One parish, many nations
Our Lady of Grace is a Catholic community gathered from more than thirty nations, rooted in Charlton and reaching out into the world. Parishioners come from Ireland and Nigeria, from the Caribbean and the Philippines, from across Africa, Europe, and Asia, one congregation united in faith and in service to one another and to the neighbourhood.
The parish is served by the Spiritans (the Congregation of the Holy Ghost and the Immaculate Heart of Mary), founded in Paris in 1703 and entrusted with this parish since April 2012.
If you are new to the parish, introduce yourself to one of the priests after Mass. Tea and coffee are served in the Parish Hall after the 10 am Sunday Mass on most Sundays.
Usual timetable
Mass times
- Saturday Vigil · 5.30 pm
- Sunday · 10.00 am (with Children's Liturgy), 12.00 noon
- Weekday Mass (Mon–Sat) · 9.15 am
- Holy Days of Obligation · 9.15 am and 8.00 pm
On Fridays during term time, the parish primary school holds class Masses; infant classes celebrate Mass in school. All are welcome to attend.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Saturday after the 9.15 am Mass
- Saturday 5.00 pm – 5.20 pm
- By arrangement with the Priest
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- Sunday 9.15 am
- Stations of the Cross during Lent: Fridays after morning Mass and at 7.00 pm
Our Catholic priests
Fr Vincent Nnatuanya CSSp — Parish Priest
Fr Marcel Uzoigwe CSSp — Assistant Priest
Both priests are Spiritan Fathers. The Parish Office can put you in touch with either priest for sacramental matters or pastoral support.
From 1 September 2026, the parish welcomes Fr Sebastian Joseph as Parish Priest. Fr Sebastian is a priest of the Diocese of Quilon in Kerala, India, with nineteen years in ordained ministry, most recently as Parochial Administrator of St Wilfrid's, Kennington Park, and previously in the Archdiocese of Westminster. We give thanks for the ministry of the Spiritan Fathers, and especially Fr Vincent, who have served the parish through a period of significant change. Fr Marcel will continue his ministry at St Joseph's, Shooter's Hill.
The Spiritans
The Congregation of the Holy Spirit was founded in Paris in 1703 by Claude-François Poullart des Places, a young Breton aristocrat who gave up a comfortable legal career, lived among destitute seminarians, and formed a community to train priests willing to accept the tasks others refused. He gave everything he had during the terrible winter of 1709 and died at twenty-nine, buried in a pauper's grave. His small congregation was soon given charge of supplying priests to the French colonies, and a commitment to overseas mission began.
In 1848 the congregation was united with a new missionary society founded by Francis Libermann, a convert from Saverne, and the combined congregation, the Spiritans, grew into one of the great missionary bodies of the Church. Spiritan priests have served Our Lady of Grace since April 2012.
Sacraments
Baptism
The usual time for Baptism is the second or fourth Saturday of the month. At least one godparent must be a practising Catholic (Canon 874). Parents and godparents are required to attend a pre-baptism session, arranged by the Priest after initial discussion with the parents.
Application forms are available in the sacristy and at the back of the church. Completed forms should be returned to the Priest through the Parish Office. Parents may be required to present the birth certificate of their child. Godparents from outside this parish may be required to present a certificate of suitability from their own parish priest.
First Holy Communion
Preparation runs annually. Children should normally be in Year 3 or above. Please contact the Parish Office at the start of the academic year for the next intake.
Confirmation
Preparation runs annually. Catechesis is normally for those in Year 9 or above. Please contact the Parish Office.
Reconciliation
Saturdays after the 9.15 am Mass and 5.00 pm – 5.20 pm. Also by arrangement with the Priest.
Marriage
Couples must consult the Priest at least six months before the proposed wedding date. This allows time for the necessary preparation, paperwork, and any certificates required.
Anointing of the Sick
Please contact the Parish Office on 020 8117 3350 to arrange a home or hospital visit. If you or a relative are going into hospital, please let the priest know in advance so that the Sacrament of the Sick can be received at home.
Funerals
Most Catholics wish for a Funeral Mass in the church. There is also the option to have the body rest overnight in church before the funeral. Once a date and time have been agreed with the funeral director, please contact the Parish Office to arrange to meet the Priest, who will help with the choice of readings and music.
Mass requests
Mass Request Forms are available at the back of the church. For Foundation Masses, please contact the Parish Priest directly.
Parish groups
Altar servers
Contact Fr Vincent if you would like to join. We particularly welcome former servers returning to ministry. Are you a former server who attends the Saturday or Sunday evening Mass? Please consider serving again.
Choir and music
If you can talk, you can sing. The choir welcomes new members at all weekend Masses. Practices are held on Friday evenings, 6.00–7.00 pm, and on Sunday mornings at 9.00 am for the 10.00 am Mass. We particularly need singers and music leaders for the Saturday Vigil and Sunday evening Masses.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
If you feel called to this ministry, please speak to the Parish Priest. We particularly need ministers for the Sunday evening Mass.
Readers
Readers proclaim the Word of God at Mass. We have a particular need for readers at the Saturday Vigil and Sunday evening Masses. Please speak to the Parish Priest if you would like to join the team.
Children's Liturgy
Held during the 10.00 am Sunday Mass for children aged 4 to 8. Please register your child before sending them to the Liturgy Group. We are always looking for additional helpers.
Legion of Mary
Meets on Saturday evenings after the 5.30 pm Vigil Mass, in the Parish House.
Nigerian Women's Association
Meets on the first Sunday of the month after the 12 noon Mass, in the Parish Meeting Room. New members welcome.
Church cleaning
Carried out on the first and third Saturday of each month at 2.00 pm. Volunteers are warmly welcomed.
100 Club
A monthly draw raising funds for the parish. £10 per month, with prizes of £120, £70, and £50. Set up by standing order, cheque, or cash. Please speak with the Parish Priest, Jenner, or Shirley to join.
Repository
Religious cards and gifts for First Holy Communion, Confirmation, baptisms, weddings, anniversaries, and other occasions. Open after each weekend Mass.
Safeguarding
The parish takes its responsibilities for the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults extremely seriously. We follow the policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Southwark's Safeguarding Commission.
If you have any safeguarding concern, please contact our parish safeguarding representative at [email protected], or contact the Archdiocese of Southwark Safeguarding Team directly via the Archdiocese website.
