St. Thomas Aquinas

Parish Mission

From its beginning as a mission parish in 1884, the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community strives to grow and change to meet the needs of its parishioners and guests, who are the 'Body of Christ.' Each week the community gathers to celebrate and share its faith, and is sent forth into the greater community to 'be Christ for one another.' The parish mission statement frames the community as a welcoming group of believers continually growing in faith and in love of Jesus Christ through worship, education, evangelization, and service within the local and broader community.

History of the Parish

The parish's story begins in 1884 with a mission church called St. Patrick in Langdon Township, south of Cottage Grove. After that mission closed in 1900, the community moved to Saint Paul Park and was incorporated as St. Thomas Aquinas on January 27, 1903. The first permanent church was built at the corner of Summit and Broadway; from 1903 until 1915 the parish was served by priests from the Cathedral of Saint Paul and Guardian Angels in Oakdale. Father Patrick J. Hart was assigned as the first resident pastor in 1915.

• 1884 — St. Patrick Mission Church founded in Langdon Township.
• 1903 — St. Thomas Aquinas parish incorporated; first permanent church built at Summit and Broadway.
• 1915 — Fr. Patrick J. Hart assigned as the first resident pastor.
• 1934 — Fr. Edward S. DeCourcy becomes the second resident pastor.
• 1940 — Fr. James Westfall becomes the third pastor.
• 1949 — Present-day property purchased; parochial school opens in September.
• 1950 — Fr. Charles Eggert becomes the fourth pastor; school basement remodeled into a worship space.
• 1955 — Six classrooms and office space added to the school; new rectory built at Ninth and Ashland Avenues.
• 1964 — Fr. Lawrence Keller becomes the fifth pastor; parish now serves 1,100 families; ambitious building program launched.
• 1969 — First Mass celebrated in the new Ralph Rapson–designed church (July).
• 1971 — School closes.
• 1978 — Fr. John Fitzpatrick becomes the sixth pastor.
• 1984 — Parish celebrates its 100th anniversary.
• 1987 — Fr. Tim Wozniak becomes the seventh pastor.
• 1994 — Church made handicap-accessible; roof replaced; HVAC and carpeting upgraded.
• 1999 — Fr. Greg Esty becomes the eighth pastor; 'Faithfully Planning Our Future' feasibility study launched.
• 2009 — 125th anniversary celebrated with a yearlong community event.
• 2019 — Archbishop Bernard Hebda celebrates Mass for the 135th anniversary of the parish and the 50th anniversary of the present church.

Architecture of the Present Church

Designed by Ralph Rapson and constructed in 1969, St. Thomas Aquinas Church is a recognized example of International (Modern) style religious architecture in Minnesota. Rapson organized the building into three horizontal layers — a solid base, a band of windows, and a roof structure that appears to float — using stucco, glu-lam beams, and single-pane glass, with the same materials carrying into the interior. The design is Rapson's interpretation of the liturgical guidelines set forth by the Second Vatican Council of 1962–1965.

• Architect: Ralph Rapson
• Year built: 1969
• Style: International (Modern)
• Signature features: solid base, floating roof, glu-lam beams, single-pane glass, stucco cladding
• Liturgical context: built in response to post-Vatican II guidelines

Faith Formation

Faith Formation is one of the parish's central ministries, serving children and families in sacramental preparation and ongoing religious education. The parish also coordinates the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for those entering the Catholic Church.

• Faith Formation program for children
• First Reconciliation preparation (begins in 2nd grade; celebrated in Advent)
• First Communion preparation (received after Easter)
• RCIA — Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Parish Ministries and Pastoral Council

Parish life at St. Thomas Aquinas is organized around a broad set of ministries. The Pastoral Council regularly reviews and evaluates parish activities in an advisory capacity to the pastor, meeting on the fourth Tuesday of most months, with combined leadership meetings in Fall and Spring. Council membership includes the pastor (ex officio), the parish business administrator, a trustee, three elected members-at-large, representatives of the standing commissions, and two youth members.

• Finance and Administration
• Faith Formation
• Community Life
• Pastoral Care and Wellness
• Social Justice
• Worship
• Youth Ministry
• Volunteer opportunities throughout the parish

Clergy and Staff

The parish is currently served by Rev. Jimmy Puttananickal, CFIC, a priest of the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception, who was assigned as pastor by Archbishop Bernard Hebda effective November 1, 2024. He succeeds Fr. Tony Andrade, who was transferred in mid-2024 to become parochial vicar of St. Joseph the Worker in Maple Grove. The parish office team supports both English- and Spanish-speaking parishioners, with Angélica Kipka serving as the contact for Spanish-language questions.

• Pastor: Rev. Jimmy Puttananickal, CFIC (since November 1, 2024)
• Spanish-language contact: Angélica Kipka (651-459-2131)
• Parish business administrator (member of Pastoral Council)
• Pastors' office: 920 Holley Ave., Saint Paul Park, MN 55071

Visiting, Contact, and Office Hours

The parish office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The office is closed to walk-ins on Fridays to allow for funerals, staff meetings, and other administrative duties; visitors needing assistance on a Friday are asked to call ahead to schedule an appointment.

• Parish office: 920 Holley Ave., Saint Paul Park, MN 55071
• Phone: (651) 459-2131
• Fax: (651) 459-8756
• Office hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM
• Friday: closed to walk-ins; by appointment only
• Spanish-language assistance available through Angélica Kipka