A new name is a great way to "Make All Things New." The name is a little outdated given the current marriage debate. Thomas More signed off on King Henry VIII's first marriage knowing it was not a valid Catholic marriage in the first place, then stubbornly refused to annul it. This isn't the best example of upholding the values of Catholic marriage. History proved Henry would have petitioned for more than one annulment, inevitably dividing the church at that time, yet that first annulment could have been granted, which might have been enough to spare Thomas More's life. Since they have an Independent school that bears the name, too, perhaps choosing another St. Thomas would keep it simple.
Thank you, Cardinal Dolan, for this sound decision to keep this and other old churches open. The Archdiocese has taken steps to solve financial problems without closing the vital churches in our neighborhood.
On the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, many churches were built at that time of every faith. Originally called "Beloved Disciple", the church included a home for indigent women. It cost the modern day equivalent of $6000 for a woman to enter. Perhaps they were war widows. It was a time to repair and rebuild I am thankful the church will remain a place of prayer and inspiration.
