Alright, let’s talk about St. Thomas Aquinas Parish—Avondale’s OG faith spot since way back in the 1900s. Started as a tiny mission church, it officially became a full-blown parish in 1975, and now it’s holding it down at 13720 W. Thomas Road like that one friend’s house where everyone always ends up hanging out. Imagine your favorite dive bar, but swap the beers for pews and the jukebox for a choir.

From Saloons to Sunday Service

Avondale’s origin story is straight out of a Western flick. Billy Moore, a legit Wild West dude, set up shop near the Agua Fria River in the 1880s with a saloon and stagecoach stop called Coldwater Station. Fast-forward a century, and that dusty pit stop is now a booming suburb with a parish that’s basically the spiritual version of a glow-up. What began as a humble mission is now a massive Southwest-style complex with a 100-foot bell tower and a dome that’s low-key Instagram-worthy. In 2023, the church hit its 100-year mark as a Catholic community—proof that patience (and faith) pays off.

Avondale: Where Chill Meets Chaos

Avondale’s vibe is like that friend who’s equally down for a lazy Sunday or a last-minute road trip. Once a sleepy farming town, it’s now a fast-growing suburb with a soft spot for history. You’ve got the Phoenix International Raceway nearby for adrenaline junkies and Old Town Avondale for anyone who loves quirky small businesses and coffee shops. St. Thomas Aquinas fits right in—its campus is basically a spiritual mini-city with a school, parish hall, and even a cloister connecting everything. Oh, and the walls? Decked out with Mexican folk art-style Stations of the Cross. Yeah, it’s as cool as it sounds.

This Parish Puts in the Work

These folks don’t just talk the talk—they’re out here making moves. Here’s the rundown:

• St. Vincent de Paul outreach helps over 1,400 locals every year with food, clothes, and support.

• The school is popping with 500+ kids and a rep for killer academics mixed with solid faith roots.

• Programs? Oh, just Bible studies, prison ministry, and a music program that could give Broadway a run for its money.

In 2018, they crushed a $2.6M fundraising goal to build a new outreach center and scholarships—basically the parish version of a mic drop. One parishioner nailed it: “It’s like a spiritual potluck. Everyone brings their best dish.”

Why This Place Matters

St. Thomas Aquinas isn’t just a church; it’s the heartbeat of Avondale. Whether you’re into deep faith, community service, or just vibing with good people, this spot’s got you covered. It’s proof that even in a fast-changing world, some things—like a strong community—only get better with time.