St Edmund’s Church Parish Groups and Activities…and who to contact if you want to get involved
We have many active groups at St Edmund’s, catering for all ages, tastes and interests, including a number of church choirs. We are always looking for volunteers to help with cleaning, after-mass teas and coffees and with many of the parish groups. If you would like to volunteer please get in touch.
LITURGY
Readers at Mass
If you would like to read at Mass, please contact the Office who will put you in touch with the person who draws up the rota for the Mass you attend. There is training and guidance available.
Prayers of the Faithful
These are coordinated by Deacon Sean. Please contact him if you would like to join the team.
Altar Servers
If your child wishes to start serving, please go with them to the sacristy at the end of Mass to speak to the MC. Anyone, girl or boy, who has made their first holy communion can serve. Clergy contact is Fr. Andrew.
Choirs
We have three music groups which provide music at the 9.30, 11.00 and 5.30 Masses.
Please speak to them at the end of Mass or contact them at:
9.30 Choir – Cathy Denne
Chorale – Richard Warren
Folk Choir – Marion Hoyles
To hear the music of the Folk Choir, listen here.
There is also Rosie’s Choir, an ecumenical community choir which leads the singing at many parish events. It is led by Clare.
CATECHESIS
If you would like to offer your services in other ways there are always openings to be a catechist. Please speak to any one of the Clergy Team.
Baptism
Baptisms are usually celebrated on Saturdays and Sundays – usually at 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm
Contact: beckenhambaptism@rcaos.org.uk
First Holy Communion
Preparation for this sacrament begins each year in September. Enrolment is in August.
Contact: beckenhamfhc@rcaos.org.uk
Confirmation
For those in Yr9 or above and other young people.
Enrolment is usually in January. Contact: beckenhamconfirmation@rcaos.org.uk
Adults who wish to e confirmed should contact the Parish Office.
RCIA
For anyone thinking of becoming a Catholic. This course explores all aspects of the faith. More information via email.
Landings
If you are seeking to return to the church, this group might be for you.
Contact via email.
Faith Explorers
Formerly ‘Bible in a Year’ group. Contact Ollie.
PRAYER GROUPS
Mothers’ Prayers
This small group meets on a Monday once a month to pray for
our children. Please contact Hilda.
Monday Meditation
Catholic meditation group meets every Monday in the Hall at 5.30 pm – 6.20 pm.
Quiet Mondays every second Monday of the month at 5.30 pm – 6.20 pm (Ecumenical).
Please contact the Parish Office.
Contemplative Meditation
Meets once a month on a Saturday. Please contact the Parish Office
PASTORAL CARE
Bereavement Support group
Twice a year a small group of the recently bereaved meets for six weeks.
Contact: beckenhambsg@rcaos.org.uk or get in touch with the Parish Office.
SVP
The SVP is an international voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing direct practical assistance to anyone in need. Contact them via email or leave a message on 07789 497 482. More information here.
Contact: beckenhamsvp@gmail.com
Drop In Cafe
Hosts a weekly session for those with a memory loss and their carer. Contact Judith or Nicola
CAFOD
Is the leading Catholic aid agency for England and Wales, working to end poverty and injustice in developing countries. Our parish contact is Anne.
SOCIAL AND OUTREACH
Knights of St Columba
The Knights are a laymen’s organisation focused on supporting the Church and clergy, promoting the spiritual and material welfare of its members and their families, and engaging in charitable works within their communities. They do this through parish-based activities like fundraising, assisting with Church events, supporting youth, and promoting Catholic social teachings, while also advocating for the dignity of life and helping the underprivileged.
Contact Howard for more information.
Catenians
The Catenians play an important role in strengthening Catholic communities. Their focus is on faith, friendship and family and they offer the chance to meet fellow Catholics and their families from Beckenham, Hayes and beyond. Contact via email or 07890 008 458.
CWL
The Catholic Women’s League is an international organization of Catholic women which aims to unite Catholic women, promote charitable works, and encourage members to use their talents in service of the Church and wider community. It meets monthly and contact can be made through the Parish Office.
Babies & Toddlers
Meets on Monday mornings during term time in the Hall.
The leader is Monique.
Hospitality Team
A team of parishioners happy to assist in organising and catering for parish events. Contact Cathy if you wish to be part of the team.
300 Club
An easy way to help raise funds for the parish and win something for yourself.
Contact Isabelle to get involved.
Flower Team
This team is led by Celia. New people always welcome.
Brass Cleaners
Each Thursday a few people remain after morning Mass to keep a shine on the brass. Join them in the sacristy.
There are other ways of helping and getting involved in parish life. If you have any ideas please come to the Parish Office or speak to one of the clergy team.
If your group has been omitted please get in touch with the Parish Office and we will put this right. If you want any amendments made to your entry, drop us an email at beckenham@rcaos.org.uk