Our Lady Immaculate & St. Robert

Introduction

The church dates from 1873, when the future Cardinal, Archbishop Manning, was present at the opening Mass.

History

In 1861 Provost Render hired a room in the Crescent Hotel as a Catholic Chapel for the town. The first Mass was said on 26 May 1861 by Canon Chadwick, then the priest at Allerton Park. In 1864 a piece of land off Station Parade was bought as a site for a day-school and presbytery, and building commenced in June 1864, with George Goldie as architect. In 1929 Bishop Cowgill laid the foundation stone of Saint Aelred’s, Starbeck, which in the following year became a separate parish. The church was consecrated by Bishop Cowgill on 10 May 1930.

Architecture and furnishings

The church was built in the Gothic revival style characteristic of much of George Goldie's work, in this case recalling the style of the thirteenth century. The church was constructed largely of brick, though the pillars of the nave were constructed of matching red sandstone.

A newly carved stone cross, replacing the crumbling Victorian one taken down on safety grounds, was installed high above the main door of the church in the summer. Four altars to accommodate the many visiting priests were erected in a cloister built between the wall of the church and the priests' house. The parish choir may be available on request to sing solos and augment hymns at funerals.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Baptisms at St Robert's take place during Sunday Mass in the presence of the parish community. The clergy have formulated a new catechetical presentation to help prepare young parents as they present their children for baptism. A team of catechists, along with the parish priest, accompanies children through the sacraments of initiation and Confirmation.

The SVP Conference is linked with other groups in India and South Sudan. The parish priest meets with the family in the presbytery to offer pastoral care and help plan the funeral service. The parish offers a requiem Mass or a funeral service, with the choice discussed with the priest. The parish asks that the eulogy at a funeral be kept to between five and eight minutes.

The parish priest can read a eulogy prepared by the family if no one else can deliver it. The parish provides a guide to funerals in the Diocese of Leeds. The parish provides material to help people plan their own funeral.

Visiting

The parish maintains a tradition of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. Parishioners took part in the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. The parish runs a 200 Club to raise funds for parish activities.