We the Christian Community of St. Thomas More, in an atmosphere of hospitality, are dedicated to proclaiming the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through excellence in worship, education, and service to others. We believe that the nurturing of the community around the Eucharistic Table is extended through gatherings which further strengthen and support us. We shall pursue this mission faithfully through the power of the Holy Spirit and the gifts and talents of our members.
St. Thomas More is unique in the fact that it is built with a theme: “The Life, Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
As you enter the Church you step into our Gathering Area symbolizing the Life of Jesus Christ. The materials chosen depict Jerusalem at the time of Christ. The words of Jesus are etched into the stone walls, and subtly, draws one’s eye to study the chosen scripture passages from the life of Jesus.
After walking through the Gathering Area one is soon drawn into the Passion area. The ceiling slightly lowers, the walls come closer together, and the dark marble walls highlight the words of Jesus when He died on the cross. This highlights the suffering of Jesus – lighted footsteps invites one to realize the sufferings of Jesus on our behalf. We then realize only through suffering and death can one come to resurrection and new life.
The Passion Area ends with the Baptismal Font. The lower portion of the font is in the form of a tomb – symbolizing that one dies to sin only to be raised to a new way of life. The upper portion of the font is used for infant baptisms. Water pulses and runs through both and provides a quiet, almost hypnotic sound that allows one to relax and close their eyes to be filled with God’s spirit through His living water.
The bright wide and expansive Sanctuary highlights the Resurrection. Triple shaded light walls, each slightly different from the other, emphasize the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The lofty ceiling catches our attention and the seasonal banners remind us of the current liturgical season. Symbols of our faith are found on the altar, ambo, and furnishings in this great room. Seven chandeliers represent the seven Sacraments. They give light to all in the Church. Stained windows depict the Six Days of Creation. God rested on the seventh day and the Church is the “resting place.” There in the Church man’s spirit can be restored in and through communion with God.
A separate Chapel off the entrance to the Church allows one to stop and pray in a room symbolizing the burial tomb of Jesus – from which He rose to a new way of life. Praying with Him will enable all to enjoy a new way of life.
The Church is the summation of our faith: the Life, the Passion, the Death, and the Resurrection of Jesus. Take note of these subtleties to experience what we believe and preach.
BASIS OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR ST. THOMAS MORE
Overall Concept
The Life, Passion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis on which all design concepts and details were developed.
These three major segments of Christ's life are represented in the Narthex, Narthex Transition to the Sanctuary, and the Sanctuary.
Specific dedication of design spaces are:
A. Narthex - The Life of Jesus Christ
B. Narthex Transition to Sanctuary - The Passion of Jesus Christ
C. Sanctuary - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
A. The Narthex - The Life of Jesus Christ
The design philosophy of the Narthex chronologically represents the life of Christ. The walls are inscribed with passages spoken by Jesus during the course of His life. They will continue to be subtle reminders of how we should live our lives.
The wall finish materials are subtle representations of the color and shapes of stone finishes found in Jerusalem. Floor materials are intended to depict the earthen and cobbled streets found in and around the areas Christ visited during his life. The door openings are abstracted designs of the classic door lintel and doorjamb openings found in that area. The ceiling tile texture was selected for its comparative visua1 relation to a modulated cloud covered sky. All Narthex colors were chosen to relate to natural earth tones -- tans and browns.
The Narthex is designed to provide a strong visual orientation from the Sanctuary to the Social Hall. By providing this visual link, it is intended to naturally draw parishioners toward, and into, the hall for socializing after services. Additionally, the Narthex is designed to provide a smooth traffic flow and to reinforce the intended design concept through the use of a modified cruciform plan shape.
B. The Narthex Transition to the Sanctuary - The Passion of Jesus Christ
The Passion area is designed to symbolize the great burden Christ endured during Passion Week. The floor tiles, between the Narthex and Passion Area, are staggered to represent Jesus' struggle between holding onto His life or sacrificing it on the cross in payment for the sinfulness of man. The carved palm leaves in the granite are representative of Palm Sunday, the first day in Passion Week.
The granite material and color was selected for its density and darkness to represent the immense suffering and ordeal Christ endured that week. The ceiling is sloped downward toward the Sanctuary to emphasize the continuing difficulty and oppression Christ suffered during Passion Week.
Inscripted passages are taken from the words spoken by Christ while on the cross. The Baptismal Font is placed at the end of the Passion Area to give definition that through Christ's death and resurrection we are born to new life. His life giving spirit touches the four universal elements: earth, wind, fire and water. The Font's upper shape is designed to portray that the life giving water of Christ is carried through the universal elements to the four corners of the earth. The water cascades down to the tomb shaped baptismal pool and reminds us that through baptism we die with Christ and rise with Christ to new life.
The upward slope of the font rail indicates the rising movement of one's spirit from Baptism through the sacramental life of the church. Symbolic representations of the sacraments, as-well as, the all-seeing "Eye of God" are depicted in the glass work on the sides of the' rising font rail.
The lighting in the Passion Area casts light spots on the floor symbolic of the footprints of Christ's passage in and through Passion Week. The footprints get closer together as the weight of the cross becomes more unbearable.
Appropriately placed toward the end of the Passion Area is Jesus on the cross -- a, constant reminder that He died for our sins.
The Chapel entrance is detailed in glass. The cut rock detail is a representation of the rock rolled aside revealing that Christ had risen. The exterior wall detail reflects your two choices in life. The steeper angled wall reflects the more difficult path to take; struggling alone without God , in your life. The less steep side reflects a more balanced and steady path; totally relying on God as one seeks the rewards of eternal life. The Chapel's interior finish represents the cave and tomb of Christ.
The Tabernacle containing the Bread of Life is located in the chapel. The base of the Tabernacle is a representation of the rock of faith that the Church is built on. The metal Tabernacle doors depict "Our 'Faith Journey". The varying coloration and design depict this journey. The lower portion shows our faith is tested, put to trial, represented by the broken rocks. Through God's love, and the Holy Spirit, we are ignited. Flames of our faith reach up to God. The light of the Father shines down on us purifying and inviting us to enjoy God's everlasting 1ove and eternal life.
The bronze hand, holding the sanctuary light, symbolizes that God asks us to be His light and for you to be that light, and pass that light to others. The sanctuary candle design represents the energy released at the moment Jesus rose from the dead.
The Stations of the Cross are displayed within the Chapel. They are a constant reminder of the ordeal Jesus suffered during His Passion.
C. Sanctuary - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Specifically chosen were the light wall colors 'and shiny chrome finishes to accentuate the Sanctuary space as "The Resurrection."
The Sanctuary space is designed to represent the risen Christ and the Trinity. The overall shape of the space is intentionally varied to communicate that the domain of God is .without limits.
There are three distinct levels of finish on the Sanctuary walls; the rougher, lowest section, symbolizes the Holy Spirit who lives among us. The second, finer, finish represents Jesus Christ, the Son, and our acceptance of His presence in our lives. The third, finest, finish represents God the Father and His everlasting presence with and over us.
Additional Theological Enhancements
The Chandeliers are designed with four trumpeted lights and a centered speaker. This design is intended to represent God’s word and the light of Christ, traveling to the four corners of the earth.
The Tri-Level Ceiling reveals the continued fine tuning and purification of one's spirit throughout the trials of life, drawing one's spirit into a harmonious union in the everlasting light and-love of God.
The Trinitarian Wall Definition is brought to a central point and focused downward to the Altar and Ambo to represent God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit brought to us at these tables. Wheat and grapes are carved on the altar table 'symbolizing the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Six Stained Glass Panels at the rear of the sanctuary tell the story of the six days of creation. The seventh day, God's day of rest, is the Sanctuary space itself.
The Color of the Pews was chosen to reflect that man's origin is from clay. Man is constantly being shaped by God. Hence, "God is the potter and we are the clay."
The Ambry containers were selected for their shape and color. The oil of Baptism is appropriately held in the smallest container. The shape is reminiscent to an embryo reflecting the beginnings' of our faith life. The container holding the. Confirmation chrism is shaped as a person standing steadfast and tall with their faith secure in God. The oil of the sick is placed in the receptacle selected for its paleness symbolizing those who are ailing and weary. The strong colored portion symbolizes the renewal to good health and spirits.
The Marian Shrine presents the image of Mary, the Mother of God. A woman secure in her faith and open to the mysteries of God. The design reflects that mystery and her universal appeal to all. It also reveals her shy, serene and peaceful nature.
The Tower, just outside the chapel, is another reminder of Jesus' resurrection. Its upward motion toward heaven symbolizes His Ascension to everlasting life.
The Sanctuary Exit Inscriptions are significant .to the Mass; for they who enter, do believe, and know that Jesus is the bread of life.
The Organ Pipes magnetically draw our attention. Their shiny color, again, the Resurrection Theme. The pipe placements reflect life having its ups and downs but bearable when reaching out to God.
Children's Nursery
The abstract artwork in the nursery reflects the story of Noah and the Ark, as well as, the importance of Jesus in the lives of children so they can realize His loving presence in their lives.
The Bell Tower was erected in the spring of 2004 as a completion of the exterior of the building. We knew we needed just the right bell and we found it in Cincinnati, Ohio. The bell was originally commissioned by Mrs. John B. Cornell of New York City in 1871. The bell was manufactured by the Troy Bell Foundry, Jones & Company, Troy, New York.
It was a sign of God’s providence to have the bell come to us in Troy, Michigan when it was originally from Troy, New York. Before its installation we added the words of St. Thomas More “O God give us the grace to work for the things we pray for."
The ringing of the bell throughout the day and on weekends is a clarion call to refocus our attention on the presence of God in our life. We are asked to pause and reflect that we owe everything to God. Please listen to hear the bell – it is there ringing for you, calling you to be aware of God and be grateful to Him.
The community of St. Thomas More celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 1988. As part of that celebration it was decided to gather materials for a St. Thomas More time capsule. The children attending our religious education classes at that time contributed to the contents of the time capsule. It was decided the time capsule would remain undisturbed for a significant number of years. We will ceremonially open and share the contents of our time capsule with the community of St. Thomas More at the 50th Golden Anniversary in 2013.
A time capsule is a historic collection of information that is intended as a means of communication with people in the future. The concept of a time capsule goes back to man’s earliest literary endeavors.
The offices of St. Thomas More are unique indeed. Our main office is a theme in itself. A unique wall with undulating waves symbolizes God the Father whose energy and love created the world. The bronze relief on the receptionist’s desk symbolizes Jesus the Son. His outreached arms welcome all who come here.
The Holy Spirit is represented just outside the main office door. Colorful fragments of glass, artfully placed on the floor, enhanced by the domed lighted ceiling allow one to feel the presence of the Spirit. Stand in the center of this place and speak. You become aware that you are surrounded by your own voice. In the same way, you stand in the center of your relationship with God and speak, your voice carries with it the spirit of God and surrounds and inspires others to listen as well.
The reception desk in our Religious Education office offers the outstretched arms of Jesus welcoming the children. His invitation is “Let the little children come to me.” His invitation is for all children: young and old.
As the Church symbolizes the New Testament portrayal of Jesus; the offices and corridor depict scenes from the Old Testament.
One walks down the corridor to the offices and passing three murals. Each mural showcases a dramatic scene from the Old Testament: The Creation,
The Temptation of Adam and Eve, and The Great Flood.
Other faith themes are depicted in the paintings that further dot the hallway. The artist skillfully blends facets of our faith into her work. Each mural deserves study and appreciation to find the hidden faith mysteries located within.
The murals like our faith are a gift from God, but a gift that must be studied, appreciated, and practiced in our every day lives.
God’s people deserve the best people. Our Pastoral Staff is made up of men and women who only desire to serve our people. They are professional, courteous, respectful, and confidential. These are the hallmarks of those who work here.
Each member of the staff, whether pastoral or support, knows their job and does their best to do it well. They are the best because our people deserve the best.
Johnny Vanneste
Deacon
Janice Verschuren
Parish Administrator
and Facilities Manager
Robert Meyer
Director of Worship and Music Ministry
Lisa Miner
Financial Manager
Kathy Strong
Receptionist
Mary Worley
Worship Secretary
Religious Education
Marianne Muehmel
Coordinator Pre-K thru 6
Michael McCallion
Coordinator R.C.I.A
Coordinator 7, 8 and Youth Ministry
Julie Komarzec
Secretary
Family and Grief Therapy
Andrea Harral
Therapist
Maintenance Staff
Thomas Breyer
Benjamin Olar