St Theodore of Canterbury, Monkwick

Parish life

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society group meets regularly, helps families in need, visits the sick and housebound, and offers practical support. The Colchester Catholic Heritage Group promotes Catholic history in Colchester and surrounding areas of North East Essex, participating in English Heritage Open Days and Ride and Stride with Essex Churches. A First Holy Communion programme for children of the Parish meets on Saturday mornings to prepare children for First Confession and First Holy Communion. A Confirmation group meets on Sunday afternoons to support children being prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

A Parish Newsletter is produced each week. The Parish Pastoral Council consists of parishioners led by the priest, providing support and cohesion for parish life. The Guild of Saint Stephen trains altar servers, with training at Saint James the Less and Saint Helen church, and members take vows after one year. All hospitals have a Catholic Chaplain, and the parish can arrange a priest to visit.

A Youth Group exists, contactable via the Church Office. The Association for the Propagation of the Faith and Mill Hill Missionaries have a contact in the parish. The Catenian Association has a presence in the parish. Interest groups exist in the parish, with opportunities for new groups.

Marriage preparation is offered, with 6 months notice required. OREMUS is the name for parish events focusing on spiritual renewal.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers the Anointing of the Sick for those seriously ill, facing surgery, or growing frail, and arranges a priest to visit. Baptism courses help parents understand the commitment of bringing up their child in the Catholic faith. The Bereavement Support Group offers group support at St Teresa’s and St John Payne’s, and one-to-one help at St James the Less, with leaders trained by St Helena’s Hospice.

Visiting

The Repository Shop in the church porch sells pamphlets, religious items, cards and Mass cards. Mercy Associates in Colchester meet as a group monthly in prayer and reflection. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion take Communion to the sick and housebound.