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 to 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 button below to see the latest Parish 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 to 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 button below to see the latest Parish Newsletter:
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We have introduced a new way of contributing to our weekly collections. At the back of the church is 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 the contactless payment machine 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.
ORDINARY TIME AFTER EASTER - CYCLE OF PRAYER - Intentions for Ordinary Time:
For a deeper understanding between Christians and Jews.
For those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights - especially on 22nd June, the Feast of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More.
For Hunman life - especially on the third Sunday in June
For Seafarers - especially on the second Sunday in July, Sea Sunday
For Europe - especially on the Feasts of St Benedict, St Bridget and St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Patrons of Europe.
Live Streaming: If anyone is interested in joining the live streaming team please contact the office for details. We are a team of two and it can be a struggle to always be available. Thank you
Mass in Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage, July 11th, St George’s Cathedral. Celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th + wedding anniversary this year.
Pray with the Pope a real network of communion in a divided world. From the Chapel of Saint Peregrine in the Vatican to the wider world, Pray with the Pope invites the faithful to share in a common moment of prayer with the Pope. Visit https://youtu.be/s1CBCcEIkME
Youth day - John Fisher School Chatham Saturday11th July 11.00am – 5.30pm . Cost £5. For 10 – 14 year olds. This great initiative of the Southwark youth service is a day of prayer, activities including sport, as well as lunch. We commend it to youth in the parish. To book a place look on the diocesan website:https://rcaos.org.uk/mission/southwark-catholic-
youth-service/event-booking/
Save the Date - Flame is the largest Catholic gathering for young people in the UK and will take place on Saturday 6th March 2027 at the OVO Arena Wembley. The theme is: “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) and is open to those in school Year 9 through to university age. Our Parish is hoping to get a group together to attend, if you are interest please email Lindsay [email protected] or the parish office. Tickets are £30 per person and the cost of travel to be advised nearer the time.
This is an incredible event where you will be joining thousands of other young people who believe what you believe - singing, celebrating, praying, and discovering how God is calling you to make a difference. Please Note: A deadline for interest has been set for 12th July 26.
Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries invite all Red Box supporters and the wider Diocesan community to come together for two important events in 2026.
St Simon Stock Church, Walderslade, ME5 0NF, Saturday 6 June at 11am
Join Fr Joseph Donkor (Missio Diocesan Director for Southwark) and the Mill Hill Missionaries for Mass, followed by lunch and sharing of mission work.
St Elizabeth of Portugal RC Church, Richmond TW10 6AQ Saturday, 3rd October at 11am
Join us for this special World Mission month mass with Missio National Director, Fr Anthony Chantry MHM, and Fr Joseph Donkor.
Our Mission Masses are an opportunity to hear about how missionaries share the Gospel throughout the world and how we can be missionary disciples in our own parishes. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please email [email protected] or visit https://missio.org.uk/mission-masses-and-events/ for further information.
We Need Your Help Each year, the Catholic Association Pilgrimage (CA) is responsible for coordinating the welcome and care of our ‘assisted pilgrims’ - those on our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes who have particular care and support needs. The CA is appealing for parishioners who might want to come to Lourdes as an assisted pilgrim, or as a volunteer helper in order to help provide the support that our assisted pilgrims need. All are welcome and all have an important contribution to make to the community that we form during our pilgrimage week. For more information visit: catholicassociation.co.uk or see posters at the rear of Church.
My Lourdes Story: Why One Week Changed my Life (and why you should come too) is a brief account by one of our parishioners. Please take the time to read it HERE if you feel you would like to go but are not sure what to expect.
Bishop Paul Hendricks warmly invites you to join him on this year’s SOUTHWARK DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: 21st to 28th August 26. A pilgrimage is a great opportunity to refresh and renew our relationship with the Lord Jesus, with the help of Our Lady’s prayers. I have also found it a blessing to be able to accompany and to be inspired by other pilgrims, some of whom are sick, elderly or disabled. Details for booking travel and accommodation can be found at https://www.tangney-tours.com/diocese-pilgrimages/diocese-ca/ We also ask pilgrims to complete a form with details, including medical requirements (if any) at https://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/join2026 For more information, please contact Canon Edward Perera ([email protected]) or Deacon John Fogarty ([email protected]) or myself, Bishop Paul Hendricks ([email protected])
Youth Ministry Gap Year Opportunity Do you know anyone aged 18-25 who is looking for a new challenge? The Diocese of Lancaster has a Youth Ministry team based in Keswick in the Lake District. They run retreats at Castlerigg Manor and also work in Churches and schools around the area. The ‘Youth Ministry Internship’ scheme comes with high quality training, experience, and recognised qualifications and gives young people the chance to join a welcoming community and a vibrant team doing some amazing work. Contact [email protected] or www.castleriggmanor.com >> join the team
Retrouvaille MARRIAGE SUPPORT: From relationships that are 'Just in a Rut', needing some refreshment or more serious issues - If you are open to try again – Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get their relationship back on track as they rediscovered hope and trust in the marriage. To find out more: www.retrouvaille.org.uk
Train and Volunteer as a Relationship Counsellor with Marriage Care and provide couples with professional, effective support, that makes a real difference? Marriage Care’s next Certificate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) training course will begin in March 2027 with a deadline of 30th June 26 for applications. Whilst you do not need experience as a counsellor for this role, self-awareness and having the time and space to commit to all that the training and role entails is essential. Please note that there are costs associated with training on the CRC, which are outlined on the website, visit: www.marriagecare.org.uk
Marriage and Family Life (MFL) events in 2026 organised so far are:
Building a Better Marriage (BABM) a one-day event in different deaneries. 9am - 4.30pm. It’s a day where couples can explore their relationship more deeply and gain valuable insights into the communication and the call of the Church to be married. The one-day course is for married couples (whether married for one year, 60 years or anywhere in between). It seeks to help husbands and wives to make their marriages better and to improve their communication skills. There is no group sharing and private information remains private to each couple. Booking is essential. The dates are: June 13 Hythe (Dover Deanery), October 3 West Norwood (Lambeth Deanery), November 7 Parish TBC (Wandsworth Deanery)
The Sycamore Growing in Faith together (GIFT): AnONLINE course for married and engaged couples, which has been developed in collaboration with the Southwark Marriage and Family Life team, the Agency for Evangelisation and Sycamore, a programme about the Catholic faith by Fr Stephen Wang, Growing in Faith Together consists of four one hour-long sessions via Zoom and is a wonderful opportunity for: married couples to enrich their friendship and love and engaged couples who want to continue exploring their faith together. The dates are: May 5,12,19,26 and September 8,15,22,29.
SAVE THE DATE: Celebrate Festival is back for 2026 on the 15th - 19th August!
to make sure you don't miss out on all that the Lord has to offer. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear more - www.celebratetrust.org/get-in-touch
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/
Ambassadors for Christ: A Catholic apologetics resource. The Archdiocese of Southwark has launched an exciting apologetics project to provide evidence-based answers to questions such as "Is Jesus God?" or “does prayer work?”. Ambassadors for Christ is designed to equip you with a deeper understanding of your faith, so you can confidently answer questions and be a joyful witness for the Lord Jesus and his Church. Every Monday, a new video will be posted on YouTube, along with a worksheet to enable parishes, schools, youth groups and families to use them as part of their faith formation. To watch the videos and take part in this exciting project, please visit: rcaos.org.uk/ambassadorsforchrist.
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]
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 for 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 should email [email protected], speak to Fr. Emmanuel or contact Parish Office to register their interest.
Vacancies Full details available on the Diocesan website: Vacancies: Archdiocese of Southwark (rcsouthwark.co.uk)
For a deeper understanding between Christians and Jews.
For those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights - especially on 22nd June, the Feast of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More.
For Hunman life - especially on the third Sunday in June
For Seafarers - especially on the second Sunday in July, Sea Sunday
For Europe - especially on the Feasts of St Benedict, St Bridget and St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Patrons of Europe.
Live Streaming: If anyone is interested in joining the live streaming team please contact the office for details. We are a team of two and it can be a struggle to always be available. Thank you
Mass in Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage, July 11th, St George’s Cathedral. Celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th + wedding anniversary this year.
Pray with the Pope a real network of communion in a divided world. From the Chapel of Saint Peregrine in the Vatican to the wider world, Pray with the Pope invites the faithful to share in a common moment of prayer with the Pope. Visit https://youtu.be/s1CBCcEIkME
Youth day - John Fisher School Chatham Saturday11th July 11.00am – 5.30pm . Cost £5. For 10 – 14 year olds. This great initiative of the Southwark youth service is a day of prayer, activities including sport, as well as lunch. We commend it to youth in the parish. To book a place look on the diocesan website:https://rcaos.org.uk/mission/southwark-catholic-
youth-service/event-booking/
Save the Date - Flame is the largest Catholic gathering for young people in the UK and will take place on Saturday 6th March 2027 at the OVO Arena Wembley. The theme is: “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) and is open to those in school Year 9 through to university age. Our Parish is hoping to get a group together to attend, if you are interest please email Lindsay [email protected] or the parish office. Tickets are £30 per person and the cost of travel to be advised nearer the time.
This is an incredible event where you will be joining thousands of other young people who believe what you believe - singing, celebrating, praying, and discovering how God is calling you to make a difference. Please Note: A deadline for interest has been set for 12th July 26.
Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries invite all Red Box supporters and the wider Diocesan community to come together for two important events in 2026.
St Simon Stock Church, Walderslade, ME5 0NF, Saturday 6 June at 11am
Join Fr Joseph Donkor (Missio Diocesan Director for Southwark) and the Mill Hill Missionaries for Mass, followed by lunch and sharing of mission work.
St Elizabeth of Portugal RC Church, Richmond TW10 6AQ Saturday, 3rd October at 11am
Join us for this special World Mission month mass with Missio National Director, Fr Anthony Chantry MHM, and Fr Joseph Donkor.
Our Mission Masses are an opportunity to hear about how missionaries share the Gospel throughout the world and how we can be missionary disciples in our own parishes. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please email [email protected] or visit https://missio.org.uk/mission-masses-and-events/ for further information.
We Need Your Help Each year, the Catholic Association Pilgrimage (CA) is responsible for coordinating the welcome and care of our ‘assisted pilgrims’ - those on our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes who have particular care and support needs. The CA is appealing for parishioners who might want to come to Lourdes as an assisted pilgrim, or as a volunteer helper in order to help provide the support that our assisted pilgrims need. All are welcome and all have an important contribution to make to the community that we form during our pilgrimage week. For more information visit: catholicassociation.co.uk or see posters at the rear of Church.
My Lourdes Story: Why One Week Changed my Life (and why you should come too) is a brief account by one of our parishioners. Please take the time to read it HERE if you feel you would like to go but are not sure what to expect.
Bishop Paul Hendricks warmly invites you to join him on this year’s SOUTHWARK DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: 21st to 28th August 26. A pilgrimage is a great opportunity to refresh and renew our relationship with the Lord Jesus, with the help of Our Lady’s prayers. I have also found it a blessing to be able to accompany and to be inspired by other pilgrims, some of whom are sick, elderly or disabled. Details for booking travel and accommodation can be found at https://www.tangney-tours.com/diocese-pilgrimages/diocese-ca/ We also ask pilgrims to complete a form with details, including medical requirements (if any) at https://www.catholicassociation.co.uk/join2026 For more information, please contact Canon Edward Perera ([email protected]) or Deacon John Fogarty ([email protected]) or myself, Bishop Paul Hendricks ([email protected])
Youth Ministry Gap Year Opportunity Do you know anyone aged 18-25 who is looking for a new challenge? The Diocese of Lancaster has a Youth Ministry team based in Keswick in the Lake District. They run retreats at Castlerigg Manor and also work in Churches and schools around the area. The ‘Youth Ministry Internship’ scheme comes with high quality training, experience, and recognised qualifications and gives young people the chance to join a welcoming community and a vibrant team doing some amazing work. Contact [email protected] or www.castleriggmanor.com >> join the team
Retrouvaille MARRIAGE SUPPORT: From relationships that are 'Just in a Rut', needing some refreshment or more serious issues - If you are open to try again – Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get their relationship back on track as they rediscovered hope and trust in the marriage. To find out more: www.retrouvaille.org.uk
Train and Volunteer as a Relationship Counsellor with Marriage Care and provide couples with professional, effective support, that makes a real difference? Marriage Care’s next Certificate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) training course will begin in March 2027 with a deadline of 30th June 26 for applications. Whilst you do not need experience as a counsellor for this role, self-awareness and having the time and space to commit to all that the training and role entails is essential. Please note that there are costs associated with training on the CRC, which are outlined on the website, visit: www.marriagecare.org.uk
Marriage and Family Life (MFL) events in 2026 organised so far are:
Building a Better Marriage (BABM) a one-day event in different deaneries. 9am - 4.30pm. It’s a day where couples can explore their relationship more deeply and gain valuable insights into the communication and the call of the Church to be married. The one-day course is for married couples (whether married for one year, 60 years or anywhere in between). It seeks to help husbands and wives to make their marriages better and to improve their communication skills. There is no group sharing and private information remains private to each couple. Booking is essential. The dates are: June 13 Hythe (Dover Deanery), October 3 West Norwood (Lambeth Deanery), November 7 Parish TBC (Wandsworth Deanery)
The Sycamore Growing in Faith together (GIFT): AnONLINE course for married and engaged couples, which has been developed in collaboration with the Southwark Marriage and Family Life team, the Agency for Evangelisation and Sycamore, a programme about the Catholic faith by Fr Stephen Wang, Growing in Faith Together consists of four one hour-long sessions via Zoom and is a wonderful opportunity for: married couples to enrich their friendship and love and engaged couples who want to continue exploring their faith together. The dates are: May 5,12,19,26 and September 8,15,22,29.
SAVE THE DATE: Celebrate Festival is back for 2026 on the 15th - 19th August!
to make sure you don't miss out on all that the Lord has to offer. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear more - www.celebratetrust.org/get-in-touch
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/
Ambassadors for Christ: A Catholic apologetics resource. The Archdiocese of Southwark has launched an exciting apologetics project to provide evidence-based answers to questions such as "Is Jesus God?" or “does prayer work?”. Ambassadors for Christ is designed to equip you with a deeper understanding of your faith, so you can confidently answer questions and be a joyful witness for the Lord Jesus and his Church. Every Monday, a new video will be posted on YouTube, along with a worksheet to enable parishes, schools, youth groups and families to use them as part of their faith formation. To watch the videos and take part in this exciting project, please visit: rcaos.org.uk/ambassadorsforchrist.
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]
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 for 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 should email [email protected], speak to Fr. Emmanuel or contact Parish Office to register their interest.
Vacancies Full details available on the Diocesan website: Vacancies: Archdiocese of Southwark (rcsouthwark.co.uk)
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