We have been parishioners here since 2012. We have always loved the church, but have really loved Father John! We have learned more from him than we have from any other Catholic Church we have ever attended. He doesn't "speak down" to his congregation as I have seen other priests do in the past, but instead talks to us. He isn't afraid to hold tough conversations and has brought about a welcoming experience for all ages. read more

I would like to thank the community of St. Thomas More for their welcoming atmosphere and to thank Fr. for his excellent homily of May 14th on Mothers day. His words and reflection were challenging and yet very reflective of our beliefs as Catholics. I worked for the Diocese of San Bernardino, Ca. for 36 years and it was very rewarding to reflect on the homily of Fr. He was for myself refreshing and very clear as to where we as Catholics are called to be. I will certainly be attending again when I am in town. Peace read more

I have attended St Thomas for over 3 years and have seen it grow and change. Father John was refreshing at first, but as many people have shared - he inserts politics into the sermon often. I, along with many, find him quite opinionated. I have responded to emails with questions or concerns, but not once have I ever received a response. It feels like Father John is trying to compete with other Christian churches (CCV?) and possibly even change STM. I have a problem with big, professional music groups being paid. I questioned if all musicians were registered STM members and never heard back. Let's not forget our roots and the beautiful songs that have meaning to most of us. The modern is great but alot of us miss the old stuff. We should not move so far away from those. Father John proclaims from the alter that he is here for us- the people. But when asked if he could spare 15-20 minutes to meet, he blatantly states he does not do that. What priest does not have time for his parishioners?!! I find his emails to the congregation lacking in love, understanding and softness. It seems Father John has changed (ego?) since he was giving full authority over St Thomas More. Starting to church shop again..... read more

Went to this church for a couple of years as I LOVED Father Frank, but I just could not take Father John any longer. He is so opinionated in his sermons, not to mention rude. For example, one time, after mass, some women in the front of the church started praying out loud...he YELLS at them from the back of the church to STOP praying! Seriously!!! Also kept reminding parents with small children to keep them quiet and if the don't they will be removed from the church. Father Frank loved families and children! The last time I went there, I was feeling sad as I had just lost my dog and wouldn't you know his sermon was about how dogs do not go to Heaven. (His opinion, as I do not believe he has any inside info...) He said when a dog is dead, they are dead. I walked out. Imagine a child who just lost a pet having to listen to his OPINION. Do some Internet research on this priest, it may surprise you learn why he was asked to leave another church up north. Go to St. Elizabeth Seton. They don't have the fancy choir etc. but they preach the bible, they are so welcoming and kind. Older, more traditional church. I leave feeling refreshed, not angry like I did at St. Thomas More. read more

I've been visiting STM for the last 4 1/2 months. It has been an enriching experience. Fr.John is a very warm, faithfilled priest who is dedicated to teach his parishioners the true gospel and to trust in Our Lord Jesus Christ. His homilies are inspiring. I have never walked out of STM without learning more about the Bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church. I always leave STM with a song in my heart and true gratefulness for being a Catholic and having the blessing of attending STM while I have been here. The choir is marvelous and it is inspiring to see so many youth participate. It is also important to note that many of the songs sang were written by choir members. Just beautiful @!!!! Thank you Fr. John and STM members for making my visit to your church so rewarding. I'm sure our good Lord is also pleased!!!!! read more

Father John has gone over the top, injecting politics into his newsletter. This 20 year parishioner is leaving the parish because he can't stick to his lane. read more

I have been told I am a roaming Catholic ,lol. I say that jokingly because with a once hectic schedule at work, travel, and kids activities I try to make sure we never miss a Sunday mass due to schedule , location, etc.. so I will make sure to attend a Catholic mass available in any state or country. I also am a native, grown up in going to Catholic mass all my life and attended Catholic school. I have attended mass at this parish for many years but I must say that I really like Fr. John and Fr. Frank. When Fr. John first came to this parish I have been drawn to his homilies. Some might think it is political but he speaks the hard truth of being a Catholic. Like he has said " he doesn't make the rules" and that is the hard lesson of examination everyone must have of themselves if you want to be a Roman Catholic. I personally enjoy his homilies. I have only attended Fr. Franks daily mass in the past when I was out of work and he was in better health. I am recently unemployed, again, and was surprised to see his daily mass is only on Thursday's with confession soon after. I recommend that if you like to attend his mass then please come on Thursday morning. I am not sure how much longer he will give them but I appreciate what Fr. Frank and Fr. John has brought to this parish. read more

Well, my wife and I have gone to St Thomas More Parish for about five years. Mostly good experience. But when politics was brought up on this past Christmas Eve Mass during the sermon, I felt like this is not a good place and will not ever go there again, give money or help them. I though church and state are to be divided. I was also a bit shocked to see armed police around the grounds. I was raised Catholic, baptized by the church, went to catechism, and attended Catholic schools. Was married in the Catholic Church, baptized my children in the Catholic Church had them go to Catholic schools, but that's it, I'm done with the Catholic church. If they go to politics, I will go to another church or even a different religion. Saint Thomas More's suck.Shame on you. read more

Impressive! Beautiful grounds and even more beautiful members. I could feel the presence of God in the church and others. I attended a Saturday 5pm service and arrived around 445pm and there was plenty of parking and room to sit. People greeted us on the sidewalk and as we entered the church. A friendly gentleman handed us the songs for the evening as we entered the main church. I can tell those who give their time do so because they want to share kindness with others. I was touched by the welcoming of people and the message was extremely encouraging and inspiring. Father Jim spoke about love and inclusion of others. His words were thought provoking and relatable to our current life. There are areas to pray and to light vigils. I go to church to pray, connect to Gods word, and to connect with others. St Thomas More offers this and more. If you are visiting Glendale Arizona like I was try this church. If you are trying to find a church to call home, give St Thomas More a try. I wish I could find a church like this where I live. There are people of all ages in attendance. Some prefer to sit alone and others enjoy meeting others. There is room for everyone. Thank you to everyone who works behind the scenes to create a place of worship. STM is a blessing. read more

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Very beautiful parish. The congregation is polite but not overly friendly. Usually have donuts and beverages after mass. School children fundraise and sell newspapers. Recommend going to the sides to get your communion- real fast. Also, last mass is at 11 AM. read more

St Thomas More - Beautiful stain glass and lots of seating room! - Churches Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

Excellent Roman Catholic Parish with a great diversity of ages and ethnicity. Thrust stage style altar arrangement puts the priest and service at the center of the people. Beautiful, huge stained glass window on wall in back of altar. Beautiful modern style church overall. Very good formal choir at 9:00 am Mass. Typically very good homilies from the Priests. Lots of programs available for participation and education. read more

I grew up in this church, and left after learning new things about the priest as a I got older. I decided to come back and give the new priest Father John a try and at first I really connected to his homilies and really felt like I got a lot out of mass. Then when the elections started I felt like I was in a history lesson, I felt like I was being told who to vote for, I would listen to homilies where the Bible and Jesus weren't even brought up. The rest of my entire family left this church for it who all have different political views and just got upset being in history class in mass. The same thing is happening again as things continue to happen in our country. I only go on Saturday afternoons because Father Frank is the most amazing priest I have ever had the privilege of listening to. He is what the Catholic Church should represent. As a 23 year old woman I can see why people leave the church and it is for reasons like what this church is currently doing. I got married here (By Father Frank) and I won't even begin to explain that process but this church is incredibly concerned about money and frankly someone of the front office workers are quite rude. Sometimes it's hard to continue to support the Catholic Church and I think if it weren't for father Frank I wouldn't be attending mass anymore. This review was written a few weeks ago and father John continues to talk politics his exact words at mass during the homily were "so our president is okay with killing babies" and that's exactly how he started the homily. Over it. read more

We just moved out here, i thought the church was very pretty- Need more statues of Blessed Mother and St Joseph but the mass started late - and ended late. I think it went over like half of hour .. I like the traditional church music and this place is not the music that you have heard of. The guy singing and the group performing are very good -- he has a great voice but these songs are not of anything you would know. If he would keep to the traditional songs that would be great. Catholic needs to say the prayers and when your sing and add extra words you lose people that now are not praying because they don't know the words that are being added. I have been a catholic for 60 years but when I see my family members not participating because they are not knowing the words , this is how we lose church members. read more

When I moved to the area, I felt welcomed at the parish. I attend alone and always feel comfortable. The church offers opportunities to get involved and get to know others, and offers ways to help others. The homilies are thought-provoking. read more

STM is a beautiful church with a very active and financially blessed congregation. There is a great deal of diversity among the parishioners, which includes people of all ages and ethnicities. Father Jim Turner is an exceptional pastor and his homilies are both insightful and relevant to the audience, as well as the day's scripture readings. He skillfully employs practical analogies and personal experience, along with an appropriate level of humor, to proficiently relate to--and maintain the attention of--the laity. There are a great number of ministries and organizations that are open to parishioners, and the church as a whole is very generous and active in the community. read more

This is the response I got from the parish priest AFTER the baptism coordinator HUNG UP ON ME. There was more than one person present during our conversation, and I was neither rude nor belligerent. I simply asked to make the appointment and that I would fax Lilly's birth certificate over once I had time, PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT. They wouldn't even make the appointment and that is what upset me! Dear Margaret, I have spoken to the three women who interacted with you last Friday morning and on Sunday evening. To a person they describe your behavior as rude and belligerent. The packet you were mailed last October was quite explicit in stating that you are required to submit a copy of your child's birth certificate in order to have your daughter baptized. This is in accord with diocesan policy, and is in place for a variety of reasons. We do not deviate from this policy. In that you appeared in the office on Friday morning, it is obviously not out of the question for you to also stop by your safety deposit box to retrieve the certificate. As Judy told you on the phone, we are quite flexible in arranging for baptism appointments that meet the needs of the parents, and will be happy to do so with you. Having all the requested information in hand at the time of your appointment ensures that everything is in order for your child's baptism. Our goal is to serve the needs of our parishioners as best we can, but we also rightly expect some cooperation from them as well. We will be happy to work with you and your husband to arrange for the baptism of your daughter and will set up an appointment at your convenience once you submit her birth certificate. I do not believe this is too much to ask. I am copying this email to Fr. Diskin at the diocese. Rev. James Turner St. Thomas More Catholic Church 6180 West Utopia Road Glendale, Arizona 85308-7111 read more