English Martyrs, Danbury

Introduction

In 1954 Miss Mary Brown bought the bungalow 'Haddon' in Maldon Road and gave part of her gardens to the Diocese to build a permanent church seating 156 people. Fr Clay died in May 1970 at age 80, having served as priest for 9 years. In 2008 a Prayer Garden was developed behind the entrance porch.

Architecture and furnishings

In 1999 major work began to repair, upgrade and redecorate the original building, including a new heating system, windows, sacristy layout, confessional facilities, and a new entrance porch, completed in 2003.

Parish life

The parish runs a Pastoral Care Group whose members are available in times of need such as loneliness or family crisis. The parish's RCIA group meetings run from mid-September to the end of May and include faith sharing, scripture reading, prayer and discussion. The RCIA programme is open to non-Catholics and others curious about Catholicism, and its mixed group of Catholics and non-Catholics allows reflection on the Christian message.

Catholic youth aged 14 and above who have not been Confirmed can enrol in the parish's Confirmation preparation programme. The parish has a Justice and Peace Group. The parish has a Social Committee.

The gardens and grounds are developed and maintained by parishioners to provide an attractive setting for photographs after Baptisms, First Communions and Weddings. In Easter 2009 the parish presented a 'Passion of Christ' as a street play through South Woodham Ferrers.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish asks families to inform them of a death so the deceased can be remembered at Mass, and funeral arrangements are made through a local undertaker who liaises with the parish. The parish offers the Anointing of the Sick to those who are unwell, and hospital patients can ask nursing staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain on call. Marriages are by appointment with at least six months' notice required.

Visiting

The church's website offers a 'How to Find Us' link with directions for visitors. The church has full facilities for the disabled and a loop system for hearing aid users.