Catechists

We are blessed to have a dedicated group of people who work as catechists and helpers in the various sacramental and catechetical programmes in our parish. If this is an area where you feel you could contribute, please speak to one of the priests.

Adult Formation

R.C.I.A. Group

R.C.I.A. stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. The group meets throughout the year to provide instruction and discussion for those interested in finding out more about the faith, perhaps with a view to entering the Catholic Church. The group welcomes Catholics who have not been confirmed as children, and also confirmed Catholics who would like to help and support the ‘enquirers’ while at the same time deepening their own faith.

As well as being a forum for instruction and discussion, the RCIA group also prepares people for the various liturgical celebrations of the Rite, especially for the Sacraments of Initiation, i.e. Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist which are celebrated during the Easter Vigil. See also Sacraments

Adult Catholics Explore (A.C.E.)

This is a new parish group aimed at Catholics aged 30+ who would like to explore their faith in a relaxed, friendly environment. The group plans to meet on the second Tuesday of each month and explore different topics using video, tapes and discussion. It is a great opportunity to socialise and learn with others in the parish. Attendance each month is not essential, come as often as you like. You can also just listen, as it will be very relaxed. All members of the parish are welcome to attend. See Contacts page for whom to contact.

Ascent Group

Over 50 with a Tuesday morning to spare and looking for somewhere to deepen and share your faith?

If you can answer yes to the above question, the Ascent group may be for you. All human life provides opportunities for growth and development, and the latter part of our lives is no exception. Indeed, there is then more time and still much to do. We remain spiritually young. We have a mission to fulfil, and friendship to share and receive, and the Ascent Movement exists to enable older people to do just that: to come together in friendship, to deepen our spirituality, and to find a joyful fulfilment through Christian witness. We meet in the Parish Hall every second Tuesday morning after the 10 a.m. Mass.

Parish Library

Our Justice & Peace Group has put together a small collection of devotional, theological and Christian Reference books that all parishioners are welcome to borrow. The books are in the Presbytery Committee Room and are available during office hours.

Children’s Catechism Classes

Children attending non-Catholic schools should come to one of the catechism classes which are held weekly during school term time. See under Sacraments.

Primary School

The Catholic Junior and Infants school in the parish is

St. Thomas Becket School

Becket Close, Birchanger Road, SE25 5BN

Tel: 020 8654 3006

Other nearby Catholic Primary Schools

St. Mary’s Infant School

 Bedford Park, Croydon, CR0 2AQ

 Tel: 020 8688 2891

St. Mary’s Junior School

   Sydenham Road, Croydon, CR0 2EW

   Tel: 020 8688 4893

St. Chad’s Junior and Infant School

   Alverston Gardens, South Norwood, SE25 6LR

   Tel: 020 8771 3470

Good Shepherd Junior and Infants School

   Dunley Drive, New Addington, CR0 0RG

   Tel: 01689 841771

Local Secondary Schools

Coloma Convent High School (Girls)

   Upper Shirley Road, Croydon, CR9 5AS

   Tel: 020 8654 6228

St. Thomas Moore Secondary School (Mixed)

   Russell Hill Road, Purley, CR8 2XB

   Tel: 020 8668 6251

St. Joseph’s College (Boys, mixed 6th form)

   Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, SE19 3HL

   Tel: 020 8761 1426

St. Mary’s High School (Mixed)

   Woburn Road, Croydon, CR0 2AB

   Tel: 020 8686 3837

St. John Fisher School (Boys)

   Peaks Hill, Purley, CR8 3YP

   Tel: 020 8660 4555

All Saints School (Mixed)

   Layhams Road, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 9HH

   Tel: 020 8777 8383

The priests will be pleased to provide details of other Catholic schools on request.