St. Gregory’s Chapel of Ease, Thorpe Bay

Introduction

St Gregory's Chapel of Ease in Thorpe Bay was built by Father William Toft and completed in 1928. The Tolhurst family, who were parishioners at the time, entrusted the land for St Gregory's to the parish.

Parish life

The Parish Prayer Group's meetings include Evening Prayer from the Divine Office Book, Bidding Prayers and Intentions from the Prayer Request books. The parish supports its twin parish of Mpuluzi in prayer and by financing a project to provide washing and showering facilities at the Mayflower crèche/day centre. The parish has 79 Red Box holders supporting Missio, the Pontifical Mission Societies.

The parish runs a Repository shop at both St George's and St Gregory's, with a more restricted stock at St Gregory's. Teams of Greeters welcome people at all major Masses at both St George's and St Gregory's.

The Parish Justice & Peace Group participates in local, national and international events, addressing issues such as food poverty, trafficking, genocide, climate change, recycling, energy conservation and pollution. The parish supports the SVP in helping the vulnerable in the Southend area, including providing food for homeless people and families in poverty. A parish group meets for fellowship, worship music, prayers and the Rosary, praying for world peace, vocations and the conversion of sinners.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parents planning a child's baptism must attend a one-off Baptism Course. Confirmation takes place every year in the parish, with the Bishop attending every three years, and preparation courses run from September including a weekend retreat. The parish usually requires at least six months notice for marriage preparation, including completing all documentation.