St Anthony of Padua

Introduction

Within St Anthony's there is a dedicated space for toddlers and young children, usable during Mass. St Anthony of Padua church stands at Oakthorpe Drive, Kingshurst, Birmingham B37 6HY.

Parish life

Holy Communion is taken to the sick and housebound, with visits at home on request and each Advent and Lent, assisted by Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who bring Communion at least monthly. The parish is hoping to begin a Children's Liturgy during Sunday Mass, with children returning before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The parish is part of a local cluster bringing together the Divine Mercy Partnership, Mother of God & Guardian Angels in Shard End, Our Lady Help of Christians in Kitts Green, and Sacred Heart & St Teresa in Coleshill. The cluster parishes have worked together on common initiatives such as Alpha and RCIA.

Every year the parish runs a series of classes on Catholic teaching called Exploring Catholicism. Visitors can pray before the tabernacle where Jesus is reserved even when the Blessed Sacrament is not exposed.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Baptism preparation comprises two sessions, 'What is Baptism?' and 'The Responsibilities of Having a Child Baptised in the Catholic Church'. Children in Year 3 usually receive Holy Communion for the first time.

Confirmation is usually administered by the bishop when a child is in Year 6. At least six months should normally be allowed between first contacting the parish and the proposed wedding date.

An Anointing Mass takes place each Advent and Lent. The eulogy should not normally exceed 500 words, with a strict policy against bad language, inappropriate jokes, and negative comments.