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 BEFORE LENT
In Ordinary Time no particular aspect of the mystery of Christ is celebrated, but rather the mystery of Christ itself is honoured in its fulness, especially on Sundays.
CYCLE OF PRAYER - Intentions for Ordinary Time before Lent:
Peace on Earth - especially on the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Openness to the Word of God - especially on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
For Justice and Peace in the World - especially on Racial Justice Day
Christian Unity - especially during the Church Unity Octave
The Victims of Trafficking & Those who Work to Combat it - especially on 8th February
The Sick & Those who Care for them - especially on World Day of the Sick 11th February
The Unemployed - especially on the First Sunday of Lent the Day for the Unemployed.
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
World Leprosy Day, Sunday 25th January 26 - a time to pray for and stand in solidarity with people affected by leprosy around the world. We remember the work of the John Bradburne Memorial Society, inspired by John Bradburne, who devoted his life to caring for those with leprosy at the Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre in Zimbabwe. Please keep the people of Mutemwa in your prayers and consider supporting this vital work through prayer, awareness, or donation. www.johnbradburne.com, Tel: 07979 187498 or Email: [email protected]
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 privately 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: March 7 Tonbridge Parish (Tunbridge Wells Deanery), May 23 Wallington (Sutton Deanery), June 13 Hythe (Dover Deanery), October 3 West Norwood (Lambeth Deanery), November 7 Parish TBC (Wandsworth Deanery)
The 2026 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: March 10,17,24,31.
May 5,12,19,26. September 8,15,22,29
'Rooted in Love' - Growing in Faith Together (GIFT). An online monthly meet up to hear a scripture reading and discuss ideas relevant to married Catholic couples / couples where one is RC / or an individual RC spouse meeting once a month for 1 hour at 8.30pm - 9.30pm. Thursday 22 January, Thursday 26 February, Thursday 26 March
To book or for futher informtion Contact Carole on: [email protected]
Divine Mercy Apostolate Join our pilgrimage to Lourdes 9th to 14th February 26. Travel, full board, exciting festival devotional program, experience the Blessed Sacrament Procession of the Sick, the Candlelight Marian Rosary Procession and the International Mass on the Feast Day followed by Stations, Confessions and Adoration with Hour of Mercy Cost £590. Call Millie on 07957594646 for more information.
Archdiocesan Pilgrimages for Young Adults
· Young adults (aged 18 to 35) are invited to join Archbishop John on pilgrimage to Lourdes, from 7 to 13 June 2026. The cost is £789, which includes flights and full-board accommodation on a shared basis. To book, please visit: www.tinyurl.com/lourdes26
· Young adults (aged 18 to 35) are also invited to register interest for the World Youth Day pilgrimage to Korea in August 2027 at www.tinyurl.com/wyd2027
· For information about youth activities for all ages across the Archdiocese please visit our website at www.tinyurl.com/scys1
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/
The new parish Legion of Mary praesidium, titled 'Our Lady Queen of Peace', will meet in the presbytery, 63 London Road, after the 10.30am Mass this Sunday (18/1/26). A warm welcome is extended to all to 'come and see'. The Legion prayers will be available in both English and Hindi.
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]
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 should email [email protected], speak to Fr. Emmanuel or contact Parish Office 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)
In Ordinary Time no particular aspect of the mystery of Christ is celebrated, but rather the mystery of Christ itself is honoured in its fulness, especially on Sundays.
CYCLE OF PRAYER - Intentions for Ordinary Time before Lent:
Peace on Earth - especially on the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Openness to the Word of God - especially on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
For Justice and Peace in the World - especially on Racial Justice Day
Christian Unity - especially during the Church Unity Octave
The Victims of Trafficking & Those who Work to Combat it - especially on 8th February
The Sick & Those who Care for them - especially on World Day of the Sick 11th February
The Unemployed - especially on the First Sunday of Lent the Day for the Unemployed.
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
World Leprosy Day, Sunday 25th January 26 - a time to pray for and stand in solidarity with people affected by leprosy around the world. We remember the work of the John Bradburne Memorial Society, inspired by John Bradburne, who devoted his life to caring for those with leprosy at the Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre in Zimbabwe. Please keep the people of Mutemwa in your prayers and consider supporting this vital work through prayer, awareness, or donation. www.johnbradburne.com, Tel: 07979 187498 or Email: [email protected]
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 privately 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: March 7 Tonbridge Parish (Tunbridge Wells Deanery), May 23 Wallington (Sutton Deanery), June 13 Hythe (Dover Deanery), October 3 West Norwood (Lambeth Deanery), November 7 Parish TBC (Wandsworth Deanery)
The 2026 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: March 10,17,24,31.
May 5,12,19,26. September 8,15,22,29
'Rooted in Love' - Growing in Faith Together (GIFT). An online monthly meet up to hear a scripture reading and discuss ideas relevant to married Catholic couples / couples where one is RC / or an individual RC spouse meeting once a month for 1 hour at 8.30pm - 9.30pm. Thursday 22 January, Thursday 26 February, Thursday 26 March
To book or for futher informtion Contact Carole on: [email protected]
Divine Mercy Apostolate Join our pilgrimage to Lourdes 9th to 14th February 26. Travel, full board, exciting festival devotional program, experience the Blessed Sacrament Procession of the Sick, the Candlelight Marian Rosary Procession and the International Mass on the Feast Day followed by Stations, Confessions and Adoration with Hour of Mercy Cost £590. Call Millie on 07957594646 for more information.
Archdiocesan Pilgrimages for Young Adults
· Young adults (aged 18 to 35) are invited to join Archbishop John on pilgrimage to Lourdes, from 7 to 13 June 2026. The cost is £789, which includes flights and full-board accommodation on a shared basis. To book, please visit: www.tinyurl.com/lourdes26
· Young adults (aged 18 to 35) are also invited to register interest for the World Youth Day pilgrimage to Korea in August 2027 at www.tinyurl.com/wyd2027
· For information about youth activities for all ages across the Archdiocese please visit our website at www.tinyurl.com/scys1
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/
The new parish Legion of Mary praesidium, titled 'Our Lady Queen of Peace', will meet in the presbytery, 63 London Road, after the 10.30am Mass this Sunday (18/1/26). A warm welcome is extended to all to 'come and see'. The Legion prayers will be available in both English and Hindi.
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]
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 should email [email protected], speak to Fr. Emmanuel or contact Parish Office 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)
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