I’m New Here

Moving somewhere new can be scary so if you are new to London (south of the River Thames), Medway or Kent, there three areas covered by the Archdiocese of Southwark, you are very welcome.

Once you have sorted out accommodation and hopefully met people who in time will become friends, you may want to check out where to find your local parish. The map below should help with this.

Making Friends

It is hard to begin making friends, especially in a new place. The feeling of no one saying hello can be tough. However, remember it also takes time. The most important thing is to be yourself, the person God created you to be. Don’t imitate behaviour you see if you are uncomfortable with it. People who allow you to be really who you are and at peace with it are a gift and one to be treasured.

A great way to make friends can be through the Catholic Society, if your university has one. If you can’t find one listed through your Students’ Union, why not ask to start one. In addition reach our to your Chaplaincy and ask to be put in touch with your Catholic Chaplain. If there isn’t one, don’t worry, you may find what you need on campus or in your local parish. In addition, you can always reach out to the wider Chaplaincy team and we can let you know of events that are happening that you are very welcome to join.

Tips for living your faith when studying/working in H.E.

  1. Be: If you are Catholic, be true to who you are and don't shy away from saying so now. If your Catholic faith is important to you celebrate it and do not be afraid. Look for ways to support your faith now you are more independent. You may find that when you have the courage to share that you are Catholic others may say so too. If others struggle with you being Catholic, that’s OK. Give thanks for your faith, it is a gift, but don’t impose it on others.

  2. Pray: Jesus knew the challenge of leaving home so do not be afraid to talk to him and let him reassure you at this time of change. If you are struggling to pray in a completely new setting, a good place to start is with the rosary. This is a meditative way of reflecting on the life of Jesus with the help of Mary, his mother. Remember, prayer is not just about saying words, it is a raising of your heart and mind to God, in other words, noticing God at work in the every day. In a new place it is important to stay connected with the God who has brought you to this time and place and gifted you with this opportunity to be here.  Give thanks to God for it and make the most of it.  On the days it’s tough, know you are not alone. You may want to also try the Examen, a way of looking back on each day and asking the Holy Spirit to show you what the day has been like through God’s eyes.

  3. Locate: Find your local parish and commit to attending it regularly.  It can be hard going somewhere new,  but keep at it and soon it will become ‘home’. Try saying hello to the local priest and/or people doing the welcome ministry and maybe finding out if there are other students who attend so you can get to know them. Even if you feel unseen or unnoticed in the early weeks, keep going back. It is hard to begin in new place, but remember whilst it is natural to want people to say ‘hi’ and belong, this can take time. Try and help out if you can and more importantly remember you are going to Mass in response to the love God has for you as well as to get strength for your daily life though the Eucharist. Strengthened through Holy Communion, who knows, you may be able to reach out and say hi to others.

  4. Connect: Find out about the Chaplaincy/Multi-Faith Support Service/Faith and Spirituality Service in your place of study/work. There will be people there of all faiths and none, but make it a base where you can go and be, and meet others. Check out what is going on whether it’s from free refreshments or even groups/classes to help your faith grow. Don’t be afraid to make it known that you are Catholic as it can be a great way for the university to know that Catholics exist and may need a chaplain if one is not already there.

  5. Discover: Check out if there is a Catholic Chaplain on campus and if so, get in touch with them. If not get in touch with the wider team and we can let you know what‘s going on in your diocese that may help you grow in your faith and stay supported as well as student specific events that are coming up.

  6. Give time to others through your parish, the Chaplaincy or University.  There is always someone/something that needs your time and energy.  Give it freely and generously.  For suggestions of how and who, contact your chaplain, the Catholic Society if there is one and/or your parish priest. It’s good for your physical, mental and spiritual health.

  7. Ask for Help: Having questions about your faith as well as working out how it informs your life is completely normal. Finding answers can be more difficult. So connect with your chaplain, Catholic Society if there is one, or your parish priest for some help.

Save these dates

Thursday 31st October 2024

An evening with Blessed Pier Georgio Frassati for for Young Adults aged 18-40

St George’s Cathedral, Southwark

To find out more get in touch.

Saturday 8th February 2025

Q&A with Archbishop John

Contact your chaplain or get in touch to register your interest.