Saint Christopher, Cheam

Music and liturgy

The parish held a Youth Mass every month in the past year, with the youth leading the readings and some new music. The parish held an Advent Carol Service in the past year. The parish held a confirmation mass with a record number of 38 candidates in the past year.

Parish life

The parish runs a Parents and Toddlers Group on Wednesday mornings during school term-time in the Parish Hall. The parish arranges special events for senior citizens during the year, including two CAFOD Fast Day lunches and a Christmas meal.

The parish held an Afternoon Tea in May with over 60 people participating over three sittings. In November the parish hosted a meeting of clergy from Saint Dunstan's, Saint Alban's, Saint Oswald's, Cheam Baptists, Saint Paul's, Howell Hill and Saint John's, Belmont.

The parish's RCIA programme, run for the first time, resulted in three candidates being received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. The parish celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation every two years, with candidates from age 12 and in years 8 and 9 or higher. The parish administers the Anointing of the Sick whenever requested by parishioners at home or in local nursing homes. In November, the parish held a pilgrimage to Westminster Cathedral with over 25 parishioners taking part.

Sacraments and pastoral care

First Holy Communion classes are held on Saturday afternoons during term-time for children in year 3 or above. In the past year, 21 children received First Holy Communion and 38 members received Confirmation. A diocesan pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory was held in June with around 40 parishioners joining about 2000 representatives from across the diocese. The Craft Group and Saturday Social Circle meet regularly.

A flower-arranging demonstration is planned to recruit more members to the flower-arranging team. The gardening circle set up and maintains tubs around the entrance of the church.

An annual re-dedication and blessing of the PPC is held on or close to the anniversary of the dedication of Saint Christopher's Church, October 31st. An annual event to meet the PPC offers an opportunity to meet members, ask questions, provide feedback and make suggestions.