Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More
A beautiful co-cathedral known for its stunning architecture, vibrant community, and active student outreach programs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Music and merriment await!
Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More
Best Time
Music and merriment await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful co-cathedral known for its stunning architecture, vibrant community, and active student outreach programs.
"A fine jewel of a parish! Beautiful church and altar, choir was fabulous."
🚗 Parking Solutions
Leased parking is available for convenience. Check the cathedral's website for details and pricing.
🎶 Evening Events
Look out for music nights and community gatherings for a lively experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Beauty
Admire the stunning architecture and beautiful altar of this significant religious landmark. A true gem for visitors.
Community Events
Experience the lively atmosphere during music nights and other parish gatherings. A chance to connect and enjoy local talent.
Student Outreach Programs
Witness the dedication to student engagement, a key focus for the parish. Shows a commitment to the future of the community.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking Considerations
Community Engagement
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Solutions
Leased parking is available for convenience. Check the cathedral's website for details and pricing.
🎶 Evening Events
Look out for music nights and community gatherings for a lively experience.
🙏 Holy Water Access
Inquire about obtaining holy water; some visitors have reported varying experiences. [^Review]
🔔 Bell Ringing
Learn about the unique tradition of bell ringing for special occasions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Solutions
Leased parking is available for convenience. Check the cathedral's website for details and pricing.
🎶 Evening Events
Look out for music nights and community gatherings for a lively experience.
🙏 Holy Water Access
Inquire about obtaining holy water; some visitors have reported varying experiences. [^Review]
🔔 Bell Ringing
Learn about the unique tradition of bell ringing for special occasions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More for its stunning beauty, vibrant community, and dedicated staff. The masses are described as beautiful, and the student outreach is a notable positive. However, one reviewer had a negative experience regarding obtaining holy water, citing unhelpful staff interactions.
"I loved the beauty of the church, the priest said a beautiful mass, afterwards they had donuts in the hall"
Donna R
"Excellent Catholic Church ! The priests, the staff, the student outreach. I think Jesus would say, well done good and faithful servants!"
Heather Heiss
"I called this place in need of some holy water. The young man that answered the phone was very pleasant and tried to assist me. I was told I could get the holy water and I asked could I get 3 bottles because I was unsure how big the bottles were. A woman then proceeds to tell him to ask me what I needed with it. She then took the phone from him and asked me herself. She asked could I not get it from my church. I’m not Catholic. She said the priest would need to know what I needed it for. I told her for spiritual purposes! She said she would let the priest know so she could see if he was “ok” with me coming to get some. I’m not aware of anything negative that you can do with holy water. It wasn’t her business what I needed it for. Obviously the only use I know of is for anointing and cleansing so what other answer was she expecting?! I was told the priest was in a meeting and would call me back. Well it’s been about 4 hours, & oh yeah, they won’t answer the phone now. Such a devil! Nothing God like about whoever she is! I found two other churches that had absolutely NO problem letting me get holy water. So sad! Good Shepherd allowed me to come in with my own container and get holy water with no problem. When I first stopped by, a funeral was starting so there was no holy water out, but a very nice man told me to get my own container and try back. I did and someone was there and showed me where it was. This church needs people in the sanctuary like the ones that helped me at Good Shepherd & the other church I found. Whoever she is needs to be ashamed!"
Catava Hill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More is located in Arlington, Virginia. It's accessible by car and public transportation. If driving, parking can be a consideration, with leased options available. For those using public transit, check local bus and metro routes for the most convenient stops near the cathedral.
Yes, parking is available. The cathedral offers leased parking options for those who need regular access, which can be particularly useful for students or those working nearby. It's advisable to check their website for current rates and availability.
For evening events like music nights, consider ride-sharing services or public transport if available, as parking might be more limited. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are generally not required for attending regular masses. The Co-Cathedral welcomes visitors to worship.
There are typically no admission fees for visiting the Co-Cathedral for prayer or to admire its beauty. Donations are always appreciated to support the upkeep of the church. [^Review]
Visiting hours can vary, especially around holidays or special events. It's best to check the official Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More website for the most up-to-date information on mass schedules and general visiting times.
Yes, special events like music nights are open to the public.
While some visitors have successfully obtained holy water, experiences can vary. It's recommended to inquire politely about the process and availability. [^Review]
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as beautiful and spiritual. The architecture and altar are frequently highlighted as particularly impressive. [^Review]
Yes, many find the Co-Cathedral to be a peaceful and serene place for quiet reflection and prayer, offering a respite from the outside world. [^Review]
The Co-Cathedral has a strong focus on student outreach, with active involvement from local university students. [^Review]
The Co-Cathedral offers regular Catholic masses and services. They also host special events, including musical performances and community gatherings.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services or prayer. Avoid flash photography during mass.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Co-Cathedral itself doesn't typically have a restaurant, they often host social gatherings after mass where donuts and refreshments are served. [^Review]
The Co-Cathedral is located in Arlington, Virginia, which offers a wide array of dining options. You can find various restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the surrounding neighborhoods catering to different tastes and budgets.
It's generally best to refrain from bringing food or drinks into the main sanctuary of the Co-Cathedral to maintain its sanctity. Refreshments are usually provided in designated social areas after services. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
The interior, with its beautiful altar and architectural details, offers excellent photographic opportunities. The exterior architecture is also quite striking. [^Review]
While personal photography is usually allowed, it's important to be respectful. Avoid using flash during services and be mindful of other visitors who are praying or reflecting.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most urban areas and around religious institutions due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drone photography is not permitted without explicit authorization.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Day-Trippers
🎶 Music Lovers
[^Review] Attending a service or a special concert here would be an excellent way to experience the cathedral's acoustics and the talent of its musicians. Keep an eye on their event calendar for upcoming performances.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of St. Thomas More
The presence of his name on the cathedral signifies a connection to these enduring values of faith and integrity.Furthermore, the cathedral is noted for its active role in the community, particularly its engagement with students. This suggests a forward-looking approach, aiming to foster faith and connection among younger generations. The mention of specific events like music nights and the involvement of a bishop like Michael Francis Burbidge highlights the cathedral's role as a vibrant center for religious and community life.
The bells of the cathedral have also been noted for their use in significant commemorations, such as tolling for Queen Elizabeth II, underscoring its place in public and historical moments. Community and Events at the Co-Cathedral
+1 These gatherings seem to foster a strong sense of parish life, bringing people together for shared experiences. The cathedral also actively engages with students, with one review noting the presence of many actively involved students from FSU, indicating a commitment to nurturing the faith of the younger generation. [^Review]Beyond regular masses, the cathedral has been a venue for significant commemorations and ecumenical celebrations. The ringing of its bells for Queen Elizabeth II's passing is a testament to its role in marking public moments.
This blend of local community focus and participation in larger religious events paints a picture of a dynamic and connected institution.
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