Our prayer

Jesus wants His disciples to be people of prayer, always growing in their faith. The Gospels show us that Jesus prayed often. He encouraged His disciples to pray; and He devoted much of His time to helping them develop their fledging faith.

At Holy Innocents’, we try to follow Jesus’ example by being, in the words of our Parish Vision, 'rooted in prayer', and by learning how to become the disciples Jesus wants us to be.

At Holy Innocents’, we try to follow Jesus’ example by being, in the words of our Parish Vision, 'rooted in prayer', and by learning how to become the disciples Jesus wants us to be.

  • the opportunities for prayer and formation here at Holy Innocents described below on this page
  • our sacramental formation (preparation) for children and adults
  • the Parish Evangelisation Cells, which seek to help members to grow in their faith.

​In addition to these regular groups and events, throughout the year there are many ways in which we can learn more about our faith or come together for prayer. These are always well-publicised in our weekly newsletter and on this website.

About

What is formation?

Jesus didn't just teach his disciples. Rather, he formed them -in other words, he showed them how he wanted them to live by teaching, challenging, encouraging and occasionally rebuking them.

Above all, he showed them by the example of his own life. This is why the Catholic Church believes that the 'formation' of every Catholic - ​not just priests and deacons - is so important

  • For example in the past we have:

    • hosted an ecumenical service to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation ("United in Mission")
    • followed themes such as "Unity in Prayer" during Advent and "To be in His presence during Lent
    • taken an Advent “Posada Journey”, with statues of Mary and Joseph being welcomed into the homes of parishioners
    • prayed novenas leading up to Christmas, Pentecost, Divine Mercy Sunday and other feasts
    • taken part in “Rosary on the Coast”
    • celebrated “24 Hours for the Lord”, including a Reconciliation Service
    • continued to hold our annual all-night Vigil to welcome Pentecost
    • come together for special prayer events, including "If one member suffers, all suffer" - a prayer evening in response to Pope Francis' call for Catholics to take part in a penitential exercise of prayer and fasting in reparation for the child abuse scandal
    • run "Freedom in Christ" and Youth Alpha courses, as well as regular adult Alpha courses
    • learnt from Father Victor and Father Barry Hughes, talking at Prayer Meetings for Everyone on aspects of God’s presence (part of our “To be in His presence” theme)
    • met to read Mark’s Gospel in a single sitting
    • reflected on an extraordinary set of wooden Stations, focusing on refugees and asylum seekers, made by a parishioner and installed on the grass in front of the church in Holy Week and over Easter

      • For more information about prayer and formation generally:

      Contact     Father Victor

  • Adoration Room

    The Adoration Room in the Fr Phelan Centre is generally open from 8am-to 8pm Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri. (Not Bank Holidays.)    

    There is usually Adoration in the church on Monday evenings between 7.30pm and 8.30pm, ending with Night Prayer, and on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings between 9.30am and 10 am, including Morning Prayer.  Any changes will be in the newsletter. 

    ​Contact Sister Esther via the Parish Office

  • Lectio Divina

    Lectio Divina literally means "Divine Reading". It is an ancient form of praying and experiencing the presence of the Lord through listening to, pondering on and praying the Word of God. We hold a Lectio Divina evening each month in the Presbytery, advertised in advance in the weekly newsletter, to which all are welcome.

    ​Contact Prem Coutinho via the Parish Office

  • Mothers Prayers

    The Mothers Prayers movement encourages mothers and grandmothers to meet to pray for their children and grandchildren.

    ​We have two Holy Innocents' Mothers' Prayers groups. One meets twice a month on Wednesday mornings during term time; Check our weekly newsletter for details.  

    The international headquarters of the Mothers' Prayers movement is at Star House in Knockholt, within the boundaries of the parish.

    Contact    ​Louise Munro via the Parish Office

  • Prayer intentions

    On our prayer intentions page you will find our Sunday bidding prayers, Pope Francis' monthly intentions, the Church's cycle of prayer intentions and personal prayer intentions requested by parishioners and friends.

    Please submit your prayer requests for inclusion on that page via email to Cecilia Skudder, our Web Editor, with 'prayer intention' in the subject heading. You can also leave prayer requests in the prayer bowl in the Adoration Room.

    Contact    ​Louise Munro via the Parish Office