About
Along with sister parish St. Patrick's, Christ the King Church serves the Catholic community of Thornaby-on-Tees. The parishes are part of the Diocese of Middlesbrough, in the North East of England.
We are are a vibrant and welcoming Catholic community. As a parish, we carry out Gospel values not only through Mass and the Sacraments, but also through other events at our church and in the local community.
BEING A CATHOLIC
The Catholic Church is the largest Christian church in the world. Over 1 billion people are members of the Catholic Church. The name comes from the Greek word "katholicos", which means "universal."
Catholics believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and that we should follow his teachings and example - namely the love he showed to lay down his life for us.
Interested in what the Catholic Church teaches, or would you like to join our faith community? Or just looking for more information? Please don't hesitate to contact us.
THE CHURCH
One of many Teesside places of worship designed by F B Swainston, Christ the King was built in the 1960s to serve the large-scale development of Thornaby. The church building and surrounding grounds are on the site on what was once Thornaby aerodrome.
The main church is a large but welcoming area for worship, the most eye-catching feature of which is a striking stained glass window (see picture below) situated behind the altar. We also have an adjoining chapel for quiet prayer and reflection, while the recently renovated church hall offers space for parish activities as well as socialising after mass.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Christ the King is a name based on several passages of scripture, and is celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King – the last Sunday before Advent. This feast day, instated relatively recently by Pope Pius XI in 1925, reminds Christians that their allegiance is to God rather than any earthly supremacy.
MASS AND THE SACRAMENTS
Sunday morning Mass is at 9.30am.
Other morning Masses are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am.
Confessions are now by request only. Please contact Fr Pat.
CLERGY
Our parish priest is Fr. Pat O'Neill, who joined the parish in September 2017 having previously served at St. Peter & Paul Church, Leyburn.
GENERAL INFO
With large doors, wide and a ramped entrance, the church offers easy access to disabled visitors or those with prams or buggies.
The church also has parking facilities, with additional free parking available in the surrounding streets.
For anyone interested in what the Catholic Church teaches, or would like to join our faith communi
