Keeping Christ at the centre of all that we do, we exist to joyfully spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in Romford through our prayer, our charitable action, and our celebration of the Sacraments.
You are very warmly welcome here – whether as a new visitor, occasional visitor, or long standing parishioner. We hope you find a wonderful home here, in this parish which has a magnificent primary school, a caring network of friends and support for older generations, and a lovely mix of families, teenagers and people of all ages.
Everyone is welcome here – please do not hesitate to get in touch in person, by phone or by email, and we will help you in every possible way. Pope Francis tells us the Church is sometimes like a “field hospital”, for those wounded by life. If you feel like that, we are here for you.
If you are a family with a new baby to be Baptised, an adult seeking to learn more about faith, or a couple wanting to be married, we look forward to celebrating with you, and naturally we will help you in preparing for great Sacraments such as Baptism, Marriage, Communion and Confirmation.
Perhaps you are a family facing the shock and sadness of grief, and needing to arrange a funeral: we will walk with you each step of the way.
Sometimes people feel rejected by the Church – over the years we have met single parents who feel like that, or members of the LGBT+ community, or people who have a troubled past and don’t think they will fit in at church, or maybe that they are somehow not worthy. If you feel like that – whether you have never been to Church before, or last came years ago – please know that you will be warmly welcomed: at the heart of this parish is the simple and eternal truth that everyone is a beloved child of God. Everyone is welcome.
Fr Dominic Howarth – Parish Priest
Welcome to St Edwards! I have been helping here since 2017, and became Parish Priest on my 50th birthday, in September 2020. I have been a priest for 18 years – before that I worked for Unilever, travelled the world, and worked with young people.
As a priest I also serve the Diocese as Episcopal Vicar for Youth Ministry and Pastoral Care; from 2017-2020 I lived at Walsingham House at Abbotswick, the Youth Retreat House in the Diocese, and it is wonderful to pop over there twice a week and work with the current staff team and volunteers who offer such amazing opportunities for young people across Essex and East London (find out more at www.bcys.net), as well as helping parish catechists and everyone who walks with the young.
In supporting the work of Caritas Diocese of Brentwood, I meet tremendous volunteers who are providing vital help and care to those in great need. This is often rather hidden and extremely dedicated work, sometime in very difficult and challenging circumstances. Not only across the Diocese, but here at St Edwards, this work is a true and deep witness to a living faith, with a heart of service: it is most definitely a feature of this parish.
I look forward to meeting you – do visit, phone or email at any time, or say hello after Mass.
Julia Pitkin – Parish Administrator
I have been a parishioner of St Edward’s since moving to Romford in 1980, and I have served as Parish Administrator since 2003. I am married with three children. I really enjoy being part of St Edwards, and whatever question you phone or email with, I will help you or – together with Fr Dominic – find someone in the parish who can!