Rev. Melvin Thompson

Father Mel Thompson began his role as Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas More on June 20, 2001. He became a Catholic at 21 years of age and entered St. Thomas Seminary in Denver at 24 or 25 years old. He was ordained on May 31, 1967.

His service to the Catholic Church is impressive and includes a 12 year history as Pastor at Our Lady of Fatima in Lakewood; a 10 year history as Pastor at Saint Vincent de Paul on Arizona and University; and a two and a half year history as Pastor at the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Northglenn. He has also been Dean of West Denver Deanery for many years.

He decided to step down as Pastor at this point in his life because his desire now is to "just be a priest." Father Mel is not sure what influenced his decision to become a priest, but he knows it wasn't an epiphany, "it was just what God called me to do," he said. Father Mel has many interests including cooking, taking care of plants, watching the Colorado Rockies, and attending the theatre and other fine art events. He also likes to collect things, but there is a drawback to this hobby. At one time he had a collection of elephants. As soon as people found out about his collection, he began receiving LOTS of elephants. Enough to fill a zoo! He had so many elephants he finally had to give up the collection.

He is an optimistic man. One Christmas he asked God for two things: snow and money. It snowed so he felt fortunate that he got half of what he asked for. A man of quick wit and a refreshing sense of humor Father Mel Thompson likes to tell Irish jokes complete with an Irish brogue. He travels to Ireland frequently and conducts tours for those who would like to be a part of his extensive knowledge and familiarity of the region.