OTHER PARISH GROUPS OF RAINHAM INDEX
Monies collected for this national association help missionaries in all countries.
One may become a ‘Life Member’, or make an annual subscription direct to London. It is more usual, though, for boxes to be left in subscribers’ homes from which a ‘Promoter’ takes collections up quarterly; who at the same time leaves a ‘Mission Magazine’.
The ‘Association’ is a lay organisation committed to co-operation with the Church. It aims to provide spiritual and practical support through self-help groups, and to permit membership to all separated and divorced Catholics, whatever their circumstances.
Through talks on such topics as separations, divorce, annulment, indissolubility of marriage, second marriage, and sacraments for the remarried, members are informed of the Church’s teaching. It is emphasised, that the Catholic, although divorced, is not alone, is not a failure, but is still an equal member of the Church.
In a Pastoral Letter the late Cardinal Hume wrote, “….. we must never lose sight of those left to struggle alone with the upbringing of children. Some have suffered separation and divorce. In extremely difficult circumstances they often show heroism which is an inspiration to us all.”
We meet in each other’s houses once a month, usually on the first Saturday: and additionally, occasional visits to places of interest, theatres, and even trips to France are organised.
For
further information about A.S.D.C on (01622) 757930
Or visit this website by following the link for more information: http://www.asdcengland.org.uk/
Mutual help and spiritual support for those who have experienced the pain
of marriage failure.
We are a group of individual befrienders who visit the bereaved. Our purpose is not to counsel, but to bring support and friendship during a difficult time.
In our befriending, with God’s help, we seek to allow the gift of tears and the comfort of hope.For further information contact the ‘Bereavement Support Group’ through Josie Boxall (01634) 360637
The card shop at St. Thomas’ is open both before and after all Masses on Sunday; and as required after weekday Masses.
The stock carried in the card shop is of a high standard, suitable for gifts, and several visits to our suppliers in London are made each year to ensure that seasonal needs are catered for. In addition, there is always a good and varying supply of rosaries, medals, crucifixes and holy pictures available.
Missals are always kept in stock; also books for updating our faith, children’s books and biblical works. Every effort will be made to obtain books that are specially requested.
Mass cards, and high quality cards for all occasions, including Christmas and Easter cards when in season, are attractively and conveniently displayed.
The subsidiary card shop at St. Peter’s is open after the 11.00 a.m. Sunday Mass.
Catholic papers and periodicals may be ordered for collection from the card shops.
It is important to keep in touch with those who are unable to attend Mass for a short while, through a recoverable illness or because of frailty, due to advancing years.
If you have a family member in hospital and are worried about after care e.g. going home or into a residential home: are you aware of your rights?
You can telephone Josie Boxall who is willing to give you advice on where to go for help selecting the appropriate accommodation or the help available to you in your own home.
If for any reason you are going into hospital, do let the clergy know in advance if possible.
If you have concerns for someone who needs additional care or support we are able to offer our help. This may involve visiting the housebound, keeping in contact, offering spiritual support, help with Social Services, Holy Communion, the Luncheon Club or a Day Centre.
Please contact Josie Boxall (01634) 360637 if you require care or wish to join the team of volunteers.
St.
Martha’s Group meet fortnightly to clean and care for St. Thomas’
Church. The task takes about 90 minutes; but the group is very small and
extra help would be most appreciated – initially to cover sickness
and holiday periods: but ultimately, to form a second team.
If anyone (man or woman!) can help, please contact Mrs. Mary O’Toole
(01634) 231793.
St. Peter’s Church is cared for and cleaned by Mrs Pat Springate. Anyone who would like to help should contact: Mrs Pat Springate (01634) 387992
We are a group of volunteers who aim to help any member of the parish with a disability or special need feel more ‘included’ and involved in the life of the Church. We go about this by helping with ‘First Eucharist’ instruction, special ministry instruction etc.
If
you would like to become involved, or feel you may need our help, please
contact:
Pauline Green (01634) 579849
GARDENS
Mike Long currently maintains the garden at St Thomas ' to an
excellent standard. Any offers of assistance, donations of plants would
be much appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact:
Mike Long (01634) 575384
A number of our parishioners with others from the Deanery, are volunteer visitors working in the Medway Maritime Hospital, alongside with Hospital Chaplains. The visitors are expected to cover certain wards each week, attending to the spiritual needs of Catholics and any other patients who need them.
After the approval of their parish priests and trained by the Hospital Chaplain Visitor Coordinator, Deacon Alan Boxall. Training and meetings are ongoing.
Those who are Extraordinary Ministers take Holy Communion whilst visiting. A priest may be requested to adminsiter the Sacrament of the Sick.
If you go into hospital or you would like to join our team, then please contact Deacon Alan Boxall on (01634) 360637.
A group for young people aged from 4-16 that meets in the Parish Centre on Thursday evenings from 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and gives displays at Irish clubs and events.
Mr D Cullen
A very warm welcome is extended to everyone to join us in fellowship
and informal prayers when we meet weekly at 8.00 p.m. on Fridays at 8
Tanker Hill, Rainham: and on the last Friday of the month when we join
in the ‘Praise and Worship Service’ at St. Peter’s in
Twydall. We feel that the power of communal prayer is vital for the spiritual
and physical well being of our parish, and we would urge you to consider
joining us whenever you can.
Mr. Joe Viotto
ST. THOMAS OF CANTERBURY YOUTH CLUB
‘St. Thomas’ Youth Club’ is run fortnightly during term time on Tuesday from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. It is open to year 6 and 7 children and its aim is to develop the social skills of the young people in our parish.
During the evening there are a variety of activities in which the children can participate, for example table tennis, football and games. We have also recently purchased a new TV/Video and Play Station 2, for the children to watch and play.
Throughout the year the children are offered the opportunity to go on various trips, ranging from ice skating and bowling to visits to different ‘Theme Parks’.
Sarah
Back (07947) 762267
Matthew Micalleff (01634) 264013
The clergy of the Rainham Churches meet regularly to raise and discuss matters of pastoral interest to all.
A mixed class for anybody interested in Scottish Dancing that meets on Saturday mornings in the Parish Centre from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
Jenny or Catherine Barrow
The club meet on the last Thursday of the month in the Parish Centre from 7.30 p.m. to between 9.30 p.m. and 10.00 p.m. The interest focuses mainly on making dolls house furniture and furnishings.
Secretary Mrs Wildridge
The ‘Rainham Luncheon Club’, which was started in 1980, is run once a week for elderly people living on their own. An ‘Age Concern’ Ambulance collects the housebound. For some it is their only outing and it gives them a chance to meet other people as well as getting a good hot lunch. A charge of £1.50 is made, which includes coffee on arrival and a cup of tea after lunch. The last Wednesday of each month birthdays are celebrated with a glass of sherry.
This is an ecumenical venture with volunteers from St. Thomas’ Church and St. Margaret’s Church forming four teams so their duties come once every four weeks
If you can spare one Wednesday a month to help with this worthwhile job (about four hours), please contact Mrs. Sheila Link
A ladies only club meets in the Parish Centre from 1.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons. The group is small and new members are always welcome.
Mrs Wendy Frazer
