As you walk towards St. Thomas More Church, there is a place on the left for a group of statues (due to be completed this Spring). These will portray St. Thomas More, the patron saint of our parish, along with his family. Usually a statue of St. Thomas More includes the medallion of the Chancellor of England (which Thomas was), a book which has the Pope's coat of arms (since Thomas was loyal to his faith), and an axe, as Thomas was beheaded by the order of King Henry VIII. We wanted to show more about this remarkable man. He was married twice (his first wife died) and in addition to his own children, he opened his home for other children to live. He raised a sort of "blended family" and was sure to educate his daugthers, something uncommon at that time. He recognized the dignity of each of his children. Therefore our statue of Thomas More portrays him with his wife and several of his children. It is a sign to all that everyone is welcomed to be part of our parish family.
When you enter the plaza, you will pass two planters. The trees in the planters are purple-leaved plums. St. Thomas More was called "a man for all seasons", and these trees will change with the seasons. The brick in the plaza is a warm earthtone which is inviting, and the shape of the plaza is reminiscent of arms outstretched in welcome.
Just before the main doors, you will notice the date stone which indicates that the building was completed in 1995. The stone incorporates the parish symbol, a dove with a heart, which proclaims that we "Share the Spirit of Love."
You've just become visitor number