The State of St. Thomas More
Since the beginning of April, our leadership team has dedicated dozens of hours to doing one thing: listening. We have sat down with long-time parishioners, school parents, and newcomers alike to get an honest sense of where our community stands.
To build a parish where everyone is truly known, seen, and valued, we have to be clear-eyed about what is working, what is broken, and what is missing. Here is what we found.
What is Working
There is so much good happening here. We have a deep history and a dedicated core of people who have carried this parish for decades. Our school remains a major point of pride, and there is a vibrant energy coming from younger families who are jumping in to lead. People want to be here, and there is a genuine desire for deep connection.
What is Broken
We have to be honest about the fact that for many, our parish has started to feel "Catholic-adjacent" rather than authentically Catholic. We have focused so much on the social, logistical, and fundraising side of things that we have lost some of our spiritual depth. We have heard from families who feel disconnected, and from others who feel our processes and facilities create more friction than fellowship. Importantly, we acknowledge that deep wounds have been created in our past and trust has been severely broken. We own the responsibility for this, and we know that rebuilding a culture of trust, transparency, and safety will require consistent, honest action, not just words.
What is Missing
We are missing a clear roadmap. The data shows the challenges we face: since 2015, our registered households have dropped from 1,768 to 1,345. Even more telling, our average Mass attendance has fallen from 1,502 to 966, and our infant baptisms have declined from 57 per year to just 21.
While many people are doing good work, we haven’t always been rowing in the same direction. We lack a consistent way to welcome new people and a clear path to keep families engaged beyond the school years. Right now, it can feel like we are just maintaining a building rather than building a community centered on Christ.
Where We Are Going
We are entering a season of rebuilding. This isn't about small tweaks or just fixing a few light bulbs. We are moving from maintenance to mission.
To guide us, we have formed a Pastoral Strategy and Vision Committee. This team is tasked with taking your feedback and designing a sustainable plan that deepens the faith of those in our pews while warmly inviting back those who have stepped away.
The Leadership Team: Fr. Matt, Veronica Dean-Bonnichesen, and Kyle Kuckelman.
Parishioner Committee Members: Nick Alder, Africa Carroll, Jean Donaldson, Craig Laird, Zach Lebold, Bridget Mattern, Jill Rippee, and Beth Sullivan.
The Timeline: What to Expect Next
June/July: The committee is meeting regularly to act as architects for our next chapter.
Late August: An 18-month roadmap will be fully developed and shared with the entire parish, giving us a clear, unified path forward.
Please Note: Nothing is being cancelled!
Stepping into a season of rebuilding does not mean eliminating the programs you love. The ministries and activities currently happening at St. Thomas More are good; we simply want to invest the resources and care needed to make them great.
This will take time, and it will require all of us to be comfortable with change. But we are incredibly hopeful. St. Thomas More has everything it needs to be a thriving spiritual home.
It’s time to get to work.
Fr. Matt & The Parish Leadership Team