Christ the King Church, Thornbury

Introduction

Christ the King Church in Thornbury, within the Diocese of Clifton, was opened in its present building in 1964, although the parish itself was created in the early 1940s. A major refurbishment programme at Christ the King began with repairs to the church roof. Workers at Oldbury Power Station donated the Stations of the Cross at Christ the King Church.

Parish life

A team of volunteers regularly cleans the church, upper room, sacristy and entrance areas. Two teams take turns polishing brass items such as acolyte's candlesticks and door plates. A small group of ladies creates flower arrangements for the church, changed every two weeks. The garden at the side of the church has won awards in the annual Thornbury in Bloom competition.

The Choir/Folk Group leads and supports the congregation in the singing of Mass at the Sunday morning Mass. The Friday Group meets in the parlour of Porch House on alternate Fridays after the morning Mass for coffee and chat. The Repository provides a wide range of cards for birthdays, weddings, christenings, get well and condolences.

Christ the King has been awarded Fairtrade Church status. The Social Club organised social events and trips, including a Beer Festival repeated for several years. The Lucky Numbers Scheme raised around £30k for the parish over 40+ years. A Boys Club formed in 1968 to teach boxing later became the Christ the King Youth Club for girls and boys. Sales of Fairtrade goods from Traidcraft are held every 4-6 weeks in the Church Hall.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parents wishing to have a child baptised must contact the Parish Office. First Holy Communion and First Confession preparation is parish-based. At least six months' notice is required for marriage in the parish. Funeral arrangements are made through funeral directors who contact the Parish Office. The priest or deacon helps plan funeral services, suggesting readings, hymns and music.

Visiting

The garden is used by many visitors and Thornburians who enjoy wandering around and sitting quietly for silent meditation. A Fair Trade stall is held after Masses at CTK. The list of items requested for the Foodbank is available at the back of church.

Adjoining Christ the King church is Porch House, one of the oldest buildings in Thornbury, which houses the church hall, a kitchen, toilets, meeting rooms and offices. Both the church and Porch House offer free WiFi access. Wheelchair access to the Hall and meeting rooms is via the door adjoining the car park, with a shallow step between the Hall and the Parlour and between the Hall and the Lounge. The Hall is approximately 14 metres long and 6 metres wide and has a polished wooden floor, part of which can be opened for use as a skittles alley.

The hall can accommodate around 100 seated or 200 standing people. An adjoining room – the Lounge – has bar fittings and is also available. The Lounge is approximately 8 metres long and 5 metres wide and includes a bar area. The Richard Sergeant Room is only accessible via stairs and cannot accommodate wheelchair access.

Tables and chairs are available along with use of the kitchen. The kitchen can be used by all hirers. Cups and crockery are provided along with a cooker range, fridge and microwave. The hall and meeting rooms are available for hire, with bookings made through the Parish Administrator.

The choir practices on a Tuesday afternoon in the hall or church. Reading rotas for all the Sunday Masses are published every six months. Families can be involved in taking the collection and carrying the Offertory gifts, with the option to join the Offertory rota only.