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.
The Season of Advent - Advent has a twofold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight.
CYCLE OF PRAYER - Intentions for Advent and Christmas Time:
Migrants & Refugees (especially on Migrants’ Day 3rd December)
Expectant Mothers (especially on Fourth Sunday of Advent)
The Pope has asked that 2024 be a ‘Year of Prayer’. Please see the Pilgrims of prayer booklet, which introduces exercises that you may find useful to practise prayer.
We can still defeat assisted suicide! There is a clear path toward the assisted suicide Bill being defeated at Third Reading. Early analysis shows that at least 36 MPs supported the Bill but have concerns that mean they may vote NO at later stages. Just 28 MPs switching their stance to NO would ensure it is defeated at Third Reading. We need MPs to know that their constituents want them to vote NO at Third Reading. Please take action now and visit www.righttolife.org.uk/ASvote to find out how your MP voted and ask them to vote against the Bill at Third Reading.
As part of the preparation for the 2025 Jubilee year, the Southwark Marriage and Family Team will be running a Building a Better Marriage Course throughout the Archdiocese from February 2024. 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 marriage better and to improve their communication skills. There is no group sharing and private information remains private to each couple. Couples who have attended previously have found it enjoyable, informative, and uplifting. For more information contact the Marriage and Family Life team through the Archdiocese of Southwark: website. https://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/mission/marriage-and-family-life
RCIA - Sharing the Faith. It is hoped to begin classes on Monday 11th November 2024 from 7:30pm in No 63 London Rd. Any adult who is interested in becoming a Catholic or any Catholic adult who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation is invited to attend. Please contact Fr Emmanuel or Deacon James if you are interested.
The Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) Carol Concert, featuring The Medway Singers,
St Augustine's Church, Rainham, 7th December at 7.45pm. All proceeds for our charity ‘The Music Man Project Kent’. Light refreshments served in the interval. For tickets call Yvonne Durkan on Medway 375413, Alma Payne 362896 or Theresa Durham 360062.
CAFOD This Christmas, give your loved ones something exceptional and life-changing with CAFODS World Gifts. In a world where many of us already have what we need, why not choose a gift that makes a real difference for those facing the injustice of poverty around the world. Please take a catalogue from the back of church or see their full range online https://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk/ Order by 11th December to ensure delivery.
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 2024 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
Homes for Ukraine - an international Catholic Charity with many services for the vulnerable in the UK and Ireland, are matching Ukrainian people displaced by war with people in the Catholic community willing to host them in their homes for six months. If you have room in your home and heart to consider welcoming a stranger then we’d love to hear from you. For more information see poster at rear of Church or visit https://sjog-homesforukraine.uk/
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 Advent and Christmas Time:
Migrants & Refugees (especially on Migrants’ Day 3rd December)
Expectant Mothers (especially on Fourth Sunday of Advent)
The Pope has asked that 2024 be a ‘Year of Prayer’. Please see the Pilgrims of prayer booklet, which introduces exercises that you may find useful to practise prayer.
We can still defeat assisted suicide! There is a clear path toward the assisted suicide Bill being defeated at Third Reading. Early analysis shows that at least 36 MPs supported the Bill but have concerns that mean they may vote NO at later stages. Just 28 MPs switching their stance to NO would ensure it is defeated at Third Reading. We need MPs to know that their constituents want them to vote NO at Third Reading. Please take action now and visit www.righttolife.org.uk/ASvote to find out how your MP voted and ask them to vote against the Bill at Third Reading.
As part of the preparation for the 2025 Jubilee year, the Southwark Marriage and Family Team will be running a Building a Better Marriage Course throughout the Archdiocese from February 2024. 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 marriage better and to improve their communication skills. There is no group sharing and private information remains private to each couple. Couples who have attended previously have found it enjoyable, informative, and uplifting. For more information contact the Marriage and Family Life team through the Archdiocese of Southwark: website. https://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/mission/marriage-and-family-life
RCIA - Sharing the Faith. It is hoped to begin classes on Monday 11th November 2024 from 7:30pm in No 63 London Rd. Any adult who is interested in becoming a Catholic or any Catholic adult who wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation is invited to attend. Please contact Fr Emmanuel or Deacon James if you are interested.
The Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) Carol Concert, featuring The Medway Singers,
St Augustine's Church, Rainham, 7th December at 7.45pm. All proceeds for our charity ‘The Music Man Project Kent’. Light refreshments served in the interval. For tickets call Yvonne Durkan on Medway 375413, Alma Payne 362896 or Theresa Durham 360062.
CAFOD This Christmas, give your loved ones something exceptional and life-changing with CAFODS World Gifts. In a world where many of us already have what we need, why not choose a gift that makes a real difference for those facing the injustice of poverty around the world. Please take a catalogue from the back of church or see their full range online https://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk/ Order by 11th December to ensure delivery.
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 2024 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
Homes for Ukraine - an international Catholic Charity with many services for the vulnerable in the UK and Ireland, are matching Ukrainian people displaced by war with people in the Catholic community willing to host them in their homes for six months. If you have room in your home and heart to consider welcoming a stranger then we’d love to hear from you. For more information see poster at rear of Church or visit https://sjog-homesforukraine.uk/
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)
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