You will see that this directory contains a wealth of information about parish activities and contacts. We have organisations which cover social and spiritual activities at many levels and across a broad range from justice and peace to Brownies; from welfare to ecumenism.
We are extremely fortunate in being well resourced in most areas and we could not achieve what we do without the dedication of those who lead our activities. We want our parish to continue to thrive and to contribute as much as it can to its members and, wherever possible to the local community. To do this we need as many people as possible to help in however small a way they can. Within our midst we have a wealth of experience and knowledge drawn from all walks of life, young and old. We all have our own particular experience; things which are unique to us. This is an immense resource and we should not underestimate the contribution we individually and collectively can make as a result.
So don't be shy, volunteer! You have a contribution to make and whatever time or experience you can contribute will not be wasted. Please complete the enclosed sheet to volunteer your services.
You will also find a form to fill in if you are new to the parish giving brief details about you and your family for the parish records. This form can also be used to notify changes of address.
If you have any corrections or changes you would like to make to this Directory, please notify the Parish Office, marking the envelope: Parish Directory.
The Presbytery, 147 Bingham Road,
Addiscombe, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 7EN
email:
Website: www.addiscombecatholicchurch.com
Diocesan Website: http://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk
There are secretaries on duty in the Parish office who are able to deal with routine matters such as arranging Mass Intentions, issuing certificates, making appointments etc. Office hours each weekday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Daughters of Mary and Joseph have their Regional House in the parish at:
Occasional alterations or additions to times of services are announced in the weekly newsletter.
Babies should normally be baptised in their own parish. Parents who wish to have their children baptised in a different parish should discuss this with their own parish priest as well as the priest in the parish where the baptism is to take place.
In Addiscombe, parents are asked to make an appointment to arrange the Baptism at least two months before the proposed date. (This appointment can take place before the child is born.) The parents will be invited to take part in preparation session explaining the various parts of the Baptism rite and the responsibilities being undertaken. Baptisms are usually celebrated at 4pm on Sundays or during any of the Sunday Masses.
If they are over the age of five, children require some simple instruction before they can be baptised. This will be arranged by the priest as necessary. Arrangements for Baptism will be made when the instruction is nearing completion.
Children who are not at Catholic schools should begin attending catechism classes at the church in the September following their sixth birthday.
Children who are seven years old on 31st August can apply to make their First Holy Communion the following year. The programme of preparation begins in September but applications have to be in by the end of July. First Communion is usually celebrated in June the following year. During the programme various meetings are arranged for parents to help them in the vital role they play in their child's preparation for First Communion. Information will be given at Mass and in the Newsletter before a new programme starts.
Young people from year 8 upwards may apply to be prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Information will be given at Mass and in the Newsletter before a new programme starts.
The RCIA programme is for adults who wish to become Catholics and also Catholic adults who have not received First Communion and/or Confirmation as children. The programme usually begins in May or June and culminates at the Easter Vigil the following year when the sacraments of Baptism (if necessary), Confirmation and First Communion are celebrated. However different arrangements can be made when necessary. Confirmed Catholics may also take part in the meetings of the RCIA programme as a way of deepening their faith and also supporting those who are preparing for the sacraments.
In the Catholic Church marriages may only take place between two people who are free to marry in the sense that:
Catholics should normally marry in their own parish or in the parish of one of the parties. Those who wish to marry in a different parish should discuss this with their own parish priest as well as the priest of the parish in which they wish to marry. Catholics who wish to marry in a non-Catholic church must ask a priest to apply for a dispensation from the bishop; they will be expected to undertake the same preparation as if they were marrying in a Catholic church. Marriages should normally be booked before the end of the year preceding the year in which the marriage is to take place. A minimum of six months notice is required. To begin with, the couple should make an appointment with the priest to initiate the necessary paper work. Thereafter, they will be invited to take part in a 'Day for Engaged Couples'; which usually takes place in the early part of each year.
Please inform the priests if you know of anyone who is sick so that a priest or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion may visit them to provide for their spiritual needs. See also Hospital Chaplaincy under Welfare above, or, on Page 22 of the printed Directory.
Please always ask the undertaker to contact one of the priests before finalising any arrangements for a funeral.
All members of the parish community, especially children and young people are entitled to take a full part in the activities of the parish. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that while they do so, they are treated with care and respect and they are kept safe from every kind of abuse and harm. We have a very large number of children and young people taking part in a variety of uniformed organisations and catechetical programmes in the parish. We also have a large number of older people who receive SVP visits, and Holy Communion in their own homes or sheltered housing.
The Catholic church takes very seriously this responsibility through the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission. The Diocese has its own Southwark Child Protection Commission, and the parish has a Parish Safeguarding Committee. It is the responsibility of these to implement good practice and policy and to ensure that :
All members of the parish are expected to provide an atmosphere in which children, young people and vulnerable adults feel welcomed, affirmed and safe. They must also be aware of and accept the responsibility we all share for the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable older people.
If you are concerned and need to speak to someone, the parish has a Safeguarding co-ordinator, whose name and telephone number appears on the Contact Page or speak to one of the priests. Copies of posters are displayed in all our church buildings with guidelines and telephone numbers displayed. Copies of policies and guidelines are available from the Parish Office.
We have Exposition of the Blessed every Friday from the 7.00am Mass to 9pm. Members of the parish commit themselves to a regular period of adoration.
Members of The Union of Catholic Mothers come to the 10 a.m. Mass on the 1st Sunday of each month except August.
The Uniformed Youth Groups (Scouts, Guides, etc.) come to the 10 a.m. Mass on the 3rd Sunday of each month except August. After this Mass, refreshments which are provided by the Uniformed Groups are served in the Large Hall.
The Music Group leads the singing at the 10 a.m. Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, except August.
Children's Liturgy (A Special Service for Small Children) is held in the hall during the 8.30 and 10 a.m. Masses on the second and last Sunday of each month.
Coffee is served in the hall after the 10 a.m on Wednesdays.
In order to implement the many proposals coming out of the 2006 Mission and to make it more effective, major changes were agreed to the purpose, function and structure of the Parish Council in September 2007. There are a total of twelve places on the Parish Council. The permanent positions are assumed by the Clergy of The Parish. The Parish Priest is the President and the Assistant Priest is The Vice President. The Chair of the Parish Council is appointed by the Parish Priest. A member of the Finance Committee (not open to election) also sits on the Parish Council. The other eight positions are elected annually for a period of one year duration. All posts are put forward for re-election the next year. There is nothing to stop any present incumbent of a post standing for re-election to any of the posts (including one they have previously held). The eight elected positions relate to specific areas of responsibility including Communications Leader, Mission Development Leader, Ecumenical Outreach Development Leader, Spirituality Development Leader, Youth Provision and Development Leader - Post 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation Age, Parish Social Life Leader. The Parish Council meets normally four times a year in January, April, July and October. In addition, there is an AGM advertised and open to all members of the Parish with the opportunity to raise questions through the Question Box which is placed in the church porch a few weeks before the AGM.
Serving is a ministry that is open to adults and children over the age of 9. Occasional training classes are held.
Assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and also take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound of our community
We have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament to pray for Vocations every Friday from the 7.00am Mass to 9pm. Members of the parish commit themselves to a regular period of adoration.
The church is cleaned on a rota basis by four teams, usually on a Thursday morning. New volunteers are always more than welcome. Please see contacts list for person to speak to if you would like to help keeping our church a place of worship to be proud of.
Our flower arrangers do their best to make our Church look lovely for Sunday worship and special occasions. None of us have any special flower arranging training. If you like flowers and would like to help with this ministry, please see Contacts list for person to telephone. There is a separate rota for each of our three altars.
A Marian Prayer Group meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at: 124, Addiscombe Road.
The Music Group sings at the 10 a.m. Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Practices are held on the preceding Friday at 7.30 p.m. in the church.
Any person who is able to play the organ or piano and would be willing to accompany the singing at services should contact the Parish Priest.
There is a rota for Readers. Please see one of the Priests if you are interested in reading at Mass.
The Repository Shop is usually open after most Sunday Masses.
A special service for small children is held in the hall during the 8.30 and 10 a.m. Mass on the second and last Sunday of each month. A group of people, especially parents, meets once a month to consider the scripture readings for the weeks concerned and to devise ways of presenting the message of the readings to small children.
The Parish boundaries are such that we are part of two different Groups of Christian Churches set up to further the cause of Christian Unity in the area. Each of these bodies plan ecumenical services, talks, quiet days, lent groups, and other joint ventures between the member churches.
Churches Together in Addiscombe:
The member churches of Addiscombe Group of Churches co-operate to run this scheme which provides practical help of all kinds for residents in the Addiscombe Area. Contact: St. Mildred's Church Hall, Bingham Road, Addiscombe. Tel: 020 8654 5062
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.
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 Catholic adults who have not been confirmed, 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.
In our diocese at least 6 months notice of marriage is required. Please contact the Presbytery so that the paperwork and marriage preparation can be completed in good time.
A local branch of Marriage Care exists to help people who are anxious about their marriages. Individuals or couples can make appointments on 8660 2074.
Married couples co-operate with priests in helping parents prepare for the baptism of their children. To arrange a baptism, please contact one of the priests. For further details, please see page on Sacraments.
The parish has had its own UCM foundation for over 50 years catering for the social, spiritual and welfare needs of its members and the parish as a whole. Meetings are held in the parish hall on the 1st Wednesday of the month. Good social programme that provides friendship and support to women of the parish.
Mothers with their babies and toddlers meet in the Church Hall on Thursdays during term time from 9.30 a.m. until 11.30a.m.
This committee advises the parish priest in money matters, the maintenance of parish property and plant, the taking of new initiatives and other matters the Parish Priest or Parish Pastoral Council may ask it to consider.
If you pay income tax, any money you give to the Church can be "gift aided", allowing the parish to claim back from the Inland Revenue the tax you have paid on that sum. The Gift Aid Scheme organiser can also arrange for you to make your contributions to the parish by Banker's Order if you wish. Please see contacts sheet.
Manages the running of our Parish Halls.
Items for the parish newsletter should be handed into the Presbytery by Wednesday morning for publication the following Sunday.
If you have moved into the parish recently or have changed your address, please let the parish office, or one of the priests know so that parish records can be kept up to date. You may use the form in the centre of this booklet for this purpose. The records are stored on a computer. (The registration required under the provision of the Data Protection Act 1987 is arranged through the diocese.)
The parish has its own video equipment for use by parish organisations wishing to show videotapes of an educational nature. We also have a portable sound system, radio mikes, and DVD capabilities which are regularly used for our Children's and Young People's catechetical formation, especially for the Confirmation Programme. Please contact the Parish Priest if you wish to use this equipment.
Members of the weekly draw pay 15p per week. The draw takes place during the Wednesday Coffee morning after 10 a.m. Mass. There is a weekly prize of £5 and two £50 prizes every month. Winner's names are published in the Newsletter. New members are always very welcome. If you would like to join please get in touch with the organiser listed on the 'Contacts' page.
Retiring collections are held monthly to give aid and support to missionaries in India, Kenya, Uganda, Ecuador, Aid to the Church in Need and other worthy causes.
This parish organisation, a limited company, operates three houses for elderly people in the locality. The houses are:
Please find under Ecumenism.
This is a national church charity for the missions. Members keep small red mission boxes in their homes into which they put money, usually small change. No matter how small, every contribution is greatly appreciated. A member of the parish collects this money, usually annually. It is then passed on to the local Secretary, who in turn passes it on to Mill Hill to help with the work of their missions.The missions do great work, not only in looking after the spiritual welfare of the people, but also providing schools, protecting people's human rights, building projects etc. If you would like to be part of this valuable work by having a mission box and praying for the work of the missions, please contact the APF Secretary (See Contacts page).
The Catenian Association was founded in Manchester in 1908. It consists of groups of Catholic laymen, known as circles, who meet together at least once a month, to help and encourage one another in their religious, social, and business lives. There are many circles locally, among them Croydon Circle, and Norwood Circle, but men who are interest in the Catenians may approach any circle. Please see 'Contacts' page for Contact names and telephone numbers.
Please tell one of the priests if any parishioner is in hospital so that they may be visited or receive communion from the chaplaincy team.
All wards are visited by one of the priests of the Croydon Deanery. The priests of this parish visit every Friday. Lay people assist in this ministry. To ensure that you receive proper spiritual care when you are in Mayday, please make sure that the ward sister enters your religion in the Kardex on your ward. A Catholic priest is on call 24 hours a day. Please ask a nurse to get switchboard to bleep the Catholic Duty Chaplain in an emergency.
One of our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion makes regular visits to Shirley Oaks Hospital to see Catholic patients. One of the priests visits patients when asked to do so.
The group meets monthly in the Committee Room. A Traidcraft stall is open after all Masses on the second Sunday of the month. The Group's aim is to raise awareness on local, national and international justice and peace issues.
The Parish Environment Group is a part of the Justice & Peace Group and was started to encourage our parish and Parishioners to understand and take action on environmental issues. If you have any suggestions on how this Parish could be more environmentally responsible, please let us know. Or better still, please come to one of our monthly meetings which are held on the second Wednesday of the month in the committee room. Contact details are on the 'Contacts' page.
The Life Group is part of the national Life organisation which gives counselling, advice and support to pregnant women. It carries out a programme of education and fund-raising to help run the local Life office.
Please look under Ecumenism
The SVP takes a special interest in the needs of the elderly, sick and housebound in the parish. Members make visits every Tuesday evening and then meet together in the Committee Room at 9 p.m.
Arrangements are made to bring elderly or housebound people to Mass on Sundays. The organiser co-ordinates offers and requests for transport.
The Unity Club is an inter-denominational meeting place for the over 60's. It provides companionship, entertainment and tea for 80 to 100 people every Friday afternoon in our church hall between 1.45 - 3.45. Do pop in and have a chat with us if you would like to become a member. All are welcome.
There are two Rainbow Units, three Brownie packs and two Guide Companies in the parish and meetings are held in the Church Hall.
Rainbows are girls aged 5 to 7 years.
Brownies are girls aged 7 - 10 years.
Guides are girls aged 10 to 15 years.
The 28th Croydon (Our Lady of the Annunciation) Scout Group has now been in existence for over 50 years. Meetings are held at our own Scout Headquarters which is located at the rear of 20-22 Craven Road (off Bingham Rd.) The Group currently comprises the following Sections:
All parents who wish their children to join the Scout Group or adults who wish to become involved as leaders should contact the Group Scout Leader first. Please see Contacts Page for details.
Social Activities
Parish Halls
Only a member of the parish who is over the age of 18 can book a hall for a private function. The person making the booking will be responsible for ensuring that the "Conditions of Use" are observed. Any refusal of booking can be referred to the Halls Committee, whose decision is final.
The use of the large hall includes the use of the large kitchen and main toilets. Use of the small hall includes the use of the small kitchen and the small toilets. No booking includes the use of the garden. Children must not be allowed to play in the car park.
Booking of the large hall includes the use of the chairs and tables normally kept in the large hall and also trestle tables. If small tables and lounge chairs are not required, they must be stacked carefully at the back of the stage, not in corridors or other halls. Tables and chairs should not be taken from other halls, unless agreed in advance. If the Social Club bar is required, arrangements for this should be made with the Bar Manager. If the Social Club bar is not used, the person making the booking is responsible for ensuring that alcoholic drinks are not sold, either directly or indirectly, unless the special arrangements required by law have been made. Functions must end at 11 p.m., that is, music and the serving of food and drink should stop at this time. Halls should be tidy, vacated and secured by midnight. Please do not ask for exceptions to be made. It is not fair on our neighbours. The parish of Our Lady of the Annunciation accepts no responsibility for injury to persons or loss of property, which may occur in connection with the use of the halls. The hirer is responsible for the safety and welfare of any child using the hall during the hire period.
Full conditions of use for private functions are set out on the Booking Form available from Parish Office.
Addiscombe Catholic Social Club
The Parish Social Club runs a bar for its members in the Church Hall which is open on Fridays from 8 until 11 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 noon until 2 p.m. and from 7.30 until 10.30 p.m. All parishioners are eligible for membership of the Social Club. The Club has regular live entertainments.
Social Events Committee
This committee organises the main parish social events such as the Autumn Fayre.