St Erconwald's

Introduction

St Erconwald's in Wembley, within the Archdiocese of Westminster, was canonically established in 1932 as Wembley Park, having previously been part of St Joseph's, Wembley.

History

The land for the church, part of South Forty Farm, was purchased by the Diocese in 1929 from G Cloke of Neasden. The church was first used in June 1970.

Parish life

The parish has a Finance Committee. The parish has an Archconfraternity of St Stephen.

The parish supports Missio (Association for the Propagation of the Faith) for its missions. The parish celebrates Baptism of infants on Saturdays or Sundays by appointment following a course of preparation. The parish celebrates Confirmation for those aged 13/14 or above, generally in May or June, following a course of preparation that includes a weekend retreat. The parish requires six months' notice for marriage and generally celebrates marriages on Saturday afternoons by appointment. The parish celebrates the Anointing of the Sick within a community gathering at special times of the year (Advent, Lent and Summer) or as needed with an individual.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children not attending a Catholic school must attend children's liturgy for a year before applying for First Holy Communion. First Reconciliation for children making their First Holy Communion takes place in Lent. The parish asks to be told of anyone sick or housebound, and directs hospital patients to the hospital chaplain. Those considering the priesthood or religious life are directed to contact the parish priest.

Visiting

A repository at the church is open before and after Masses and by appointment, offering Bibles, candles, statues, rosary beads, medals, prayer books and cards. The church is located off Preston Road, 400 yards east. The church lies in the Wembley Stadium catchment area, where a permit is required for on-street parking on Event Days. The church's car park has marked bays and disabled parking bays that should be respected.

The church's postal address is 112 Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 8NB. The church is served by Preston Road Tube Station, with buses 204, 79 and 223 bringing visitors within walking distance.