Cathedral of Saint Thomas More — Church Directory

Quick Facts

Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Very Rev. rector at Cathedral parish (Diocese of Arlington clergy); Bishop Michael F. Burbidge (Diocesan Bishop)

Founded 1938 (parish); 1974 (elevated to cathedral)

Denomination Roman Catholic

Service Times Saturday Vigil 4:30 PM; Sunday 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM (Spanish), 5:30 PM; Weekdays 7:00 AM, 12:05 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM

Men's Ministry Yes

Kids Ministry Yes

Website www.cathedralstm.org

Pastor Credentials Roman Catholic ordained; Bishop Burbidge seated 2016

10-Point Theological Scorecard

Christology

Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)

Orthodox Trinitarian; affirms Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, Christ's deity and exclusivity — this is Nicene Christianity at the highest level.

Strong

Scripture

Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?

Scripture + Sacred Tradition + Magisterium co-equal (Dei Verbum) — rejects sola scriptura. Classic Protestant/Catholic divide.

Caution

Men's Discipleship

Intentional formation for men?

Knights of Columbus and men's ministries standard in active Arlington diocesan parishes.

Caution

Soteriology

Faith alone? How is salvation presented?

RED VALIDATED — Live fetch confirms Roman Catholic sacramental soteriology: all seven sacraments administered, Eucharistic Adoration, confession times listed. Trent-era justification by faith + works + sacraments. Fundamental break with sola fide.

WARNING!

Gender / Biblical Design

Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?

Male-only priests; Marian and saint veneration. Catholic teaching does not frame male priesthood in terms of evangelical complementarian biblical patriarchy.

Male-only ordained priesthood; Marian/saint veneration per Catholic tradition. No explicit biblical patriarchal household framework.

Caution

Leadership Structure

Male elders/pastors? Accountability?

Apostolic succession; bishop-priest-deacon structure with papal oversight. Full diocesan accountability.

Strong

Preaching Style

Expository or topical/therapeutic?

Catholic homilies are lectionary-based and typically brief (8-12 min) — not expository in Protestant sense.

Caution

Mission Clarity

Great Commission central?

Great Commission affirmed in Catholic theology; active sacramental ministry and evangelization.

Caution

Cultural Alignment

DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?

Diocese of Arlington is among the most theologically conservative U.S. dioceses. Recently renovated (2024) in neogothic style — traditional liturgical aesthetic.

Caution

Accountability Structure

Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?

Confirmed live — Diocese of Arlington parish cathedral; full magisterial accountability.

Strong

Assessment

The Cathedral of St. Thomas More is the seat of the Diocese of Arlington — one of the most theologically conservative Catholic dioceses in the United States. Trinitarian orthodoxy and male-only priesthood are firmly maintained, and the 2023-2024 neogothic renovation signals liturgical seriousness. The MOOP rubric flags this red on soteriology: Roman Catholic teaching on justification (faith + works + sacraments, Council of Trent) is not Protestant sola fide. Not the right fit for faith-alone evangelicals, but for Catholics seeking reverent liturgy and orthodox moral teaching, this is a flagship parish.

#roman-catholic#sola-fide-rejected#diocese-of-arlington#cathedral#conservative-diocese

MOOP Engagement Tracker

How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:

✓ Researched church website