Holy Family- Pensby

Introduction

The Parish of Holy Family in Pensby, within the Diocese of Shrewsbury, was created in June 1970 by the separation of the Pensby and Thingwall districts from the Parish of Our Lady & St John, Heswall.

History

Sunday Mass was first celebrated within the Parish at Thingwall Methodist church and also at St Michael's CofE Church, Pensby. Sunday Mass was transferred to the newly built Ladymount School Hall from St Michael's, Pensby in 1971. Major developments were achieved in 1975 following the sale of 491 Pensby Road and the purchase of 74 Kylemore Drive to coincide with the building of the chapel extension at Ladymount School. The church was opened on March 19th 1999.

The church was planned as a dual-purpose church, parish hall, and presbytery, but only the church was built due to financial constraints. The original sanctuary was re-ordered in August and September 2011 following flood damage earlier that year.

Parish life

Holy Family has no established music group; hymn singing is encouraged through recorded hymns or acapella. A small group of parishioners take communion to the sick and housebound. A group maintains flowers in church throughout the year, planning arrangements for major celebrations. A small group works to improve the gardens and borders around the church.

The parish is part of the Shrewsbury Diocese Justice & Peace Commission and supports a Bishops School Project in Assam, India, sponsoring Adivasi Tribe children. A social committee aims to run events each year to build community through shared experiences. A group of parishioners provide tea and coffee after Sunday mass on a rota basis. Volunteers meet weekly to clean the church.

Catechists prepare children and young people for the sacraments of First Forgiveness, Holy Communion and Confirmation. Readers at Mass are drawn from volunteers across the parish. Children who have made their First Holy Communion are welcome to serve on the altar at all masses. The Welcome Ministry are present at the entrance of church at busy services to welcome the congregation.

A piety stall in the church porch sells cards and religious gifts. 3rd Heswall Scout Group has Beavers, Cubs and Scouts sections, with a white and gold neckerchief reflecting Catholic heritage.

The parish's primary school is Ladymount Catholic Primary School, and secondary schools include Upton Hall School, Saint Anselm's College, Saint Mary's RC College and St John Plessington Catholic College. Sacramental preparation for Confirmation is offered for children in Year 8 and above, organised with Saint Winefride's, Neston.

The first meeting of 3rd Heswall Scouts was held on 3rd April 1950. 3rd Heswall sponsored the Methodist Scout Group for about 18 months, which became 5th Heswall in September 1981. Ladymount school opened on 26th April 1971, and in April 1976 a chapel extension was begun, used weekly as a church.

Regular events

The parish participates in Churches Together in Heswall, which organises events each year. Parishioners support Caritas through collecting boxes emptied at regular intervals. Parishioners support Missio through red collecting boxes in their homes.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Baptisms are arranged by contacting the Parish Priest or Deacons, who help parents prepare. Those wishing to be confirmed, usually young people from age 12 and above, are prepared by catechists. Confirmations are held annually in the area shared between Our Lady & Saint John, Holy Family and St Winefride's, Neston.

Children are prepared for First Forgiveness either at school or by catechists at church during First Holy Communion preparation. Children in Year 3 or above are eligible; Year 3 at Ladymount follow a school programme, others follow a parish programme using the 'I Belong' scheme.

For funeral arrangements, contact the Parish Priest or one of the Deacons for practical advice and support. Parishioners going into hospital for an extended stay are asked to let the clergy know so a visit can be arranged. For the Anointing of the Sick and administration of the last rites, contact the Parish Priest.