Our Lady Immaculate, Chelmsford

Introduction

Our Lady Immaculate in Chelmsford, within the Diocese of Brentwood, was founded in 1845, opened in 1847, and designed by Joseph John Scoles. The church is a stone-built Early English Gothic design, altered and its interior twice re-ordered.

History

In 1840 the site for the church was bought from Charles King, father of the first mission priest. In October 1847 the church was opened by Nicholas Wiseman, then Vicar Apostolic of the London District.

Parish life

Families may have a cantor lead the singing of a Psalm at funerals, informing the parish priest of the Psalm. The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is an international Christian voluntary network dedicated to tackling poverty by providing practical assistance to people in need. SVP Chelmsford provides help and support in many ways across the community. SVP supports HMP Chelmsford by supplying reading glasses and collecting and delivering clothing and footwear, and has supported ex-prisoners with clothing, footwear, backpacks and books.

SVP supports the Angel Tree Project by collecting gifts for the children of prisoners at Christmas. SVP members meet fortnightly and their work covers Chelmsford and some outlying areas.

The parish has a CAFOD group. The parish has a Catholic Clothing Guild. The Synodal group meets regularly to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to seek ways of furthering Communion, Participation and Mission across the Chelmsford parishes.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The linked parishes programme supports candidates through sessions of discussion, prayer, and reflection. Those who wish to become Catholic may be received into full communion and receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Couples must attend a Marriage Preparation Course conducted by Marriage Care; in Chelmsford the course is called FOCCUS. Couples must give notice at the Registry Office up to twelve months before the wedding, and both parties must do so. Only sacred Christian music may be used in church at funerals.

Visiting

The church is open daily to the public. Very limited car parking is available behind the church for visitors. Additional parking on Sundays is available on New London Road. A public carpark operated by the local council is available nearby.

The parish hall is available for hire. Parishioners can hire the hall for private events such as baptisms, birthdays and family parties.