The St. Thomas More Capital Campaign is a beautiful response to meet the long overdue needs of the students, families, and overall community at STM. The overarching goal is to retain the integrity of the original church and school, but make the much needed structural and functional improvements to the school. The adaptation of the school since the last additions in 1958 has been remarkable, but with a desire to provide a safe and welcoming school and parish environment for generations to come, this renovation is absolutely necessary. The campaign team has established four pillars to follow in all aspects of the renovation: Improve the experience, preserve the architectural integrity, maintain functionality, and demonstrate our catholicity. We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the renovation of the school with their Capital Campaign “Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future”!!

“We believe our physical environment should continue to match the amazing spirit, faith and energy of those who call STM home. There is no better personification of those characteristics than Sean Dooney. Sean lived his faith with a spirit and energy that few could match. Whether he was behind the grill at parish picnics, shooting hoops with family and friends, chatting with teachers who truly loved his seven alumni children, or greeting friends after a Sunday Mass — Sean was an absolute light for his STM family. We all miss him.

St. Thomas More is blessed to have continued strong ties with the Dooney family, which began more than 80 years ago with Sean's great uncle, Father Francis Schaefers, our founding pastor. We are honored to be named a beneficiary of this inaugural Sean Dooney Memorial Golf Tournament, and we pledge to honor his inspiring legacy with the same joy and zest for life that he demonstrated every day.”

~Rev. Martin L. King, STM Pastor

A family legacy…

In 1936, Sean’s great uncle, Father Francis Schaefers, founded the “church on the hill” and was the first pastor until 1960. He helped build a brand new church on the opposite street corner in 1940, the original church which is still there today. By 1948, Father Francis had led the building of a school and opened the doors to 71 students. Sean’s mother, Margaret Adams (Dooney), attended the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade and was the first graduate of the school in 1951. She was married to Brian Dooney at the Parish in 1960 by Father Francis too! Sean’s cousins attended the school in the late 60’s and 70’s and later, upon moving into the neighborhood Sean & Sheri began enrolling their children there as well.

All seven Dooney kids graced the halls of St. Thomas More School with their loud and mischievous spirits. The oldest, Brian, graduated in 2004, Meagan and Sean Jr. in 2006, Danny in 2009, Erin in 2011, Ronan in 2013, and the youngest, Molly, in 2017 rounding out Sean and Sheri’s 22 years as parents at the school. Over the many years of school, CYO athletics, class parties, parish picnics and of course Sunday Mass, the Dooney’s built a rich community of friends at St. Thomas More. These lifelong friendships built amongst parents, kids, and the community became the greatest network of support for Sheri and their kids with Sean’s sudden passing, and no amount of gratitude can equivocate the love they have for their STM family. Sheri and her kids are delighted to be able to pay it forward by investing in the future of the kids and families in their parish and school community.