Welcome
The Catholic Parish of St Thomas of Canterbury in Rainham, part of the Archdiocese of Southwark, is a diverse community of believers. It provides an atmosphere in which parishioners of all ages and cultures share faith through sacramental and liturgical celebrations, ongoing faith formation and other spiritual and social events. We are blessed to have our very own school, St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, to support families with young children to receive a Catholic education.
If you would like to get in touch, please call, email or fill in your details on the "Contact Us" page.
If you would like to get in touch, please call, email or fill in your details on the "Contact Us" page.
PARISH NOTICEBOARD
Church Mass Times
* Monday to Friday at 10am - Monday is a Eucharistic service
* Saturday at 6pm
* Sunday at 10.30am and 6pm
* Rosary Monday to Friday at 9.45am
* St Anthony's prayer and Benediction after 10am Mass on Tuesdays
* Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction Wednesdays at 10:30am - 11:30am.
* Confessions Saturday from 5.15pm to 5.45pm & Wednesday 10.30am to 11.15am
You can view this Sunday's Mass and all upcoming live stream services and funerals by using the link https://tinyurl.com/rcrainham.
Please click on the buttons below to see the latest Parish Magazine and Newsletter:
* Monday to Friday at 10am - Monday is a Eucharistic service
* Saturday at 6pm
* Sunday at 10.30am and 6pm
* Rosary Monday to Friday at 9.45am
* St Anthony's prayer and Benediction after 10am Mass on Tuesdays
* Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction Wednesdays at 10:30am - 11:30am.
* Confessions Saturday from 5.15pm to 5.45pm & Wednesday 10.30am to 11.15am
You can view this Sunday's Mass and all upcoming live stream services and funerals by using the link https://tinyurl.com/rcrainham.
Please click on the buttons below to see the latest Parish Magazine and Newsletter:
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We have introduced a new way of contributing to our weekly collections. At the back of the church is Donna, our contactless payment machine, which allows you to make your contributions using your bank card. If you prefer, you can click on the button below to donate via our secure portal, or scan the QR code.
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The closure of our local bank branch has made it more difficult for us to deposit loose cash from collections. Of course we are still very grateful for your generous donations but if you would consider using Donna or our portal to make contributions, this would be a great help. Alternatively you can set up a standing order to the Parish. Thank you for your consideration.
This Jubilee Year is a special year of grace in the Catholic Church and the theme of Jubilee 2025 is “pilgrims of hope”, with Pope Francis calling on the world to “fan the flame of hope that has been given us”.
CYCLE OF PRAYER - Intentions for Eastertide:New Members of the Church
Vocations - especially on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations 4th Sunday of Easter
Survivors of Sexual Abuse - especially on Tuesday in the 5th week of Easter
Right Use of the Media - especially on World Communications Day 7th Sunday of Easter
The Church - especially at Pentecost
Human Work - especially on 1st May, St Joseph the Worker.
Events at The Fries, Aylesford.
Fathers Day - Unlimited Fathers Day breakfast,15th June, 9am-11am, for only £13.95. Please reserve a table in advance by calling 01622 717272, £5 deposit per person.
Summer Fayre - 22nd June, 11.00am-4.30pm. Join us for our annual fundraising fayre. Filled with entertainment from Dangerous Steve, a stunt show with fire and motorcycles, see more on the website. Local performance groups and bands are also showcasing their talents. There will be, cream teas, beer, Pimm's, Prosecco, cake and all the usual fun.
We Believe - 25th-28th July. A festival of Catholic Life celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope, with parishes and families in mind. Four days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship, in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s College, Oscott, Sutton Coldfield. Featuring Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray & many more. Pilgrim-attendees can choose to attend for the whole weekend (camping, staying locally or coming from home) at an adult Early Bird rate of £70, or for a day for £40. Early Bird Tickets available now at webelievefestival.com.
The Legion of Mary is a group of Catholic faithfuls serving the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ under the leadership of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen and Mother. According to St. Pope John Paul II, "The Legion of Mary is a movement of lay people who propose to make faith the aspiration of their life up to the achievement of personal sanctity." There are 2 forms of Legion membership - Active and Auxiliary membership. Active Legionaries hold weekly meetings, and carry out apostolic work in the Spirit of faith and in union with Mary. Auxiliary Legionaries offer set prayers for the intentions of our Lady. To find out more visit https://legionofmary.ie/ Submit your details to Fr Emmanuel if you are interested in starting the Legion of Mary in our Parish.
Hospital Chaplaincy at Medway Maritime Hospital. There is Sunday mass at the hospital chapel/prayer room, at 2.00pm every Sunday for hospital staff, visitors and patients. End of life and any urgent need of a Catholic priest contact the nurse on duty or office of the Chaplaincy. Visiting the in-patients on wards is on every Wednesday morning and Sunday afternoon done by the priests, deacons and volunteers. Thus, there is a call for catholic hospital volunteers. Please if you are willing and interested in offering this service contact the parish priest of Our Lady of Gillingham 07448210669.
Volunteers. We are looking for volunteers to help in setting-up and running the youth ministry, Prayer group (Charismatic) and Children's liturgy. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to be involved please register your interested at the notice board.
Also, all those who have received their First Holy Communion are welcome to join our Altar Servers or Church Choir. If you are interested, please talk to Fr Emmanuel.
The Southwark Catholic Youth Service (SCYS) has several activities in 2025 for youth and young adults (10-35 years). For regular updates on forthcoming events, please sign up to their network at www.tinyurl.com/scysnetwork
St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School
A copy of the school's weekly newsletter can be found on the school website Home Page (stthomascanterbury.org.uk). Alternatively you can request a copy via email, please contact [email protected]
Love the Stranger - A Catholic Response to Migrants and Refugees A publication by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Click here to read this publication.
HELPUKRAINE EMERGENCY APPEAL
The God Minute - Peaceful music, scripture and a short reflection weaved into a guided
mediation for you to listen to every morning. Visit thegodminute.org to download the free app
Do you need help? The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is an organisation that aims to help people in our community. If you are struggling to get school uniforms, or to furnish your home or just feel isolated, talk to us, we may be able to help Tel 07743383577
Baptism - Parents who wish to have their children baptised are invited to contact Mary Bigwood on 07736 813477 to register their interest.
Free Food Support - anyone in need of support please visit Free Food Support in Medway & Free Food Support for Families with Children under 5
Vacancies Full details available on the Diocesan website: Vacancies: Archdiocese of Southwark (rcsouthwark.co.uk)
CYCLE OF PRAYER - Intentions for Eastertide:New Members of the Church
Vocations - especially on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations 4th Sunday of Easter
Survivors of Sexual Abuse - especially on Tuesday in the 5th week of Easter
Right Use of the Media - especially on World Communications Day 7th Sunday of Easter
The Church - especially at Pentecost
Human Work - especially on 1st May, St Joseph the Worker.
Events at The Fries, Aylesford.
Fathers Day - Unlimited Fathers Day breakfast,15th June, 9am-11am, for only £13.95. Please reserve a table in advance by calling 01622 717272, £5 deposit per person.
Summer Fayre - 22nd June, 11.00am-4.30pm. Join us for our annual fundraising fayre. Filled with entertainment from Dangerous Steve, a stunt show with fire and motorcycles, see more on the website. Local performance groups and bands are also showcasing their talents. There will be, cream teas, beer, Pimm's, Prosecco, cake and all the usual fun.
We Believe - 25th-28th July. A festival of Catholic Life celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope, with parishes and families in mind. Four days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship, in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s College, Oscott, Sutton Coldfield. Featuring Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray & many more. Pilgrim-attendees can choose to attend for the whole weekend (camping, staying locally or coming from home) at an adult Early Bird rate of £70, or for a day for £40. Early Bird Tickets available now at webelievefestival.com.
The Legion of Mary is a group of Catholic faithfuls serving the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ under the leadership of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen and Mother. According to St. Pope John Paul II, "The Legion of Mary is a movement of lay people who propose to make faith the aspiration of their life up to the achievement of personal sanctity." There are 2 forms of Legion membership - Active and Auxiliary membership. Active Legionaries hold weekly meetings, and carry out apostolic work in the Spirit of faith and in union with Mary. Auxiliary Legionaries offer set prayers for the intentions of our Lady. To find out more visit https://legionofmary.ie/ Submit your details to Fr Emmanuel if you are interested in starting the Legion of Mary in our Parish.
Hospital Chaplaincy at Medway Maritime Hospital. There is Sunday mass at the hospital chapel/prayer room, at 2.00pm every Sunday for hospital staff, visitors and patients. End of life and any urgent need of a Catholic priest contact the nurse on duty or office of the Chaplaincy. Visiting the in-patients on wards is on every Wednesday morning and Sunday afternoon done by the priests, deacons and volunteers. Thus, there is a call for catholic hospital volunteers. Please if you are willing and interested in offering this service contact the parish priest of Our Lady of Gillingham 07448210669.
Volunteers. We are looking for volunteers to help in setting-up and running the youth ministry, Prayer group (Charismatic) and Children's liturgy. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to be involved please register your interested at the notice board.
Also, all those who have received their First Holy Communion are welcome to join our Altar Servers or Church Choir. If you are interested, please talk to Fr Emmanuel.
The Southwark Catholic Youth Service (SCYS) has several activities in 2025 for youth and young adults (10-35 years). For regular updates on forthcoming events, please sign up to their network at www.tinyurl.com/scysnetwork
St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School
A copy of the school's weekly newsletter can be found on the school website Home Page (stthomascanterbury.org.uk). Alternatively you can request a copy via email, please contact [email protected]
Love the Stranger - A Catholic Response to Migrants and Refugees A publication by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Click here to read this publication.
HELPUKRAINE EMERGENCY APPEAL
The God Minute - Peaceful music, scripture and a short reflection weaved into a guided
mediation for you to listen to every morning. Visit thegodminute.org to download the free app
Do you need help? The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is an organisation that aims to help people in our community. If you are struggling to get school uniforms, or to furnish your home or just feel isolated, talk to us, we may be able to help Tel 07743383577
Baptism - Parents who wish to have their children baptised are invited to contact Mary Bigwood on 07736 813477 to register their interest.
Free Food Support - anyone in need of support please visit Free Food Support in Medway & Free Food Support for Families with Children under 5
Vacancies Full details available on the Diocesan website: Vacancies: Archdiocese of Southwark (rcsouthwark.co.uk)
To subscribe to our weekly parish newsletter and magazine via email, please click this button:
