Fr Gerard Sheehan, a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei, will be the new parish priest. He takes over after Easter.

Fr Gerard knows the parish well, having lived and worked at Netherhall House, the student residence run by Opus Dei, which is five minute’s walk from the parish church.

Fr Gerard said: “Being asked to serve in a parish dedicated to St Thomas More is a great privilege. I hope to continue working with the other priests in the deanery to help the Catholics in this part of London feel confident in their faith and encouraged to share it with others in their daily lives.”

“So much of who I am today I owe to the example of the priests of the parish where I have lived. It is a wonderful way to serve God’s people. Looking at the history of this parish I see how each successive priest has contributed to its life. I hope my contribution will match theirs.”

The Diocese of Westminster has also put out a statement: see link on right.