The newly ordained Catholic Deacon Thomas Anderson, formerly an Anglican pastor, says that service has been at the heart of his life in Christ.
Deacon Thomas and his wife, Jackie Anderson, were received and confirmed in the Church in 2018. “Jackie and I ‘swam the Tiber,’ responding to God’s call to full communion as the result of many influences,” he reflects.
“I recognize that each of the doors through which I passed, from grace to grace in my journey, have been evidence of God’s goodness, patience and kindness as he has been equipping and leading me to a life of service.
“My work as an Anglican pastor included founding and directing an ecumenical volunteer emergency homeless shelter program that has served Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Alcona counties for over 20 years.
“For the past seven years, I have served as a chaplain at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Tawas City. I find this work to be uplifting and a significant source of ongoing spiritual growth in service among God’s people. Care for the soul is a great part of what I do for both patients and staff at all levels. I also provide spiritual care and conduct Bible studies at the Ascension Standish Hospital skilled-care nursing home each week,” shares Deacon Thomas.
“Additionally, I write a ‘Pastor’s Corner’ reflection each week for the county-wide newspaper, and I serve on the board of Huron Housing Hope. This local nonprofit works to improve housing opportunities for the homeless and those who may fall through the cracks of supportive services in our area,” he continues.
Deacon Thomas will directly serve Sacred Heart Parish, Oscoda and the Parishes of the Resurrection of the Lord on the sunrise side from Oscoda to Ossineke. 
Planting Seeds of Faith
While his professional responsibilities are many, Deacon Thomas is first a dedicated husband and father. “Jackie and I have been married for 47 years and have four adult children — three sons and a daughter. They have blessed us with eight grandchildren ranging from 18 months to 19 years old.”
Deacon Thomas has been planting and occasionally harvesting service seeds throughout his life. He was a civilian crash-rescue firefighter for the Air Force at both Wurtsmith Air Force Base and Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Afterward, he became a secondary school educator and librarian.
Outside of his ministerial efforts, he enjoys an array of artistic activities. “I have a keen interest in and practice of sacred music as a classical guitarist, and have formal training and teaching experience in the liturgical performance of Anglican Chant and Gregorian chant for the Divine Offices and psalm-singing.
“I also enjoy gardening, the art and science of composting, and caring for fruit trees when the opportunity for leisure presents itself. These, along with the traditional ‘honey-do’ list, keep me off the streets and out of trouble.”
Through God’s abundant grace, may Deacon Thomas continue his steadfast and fruitful service to all those on the sunrise side of Pure Michigan.
