ACTIVITIES

MISSIONS

The church supports a number of groups, and there are two missions in particular that we raise funds for. They are: The White Fathers , and The A.P.F & Mill Hill Missionaries.

The White Fathers

The White Fathers are based in Katete, Zambia. Our contact out there is Fr. David Cullen, who visits us as often as he can to keep us up-to-date.
A number of parishioners take home a collecting tin, and when he visits a collection is always taken up.
The money goes towards a variety of people in need. In the photo gallery you will be able to see some of those who are helped by the mission, such as poor children in need of an education, and widows.

The A.P.F. & Mill Hill Missionaries

The A.P.F supports the work of spreading the Gospel throughout the world.
The A.P.F. makes sure that every bishop in the Third World has the money he needs to ensure that his clergy are able to preach the Gospel effectively.
We support the APF overseas missions through prayer and financial donations collected in red boxes kept at parishioners' homes.
The Association also distributes the magazine 'Mission Today'.
Mill Hill Organiser: Rev. Frank Thompson, 23 Eccleston, London SW1V 1NU
The Mill Hill Missionaries are an active international fellowship of some 650 priests, lay members and associates. Founded in 1866 by Cardinal Vaughan of Westminster they serve the poor and destitute of the world, both spiritually and materially.
Remember, to be a Christian is to be a missionary!

Lourdes Pilgrimage

Every year several members of our Parish journey to the beautiful town of Lourdes in the French Pyrenees to visit the site where St. Bernadette visioned the Virgin Mary in 1858. A vast shrine has been built around the spring that welled up while St. Bernadette was there. Millions from around the world, particularly the elderly and sick, go there for spiritual regeneration and, for some, in the hope that a miracle will take place.
A fund was set up in our church to support those who are travelling, and in early Autumn each year many of us raise money for this fund by making the 10 mile sponsored round walk from our church to Iford taking in other villages such as Telscombe. For those who love rambling in the countryside, it is a particularly enjoyable social event.

St. Anne's Day Care Centre

Here at The Immaculate Conception we support St. Anne's Day Care Centre for the homeless, which provides hot meals and a range of services for unemployed, low waged or insecurely housed people.

Open from 10 am to 1 pm every day from Monday to Friday, the day centre provides hot meals, clothing, counselling, healthcare, internet access and advice on housing or drink/drug addiction; for unemployed, low waged or insecurely housed people. The centre is funded entirely by St Anne's Trust, which relies on donations from the public and from philanthropic organisations. There is disabled access.

There are two main events held during the year which supports St. Anne's. The first is in October during the harvest festival, when tinned or dried food is brought into church to be donated to the charity. The second is at Christmastime, when presents are wrapped and left under the 'Giving Tree' at church. Gifts such as toiletries or warm clothing are greatly appreciated.

If you would like to make a financial donation there are two main ways to donate:
1) Speak to Shrini or Michelle at one of the masses about acquiring a monthly envelope into which you can place a donation of ANY amount. Please note that there is no minimum donation and that every penny helps.
2) The second is to speak to a lady called Heather Kearon (from St. Anne's - see contact details below) who will help you set up a direct debit. It is a very easy process with minimal personal details required. One of the benefits of paying by direct debit is that you can also ensure that your donation is Gift Aided.

Contact details: