Fr. John Muir, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Avondale, announced the one-year anniversary of the DOC, saying it is a place to go that is on the mission of Jesus.

"The DOC is our one-year-old welcome center,” Muir said in his Oct. 15 letter to the church. “It’s a gift shop, coffee nook and front office rolled into one. The name 'DOC' is short for Thomas Aquinas’ title of Doctor (Teacher) of the Church. It’s all about coming to Christ. We wanted people to feel more welcome; to spend more time lingering and socializing after Mass; to find beautiful Catholic art and objects for their homes; to discover great Catholic literature; to encounter the smiling faces of joyful and faith-filled volunteers; to feel drawn into the glory of Christ and the Catholic Church, even if they aren’t 'ready' for Mass yet.”

The church is celebrating the 30 volunteers who have worked to bring the DOC to life, Muir said. Many parishioners "come, sip, explore," according to the DOC's slogan.

"The DOC is also a place in which our parishioners can 'GO;' that is, be on mission as Jesus’ disciples,” he said. “Perhaps you do it as a volunteer making our delicious coffee drinks or helping in the gift shop. Or perhaps you simply invite a friend or a stranger to have a drink and a chat after Mass. Or maybe you use the DOC to equip your mind or living room walls with the beauty of Christ. Or maybe you use the DOC to help your kids see the value of investing in Christ-centered friendships. However you use it, the DOC is a one-year-old asset to help use 'come' and 'go' for the work of Christ and His Church.”