Our Lady of Lourdes, Aylesbury

Introduction

Our Lady of Lourdes in Aylesbury, within the Diocese of Northampton, is a distinctive polygonal church in Bedgrove, built in 1968 and consecrated in 1994.

History

The building was built by Crendon Concrete and opened on 9th July 1969 with a blessing ceremony. Initially staffed from St Joseph’s in central Aylesbury, Our Lady of Lourdes achieved independent parish status by 1970.

Architecture and furnishings

Reinforced concrete piers rise Pantheon-like to a large central oculus, creating the primary design feature that fills the interior with natural light. A continuous clerestory runs around the main space, while brick walls between piers receive illumination from both the high-level windows and the central opening. The interior comprises a single, undivided space reflecting the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, which emphasised the gathered community around the altar. Traditional wooden benches salvaged from another church provide the seating. Lower sections at the entrance contain a lobby and a separate chapel for quieter devotion.

Parish life

The Catholic Parishes of Aylesbury offer an annual catechetical programme, Growing Together in Faith, preparing children for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, open to children from all three parish churches. The parish has a Legion of Mary group with Marian-centred spirituality. Living Waters is a charismatic prayer group that meets weekly. The Knights of St Columba (Council 972) is an organised body of Catholic laymen focused on supporting priests, parishes, and communities.

The St Vincent de Paul Society (St Joseph's Conference) provides material assistance to those in need through home visits, shopping help, and transportation to Mass. The parish runs an RCIA programme for adults who wish to be initiated into the Catholic Church. The church has a generous car park at the front off Cambourne Avenue, with level access throughout and full wheelchair accessibility.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish asks couples to contact the parish well in advance, ideally at least six months before the intended wedding date, for marriage preparation including meetings with the parish priest and a marriage preparation course. The parish provides a preparation programme for Confirmation, with details of preparation and dates available on request. The parish provides funeral support, with the parish priest meeting the family to plan the liturgy, choose readings and hymns, and offer pastoral support.