St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church was consecrated on 6th May 1856. To mark the 170th Anniversary year there is a wonderful calendar of events, Masses, and times to pray, including a special parish renewal week in October, as we celebrate the Feast of St Edward the Confessor.
The “At a glance” events calendar from Easter to Summer is here:
Easter to Summer Anniversary Events
Saturday 11th April, afternoon pilgrimage to Ingatestone Hall
The Petre family donated £2000 in 1854, paying for the land and some of the construction of the new church for the “Romford Mission”. The current Lord Petre welcomes us to Ingatestone Hall for a tour, with coffee/tea and home made biscuits at the end. The tour is 90 minutes, and regrettably unsuitable for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs. Ingatestone Hall is full of fascinating Catholic history – come and see!
NOTE: All places on the 2pm tour are now taken; two places remain at 1pm. Contact the parish office by Friday 10th April if you would like to come.
Saturday 18th April, 7.30 – 10.30pm, Karaoke Night
You may have had the joy of hearing the 11.30am choir singing at Mass. Now hear some of the finest singers with their Karaoke favourites … and you are welcome to bring your voice to the microphone too! Tickets just £5 – more info after all Masses on 11/12 April, or contact the parish office.
Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May, Flower Festival
“The Petals” are an extraordinary group of friends and flower arrangers, who warmly welcome newcomers. With the theme “Eternal Love” a beautiful range of floral displays will cover every window sill and highlight the most sacred areas of the sanctuary and side chapel. The displays can be viewed from 10am – 4pm Saturday and Monday, and 1-4pm Sunday. There will also be a tasty array of tea and cake in the parish centre. Everyone is very warmly welcome, and this is a great opportunity to bring neighbours, visitors and especially those who have never been to our church before.
Wednesday 6th May, 7.00pm, 170th Anniversary of the Consecration of the Church
We are pleased to welcome Mgr Kevin Hale, former Parish Priest in Romford and now Vicar General of the Diocese of Brentwood, to preside at this Mass which commemorates the Consecration of the Church by Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman on 6th May 1856. Fr Paul Keane has a specialism in history, and is currently Chaplain to the University of Cambridge, and he will give the homily. There will be refreshments after Mass and everyone is very welcome to mark this historic occasion.
Sunday 10th – Saturday 16th May, Week of Guided Prayer
If you have ever asked “How do I pray?” “What should my prayer life look like?” “What even is a prayer life?” then this could be for you. Daily appointments online or in person with an experienced spiritual guide. Over the course of the week they will help you dive deeper into prayer, Scripture and faith. Caroline, who is running the week, will speak at all Masses on 11-12th April, and there is also information in the leaflet available to download here:
More events throughout the year – additional information will be here about six weeks before each event.
Download the full calendar of events (as at January 2026) here.
Wrapping the Year in Prayer
From 1st January, and throughout the whole year, pray the Living Rosary. Sign up for a specific date any time from January to December. Gather your family, friends and neighbours for a time of shared prayer. For the full explanation, download the leaflet here:
To sign up, email the Legion of Mary team via the parish office on romford@brcdt.org
From 6th January and throughout the whole year there will be an additional Tuesday evening Mass at 6.30pm. We hope this is helpful for those at College, work or school who would like to come to a midweek Mass but cannot make the usual 9am Masses.
From 9th January and throughout the whole year there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday at 5pm, concluding with Benediction at 5.50pm (in Lent, Stations of the Cross at 6pm).
You can look back on earlier months by reading from here:
January
Wednesday 7th January the Parish Alpha Course begins. Please pray for all those taking part, that it may be a time full of the Holy Spirit, with much discovery, grace, sharing and community. To discover more email Romain and the parish Alpha team direct on alpharomford@brcdt.org .
Saturday 31st January Anniversary Quiz, led by our parish young adults, raising money for them to travel to Lourdes. Featuring Onose (our Parish Partnership Youth Coordinator and brilliant singer) in a live singing round. 7.30pm for 8.00pm start. Come along for a creative and joyful evening. £7 entry fee, or £45 for a team of 8. Order tickets from the Parish Office or after Masses on 17/18 and 24/25 January.
February
Friday 13th February, 7-8pm Discover the Camino di Santiago as Fr Dominic and friends who are seasoned Camino pilgrims share their experience. Ideal if you are a Camino walker who wants to reminisce, or if you are thinking of walking the Camino in the future. Plenty of tips and hints.
Sunday 14th February, 2.30pm Mass with Anointing of the Sick. On the Saturday closest to the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, this Mass is warmly open to those who may be too frail to come to Mass more frequently. The church has step free access, and there will be people to offer lifts, if needed – just contact the parish office on romford@brcdt.org.
18th February is Ash Wednesday. From then until Easter Sunday there was a dedicated Lent and Easter page of the Parish Website with full details of Lenten Lunches, Stations of the Cross, and a special appeal by the Friends of the Holy Land.