St. Anthony, Slough

Introduction

Saint Anthony's Church in Slough, within the Diocese of Northampton, was celebrated on Saturday 22 February 1964, with about 700 people attending.

Architecture and furnishings

The mission of Saint Anthony's was opened on Sunday 20th July 1940 by Father Houghton, with Mass celebrated in the school hall attended by 91 people. A pipe organ was installed in 1974, built by Grant, Degens and Bradbeer, in the west end gallery. The organ was installed with limited funds, so a proper case could not be afforded, but the specification provided two manuals and pedals, well balanced choruses and a splendid swell Trompette. During restoration, additional ranks were installed, the console was completely overhauled with new keyboards and a digital electrical system, and a splendid new case was made.

Music and liturgy

The Parish Liturgy Group plans and coordinates the celebration of Mass and Feast Days, and supports the Priest in all liturgical aspects of the parish. Lay Eucharistic Ministers are appointed every year to offer the Holy Eucharist in the Parish. Ministers of the Word are appointed every Easter to proclaim the Word at Mass in church. Altar Servers, boys and girls from age 7 upwards, serve at the Vigil Mass on Saturday and on Sunday.

Parish life

The parish has a small group of dedicated parishioners who give up their time regularly to help prepare people for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion, Confirmation and RCIA. The parish has a team of volunteers who help clean the church on a rota basis. The parish has volunteers who look after the church grounds and gardens. The parish has volunteers who count the offertory collections and take the money to the bank, with a rota for this duty every Monday.

The parish has a small hall for hire at very reasonable prices. The parish holds a fun-filled family fete every summer with games, entertainment, food and more surprises.

Visiting

The Crypt was newly refurbished in 2017 and re-painted in 2020, and is available for many activities, meetings, family parties, baptisms, birthdays and more. There is ample free parking in the Church car park.

The church has a large carpark with disabled parking, a dedicated disabled toilet and is fully wheelchair accessible. The Parish Office is located inside the Presbytery at the back of the Church. The church is located on the Farnham Road (A355), just north of Slough, accessible via the M40 from the north or M4 from the south. Parishioners can book Mass intentions at the Repository/Parish Shop after each weekend Mass.