History:

We began our journey as a Catholic community in June of 1980 as a Mission serving the Seven Springs area of Central Florida. Our first Mass was celebrated by Fr. Thomas Earner, the parish founder, at Anclote Elementary School on September 7th,1980. At that time daily Masses were held at Morgan's Funeral Home. Parishioners were requested to submit a name for our new Mission.

St. Thomas Aquinas was chosen.

Before long, we had out-grown the facility at Anclote School so a building fund was started. In April of 1982, Bishop Larkin, Clergy and parishioners participated in ground breaking ceremonies for a parish center, chapel and classrooms. Our first service was held on Thanksgiving Day 1982 and our first Sunday Mass was held on December 5th, 1982. St. Thomas Parish had finally become a visible reality to the surrounding community.

The original Parish Center quickly grew too small to accommodate our expanding family. In May of 1986 construction was completed for eight more classrooms and an addition to the Center.

On February 17th, 1993, Father Aiden Foynes, V.F., local clergy, parishioners and Pre-School children participated in ground breaking ceremonies for our new Church. Click the Plaque for larger view in a new window.

Let us never forget those humble beginnings. In the years to come may the people of St. Thomas Aquinas continue to grow as a faith community, centered in our Lord. Jesus Christ, Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

As our parish statement proclaims, our calling is to "Learn, Live & Share the Good News".