About St. Thomas More Society of Orange County

History

Inspired by a homily given by Bishop Norman McFarland at the 1995 Red Mass of Orange County, 5 “fearless” members of the Orange County bar met shortly thereafter at the law offices of Rutan and Tucker in Costa Mesa. These lawyers all shared the realization that the legal practice takes a severe toll on the personal and spiritual lives of those involved in it and that many in the legal profession had become too focused on the material life with the natural consequence being the de-emphasis on their spiritual life.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the formation of a new organization for lawyers and judges in the County of Orange with its mission being to publicly support and encourage the spiritual development of its members in their Catholic faith. The group chose as its patron St. Thomas More, the greatest lawyer of his time, who was a dedicated husband and father with a deep and profound commitment to his Catholic faith, his profession and his fellow man. Thus the St. Thomas More Society of Orange County was born. St. Thomas More, please pray for us.

Purpose and Objectives

• To encourage its members to live a Christian life and apply the principles and ideals exemplified by St. Thomas More in their lives and encourage same in the legal profession;
• To promote and foster high ethical principals in the legal profession generally and, in particular, in the community of Catholic lawyers;
• To assist in the spiritual growth of its members;
• To encourage interfaith understanding and brotherhood; and
• To sponsor the annual Red Mass for elected and appointed officials and members of the legal profession.

Ideals of St. Thomas More

The legal profession is a high calling with corresponding responsibilities to society. The principal objective of every lawyer is to promote and seek justice. Catholic Lawyers pursue the truth in both their spiritual and professional lives. The duty of a Catholic lawyer is to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, His Church and its teachings at all times despite the personal consequences.

Member Commitments

Each member of the Society commits to strive to live an exemplary Christian life and apply the principles and ideals exemplified by St. Thomas More in daily life and encourage same in the legal profession. Members commit to attend monthly meeting of the Society and provide personal support to the St. Thomas More Society. Each year, members attend and support the Red Mass.