My job is to re-energize this parish," said Father Greg. "Together with the people of St. Thomas we will create a strategic vision of how to serve each other, and the larger community, followed by an action plan that will look toward our next ten years of growth and grace."
To learn more about St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, please visit the parish website: www.sta.org or call
(770) 457-4501.