Companions in faith

Our Patrons

Our two churches bear the names of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Matthew the Evangelist. Their lives point beyond themselves to Jesus Christ and help shape our shared parish vocation.

St Mary the Virgin

Patron of St Mary’s, Stanwell

Mary receives God’s word with courageous trust: “Let it be with me according to your word.” She bears Christ to the world, remains beside his Cross and prays with the Church as she awaits the Holy Spirit.

What Mary teaches disciples

To listen before acting; to make room for Christ; to treasure God’s work patiently; and to remain faithful when the path is costly.

A prayer

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us that Christ may be formed in us and carried through us into the life of the world.

St Matthew

Patron of St Matthew’s, Ashford

Matthew is called by Jesus from the tax booth and responds by following him. His Gospel proclaims Jesus as Emmanuel—God with us—and ends with the command to make disciples of all nations.

What Matthew teaches disciples

No past places us beyond Christ’s call. Grace turns receiving into following, following into witness, and witness into welcome for others.

A prayer

Saint Matthew, pray that we may rise promptly at Christ’s call, learn his Gospel and share its hope with generosity and courage.

One parish vocation

“Let all who come be received as Christ.”

Under Mary’s example of receptive faith and Matthew’s example of responsive discipleship, we seek to become a parish that receives Christ, follows Christ and makes Christ known.

Receive

Welcome God’s word and every person with reverence.

Follow

Let worship become conversion, service and holy living.

Invite others into the joy and hope of the Gospel.

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