English Martyrs

Introduction

The stained glass windows for English Martyrs Church were designed and made by Jonah Jones of Criccieth, Wales, representing the Crown of Thorns.

History

In 1993 the Rosminian Order formally resigned from the administration of English Martyrs Parish. In 1990 the South and East walls of the church were rebuilt in brick and steel, the Sacristy was enlarged, and a Priest/Confessional room was added.

Architecture and furnishings

In 1965 work on a new purpose-built church began. The church was altered by the addition of a new sanctuary on the East side and the removal of the altar from the South side. In 1989 a new gas heating system was installed in the church. In 1991 the church was carpeted all over for the first time. Since 1997 the P.A. and deaf aid loop systems have been upgraded, the organ has been refurbished, and new hymn books bought.

Parish life

In April 1958, plans were first proposed for a new parish school with three classrooms on land purchased behind the church. The Hillmorton Ecumenical Group was founded in 1977 for those wishing to work and pray together. In 1985, sixteen parish members completed a three-year correspondence and discussion course in adult religious education. The Parish Council was reorganised in 1986 to lighten the burden on the parish priest.

In May 2001, a sponsored trek in the Morocco Atlas Mountains was undertaken as part of fundraising to secure a Day Hospice in the grounds of Saint Cross Hospital. In September 2002, a trek from Toledo to Avila was made in aid of the Depaul Trust. In May 2004, a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi included parishioners, the group from Saint Joseph's, Monks Kirby, and some from Saint Marie's. Pilgrimages of parishioners to Our Lady of Walsingham have been supported, especially the first one.

Regular events

On 23rd June 1985, the Hillmorton parishes staged a joint production of the Mystery Play 'Midsummer John' on the village green outside English Martyrs church.

Sacraments and pastoral care

In 1981 four parishioners were commissioned at Maryvale as Special Ministers of Holy Communion. In 1987, when the sisters of the Congregation of Mary, Mother of Church were accommodated in the presbytery, there was a daily Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for one hour. In 2002 a silver 'shell' was brought back from Santiago de Compostela for use at Baptisms in the parish. On 25th October 1970 a group of parishioners departed on a pilgrimage to Rome for the canonisation of the 40 English Martyrs.