Discover the Rich History and Vibrant Community of St. Thomas More Parish

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Florida, St. Thomas More Parish stands as a beacon of faith, community, and service. With over 60 years of history, the parish has played a vital role in shaping the spiritual and social landscape of the region. This comprehensive blog post will delve into the fascinating story of St. Thomas More Parish, exploring its rich past, dynamic present, and bright future.

Our Humble Beginnings (1959-1964)

The seeds of St. Thomas More Parish were sown in the late 1950s when a small group of Catholic families recognized the need for a new parish in Sarasota. They purchased a plot of land on Bee Ridge Road and began fundraising for the construction of a church. On April 26, 1959, the Most Reverend Coleman F. Carroll, Bishop of Miami, blessed the cornerstone of the new church.

The Parish Takes Root (1964-1980)

On December 20, 1964, St. Thomas More Church was dedicated and officially established as a parish. The early years were marked by a spirit of growth and enthusiasm as parishioners worked together to build a vibrant community. The parish school, St. Thomas More Catholic School, opened its doors in 1967 to serve the educational needs of the growing Catholic population.

• In 1971, the parish purchased additional land and began construction on a new parish center.
• In 1974, the Most Reverend Charles B. McLaughlin, Bishop of St. Petersburg, dedicated the new parish center.
• In 1980, the parish hall was expanded to accommodate the growing number of parishioners.

A Time of Transformation (1980-2000)

The 1980s and 1990s witnessed significant changes for St. Thomas More Parish. The parish celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1984, marking a quarter-century of service to the community. In 1997, the church was renovated and expanded to meet the needs of the growing congregation. St. Thomas More School also underwent renovations, adding new classrooms and facilities.

The Parish Today

Today, St. Thomas More Parish is a thriving community of over 3,000 families. The parish offers a wide range of ministries, including:

Website

• Liturgical ministries, such as Mass servers, altar servers, and liturgical music.
• Sacramental ministries, such as Baptism, Reconciliation, and Matrimony.
• Educational ministries, such as religious education programs and adult faith formation.
• Service ministries, such as outreach to the poor and homebound, and support for the sick and elderly.

The Future of St. Thomas More Parish

As St. Thomas More Parish looks towards the future, it remains committed to its mission of serving the spiritual and social needs of the community. The parish has plans for continued growth and expansion, including:

Conclusion

St. Thomas More Parish is a vibrant and growing community of faith, service, and love. With a rich history and a bright future, the parish is poised to continue playing a vital role in the spiritual and social life of Sarasota for many years to come. We invite you to join our community and experience the joy and fulfillment of being a part of St. Thomas More Parish.

Author: Patrick Shell

Admin of holycompass.com.