Holy Spirit, West Bridgford

Introduction

The foundation stone for the first Holy Spirit Church was laid by Bishop Thomas Dunn in 1929, and the church was completed in 1932.

History

The first Mass since the Reformation was celebrated in 1847 by Father Francis Hays in the pavilion of the Nottingham Castle Cricket Ground on Loughborough Road. The first Parish Priest, Father Francis T. Royds, oversaw the church's opening at its original location on Victoria Road in 1930. The present Social Centre was opened in 1967. In 1974, the current church building and Saint Edmund Campion Primary School were completed.

The parish celebrated its 40th anniversary of the current church's consecration in July 2014. In Autumn 2022, the churches of Holy Spirit (West Bridgford), Our Lady of Grace (Cotgrave), Saint Anne (Radcliffe-on-Trent), and Saint Margaret Clitherow (Keyworth) came together as one Catholic community. On 25th March 2023, the parish officially became The Parish of The Annunciation, Rushcliffe, with the decree presented at the inaugural Mass at the Becket School.

Music and liturgy

The parish's Music Ministry leads the congregation in hymns and liturgical music. Readers proclaim the Word of God during Mass. Altar servers assist the priest in the celebration of the Mass. Sacristans prepare and maintain the sacred items and altar for the liturgy.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion help distribute the Eucharist during Mass and bring Communion to the sick or homebound. Greeters welcome parishioners, assist with seating, and help maintain order during Mass. The parish offers a selection of readings and music for funeral services.

Parish life

The parish spans approximately three-fifths of the Borough of Rushcliffe, covering nearly 100 square miles, home to around 100,000 people. First Holy Communion is normally made when children are in Year 4 at school or above. The parish offers catechism classes that guide participants through the teachings of the Church on the Eucharist. Eucharistic Adoration is held at various times across the parish's churches.

Weekly Mass is streamed to enable the sick and housebound and those unable to attend in person to participate in the liturgy. Live streams are made possible thanks to the dedication of parish volunteers.

The parish supports those considering a vocation to Holy Orders. The parish and diocese periodically offer retreats for those considering a religious vocation.

The parish offers a marriage preparation program to help couples understand the sacredness of Matrimony. The marriage preparation includes faith-based workshops exploring Christian marriage, family life, and the importance of faith. The parish offers guidance on Catholic teachings on marriage, including topics like openness to children and family planning. Couples are recommended to contact their parish priest at least 12 months before their desired wedding date.

Couples are required to attend a marriage preparation course, provided by the parish or other organisations. The parish grew under the guidance of several priests.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers a Baptism preparation program for families and godparents. Confirmation is typically received by young people in Year 9 who are already baptised. The priest meets with the family to discuss the loved one's life and specific elements for the funeral service.