Volunteering

Our parish thrives thanks to the generous service of volunteers. There are many simple yet meaningful ways to help, from supporting our homeless shelter project in winter, to assisting on the Feast of St Antony, or serving tea and coffee after Sunday Mass, especially on Christmas and Easter.

We also welcome help in the parish shop and with other occasional parish events. Whatever your time or skills, there’s a place for you to serve and make a difference. If you feel called to get involved, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of the priests or reach out to someone already serving.

Our Homeless Shelter Project:

“I assure you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:40

Last year, over 7,500 people slept rough on the streets of London. Let that sink in for a moment. In a world flooded with statistics, it’s easy to forget that behind each number is a human being, with hopes, fears, and dreams, just like the rest of us.

Last winter, our parish welcomed 15 homeless men and women. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our parishioners, we were able to prepare warm beds, serve a hot meal, and offer them a safe space for the night. Early the next morning, they were met with a nourishing breakfast and a friendly face.

In speaking with some of our guests, I was struck by how recently many had stable jobs and homes. A sudden rise in rent, the loss of employment, or a personal crisis had left them without shelter. What they all shared was the absence of a support network, no family to turn to, no church community, no safety net.

It’s my hope that no one in our parish would ever face such a situation alone. Our church community must always be a place of refuge and connection, where support is not only available but offered with love and dignity.

Pope Francis continually reminds us to keep the poor and marginalised at the centre of our hearts. His call challenges us to build a society grounded not in status or success, but in love. Love that sees the person. Love that respects dignity. Love that, in its very nature, transforms lives.

Here’s a photo of our parish hall prepared to welcome our guests!