The Parish Family of St Michael’s welcomes you to our website.
The Parish of St Michael’s, Ashford was founded in 1906 and is part of the Upper Thames Deanery.
The church, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, was built in 1928. The church, boundary walls and entrance screen were designated a Listed Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, Grade II on 23rd March 2016.
Thanks to a generous legacy the church was re-ordered in 2006. It was consecrated by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor on 19th November 2006.
You will find the various activities of our parish listed under the Parish Groups section of our website.
If you are joining St Michael’s as a new parishioner, we look forward to welcoming you to our parish and we hope you will enjoy being part of the Family of St Michael’s.
You will find forms for Parish Registration, Planned Giving and Gift Aid Declarations in the narthex – please complete and return them to the presbytery.
Carving a Pelican for the reredos
In order to bring a sense of completeness to the reredos, I would like to commission the carving of a Pelican (in wood, and gilded) to be placed on its top, where the statue of St Michael the Archangel once stood. The Pelican is a symbol of 
the Eucharist – a mother feeding her young with blood from her breast.
Peter Foster, the brother of Stephen Foster who designed the front for the lectern and the angels for the altar, has drawn up a design for this. You will see mock-up photographs of his design on the noticeboard in the narthex.
I have submitted Peter’s design to the Historic Churches Committee which must approve all changes to a listed church building. I hope that the Committee will approve Peter’s design at their May meeting.
The cost of carving the Pelican will be in the region of £6,000. Some parishioners have already indicated that they would like to make a donation towards the cost.
If you would like to make a contribution towards the cost, please let me know. If you are able to do so under the Gift Aid Scheme, the Parish can increase your donation by a further 25%.
For further details please see the noticeboard in the narthex
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS MAY 2018
In compliance with the GDPR regulations enacted by the EU on 25th May 2018, St. Michael’s parish stores securely in its database and/or on file all basic information of those who have previously registered with the parish. This information is only used for essential parish purposes. You are welcome to contact the parish office and request an extract containing your personal information.
Parish Office: 01784 252230, or ashford@rcdow.org.uk
You can read the full diocesan privacy policy on rcdow.org.uk/diocese/privacy-policy
Catholic and have lost touch?
There are many different reasons why people drift away from the practice of their faith. Whatever your reasons or situation, we would like to invite you to take a fresh look at your faith and give it another go. It is never too late to start again, no matter how long you have been away. You are part of God’s family and you would be made very welcome. Your contribution is very valuable as are your gifts that God has given you, and we are incomplete without them.
The Catholic Church is made up of saints and sinners. We are all called to be holy, but we are part of a wounded family, made up of fragile human beings. The Church always needs renewal, and you and your story could help us to become more like Christ.
If you feel it would be helpful to talk things over confidentially about your personal situation please telephone to arrange an informal chat with Mgr James Overton, Parish Priest on 01784 252230