Encouraged by George de Serionne, Mary Barnes began to teach small groups at her house. George, a frequent visitor and adviser, became a life-long friend. Mary records that in 1938, six children were taken by coach to Saint Catharine's church at Chipping Campden in order to make their First Communions.

During the second World War, with the building of the air force base at Little Rissington, and the evacuation of many people from the cities to the countryside, many Catholics came into the area.

So regular Masses began, at first in the Barnes' home and later in the front room of Dr. Liston's house. The first Mass was said at Bourton at Easter, 1940 in the Barnes' home.

In 1942, Father John O'Donnell, the newly appointed priest at Stow-on-the-Wold, determined that a Mass centre should be provided at Bourton. The Church of England hall was rented for Sunday Mass and at first Father O'Donnell cycled from Stow to Bourton until Mrs. Liston provided him with a car. As the war progressed and more people came to Bourton, the need for a church became more pressing. At this time Father O'Donnell was saying Mass every Sunday in a Nissen hut on the airfield. Bingo, Dances, Jumble Sales, Fêtes and Bazaars were held to raise funds; and so the work went on.  

 By 1954 it was found necessary to have two classes for the growing number of children needing instruction.

At last, in 1957, land in Station Road was acquired and, when in the following year Father 'Callaghan came, Stow was granted parochial status. High priority was given to the building of a church at Bourton. On 24th May in 1960, building work began. This was the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians (to whom the church was dedicated).

On 9th October the first Mass was said in the new church and the following Thursday saw the official opening and dedication by the Bishop.