St Cat’s Lite – Saturday 1st March

It was lovely to see friends old and new at last month’s St Cat’s Lite – one of our Family events here at St Catherine’s. St Cat’s Lite returns next Saturday – March 1st.

St Cat’s Lite is a fun, informal, all-age service. We start with different craft activities that help us think about the months theme. We continue exploring the theme through songs, stories and prayer. We finish with refreshments. While open to anyone of any age, it’s especially popular with children & families.

It takes place at St Catherine’s on the first Saturday of the month, starting at 3:30pm. The next one is Saturday 1st March where our theme will be “Faith”.

Everyone is very welcome at this or any of our activities.

Carol Atkins Introduction

Carol Atkins was introduced to St Catherine’s as curate on Sunday 9th February.

This is an extract of the livestream of that morning’s service.

Carol had previously introduced herself in the weekly notice sheet with the following text …

Hi there! My name is Carol Atkins and I’m really looking forward to joining you at St Catherine’s in February. I have been a Pioneer curate for 2 and a half years at Reading Gateway Church in South Reading and am looking forward to finishing up my curacy with you all. I will be with you for at least 6 months.

I am married to Chris and have two adult children, Ben who is 23 and Beckie who is 20. The children both live in London, but hopefully you’ll get to meet them at some point whilst I’m with you.

I was born and brought up in London, went to Uni there and moved to Reading with Chris in 1999. We have lived in Cemetery Junction, West Reading, Tilehurst and now South Reading and I am delighted to be returning to work in Tilehurst where we lived for 14 years, the longest I have lived anywhere in my life!

Prior to being ordained I trained as a paediatric nurse, which I did for 14 years, then worked as children’s worker for Greyfriars for 8 years, then a Family Support Worker at St Michaels Primary for 3 years before working on two projects, Make Lunch Reading and the Family Support Hub.

While doing these projects, I studied at Church Mission Society Headquarters for a Certificate in Pioneer Leadership. I trained at CMS and Cuddesdon jointly before ordination.

Friday Friends Programme – February & March ’25

Friday Friends continues to meet from 2.00 – 4.00pm every Friday, price £3.50 (carers free), offering a mix of talks, light exercise, singing together, table top games or craft activities in a safe, warm and friendly environment – with tea and cakes.

Why not arrive early and enjoy a meal in Café Siena.

See below for details of the program for February & March.

February 7thCards & Games
14thCraft with Valerie
21stBeetle Drive
28thSeated Exercises with Juliet
March7th Cards & Games
14thRock Painting with Vicki
21st Sing-a-long with Richard & Friends
28thLiving & Working Abroad with Chris & Heather

St Catherine’s Prayer Room

The Garden room will be open as a Prayer Room this coming week Monday 27th – Friday 31st of January from 8am – 8pm. 

Everyone is welcome to come in and pray. 

There will also be three opportunities throughout the week to gather there and pray with others: 

  • Sunday 26th – 6:30pm
  • Monday 27th – 10:30am
  • Friday 31st – 6:30pm.

St Cat’s Lite – Saturday 1st February

We’re glad that so many of you managed to join us at some of our Family events at St Catherine’s over Christmas.  Now, after our New Year break, St Cat’s Lite returns on February 1st.

St Cat’s Lite is a fun, informal, all-age service with songs, stories and craft activities with refreshments to finish.  While open to anyone of any age, it’s especially popular with children & families. 

It takes place at St Catherine’s on the first Saturday of the month, starting at 3:30pm. The next one is Saturday 1st February where our theme will be “Love”.

The Bereavement Journey Course 2025

The Bereavement Journey Course is for anyone who has been bereaved at any time and in any way, it provides a chance to feel less isolated by sharing the journey with others.  Each session has short film clips and time for discussion in a small group. 

The course starts on Sunday 16th February 2.30-4.30pm at St Michael’s, and is being run with assistance from members of St Catherine’s.

Booking is essential.  If you would like to come, please formally register your interest by email at office@stmichaeltilehurst.org.uk . 

More information can be found at www.thebereavementjourney.org or chat to Jackie Fountain or Caroline Heron.

St Cat’s Lite – 2025 Dates

St Cat’s Lite returns on Feb 1st 2025, starting at 3:30pm.

St Cat’s Lite is an all-age, fun, informal service with stories, songs, craft activities and refreshments to finish.

It usually takes place on the first Saturday of the month, starting at 3:30pm. However we’re skipping January, so the next one Saturday February 1st.

Young and Old, Neighbour and Stranger, Family and Friends – Everyone is welcome !