St Thomas' of Canterbury, Brentwood
A thriving Parish Church worshipping within the Catholic tradition of the Church of England
Everyone is warmly invited 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 a hundred and fifty 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 can still be seen on Brentwood High Street. 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, looking ahead with hope to generations to come.
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
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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 pm until 2 30 pm
For enquiries outside of these hours, please email: brentwood.st.thomas.martyr@gmail.com
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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 AND 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, there are toys at the back of the church and green drawing bags 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 STEPS ..
NEXT STEP - ALPHA
What is Alpha?
Alpha is a symbol of beginnings – the start of a 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. These are free to attend and consist of a series of talks and conversations – a chance to ask those difficult questions and to decide whether the Christian faith is for you.
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 baptized 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 is an invitation 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, baptism and confirmation can be celebrated together in one service — you’re still very welcome.
What happens next?
You don’t need to have all the answers. Confirmation involves a small number of informal sessions where you can ask questions, explore faith, and decide if this step is right for you. There’s no pressure — just an invitation.
Find out more / Register your interest
Speak to a member of St Thomas’ Ministry Team
Sign up to our Newsletter and Follow us on Facebook!
Where to find us?
St Thomas' of Canterbury Parish Church
St Thomas' Church Centre
St Thomas' Road
Brentwood
CM14 4DF
01277 201094
Where to park?
There are many nearby carparks to the church including:
Chatham Way Car Park,Brentwood CM14 4BG
4 minute walk
Coptfold Road Car Park, Brentwood CM14 4FE
4 minute walk
William Hunter Way Car Park, Brentwood CM14 4SS
5 minute walk
