Our Clergy
The Diocese has entrusted the care of the parish to the Canons Regular of the Lateran , a religious order of priests who commit themselves to God in a particular way.
Their inspiration is to be found in the Acts of the Apostles where the early Christian Community is described:
"They remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the breaking of bread and to prayers. They owned everything in common, they were united in heart and soul."
These ideals were taken up by St. Augustine of Hippo, who put them into practice by living in community with his clergy.
His example and especially his Rule form the foundation of the way of life of the Order today. Their ministry is serving God's people in Word and Sacrament in close co-operation with the Bishop of the Diocese.
Fr John Fricker, CRL (pictured above) is our Parish Priest and is assisted by Fr Denis O'Gorman, CRL an established and successful author of Children's plays and short stories, has recently published another volume of 50 Ready-to-go Primary Assemblies. Fr Denis' publications can be seen and purchased from Kevin Mayhew.
The other Canons in community are involved in a variety of pastoral activities which include supply work, giving talks, days of recollection, retreat work and spiritual direction. They also, on occasion, say Mass and take the Sacrament of Reconciliation at Christchurch.
Until July 2004, the Order also had the care, for over a hundred years, of the parish of St Peter-in-Chains, Stroud Green, North London. It was from St Peter-in-Chains that the Order of Canons Regular of the Lateran came to serve Christchurch, Eltham.