St. Thomas More Society of Phoenix

The St. Thomas More Society of Phoenix traces its origins to 1955, when a group of Catholic lawyers in Phoenix came together to form an organization dedicated to faith, fellowship, and service within the legal profession. Inspired by St. Thomas More, the patron saint of statesman and lawyers, the Society was established to support attorneys in integrating professional excellence with moral conviction. Under the early leadership of William P. Mahoney Jr., the Society quickly became a place where Catholic members of the bench and bar could strengthen one another in the faithful practice of law and in service to both Church and community.

From its beginning, the Society sought to provide more than professional association: it fostered a safe atmosphere for members to embrace their faith and stay connected to it throughout their professional endeavors. It offered a forum for Catholic lawyers to address the ethical demands of legal practice and to contribute to charitable and civic works together. In doing so, the Society helped foster a distinctive vision of the legal vocation in Arizona: one rooted in integrity, justice, and a commitment to the common good.

One of the Society’s earliest and most enduring achievements was the establishment of the Red Mass in Arizona. In 1955, leaders of the newly organized Society worked with Church officials to introduce this historic tradition to Arizona. Their purpose was to create a solemn annual occasion at which judges, lawyers, legislators, and public officials could gather in fellowship at the opening of the legislative session.

From its first observance, the Red Mass held a special place in Arizona’s civic and legal life. It provided an opportunity for those entrusted with making, interpreting, and enforcing the law to reflect on their ethical and moral responsibilities to the people they serve. It also underscored the Society’s conviction that the administration of justice must be informed by wisdom, conscience, and justice. What began as an initiative of a newly formed Catholic legal society soon became a respected tradition within the broader Arizona community.

Over the decades, the Red Mass has continued to grow in significance, drawing not only Catholic lawyers and judges, but also legislators, governors, clergy, and members of other faiths. Its enduring presence stands as one of the St. Thomas More Society of Phoenix’s most important contributions to the state. Together, the Society’s founding mission and its establishment of the Red Mass reflect a lasting legacy of promoting the highest ideals of the legal profession while incorporating the principles of faith, justice, and service in Arizona.

Today, the St. Thomas More Society continues its legacy of faith-based legal practice and strives to enhance the camaraderie of all members of the legal profession, whether inside or outside of the Catholic faith. Members of the Society have experience in nearly every practice area of the legal profession, including at the highest levels of the state judiciary. They gladly seek and welcome new members who desire a safe place to embody the ideals of faith and justice in their profession even as they embrace communion with God.

For more information on the St. Thomas More Society of Phoenix please visit www.stthomasmoresocietyphoenix.org.