St Thomas More

Introduction

St Thomas More in Wheathampstead, in the Archdiocese of Westminster, was consecrated on 9 February 1938 and formally opened on 13 February 1938 by Cardinal Hinsley.

History

The history of the church traces back to 1928 when Canon Longstaff was asked to investigate starting new parishes in Redbourn and Wheathampstead. A detached house on Marford Road was leased by the Canon and one room was fitted out as a chapel. On 6 December 1936 the first Mass in Wheathampstead since the Reformation was held, attended by 16 persons. In May 1937 Canon Longstaff submitted plans for a 'spacious hall' measuring 51 ft x 26 ft to be used as a temporary church.

The Oak High Altar, sacristy furniture and chairs were taken from Harpenden and installed in St Thomas More. The current altar at St Thomas More contains relics of St Thomas of Canterbury and St John of Southworth. In 1935 an account was opened at Lloyds Bank in Harpenden to receive annual grazing payments. In later years the rural districts of Kimpton and Ayot Saint Lawrence were included within the parish boundaries. The parish runs active groups for prayer, social action, Sacramental preparation, youth work, and support of others.

Sacraments and pastoral care

First Holy Communion preparation is parish based, requires children to be in Year 3 or above, and parents must be actively involved and attend their own meetings. Confirmation preparation is parish based in conjunction with Our Lady of Lourdes, Harpenden, and requires young people to be in Year 9. Baptisms and marriages are arranged by telephoning the parish priest.