Church of St Joseph, Mile End

Music and liturgy

Mercy Associates, lay people in the Mercy tradition, meet monthly in Colchester for prayer and reflection on Catherine McAuley's spirituality. OREMUS is the name coined for parish events which focus on spiritual renewal.

Regular events

The Colchester Catholic Heritage Group takes part in the English Heritage Open Days event and Ride and Stride with Essex Churches. The Saint Vincent de Paul Society group meets regularly throughout the year, helping families in need and visiting the sick and housebound. A parish newsletter is produced each week. A youth group exists in the parish.

The Catenian Association has a presence in the parish. The parish has interest groups and welcomes ideas for new groups. The Parish Pastoral Council, led by the priest, supports those active within the parish. The parish offers bereavement support in partnership with two neighbouring parishes, including group support at St Teresa's and St John Payne's and one-to-one help at St James the Less.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish runs baptism preparation courses to help parents understand the commitment and meaning of the ceremony. A First Holy Communion programme for children meets on Saturday mornings to prepare children and their parents for First Confession and First Holy Communion. A Confirmation group meets on Sunday afternoons to support children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Couples planning to marry must give six months' notice of intention, especially if marrying outside the parish. The parish offers the Anointing of the Sick for those seriously ill, facing surgery, or growing frail, and can arrange a priest to visit.