St. Theodore, Cranbrook, Kent

Introduction

Saint Theodore in Cranbrook, Kent, within the Archdiocese of Southwark, first celebrated Mass in its new church on 28th November 1958.

History

In 1935 Lady Millicent Moore provided an oratory at her house, Little Shepherds, where Mass was first said in November of that year. Father Allan, who died in 1953, left a substantial sum towards the building costs.

Parish life

St Theodore's is the Roman Catholic parish serving Cranbrook, Benenden, Staplehurst and the surrounding villages, within the Archdiocese of Southwark. Parish life is centred on St Theodore's Church in Cranbrook and the Chapel of Our Lady and St Joseph in Benenden.

The parish has a Welfare Group supporting parishioners and others in the local community. The parish offers preparation for the sacraments for children, adults, and families.

The parish offers information about Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and becoming a Catholic. Parishioners are invited to serve as lay readers during the liturgy. Parishioners can participate in practical parish life by helping with church cleaning and flower decoration. Tea and coffee after Sunday Masses provides an opportunity for fellowship within the parish community.

Visitors are always welcome at Mass and parish events. The Prayer Group prays for intentions entrusted by parishioners, with members praying for the same request on the same day.

The parish supports charitable causes through second collections, including the Catholic Association for Racial Justice. The parish supports CAFOD through prayer, awareness and collections during the year, including the CAFOD Lent Appeal.

The parish encourages support for initiatives such as Mary's Meals. Until the early 1930s at least one parishioner regularly walked to and from Goudhurst for Sunday Mass. In the 1920s a travelling mission was providing Mass at the Benenden Chest Hospital. Mrs Scrymsour-Nichol arranged with Goudhurst for Mass to be said in the garage of her home on New Pond Road, which she had converted into an oratory.

Mrs Lewis gave the parish the site for the present church and priest's house. Visitors are invited to introduce themselves after Mass, where the parish priest and parishioners will welcome them.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Baptism preparation and practical arrangements are offered through the parish clergy. The parish offers pastoral support in sickness or difficulty.

Enquiries about ordained ministry or vocation discernment are offered through the parish clergy. The parish provides local support for those who are unwell, isolated, or in difficulty through parish welfare and prayer.