Parish News Archive January 2026
Stay up to date with the latest announcements, news and updates from the St Charles Borromeo parish. On this page, you will find this weeks stories together with links to previous news items
January 2026 News Round Up
In January 2026, works began in the presbytery at St Charles to treat damage due to rot and damp. It was expected that there would be minimal disruption to the church and schedule of services. Fr Phil also expressed the hope that 2026 would see a new lease of life to the building as the project develops. Looking ahead, it was planned that photographs and updates would chart progress of the works.
The month also saw the introduction of Pray with the Pope - a monthly series from the Vatican - and featured on the St Charles church website
January 2026 also saw the parish website develop still further with a series of new features including Patrick’s Place, and Liturgical Feasts - from a lay perspective. A News Archive was established and a multi-language site translation facility intoduced. Significant further developments are planned through the year. Your feedback and ideas are always welcome. Data showed the website had received 10,000 unique visitors in the period October to December 2025.
During the month, Fr Phil also announced the reintroduction of the 100 Club - a raffle aimed at raising funds for the church. Additionally, he also called for volunteers to help with other fund-raising initiatives.
On Sunday 18th January after morning Mass, Fr Phil introduced a new monthly tour of Saint Charles Borromeo Church. (see news report below).
Monthly Church Tour - Launched on Sunday 18th January
Following morning Mass on Sunday 18 January, Fr Phil led an engaging and well-attended tour of St Charles Borromeo Church, offering parishioners a thoughtful introduction to the church’s history and interior design. Around 25 parishioners stayed behind, and the tour concluded with a lively and wide-ranging question-and-answer session.
Drawing on the history of St Charles, Fr Phil explained how the interior of the church was conceived not merely as a functional worship space, but as one shaped by a Baroque vision, intended to draw the senses into prayer and reflection. He highlighted how architecture, decoration, and imagery have emerged in a historical context.
During the tour, Fr Phil drew particular attention to the paintings and decorative features within the church, encouraging parishioners to take time to notice details that are often overlooked.
He also spoke about the statues of the saints, explaining their place within the life of the Church and their role as visual reminders of holiness lived out in different times and circumstances. Fr Phil noted how these statues are not simply decorative, but are intended to invite prayer, inspire imitation, and connect the parish community with the wider communion of saints. Several statues were discussed in terms of their symbolism, posture, and placement within the church.
Fr Phil alluded to the restorative work currently underway, explaining how it aims both to preserve the fabric of the building and to renew appreciation of its original design and devotional purpose. He suggested that some features — including paintings and statues — could be made more accessible through improved lighting, helping parishioners and visitors alike to appreciate their detail and meaning more fully.
The tour prompted thoughtful questions and discussion, reflecting a strong interest in the church’s heritage and in ways of deepening engagement with the sacred space. Fr Phil expressed the hope that such initiatives would continue to help parishioners grow in understanding of the church in which they gather to worship.
The tour was warmly received, and Fr Phil confirmed that these church tours will take place monthly, with the next tour planned for February.