Parish Pastoral Councils are recognised bodies within the church structure as a vehicle for promoting the mission of Christ and ensuring that the life and activity of the people of God may be brought into greater conformity with the Gospel. The Parish Pastoral Council gives support and advice to the Parish Priest and encourages all the baptised to work together for the good of the whole community

Anthony Morris - Chairman

Paula Collins - Vice Chair

I have been coming to Mass in our parish for over 20 years now.  I am married to Michael and we have two daughters; Margaret and Elizabeth. I have a number of interests - I love gardening, Margaret will often say if you can't find mum in the house she will be in the garden or in her greenhouse.  I also love cooking and have been known to enter things in the village show and I might add I have even won prizes! Another of my interests is wildlife and animals. One of the best times of the day for me is when I walk our dog in the fields behind where I live in the early morning, If I am lucky I will see a barn owl coming back after a nights hunting or a woodpecker making himself a new home.  I feel our church is a very friendly outgoing and welcoming community of which I am proud to be part.

Richard Cronin - Secretary

The Parish Pastoral Council is concerned with fulfilling the mission of the Christ in the local community and attending to all that affects the faith life of that community. It is a conduit for communication both to and from parishioners and The Church.

About 4 times a year we meet up to discuss matters on an agenda and there will be an annual general meeting to which all parishioners are invited.  As Secretary of the Parish Council I am responsible for keeping the records and producing the minutes.

Gareth Copping - Treasurer

I was born locally and live in Brightlingsea.  I work for the Latin Mass Society in London as their Financial Administrator.  I am a former Anglican, received into the Catholic Church in 2008.  As Treasurer for the parish, I have the responsibility for maintaining parish accounts.  I am also webmaster for this site.

I can usually be found at the Saturday Vigil Mass at St Sabina's.

Rita Bartlett - Brightlingsea Rep

I have lived in Brightlingsea for 39 years and with my family have always been involved in the activities of the Church Community. I am now retired from the University where I worked in an administrative capacity for 24 years in the Department of Biological Sciences, and still work at the University during exams. I feel privileged to be a member of the Parish Council. I usually attend weekday and Saturday evening Masses at St. Sabina’s, and sometimes at St. Monica’s on Sunday morning.

Angela Charlesworth - Brightlingsea Rep

I have lived in Brightlingsea with my four children for fifteen years, but I'm originally from Hampshire. I teach part time in two different schools, Brightlingsea Infant School and Hazelmere Infant School in Colchester.

Pauline Wilson - Brightlingsea Rep

I am 70 yrs old and have been married to Eddie for 50yrs, we have 3 Daughters and a Son, 8 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.  We moved from Swaffham in Norfolk 5yrs ago to settle here in Brightlingsea.  I spent 30yrs in Guiding, many of them in Brixton and Stockwell - where I became District commissioner.  The most important things in our life are the Church and our family.  I am also Chairman of St. Sabina's Guild.

Denis Collins - Wivenhoe Rep

I’m Denis Collins, I have lived in Wivenhoe since 1983. I work at a college in London and am currently a member of the parish council. I usually attend mass at St. Monica’s in Wivenhoe

Jean Darlington - Wivenhoe Rep

I am a retired Secondary Schoolteacher.  I lived in Wivenhoe for many years before moving to Alresford where I now live with my husband and one of my sons.  I was commissioned as a Pastoral Assistant in 2004 and recommissioned in 2007 and again in 2010.  I am involved in various activities at St Monica's and feel privileged and enjoy working with fellow parishioners. 

Heather Maria - Co-opted member

I was a former Church of England religious Sister, but I converted to the Catholic Church in 2004. I live in Brightlingsea and regularly attend the Church of St Sabina. I'm now consecrated to Mary and discerning my vocation to religious life in the Catholic Church.

I have been co-opted onto the Council by the Parish Priest, due to my involvement with Churches Together in Brightlingsea. I read at Mass at St Sabina and lead the Evening Prayer Group at St Monica, once a month, in Lectio Divina. I am also an active member of St Sabina's Guild.

Outside the parish, I am involved with the promotion of Catholic Religious Orders (especially contemplative women's communities) and the support of those people exploring their vocations to religious life, through an International, Internet based, organisation.

People can usually contact me in St Sabina's Church in Brightlingsea when there is Mass.