We invite all to come and share Mass. We have much to offer our community through prayer, bible study, support groups, and religious education. As more families are enjoying the more peaceful life in the hill country, we invite all to come and share with us and join in our parish family.
Parish HistorySt. Thomas the Apostle Church began in 1966 on land donated by the Thomas McClure family. The first “open-air mass” was celebrated on Nov. 29, 1966 with 77 in attendance. St. Thomas was canonically established as a parish on June 6, 1973, with Msgr. Anthony Drozd as pastor.
A glass-enclosed pavilion dedicated to the memory of Msgr. Anthony Drozd is where mass is served today. The original church now serves as our votive chapel. In addition to the pavilion and votive chapel, we also have an Adoration Chapel and an Education Center.
HISTORY OF ST. THOMAS
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish had its beginning in August 1966. At that time it was suggested to the pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul in New Braunfels, Msgr. Anthony Drozd, that mass be celebrated in the vicinity of Canyon Lake. In November of 1966, Mr. and Mrs. T.C. McClure donated land for St. Thomas parish. Throughout the first year, Liturgical Services were held outdoors or under a patio tent. Then, a platform was erected for the proclamation of the Word and the altar area was enclosed. While some members of the congregation gathered close to the altar when weather permitted, most remained in their cars and followed the service through the help of an amplification system. St. Thomas got its name because St. Thomas was a fisherman and the first liturgies were celebrated at 5 a.m. for the fishermen so they could fulfill their Sunday obligation then hit the lake by first light. Also Mr. McClure’s first name was Thomas and Msgr. Drozd doubted there would ever be a parish up here! St. Thomas the Apostle became the name of the mission in memory of Thomas McClure.
August 11 1966 Permission to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at Canyon Lake by Msgr. Drozd.
November 1966 Land donated by Thomas and Rosalie McClure.
November 29 1966 First Open–Air Mass held under canvas with 77 in attendance..
May 21 1967 Msgr. Drozd, Pastor, Sts. Peter and Paul, New Braunfels celebrated Mass
June 1970 Msgr. Anthony Drozd permanently resides as priest in charge.
Spring 1971 Bronze Stations of the Cross donated by David and Lois Butler/Rosalie McClure.
June 1973 St. Thomas officially established as parish, Msgr. Drozd, pastor.
August 1979 Pavilion was built. Later: Kitchen, storeroom and bathroom added.
March 31 1986 Permission granted to enclose pavilion with glass.
September 1 1986 Msgr. Drozd retired, Msgr. Patrick Palmer new pastor.
November 1 1986 Mass held in pavilion.
Spring 1998 Long-range developments plans were begun.
June 1998 Msgr. Palmer retired, Msgr. Doerfler became our pastor.
July 2000 Built permanent stone pillars for the bronze Stations of the Cross.
November 2001 Dedication of the Office-Education building.
August 2003 New Rectory Dedicated.
Summer 2006 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd comes to St. Thomas.
July 2007 Dedication of Adoration Chapel.
December 2009 Construction of Storage building.
April 2010 Demolition of Old Rectory/ Begin Construction Religious Education.
July 2012 Rev. Samuel Heitkamp assigned to St. Thomas.
April 20 2013 Rev. Alberic Lazerna, O.S.B., assigned as Administrator Pro Tem.
May 19 2013 Meditation Garden and Cross Blessing.
July 1 2013 Rev. Alberic Lazerna, O.S.B., assigned as Administrator.
July 7 2013 First celebration of St. Thomas Feast Day.
August 31 2013 Visit by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S.
Sept 16 2013 Pews donated by Assumption Seminary through Archbishop Gustavo.
May 29 2016 Blessing of St. Anthony Building
July 25 2016 World Youth Day Pilgrimage to Krakow, Poland
July 2 2017 Blessing of Renovated Front Façade, Bathrooms, and Kitchen at church
July 2018 Rev. Edward A. Pavliceck, Jr. assigned to St. Thomas
January 2019 Rev. Carlos B. Velazquez assigned to St. Thomas
July 2021 Very Rev. Dennis Jarzombek assigned to St. Thomas
Letter Written By Msgr. Anthony Drozd, April 2, 1970:
Here is a copy of the letter that was opened by me yesterday. The letter was written by Msgr. Drozd who was the pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul 50 years ago.
This letter was placed in a time capsule 50 years ago. The capsule was recently opened and I was advised there was a letter for me from the pastor 50 years ago.
Yesterday I opened the letter with my staff present. I also had a rep from Today’s Catholic. The story and my reading of the letter is on Facebook.
Peace,
Fr. Carlos