St John Payne is a Catholic parish in Greenstead, Colchester, serving Greenstead, Ardleigh and Mistley.
We are a friendly parish community, gathered around the Mass, the sacraments, prayer and the shared life of the Church.
Whether you are new to the area, returning to Mass after some time away, or simply curious about the Catholic faith, you are very welcome here.
One parish, three communities
Our church is in Greenstead, but our parish serves a wider area. Some people live near the church. Others travel from Ardleigh, Mistley and the surrounding villages. Together, we form one parish family.
Our place in the Church
We are one of three Catholic parishes serving the city of Colchester. The other two are served from St James the Less and St Helen, and from St Teresa of Lisieux.
St John Payne is part of the Diocese of Brentwood and belongs to the Colchester Deanery.
Parish church
St John Payne
Parish area
Greenstead (Colchester), Ardleigh and Mistley
Diocese
Brentwood
Our story
St John Payne Church opened on 27 September 1972, as Greenstead was growing quickly in the years after the Second World War. From the beginning, the mission also included Catholics in Ardleigh and Mistley.
1972
The church opens
St John Payne Church opened on 27 September 1972 to serve the growing Catholic community in Greenstead and the surrounding area.
1982
A new parish
At first, the church was served by priests from St James the Less in Colchester. In 1982, Greenstead, with Ardleigh and Mistley, became a separate parish.
2004
The church is consecrated
The church was consecrated by Bishop Thomas McMahon on 1 October 2004.
2008
A new parish hall
A parish hall was added in 2008, giving the parish more space for meetings, events and community life.
Named after St John Payne
Our church is named after St John Payne, a Catholic priest and martyr who served in Essex during the reign of Elizabeth I.
He was executed at Chelmsford in 1582 and was later canonised as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. His witness gives our parish a strong local connection with the Catholic faith as it has been lived, suffered and handed on in this part of England.
The Ordinariate in Colchester
St John Payne is also home to the Colchester Ordinariate Group.
The Ordinariate is part of the Catholic Church. It was established for Anglicans who entered into full communion with the Catholic Church, while keeping some of the spiritual, liturgical and pastoral traditions that had shaped their Christian life.
At St John Payne, Mass is also offered according to Divine Worship, the form of the Mass used by the Ordinariate. Visitors, families and enquirers are very welcome.
The Ordinariate is one of the things that gives our parish its particular character. It brings a distinct tradition of worship, liturgy and prayer into the life of the wider parish.
Our parish today
Today, St John Payne is a parish of worship, welcome and service.
We gather for Mass and the sacraments. We pray together. We care for one another. We support children and families. We try to help those who are lonely, struggling or in need.
Our parish life includes Sunday Mass, weekday Mass, Confession, prayer, parish groups, social events, children’s activities and many opportunities to serve.
A place to belong
We are not a perfect community. No parish is. But we hope to be a place where people can meet Christ, deepen their faith and find a home in the Church.
Everyone who comes through the door matters. We hope you will come and meet us soon.
St John Payne, pray for us.
