St Thomas' of Canterbury,
Brentwood
A thriving Parish Church worshipping within the Catholic tradition of the Church of England
All are welcome to join us for worship or to enter this sacred space for quiet reflection and prayer.If you would like to speak with someone, please call 01277 231629
For nearly 150 years, St Thomas’ of Canterbury has stood at the heart of Brentwood as a centre of prayer, worship and fellowship. Its story links to a nearby 13th-century chapel dedicated to St Thomas Becket, where pilgrims paused on their way to his shrine at Canterbury.
The ruins are still visible on Brentwood High Street. From those beginnings, Christian worship has continued to flourish.
Today, St Thomas’ remains a welcoming Church of England parish — a community gathered in faith, open to all, and committed to sharing God’s love in Brentwood and beyond, looking ahead with hope for generations to come.
150th Anniversary Community Project 2033
This ambitious project to preserve our church is moving forward!
Will you help us to shape a more sustainable, resilient and welcoming church for the future?
Church Opening Hours
THE CHURCH welcomes visitors for sightseeing, quiet reflection and private prayer during the following times:
Monday to Thursday: 10.00 am until 3.00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10.00 am until 12.30 pm
Church Office Opening Hours
THE CHURCH OFFICE is open in the church centre during the following times:
Wednesdays: 10.00 am until 12.30 pm
Thursdays: 9.30 am until 12.30 pm
Fridays: 1.00 pm until 2.30 pm
For enquiries outside of these hours, please email: brentwood.st.thomas.martyr@gmail.com
Morning & Evening Prayer
Join us for Morning & Evening Prayer, streamed daily on our Facebook page at 9.00 am and 5.00 pm
On Sundays, enjoy Choral Evensong at 6.00 pm.
If you would like to donate at any of our streamed services, please click here
Introduction to Church & Next Steps
Taking the FIRST STEP
If you don’t try, you will never know
Welcome to St Thomas’ Church
Walking into a church for the first time can feel a little daunting. But behind those big wooden doors, you’ll find a beautiful, welcoming space where everyone is invited - regardless of age, gender, background or faith. If mobility is a concern, you’ll be pleased to find wide doorways, ground-level flooring, and a dedicated disabled toilet for your comfort.
A Friendly Greeting
Our Welcoming Team and Sidespersons will be there to greet you as soon as you arrive. They can answer your questions, show you to a seat, or hand you a Service Sheet.
They can also point out the basics, like toilet facilities, refreshments and activities for children.
Finding Your Way
Faith is a personal journey, and everyone experiences it differently. We usually hold three services on a Sunday, plus several during the week. Each includes Mass (Holy Eucharist), but not all are Sung Mass with choir. If you prefer something shorter and simpler, a ‘said’ Mass might suit you perfectly.
About St Thomas’
St Thomas’ is the main Parish church within the Catholic Tradition of the Church of England. Alongside our regular services, we also host civic events such as Remembrance Sunday, bringing the wider community together.
Make Yourself Comfortable
Take your time and enjoy the service in your own way. There’s no obligation to sing, no strict seating rules, and no requirement to kneel – just do what feels right for you. If you have children, toys are available at the back of the church, and green drawing bags are available at the front for free use. For regular children aged 3 and above, we offer Sunday School Clubhouse. Please ask for and complete a registration form and a yellow family form to join.
Families may also enjoy our All-Age Mass once a month, which is a more informal service.
Join the Community
Many people enjoy the social side of church life, from Bible study and church groups to seasonal events, festivals and concerts. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, and we’d love for you to discover what interests you most.
We hope you’ll feel at home at St Thomas’, whether this is your first visit or whether you have been coming for many years.
NEXT STEP - Alpha (Course Now On!)
Alpha is a symbol of beginnings. The inspiring course could be the start of your journey.
Alpha began in 1977 and has become a worldwide, informal course for people who want to explore the Christian faith.
Here in the UK, St Thomas’ is delighted to offer two Alpha courses each year.
Each course is free to attend and consists of a series of friendly discussions and conversations with like-minded people. It’s your chance to ask those difficult questions and to decide whether the Christian faith is for you.
Register your interest in our next Alpha course here
For more details or if you have any questions, please contact Phil Horscroft on:
07840 737606 or philhorscroft@hotmail.co.uk
NEXT STEP - Baptism
Baptism happens just once in a lifetime. In that sacred moment, the Holy Spirit marks us as belonging to Jesus Christ and draws us into a lifelong relationship with Him.
Jesus and the Beginning of Baptism
Around the age of thirty, Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. Soon after, He instructed His disciples to baptise others and to follow His teachings. From that moment, baptism became the foundation of Christian life - a sacred rite of initiation that uses water and oil to symbolise purification, rebirth, and union with Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism represents the washing away of sin, the ‘dying’ of your old life, and the rising of a new life in Christ. It marks the formal beginning of a believer's journey of faith and welcomes them as a recognised member of the Church. You are never too old to be baptised!
Baptism at St Thomas’
At St Thomas’, we celebrate baptism for all ages: infant baptism (christening), older children, and adults. Each baptism is a joyful welcome into our church family and the wider Christian community.
To find out more, call us on 01277 201094, or email brentwood.st.thomas.martyr@gmail.com
NEXT STEP - Confirmation
Say yes to a deeper journey with God
Could this be your next step?
You came forward for a blessing — a sign of curiosity or longing for more. Confirmation invites you to take that next step on your faith journey.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is a meaningful moment in your life and the life of the Church where you affirm your faith. It’s about growth, belonging, and saying yes to a deeper journey with God.
Why choose Confirmation?
Through Confirmation, you can:
✞ Feel more connected to worship and the Church community
✞ Explore your faith more deeply
✞ Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
✞ Make a personal commitment to follow Jesus
✞ Take a fuller part in the life of the Church
Who is Confirmation for?
Confirmation is open to anyone who has been baptised.
If you haven’t been baptised, we can celebrate baptism and confirmation together in one service—you’re still very welcome.
What happens next?
You don’t need to have all the answers. Confirmation includes a few informal sessions where you can ask questions, explore faith, and decide whether this step is right for you. There’s no pressure — just an invitation.
Course Dates
Please choose from our course running on Monday evenings or Tuesday mornings.
Everyone is required to attend the rehearsal.
Monday evenings: 4th, 11th, 18th,
25th January and 1 February 2027, 7:30 pm, Church Centre
Compulsory: Rehearsal, Monday 1st February 2027, 8.15 pm Church Centre
Or
Tuesday mornings: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th January and 2 February 2027 10:00 am Church Centre
Compulsory: Rehearsal, Monday 1st February 2027, 8.15 pm Church Centre
Evening Service of Confirmation Tuesday 2nd February 2027
Find out more / Register your interest.
Or speak to a member of St Thomas’ Ministry Team
NEXT STEP - Course in Christian Studies
The excitement of discovery and learning together
What is CCS?
The Course in Christian Studies (CCS) is a two-year program, though students can opt for just the first year. The first year is a foundational year in theology. The second year is a foundational year in ministry, giving students the opportunity to explore a variety of vocations and ministries within the church. Completing the course earns the Bishop’s Certificate.
Find out more/Register your interest
Or speak to a member of St Thomas’ Ministry Team
NEXT STEP - Volunteering
Whatever your age or background, we need volunteers like you!
Volunteers are vital to church life. Without people like you, St Thomas’ Church couldn't function effectively. Whatever time you have spare, forget the ‘old ideas’ of volunteering. Serving at St Thomas’ can be as regular or flexible as your time and other commitments allow, and we welcome volunteers of ALL ages. Get on board, discover the feel-good factor of volunteering, and make new friends!
A note for non-members of our Church family. We need you too! Especially if you enjoy community-facing roles, setting up chairs, operating AV systems, cleaning, building maintenance, or helping with events and fundraising.
Members/Non-Members: Click here for further information
Or speak to our Ministry Team.
Stay connected with our community
See what's happening, hear from our parish and keep up with the latest news
Where to find us & Nearby Parking
Our Address is:
St Thomas Church Centre, St Thomas Rd
Brentwood, CM14 4DF.
Some local carparks are:
Chatham Way Car Park, Brentwood CM14 4BG
4 minute walk (3 disabled spaces)
Coptfold Road Car Park, Brentwood CM14 4FE
4 minute walk (20 disabled spaces)
William Hunter Way Car Park, Brentwood CM14 4SS
5 minute walk (35 disabled spaces)
Sainsburys Car Park, Brentwood CM14 4WQ
5 minute walk (16 disabled spaces)
