Holy Trinity

Introduction

Holy Trinity in Bilston, within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, was opened on 11th September 1834, with Father Thomas Sing as first priest. Holy Trinity began as a gothic-style chapel in 1833, built of brick with stone and buff terracotta detailing, and was enlarged in 1845.

History

In 1849, during a cholera outbreak, Father John Sherlock distinguished himself by carrying the sick to hospital on his back. The congregation raised funds to repair the church roof, make the church wind and watertight, and redecorate it throughout.

Parish life

The Bereavement Group meets monthly on a Monday to support those who are bereaved. The parish Walking Group meets weekly for a walk lasting around 45 minutes. Nicholas Barre House, working closely with Brushstrokes, provides accommodation for those granted asylum in the UK. The parish received the Live Simply Award in 2022 and across its four churches strives to reduce waste and decrease its carbon footprint.

The Focolare community works closely with the parish, providing spiritual reflections and retreats throughout the year. The parish holds seven coffee mornings per week under the umbrella of “Places of Welcome”, open to the public. Those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith can enrol on the next Sycamore course. The parish youth meet as Ambassadors for Christ every month at Holy Trinity, Bilston. The Arts and Crafts Group meets monthly on a Thursday evening at Holy Trinity.

Regular events

Yearly pilgrimages to Lourdes were initiated, with parishioners' fundraising sending the sick and less fortunate to Lourdes free of charge. Good Friday Stations of the Cross became the focus of an ecumenical service with the vicar and parishioners of St Lawrence's C of E church taking part. A novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour was introduced during Saturday morning mass, preceded by one hour's adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples considering marriage must speak to the parish priest as soon as they begin to consider it. To arrange a funeral, families contact the Funeral Directors and then the Parish Office.

Confirmation preparation is through a parish-run Sacramental Club meeting one evening a week for nine sessions. All Confirmation candidates take part in a Confirmation Retreat Day. Registration for the Confirmation Preparation Programme takes place each July.

Children from Year 3 upwards are registered each July for a two-year sacramental preparation programme. The first year of the programme prepares children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, often in Year 3. The parish hosts two parent workshops to support families in preparing for the Sacraments. A First Holy Communion Retreat Day is led by One Life Music. Young people are invited into honest conversation through the Youth Sycamore Course.

Visiting

The former school building with the elaborate gabled facade serves as a church hall. The Hall underwent a complete refurbishment in 2018. The complex includes a modern social club to the rear of the church.