Welcome from the Vicar
Welcome to Christ Church, Southgate.
Whether you are a lifelong worshipper, exploring the Christian faith for the first time, returning to church after many years or simply visiting our website, I am delighted that you have found us.
As a parish in the Catholic tradition of the Church of England, we seek to offer worship that is reverent, prayerful and rooted in the rich sacramental life of the Church. At the heart of all that we do is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, where we encounter Christ together and are nourished by his grace.
Our worship is enriched by a strong musical tradition, with choral music of the highest standard helping to lift our hearts and minds to God. We believe that beauty in worship has the power to inspire faith, deepen prayer and proclaim the glory of God.
We also recognise our responsibility to care for God’s creation. The stewardship of the environment is an important part of our Christian witness, and we are committed to playing our part in cherishing the world entrusted to us.
Our church is here for everyone. Whatever your age, background or stage of life’s journey, you will find a warm welcome among us. We are committed to being an inclusive church where every person is valued as made in the image of God, and where all are invited to encounter the love of Christ through worship, fellowship and service. We seek to be a place where people can grow in faith, ask questions, find friendship and discover the hope and peace that Christ offers to all.
I hope you will come and join us for worship, prayer and fellowship, and discover for yourself the life of this parish community.
If you are thinking about being married in church, arranging a funeral for a loved one, preparing for Confirmation or First Holy Communion, seeking a blessing, whether for your home or another significant occasion, or if you would like to explore whether God may be calling you to a particular vocation or ministry, I would be very pleased to hear from you. As your parish priest, I am always happy to meet, listen and help you take the next step, whatever that may be.
Find out if you live in our parish here.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch. I look forward to welcoming you to our church and, I hope, to meeting you in person.
With every blessing,
Father Robert
Vicar
vicar@christchurch-southgate.org
About the Vicar
Father Robert grew up in rural North Yorkshire (though he has no discernible accent!). After school, he trained and worked in early years education. After discerning a call to ministry, he moved to London to serve as Pastoral Assistant at St Matthew’s, Westminster. He then trained for ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge. He was made deacon in 2016 and ordained priest in 2017 by the Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner.
Prior to serving as Vicar of Christ Church, Father Robert served as chaplain to the Bishop of London, supporting the bishop’s episcopal ministry across the diocese and the administration of the Bishop’s Office. From 2019 until 2025, he served at St Paul’s Cathedral as Minor Canon and Sacrist, where he was part of the team overseeing the daily round of prayer and worship, as well as the large number of special services held throughout the year. In 2024, he served as Acting Canon Precentor, providing oversight to the Worship and Music Directorate. Following this, he was appointed to the newly created role of Head of Liturgy, which he held concurrently with the Minor Canonry. Father Robert joined the Two Cities Area Ministry Team in 2021 as Area Director of Ordinands. Between 2016 and 2019, he served as Assistant Curate at two inner-city churches in Brighton and as sequestrator for a third.