The Center, named after the University's patron saint, promotes critical and committed analysis of the Catholic tradition. Its thought-provoking programs solicit discussion of all aspects of Catholicism, including literature, history, fine arts, philosophy, theology and the natural and social sciences.

The Thomas More Center encourages faculty and student research and study through a minor program in Catholic Studies for undergraduates and a research grant program for Rockhurst faculty. Additionally, the Center provides continuing education opportunities and outreach programs to the community-at-large.

Established in the spring of 2000, the Center has already sponsored a course whose lectures have been published by the Rockhurst University Press — Catholicism at the Millennium: The Church of Tradition in Transition .