‘BISHOP ALAN LISTENS’ RESEARCH REPORT

Webmaster • March 22, 2024

Understanding why Catholics in the Diocese of Brentwood no longer come to Church.


Last summer Bishop Alan invited Catholics who no longer regularly come to Church to get in touch so that he could seriously listen to their stories and experiences and begin to understand why so many Catholics no longer feel as though they belong in the Church.


This report presents a moving and challenging insight into how our Church and the covid-19 pandemic have contributed to a movement away from a regular practice of faith for many Catholics and offers our Church a rich repository of wisdom that might enhance and inform our ongoing journey of renewal in the diocese.


Thank you to all those who so generously and thoughtfully participated in this research. Please share this link/report with those whom you know have participated in this research.


Go to the home page of https://www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/ to see the responses of hundreds of Catholics across our diocese and hear what Bishop Alan heard.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2026

By Webmaster • October 31, 2025
This programme will commence in the New Year. Application forms are available at the back of the church. Please ensure a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate is attached to the form if they were not baptised in this parish. Completed forms should be posted through the presbytery letterbox. Any child in Year 3 and above who lives in the parish and attends Mass is eligible for First Holy Communion. Those who live outside the parish must obtain the permission of their own parish priest before applying.

Confirmation 2025

By Webmaster • October 31, 2025
The preparation for this Sacrament (for those already registered) will continue on Tuesdays, November 4th , 11th & 18th from 7pm – 8.30pm in the Meeting Room at the back of the church. The Confirmation Mass will be on Sunday, 23rd November at 11am.

October - Children's colouring book

By WEbmaster • October 3, 2025
View the October bulletin here

CAFOD Family Fast Day Appeal

By Webmaster • October 3, 2025
Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection this weekend to share God’s abundant gifts with our global neighbours as they find lasting solutions to poverty and climate challenges. Your generosity offers “signs of hope” in this Jubilee Year, helping build more water tanks in communities like Waré’s in Ethiopia where women have to walk for hours to get water. Use the CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030. You can also text CAFOD to 70560 to donate £10.

September - Children's colouring book

By Webmaster • September 5, 2025
View the September bulletin here

Brentwood Catholic Youth Service – Youth Gather, 25th – 26th October

By Webmaster • August 22, 2025
Youth Gather is a weekend of faith, fun and friendship – with speakers, workshops, prayer and outdoor activities, meeting friends old and new, and all while sharing in and celebrating our Catholic faith. There will be coaches offering transport from around the Diocese included in the cost, as well as all meals, cabin accommodation and activities. This event is for year 9 and above. Apply now at www.bcys.net/events

August - Children's colouring book

By Webmaster • August 1, 2025
View the August bulletin here

Welcome

By Webmaster • August 1, 2025
WE WELCOME this Sunday H E Archbishop Emilio Nappa, Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, who will be celebrating the 11 o’clock Mass.

July - Children's colouring book

By Webmaster • July 4, 2025
View the July bulletin here

Peter's Pence

By Webmaster • June 27, 2025
This week there will be the annual collection for Peter’s Pence which helps to defray the personal and charitable expenses of the Holy Father.