Holy Family, Slough

Introduction

In 1884 Fr Clemente launched a nationwide appeal for the Slough 'Mission', and on 4th November 1886 the Bishop of Northampton celebrated Pontifical High Mass in a chapel dedicated to Saint Ethelbert.

History

The first Mass in the new Holy Family Church was said on February 2nd, 1957. At the beginning of 1940 Saint Bernard's Convent Chapel was made a temporary chapel-of-ease to Saint Ethelbert's for the Langley area, with the Convent Chaplain Father Crawfurd also becoming a curate of Saint Ethelbert's. The first public Mass for parishioners was offered on Quinquagesima Sunday, February 4th, 1940, with forty-two people present. In November, 1955 the parish was enriched by the arrival of the Daughters of Saint Paul at Saint Paul's House, Middle Green, followed in February, 1956 by the Priests and Brothers of the same Congregation.

In November 1953 the Bishop was notified that the Church Site at the intersection of Trelawney Avenue and the Green Drive had been allocated for the building of Church, presbytery and hall. On Tuesday, January 17th, 1956 the L.C.C. completed the contract of sale and the Church site became ours. The church was named the Church of the Holy Family, as approved by the Bishop.

Music and liturgy

The parish holds a Mass of Anointing once a year, usually in late September. Before Christmas and Easter, the parish offers two Services of Reconciliation and other opportunities for individual confession.

Sacraments and pastoral care

RCIA candidates attend a service at Northampton Cathedral on the first Sunday of Lent and receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Individual Confession is available at any time on request. The parish arranges for the sick to receive Holy Communion and the Sacrament of the Sick. The marriage preparation days include a blessing of engagement rings.

Visiting

The parish runs a baptism preparation programme requiring two preparation evenings. Collections for the Slough Foodbank take place on the first weekend of every month. An annual Harvest Family Fast Day collection supports CAFOD.

Holy Communion is brought to the housebound on a regular basis. A programme prepares children for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is offered for young people in year 9 or above. An SVP (Saint Vincent de Paul) group supports the local community.