Our Lady Immaculate and St Etheldreda

Introduction

The attached Parish Centre was built in 2003/2004. A permanent deacon was ordained at the parish in 1996 and made a priest in residence in 2024. A deacon was ordained on 22 June 2019.

Parish life

The parish has an active St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) offering practical help, friendship, and support to those in need within the community. The parish maintains a strong and supportive partnership with St Louis Catholic Primary School.

The parish offers a Ministry of listening and prayer for parishioners in need. Pairs of trained Helpers listen to and pray with those in need, either in local parish rooms or online on Zoom.

The parish runs an Alpha programme, an open space for parishioners and non-parishioners to explore life's big questions through conversation, video, and discussion. Alpha sessions take place every Thursday after the evening Mass in the Bar Room.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children in Year 3 who have been baptised are eligible to prepare for First Holy Communion. Confirmation preparation is offered for candidates aged 14 and above who have already received their First Holy Communion. Marriage preparation begins with a Marriage Preparation Meeting arranged through the Parish Office. Funerals and Anointing of the Sick are arranged by contacting a member of the clergy without delay.