EVANGELISATION IN OUR PARISH
The joy of the Gospel fills the heart and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelisation marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church's journey in years to come.
Pope Francis
CaFE COURSES
The Catholic Faith Exploration (CaFE) Group meets together to explore their faith in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Topics for discussion are presented by a series of videos produced by the Catholic Evangelisation Service.
Watch the newsletter and this website for details of future sessions.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
This group was formed to create an occasion where men can meet to talk with one another in a friendly, relaxed setting. An individual will make a secular/spiritual presentation which can be followed by a friendly discussion.
The group meets approximately every three months on a Saturday morning and advertises the dates in the newsletter.
RCIA
Becoming a catholic is one of the most profound and joyous experiences of life. Life is a journey and all are welcome on this journey to discover more deeply God in their lives.
We welcome new members into the Roman Catholic Church through a process of study, prayer, faith sharing and rites known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess their faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church and receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. With continual help and support from sponsors and the whole community, the new members are encouraged to take a full part in the life of the Church.
Please speak to the Parish Priest if you are interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith.
CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP
The Holy Cross ecumenical charismatic prayer group meets on Monday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm at member’s homes in the parish. The meetings include praise, sharing from Scriptures, teaching, prayer and personal ministry. Newcomers are most welcome.
ALPHA & CHURCHES TOGETHER
The Alpha course aims to renew the basics of faith by meeting people, along with their questions, right where they are. The course is based on Nicky Gumbel’s book “Questions of Life”.
There are talks, followed by discussions, which are most welcoming and can be very lively. New friendships have been formed at these courses and people continue to meet for both spiritual and social refreshment. Publicity will be prepared when the next course is arranged.
Linked to the National Churches Together ecumenical movement, every two to three months this group comes together to share what is going on in each other’s church and to run events together.
The group consists of one Minister and one lay person from the following churches: St Peter’s Parish Church, Gold Hill Baptist Church, All Saints Church, St Joseph’s Church, The Methodist Church, St Andrew’s Church, St James’ Church and St Mary’s Church.
PILGRIMAGES & RETREATS
Over the years there have been a number of parish pilgrimages to holy places in England and abroad. There are also regular diocesan and group pilgrimages to Lourdes and Walsingham. Many young people have accompanied the sick and handicapped to Lourdes. Parish retreats with a guest retreat master are organised every few years.
SECULAR ORDER OF DISCALCED CARMELITES
The Carmelite Secular Order is an association of lay people who pursue the path to holiness in the circumstances of their daily lives, inspired and assisted by the spirituality of the Teresian charism. It is an integral part of the Carmelite family and is open to men and women, married and single. A group of Secular Carmelites meet at St Joseph’s for prayer, worship, study and recreation on the second Saturday of each month from 11:30am to 3:30pm.