LATROBE, PA – Father Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B., S’91, has been named director of Campus Ministry at Saint Vincent College.
“We are delighted to welcome Father Thomas More as the new director of Campus Ministry at Saint Vincent College,” remarked Father Paul Taylor, O.S.B., C’87, S’91, president of the College. “His commitment to our Benedictine values along with his deep faith and pastoral experience make him perfectly suited to guide and inspire our students on their spiritual journeys.”
A graduate of Saint Joseph Preparatory High School in Vienna, West Virginia, Father Thomas More received a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the Pontifical College Josephinum and a Master of Arts degree and a Master of Divinity from Saint Vincent Seminary. He has also studied at Saint Hyacinth College, Gronby, Massachusetts, and completed graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. He entered the Saint Vincent Benedictine community in 1988 and made simple profession of the monastic vows on July 10, 1989, and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 1993. He was ordained a deacon on May 14, 1996, and a priest on May 31, 1997, by the Most Rev. Anthony Bosco, C’49, S’52, H’89, Bishop of Greensburg, at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica.
In his new role, Father Thomas More will replace Father Maximilian Maxwell, O.S.B., C'07, S'14, who has been appointed prior of Saint Vincent Archabbey after serving as director of Campus Ministry for four years. “I am very confident in Father Thomas More as he becomes the next director of Campus Ministry,” said Father Max. “With his many gifts and talents combined with the experience and talents of the staff in Campus Ministry, many great programs and opportunities of faith formation and fellowship will continue.”
“These past four years have been filled with grace, growth and unforgettable moments of faith shared with students, faculty, staff and administration,” he added. “To everyone who has been a part of Campus Ministry, thank you.”
Father Thomas More has served in many roles at Saint Vincent Archabbey and Saint Vincent Seminary. His posts at the Archabbey include sacristan, assistant in the Vocation Office and later vocation director, socius of novices, director of postulants, assistant in the Development Office and assistant archivist. At Saint Vincent Seminary, Father Thomas More served as director of spiritual formation, director of pastoral formation and faculty member at various times. He has also served as director of the Benedictine Annual Appeal and master of novices and director of formation. Currently, Father Thomas More directs the Archabbey Artisans business. He has had a long-time interest and served in many capacities at the Saint Vincent Gristmill.
In addition to his roles with the Archabbey and Seminary, Father Thomas More has also served the College in a variety of capacities. Most recently being appointed senior academic counselor for Student Academic Success/Act 101 in 2024 after previously serving as director, he has also been a coordinator of the Adult Literacy Program, graduate assistant in the Education Department, an academic advisor and tutor, part-time faculty member and campus minister (2003-2007).
For his pastoral work, Father Thomas More has served as parochial vicar at various parishes, including Saint Benedict Parish, Carrolltown; Sacred Heart Parish, St. Marys; Saint Mary Church, St. Marys; Saint James the Greater Parish, Apollo; Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, East Vandergrift; and parochial vicar of the partnered parishes of Saint Frances Cabrini, Center Township; Saint John the Baptist, Monaca; Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Hopewell; and Saint Titus Parish, Aliquippa, all in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, where he served through 2020. Additional appointments included a return to Saint Gertrude and Christ the King Parish, Leechburg; and a return to Saint Marys Parish and Sacred Heart Parish, both in St. Marys.
“It is a blessing to return to Campus Ministry and to serve our students as they continue moving forward on their academic and spiritual journeys,” said Father Thomas More. “As a Benedictine monk and priest, I am honored to work with the campus ministry staff in helping to foster an environment in which faith, learning and community come together in a uniquely Benedictine way.”
