English Martyrs, Totley

Introduction

Adrian Gilbert Scott designed the church, which was built by M.J. Gleeson in Italian Romanesque style in the form of a Greek cross.

Architecture and furnishings

The Stations of the Cross, made in Dublin by Imogen Stuart, were completed in Lent 1961. The altar was re-designed in 1978, and in 1982 Stations of the Cross and an icon of Our Lady were added, donated by local families and friends.

Parish life

The parish has a long association with Reaching the Unreached, which works with the deprived in Southern India, looking after orphans from babyhood through their education until they start a career. The parish supports many local partners including Saint Wilfrid’s Centre, SVP Furniture Store, the Terminus Initiative, Grace Foodbank in Lowedges, Ben’s Centre for street drinkers, The Samaritans and Assist Refugee Support. During Lent and Advent the parish organises collections of food, toiletries and clothing for local charities.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Transport 17, a 99% volunteer group based at Totley, provides community transport for the elderly and infirm. The parish has supported projects in Kwakakulu, Kenya, linked to education, sustainable agriculture, water storage, energy efficiency and provision for the sick. The Bethlehem Care & Hospice Trust aims to provide a care-centre and hospice in Bethlehem, with £208,000 raised towards the £1.5m cost. The parish supported Ed Aid, a charity helping children's education in The Gambia, through collections of items such as stationery.

The parish supports Toilet Twinning, a Tearfund initiative providing clean water, sanitation and toilets in the developing world. The parish supports ASSIST Sheffield, which helps destitute asylum seekers with accommodation and advice. The parish supports St Wilfrid's Centre, a community for homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded adults. The parish supports the Terminus Initiative, a charity run by local Christian churches on the Lowedges estate.

Visiting

English Martyrs stands at the junction of the A621 Baslow Road and The Crescent in Totley, where parking is limited on site but available on nearby roads.