Have you ever wondered what it might look like to live every part of your life – your words, your work, your rest, even your relationships – in a way that glorifies God? As a parish community, we now have a shared vision for this: our Parish Rule of Life.
This isn’t a set of rigid rules or a spiritual to-do list. It’s more like a trellis in a garden: a structure that supports us as we grow together in faith, hope, and love. Rooted in Scripture and the rich tradition of the Church, the Rule of Life is our way of saying “yes” to Christ in every part of our daily lives.
We begin with prayer. Without it, we can do nothing (John 15:5). The Rule invites us to a life steeped in prayer:
At the heart of our faith is Christ, truly present in the Sacraments. The Rule calls us to build our lives around the Eucharist, and to receive all seven Sacraments with reverence and joy. They are the “masterworks of God” – not just symbols, but powerful encounters with grace.
Our Parish is more than a gathering place. It is a family, a mission school, a house of prayer. Like the first Christians in Acts 2:42, we commit to:
“Receive others as if you are receiving Christ himself.” That’s not just poetic – it’s our call. From preparing a cup of tea to inviting someone to church, hospitality is a holy act. Each guest is a gift. Each stranger is a chance to love.
We don’t walk alone. Discipleship is how we accompany one another in faith, modelled on Jesus’s own way of forming the twelve. It starts with a smile, a chat, an invitation – and grows into mentoring, prayer partnerships, and deep spiritual friendships.
We follow the six "C"s of discipleship:
Whether it's how we use our phones, care for our bodies, speak to others, or steward parish finances – we’re reminded to glorify God in everything. That includes:
The Rule encourages us to live the Gospel in real, daily moments – forgiving, reconciling, speaking with honesty, and loving even when it’s hard. It’s a reminder that Christian life isn’t perfect – but it is full of grace.
Because the world needs light. And God has chosen us – our parish family – to be that light in our community. This Rule gives us a common language, a shared heartbeat, and a clear mission.
You don’t need to be perfect to live this Rule. You just need to be willing. It’s for all of us – young and old, newcomers and lifelong parishioners. It's an invitation to deeper holiness, greater joy, and a life fully alive in Christ.
Let’s walk this path together.
A copy of the full Rule of Life is available here. If you'd like to talk more about how to live the Rule, speak to a member of the ministry team.
We emphasise sacramental worship (the Mass or Holy Eucharist) celebrated in a traditional Anglo-Catholic style, with strong orthodox teaching and preaching, supportive pastoral care, a caring parish family, and responsibility to our community and the greater world.
The Church is a Field Hospital for Sinners.
Registered Charity (England & Wales) no 1203323
(c) The PCC of St Mary' the Virgin Stanwell and St Matthew's Ashford Registered Charity: 1203323