symbol indicates an e-mail link to that group from this website. Click on the symbol to jump to the Contact Us page.The role of the Baptism Preparation Group is to prepare and instruct parents wishing to have their child baptised into the Catholic Church. Parents are asked to attend two sessions over two weeks in the Marian Room, during which they learn about the significance of baptism and the role they will be expected to fulfil in raising their child as a Christian.
Parents who wish to have their child baptised should initially contact either Fr Josef or Isabel Fernandez (on 01737–552606), as should anyone wishing to become a Catechist for this group.
The Croydon Deanery sponsors a full time Youth Worker, who is presently Tom Caluori (as of May ’08). Tom organises events for young people in Croydon and will offer advice on Parish youth events.
The Website for the Croydon Deanery Youth Project is www.cdyp.org
The Catholic Deanery of Croydon comprises the parishes of Addiscombe, Coulsdon, West Croydon, South Croydon, New Addington, South Norwood, Upper Norwood, Old Coulsdon, Purley, Sanderstead, Selsdon, Thornton Heath and Waddon. As of May 2008 the Dean of Croydon is Fr Michael O’Dea, of Virgo Fidelis, Upper Norwood.
Each parish is entitled to send two delegates to the Deanery Pastoral Council (DPC), which meets every two or three months to discuss pastoral activities in the Parishes in Croydon, or are of general interest. Once a year there is a meeting that also involves all the Clergy in Croydon.
Many of the meetings are Open Meetings where all Parishioners are welcome to listen to an invited speaker. These meetings are advertised on the Notice Board in the Church and in the Newsletter. For more information contact Colin Hadley or Fr J
Our aim is to keep our church looking beautiful. We refresh the flowers every week and also arrange flowers for special occasions such as Christmas and Easter, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, Weddings and Special Intentions. We work in the sacristy and in the church.
New members are always welcome as we have only three people who share the work. No previous experience is needed as instruction and friendly advice is available for anyone who would like to give flower arranging a go. For more information, please speak to Muriel O’Callaghan or Brenda Eydman.
The Justice and Peace Group exists to help the whole Parish to act justly, live simply and to walk humbly with our God in practical ways, such as:
The group meets in the Parish Centre when necessary to plan activities, usually every month or two, and all are welcome to join. For more information please contact either Rosa O’Shea on 020–8676 2840 or Mary Dibbs on 01737–551499.
Reading during Mass is an important Ministry and Lay Readers read at each of the masses on Sundays, major Feast Days and Holy Days of Obligation. In addition to the Scripture readings the readers also lead the Prayers of the Faithful (the Bidding Prayers) and, at St Aidan’s, also welcome people at the start of the Mass. Readers on the rota currently read every six to eight weeks, though additional readers are required particularly at Christmas and during Holy Week and Easter. The current rota is available from the rotas page of this Website.
Guidance for ReadersBecoming a Reader is open to all, both men and women, from around the age of Confirmation upwards. Training is organized periodically and new readers can be paired with a more experienced reader to help them starting out. We also arrange occasional training days for readers and a copy of the guidance notes for Readers from last year’s training day on can be found by clicking on the link on the right. Should you wish to join the Lay Readers, please contact either Fr Josef or Mark Neary.
Catholic Newspapers and Magazines are delivered every weekend, are not reserved and are available to everyone on a first come - first served basis. The papers are located at the back left hand corner of the Church and payment is made through the slot in the wall behind the papers. Unsold Newspapers from the previous week are available in the Church entrance for no charge.
As of May 2008 Irish Regional and National Weekly Newspapers may be ordered and reserved by payment in advance for thirteen weeks. Speak to Colin Hadley or Fr Joe.
RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and meets to help those wishing to learn more about Christ and considering becoming a Catholic. We meet in a small group on Tuesdays (during term time) at 8:00 pm in the Marian Room, until 9:30 pm. Tea and coffee are available. We start with a prayer and then listen to a reading from the Gospels. Afterwards we discuss this, along with any other interesting topical issues that are raised. We may sometimes watch a DVD (if available). Finally we end with general intercessions (prayers).
There are no expectations put upon anyone wishing to come along: you do not need to contribute vocally, nor do you have to attend every week, although we are nearly always there. There is no inquisition! We are there to assist anyone wishing to become an inquirer about becoming a Catholic and, while there is no formal instruction as such, we go through the sacraments and other elements of the Mass etc. There is absolutely no pressure put on anyone to convert until they are fully ready and feel they have been prepared. We will offer the assistance of a personal Catechist to help them in their faith journey. We are there to help anyone who wants it.
Parishioners wishing to help non-Catholics to a deeper knowledge of Christ and the Catholic faith in a friendly and informal atmosphere are also very necessary and are warmly welcome to join us. Contact Heather Archer or Father Joe for more details.
The Society was founded by Frederick Ozanam in France in 1833. It was named after Vincent de Paul, a Priest who did much good work visiting the sick, poor and needy in France in the 17th century.
The Society of St Vincent De Paul is a lay Society that helps all who are in need: the poor and homeless, the bereaved, lonely and housebound and those in residential homes, hospitals, prisons and secure units. Our aid is given through visits and practical help as well as by financial or material donations. We also financially assist some SVP groups in India with their self-help projects.
The St Vincent de Paul Group at St Aidan’s meets fortnightly on a Friday at 8.30pm in the Church. Any adult can join the group however, due to our work with vulnerable people, potential members are required have to have an interview and a CRB check. Members must also abide by some basic rules such as confidentiality.
Should you be interested in becoming a Member, or wish to refer someone in need, please contact the Chairperson, Andrew Dunlop, or Fr Josef. The SVP Website (www.svp.org.uk) also has more information.
The Take Away Club meets once a month on the second Friday of the month from 8:30 pm in the Marian Room of the Parish Centre. The purpose is to provide an informal, social outlet open to all adult parishioners to meet over a shared meal and a drink.
As the name suggests, the shared meal can be a take away (ordered upon arrival) although most people now prefer to bring along food they have prepared themselves, so there are always some tasty surprises! There is no need to book: just turn up on the night. The bar is not open so we bring our own liquid refreshment.
For more information contact Paul Dibbs on 01737 551449.
Rainbows are for girls aged 5 to 7 years old.
Rainbows are the youngest members of the Guide Association. We meet every Monday during school term time from 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm in the Parish Centre. We run a varied programme each week that includes Badge work, games, craft activities as well as a yearly sleepover!
The unit is open to all girls aged 5 to 7 years. However, we currently have a waiting list so please contact Emma Power to add your daughter’s name.
Brownies are for girls aged between 7 and 10.
We are part of Girl Guiding UK and we meet in the Parish Centre on Monday evenings (during school term time) from 6:00 pm –– 7:30 pm.
As demand is high, we recommend putting girls’ names early. Please contact Kirsten Flett to add your daughter’s name to the waiting list.