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Our church is the oldest in the Archdiocese of Southwark. Opened in 1824, twenty-five years before the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in England - it was built as a gift to the small Catholic community in Richmond. Over the years the parish grew and flourished, with strong devotional life and a vibrant Catholic presence. Like many parishes, however, it later experienced a gradual decline.
In 2015, the parish began to ask whether a new springtime might be possible. A renewed focus on evangelisation, lay leadership and the introduction of Alpha, marked a turning point. The parish became part of the Divine Renovation network, and a culture of invitation, discipleship, and mission began to take root.
Today St Elizabeth’s is recognised for its role in parish renewal and in creating and sustaining a community of missionary discipleship. Around a third of our congregation is aged 18-30, our youth ministry is thriving, and vocations are emerging.
We do not believe this story belongs only to St Elizabeth’s. Every parish has its own story - but every parish can ask what greater faithfulness to Jesus’ mission might look like in its own context. What might a new springtime look like in your parish?
Parish renewal is not a programme or a technique to be learned, but a set of principles, and a journey to be shared. At the heart of parish renewal is a simple conviction: the parish remains a vital expression of the Church’s presence in the world.
In May 2026, we welcomed priests and parish leaders from around the world to explore our experience of renewal: its fruits, its mistakes and the work still ahead.
Missionary Leadership
Renewal requires one clear vision, honest discernment, shared responsibility and leaders willing to focus the parish upon mission.
Discipleship Pathways
Evangelisation opens a door, but people need relationships and practical next steps through which they can continue to grow, serve, and be sent.
Relational Ministry
People are not projects. Sustainable renewal grows where individuals are known, accompanied and trusted with genuine ownership.
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So much of what we have learned at St Elizabeth's is inspired and supported by Divine Renovation. Fr James Mallon’s book Divine Renovation, is not a programme but a set of guiding principles. It fosters welcoming cultures, clear vision, intentional accompaniment, and empowered lay leadership, helping parishes become places where people encounter Jesus, grow as disciples, and are sent out to share the Gospel. Today Divine Renovation equips parishes all over the world on the renewal journey. Learn more about them here.
If you are part of a parish dreaming about what a new springtime might look like, we would love to support you. We would be glad to meet, listen and share what we have learned as you discern what renewal could look like in your own parish.
At St Elizabeth's we have staff and volunteers dedicated to understanding missionary discipleship, parish renewal and culture change. We would love to share what we have learned with you, and grow from hearing about your own contexts.
Hear the parish's story from those who have been part of it, share your hopes and present challenges for your own context, and think together about what renewal might look like for you.
Arrange a visit to St Elizabeth’s, meeting with relevant staff and volunteers, or observing a ministry where helpful. See changes we have made and find inspiration for your next step.
From time to time we host workshops looking at specific aspects of parish renewal, focussing on areas such as relational youth ministry, life after Alpha, leadership pipelines and getting started. Check out our calendar to see when the next workshop is happening, and join if you can.
We hope to launch a podcast and video series exploring the themes of renewal. More information coming soon.
Every parish has a different story. If your story is asking new questions about mission, discipleship or renewal, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Start a conversation now.
