Our Blessed Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury

Introduction

Our Blessed Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury in Dudley, within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, was built in 1842 and designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. Pugin said of this church that it is "a complete facsimile of one of the old English parish churches, and nobody seems to know how to use it."

Architecture and furnishings

The church is built of local stone in the Early English style, with nave, aisles, chancel and south porch. The facade has triple lancets and a rose window above, with a bellcote surmounting the gable. The church contains a brass of 1853.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish runs an RCIA programme for adults exploring the Catholic faith, preparing for the sacraments of initiation or entering full communion with the Church. The RCIA process usually begins around September, runs weekly, and culminates at the Easter Vigil when participants are welcomed into the Church.

There are two sessions of preparation for parents before agreeing upon a baptism date. Confirmation classes take place in Dudley. Attendance at all sessions and related activities is essential for sacramental preparation, and candidates absent for three consecutive lessons are asked to defer the programme for the following year.