Our Lady and St Michael, Garston

Introduction

A new parish hall was officially opened on 1st October 2000, after the old bell tower was demolished as unsafe.

History

The parish was officially launched on the feast of the Assumption in the Marian Year. A Football Pool was formed in 1956 to pay for the church building.

Architecture and furnishings

Relics of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Dominic and Saint Pontian were placed into the altar during the consecration. The church was built in Crown Rise on land purchased from Benskins Brewery. New heating, lighting and carpet were added to the church. The sanctuary was completely redesigned: the old pulpit was removed, and a marble altar facing the congregation, a marble lectern and font were installed.

Parish life

The parish has an RCIA group at Our Lady and St Michael’s church. The Sunshine Club is always looking for new members, particularly those who have retired.

Catholic groups of Brownies, Guides, Scouts and Cubs met in the hall, and there was a Youth Club. A Social committee organised parish events such as dances, coffee mornings after Mass, pantomime outings and celebrations for the children after their First Holy Communion and at Christmas. The Youth Club, Social Committee, Sunshine Club (which had begun as a Life Ascending course) and others were able to meet again in the new hall. In 2003 the parish took part in the ‘At Your Word, Lord’ three-year diocesan course to foster spiritual and pastoral renewal.

An annual collection for the Watford New Hope Trust was established. A successful ‘Presents For Poverty’ was organised for the third world. Training was started for Eucharistic Ministers and Readers and a Welcome ministry was started. The parish also trained leaders of small groups from other parishes in the Watford deanery.

Since 1954 nine parishioners have had vocations to be priests, monks or sisters. Seven Bene Merenti medals have been awarded to parishioners. The choir has continued for more than 50 years since its formation in 1963.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish runs a baptism preparation course of one or two parts at the church. The parish's RCIA programme for adults takes two years. The parish's confirmation preparation requires candidates to be in Year 9 or above, already baptised, having received First Holy Communion and attending Mass regularly.

The parish does not run a marriage preparation course, but the Archbishop requires all couples to attend one. The parish requires couples wishing to marry at the church to have a current family link with the parish. The parish does not celebrate marriages on a Sunday, during Lent or Advent. The parish holds a monthly Serra Mass.