So amazingly kind, generous, and putting faith into every aspect. discriminatory and welcoming. Thank you for those in need in their weakest. We will wish. to give back as well- what an inspiration! What a community! read more

Gods Word ! Love greeting 100s of people every Sunday.. Love the Priest! Love all the people Bring Jesus Christ into your LIFE! read more

See all

St. Thomas More Catholic Parish is quietly hidden in a busy shopping border of Irvine/Tustin Market Place. I have been around here for years but never explored until covid time where local exploration was on! These folks are the most down-to-earth and kind people I encountered in a very long time. They are so accepting and doors are always open. There are English, Vietnamese, Chinese and Spanish Masses. During October, there was online Rosary praying which was very helpful where you can do it from home via Zoom. Website always have the latest information. Weekly bulletin is sent out if you signed up for it. Grief Support Group at St. Thomas More - I 100% support this. It is very amazing that people step up and volunteer to provide support to others in this post-COVID life that we are in. I come home from work and just crashed but This Community is always active throughout all seasons from planning Children Festival, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Religious Education (First Communion, Confirmation), Teen activities, Bible, Adoration, Station of the Cross, Choir, Breakfast on Sunday, Lent Season Fish and Chips, cultural food events. The green lawn, flowers, plants outside are well kept and peaceful looking. If you're in town, drop by. Parking is great and I don't get fear of being run over after events like other places I've been to. read more

See all

Came here one weekend to see what this parish was about. It's quite grand of a place, with all the things you seek for at a Catholic Church: community and a place for prayer. The church ground itself is quite beautiful, with a beautiful and calm garden area to contemplate your thoughts, or just to enjoy the view. They have a few masses throughout the weekend, including a Chinese mass on Sundays (it's in Mandarin Chinese, for those who are curious). But the English Mass that I attended was really nice. Father Tran led the mass and he was outspoken and gave a suitable homily for that Mass. The St. Thomas community also seem to be a friendly bunch and you will feel that when you attend any of their activites. The community it felt warm and welcoming. This location has a very open and casual seating, instead of the usual rows of wooden pews. That's right, there are no pews. But, you'll have access to pretty comfy fabric seats with the post for kneeling. So, you're totally covered. St. Thomas is located in a very open space in Irvine and the parking lot is quite big, so parking shouldn't be a problem. It can get congested after mass, but that happens just about every parish out there. So...Come to St. Thomas. They're welcoming and it's a good place to stay close to Our Lord. God Bless. read more

Saint Thomas More Catholic Parish - The outside courtyard, with a beautiful seating area for prayer or just to relax. - Churches Near Me - Irvine, California

Excellent sermon! The pastor is a great fervent Catholic! Recommend to anyone interested in a wonderful religious experience. read more

Welcoming parish, and the parishioners are extremely hospitable. If I lived closer, this would be my parish. read more

See all

I've been a parishioner here at STM for about 15 years now, and have been actively involved in many ministries for the past 9 years. This is my "happy place" and the parishioners are my family. The Holy Spirit is actively moving and inflaming hearts here and it clearly shows through the love of the people and the spiritual guidance of our amazing priests. We invite you to come and experience it for yourselves! read more

Masses & priest schedule fits our time & day & it's not crowded, also breakfast is servedppQ

Excellent homily all priest are good. Church is very clean. People are friendly. The only downside is i think kids needs their own rooms. read more

Never been to mass here until Ash Wednesday. Very amazing. I will be coming back when I'm in the area.

I have been coming to this parish for 11 years. It has beautiful grounds, and I really enjoy any homily from Father Eugene he is amazing and his faith and spirit is infectious. Those are the reasons for the 4 stars. This parish has one MAJOR drawback - the religous education program and directors. This would be the reason I would strongly encourage anyone with children wanting to put them through any youth ministry, classes or sacraments (1st communion, Confirmation) to consider finding a different parish. This parish has a lot to offer and has some great way to socialize, connect, get involved. I love that it is a diverse parish. They just need a few tweaks and a few fresh new and youthful leaders in the religious education program. They have had some of the same people for a long time and they are horrible at returning emails, phone calls and some of the teachers are very old and do not know how to inspire, lead and engage with teens and pre teens. They need a little shake up in this department. They do mean well and we appreciate all volunteers but in order to engage the youth , inspire and connect with them they need a different team and also one that has the time to return emails. Overall great parish and great priests with some great classes and groups adults. read more

LMAO. Tried to give this church another shot on 10/6/19, and this Priest, again at the teen-life mass, went on a pro-life, anti-abortion tirade. Again, well aware of the teachings of Christianity and Catholicism, but honestly getting tired of the preachy shit. I did come here before this date, a few months back, and the priest addressed the child molestation allegations stemming from the Catholic Church, and I thought it was well delivered. They should take that precaution with all their priest's sermons, and delivering a message of faith, love, and respect for everyone, instead of demonizing one side of an obviously heated debate. Guess I got to go back to St. John Neumann... where there isn't a single physical crucifix in the whole church, parking is a problem... but at least the Priests haven't verbally chastised people of the congregation. read more

I started to attend STM around the late Summer when Father Eugene became the pastor of this parish, as I was discerning the priesthood and wanted to be involved in a ministry. I knew Father Eugene from his previous parish at Korean Martyrs Catholic Center in Westminster and it was nice to see his transition to his new assignment. I am glad to see Father Eugene carry over the reverence of the Mass to STM. His homilies tend to make me reflect deeply about what it means to be Catholic and connect with the Lord. Ever since my first visit, the parishioners, staff, sacristan, deacons, and priests have been very welcoming to me. Soon after, I was given the opportunity to join the altar serving ministry and was provided ample training to be comfortable on my own. Now, I am given the blessing to serve in Saturday morning Masses. It is always a pleasure to visit the STM community once a week for the holy feast. I like the size of the parking lot, the main chapel, and the offices. It is always clean and maintained well. I think they are planning to expand the main chapel in the near future. The church is also right across the Irvine Marketplace where parishioners can quickly access for meals and other essentials. I recommend Catholics and those who are thinking about becoming one to attend a Mass with Father Eugene and even participate in his classes for RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) if you need your questions answered. read more

I feel very grateful in this church, personally in the homily of the parable of the prodigal son, given by Father Ta , I found the answer and the strength to decide to confess after many years. It is a church in which I feel welcome. In addition to the fact that they have many events that help us in religious life. As for the staff and priests of the church, everyone are very friendly and they always try to help the parishioners. read more

A newer, modern facility with extensive outside grounds and parking. Very well organized and active parish with a lot of supportive activities. Asian and Hispance language masses are offered. read more

I have been going here for a couple of years. This church really cares about its parishioners. They have so many programs for everyone. Now that it's Lent, they have the Fish fry, Stations of the Cross and Adoration on Fridays. They also have perpetual adoration on the 22nd of every month. There's also Bible study groups and there are always opportunities to get involved. There are ton of masses in Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, English, etc. They currently have 2 masses on Saturday and 6 on Sundays and many of them are packed. It's really encouraging when you have such a lively community. My sense is that Father Eugene really wants to push us to be better Catholics. I am constantly being encouraged to pray more and to dedicate more time to the Lord and that can only be a good thing. read more

I just have to say this is the friendliest parish I have ever been to. Went to the life teen mass and the usher was so welcoming and helpful. Praise be to God, the priest was awesome. And even the parishioners were sociable. I have never been to a Catholic Church like that. Great community. read more

I was put off over a recent experience. My family and I are parishioners here. Been going regularly on weekends over the past 2 years, since I was nearing the end of my pregnancy with my first born. This past weekend, an usher asked my family (mom, sis, toddler, and myself; husband was out of town) to move seats to make room for another family (new mom, her parents, baby girl+stroller). There was space in that row. I got there early, hoping to sit in that spot because I was close enough to the restroom for my toilet training toddler. Btw I'm very pregnant with my 2nd. Anyway- i moved willingly. Because, why not? Didn't want to be rude. Then I SEE and HEAR this usher tell this other family something about giving them the "VIP" treatment plus hug the new mom. Obviously she knew them. I called the usher out on this at the end of mass and she was very quick to deny and deflect. I know this tactic. Your defense mechanism is to keep talking, mask an apology with denial, and continue to talk and talk and talk because she knew she was in the wrong. She tried to tell me "we always try to make room for strollers" and "people should come on time" yada yada. I've shown up late with a stroller and never expected or had anyone ask parishioners (who were already seated) to move. I have this usher's name (initials are A.M.) and will send it directly to the parish to report her actions. Bottom line, she made a mistake. She won't own up to it, and that's on her. I just hope no other family has to go through that again. read more

Check the bulletin online for times and for officiant of each Mass, there are great priest like Father Andrew who inspire and add to your experience in worship. Father Andrew gave my Godmother her last rites and he was the celebrant for my wedding. and I use his examples in our Baptismal formation class. He makes you think and he gives you material to grow on, a new perspective and it makes you grow spiritually. Father Erasmus was also a great priest at this church but he left to become the administrator for St. Paul. I admire these priest for the time they took inspire us and grow. Deacon Rogelio and Youth Ministry Coordinator Frank plus the RCIA Director Mae are top notch. They are people who want to help and support you. It is your extended family. If you are lucky, you can hear Sister Andrea sing, she has a beautiful voice. She sings like a trained opera soprano but she is a little nun. It is astonishing. As for the Baptismal Formation, it is beautiful. Call the church about it, future Godparents need to take this class. read more

A very pretty church for wedding pictures! On the outside, at least. I came here for a friend's wedding. Located close to the Marketplace, I didn't even know there was a church over here! It must be the dormant Catholic in me. I've always wanted pictures with a huge cross but since we would not be married in a church, it was already out of the question. I wonder if we could stop by here for pictures anyway.... http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tv4tnAgmVGwFTPzAkw6LUg&userid=M-Xtpt3o_tx-PPAX9DOSNw This would've been better if this arbor was covered with vines. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fF9ZMW0sWmgt_iArfez1qA&userid=M-Xtpt3o_tx-PPAX9DOSNw More winery/vineyard photo shoots can be done here. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=YnvkFPCYwvPuORpCIN6cdQ&userid=M-Xtpt3o_tx-PPAX9DOSNw Possible outdoor ceremony? If the Church allows it, this would be lovely. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ag9MLsAT3mMHPvuCm8WzIA&userid=M-Xtpt3o_tx-PPAX9DOSNw It can also be nicely lit at night. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=8OvPs5XYf02W8frIxOAHtA&userid=M-Xtpt3o_tx-PPAX9DOSNw There is adequate and comfortable outdoor seating for your guests. And still pretty enough for more pictures! http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=7FxAOgewJLrt5SwdNs7w_w&userid=M-Xtpt3o_tx-PPAX9DOSNw Inside however, is so much smaller than expected. I was very surprised that it was also flat. Most churches I've been to have that "old-theater"-like seating where there is a small slope to go down to the altar. OR, the altar is so high up and elevated, after a very long walkway. This was neither. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=pvswplSffsI7Q9uu-VrGNw&userid=M-Xtpt3o_tx-PPAX9DOSNw My fiance commented that it was almost like they ran out of money. The office-like ceilings are not very pretty. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6dDL9_r6bj45Xg0VXOk4rw&userid=M-Xtpt3o_tx-PPAX9DOSNw A big plus though, the chairs are comfortable. Not the old wooden church pews that one would expect. The wedding mass lasted an hour. The priest spoke well, but coughed into his microphone half the time. Otherwise, it was a pleasant ceremony. If you are considering getting married in a church and would like a picturesque (outside) setting for pictures, I'd highly recommend looking into St. Thomas More! read more

See all

Posting the review to applaud a particular priest who is unafraid to preach the TRUTH, of the Catholic faith and teachings no matter what the cost of what popular opinion or culture says. The job of a priest is to lead souls to Christ, and preach hard truth as Christ himself did. read more

No matter where you go. Your home. All houses are different. All cars. Even our phones & computers are unique. The grounds of this church are relaxed and urban. With a Tuscany quality. The people are eclectic and that's a good thing. Like flowers they are all different. Yes it is a bit laid back. If that's what you like. Here is your room. "My fathers mansion has many rooms" Pick the one your comfortable in. I prefer Catholic. I know the host is home. read more

See all

Me and my friends were here couple of days ago for a baptism, but we came in early for the mass too. The parking is plenty. The church is huge. It is clean and seems well maintained. I did say that the church is huge, but not huge enough to accommodate all the members. It was my first time here, and I am not a catholic, so in all fairness- I would base my review on what I've seen and experienced. The church was overflowing. The isle on the outside was occupied- and I really am not sure whether the people sitting outside heard the preaching of the priest. In the back, people were standing the whole time. Kids were running and couldn't just shut their mouthpieces. Well, they're just kids. The door on the side was disturbing. It kept on opening and closing, and opening again, then closing. The place is in Irvine, so a plus. Also, not too far from the shopping centers, another plus. People were really nice- another plus. read more

Wonderful family oriented Church that is so convenient to attend! Love the Family Fun Fall day! read more

See all

James 4:11: "Speak not one against another, brethren. He that speaketh against a brother, or judgeth his brother, speaketh against the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judgest the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge." Colossians 3:8: "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth." I sort of feel like I'm going to get smote from the heavens above for giving a church a less than stellar review. I wonder if I'm going to have to go to confession for this? Alas, I must give an honest review for Yelp's sake. From the outside, St. Thomas More is an utterly BEAUTIFUL church. It looks like it was ripped away from the Tuscan countryside and magically placed in the eastern side of Irvine. On the inside it is a very non-traditional church. Rows of conference-like seats with adapted kneelers have been installed. I love the the padded seats as compared to the old wooden pews, but they are very difficult to squeeze past people. It very much has a business center feel to it. So, what's my beef with St. TM? 1. The sound system is sketchy. Very difficult to hear the priest speaking. 2. Very confusing system to receive communion. It seems that the Eucharistic ministers come and go randomly leaving some aisles with ample ministers, and some lacking. 3. The Cantor at the 11:15 mass seemed very passive-aggressive! She would sing her verses, then back away from the podium with an over-dramatic flourish, and quite literally mad-dog the congregation as she had her arms up in the air if she perceived that we weren't singing along during the chorus. Geez, if looks could kill! 4. Parishioners seem more disrespectful here. People who come early, take the edge seats, making those who come in later have to... quite literally... step over everyone to get in the middle. Crying and noisy kids are allowed to run amok in the aisles and pews while mass is going on. Cell phones rang incessantly through the service. 5. For a new building the A/C was lacking. I was sweating like I was at a gym! Please note: I didn't want to unfairly give this church a lower score. I've visited three times now and had a similar experience each time. Final consensus: 2/5 Halo's. If you don't see me post a review in the next few days, I probably got taken out by a lightning bolt from the heavens. read more

Please please please move the 11am to 11:15 (or even better, 11:30) so my car won't get ticked at me when it takes 10+minutes just to get into the parking spot. Otherwise, this is one lovely parish. read more

My family and I are from San Diego and we are in town for tonight. We saw that there was a 5:30pm Saturday Vigil mass so we decided to attend mass tonight that way we won't have to rush checking out of our hotel on tomorrow morning (Sunday). We came early to mass and I had my family (parents, 4 adult males, and a 6 month old baby) go ahead and get seated while I stayed behind in the van to put myself together (new mom - I never have tome to do that anymore). I was approaching the entrance of the church behind an elderly couple and there was a lady at the entrance holding the door open for the couple. She said hello to them and also greeted them "God Bless". I came in right behind them and smiled at her but she just looked me up and down... no smile. I didn't think anything of it. But after mass my family also mentioned that they were getting unwelcoming stares from others during the mass. Aren't churches supposed to be welcoming to all??? And the older generation wonders why people don't really go to church anymore ‍ During the mass I found out that the lady at the front was actually the lector (read the first and second readings). Three stars because one girl was really nice. She turned and tapped my father on the shoulder after mass and to tell him he had a wonderful singing voice. Also, the church and facilities are beautiful! read more

Saint Thomas More Catholic Parish - My father and daughter on the church patio. Proof that we were actually at this church. Attended 03/23/2019. - Churches Near Me - Irvine, California

So I live across the street from this place and while, for the most part, it's pretty quiet, I do have to complain about the shenanigan on Easter Sunday. First off, they started blasting music at 5:30am. I know, for a fact, this is against local noise ordinances. I have double pane, sound proof glass in my windows, and it still was too loud to sleep through. Why do you need to play music on outside amplified speakers at 530am? And it stopped by 9. Ridiculous. Then, they hired some security/parking company to direct traffic. One of the guys that they hired to do this, had to YELL AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS at every single car "there's two lanes" for the better part of the morning. I don't know about you, but I can't hear someone yelling at me, inside a car, with my windows up, well enough to make it effective. They also directed people to park in front of fire hydrants in front of my residence. Do it again, and I'll make sure you get ticketed and towed. Irvine PD might not care, but OC Fire Authority will. St Thomas More: do unto thy neighbor! Really poor form! read more

Nice service, devote community. Several groups to join and Bibles studies. Nice gardens with seating areas to spend time in the Church. read more

Saint Thomas More Catholic Parish - Churches Near Me - Irvine, California

St. Thomas Moore Catholic church is a wonderful community. The ambience provides devotees solace. Priests and Deacons understand the needs of the Parishioners. read more

I stoped by this church seeking help because Saint John Newman's couldn't help. Well the woman at the administration office was very rude, aggressive, unprofessional and very unhappy. I'm so disappointed on the Catholic Church's all the care is about money where are they when I need them? Couple months ago I need it someone to go visit my mother to the nursing home but the couldn't because is out of the boundaries I'm 110 % sure if I call them and offer $ 500 donation they will go off their boundaries to pick the money up so the Priest Can take their secret girl friend to a Europe trips. Excelente!!! Bravo!!! For that chubby woman at Saint Thomas!! If you aren't happy with your life don't take your bitterness on others ! In case you forget we!!... the ppl.... donate every Sunday for you to get paid. read more

Beautiful church and wonderful congregation! Came here for a wedding and was pleasantly surprised! The outside facade is absolutely gorgeous and they have a great garden as well! Location is also great! Easily accessible and close to all of my favorite places in the Tustin/Irvine area! The priest also has a great sense of humor! read more

Yes I am a Catholic. This specific parish does get your mass needs required and does regular services. However, the location is rather odd, in that it is not very spiritual as it is right across from a Target store. That being said, the priest is nice and most of the other deacons are nice as well. They are very kind and the church despite its unusually odd architecture is homy and welcoming. The only other turn off is that the church seems to have a modern stance with the music being catered to modernists complete with electric guitars to a drum. This is sad because the old medieval piety of Catholicism is largely gone and Gregorian chants and Ave Maria's are sadly a thing of the past, at least to this church. This also puts a damper in the spirituality factor. However it is a sin (to me) to give this institution less than five stars so they will get five. I just hope they improve in those areas read more

St Thomas More (STM) in Irvine has been our parish since 2011. We moved to STM for many reasons: the beautiful architecture of the buildings, the lovely grounds and most of all the welcoming community...we felt "at home." Over the past 9 years, we have grown in our faith at STM and each member of our family is active in a capacity that allows us to share our gifts with the community. The more we get involved, the more we receive from the community. Our Pastor, Fr John, was recently joined by a new Parochial Vicar named Fr Kiet. Fr Kiet is an energetic, happy priest and we feel lucky to have him. He has great ideas and enthusiastically shares them. His homilies are well-prepared, relevant and relatable. Fr Kiet has a great sense of humor that is perfect for his interesting topical talks that he presents one evening a month. The youth group is growing and our favorite mass is Sunday at 5pm; it is considered the "teen" mass with contemporary music and followed by Life Teen get-togethers. Currently mass is celebrated in our Parish hall, but we are well on our way to build an actual church in the next few years. read more

These people are TACTLESS. When called and asked if it was possible to have a wedding ceremony at St. Thomas More Catholic Church despite living in another city, Father JOHN, said "No, I won't do it" and hung up. He did not even wait to hear the rest of the story, but just simply HUNG UP. I am appalled at this action. A simple "No, the church is reserved for registered parishioners" would have sufficed. Last I checked, catholic morals and values still promote you to be RESPECTFUL to others. Shame on this priest/father - it's no wonder people turn their back on Catholicism. I was born and raised Catholic and am disgusted by this. I hope someday Fr. John sees this and re-evaluates his manners. Just because you're a man of the cloth it does not mean you are above others. Deuces read more

I love the ambiance here. I love the Sunday mass. The fact that the Church is packed during masses is a great sign. In addition, it's child friendly. I have two very young boys. They accommodate parents and the elderly here. I wish they had a separate room but it's okay. On special holidays of obligation such as Easter, they open two other Multi-Purpose rooms to extend masses with complete Audio/Video aid in High Definition. read more

A wonderful parish. The people are warm and inviting. The priests give wonderful and meaningful homilies. People actually stand around mingling with each other after Mass eating donuts and drinking coffee. It is a wonderful atmosphere. read more

Have been to many events and Masses here. Atmosphere is friendly, relaxing, and very meditative in the gardens. The priests are friendly, funny, and relate well to the people. The congregation is very multi-cultural and yet one with each other. Just had a women's event (6th one) called When Women Pray with over 800 women and it was amazing. Photos will post. Understand that the actual church will begin construction in the next two years; for now, the feeling in the church hall is nice, cozy, and inviting. Love the landscape, great feeling and photo ops. read more

Warm and full of different ministries to give this large Parish a small feel. Love that there are different priests at each mass so you can get a different perspective. read more

Went to Sunday mass left to grab some lunch and came back to all 4 tires popped... Some guy threaten to do it and me thinking it's at church won't happen IT HAPPEN! Praying that there was a camera that caught it, it was parked towards the end. But overall this church is peaceful. read more