About our Parish:

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH  HISTORY

The parish was established on March 19, 1939 under the leadership of Fr. Thomas Novak OMI, the founder and the builder of st. Thomas. Even though times were hard and money was scarce, with the ambitious of parishioners, the church was completed in 1940. Logs were hauled and cut into lumber at Reine's Lumber Camp, then hauled the 30 miles to Norquay. The ladies Altar Society held bazaars, bake sales and teas which helped immensely to the upkeep of the church. In 1968, St. Joseph's Parish, better know as St. Anne's Parish, seven miles southwest of Norquay, amalgamated with St. Thomas. The ladies of that parish who under the guidance of Fr. Knapik had formed a "Rosary Society" continued the practice in the new church.

Three local girls joined a Religious Order: In 1943, Sr. Pauline Twerdochlib joined ST. Joseph Order of Peterborough; in 1949, Sr. Celestine(Margaret Lozinski) joined Sisters Servants of mary Immaculate and in 1957, Sr. Mary Ann(Ann Tomashowski) the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion. For many years Sister would come out in the summer to teach catechism and prepare the children for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Parents have now taken on this responsibility. The priest from Sturgis travel to Norquay every Saturday evening to celebrate the Eucharist and also on Thursday morning. On the second Thursday he celebrates at the Norquay Health Centre. Our small choir with the help of parishioners, now sing downstairs as the organ was moved in front of the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.