St. Thomas More University Parish - Image 1
1 / 3

St. Thomas More University Parish

4.6
·72 reviews·Norman, United States

A vibrant university parish known for its welcoming community, relatable homilies, and traditional Catholic practices, including Latin chants.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend Masses

Feel the vibrant community spirit

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
St. Thomas More University Parish - Image 1

St. Thomas More University Parish

Best Time

Weekend Masses

Feel the vibrant community spirit

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant university parish known for its welcoming community, relatable homilies, and traditional Catholic practices, including Latin chants.

4.6
(72 reviews)

"This place helped me grow during college; I miss this community, and it will always have a special place in my heart."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤝 Feel the Welcome

Expect to feel at home immediately; the community is known for its warmth and inclusivity.

🎶 Enjoy the Music

Don't miss the student choir's performances, especially their traditional Latin chants.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Engaging Homilies

Engaging Homilies

Fr. Goins' relatable and insightful sermons make scripture come alive, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to faith.

Reddit
Student Choir Performances

Student Choir Performances

Experience the powerful sounds of the student choir, including traditional Latin Gregorian chants, creating a truly moving atmosphere.

TikTok
Marriage & Family Life Ministry

Marriage & Family Life Ministry

Discover enriching programs for couples and families, fostering strong relationships and spiritual growth within the parish.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Community Vibe

St. Thomas More University Parish is more than just a church; it's a vibrant community. Many visitors find it feels like home from the first visit, thanks to welcoming parishioners and engaging homilies that make the Bible relatable. Reddit

Experience Traditional Catholicism

For those seeking a more traditional Catholic experience, this parish offers Masses in English with elements like Latin Gregorian chants. It's a place where many have deepened their faith and found spiritual connection. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekend Masses
Why
Feel the vibrant community spirit
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Masses
Why
Peaceful spiritual reflection
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

WATCH: OU students with St. Thomas More University Parish are celebrating after the announcement of the new pope, Leo XIV, the first American pope in history. Read more at oudaily.com.
theoudaily
538 likes • 11.7K views

🤝 Feel the Welcome

Expect to feel at home immediately; the community is known for its warmth and inclusivity. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy the Music

Don't miss the student choir's performances, especially their traditional Latin chants. TikTok

What a fabulous run of Acis and Galatea this week, a collaboration of OU Opera, OU Collegium Musicum, St. Thomas More University Parish Choir, and dancers from OU School of Dance! PC: @_shotbysara_
ou.opera
45 likes • 989 views
reddit.com

What game day experience was most disappointing as a visiting fan?

🙏 Deepen Your Faith

Engage with the relatable homilies and traditional Mass for a profound spiritual experience. Reddit

No content available

Tips

from all over the internet

🤝 Feel the Welcome

Expect to feel at home immediately; the community is known for its warmth and inclusivity. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy the Music

Don't miss the student choir's performances, especially their traditional Latin chants. TikTok

🙏 Deepen Your Faith

Engage with the relatable homilies and traditional Mass for a profound spiritual experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(72 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise St. Thomas More University Parish for its incredibly welcoming community and deeply relatable homilies that make scripture accessible. The parish is a spiritual anchor, particularly for students, offering a traditional yet vibrant Catholic experience. Some may miss specific clergy members who have moved on, but the enduring sense of home and faith remains strong.

"Fr Brian brings it full circle with his teachers heart. He gives biblical backstories and helps you understand what exactly was happening in the Bible around the weekly readings. He has such a fun energy and you can tell he just loves the church so much and enjoys teaching our beautiful Catholic faith.
The marriage and family life ministry at STM is awesome. Casey Partridge does an outstanding job putting together date nights for couples with speakers who bring something different each time. My husband looks forward to his men’s group and gets so much out of them.
We love our St Thomas More family and always look forward to getting to spend time with our friends and Jesus in this beautiful church."

Daniel and Denea Sadler

"I came from a church that had strayed from God and came here, This church Immediately felt right and has felt like home, everyone is very nice and the homilies are amazing and makes the Bible more relatable, I’ve been attending for several years now, Fr. Goins is going to be deeply missed and that just goes to show how much he has done and gone out of his way to make people feel welcome and connected to God."

rachel wright

"This is a beautiful church and has a fabulous chior. You definitely feel God's presence. Fr. Goins homilies are wonderful and you feel like you understand scripture so much better. There are many lovely places in and outside the church for spiritual reflection."

Susie Smeal

What People Like

Welcoming community
Relatable homilies
Traditional music

What People Dislike

Clergy changes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Thomas More University Parish is located in Norman, Oklahoma. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, the area is generally accessible by car. Visitors often mention it's a key spot in Norman, suggesting it's well-integrated into the local landscape. Reddit

Parking availability is generally good for parish events and Masses, though specific details might vary. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially for weekend services, to secure a convenient spot. Reddit

Yes, as the name suggests, St. Thomas More University Parish is closely associated with the university and is a hub for students seeking spiritual connection. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no admission fee to attend Mass or visit the church. Donations are welcome to support the parish's ministries and operations. Reddit

Mass times typically include weekend services and weekday Masses. It's best to check the official parish website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date schedule, as times can vary. Reddit

Absolutely! St. Thomas More University Parish welcomes everyone, including non-students, families, and visitors. The community is known for being inclusive. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is described as welcoming, peaceful, and vibrant. Many visitors feel an immediate sense of belonging and connection to God. Reddit

Yes, the church offers lovely spaces both inside and outside for spiritual reflection. The peaceful environment is conducive to prayer and contemplation. Reddit

The parish hosts various events, including date nights for couples, men's groups, and other community gatherings aimed at fostering spiritual and social connections. Reddit

Yes, the parish offers a more traditional Catholic experience, including Masses in English with elements like Latin Gregorian chants performed by the student choir. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The parish itself does not typically have dining facilities. However, being located in Norman, there are numerous restaurants and cafes nearby catering to various tastes and budgets. Reddit

Generally, it's customary to refrain from eating or drinking inside the church sanctuary out of respect. Water might be an exception, but it's best to check with parish guidelines. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography during Mass is generally discouraged out of respect for the sacredness of the liturgy. However, for personal reflection or non-liturgical events, it might be permissible. It's always best to ask for permission from parish staff beforehand. Reddit

The church architecture itself is beautiful, offering opportunities for exterior shots. The surrounding grounds may also provide pleasant backdrops for photos, especially during good weather. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Thomas More University Parish is a welcoming place for families. While specific children's programs aren't detailed, the overall community atmosphere is described as family-friendly and inclusive. Reddit The relatable homilies can help children connect with religious teachings in an understandable way. The parish's focus on community and spiritual growth provides a nurturing environment for families seeking to raise their children in faith. Reddit

🎓 University Students

As a university parish, St. Thomas More is a central spiritual hub for students. It offers a space to connect with faith, find community, and receive guidance during their academic years. TikTok The engaging homilies and the vibrant student choir create an environment that resonates with young adults, helping many to deepen their Catholic identity and feel supported. Reddit It's a place where students can find a sense of belonging and spiritual home away from home. Reddit

⛪ Those Seeking Traditional Catholicism

For individuals seeking a more traditional Catholic experience, St. Thomas More University Parish stands out. The Masses are celebrated in English but incorporate traditional elements, including Latin Gregorian chants performed by the student choir. TikTok This blend offers a reverent and authentic expression of the faith that many find deeply meaningful and spiritually fulfilling. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of the Community: Parish Life

St. Thomas More University Parish is renowned for its strong sense of community. Visitors consistently describe it as a place that feels like home from the moment they arrive. This welcoming atmosphere is largely attributed to the friendly parishioners and the engaging homilies delivered by clergy like Fr. Goins, who have a gift for making biblical stories relatable and impactful. Reddit The parish actively fosters connections through various ministries, such as the Marriage and Family Life Ministry, which organizes events like date nights for couples, ensuring that spiritual growth extends to personal relationships. Reddit

Beyond regular services, the parish is a hub for spiritual development. Many individuals have found this to be a place where their Catholic faith has been rekindled or deepened. The blend of traditional practices, like Latin Gregorian chants performed by the student choir, with relatable modern-day teachings creates a unique and enriching spiritual environment. TikTok This combination makes it a significant spiritual anchor for students and the wider Norman community alike. Reddit

Musical Ministry: A Soulful Experience

The musical offerings at St. Thomas More University Parish are a significant highlight, particularly the performances by the student choir. This choir is celebrated for its ability to perform traditional Latin Gregorian chants, which many visitors find to be a profoundly moving and life-changing experience. TikTok The dedication and talent of the student musicians contribute significantly to the sacred and uplifting atmosphere during services. Reddit

The choir's involvement in collaborations, such as with the OU Opera and Collegium Musicum for productions like 'Acis and Galatea,' showcases their versatility and the parish's commitment to the arts. Instagram These performances not only enrich the spiritual life of the congregation but also highlight the parish's role in fostering artistic talent within the university community. The music here is not just accompaniment; it's an integral part of the worship and a testament to the vibrant faith life at St. Thomas More. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2