St John the Baptist Catholic Church Purley

14/08/2026

FAITH SUMMER BREAK 2026 drew to a close yesterday, and among the many young people participating in the week at St Mary's, Ascot were a number of youth from St John the Baptist, Purley (pictured below, along with Fr Francis and Liam, our placement seminarian).

The Faith Summer Break consists of four days for 11-15 year olds combining both faith and fun activities in a relaxed holiday setting. The week is structured around getting to know God and each other and includes Holy Mass each day, talks about the Catholic Faith, discussions, prayer, quizzes, art and craft, games, sports, and a visit to Thorpe Park.

24/06/2026

THE NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST - which falls today - reminds us of our parish patron's key role in God's plan for our salvation. As the Preface of today's Mass recalls, "His birth brought great rejoicing; even in the womb he leapt for joy at the coming of human salvation. He alone of all the prophets pointed out the Lamb of redemption."

Some photos from the Archbishop's visit to Purley on Sunday, during which the External Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist was celebrated at 12:00. Six adults were confirmed, and three parishioners - John Adams, Marion O'Shea, and Jack Payne - received the Fideliter Servienti award for outstanding service to the mission of the Church. More photos can be viewed at:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rcsouthwark/albums/72177720334328941

A very happy feast to all our parishioners!

21/06/2026

IT WAS A GREAT JOY to welcome Archbishop John Wilson as he visited our parish and celebrated the 12:00 Mass, followed by our parish party in honour of our patron St John the Baptist. Many congratulations to those who were confirmed and who received awards today, and huge thanks to all who made our festivities possible!

08/06/2026

CORPUS CHRISTI photographs showing our parish procession and Adoration in the church can be viewed on Flickr. Many thanks to Mansoor Iessa for joining us as photographer and videographer from the Archdiocese of Southwark.

"Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the Living Heart of each of our parishes" - Pope St Paul VI

© Mansoor Iessa/rcaos.org.uk

07/06/2026

CORPUS CHRISTI saw our parish united in honouring Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Some scenes from today's procession feature in the diocesan montage below, showing Corpus Christi processions in the Greater London area.

“If we but paused for a moment to consider attentively what takes place in this Sacrament, I am sure that the thought of Christ’s love for us would transform the coldness of our hearts into a fire of love and gratitude” - St Angela of Foligno.

15/05/2026

CALLING YEAR 12s & 13s IN PURLEY: What if one week this summer helped you think differently about faith, life, and leadership? The Christian Leadership Formation Programme brings together sixth form students from across the country for a week of talks, discussion, prayer, and real conversation about life’s big questions.

Year 13: 5–10 July
Year 12: 10–15 August

✨Meet other students
✨Hear engaging talks
✨Explore faith in a real, open way

Applications close this Sunday, 17th May
🔗www.christianleadershipformation.com