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.
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 Ordinary Time - Autumn
For Students and Teachers, especially on Education Day
For the Spread of the Gospel, especially on Home Mission Sunday & World Mission Day
For the Harvest, the Fruits of Human Work and for the Reverent Use of creation, especially on World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
For Justice & Peace in the World, especially on Harvest Fast Day
For All Victims of War, especially on Remembrance Sunday
For Young People, Especially on Youth Day (Christ the King)
For Prisoners & their Families, especially on Day of Prayer for Prisoners & Prison Week
The Aylesford Farmers Market is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm (16th November & 21st December). More than 30 stalls selling hand reared meat; fresh fish; seasonal fruit; fresh vegetables; artisan bread and cake; local wines and cheese; craft stalls and more.
For more information please see their website or find them on instagram @aylesfordfarmersmarket Visit the Aylesford Farmers Market Website
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]
Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies
The CCRS is a knowledge-based, internationally recognised qualification that provides participants with an understanding of the teachings of the Catholic faith. It enhances the understanding that education within the Church is a life-long process which leads to greater intimacy with Jesus Christ. This course presents the basic foundational teachings of the Catholic Church in a manner that is captivating, inspiring, and applicable. The CCRS is designed and intended to support the Archbishop’s vision of missionary parishes and schools by cultivating an evangelistic spirit. Participants will be equipped to make an informed and practical contributions to their chosen field of ministry within the Church. Please visit aec.rcaos.org.uk/ccrs for further information.
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 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)
CYCLE OF PRAYER - Intentions for Ordinary Time - Autumn
For Students and Teachers, especially on Education Day
For the Spread of the Gospel, especially on Home Mission Sunday & World Mission Day
For the Harvest, the Fruits of Human Work and for the Reverent Use of creation, especially on World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
For Justice & Peace in the World, especially on Harvest Fast Day
For All Victims of War, especially on Remembrance Sunday
For Young People, Especially on Youth Day (Christ the King)
For Prisoners & their Families, especially on Day of Prayer for Prisoners & Prison Week
The Aylesford Farmers Market is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm (16th November & 21st December). More than 30 stalls selling hand reared meat; fresh fish; seasonal fruit; fresh vegetables; artisan bread and cake; local wines and cheese; craft stalls and more.
For more information please see their website or find them on instagram @aylesfordfarmersmarket Visit the Aylesford Farmers Market Website
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]
Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies
The CCRS is a knowledge-based, internationally recognised qualification that provides participants with an understanding of the teachings of the Catholic faith. It enhances the understanding that education within the Church is a life-long process which leads to greater intimacy with Jesus Christ. This course presents the basic foundational teachings of the Catholic Church in a manner that is captivating, inspiring, and applicable. The CCRS is designed and intended to support the Archbishop’s vision of missionary parishes and schools by cultivating an evangelistic spirit. Participants will be equipped to make an informed and practical contributions to their chosen field of ministry within the Church. Please visit aec.rcaos.org.uk/ccrs for further information.
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 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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