Enjoy an Active Part in Parish Life
Welcome to Worth Abbey Parish. This page invites everyone to take part in parish life, find a place where they feel they belong, and consider volunteering for one of the regular activities that help our community flourish.
Click to read Father Paul’s message & welcome details
Father Paul writes: “I am delighted to share with you the many opportunities we offer to enable parishioners to live out their faith fully as members of our Worth community. I hope you can find an activity or group where you feel you belong or can contribute. It would be wonderful if every member of the parish had a network with whom to pray and to socialise. We continue to increase the opportunities for engagement as we accompany each other in our faith journey.”
The activities listed below are regular parts of parish life. Some are opportunities simply to come along, meet others and share in the life of the community. Others depend on volunteers who can offer time, skills or practical help, either occasionally or as part of a rota.
Whether you are new to the parish, returning after some time away, or have been part of Worth for many years, you are warmly invited to get involved. You may wish to join an activity, help welcome others, serve refreshments, support parish events, visit those in need, or offer practical help behind the scenes. If you are not sure where to begin, introduce yourself after Mass, join us for coffee on Sundays, or contact the person named for any activity below.
Parish Groups & Activities
Welcome Ministry
The Welcome Ministry helps ensure that all parishioners, especially newcomers, receive a warm welcome and any guidance or support they may need when they come to Mass.
Refreshments
Refreshments are served in the Unity Room on the first weekend of the month after the 5.00pm Vigil Mass, and tea and coffee are served in the Narthex after the 9.30am Mass every Sunday. All are welcome to join us and meet others.
We need helpers to assist with setting up, serving and clearing away — a great way to get to know people if you are new to the parish!
Parish Brunch
Parish Brunch is a friendly opportunity to meet other parishioners and make new friends. Families are especially welcome!
📅 When: 2nd Sunday of each month, starting at 11.00am (after coffee) in Compass House.
Worth Stitchers
Worth Stitchers meet once a month to repair and make vestments, altar cloths, choir robes and other items for the Abbey Church. The group welcomes new members, and there is a variety of work to suit different levels of sewing experience.
📅 When: Wednesday mornings in Compass House from 9.30am to 12.30pm (tea, coffee and home-made cakes provided!).
👤 Contact: Christina Fitzsimons at parish@worth.org.uk.
Parish Visiting
Visiting and supporting those who cannot attend Mass because of age, illness or other difficulties is an important part of our Christian care for one another.
👤 Contact: Fr Rod and Fr Paul via Parish Office — parish@worth.org.uk
Collection Counters
Collections taken during Sunday Mass and the Saturday Vigil Mass need to be counted each week in line with Diocesan guidance, processed and taken to the bank. Two people are needed at each stage for security and accuracy.
👤 Contact: Father Rod via Parish Office — parish@worth.org.uk
Worth Pilgrims
Worth Pilgrims is a network of friendship and fellowship centred at Worth Abbey, offering opportunities for deepening our Christian faith, travelling together in prayer and service, and offering a warm welcome in the Benedictine tradition to all our friends and those who are discovering Worth for the first time.
🌐 Website: www.worthpilgrims.com
👤 Contact: Christina Fitzsimons at parish@worth.org.uk.
Worth Pro Earth
Worth Pro Earth members try to enact the vision of Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si’, of widespread ecological conversion and care for God’s Creation. WPE welcomes new members!
📅 When: Tuesdays at 2.00pm, once a month, in St Benedict’s.
👤 Contact: Parish Office — parish@worth.org.uk
Fairtrade Stall
Fairtrade helps farmers and workers receive fairer prices, better working conditions and support for their communities. By buying from the stall, you support Fairtrade’s wider work and help raise money for charity, as all stall profits are donated.
The stall is open after the 9.30am Sunday Mass and after the 5.00pm Vigil Mass on the first Saturday of each month. It sells everyday items such as tea, coffee, biscuits, cupboard essentials and chocolate.
Volunteers are always welcome to help run the stall on a rota!
👤 Contact: Caroline Howells at parish@worth.org.uk.