St Margaret of Scotland, Carshalton Beeches

Introduction

Carshalton Beeches Mass Centre was established by Father Frederick Rhead in 1934. The decision was taken to have a single dual purpose church and hall. Parishioners' giving cleared the parish's debts before the end of 1987.

Architecture and furnishings

The altar was consecrated by the archbishop, enshrining within it relics of Saint Oliver Plunket. The altar and tabernacle plinth are of green Lakeland Slate, donated by Fred and Norah Phillips.

Music and liturgy

The Divine Mercy Group prays the chaplet of the Divine Mercy every day in the parish. The chaplet of Divine Mercy is recited after morning Masses Monday to Saturday. Youth Masses are held at St Margaret's.

Parish life

The parish has a Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee, and parishioners participate in ministries including Readers, Altar Servers, Youth Group, Welcomers, Choirs, Charismatic Renewal Group, and Legion of Mary. The parish maintains a Folk Choir, Youth Music Group, Central Choir, and Soloist for the weekend Masses. The Bible Study Group of St Margaret's meets to study Scripture, deepen faith, and explore historical context. The parish has a bible study meeting via Zoom and a group that meets in the church on Tuesdays.

St Margaret's has a Renewal Prayer Group that helps members discover the Lord in a deeper way. Saint Margaret's has a presidium of the Legion of Mary under the Curia in Croydon.

The 180 Club – St Margaret's raises funds by lottery for specific projects at the parish. St Margaret of Scotland parish has created a Toolkit to help Catholic parishes enhance racial and cultural inclusion, supported by the Southwark Archdiocese's Commission Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion.

The parish organises multi-cultural Pentecost Sunday celebrations. The church is named St Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Two weeks before a baptism, parents and godparents attend a one-hour session with the parish's adult catechist. The Archdiocese requires at least six months' notice of marriage to complete paperwork and marriage preparation courses. Children around the age of 7 can make their First Holy Communion after a period of catechesis. Confirmation is typically received by children at least twelve years of age, baptized and prepared with the help of parish catechists. Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist are trained and commissioned to serve in the parish by the Archbishop.