St. Augustines Church, Milton Keynes

Introduction

The parish of Saint Augustine's Church was founded in 1974 through an invitation for the Order of the Canons Regular of the Immaculate Conception to set it up and operate it, and priests of that order supplied its clergy until 2017.

History

Saint Augustine's Church was blessed, dedicated and opened in 1981, and its consecration took place in 2007. Saint Augustine's Church joined the Saint Barnabas Cluster at that cluster's formation in 2017, and from 2022 it was again an independent parish, the largest parish in Milton Keynes.

Architecture and furnishings

The way into Saint Augustine's Church is a gentle slope and includes no steps. A hearing loop system is available in the main church at Saint Augustine's Church. A disabled toilet lies off the entrance porch of Saint Augustine's Church.

Saint Augustine's Church contains Saint Joseph's Chapel. A handrail is provided on the steps of the Sanctuary at Saint Augustine's Church.

Music and liturgy

Saint Monica’s Choir sings on a regular basis. Musicians work together to play for the choir. Support for the congregation’s singing comes from the music groups. Musicians bring their own instruments, and sheet music is provided.

Tuition is not offered, and members need not read music. Adults who seek baptism may join a Journey in Faith (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programme that normally begins in the autumn.

Flowers are arranged every Sunday for the liturgy, and for feast days and celebrations through the year. A Catholic Women Organisation exists.

Parish life

In 2011 a group began, made up of Filipinos from different islands of the Philippines. Instrumentalists should be of minimum Grade 2 standard or equivalent, and the minimum age is 10 years.

The parish office can be informed of anyone unwell who longs for a visit with Communion. People’s intentions and the parish are prayed for by a group of parish intercessors.

A rota shared by seven flower arrangers, normally working in pairs, gives each a turn about once a month. Before morning Mass, the Rosary is prayed daily in the church.

The parish maintains close links with Saint Monica’s School at Neath Hill, the parish’s local Catholic primary school. Each week the parish office publishes the parish newsletter.

Many groups are active in service of the parish and the wider world, and they offer fellowship. A book club exists. A Laudato si’ Group exists. A Saint Augustine’s gardening group exists.

Milton Keynes Central is the nearest railway station and lies 2 miles away. Around 80 cars can use marked spaces in the church car park, four of them designated disabled bays. The car-park entrance is narrow and calls for caution. Langcliffe Drive offers only limited kerbside parking. Live streaming is provided for Mass.

Regular events

A weekly Mass is celebrated in Polish. Planning meetings happen occasionally for the CAFOD group, which cooperates with CAFOD groups and events across the diocese. Enfield Chase has further parking, a short walk away through the underpass.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Young people in the parish often celebrate Confirmation from Years 10 (14 years old) or above after a sacramental preparation programme. Children can be baptised at the church.