St. Thomas Aquinas Church (Palo Alto, California)

St. Thomas Aquinas Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Palo Alto, California, within the Diocese of San Jose. The church serves a diverse community of parishioners and is known for its commitment to Catholic education, social justice, and liturgical celebrations.

The parish was established in 1903, initially serving a small number of Catholics in the then-growing city of Palo Alto. The current church building, a Spanish Colonial Revival style structure, was dedicated in 1925. Its architecture features a prominent bell tower and interior details reflecting the Spanish influence on California's history.

In addition to regular Mass services, St. Thomas Aquinas Church offers various ministries and programs, including religious education for children and adults, outreach programs for the needy, and groups dedicated to specific areas of faith and service. The parish also operates St. Thomas Aquinas School, a Catholic elementary school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Throughout its history, St. Thomas Aquinas Church has played a significant role in the spiritual and social life of the Palo Alto community. Its location near Stanford University has also made it a gathering place for Catholic students and faculty. The church continues to be a center for Catholic worship and community engagement in the heart of Silicon Valley.