Christ the King

WELCOME to the Church of Christ the King Chingford, in Waltham Forest. Your virtual visit is most welcome. Our parish is a vibrant community, with a programme of worship and weekly activities. We serve parts of Walthamstow and Chingford, publishing a Newsletter. Fr Timothy Ezat , Priest of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham is our Parish Priest.

Christmas Programme at CTK 2025

A picture paints a 1,000 words

In November and December Fr Timothy took two groups to the National Gallery in London, for spiritual preparation of Advent and Christmas through Selected art. Here is Helena’s account of the visit. “On Saturday 29 November I joined Fr Timothy together with a group of parishioners to spend a couple of hours at the National Gallery in London to view religious paintings in preparation for Advent. I thought Father’s idea was truly inspiring as did we all! What a wonderful venue to visit either for the first time or revisit after a long time. A beautiful building easily accessed by public transport near Trafalgar Square full of incredible paintings, both religious and secular, with entrance free.

Father chose a number of specific paintings which we viewed in different galleries. It felt like a gentle pilgrimage as Father led us to each painting introducing us to its theological themes and read appropriate biblical verses. I felt cocooned in our group while all around the public hustled and bustled. I don’t wish to embarrass Father but I loved how Father wore his priestly black long vestment which was a silent witness to all while travelling on the underground or during the gallery tour. I loved getting to know the parishioners in the group and listening how a painting affected them, whether it was a particular depiction of Christ or the facial expression of St Peter or Abraham or the reasons why certain animals were added to paintings (e.g. the peacock. Google for your homework it’s fascinating!)

It was fitting how Father both started and finished his tour at the same painting, ending with a prayer, as it felt like a special journey. A few days after the tour I attended a carol concert in the Albert Hall and listened to a celebrity reading an account of Joseph being visited in a dream by the angel advising Joseph not to divorce Mary on account of her being with Child. My thoughts took me immediately to Father’s tour and us standing in front of a painting depicting this scene. What a wonderful moment. I highly recommend a visit to the National Gallery either on your own or on a future parish visit with Father, as your Faith will be deepened by the experience.”

Please click here for photographs

The Nativity Crib

A tradition that runs deep within the heart of the Catholic Church is the humble yet profound practice of erecting a Nativity Crib both in church and within the home. More than a seasonal decoration, it is a cherished sign of faith, for it invites us once again to enter into the living mystery of Emmanuel – God with us. In contemplating the Holy Crib, we are drawn to remember not only the historical birth of Christ, but the ever-present nearness of a God who chooses to dwell among His people.

Pope Benedict XVI spoke beautiful of the importance of the Crib for our devotional life and for evangelisation:

‘Following a beautiful and firmly-rooted tradition, many families set up their Crib immediately after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, as if to relive with Mary those days full of trepidation that preceded the birth of Jesus. Putting up the Crib at home can be a simple but effective way of presenting faith, to pass it on to one’s children.

The Crib helps us contemplate the mystery of God’s love that was revealed in the poverty and simplicity of the Bethlehem Grotto. St Francis of Assisi was so taken by the mystery of the Incarnation that he wanted to present it anew at Greccio in the living Nativity scene, thus beginning an old, popular tradition that still retains its value for evangelization today.

Indeed, the Crib can help us understand the secret of the true Christmas because it speaks of the humility and merciful goodness of Christ, who “though he was rich he made himself poor” for us (II Cor 8: 9).

His poverty enriches those who embrace it and Christmas brings joy and peace to those who, like the shepherds in Bethlehem, accept the Angel’s words: “Let this be a sign to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes” (Lk 2: 12). This is still the sign for us too, men and women of the third millennium. There is no other Christmas.’

The December coffee morning on Sunday 14th will be incorporated into the Christmas Celebration at 1pm

You will still have the opportunity to make donations for Orphanage Congo by cash or contactless.

Please see the brochure about the Oblates of the Assumption Orphanage in Congo or visit the page. And watch the video of the orphanage on the YouTube channel for Christ the King

Awake London on Saturday 20th December 2025 from 1.30pm to 5.00pm

“AWAKE LONDON” A Catholic Bible convention and Healing ministry on Saturday 20th December 2025 from 1.30 pm to 5pm led by Anointing Fire Catholic Ministry UK at Catholic Parish of Christ The King, 455 Chingford Road London,E4 8SP. Convention includes: Praise and Worship, Holy Mass, confession, Healing service and Eucharistic Adoration, spiritual sharing, sessions for children (ww w.afcmuk.org). Free car parking available.

Programme 13th to 28th December 2025

Live Stream link
Please note confessions are also available by appointment with Fr Timothy

Saturday 13th
6.00pm Vigil Mass
Sunday 14th Third Sunday of Advent
9.00am Mass
11.00am Mass also available on Live Stream
Monday 15th
9.30am Mass
Tuesday 16th
Confessions 7-7.25pm
Mass at 7.30pm (DWM)
Wednesday 17th
9.30am Mass at the Convent, 20 Higham Station Avenue E4
Thursday 18th
10.00am Requiem Mass for Mercy Obika RIP
Saturday 20th
6.00pm Vigil Mass
Sunday 21st Fourth Sunday of Advent
9.00am Mass
11.00am Mass also available on Live Stream
Monday 22nd
No Service
Tuesday 23rd
7.00-7.25pm Confessions
7.30pm Mass (DWM)
Wednesday 24th Christmas Eve
10.30am Mass at Parkview 212 Chingford Mount Rd E4
4-5.00pm Confessions
5:30pm Carols and Readings
6pm Mass with preparation of the Crib
10-11.00pm Confessions
11:30pm Carols and Readings
Midnight Mass
Thursday 25th Christmas Day
10.00am Mass
Friday 26th
10.00am Mass
Saturday 27th
6.00pm Vigil Mass
Sunday 28th The Holy Family
9.00am Mass
11.00am Mass also available on Live Stream

Attending Christ the King

Car Park

Car parking is available to those who attend our services and events or are visiting on Church business. The latter will need to display a parking permit available from the Parish Priest or Parish Office. Please renew your permit for 2025/26. Long-term stays and 24-hour parking are not permitted.

Gift in Will

Please see our new page on leaving a gift to Christ the King Church in your will.

Food

We are collecting non-perishable food for those in need and have a basket in the porch. If you can please donate for the foodbank tinned: meat, pies, potatoes, fish (not tuna), sugar and long life milk. Thank you for your kind generosity.

Repository

The Repository is located inside the Church porch on the left hand side straight ahead as you come in. Selection of cards on sale, memorial candles and rosary beads.

Donations

We remain grateful to those who have made donations, but still need to raise more income to pay our bills. Any support you can give would be greatly appreciated. To make it easier you can now donate directly to the Parish using this LINK Donations can be made with or without using Gift Aid.

If you can Gift Aid your donation then the value of your generosity is increased by 25% at no cost to you, and Gift Aided contributions form a substantial part of the Church’s finances.

For other options please visit the DONATE page.

We will continue to produce the fortnightly newsletter online and, where possible, parishioners are encouraged to read or download the online version. This saves papers and provides easy access to links to other sites. Some printed copies are normally available in the porch for those who cannot access the newsletter online.

Choir Practice

Takes place in Church on Fridays at 6pm for both 9am and 11am Sunday Masses. New members (aged 10 and over) are always welcome. Come and talk to us after Mass.

The Community Choir

Normally meets on Tuesday evenings in the Parish Hall 7.30-9.00pm – resumes on 22nd April. If you love singing uplifting and inspirational music you would be welcome to join. No experience required just a love of music. The Choir is led by Jenny La Touche a long standing member of the London Community Gospel Choir.

Readings

During the pandemic we have become used to listening to the readings without having printed copies to follow. Reading sheets will be available on the table in the porch. Please take a copy if you wish.

Watching Mass Online

All weekday masses are live streamed plus the 11.00am Mass on Sundays. Here is the YouTube link for all live streamings. The stream goes live 10 minutes beforehand. Here is the Order of Mass. Please say the Act of Spiritual Communion after the priest has received Holy Communion. “My Jesus, I believe that You Are truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, And I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot, at this moment receive you Sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as being already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”

Mass Offerings

All intentions will be said by Fr David or another priest who may be covering on his behalf, at the public celebration of Mass. If you would like to offer a Mass please contact the Parish Office.

Ordinariate

If you are using the Ordinariate Rite please see this mass card.

Communion of the Sick

The Blessed Sacrament can be taken to the sick and housebound by arrangement. Please contact us.