Parish History:

Saint Thomas More Parish is one of 82 parishes in the Diocese of Bridgeport. It was carved out of Saint John's Parish by Bishop Walter W. Curtis.

Saint Thomas More Parish began on Middlesex Road in Darien on September 16, 1966, with about 350 people. The parish is the part of Darien north of the railroad tracks. The property was originally the home of St. John's Parochial School. The new parish originally included the school, a rectory, and a convent.

Monsignor Edward J. Howley was the founding pastor. Mass initially was held in the School Hall.

In 1968, Father Howley started a Children's Mass on Sunday, which continues to this day. Young children are involved through simple music, serving as altar boys and girls and readers, a Q&A homily, bringing up toys at the Offertory, and singing Happy Birthday at the end of Mass. It has always been a popular Mass for parishioners, some from surrounding towns.

The parish eventually decided to build a proper Church. A fund-raising campaign to construct a church building was begun in 1971. Chairman of the Building Fund was Jackson E. Spears. Chairman of the Building Committee was Philip F. Sparton. Through the dedication and generosity of hundreds of people, a new church building became a reality and was dedicated on October 27, 1973.

Mission Statement:

The faith community of St. Thomas More Parish strives to live out the Gospel messsage of love, compassion, and forgiveness.

As followers of Christ, we share our time, talent, and treasure for the greater good of those in need.

We follow our patron, St. Thomas More, who said,

"Lord, let me not be too concerned with the bothersome thing I call myself."