Holy Cross Parish Pastoral Council
What is a Parish Pastoral Council?
The model of a PPC was redefined in 2002 with the aim of realising the essence of parish life through evangelisation, worship and word, community service, stewardship and leadership. These elements are what make a pastoral council “pastoral”
What is the role of a PPC?
The agenda of a Council is primarily to research, consider and propose for action those matters considered to be truly “pastoral”. The Council will foster the mission of the parish which is grounded in the mission of Christ.
Holy Cross PPC
Members are drawn from representatives of all the main parish groups and areas of activity and interest in the Parish.
PPC Membership and areas of involvement
As of October 2024, the council members are:
Father Vincent Okon: Parish Priest
Chair: Andrew Theobald, Director of Music, 11.00 Choir Master, Stewards, Webcam
Secretary: Alex Faircloth, Churches Together representative and Missio Local Secretary
Kathleen Ball: Folk Choir leader, Deanery Mentor for Evangelisation, RCIA
Natacha Crosdale: Parish Lead Evangelisation and Baptism
John Hickey, Co-Ordinator Home Visits and Communion
Cherryl Howlett: Parish lead Formation, Marriage Preparation co-ordinator, Extra-ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion co-ordinator.
Tim Howlett: Webmaster, Safeguarding Representative, Marriage Preparation co-ordinator.
Sandy Misquitta: Deacon
Jeremy Tuke: Readers Rota
Esme Wei: Children’s Liturgy, Baby and Toddler Group
Contact members of the PPC
Either in person or via the Parish website contact form.
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Holy Cross RC Church, Carshalton, Parish Pastoral Council
Highlights of the discussions at the meeting held on 25th November 2025
• Work is in progress to publish a Parish Financial Statement for 2025.
• Father Patrick Udotai of St Elphege’s will succeed Fr Jim McGillicuddy from Our Lady of the Rosary as Dean of Sutton Deanery from January 2026. There are plans to increase joint events across parishes. The creation of a deanery directory of Choir Leaders and musicians is being proposed for consideration.
• The Sparks of Light event in October had provided a great response from those who attended and it was hoped that the event could be repeated in parishes across the Deanery.
• The Holy Cross Mother and toddler group needs volunteers to run the Term Time, Bi-Weekly sessions on a regular basis and to ensure its future.
• The Holy Cross Carol Concert will be held on Sunday 14th December at 4 p.m. and an evening Advent Service on Friday 19th December.
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services are always fully attended and plans were made to provide sufficient Stewards throughout and ensure safety precautions were followed for buggy parking.
• The exterior of the Church and front Garden would be decorated and nativity figures were being created with lighting. Donations of materials were requested.
• Proposals were made to create temporary banners outside the Church to promote key features of the Christian Year i.e. the Christmas and Easter messages.
• To help at fundraising events and with Second Collections, it was suggested that a portable credit/bank card reader be purchased.
• A memorial service would be held for Father Henry on Saturday 13th December and Father Luke would celebrate 71 years since his ordination on 8th December and his 96th birthday on 18 December.
• Next PPC meeting will be at 7.15pm on Tuesday 24th February 2026
Alex Faircloth
PPC Secretary
January 2026
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Safeguarding Team
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Southwark and the Parish of Holy Cross Church are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding in relation to children and vulnerable adults.
All parish members involved in activities with children, young people or vulnerable adults need to complete an application process, possibly including references, and must obtain a DBS declaration which needs to be kept updated.
Any concerns please email, but if urgent consider contacting the Police.
carshaltonsg2@safeguardrcaos.org.uk
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Repository
We have a selection of Mass Cards and greeting cards for all occasions. First Communion gifts are usually available all year round.
We have the new Roman Sunday Missal, rosaries, statues, bibles, children’s books etc. We also stock Christmas cards and Advent calenders. The repository is open after 09:30 and 11:00 Mass on Sundays.
