St. Basil the Great, Basildon

Introduction

St Basil the Great in Basildon was built in Pitsea and consecrated in 1956. Between 1966 and 1973 a hall was built on the Wickhay site, which remains as the parish hall.

History

St Basil's underwent significant refurbishment between January and April 2011 to address asbestos and electrical issues. In May 2012 three Ursuline Sisters moved to be resident at St Basil's.

Music and liturgy

A Children's Choir, formed by children from the Indian and Afro-Caribbean communities, leads well-known hymns. A Filipino Music Group plays once a month, usually on the second Sunday, leading the congregation in song.

Parish life

The parish is twinned with the Parish of Embalenhle in South Africa. The parish holds accreditation from the Fairtrade Foundation as a Fairtrade Parish. The parish has received the CAFOD LiveSimply Award.

The Legion of Mary is active at St Basil's. The SVP groups meet at Holy Trinity and St Therese, with the hope of beginning a group at St Basil's.

The parish has about 1100 people at weekend Masses, including around a hundred families from India. Adoration is offered for Malayalam speakers, and there is a monthly Mass for the Syro-Malabar community.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples planning to marry in the parish are asked to give at least six months notice. Marriage preparation includes meetings with a priest and two days of preparation with other couples.

The Journey in Faith programme runs from autumn until after Easter each year, with no fixed timescale. The parish arranges visits to those in hospital.