Our parishes should be more than just places of worship, somewhere the faithful file into every Sunday, and then slip away without even a word. They are centres of community: places where people from all walks of life gather, bound by a shared faith in Christ.
Fostering that sense of community is no small task in today’s busy world. The challenge grows even greater when a parish spans three different churches and communities, as it does with the united parishes of Rickmansworth, Mill End, and Chorleywood.
Each community has its own personality, serving its own town and congregation, yet all are united under one parish priest and pastoral team. So how do you build genuine friendship and unity between them?
Brass on the grass is a much-loved annual summer event, bringing together all three parishes for an afternoon at Our Lady Help of Christians in Rickmansworth. On the lawn behind the church, parishioners gather with food, music, and laughter, Parish Priest Fr Andrew Gallagher playing alongside his brass brand.
Fr Andrew said: ‘It’s a great opportunity for the three parishes to come together, it’s a real chance for them to meet each other and cross over the parish boundaries.’
It’s a truly community-driven celebration, made possible by the time and talents of parish volunteers. This year we spoke with Ben and Sabrina, who will be getting married in the parish next year, and explained why they give their time so willingly at this event.
‘It’s really nice for everyone to come together and actually talk to the people you go to Mass with, create that community, which I think is really important. Community is what keeps us all in the Church together.’
Of course, no summer gathering would be complete without a barbecue. The mammoth task of feeding hundreds of hungry parishioners is pulled off each year by the Rickmansworth Sea Scouts, who take on the challenge. Lead Volunteer Chris told us:
‘As a group we would welcome more volunteers, and young people to join us. It’s a tremendous division in the parish with a lot to offer young people and the not so young!’
Brass on the Grass continues to be a fine example of what parish life should be: faith, friendship, and community, shared under the summer sun*.
*In the absence of summer sun, ‘Brass on the Grass’ has been known to become ‘Band on the Land.’
