Christ the King, Cockfosters

Introduction

Christ the King, Cockfosters, was founded in 1936 by Abbot Constantine Bosschaerts OSB, who also established the Vita et Pax Foundation. The new church was blessed by Cardinal Hinsley in 1939 and began serving the local community.

History

The church, finished with a large illuminated cross, was originally intended as a hall and served temporarily, but larger construction plans were abandoned when war destabilised parish finances. After 77 years of service by the Benedictines of Monte Oliveto in Cockfosters, the monks decided to withdraw from the parish.

In 2020, faced with the Coronavirus pandemic, the parish began broadcasting masses online. The Diocese of Westminster required the parish, founded in 1936, to have both a church and a school, leading to the establishment of a fee-paying school run by the Benedictine sisters.

Parish life

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with music and meditations is offered. The parish has a Gardening Group that meets regularly throughout the year. The Our Common Home team, first meeting in February 2020, promotes sustainable living and solidarity with the poor. A Welcome Team is present at each of the main weekend masses.

The parish has a history of ecumenism since 1936, started by the Olivetians. The parish has small sharing groups called Cockfosters Sharing Groups (CSGs). Cockfosters Sharing Groups consist of 7 to 10 people meeting every three or four weeks.

Children’s Liturgy consists of creative sessions around a Bible story, with music and prayer. Altar serving is open to any parishioner who has received First Holy Communion.

Regular events

Monday adoration includes music and meditation. Every Friday, Extraordinary Ministers take Holy Communion to the sick. The parish holds events throughout the year, such as gatherings or dinners.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, open to everyone. The Chemin Neuf Community offers retreats in a variety of formats throughout the year, lasting from one to seven days, rooted in Ignatian Spirituality. The Ecumenical Prayer Group maintains the parish's tradition of ecumenism alongside the Chemin Neuf Community.

Visiting

A bus stop served by routes 307 and 299 is located directly in front of the church. The Alpha Course is run regularly in the parish, free of charge, with no need to register in advance.