Our Lady Help of Christians, Luton

Introduction

Our Lady Help of Christians in Luton, in the Diocese of Northampton, is the first Roman Catholic church built in the town after the Reformation, and its present Gothic Revival building dates from 1910.

History

A Catholic mission was founded in Luton in 1845 by Father S. Ward. In the 1880s, the mission was served from St Joseph's Church in Bedford and had a congregation of 180 people.

The church was expanded in 1959. On 2 November 1973, the original iron church burnt down, having lasted almost 90 years. In 2000, the external roof was replaced, and in 2004 there was a major internal refurbishment. The foundation stone was laid on 16 May 1910 by Frederick William, Bishop of Northampton, as recorded on the inscription, with Pope Pius, King George V, Mayor Albert Wilkinson, and Father O'Connor as Rector.

The church was to be dedicated to 'Our Lady Help of Christians'. On 11 February 1965 a fire swept through the church causing thousands of pounds of damage, but the structure was saved; repairs and renovations cost over £7,000 and a new organ costing £4,000 was installed.

The church has a narthex with screens for entering car park registration details. There are two choirs and one schola cantorum at the church.

Music and liturgy

The Sunday Evening Adoration at the church includes public Vespers and Gregorian Chant. The church celebrates a Solemn Sung Mass with Propers in Latin, using Gregorian Chant.

Parish life

The parish is made up of over 70 different nationalities. The parish has over 200 volunteers supporting parish life.

The parish has altar serving teams for youth and adults. The parish supports CAFOD's global outreach through volunteers.

The parish has strong links with local Catholic primary and secondary schools. The parish runs support groups for the elderly, new immigrants, and young families. A dedicated team of volunteers supports food banks, refugee assistance, and homeless shelters. The parish collaborates with other faith groups and local organisations on issues like poverty, mental health, and housing.

The parish has an ecumenical spirit and engages in interfaith dialogue. The parish welcomes students from the University of Bedfordshire.

Regular events

The church holds frequent parish socials, international food fairs, and celebrations for feasts like Corpus Christi, Our Lady of Guadalupe, or Saint Patrick’s Day.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish runs an OCIA programme for adults preparing for the sacraments of initiation. The parish runs a Confirmation programme for young people usually in their early teens.

Visiting

The church has wheelchair spaces at the front to enable people in wheelchairs to receive Holy Communion more easily. Large print notice sheets are available by request on Sunday mornings.