St. Mary Mother of God, Hornchurch

Introduction

The Parish of St Mary Mother of God Church in Hornchurch, within the Diocese of Brentwood, was founded in 1931 by Canon Jules Van Meenen. The RCIA course is open to adults who have never been baptised or who have been baptised in another Christian Church.

Architecture and furnishings

The Church, Presbytery and Church Hall stand together on the Hornchurch main road on a single site next to St Mary’s School. The church has a loop system for hearing-aid users. Ramp access is available to the Church via the side-door, the Presbytery, the Parish Hall and the Van Meenen meeting room.

The Repository is located in the former Baptistry at the entrance on the left hand side of the church. In Advent and Lent, the parish celebrates a Reconciliation Service with music, readings, and individual confessions.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers a short two-evening programme of preparation for parents seeking baptism for their children. The First Communion programme also includes preparation for the children's first celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The parish offers marriage preparation and normally requires at least six months notice of a wedding, including for couples planning to marry in another country.

The parish can bring the Sacraments, such as Holy Communion and the Anointing of the Sick, to people who are sick and housebound, in care homes, or in hospital. Catechists lead the parish's programmes of preparation for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Marriage. Lay Ministers of the Eucharist may take Holy Communion to parish members who are unable to attend Mass because of ill-health or incapacity.