SPIRITUALITY
St Anselm’s Tour of the Church: Twice a year we hold a ‘Welcome tour of the Church & Tea’ in May and October for all new parishioners. This comprises of a tour of the Church and information about the various Ministries on offer, followed by tea and meeting of the parish team in the lower new hall. Please check the newsletter for dates.
First Saturday Prayer Group (Our Lady of Fatima): Our group meet in Our Lady's chapel at 9am for 45 minutes before the 10am Mass.
Guild of St Stephen (Altar Servers): Ever thought of deepening your faith? Do you want to do something different to help the parish? Do you like working in a team? Well, may be becoming an altar server is the thing for you! We have a long tradition of encouraging people to help and serve on the altar, assisting the priests and other clergy of the parish at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Becoming an altar server is a wonderful way to deepen your faith, involve yourself in the life of the parish and become part of the team. Those who serve are committed to helping people to pray and ensure that our liturgical celebrations are carried out efficiently, giving praise and honour to God. We welcome all people of all ages, but before you start serving you will be asked to complete a basic training course. Altar servers work with candles and other sometimes heavy and sharp objects and this means health and safety is a priority and so the training helps ensure you are happy and safe as you about your takes on the altar. Further training and experience on the altar conclude with the award of the bronze-colour Guild of St Stephen Medal. In charge of altar servers is our Master of Ceremonies, John Pontifex, who works closely with the parish priest, Canon William Hebborn and the parish administrator, Martine Mercer. Each altar server is allotted a regular Saturday evening or Sunday Mass at which they will serve. We do encourage our servers to serve every week. Christmas and Easter are our busy times as are occasions with the Archbishop, Bishop visit to preside at special celebrations during the year. If you are in Year 5 and above and would like to support your parish in this important ministry, please get in touch with the parish office for further details.
Youth Music Ministry: The parish has had a long history of talented musicians and singers over the years. We are always looking for more members to join our choir especially the younger members of our parish, so whether you enjoy singing or playing an instrument why not find out more about what we do and have some fun! If you are interested please contact: the parish office tootingbec@rcaos.org.uk or Hannah stanselmstbecstreaming@gmail.com for further information.
Pro-Life Group: Under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe and with her unfailing intercession, the St Anselm’s Pro-Life Group exists to proclaim God’s eternal truth that human life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death. Faithful at all times to the doctrine and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, we devote ourselves to pray and to work for the establishment of a culture of life and for an end to the culture of death. Our group meet on the first Monday of the month in the parish hall 8.00pm – 9.00pm. Pro-Life Adoration – through the year and includes Holy rosary, scripture readings, Divine Mercy Chaplet and silent adoration.
Advent Retreats: Each year we have an annual Advent Retreat as we prepare spiritually for the great gift of the Incarnation. Please see the newsletter for updated information every year.
Mother’s Prayer Group: Time for reflection with Our Lady, model of joy and generosity. Mothers Prayers was formed to help those mothers who wished to pray together for their children and grandchildren and to find the support they need. Mothers of all ages are invited to the gathering which takes place on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month straight after the 9am Mass in the Lady Chapel for half an hour. This is an opportunity to pray for all our children and share experiences. Children are also welcome! Please contact the parish office for further details.
Young Adults Group (18-35yrs): The Young Adults Group meets every Fourth Monday of the Month (except August). The evening begins at 7.15pm with Adoration and Benediction. This is followed by a talk on a spiritual topic, followed by a 'supper & social'. Please see the dedicated page: https://www.stanselmstbec.org/young-adults-group and the newsletter for updated details.