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St. Thomas More Guild of Western New York
"The King’s good servant, but God’s first."
About
The St. Thomas More Guild of Western New York is an association of Catholic lawyers officially recognized by the Diocese of Buffalo. We support lawyers in applying their faith to the challenges of professional and personal life. The St. Thomas More Guild invites all judges, lawyers, paralegals, law students, and all others associated with the administration of justice in the Diocese to join in its activities. The Guild has given scholarships to Catholic grammar, high school, college, and law school students.
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St. Thomas More (b. 1478, d. 1535), Lord Chancellor of England, was the highest law officer of King Henry VIII. He gave up his office, and later his life, to remain true to God and his conscience. During his life, he was known for his sociability, sense of humor, integrity, and faith as well as his sense of obligation to active citizenship and statesmanship. Today, he is the patron saint of lawyers.
Events
Annual Red Mass
TBD 2025 at 12:10 PM
St. Joseph Cathedral
The Guild sponsors the Annual Red Mass in honor of St. Thomas More, the patron saint of the legal profession, to ask for divine guidance in the proper administration of justice.
This year, the Hon. Michael J. Roemer, United States Magistrate Judge, Western District of New York will offer judicial remarks. This year's Charitable Drive will be for the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. ​
The Guild also sponsors quarterly masses for deceased members of the St. Thomas More Guild. The last 2024 quarterly mass will be held at St. Joseph Cathedral at 12:10 PM on Tuesday, December 10.
Scholarships
Grade School and High School Scholarship
One $1,200.00 scholarship will be awarded to a student attending a Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Buffalo. One $1,600.00 scholarship will be awarded to a student attending a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Buffalo.
University and Law School Scholarship
One $2,000.00 scholarship will be awarded to a student attending either a Catholic college or an ABA accredited law school. The student should be domiciled in the Diocese of Buffalo and be a practicing Catholic.
Membership
Welcome to the St. Thomas More Guild of Western New York
Officers and Board of Directors
President
John M. Baxter
Vice President
Catherine Dines Kettner
Secretary
Timothy P. Kucinski
Treasurer
David C. Mineo
Board of Directors
Laurie Styka Bloom
Hon. Emilio Colaiacovo
James J. Contino
Cornelia Farley
Diane M. LaVallee
J. Michael Lennon II
Katherine M. Liebner
Heather L. Marello
Sarah N. Rodman
Hon. Mary L. Slisz
Jeffrey W. Stone
Donna Hoelscher Suchan