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Life Events
Experience Faith in Community: Join Our Live Events
We invite you to experience the joy of community at St. Matthews through our live events. Each gathering is an opportunity to grow in faith, share meaningful moments, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a family in Christ.
First Communion
Are You Thinking About Your Child’s First Holy Communion? We’re Here to Guide You!
First Holy Communion is a very special moment in a child’s faith journey, and at St. Matthew’s, we are delighted to accompany you and your family in this important step.
Our First Holy Communion preparation classes begin every September and are designed to provide children with a thorough understanding of the Eucharist while helping them grow in their relationship with Christ. These sessions also offer opportunities for families to actively participate in the process.
First Holy Communions are celebrated in our parish during the month of June, marking the culmination of this beautiful time of preparation. We encourage you to register your child well in advance to ensure their participation in the program.
If you would like more information about the classes, registration requirements, or specific dates, we would be happy to assist you.
We are excited to share this journey of faith with you and your family!
Confirmation
Are You Considering the Sacrament of Confirmation? Let Us Walk With You!
Confirmation is a profound and transformative sacrament that marks the moment when a person deepens their relationship with Christ and receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, we are strengthened in our faith and called to be active witnesses of Christ in the world.
At St. Matthew’s, our Confirmation catechesis is designed to help candidates understand the significance of this sacrament, its roots in Scripture and Tradition, and its call to live a life of discipleship. These sessions provide a space for reflection, learning, and spiritual growth, ensuring that each candidate is ready to fully embrace their faith journey.
Confirmation catechesis generally begins in September and culminates with the celebration of the sacrament during the feast of Pentecost. We encourage you to register in advance to secure a place in the program.
If you or your child would like more information about the preparation process, the requirements for candidates, or the celebration itself, we are here to help.
Confirmation is a beautiful step in growing closer to God and living out your faith. We look forward to being part of this journey with you!
Baptism
Whether you’re exploring the possibility of a baptism or whether you’ve already decided, we will be delighted to hear from you to talk about it. You don't need to be a regular at St Matthew's to be baptised here.
At St Matthew's, we celebrate baptisms during the main Sunday Mass for most of the year. If you have a particular date in mind for the Baptism, we will try to accommodate it, but please let us know at least 3 months in advance.
We will have 1 one-hour-long session to prepare for Baptism before the date. It is important that both parents and the godparents come to the preparation sessions. If you would like to know more about godparents (their roles and who qualifies to be a godparent.)
Weddings
Are You Considering the Sacrament of Marriage? We’d Love to Support You!
Marriage is a sacred sacrament that unites two people in a covenant of love and commitment before God and the community. It is a vocation that reflects Christ’s love for His Church, calling spouses to live a life of mutual self-giving, faithfulness, and service.
At St. Matthew’s, we are here to help you prepare for this important step in your life. As part of the process, we offer pre-marriage classes, designed to reflect on the meaning of Christian marriage and equip couples with tools to build a strong and lasting relationship. These sessions cover topics such as communication, conflict resolution, spirituality as a couple, and the importance of commitment.
To celebrate the sacrament of marriage in our parish, we recommend that couples contact us at least 6 months in advanceto allow sufficient time for preparation. This also ensures proper planning for the ceremony and completion of necessary documentation.
If you have questions about the process, requirements, or available dates, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Marriage is not only an act of love but also a response to God’s call to build a life together in His grace. We are excited to be part of this special moment in your life!
If you are planning to marry at another Church but you need us to read your Banns of Marriage at St Matthew's because this is the Parish where you reside, please contact our Parish Administrator who will arrange for them to be read:
Funerals
Planning a Funeral Service at St. Matthew’s
A funeral service is a sacred opportunity to come together before God, to express grief, give thanks for a life lived, and commend the soul of the departed into God’s care. Whether the service is small and intimate, with only close family, or a larger occasion with hymns, music, and a full church, we are here to support you. The service can include personal touches, such as a tribute by a family member, favourite readings, or chosen hymns. It is a chance to honour a life fully lived, even as we grieve.
Arranging a Funeral
In England, everyone has the right to a funeral in their local parish church, even if they have not been regular churchgoers. Churches like St. Matthew’s are spiritual homes for everyone living within the parish. Our clergy take their role in leading funerals with great care, dedicating time to visiting families, offering comfort, and helping to create a meaningful and personalised service.
If the priest did not personally know your loved one, sharing memories and details of their life can help ensure the service reflects their unique story and character.
The Role of the Funeral Director
Funeral directors play an essential role in coordinating arrangements and will liaise with you about your plans. They will also advise on fees for a funeral service at the church, a cemetery, or a crematorium.
If your family wishes, the funeral service may include a Mass, which would usually take place at St. Matthew’s Church.
A Personalised Funeral Service
At St. Matthew’s, we are committed to helping you prepare a funeral that honours your loved one in a special and unique way. We can assist with:
• Selecting music, whether traditional hymns, instrumental pieces, or personal favourites.
• Choosing Bible readings or other meaningful texts.
• Preparing orders of service.
We are pleased to offer funeral services in English, Spanish, or bilingual, reflecting your family’s cultural and linguistic preferences.
Wake or Reception
Following the funeral, you may wish to hold a wake or reception to share memories of your loved one. St. Matthew’s can help arrange this in our parish hall, providing a welcoming space for family and friends to gather.
How to Arrange a Funeral at St. Matthew’s
To arrange a funeral, you can:
1. Contact your funeral director and provide them with our details.
2. Call us directly on 020 7357 8532 or email admin.eng@stmatt.co.uk to arrange a meeting with one of our clergy.
We Are Here to Support You
Whether you decide to celebrate your loved one’s funeral at St. Matthew’s or elsewhere, we are here to help. If you need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to meet with you, listen, and offer support during this difficult time. You are not alone. Our prayers are with you and your family.
