St Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

Introduction

The engraved glass doors of the former baptistery, depicting the symbols of the sacrament of baptism and the faith, are by John Hutton who worked on the West Screen of Coventry Cathedral.

Architecture and furnishings

At the other side of the entrance, Lindsay Clark carved a depiction of the Annunciation in Doulting stone. The church's windows are of hand-made antique glass. Inside, the Stations of the Cross are carved in Ancaster stone by John Skelton, Eric Gill's nephew and last pupil. The high altar is of Ancaster weatherbed stone, its mahogany canopy enriched by coloured wood carvings.

The crucifix was blessed in 1948, and is a copy of the Crucifix of Limpias in Northern Spain. The pipe organ was made by George Osmond and Co of Taunton.

Parish life

The parish runs a St Edmund Life Group, which supports life from conception to natural death and has Our Lady of Guadalupe as its patron. A Baptismal Programme is offered for first-time parents.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish runs an RCIA programme from late September until Easter, preparing candidates for the sacraments of initiation. The parish publishes a list of sick parishioners for prayers.