Cathedral of St. Thomas More Is Hub of Diocese

By Stephanie Tracy
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 8/1/02)

If the United States can be called the melting pot of cultures and nations, St. Thomas More Cathedral Parish could be called a melting pot of the Diocese of Arlington, drawing people from all over the diocese for celebrations of faith.

"The cathedral is a unique challenge in that it’s a hub of activity for the diocese," said Father Dominic Irace, cathedral rector. "In a sense we’re still a very ordinary parish, but with all the extra gatherings and celebrations surrounding the bishop."

Throughout the church year parishioners find themselves at the heart of major liturgical celebrations that reach beyond the purview of other parish communities. Faithful from all around the diocese join the parish community for celebrations such as the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, the ordination of new priests and the adult confirmation Mass held at Pentecost.

"The cathedral is really the showplace of the diocese; we have to have good liturgy and good music, everything has to look good all the time," Father Irace said. "And all of this is because we serve more than just our parishioners; we have people who come to Washington, D.C., on vacation who come here for Mass, and the bishop brings visitors to the diocese to see the cathedral. We really have to set a standard."

Dr. Richard Gibala, director of music, pointed out the reputation the cathedral holds throughout the area for its acoustics, and as a place for musical concerts and presentations.

"The parishioners of St. Thomas More are very proud of their cathedral parish," he said. "And unlike many cathedrals throughout the country that have few Mass attendees on weekends because of their geographical location, our cathedral has regular attendees at six weekend liturgies."

There are three choirs in the parish, as well as a handbell choir and brass ensemble that play for major liturgical celebrations at the cathedral.

Father Irace said the proximity to the bishop gives the cathedral parish community a special opportunity.

"Being the cathedral of the diocese and being so close the bishop really gives the parish community and the priests who serve it the chance to get to know the bishop," he said. "When he’s in town, [Arlington] Bishop [Paul S.] Loverde celebrates a Sunday Mass at the cathedral once a month or so, and then he’s around for activities and events during the week."

The parish of St. Thomas More was founded in 1938. Parishioners attended Mass in what is today the St. Thomas More School gym until the church was built. The original church served as the base for the new cathedral; Mass was celebrated in what is now Burke Hall. The church was raised to a cathedral in 1974, and the interior underwent a complete redesign in 1988.

Having served at the parish once before, Father Irace has seen the community age, and admits that the parish might lack some of the youth and vigor of other parishes in the diocese, but adds that St. Thomas More Cathedral School brings much activity to the community.

Opened in 1944 by the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart who served the school until 1998, the school has a long history and tradition. By the second year of operation, the school accommodated children in grades one through eight, and by 1953 it reached its record enrollment of 1,400.

Kathy Swinehart, principal, said the long history of the school and the long-standing faculty give the students and staff much to be proud of.

"We have fun celebrating ourselves during Catholic Schools Week," she said. "I showed the students some old slides of the school, and they loved it; they also pointed out that the uniforms were still the same."

Swinehart also notes that the school is very diverse. The student body is made up of children with various ethnic backgrounds, as well as children from military families. The school draws students from over 35 parishes throughout the diocese.

"The school really brings an international flavor, and a flavor that reflects much of what is going on all over the diocese," Father Irace said.

St. Thomas More Cathedral School brings religion and character building initiatives into every aspect of the students’ day. Swinehart said that each school year has a Scriptural theme that is emphasized all year both in the classroom and through various outreach activities such as the annual walk for the homeless.

"Visitors to the school often remark how happy people are to work and learn here," Swinehart said. "We take a lot of pride in our students’ ability to express themselves and be good to one another. The students represent us well, and we’re very fortunate to be a part of this parish."

At a Glance:

Cathedral of St. Thomas More

3901 Cathedral Lane

Arlington, VA 22203

703/525-1300

Rector: Fr. Dominic P. Irace

Parochial Vicar: Fr. Matthew H. Zuberbueler

In residence: Fr. Paul F. deLadurantaye, Fr. Daniel J. Maher

Deacons: Claudio F. Benedi, Samuel M. Taub

DRE: Sr. Maria Angelica McGovern, I.H.M.

Music: Richard Gibala, diocesan music coordinator

Mass Schedule:

Saturday: 9 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. (Vigil Mass)

Sunday: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m. (Spanish), 5 p.m.

Weekdays: 7 a.m., 12:05 p.m.

Holy Days: As announced

Confession: Saturday, 4-5 p.m. and by appointment

Sunday, Noon-12:45 p.m. (Spanish)

Parishioners: 2, 850

School:

105 N. Thomas St.

Arlington, VA 22203

703/528-1547

Grades K-8 with Extended Day Care

Principal: Kathy Swinehart

Students: 455

Boundaries: Beginning at Wilson Blvd. and N. Pollard St. — South on N. Pollard St. to N. 6th St. — East on N. 6th St. to N. Oakland St. — South on N. Oakland St. to N. 5th St. — East on N. 5th St. to N. Jackson St. — South on N. Jackson St. to N. 1st Rd. — East on N. 1st Rd. to Washington Blvd. — south on Washington Blvd. to the southwest boundary of Henderson Hall, USMC — East and north along the boundary of Henderson Hall to Southgate Rd. (Henderson Hall, USMC belongs to Our Lady of Lourdes) — East on Southgate Rd. to S. Oak St. — South on S. Oak St. to Columbia Pike — West on Columbia Pike to S. Walter Reed Dr. — South on S. Walter Reed Dr. to S. 18th St. — West on S. 18th St. to S. Four Mile Run north on S. Four Mile Run to Chesterfield Rd. — West on Chesterfield Rd. to the Arlington County line — north on Arlington County line to S. George Mason Dr. — East on S. George Mason Dr. to S. Frederick St. — North on S. Frederick St. to Columbia Pike — East on Old Dominion RR tracks — Northwest on Arlington Blvd. — West on Arlington Blvd. to Fairfax County line — North to N. 5th St. — East to Old Dominion RR tracks — South to N. Carlyn Springs Rd. — East to N. Abingdon St. north to Wilson Blvd. — East on Wilson Blvd. to N. Pollard St.

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