Corpus Christi

Introduction

Corpus Christi in Calderbank, within the Diocese of Motherwell, was designed by Reginald Fairlie and Partners, Edinburgh, with work directed by Mr. Conlon.

Architecture and furnishings

The church is a traditional type with white finish on brick walls, a steep Scottish roof with slates, and a west window and door in local stone. The interior roof is open and high, supported on twelve piers reminiscent of the twelve Apostles. The West Window is surmounted by a carved figure of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The Lady Altar is of oak with a blue curtain and a picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. At the east end are three arches, the principal arch being the focal point over the altar, with the other two at the Lady Chapel and Sacristy.

Parish life

The parish runs a Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults programme for those wishing to become Catholic. The parish maintains a Facebook page.

The parish established Boys' Guild and Girls' Guild youth clubs in 1948. The parish has its own choir, which rendered the Mass in Gregorian chant at the opening.

Regular events

The parish has an Advent prayer tree on the sanctuary where prayer tags are available for intentions. The parish supports the school's annual Mass for Missionary Children's Day, with children praying and raising funds for mission countries.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples preparing for marriage within the Catholic Church are required to undertake a period of marriage preparation, with courses run by the Diocese of Motherwell. For a funeral, the second reading is from the New Testament.

Visiting

The parish publishes Fontes magazine, available at the back of the church and online. The parish offers a monthly reflection that takes one phrase from scripture and puts it into practice in daily life. The parish supports Missio Scotland, which builds churches, schools and hospitals and feeds children.