St Thomas More Church

Introduction

St Thomas More Church in Coventry was established to serve the many Catholics settling in a newly developed part of the city, with its first parish priest sent in 1943.

History

A temporary church on the site of the current building was ready for use in 1946. The parish priest left in 2011 upon appointment as Vicar General of the Archdiocese. In September 2020, the parish priest was also asked to serve St Joseph the Worker parish in Canley. In June 2022, the parish priest was asked to move to parishes in Leamington Spa and Lillington. The parish celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2018.

Architecture and furnishings

The current church was completed in 1968, with a main church of a single space, a gallery, a high ceiling and a side chapel. The architect was Mr. Norman of Saunders & Son, and the main contractors were Garlicks Ltd. The foundation stone for the Church of Saint Thomas More was laid on October 27th 1966. The walls were built using 285,000 bricks.

Seating is provided for 841 people: 578 in the main body, 179 in the gallery, and 84 in the side chapel. The floor is covered with 130,000 tiles. The ceiling, made of inverted pyramids to break up sounds and prevent echo, uses over 9000 square feet of plywood. The main stained glass windows in the sanctuary, depicting St Thomas More and his life, were designed by Patrick Pollen, a noted glass artist, and made of French antique glass.

Parish life

The Justice and Peace Group, founded in 2002, promotes campaigns such as Action By Christians Against Torture, raises funds for CAFOD World Gifts, and organises collections for the Coventry Refugee Centre. The parish welcomes visitors and parishioners to the Margaret Roper Room for tea and coffee after Sunday Masses. St Thomas More Rainbows, the youngest division of Girl guiding UK, meets on Tuesday evenings for girls aged 5 to 7. A Bereavement Team of trained parishioners supports those going through bereavement, with visits by invitation. The parish is in partnership with the parish of St Joseph the Worker, with the same parish priest.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Before a child's baptism, parents must attend a preparation meeting. Children over five and adults follow an age-appropriate preparation course before baptism. Couples planning to marry are asked to contact the Parish Priest at least six months in advance.