Most Rev Thomas E Abel, B.A., S.T.L.

Retired Pastor at Santo Nino Catholic Church

North Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

About

Parish Ministry: As your Pastor, I will care for the souls of the faithful entrusted to me. I will endeavor to fulfill my duties to teach, to sanctify, and to govern the faithful with the cooperation of the priests, deacons, religious and lay members of this parish. My duties include the preaching of the Word of God in its entirety; delivering catechetical instruction in the truths of the faith, in accord with the teaching of Christ; fostering charitable works and promoting social justice; encouraging prayer within the home and the parish through good devotions; evangelizing anyone who has left the practice of the faith or those who do not profess the faith; and most importantly, nourishing the faithful through the sacraments, particularly through frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist. Most importantly, I cannot fulfill my duties without help and support of the people entrusted to my care. Laity, Religious, and clergy work in concert with one another as a family, a family of faith. In Christ's most Holy Name, Fr. Tom Abel, Pastor Our Lady of Light Catholic Community.. Weddings: As member of the clergy at of the Catholic Church of America, an independent Catholic Church with validly recognized sacraments by Catholic jurisdictions. I have officiated at many weddings with and without a nuptial Mass. Funerals: I help to facilitate funerals and memorial services with or with our the Mass of Christian Burial, in the greater San Diego County area. A Funeral Mass or memorial service can give expression to the family's sense of sorrow and loss. It can also provide the family an opportunity to remember, laugh and celebrate a life well-loved and well-lived - and help them affirm their convictions about the life beyond. I work closely with the funeral arrangers, to help the family craft a service and establish a tone that does justice to the life, personhood, and memory they wish to honor.

Experience

  • Wedding officiant at Catholic Wedding Officiant
    Jan 1995 - Present · 31 yrs 7 mos

    Your role as a wedding officiant is both significant and deeply meaningful. Your expertise in the Catholic Rite of Marriage, combined with your ability to customize ceremonies to reflect the values and beliefs of each couple, ensures that their wedding day is a truly memorable occasion. Your qualifications—ranging from public speaking and marriage counseling to legal ordination and cultural awareness—demonstrate a comprehensive skill set that allows you to guide couples seamlessly through their ceremony while maintaining professionalism and compassion.

  • Catholic Funeral Officiant at Catholic Funeral Officiant
    Jan 1995 - Present · 31 yrs 7 mos

    A funeral celebrant plays a vital role in guiding families through the process of creating a meaningful and personalized memorial service for their loved one. With expertise in the Catholic Rite of Christian Funerals and a deep understanding of both religious and secular ceremonies, a celebrant ensures that each service reflects the values, personality, and preferences of the deceased. Planning and hosting a funeral can be overwhelming for grieving families. A celebrant collaborates with the funeral director to provide compassionate support and expert guidance, alleviating stress while helping families honor their loved one in a way that feels true and meaningful. Whether arranging a traditional service, a celebration of life, or a unique custom ceremony, the celebrant works to accommodate the family’s needs and vision. Key responsibilities of a funeral celebrant include: - Offering continuous guidance and emotional support from initial consultation to the completion of the ceremony. - Creating a comfortable and respectful space for families to share their wishes and preferences. - Designing a personalized tribute that honors the character and legacy of the deceased. - Maintaining clear communication throughout the planning process to ensure families feel informed and supported. - Crafting and delivering a thoughtful message that reflects the life and values of the departed. - Structuring and officiating the ceremony with professionalism, ensuring all elements are seamlessly coordinated. By providing a dignified and heartfelt service, a funeral celebrant helps families navigate their loss while creating a lasting tribute to the life and impact of their loved one.

  • Pastor at Santo Nino Catholic Church
    Jun 2019 - Mar 2025 · 5 yrs 10 mos

    Mass is celebrated every first Sunday on the month at 11:00AM. As your Pastor, I will care for the souls of the faithful entrusted to me. I will endeavor to fulfill my duties to teach, to sanctify, and to govern the faithful with the cooperation of the priests, deacons, religious and lay members of this parish. My duties include the preaching of the Word of God in its entirety; delivering catechetical instruction in the truths of the faith, in accord with the teaching of Christ; fostering charitable works and promoting social justice; encouraging prayer within the home and the parish through good devotions; evangelizing anyone who has left the practice of the faith or those who do not profess the faith; and most importantly, nourishing the faithful through the sacraments, particularly through frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist. I will provide for the Catholic education of parish members and their family, ensuring the most Holy Eucharist is the center of our parish life. Most importantly, I cannot fulfill my duties without help and support of the people entrusted to my care. Laity, Religious, and clergy work in concert with one another as a family, a family of faith. In Christ's most Holy Name, Fr. Tom Abel, Pastor

  • Bishop at Catholic Church of America
    May 2003 - Jun 2024 · 21 yrs 2 mos

    I serve as a member the College of Bishops of the church. As Co-pastor, I minister to members of the parish. I also officiatie at weddings and funerals throughout the greater San Diego County area. Between the years of 2006 to 2014 I also served as Bishop with the Diocese of California, American Catholic Church and founded the Cathedral of Saint John the Beloved.

  • Former Pastor at Santo Nino Catholic Church
    Mar 2012 - Jan 2019 · 6 yrs 11 mos

    As Pastor, I am in charge of the congregation of a parish, exercising the pastoral care of the community, working with my fellow clergy members, whose ministry of Christ I am called to share.