About St Thomas More · Coralville, Iowa
St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville, Iowa, is an inclusive parish committed to serving all seasons of life through engaging liturgies, family support, religious education, and social justice initiatives. Founded as a Catholic Student Center on the University of Iowa campus, it evolved into a full parish with a modern church building dedicated in 1967. The parish continues to serve students, families, and the broader community with ministries ranging from youth programs to adult faith formation and social outreach.
- Established
- 1944
- Patron
- St. Thomas More
- Rector
- Father Chuck Adam
- Diocese
- Diocese of Davenport
Why belong here
Join a parish that welcomes all, offering strong religious education, youth ministry, and community support through ministries like Stephen Ministry, Meals from the Heart, and the Catholic Worker House. Engage in liturgy, social justice, and family life programs designed to help you grow closer to God in every season of life.
Mass times at St Thomas More
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
- By appointment
History
St. Thomas More Catholic Church was established in 1944 as a Catholic Student Center on the University of Iowa campus. The first Mass was celebrated in 1943, and a Quonset chapel was built in 1946. The modern church was constructed in 1965 and opened in 1966, dedicated in 1967. The parish has grown from serving primarily students to becoming a full parish serving families and the broader community, with ministries including religious education, youth programs, and social justice initiatives.
Ministries
The parish offers a wide range of ministries to serve all ages and needs, including Religious Education (K-8), Confirmation, Youth Ministry, Stephen Ministry, Meals from the Heart, Catholic Worker House Meal, Young Adult Ministry, Social Justice, and the St. Thomas More Racial Equity Initiative.
Faith Formation
Faith formation is offered for children from kindergarten through 8th grade, including Religious Education, Confirmation, and Youth Ministry programs such as MORE IMPACT and NCYC.
Sacraments
The parish offers all sacraments including Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick.
Worship and Spirituality
Mass is celebrated daily, with weekend Masses at 5:15 PM and 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Confession is available Saturday at 4:30 PM or by appointment. The parish also offers Mass recordings on YouTube and a variety of spiritual ministries including Stephen Ministry and Art & Environment.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Robert Brugman1944-1947
First pastor; envisioned expansion and purchased land for new church.
- Monsignor D.J. Conway1952
Became pastor in 1952.
- Fr. J. Walter McEleney1962
Became pastor in 1962.
- Fr. Andrew Barry1968
Became pastor in 1968.
- Fr. Robert Walter1973
Became pastor in 1973.
- Fr. Joseph Sparks1978
Became pastor in 1978.