Holy Family

Introduction

The Parish of Holy Family was formally established on 1st September 1951. The church seats about 850 people.

History

On 20th January 1946, Mgr. Emery celebrated Mass in the new Masser Road community centre. Extra foundation work was required before construction due to the danger of mining subsidence. Most of the cost was raised by parishioners, who also gave their time and labour to save money.

The church was blessed and opened on 1st July 1967. In 1978, the Sisters of Charity of St Paul established a presence in the parish. In 1982, the parish enjoyed a visit of Pope John Paul to Coventry Airport. In 2007, the church was consecrated on 9th June, marking 40 years of the church and 56 years of the parish, and the church was refurbished and the parish centre re-opened.

The hall extension was built in 1975/6. In 1990, the church was refurbished and a stained glass window was set behind the altar. In 2000, a Millennium Mass was held on New Year's Day. In January 2016, the parish priest moved to Our Lady and All Saints in Stourbridge and a new parish priest was appointed.

Music and liturgy

In 1989/90 the church was refurbished: the choir stalls behind the altar were removed and the choir moved to sing from the choir loft at the back of the church. At the opening ceremony, the cantors and congregation recited the Litany of the Saints as the procession entered the church.

Parish life

The parish runs a 'Young at Heart' coffee and fellowship group on Thursdays. The parish participates in a Deanery Young Adults group for ages 18-35, meeting monthly, usually at St Osburg's. The Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus & the Immaculate Heart of Mary meets weekly on Thursdays in front of the Sacred Heart shrine.

The parish holds book sales that have raised more than £1000 over the year. The Holy Rosary is recited 20 minutes before weekday Masses.

Sacraments and pastoral care

To have a child baptised at Holy Family, the family must live in the parish and at least one parent must be a Catholic. Parents wanting a newborn baptised within a few weeks of birth can contact the parish priest directly. The parish held an afternoon tea that raised £745.00 for the parish.