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.

St. 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