Fact Sheet

Contact: Mila Glodava
Phone: 303-770-1155      Last Update: August 25, 2008

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

8035 S. Quebec Street

Centennial, CO 80112

I. Pastor:  

• Rev. Andrew Kemberling (since June 2000)

II. Parochial Vicars:    

• Rev. Melvin Thompson (since June 2000)
• Rev. Paul Montes, O.S.B.  (since June 2008)
• Rev. Marlon Rodrigues, O.C.D. (August 2008)

III. Deacons: 

• Deacon Gary Rogge (since 1994)
• Deacon Steven Stemper (since 2000)
• Deacon Timothy Kenny (since 2003)
• Deacon Robert Cropp (since 2003)
• Deacon John Neal (since 2005)
• Deacon Alan Rastrelli, M.D. (since 2005)

IV. Mission/Vision:  

• "Go and Make Disciples"/The Kingdom of God

V. Spiritual Hallmarks:

• Stewardship and Evangelization

VI. Masses:

• Saturday: 7:30 a.m. 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. (anticipatory) 
• Sunday:  7:00, 8:30, and 10:30 a.m.; 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. (LIFE TEEN)
• Daily Masses, Monday - Friday: 6:30 and 9:00 a.m.
• Holiday Masses:  

VII. Choirs: 

• C.H.A.L.I.C.E. (Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Mass)
• Youth (Sunday, 5:30 p.m. Life Teen)
• CARITAS (Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Mass)
• Resurrection Choir (Funeral)
• Knights of Columbus Choir: Once a month at 8:30 a.m. Mass
• Magnificat: All Female Choir

Annual Guppy Fest inspires Catholic youth to live out their faith

Student Council donates Prayer Garden and the statue of St. Francis of Assisi

Parish Statistics

As of Dec. 31, 2007

Parish Highlights

• 1971 - Mission South East founded by Rev. Fred McCallin
• 1971 - First Mass is held Feb. 13 at Walnut Hills Elementary School
• 1971 - First Seminarian Chris Concklin assigned to STM

• 1972 - Canonical Erection of Mission South East as St. Thomas More Parish
• 1972 - Rev. Fred McCallin appointed founding pastor by Archbishop James V. CAsey
• 1972 - STM purchased 40 acres of property
• 1972 - First Pastoral Council is formed
• 1972 - First Class of First Communion, April 9

• 1973 - Construction of Community Center

• 1974 - Center opens for worship on Christmas Day

• 1975 - Stations of the Cross are purchased
• 1975 - Rev. John Trimbur assigned to STM

• 1976 - 538 families registered in parish roster
• 1976 - Sister Mariellen Phelps, O.P. comes to STM
• 1976 - 1100 children enrolled in Religious Education
• 1976 - First Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist mandated

• 1977 - Rev. Matthew Lehn assigned to STM

• 1978 - Rev. Ken Leone assigned to STM

• 1979 - First course on documents of Vatican II offered
• 1979 - Deacon Grover Cleveland assigned to STM
• 1979 - Padre Restaurant offered full service

• 1981 - 1750 students enrolled in Religious Education
• 1981 - Construction of Worship Center begins

• 1982 - Rev. Thomas Mosher assigned to STM
• 1982 - Sister Iris Dupprez, OSM, comes to STM
• 1982 - Cadillac Dinner/Raffle begins

• 1983 - Mass of Dedication of Worship Center, June 21
• 1983 - Rev. John McCormack assigned to STM

• 1984 - Godparent Program, Peer Ministry and Mother's Day Out begin
• 1984 - RENEW starts in the Fall
• 1984 - Paul Grimm ordained as deacon and assigned to STM

• 1985 - Rev. Don Willett assigned to STM
• 1985 - Vacation Bible School begins

• 1986 - Rev. James Brennan assigned to STM
• 1986 - Chalice Choir is formed

• 1987 - Welcome Mass for Archbishop J. Francis Stafford
• 1987 - Rev. Francis Gerber assigned to STM
• 1987 - RCIA begins
• 1987 - Deacon Ron Ansay assigned to STM

• 1988 - Dedication of Youth Center
• 1988 - Evangelization training begins
• 1988 - Rev. Michael A. Walsh assigned to STM as second pastor

• 1989 - Archbishop Stafford makes his first pastoral visit to STM
• 1989 - Rev. Tom Allender directs parish mission, thousands attend
• 1989 - First blessing of animals
• 1989 - Deacon Gary Rogge assigned to STM
• 1989 - First 5K Race for homeless children of Brazil
• 1989 - Rev. Michael Pavlakovik assigned to STM

• 1990 - Rev. Herman Jayachandra and Rev. Donald Cunningham assigned to STM
• 1990 - Helping Hands is formed
• 1990 - Hailstorm hits STM
• 1990 - mark Salvato ordained as deacon

• 1991 - STM 20th anniversary
• 1991 - Remodeling of sanctuary completed
• 1991 - New baptistry is purchased
• 1991 - Deacon Henry Baker assigned to STM
• 1991 - Stewardship as a way of life introduced
• 1991 - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursdays begins
• 1991 - STM receives Archbishop's approval for Evangelization-Education Center
• 1992 - Rev. Robert Ohrlich assigned to STM
• 1992 - Groundbreaking and blessing of Evangelization Center

• 1993 - Rev. Michael A. Walsh celebrates 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood
• 1993 - Cornerstone for Evangelization Center installed
• 1993 - Dedication of Chapel for perpetual adoration
• 1993 - STM hosts 2300 French delegates for World Youth Day
• 1993 - Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger blesses new Oratroy of the Blessed Sacrament
• 1993 - STM sends missionaries to Russia
• 1993 - Rev. Herman Jayachandra celebrates 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood

• 1994 - Archbisshop Stafford blesses Evangelization Center
• 1994 - STM Catholic School opens doors for first school year for gradw K through 6
• 1994 - Deacon Mark Salvato assigned to STM
• 1994 - Patrick Weis ordained to the priesthood
• 1995 - STM youth travel to the Philippines for World Youth Day
• 1995 - Rev. John McGinn assigned to STM
• 1995 - Bill Muhm ordained to the priesthood

• 1996 - STM celebrates 25th anniversary of the parish
• 1996 - Steve Baird, S.J., ordained to the priesthood

• 1997 - Archbishop J. Francis Stafford becomes a Cardinal, goes to Rome
• 1997 - Archbishop Charles J. Chaput installed as Archbishop of Denver
• 1997 - Parish commission statue of patron saint
• 1997 - STM sees first graduates of Parish School, May 27, 1997
• 1997 - Sister Phyllis Heble, N.D., comes to STM

• 1998 - Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrim Statue visits STM
• 1998 - Building expansion plans for Evangelization Center continue
• 1998 - Religious Education children begins "Pennies from Heaven Campaign to fund a church renovation in Panukulan, Quezon, in the Philippines

• 1999 - STM saddened by death of founding pastor, the Rev. Fred MccCallin
• 1999 - Francie Gundzik, business manager, and Jan Dennehy, parish secretary, celebrate 20 years at STM
• 1999 - Parish School receives accreditation from the North Central Assocaiton of Colleges and Schools
• 1999 - STM breaks ground for Building Exapansion
• 1999 - Rev. Kent Drotar assigned to STM
• 1999 - Rev. Martin Whealen, S.J., assigned to STM
• 1999 - Tom Bush ordained to the priesthood

• 2000 - STM students welcome Gov. Bill Owens and Archbishop Chaput
• 2000 - Staff and Parishioners say goodbye to pastor, the Rev. Michael A. Walsh
• 2000 - Rev. Andrew Kemberling assigned to STM as administrator
• 2000 - Rev. James Spahn assigned to STM
• 2000 - Tim Kenny, Tim Kilbarger, John Neal and Steve Stemper ordained as deacons
• 2000 - Archbishop Chaput blesses the expansion of the Evangelization Center
• 2000 - Deacon Steve Stemper assigend to STM

• 2001 - STM Church History and Photo Director published
• 2001 - Cloister Cove Religious and Gift Shoppe expanded
• 2001 - Parish's 30th Anniversary
• 2001 - Rev. John McGinn retires
• 2001 - Rev. Mel Thompson assigned to STM
• 2001 - Ed and Kelly Contreras celebrate 20 years of service at STM
• 2001 - CHALICE celebrates 20 years of service
• 2001 - Francie Gundzik, business manager, retires after 22 years of service
• 2001 - Robert Wedow ordained to the priesthood
• 2001 - Clergy and Religious Appreciation Day introduced to STM

• 2002 - Rev. Andrew Kemberling installed as pastor (after incardination)
• 2002 - Catacombs (Middle School Center) blessed and opened
• 2002 - Archbishop Chaput celebrates Mass at STM for the 36th Annual Metro Denver Clergy Appreciiation
• 2002 - Filipino Carmelite Bishop Julio Labayen visits STM and receives $2,000 check from the childrne's "Pennies from Heaven" Campaign
• 2002 - Parishioner Neil Connor enters Capuchin Franciscan order
• 2002 - TEC (Teens Encounter with Christ) retreat comes to STM
• 2002 - Farewell to Rev. James Spahn after two years
• 2002 - Rev. John Paul Leyba assigned to STM
• 2002 - Mila Glodava introduced stewardship to the Prelature of Infanta
• 2002 - STM Preschool opens with Pat Olmsted as director
• 2002 - Rev. Stan Fortuna directs parish mission
• 2002 - "Upon this Rock Youth Rally' with 1,000 youth from all over Colorado

• 2003 - STM promotes stewardship in the Philippines, the Archdiocese of Denver and beyond
• 2003 - 10th Anniversary of Perpetual Adoration Chapel
• 2003 - Building Renovation Project plans initiated
• 2003 - Parishioners Bob Cropp and Gerry Martinez ordained as deacons
• 2003 - Deacons Bob Cropp and Tim Kenny assigned to STM
• 2003 - Father Andrew and Mila Glodava introduce Stewardship as a way of life in the Philippine Church
• 2003 - Stewardship Conference at STM with delegates from four dioceses
• 2003 - Matthew Garofalo, Mark DePuydt, Timothy and Wescott White ordained to the priesthood

• 2004 - Stephen Ministry began
• 2004 - Rev. John Corapi gives conference at STM
• 2004 - STM's Knights of Columbus Council #10205 names #1 Council in State of Colorado
• 2004 - STM's "Go and Make Disciples" video receives the Aurora Gold Award

• 2005 - Rev. John Paul completed his ministry at STM
• 2005 - Ceili Rain high energy concert comes to STM
• 2005 - Pope John II died
• 2005 - Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger installed as Pope Benedict XVI
• 2005 - Follow-up Stewardship Seminars in the Philippies including one for entire Catholic Bishops Conferencer.
• 2005 - Parishioners Bob Gregorius and Alan Rastrelli, M.D., ordained as deacons.
• 2005 - Deacon Alan Rastrelli, M.D. assigned to STM
• 2005 - STM receives first place awards for Excellence in Materials for Parish Stewardship and honorable mention for the Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy Award from the International Catholic Stewardship Council
• 2005 - Father Andrew Kemberling and Mila Glodava presented the STM Stewardship program to the entire Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines

• 2006 - Rev. Marcus Mallick assigned to STM (Jan. 2005)
• "Our Jubilee Vision" Capital Fund Campaign begins
• 2006 - "Our Jubilee Vision" Capital Fund Campaign materials receives honorable mention award from the International Catholic Stewardship Council
• 2006 - Father Andrew and Mila Glodava presented at a Clergy Retreat and Conference for the Second Southern Luzon Tagalog Region 9SOLTARE II), with Father Andrew giving the first ever teleconference between Denver and Lucena City to around 400 clergy and bishops
• 2006- Stewardship parishes in the Archdiocese of Denver form "A League of Stewardship Parishes"

• 2007 - STM welcomes new Director of Liturgy, Jeff McGarrity
• 2007 - That Man is You! comes to STM
• 2007 - Jere Allen celebrates 20 years at STM
• 2007 - Jim Beckman, gues speaker at Prayer Rally
• 2007 - Indenesian Catholic Community hosts Prayer Rally with Indonesian Cuisine
• 2007-  Ronny O'Dwyer professes Jesuit vows
• 2007 - ENDOW (Educating on the Dignity of Women comes to STM
• 2007 - STM breaks ground to renovate church and build a new Adoration Chapel
• 2007 - Rev. Thompson celebrates 40 years
• 2007 - Rev. Martine Whealen, S.J. celebrates 45 years
• 2007 - Women of Grace starts at STM
• 2007 - John and Barb Monark gave lay witness talk on Stewadship of Treasure

• 2008 - New Jubilee Campaign leaders come forward
• 2008 - First Mass at newly renovated church (May 30)
• 2008 - Mass of Dedication (Sept. 14)
• 2008 - Rev. Marcus Mallick goes to Sacred Heart of Mary in Boulder
• 2008 - Rev. Martin Whealen, S.J., retires
• 2008 - Rev. Paul Montes, O.S.B., assigned to STM as parochial vicar (June)
• 2008 - Jericho Jog 5K Run returns to STM
• 2008 - Wayne and Neice Wolberg gave lay witness talk on Juiblee Buildnig Campaign
• 2008 - Renee Kuntz, Family Program coordinator, and famiy said goodbye. move to San Antonio, TX
• 2008 - Student Council donates St. Francis Statue and Prayer Garden
• 2008 - Rev. Marlon Rodrigues, O.C.D., Assigned to STM as parochial vicar (August)
• 2008 - Dedication of St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Garden donated by the STM ParishSchool Student Council; Most Rev. Rolando Tria Tirona, O.C.D., D.D. presiding

Faith and Academic Formation

Faith Formation for Adults and Children: Total Enrollment: 1,644

Catechetical Staff and Programs

• Jere Allen Director of Faith Formation RCIA, Adult Faith Formation and Grs. 1-5
• Linda Enloe, First Eucharist and Reconciliation Preparation; Shepherd's Promise (Gr.1-5, VBS); MS Confirmation
• Roberta Marsh Confirmation, MS, HS and Adults, Re-Membering Church and Adult Catechism
• Peggy Higginbotham, Family Program
• Ana Cruz, Small Wonders (3-5 yr. old)
• Joyce Hunt, Parents Day Out: 1 1/2 - 4 year olds; Preschool and Jr. Kindergarten: 4 and 5-year old
• Sande Murphy, Registrar
• Sheri Funderbirk, Speciall Needs R.E. Coordinator
• Cindy Ribaul, Child Care Coordinator

Youth Ministry
Serves more than 320 youth: junior and high school as well as some 35 young adults

Staff and Programs

• David Tschumper, Director of Youth Ministry
• Sue Frank Youth Minister: High School
• Chris Roth, Youth Minister: Middle School
• AnnaMarie D'Innocenzo: Youth Minister, Middle School
• Kelly Contreras, Youth Music Director
• Christy Burke Wirtz: Young Adults Minister

Programs include spiritual, social and recreational activities which help to integrate the youth to the community at large. Has an impressive summer program. Christmas program for inner city school children and other outreach programs. Participates in WYD events. Publishes a bimonthly newsletter, "The Spark."

School: Total Students for School Year 2008-2009: 660

• Inaugurated: 1994
• First Graduates: 1997
• First Principal: Thoy Smith
• Current Principal: Paul Mott
• Assistant Principal, Grade School: Jan Altavogt
• Assistant Principal, Middle School: Barb Markulik
• Total Lay Teachers: 37 teachers
  

Other Parish Highlights

• Community Ministries

1. Community Outreach include but not limited to:

• Food Program metro area food banks
• Discovery: Job Network serves more than 1,037 jobseekers and 2,185 listing of employers at  no cost. Has sponsors in the metro Denver and Colorado Springs areas.
• Project 600: Youth Ministry provides a Christmas party for more than 700 inner-city school children
• Angel Tree reaches out to the families of prisoners at Christmas
  

2. Many organizations and support  groups or like experiences, e.g., singles, young mothers, divorced/widowed/separated, senior citizens, men's club, ladies club, etc.

3. Spiritual development: missions, retreats, workshops, lecture series, special worship services: perpetual adoration, May crowning, prayer rally, etc.

• Padre Restaurant: offers Sunday brunch catered by Mile High Catering, after all morning Masses.

• Annual Events
• Clergy and Religious Appreciation Day (last Friday before Ash Wednesday)
• Volunteer Appreciation Party (2nd Friday after Easter)
• STM Day; Pastorl's Award (June 22)
• Mane Event: Auction for STM School (November)
• St. Patrick's Dinner and Dance (March)
• Prayer Rally  (August)
• Ministry Fair (August)
• Oktober Fest
• Epiphany Party (January)
• Seder Meal (Lent)

Business Office

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Business Manager Dick Rapp
• Accounting Manager: Joe Zimmerman
• Marriage Prep. Coordinator: Maryanne Carter
• Pastor's Secretary: Vicki Turner
• Receptionist: Madelyn Leonardi
• Accounts Payable & Receivable: Donna Rood 
• Director of Liturgy: Jeff McGarrity
• Director of Communications and Stewardship: Mila Glodava
• Cloister Cove Manager Joe Gallo
• Pastoral Care,  Spiritual  Direction  Sr. Phyllis Heble, N.D.
• Pastoral Assistant, Deacon Gary Rogge
• Building and Maintenance Manager Ed Mentzer