As part of the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, St Mary’s, Stanwell, and St Matthew’s, Ashford, are embracing Christ's great commission to the Church: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” This call to action shapes the Parish Mission Action Plan (MAP) for 2023-2026, guiding the parish community in its mission of faith, service, and outreach.

The Parish Mission Action Plan seeks to deepen faith, nurture spiritual growth, and engage the diverse population of our neighbourhood, all while remaining rooted in the Catholic tradition. With this plan, we commit ourselves to a living faith that reflects Christ’s love and mercy, while reaching out to serve the spiritual and material needs of others. Our parish is not just a place of worship but a community of believers called to live the Gospel in practical, inclusive ways.

Key Areas of Focus

The MAP is composed of five foundational areas that will guide parish life over the next few years: Unity, Spirituality and Faith Formation, Service, Liturgy, and Stewardship. Together, these areas aim to strengthen our community, deepen our understanding of the faith, and ensure we live out our mission with intention and joy.

1. Unity: Inclusion, Outreach, and Integration

Our first goal is to foster a deep sense of unity within the parish. The Church is one in faith, worship, and the sacraments, and we believe our parish should reflect this unity through intentional efforts to include all members of our community.

Key Actions:

• Host four Fellowship Sundays each year to draw together both worshipping communities.

• Develop a ‘First Friends’ program to welcome new parishioners with individual attention, including an annual dinner to connect newcomers.

• Expand major parish social events, and introduce family-friendly gatherings.

• Support our Youth Ministry by establishing a focused, intentional program that engages young people in parish life.

2. Spirituality and Faith Formation

Faith is not merely something we profess but something we live. Through spiritual and faith formation, we strive to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ, learning to serve others as He did.

Key Actions:

• Develop small groups for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship to nurture personal spiritual growth.

• Offer lectures and discussions on theological and catechetical topics, ensuring the faith is lived out in the everyday lives of parishioners.

• Provide resources on the parish website to help parishioners deepen their spirituality and explore external educational resources.

3. Service: Living Out Our Faith in Action

Our faith calls us to action, to serve those in need both within the parish and beyond. The MAP outlines how we will engage in local service projects and reach out to the most marginalised in our community.

Key Actions:

• Identify service opportunities annually, particularly focusing on local engagement in the community.

• Establish communication channels for involving parish youth in service projects and volunteering opportunities.

• Support the marginalised, the lonely, and those in need, particularly in care homes or facing hardship.

4. Liturgy: Worship and Encounter with Christ

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life, and our participation in the liturgy is central to our mission. We are committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the Eucharist and ensuring that every parishioner can engage meaningfully in the liturgical life of the Church.

Key Actions:

• Develop a parish mission focused on the Eucharist, and host a lecture series to deepen our understanding of this sacrament.

• Explore new liturgical practices that enhance our communal worship experience and invite more active participation.

5. Stewardship: Giving Back to God What He Has Given Us

Stewardship is an essential part of parish life, as it encourages us to share our time, talent, and treasure with the Church. The MAP seeks to foster a culture of generosity, where all parishioners feel empowered to contribute to the life and mission of the parish.

Key Actions:

• Communicate the importance of stewardship regularly through sermons, newsletters, and the parish website.

• Conduct a parish-wide census to identify the talents and interests of parishioners and ensure that everyone can participate in parish life.

• Improve communications and technology to better serve the needs of the parish community.

Building on Our Legacy

As we move forward with the Mission Action Plan, we build on the strong foundation of faith and commitment laid by those who came before us. The MAP is not merely a plan for the next few years—it is a call to continue growing and maturing as a community, rooted in Christ and reaching out to the world. Through unity, faith formation, service, liturgy, and stewardship, we will continue to deepen our spiritual lives and serve the needs of our community.

We are confident that through this plan, St Mary’s and St Matthew’s will continue to thrive as a beacon of Christ’s love in the heart of Middlesex. Together, we will live out our mission to make disciples and spread the message of God’s Kingdom, touching lives and transforming hearts along the way.

Let us all join together in this mission, as one body in Christ, and go forth in faith, hope, and charity.