Filipino Monthly Mass
In 2001 we began a monthly Mass in Filipino (Tagalo), with the help of some of the Filipino clergy based in London. The normal time is 5.00 pm on the first Sunday each month. Exceptions are the June Mass (slightly later to accommodate the First Communion Mass) and the Mass in December (sometimes on a specially arranged date).
The Mass is organised by the local Filipino community, including the singing, the refreshments afterwards and making sure that a priest is available!
The purpose of the venture is primarily spiritual -- as faith and culture come together in the joyful celebration of Mass in a much-loved tradition. At the same time the gathering of the local Filipino community can provide a sort of support group for those who may be experiencing problems of any sort.
A note from the parish priest...
As this is the only regular foreign-language Mass said in the parish, there might have been a danger of creating a community isolated from the rest of the parish. I am glad to say that it is quite the opposite. For their numbers, the Filipinos are very active in the general life of the parish.