Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph, Christchurch

Introduction

A Catholic Mission was established locally at Burton Green in 1802, and a chapel was built there in 1803.

History

Masses were said secretly locally in Sopley and Avon, and Christchurch fishermen smuggled priests, children, books, and other items to and from France. He bought three old cottages in Purewell, one with a large orchard, and planned to replace these with a church and priest's house. The church was completed in 1866 and opened in December of that year. The quoted cost was £625 for the church, which had a capacity of 100 people, and £300 for the house, but the actual cost was much less.

Music and liturgy

The parish runs a Music Ministry that brings music to parish Masses. Themed evenings of song, Scripture, and silence feature contemporary music led by the parish's own worship band. Readers proclaim the Scriptures and often lead the Congregation in praying the Psalms. The parish holds an annual Remembrance Mass in November.

Parish life

Christchurch Food Bank was created in 2001 from a partnership between the 20 Churches of Christchurch, in which St Joseph's is active, and Faithworks Wessex. The food bank is run by over 30 volunteers, many from St Joseph's, with one paid employee.

Children's Liturgy offers age-appropriate exploration of the Sunday Gospel with interactive discussions and crafts. A small group of commissioned Eucharistic Ministers visits sick and housebound parishioners in their homes or nursing facilities. Alpha is run over 10 weeks to explore the Christian message. The Confirmation Programme is run periodically for young people in Year 8 and above, usually over eight weeks.

The First Holy Communion Programme prepares baptised children in Year 3 and above. The Bereavement Group provides care and comfort to individuals and families navigating the loss of a loved one. Outside the Parish Centre is an area devoted to the memory of babies who have died during pregnancy or soon after birth. The Building and Maintenance Committee cares for the Church, Parish Centre, Presbytery, and grounds.

The Social Committee organises key annual events like race nights, barn dances, and summer bazaars. The Repository is a small parish shop selling religious cards and Catholic gifts. A small group of parishioners, including teenagers, operates the TV slides and livestreaming for Sunday Mass. The church has a 16-channel digital sound desk.

The parish website is managed by just two people and is in need of a complete relocation and overhaul. Volunteers meet in pairs to count the cash from the two weekend Masses. Youth groups for younger and older young people no longer run due to shortage of leaders and helpers. The parish would like to host a Toddler Group at St Joseph's.

At Easter, Christmas, and sometimes special parish events, the parish aims to do one or two large pedestal flower arrangements. The candlesticks, incense burner (thurible) and other brass items are in need of regular cleaning, but no-one takes on that task.