Growing in Faith, Love and Community.
Welcome to St Erconwald's Catholic Church,
Walton-on-Thames
Walton-on-Thames
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
27th September 2020
27th September 2020
Fr Bill writes: I suspect that many of you were apprehensive when the Bishop indicated that he wished to come and speak to the parish. Those that were there, did not expect to hear the Bishop indicate that a parish priest was to be appointed to look after St Erconwald’s, once I stand down from full time active ministry next year. This gives clarity to the medium future of the parish and enables the Parish Finance and Fabric Committee with your support to plan the continuation of the renewal of the fabric of the church. The parish finances are running a small the surplus but with the significant expenditure on the electrics of the three buildings the finances may only just break even over the full financial year.
The Bishop based his decision after much reflection on the size of the Catholic population in Walton generating about 60 First Communions each year and the commitment shown by the people of the parish in sustaining their giving during the lock down to such an extent that the parish finances are in better shape than last year. The team, that carried out the painting earlier in the year, shows what a change can be brought about with minimal expense. The structures of the buildings, as the Bishop and Sarah Kilmartin pointed out, are sound and according to the Quinquennial report about £60,000 needs to be spent over the next five years, which should be affordable.
While the future course of the pandemic is uncertain, the trend of the supply of priests will pose challenges for the future, as the Bishop’s Pastoral Plan has indicated. The Bishop pointed out the need to be flexible in the face of changing circumstances both on his part and on the part of parishioners. The fact, that there will be a parish priest in situ now, does not mean that this will continue indefinitely and therefore collaboration with other parishes needs to feature on the agenda. The Bishop pointed out that there had been seven deaths this year and one ordination but was anticipating one or two ordinations each year over the next five years or so and is hopeful of three or four starting next September at the seminary.
The Bishop indicated that Mass attendance after the lock down is running at about 40/50% of pre pandemic levels over the diocese and will not get back to normal for the foreseeable future. He thanked the parish priests of the past for their pastoral contribution to St Erconwald’s and looks forward to its future flourishing. He indicated that the future is in the hands of the people and it is their commitment, both financially and in terms of time, that will determine the parish’s continuing viability.
In the light of the Bishop’s announcement I will have a meeting of Finance and Fabric Committee and then an open meeting to discuss how we move forward. Please pray for Bishop Richard as he seeks to balance the needs of different parishes in the light of a declining number of priests in active ministry.
Fr Rob and I would like to thank all those who came to the meeting and showing support. I personally would like to thank Fr Rob for his support and advice at this time and to you all for your openness to the challenges and to hour willingness to embrace them
The Bishop based his decision after much reflection on the size of the Catholic population in Walton generating about 60 First Communions each year and the commitment shown by the people of the parish in sustaining their giving during the lock down to such an extent that the parish finances are in better shape than last year. The team, that carried out the painting earlier in the year, shows what a change can be brought about with minimal expense. The structures of the buildings, as the Bishop and Sarah Kilmartin pointed out, are sound and according to the Quinquennial report about £60,000 needs to be spent over the next five years, which should be affordable.
While the future course of the pandemic is uncertain, the trend of the supply of priests will pose challenges for the future, as the Bishop’s Pastoral Plan has indicated. The Bishop pointed out the need to be flexible in the face of changing circumstances both on his part and on the part of parishioners. The fact, that there will be a parish priest in situ now, does not mean that this will continue indefinitely and therefore collaboration with other parishes needs to feature on the agenda. The Bishop pointed out that there had been seven deaths this year and one ordination but was anticipating one or two ordinations each year over the next five years or so and is hopeful of three or four starting next September at the seminary.
The Bishop indicated that Mass attendance after the lock down is running at about 40/50% of pre pandemic levels over the diocese and will not get back to normal for the foreseeable future. He thanked the parish priests of the past for their pastoral contribution to St Erconwald’s and looks forward to its future flourishing. He indicated that the future is in the hands of the people and it is their commitment, both financially and in terms of time, that will determine the parish’s continuing viability.
In the light of the Bishop’s announcement I will have a meeting of Finance and Fabric Committee and then an open meeting to discuss how we move forward. Please pray for Bishop Richard as he seeks to balance the needs of different parishes in the light of a declining number of priests in active ministry.
Fr Rob and I would like to thank all those who came to the meeting and showing support. I personally would like to thank Fr Rob for his support and advice at this time and to you all for your openness to the challenges and to hour willingness to embrace them
CAFOD Novena to Saint Francis Nine brief reflections asking St Francis of Assisi to pray for us and our world, based on his beautiful Canticle of the Sun. The Novena starts on Saturday, 26th September and ends on the feast day of Saint Francis: 4th October. Use these video prayers over nine days or at nine moments of personal prayer. Each has four phases: Canticle; Amazon voice; penitential prayer; plea for intercession.
Click Here : www.sterconwalds.org.uk/uploads/3/1/9/8/31980581/prayer_creation_st-francis-novena[3200].pdf
Click Here : www.sterconwalds.org.uk/uploads/3/1/9/8/31980581/prayer_creation_st-francis-novena[3200].pdf
Liturgies led by Lay People: You will notice that on Thursdays there are no masses celebrated in the parish. Thursday in theory is my day off but flexibility is necessary in these uncertain times. As we look to the future in 2030 and beyond there will be more weekdays when no Masses will be celebrated in the churches in the Deanery. The choice is between having nothing or celebrating a version of the Liturgy of the Word maybe including the rosary and maybe including Exposition. I would like to thank Sr Maria for agreeing to lead these Liturgies. However we need to have a discussion about Liturgy and what is possible within the parameters set by the Bishop? There is a saying among some theologians that the Catholics of Western Europe have been over sacramentalised and under evangelised. How can we come together to reflect on the Word of God? Please join us this and every Thursday at 9.30 am during September and we will have another opportunity to pray together
Note also that there is no morning Mass on Saturday 26th September
Baptisms have now re-commenced and we welcome any enquiries from parents who wish their child to be baptised.
Journey of Faith You may remember that prior to the lock down we had a number of people coming to St Erconwald’s as part of the RCIA seeking to join the Catholic Church. We sent them onto the Cathedral for the Rite of Election at the start of Lent and then public liturgies came to a stop.
WE are making arrangements for the members of the group which are as follows:
Sunday 27th September (During 11.15 Mass) Azra Jennings and young daughter are due to join the Catholic Church.
Confirmation: We plan to confirm the young people of the parish during a Mass on Saturday afternoon 10th October commencing at 3.00 pm. Like so many events at present attendance will be limited to the candidates and their sponsors but hopefully the mass will be live streamed to enable as many people as possible to feel part of the celebration. Once we have taken out some benches we will be able to increase the capacity of the church and then can review how many people can be accommodated within the guidelines.
While COVID 19 remains a threat this is what you need to do before entering St Erconwalds on any occasion – Sunday or weekdays. Sanitise your hands on entering and on leaving the church.
For weekday Masses collect a blank white sheet of paper to sit on. Leave it there when you leave. This enables the cleaners to know which part of the bench needs to be cleaned.
If you wish to attend Masses on Sundays it is still necessary to book or let me know that you are coming if you have been away or this is your first time since the church has re-opened so that I can check that the demand does not exceed the spaces available. With people’s plans changing in the holiday season I have been fortunate that those who have turned up have been accommodated. Please note that it is especially important for families of three or more to let me know in advance so that we can plan placings.
Please note that the Government expects us to wear face coverings while in the church building to help to reduce the spread of the virus. Children and those with medical conditions are exempt.
Those who have booked places on Sundays will need to occupy their places at least 5 minutes before the start of Mass. Otherwise those places could be reallocated to those who just turn up.
Care for the Family
We have been running events for nearly 30 years, speaking to parents and couples all over the country in an effort to support and help those in all stages of family life. Our engaging, practical and experienced speakers aim to share helpful insights to support you and those you love.
We look forward to you joining us online, but if you can’t join one of our events, know that we offer support and resources to help you online, plus an eager team ready to help at 029 2081 0800.
Click button below for further information
We have been running events for nearly 30 years, speaking to parents and couples all over the country in an effort to support and help those in all stages of family life. Our engaging, practical and experienced speakers aim to share helpful insights to support you and those you love.
We look forward to you joining us online, but if you can’t join one of our events, know that we offer support and resources to help you online, plus an eager team ready to help at 029 2081 0800.
Click button below for further information
From 27th September,
Sunday 9.15am & 11.15am, Church will be open for Mass,
but only 30 people or family groups allowed at each Mass,
you must email the office to book a place to attend.
Proposed Next Week Mass Times and Intentions from 27th September
Please Note
There is no 9.30am Mass on Tuesday as there is a Funeral Mass at 11.15am instead,
also 9.30am Mass returns next Saturday
We pray for the Souls of Lynda Ellis and Bonnard (Bleu) Allen who have died recently.
Also Paddy Brady who died Saturday 26th September, May they Rest in Peace
Saturday 26th Sept 2.00pm First Communion Children
...Reader:
6.00pm Italian Mass
Sunday 27th Sept 9.15 am Good Health of Noreen Avery
...Reader: Stephen Speed
11.15 Baptism of Azra and Atlanta
...Reader: Mike Curtis
Monday 28th Sept 9.30am Terry O'Brien RIP
...Reader: Sue Morris
Tuesday 29th Sept 11.15am Funeral Mass for Lynda Ellis RIP
...Reader:
Wednesday 30th Sept 7.00pm Ann, Terence and Fr John Coglan
...Reader: Ian Richarson
Thursday 1st Oct 9.30am Liturgy of the Word, Sr Maria & team
Friday 2nd Oct 9.30am Good Health of Noreen Avery
...Reader: Jill Deas
Saturday 3rd Oct 9.30am Nial Cox
...Reader: Isabella
11.30am Baptism of Isabelle Bailey
...Reader:
Sunday 4th Oct 9.15 am Peace
...Reader: Carlos and George
11.15 Parishioners
...Reader: Alison Foreman
The Mass will be shorter than usual to protect the health of all. After Mass the church MUST BE CLEANED. I need volunteers to help. This will apply to all Masses during the week. If the stewards and cleaners cannot be found the Masses cannot be open to the public.
Proposed Church opening Times for this week commencing 27th September
Sunday 9.00am - 12.15pm
Monday 9.00am - 10.30am
Tuesday 9.00am - 12.15am
Wednesday 6.30pm - 8.00pm
Thursday 9.00am - 10.30am
Friday 9.00am - 10.30am
Saturday 9.00am - 10.30am
Please check here, on the web site for any last minute changes before setting out
Sunday 9.00am - 12.15pm
Monday 9.00am - 10.30am
Tuesday 9.00am - 12.15am
Wednesday 6.30pm - 8.00pm
Thursday 9.00am - 10.30am
Friday 9.00am - 10.30am
Saturday 9.00am - 10.30am
Please check here, on the web site for any last minute changes before setting out
All are most welcome
We serve the local community of Walton on Thames bringing the good news of Christ. Pope Francis has invited us to learn again how to be ‘missionary disciples’, people on a journey, filled with the joy of the Gospel. We welcome Catholics and non-Catholics alike and all those interested in learning more about our faith.
LIVE STREAMING OF THE MASS & SERVICES
from 27th September
Sunday 9.15am only
Monday 9.30am
Tuesday 9.30am
Wednesday 7.00pm
Thursday 9.30am Service of the Word
Friday 9.30am
Saturday 9.30am
Sunday 9.15am & 11.15am, Church will be open for Mass,
but only 30 people allowed at each Mass, email office for info.
Please click here to watch
from 27th September
Sunday 9.15am only
Monday 9.30am
Tuesday 9.30am
Wednesday 7.00pm
Thursday 9.30am Service of the Word
Friday 9.30am
Saturday 9.30am
Sunday 9.15am & 11.15am, Church will be open for Mass,
but only 30 people allowed at each Mass, email office for info.
Please click here to watch
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A keyword search for the St Erconwald's website is available using the box below
Clergy
Fr Bill Muir CJ is responsible for the pastoral welfare and administrative needs of St Erconwald’s. He is a Josephite and resides at St George’s College Weybridge Road, Addlestone. His email address is mail@sterconwalds.org.uk and can be contacted on 01932 221101 Please note there is is no resident priest at St Erconwald's Deacon : Joseph Côté St Erconwald’s Parish Office HAS RE-OPENED !! Susana Campos, Tues, Weds & Fri, 9am-2pm Kevin Andrews (Volunteer), Thurs am, 22 Esher Avenue, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 2TA Usual Office Hours: Tues, Weds, Fri 9.00am -14.00pm, Thurs 10.30am - 13.00pm Parish Phone Number 01932 221101 Email mail@sterconwalds.org.uk Please note this is a general email box to our Parish Office. Safeguarding Tina O'kelly dbs@sterconwalds.org.uk Gift Aid Kevin Kilburn giftaid@sterconwalds.org.uk |
Weybridge Deanery
We are part of the Weybridge Deanery. Do you need to find an alternative service time or want to take part in formation or a group from another parish click here to go to the deanery website |
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General Service Times Please Check Newsletter for updates, Weekdays Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 9.30am Wednesday 7.00pm Thursday 9.30am Liturgy of the Word Weekend Masses Saturday : Italian Mass 6.00pm except during August Sunday : Family Mass 9.15am Live Streaming Mass 11.15am Reconciliation (Confession) Saturday Morning pre-arrange with Fr Bill |
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