St. Thomas More, West Malling

Introduction

Saint Thomas More in West Malling, within the Archdiocese of Southwark, was built at its current location in 1972. Before the parish existed, Catholics in the area were served by the Maidstone Parish, which was founded in 1859. In 1989 Pat Lonergan was ordained a Deacon on 19 June, but died in January 1990.

Music and liturgy

Children's Liturgy takes place once a month during the Sunday morning family Mass. Children's Liturgy runs workshops where children make decorations for Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and Harvest and participate in the Masses. Eucharistic Ministers help the Parish Priest with Communion Services and visit the housebound and sick at home. Readers help the Parish Priest with the 1st and 2nd reading, bidding prayers and announcements. A Welcomer greets parishioners at the door and hands out Hymn books, the Mass Sheet and other leaflets.

Parish life

The church serves the surrounding communities of Kings Hill, Mereworth, Larkfield, Ditton, West Malling, East Malling, Snodland and Halling. Five Area Groups were established in the parish to promote welcome and welfare.

Children's Liturgy offers a safe and enjoyable setting for pre-school and primary school children to hear and discuss the Gospel. Parishioners who are unwell and cannot attend Mass may contact the parish priest to receive the blessed sacrament at home.

Regular events

The Youth Group raises funds for charity through an annual 'It's a Knock-out' and sleepover. The flower arrangers gather for Easter, Christmas, Harvest Festival, Pentecost, First Holy Communion and Weddings.

Visiting

The flower ladies and gentlemen are all volunteers and there are 3 groups which oversee flowers for 2 weeks out of six. A lively family mass with children's liturgy to engage all ages is offered on Sundays. Experience a contemporary feel during the Saturday afternoon mass. You can request a prayer on your own or someone else's behalf. If you wish, your prayer can be anonymous.