OLI Parish

The statue of The Blessed Virgin Mary above the altar

"Being in the image of God the human individual possesses the dignity of a person, who is not just something, but someone."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 357


Pastoral Groups

	Afternoon for Adults	Bereavement Support Group	CAFOD

	Justice and Peace	Knights of St Columba	Secular Franciscan Order and Friends of St Francis

	Special Needs Group	Union of Catholic Mothers	Welcoming new Parishioners



	Afternoon for Adults
	Meets in the Old Chapel on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. It provides tea, cakes and a chat, mainly for adults living alone. Lifts can be arranged.
		Back to top of page
	Bereavement Support Group
	This group keeps records of those who die in the parish so that a sympathy card can be sent to the nearest relative or friend after the funeral and again to mark the first anniversary of the death. Relatives and friends are invited by letter to the November services held in Surbiton and Kingston cemeteries as well as to the Service of Comfort held in Our Lady Immaculate Church on the afternoon of the First Sunday of Advent. During the summer months, outings ( known as 'Breakaway' ) are arranged to local places of interest. Meals are arranged for those who attend. Volunteers within the parish who own cars drive those wishing to come on these trips.
		Back to top of page
	Catholic Agency For Overseas Development
	CAFOD supports over 1,000 projects in 75 countries, working in partnership with local organisations in the Third World. It also aims to raise awareness and understanding of Third World poverty and it undertakes campaigns to try to change policies and practises which cause it. Parishioners can support CAFOD through the Friday self-denial group; members fulfil the Church's teaching on Friday penance, for example by going without some food, and donating the money saved to CAFOD each month. The penance undertaken is entirely the individual's choice and is unknown to anyone else; the donation given is totally anonymous. Click here for further information on CAFOD.
		Back to top of page
	Justice and Peace
	As followers of Jesus Christ we believe we are called to work towards a world in which all people are given dignity appropriate to sons and daughters of God, and are assured of their basic needs for food, drink, clothing, shelter and freedom. The Justice and Peace group works for the relief of material need, both at home and abroad, and also examines the reasons for inequalities in the world and what our response as Christians should be.
		Back to top of page
	Knights of St Columba
	The Order of The Knights of St Columba is the largest organisation of Catholic laymen in the UK with over 7,500 members organised into local councils. Council No. 487 covers Tolworth, Chessington and Claygate. The group meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 8pm and carries out a programme of activities to support the Church and the community.
		Back to top of page
	Secular Franciscan Order and Friends of St Francis
	This is an Apostolic Order for lay people who want to follow the ideal of St Francis of Assisi. Members live in the everyday world following a variety of occupations and lifestyles. A secular Franciscan promises to live the Gospel life like St Francis, to follow Christ in simplicity, peace and joy; to help people to discover the face of God; to be close to the marginalised, and to go where the love of Christ has not been revealed. Meetings are held monthly, and details can be found in the parish newsletter.
		Back to top of page
	Union of Catholic Mothers
	Meets in the Old Chapel on the first and third Tuesdays of the month - except during August and in the Christmas and Easter weeks. The Union tries to keep a balance between spiritual and secular topics, with speakers, discussions and social events, and joins in the UCM Diocesan activities. Members are actively involved in many other parish activities.
		Back to top of page
	Welcoming New Parishioners
	Newcomers to the parish are initially visited, welcomed and informed of what goes on in the parish. Details are subsequently handed to the visiting team who include new parishioners on their waiting list.
		Back to top of page
	Special Needs Group
	Formed for parents of children with learning disabilities who meet once a month in the Presbytery, often bringing the children with them. Meetings enable them to support one another and share information.
		Back to top of page