St. Thomas More Catholic Church & School, Portland

Week of February 11:

St. Thomas More Catholic Church & School, Portland

Our current Parish of the Week is just a few minutes from Mater Dei Radio – our good friends at St. Thomas More Parish on Patton Road!

Mission of St. Thomas More:

  • St. Thomas More Church & School strive to be collaborative partners in building disciples in a welcoming community evidenced in our worship, outreach, religious education, and fellowship programs.

About the Parish:

  • St. Thomas More is a beautiful church nestled in the West Hills – just a few minutes away from Mater Dei Radio!
  • The parish has vibrant and reverently celebrated liturgies.
  • St. Thomas More provides outreach to the homebound community and local assisted-living facilities.
  • The parish shows what it means to have the Spirit of a Good Neighbor, coordinating with the local Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) and other local volunteers trained by Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM).
  • The church offers regularly scheduled fellowship with wine and cheese following the Vigil Mass, and Coffee & Donuts following our Sunday Masses.
  • Last Friday, February 7, was the birthday of St. Thomas More – 547 years ago in London!
  • St. Thomas More School has a strong Catholic identity and wonderful programs for the students. Mater Dei Radio staff have visited often to record prayers, what students are thankful for, and what they look forward to at Christmas.
  • Other parish activities include Sacramental Prep, Altar Society, Rosary Prayer Group on Friday mornings after Mass
  • The church building features beautiful wood paneling and decoration, and just renovated the narthex! (see photos)
  • Pastor Fr. Martin King was just selected to be on the National Executive Team for the Catholic Engaged Encounter Marriage Preparation Program, along with Denise and Jerry Ramsden from St. Therese Parish.
  • The parish is also supportive of the local Catholic community, hosting events for groups like Mater Dei Radio and Young Catholic Professionals.

 

History:

  • More than eighty years ago at the crossroads in the West Hills an abandoned Protestant chapel was blessed and dedicated as St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
  • Formerly a Congregational facility, this little chapel, measuring 24 by 30 feet, was to become the nucleus for a growing parish.
  • On June 21, 1936 at 9:00 a.m., Father Francis K. Schaefers became the first pastor of St. Thomas More.
  • Along with Fr. Schaefers, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary began the long-standing tradition of academic excellence and community service as ground was broken January 15, 1948 for the school and rectory.
  • The blessing of the church and school occurred on September 19, 1948.
  • On December 21, 1952 the school additions, plus church additions of an enlarged sanctuary, choir loft and south transept were blessed. The church now held approximately 350 people.
  • Today the strong and dedicated staff assists students and parishioners in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth.
  • Pastor Fr. Martin King, oversees the school and parish, and provides excellent Catholic spiritual leadership; setting a tone of a strong Catholic presence, peace, and respect for all in the West Hills area.

 

Liturgy Schedule

  • MASSES
  • Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM
  • Sunday 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM
  • Tuesday – Friday 8:20 AM & 5:00 PM
  • SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
  • Saturday 4:00 PM

Find out more on the Church and School websites!