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St. Thomas More Parish at 2720 S 129th East Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74134-2411 US - Learn more About Us
Learn more About Us
In 1973 the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Tulsa, The Most Reverend Bernard Ganter, commissioned Fr. Bernard Jewitt to form a parish on the eastern edge of the city of Tulsa. With the aid of Sister Sylvia Schmidt, who served as pastoral minister, the process began, and in August of 1973 the “real church” began. The parish of 98 families began to assemble in the auditorium of Walt Disney Elementary School, which would serve as a parish home until a more permanent site could be built. After much discussion a vote was taken, and the parish was placed under the patronage of the great English Martyr, Saint Thomas More. We are advised that this decision was not influenced by the fact that Fr. Jewitt was born in England.
The church structure was constructed and the first Mass was celebrated on Palm Sunday of 1975. The building was enlarged in 1978 and again in 1982. Under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Jewitt and Sister Sylvia the parish continued to grow and prosper. In 1982 Sister Sylvia took leave of her duties as pastoral minister to accept the role of director of “Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries.” The Parish welcomed Sister Marie Ballman as the new pastoral minister. Sister Marie served the parish until her departure in 1988.
The early 1980’s brought many changes to Oklahoma, Tulsa, and St. Thomas More. Turbulent economic conditions brought unemployment and job transfers. The times resulted in a dwindling membership which leveled out at its current level of about 500 families. In 1985 Father Jewitt was transferred to St. John’s Church in Bartlesville and the leadership of St. Thomas More was passed to Father Martin Morgan who would serve the community until 1994.
Changes have continued to occur within the east Tulsa community into the 1990’s. In recent years we have seen an influx of Spanish speaking families. Father Morgan began to celebrate a monthly Spanish Mass in the early 90’s. In 1994 Father Morgan was transferred to St. Anthony’s Church in Okmulgee and passed the torch of leadership to Father Jerry Coleman. In 2003, Fr. Coleman went on to be appointed to attend CPE classes and is currently the Head Chaplin at St. John's Hospital, in Tulsa. St. Thomas More parish then welcomed our new Pastor, Father Carl Kerkemeyer, in 2003. After serving at St. Thomas More for 4 years, he was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Miami, Oklahoma. Then July 15, 2008 we welcomed our current pastor, Fr. Samuel Perez.
By September of 1994 a weekly Spanish Mass became a part of the parish schedule. At this time there are currently five Spanish Masses weekly. We continue acceting people from many cultures and languages. Yet we are all part of the one people of God. We are one parish. In the experience of the people of the biblical city of Babel, differences of language divided the community. In the experience of Pentecost the language of faith brought people together. We are seeking to become a people of Pentecost.
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