Saint Aidan, Coulsdon

Introduction

The church was designed by architect John Newton, measuring 25 metres long and 20 metres wide, with seating for 500. The church's furnishings, including altars, font, Tabernacle and lectern, are the work of a brother of Engelberg Monastery.

History

In 1909 Canon Roe founded the Coulsdon Mission, though Mass had been said regularly by priests from Sacred Heart, Caterham, for about two years before. In 1916 the 'Tin' church was erected in what was then Smitham Bottom Road, now the lower part of Woodcote Grove Road. Work commenced on the new church in 1964, with Mass said in a temporary hall while building continued. The first phase, comprising the Sanctuary, the Lady chapel, and the first section of the nave, was completed in 1931 at a cost of £12,000. In 1961, the parish priest decided to complete the building of the permanent church with a modern design rather than Scott's gothic plan.

Music and liturgy

The choir's sound and goodwill became the nucleus of the Sunday Family Folk Mass, and members were encouraged to contribute their own compositions and pick up instruments.

Parish life

The parish Justice and Peace Group supports Cafod, the Manna Centre for the homeless, and Pax Christi. A group of catechists helps with preparation programmes for Baptism, First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. The parish Youth Ministry team was formed in response to a papal call to lead young people to recognise and accept the call to the fullness of life and love. The parish Liturgy Group meets regularly to discuss the planning of the liturgy, including preparations for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.

The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative and advisory body made up of elected parishioners that supports the parish priest in running the parish. A group of readers proclaims the Word of God during Mass and meets annually for reflection and formation. A team of Special Ministers of Holy Communion, commissioned by the archdiocese, also takes Communion to the sick and housebound. A rota of people washes the small altar linen used at every Mass on a weekly basis.

A rota of people counts the weekly church collections in pairs. The Social Club Bar, run by volunteers in conjunction with the Social Club, is open to members and visitors. The church hall is available for hire by parishioners, with the Marian Room and kitchen as additional options. A group of volunteers travels annually to Lourdes with HCPT, a registered charity offering pilgrimage holidays, looking after sick, disabled, disadvantaged and terminally ill children and adults.

The parish subscribes to the Covenant of the Churches Together in Coulsdon, committing to prayer and action for Christian unity. The parish participated in the Croydon Churches’ Floating Shelter, which provided accommodation for homeless people in church halls during winter months, until Covid restrictions halted it in 2020.

The parish primary school serves the families of the parish as well as the families of St Mary’s, Old Coulsdon. The Finance Committee, required by the archdiocese, deals with all financial matters. A parish fete is organised each year, usually on a Sunday in early July, in the grounds of St Aidan’s Primary School.

Sacraments and pastoral care

When a loved one dies, the parish priest can be contacted to arrange a Requiem Mass at the church, and a meeting with the family is offered. Parents seeking baptism contact the parish priest, who arranges an initial meeting and invites them to a Baptism preparation session. The Baptism preparation session covers the meaning of Baptism and the parents' role in raising their child as a Christian.

Young people in year 10 or older are invited to enrol for Confirmation preparation, with the Bishop usually administering the sacrament in the summer. Adults who are not confirmed are directed to a separate adult preparation programme.

Children in year 3 or older are enrolled in the summer term for First Confession and Holy Communion, with First Holy Communion taking place in May of the following year. The parish follows the diocesan policy of at least six months' notice for weddings, allowing time for a marriage preparation course and paperwork.

Visiting

The church hall is located directly behind the church in the rear car park, is wheelchair accessible, and can accommodate 200 standing and seat 120–150 people.