Cathedral of Saint Thomas More (Arlington, Virginia) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cathedral of Saint Thomas More
Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Arlington
Location in Virginia Show map of Virginia Location in the United States Show map of the United States
38°52′14.4″N 77°6′12.2″W / 38.870667°N 77.103389°W / 38.870667; -77.103389
Location	Arlington, Virginia
Country	United States
Denomination	Roman Catholic Church
Membership	2,548 (2009)
History
Founded	1938
Dedication	St. Thomas More
Architecture
Architectural type	Modern
Completed	1961
Administration
Diocese	Arlington

The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More is an important church in Arlington, Virginia. It's the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington and where Bishop Michael F. Burbidge leads. The church is currently led by Father Patrick L. Posey. He became the rector (head priest) in 2019.

What the Cathedral Looks Like
History of the Cathedral
- St. Thomas More Cathedral School
- Exciting Renovations
Images for kids
See also

What the Cathedral Looks Like

The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More has a modern design. It is built with a basilica floor plan, which is a long, rectangular shape. The outside of the church is made of red brick.

At the front, there are three doors. Above each door, you can see a beautiful stained glass window. Inside, the church has a large pipe organ. This organ was first put in place in 1961. It was later made even bigger in 1980.

History of the Cathedral

The church community, called a parish, started in 1938. It was named after Saint Thomas More. For many years, church services were held in what is now the school gym.

The main church building we see today was finished in 1961. It was built right above the older church area. In 1974, this church became a "cathedral." This happened when the northern parts of Virginia formed a new church area called the Diocese of Arlington. The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More became the main church for this new diocese. Today, about 2,500 people are members of this church community.

St. Thomas More Cathedral School

In 1944, the church started the St. Thomas More Cathedral School. This school teaches students from pre-kindergarten all the way up to eighth grade. About 400 students attend the school.

For many years, the school was run by a group of nuns called the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They lived and worked at the church from 1945 until 1998.

Exciting Renovations

To celebrate the Diocese of Arlington's 50th anniversary, Bishop Michael Burbidge announced a big renovation project for the cathedral. The goal is to change the building's look. It will go from its original Mid-century Modern style to a Tudor style. This style was popular when Saint Thomas More was alive.

New features will include a large rose window on the north side. This window will show a picture of "The New Jerusalem." Other new stained glass windows will show scenes from the life of the Holy Family. There will also be windows showing the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. Special areas inside the church will have new statues and windows. These windows will feature the patron saints of other churches in the diocese. The renovation is expected to be finished and the church reopened in September 2024.