Bishop of Swindon Rt Revd Dr John Bell  (Retired 2013) & Rt Rev Dr. Mark Paris-Haines (2010)

​​​​​Welcome to the Old Catholic Church Swindon! Here, we are devoted to sharing the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Our mission is not just a routine; it reflects a deep commitment to serving the spiritual needs of our members and the broader community. We invite you to explore the vibrant hub of love, support, and inclusivity that we’ve created together.

 

Our Mission

At Old Catholic Church Swindon, our mission centers on serving the spiritual needs of both our members and the community. We believe that everyone deserves a warm and inclusive space where they can feel God’s presence.

 

This mission guides our activities and outreach, inspiring us to reach those in need while offering a supportive environment. For instance, in the past year, Our commitment to the community was reflected in feedback where 85% of those we served reported feeling blessed by the support they received.

 

Our approach to inclusivity means we welcome everyone, regardless of their background, beliefs, or life experiences. This openness allows us to address unique challenges while fostering a sense of belonging for all.

 

Our Vision

We see Old Catholic Church Swindon as a guiding light in our community. Our aim goes beyond offering spiritual nourishment; we want to empower individuals to grow in their relationship with God.

 

Creating a supportive environment is key. We offer various ministries and programs, such as workshops where over 100 attendees learned about faith's impact on daily decision-making last year. These experiences not only strengthen individual faith but also enhance communal bonds.

 

Our Values

The foundation of Old Catholic Church Swindon rests on our core values—love, compassion, and service. These principles are inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and shape how we interact internally and externally.

 

Love

Love is central to everything we do. We actively strive to embody the unconditional love of Christ within our community. Each member is cherished, creating an environment for spiritual growth and acceptance.

 

Compassion

Compassion fuels our drive to understand the struggles of all individuals. Last year, we supported over 150 families through our community outreach, acknowledging that everyone deserves kindness and understanding.

 

Service

Service is a genuine expression of our faith. We believe that true faith is shown through selfless acts. Our church organizes regular volunteer opportunities—from serving at local shelters to participating in clean-up drives—which saw more than 200 members engage in service last year.

 

By living out these values, we reaffirm our commitment to support individuals, encouraging actions that reflect Christ’s teachings.

 

Community Engagement

Old Catholic Church Swindon is more than a meeting place; it is a thriving community striving to make a difference. Through various programs, we engage with our community to address spiritual and practical needs.

 

Outreach Programs

We design outreach programs to connect with those who may not feel at home in a traditional church setting.

 

Support Groups

We facilitate multiple support groups, including grief counseling and parenting classes. These initiatives create a nurturing space where individuals find comfort and gain tools to overcome challenges.

 

By engaging actively with the wider community, we build trust and love, paving the way for spiritual connections.

 

Spiritual Growth Opportunities

At the Old Catholic Church Swindon, we understand that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. To aid our community, we provide various opportunities for enrichment and reflection.

 

Bible Study

Our Bible study sessions allow members to explore the Scriptures more deeply. These gatherings have hosted as many as 40 members, creating a vibrant dialogue about faith and personal experiences.

 

Worship Services

Worship services are essential to our spiritual life. We come together weekly for inspiring teachings and collective worship, promoting reflection and community participation. Attendance at these services has grown by 25% over the past year.

 

Retreats and Workshops

We offer retreats and workshops dedicated to personal reflection and renewal.

 

Recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique, we provide a variety of avenues for spiritual development.

 

A Welcoming Environment

Creating a warm and welcoming environment is vital to our mission at Old Catholic Church Swindon. When individuals enter, we want them to feel at home.

 

Inclusivity

Inclusivity is more than just a value; it defines our identity. We celebrate diversity and remind everyone that they are integral to God's family.

 

Friendly Community

Our members pride themselves on friendliness and openness. Newcomers can expect a warm welcome, complete with genuine hospitality from our congregation. Our initiative to reach out and connect with visitors has improved our newcomer retention rate to over 70%.

 

Supportive Leadership

Our dedicated leadership team is focused on faithful service to our members. They prioritize the congregation's needs, fostering an environment of openness and support.

 

A welcoming environment is essential for forming lasting connections that lead to personal and spiritual growth.

 

Impacting the World

While we emphasize our church community, we also recognize the importance of making a positive global impact. Our outreach efforts extend beyond our immediate area.

 

Social Justice

Engaging with social justice matters relevant to our community encourages conversations on equality and dignity for all. Our advocacy efforts aim to stand against injustice, reflecting the essence of our faith.

 

Through these outreach activities, we fulfill our mission and align with our vision of being a beacon of hope in the broader world.

 

Our Commitment to a Loving Community

At Old Catholic Church Swindon, our mission, vision, and values guide our journey. Through love, compassion, and a dedication to service, we provide a welcoming space for spiritual growth and meaningful connections.

 

As we move forward in our collective faith, we encourage everyone to join us. Together, we can embrace our shared purpose, cultivating a community where each individual is valued and empowered to create positive change.

 

Join us as we live out the teachings of Jesus Christ, making a difference both locally and globally. Together, we are building a church rooted in faith and a community driven by love and service.

 

The Old Catholic Church Swindon invites all who seek a community of acceptance and purpose. Let’s walk this journey together!