Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church 
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Time of services
Monday to Friday
9.15 AM
Saturday morning
9.30 AM
Vigil Mass of Saturday
6.30 PM
Sunday
10.00 AM and 11.30 AM
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Holy Cross Church,
Catford
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About the group
Formed in 1992 by a group of parents in the parish with young children, the Children’s Liturgy Group meets during the 10am Mass on Sunday morning to look at the gospel story for the week from a child’s viewpoint and in children’s language. This is followed by a colouring activity linked to the story, and then the children bring their artwork into the church as part of the main Offertory procession, to share with the rest of the parish.
Group detailsWhere? The group meets in the Sacristy
When? During part of the 10am Mass on Sunday
Who can take part? Children aged from 3 to 7 years
How can new children join in? Just come along any Sunday
To find out more: Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
NB: New leaders are always welcome so if you would like to help, please let Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906 know. Thank you.
About the Holy Cross Band
The band plays for the 10.00am Mass on Sunday mornings on the second, third and fifth Sundays of each month. Formed many years ago, the band currently has about 15 members playing a wide variety of instruments.
As members mature and go away to college, etc they are replaced by new, younger players. At major feasts such as Christmas and Easter, the numbers swell to over 20. New members are always welcome.
The band is conducted by Tony Green.
Group details
Where? The band assembles in the church
When? Sunday mornings for the 10.00am Mass
Who can join? Anyone who plays and instrument, especially young people
How can new people join? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the Diamond Club
The weekly Diamond Club for older adults in the parish and local community, aged 60 and over, started in January 2003 and meets on Tuesdays in the Diamond Room at Hartley Hall. The club is hugely popular, providing its members with the opportunity to meet new friends and socialise, share interests and participate in a wide range of optional activities including arts and crafts, discussion groups, board games, quizzes, cards, music, bingo, health advice and relaxation techniques. There are regular visiting speakers and occasional outings to the theatre, concerts, museums and other places of local interest, as well as trips to the seaside. Members of the club have recently been involved in a reminiscence project which resulted in an exhibition shown in Hartley Hall during our anniversary festival week.
Group details
Where? The club meets in the Diamond Room at Hartley Hall
When? Tuesdays 10.00am – 2.00pm
Who can join? Anyone of 60 or over
How can new people join? Just come along any Tuesday
To find out more? Contact the Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the Choir
The choir was formed in the summer of 2000 to present two concerts to celebrate the Millennium and to raise money for the Hartley Hall project. With twenty six regular members, its aim is to provide music for the church when needed, or the opportunity for a concert arises. The choir sings a wide range of music, both sacred and secular.
Group details
Where? Rehearsals are held in the church
When? Weekly on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm
Any conditions? Ability to read music is an advantage; however enthusiasm and regular attendance is more important
To find out more? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the organisation
The Knights of St Columba was founded in 1919 and is the largest member organisation for Catholic men in the UK with a total membership of over 9000. The order exists to support the mission of the Catholic Church by promoting respect for human life, helping to solve social problems, supporting organisations such as CAFOD, as well as sick and needy people, widows and dependants. The Knights of St Columba serve God by serving others.Group details
Where? The local group meets at the Sydenham Catholic Club
When? On the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 8.00pm
Who can join? Catholic men aged 16 or over
How can new people join? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the group
The Liturgy Group members organise, select and provide the music content for the liturgy at Masses on Sunday mornings, Feast Days and Holy Days of Obligation throughout the year. The group meets twice a year, early in Lent and Advent.
Musicians
There is a regular team of organists and cantors who lead the music on a rota basis. There is also a Church Band, which plays at the 10.00am Sunday Mass twice a month.
Readers
Holy Cross has a large number of readers who participate regularly on a rota basis throughout the year.
How to take part? If you are an experienced organist, cantor or reader and would like to play an active part in the liturgy, please contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
How can new people join? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the club
The Parent and Toddler Club was established at Holy Cross in the early 1980s to provide a place where parents and carers could go with their young children to play in safety and to meet others in the local community. The value of the contact, the collective support of the group and the social dimension have made the club a wonderful lifeline for many people over the years, easing the trauma of moving into a new environment with young children and the anxiety experienced in trying to ‘blend in’ and find trustworthy contacts. It is a friendly club, and all newcomers are made very welcome.
WAITING LIST
For health and safety reasons we have to restrict the numbers of children at each session, and for this reason we operate a waiting list. If you would like to join the waiting list, please contact the Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906.
Club details
Who can join? Children under 5 years and their parents or carers
Where? Meetings are held in Hartley Hall
When? Every Monday 9.00-11.30am and Wednesday 12.00-3.00pm
What does it cost? A small charge is made for each visit (per family) to cover the cost of refreshmentsHow can new people join? See the WAITING LIST information above
To find out more? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the team
Founded during the Parish Mission in 2002, the Pastoral Visiting Team is a group of more than twenty parishioners who are commissioned to visit the sick and housebound members of the community on a regular basis, bringing them into the parish circle and trying to ensure that no one feels isolated. Members are trained to undertake home visits, working always in pairs, and the group as a whole meets together three or four times a year to share progress and exchange ideas, and to reflect and pray together. If you have an hour or two each month to spare, and would like to help with visiting sick and housebound members of the community, please contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906.
Group details
Where? The Visiting Team’s meetings are held in Hartley Hall
When? Usually about three or four times a year, by arrangementWho can join? Anyone interested (over 16). No special knowledge required
How can new people join? Just come along when a meeting is advertised
To find out more? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the prayer groups
There are two weekly prayer and faith sharing groups, one held on Tuesday evening and the other on Thursday morning, which meet to read and reflect on the Mass readings for the following Sunday. Each session begins with an opening prayer, following which the Mass readings are read, together with commentaries. After a short time of silent reflection, members are free to share their thoughts about any particular word or phrase that has a special meaning for them, or resonates with their experience of life. This is usually followed by a short video commentary by scripture scholar, Frances Hogan, and finally Morning or Evening Prayer of the Church.
We also have a parish Tamil ‘Queen of Peace’ Prayer Group, which meets weekly on Friday evenings.
Group details
Where? The Prayer Groups all meet in Hartley Hall
When?
- Tuesday evenings: 8.00pm - 9.30pm
- Thursday mornings: 9.00-11.00am
- Friday evening: 7.30-9.00pm (Tamil)
Who can join? Anyone interested (over 16). No special knowledge required
How can new people join? Just come along to any of the groups
To find out more? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults who are not Catholics are welcomed into the Christian family in the Catholic Church, and prepared for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Becoming a Catholic is not just a matter of learning and accepting a number of beliefs. It is a process of growth or conversion to the person of Jesus Christ. It involves personal growth, as well as growing into a particular Catholic community or parish. Another name for RCIA is ‘Journey in Faith’. The RCIA here at Holy Cross was established in 1990. The group meets on Monday evenings from September through to June each year, with about 25 people, from all backgrounds, taking part. Any adult wanting to find out more about the Catholic faith, without any obligation, is always made welcome.Group details
Where? Meetings are held in Hartley Hall
When? Weekly on Monday evenings from 8.00 to 9.00pm
Who can join? Anyone of 16 years or over
How can new people join? Just come on any Monday evening
To find out more? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About our sacramental preparation courses
At Holy Cross the preparation of children aged 7-8 for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is parish and family based. A team of catechists works with the children (usually around 40 in number) and their parents for a Saturday morning session, once a month, and the parents then continue the work with their children at home to enrich their knowledge and understanding. The course begins each year in September, and runs through to June when First Holy Communion is celebrated.
FIRST COMMUNION 2008/9....
The first session for children and parents will be on Saturday 4th October 10.00 – 11.30am in Hartley Hall and the Enrolment Mass will be on Sunday 5th October 10.00am. A copy of the timetable can be found here.
A separate team of catechists prepares young people aged 12-13 for the sacrament of Confirmation in a series of weekly Friday night sessions between January and May, when the sacrament is celebrated. Around 25-30 young people in the parish are usually confirmed each year.
NB: Adults seeking preparation for the sacraments, please see the RCIA page (Journey in Faith) or speak to Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906. For information about Baptism or Marriage preparation, please contact Fr John.
Group details
Where? Classes are held in Hartley Hall
When?
- Communion: Usually one Saturday each month, 10:00 – 11.30 AM
- Confirmation: Weekly on Fridays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, January to May
Who for?
- Communion: Children of 7/8 years (school Year 3) or older
- Confirmation: Young people of 11/12 (school Year 8) or older
Cost? There is a course fee to cover the cost of books and materials
How to enrol? Watch weekly parish newsletter for enrolment dates
How to find out more? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers at Holy Cross
The 14th Lewisham South Holy Cross Scout Group was formed in 1949, and is part of the worldwide family of Scouts, an educational charity which aims to develop young people. The programme for Scouts is centered on outdoor activities with camps and expeditions, as well as adventurous activities including rock climbing and canoeing. Through these we aim to encourage self-reliance, teamwork, leadership and respect.
The Cubs and Beavers play structured games to have fun and improve social and physical skills, and we do badge work to find out about many things. The Cubs go on one or two camping weekends during the year, and we attend District events such as carol singing, sports days and football competitions.
Group details
Where?
- Cubs meet in Holy Cross School Hall
- Beavers meet in Hartley Hall
- Scouts meet at the Scouts HQ in Springbank Road
When?
- Beavers meet on Mondays (in term time): 3.30pm - 5.00pm
- Cubs also meet on Mondays (in term time): 6.00pm - 7.30pm
- Scouts meet on Wednesdays (in term time): 7.00pm - 8.30pm
- Explorer Scouts also meet on Wednesdays: 8.00pm - 9.30pm
Who can join? Boys and girls:
- Beavers 6 - 8 years; Cubs 8 - 10¾ years
- Scouts 10 - 14 years;
- Explorer Scouts 14 - 18 years
What does it cost? £2.00 per session – no annual charge
How can new people join? Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
Please note: The Holy Cross Scouts, Cubs and Beavers are regulated by the Scout Association who visit and advise leaders on a regular basis. All leaders and helpers are vetted prior to starting service, by the Scout Association.
About the society
The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in France in 1833, and spread throughout Europe, coming to England in 1844. The first meeting of the SVP at Holy Cross took place on 4 May 1930. The group has continued to the present day, its main activities being to offer help and support to the poor and needy members of our local community.
Group detailsWhere? The group meets in Hartley Hall
When? Once a month, or when the need arises
To find out more? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the UCM
The Holy Cross branch of the Union of Catholic Mothers (Guild of St Anne) was formed in 1945 and currently has about 36 members. A varied programme of activities is organised, including visiting speakers on every subject from flower arranging to historical talks with slides, theatre visits, discussions and quiz nights. There are pilgrimages to Walsingham and Aylesford, and a monthly group attendance at Mass.
The UCM raises money for good causes such as St Christopher’s Hospice and the St Vincent de Paul Society. For the Millennium, £2,000 was raised towards building houses for a Ghanaian leper colony.
Newcomers are always welcome to join, and you can ring for a chat first to find out more. (See below)
Group details
Where? Weekly meetings are held in Hartley Hall
When? Wednesday evenings at 8.00pm; the more senior members meet on Monday afternoons at 1.30 - 3.00pm
What does it cost? 25p per week (plus £6 per year to go to National UCM)
To find out more? Contact Parish Administrator, Mrs Mary Baldwin, Tel: 020 8695 0906
About the YPT – Parish Youth Group
YPT, our parish youth group, began in 2002, and since then has regularly met on the second Sunday of every month. The group is open to all parishioners aged between 13 and 25 years.
The group organises a range of activities, including faith exploration and youth ministry, music and drama, outings, fundraising, social events and encourages young people to celebrate their musical gifts through singing and music-making. The group promotes youth involvement in all Parish life. The group participates in a Youth Mass yearly on the Feast of Christ the King.
We welcome any young person who would like to take part in any current activities, parish life or has suggestions about future activities
Meeting details
Where? In Hartley Hall
When? Second Sunday of each month at 11am
Who can join? Anyone aged 13 – 25 years
How can new people join? Just come along to any of the meetings
To find out more? Contact Nike Arowobusoye on 07908 171 432 or contact Hartley Hall
NB Any adults who would like to help with YPT would be very welcome. Please contact Nike on the number above, or Hartley Hall on 695 0906.