St Antony’s of Padua in Forest Gate will host a seven-day celebration of its parish complete with talent shows, songs of praise and special masses.

The Parish Mission Week, which will take place from October 4-10, will celebrate St Antony’s status as one of the largest Roman Catholic parishes in the UK.

The church group, which was founded by Franciscan monks, has a worldwide worshipping community comprising 1,900 people from 96 countries.

Parish Priest at St Antony’s of Padua, Father John Jesus Maloney, said the celebrations, which commence on the first feast day of St Francis of Assisi, would give thanks for the church.

“We have a lot to be thankful for here at St Antony’s,” he said. “And we want to involve the community in the celebrations and increase the already thriving community spirit.”

Parish Mission Week will begin with a “mass of healing for all with the holy oil of gladness” at 8.30am on October 4.

Father John believes the celebrations will give strength to believers by giving them a space to acknowledge the greatness of their faith and parish.

He hopes to accomplish this in a series of evening sessions on each day of the week-long mission from 7.30pm-8.30pm, which will be “exploring and celebrating the beauty of the Catholic faith.”

“It promises to be uplifting,” he said. “The Parish Mission Week is a huge event in the church and will provide opportunities to strengthen our faith and rekindle the flame.

“There is something for everyone to celebrate their faith and specially-made prayer cards have been produced for people to take away as keepsakes.”

Celebrations will include with a mass of thanksgiving on October 10 at 6.30pm, which will explore the gifts of churches, organisations and volunteers from the global parish.

Attendees are invited to attend the final mass in their national dress.

To see the full list of topics to be addressed at the evening sessions, visit http://bit.ly/1LA2n0Y