Our Lady of Peace and Blessed Dominic Barberi

Introduction

Our Lady of Peace and Blessed Dominic Barberi is a Catholic church in Reading, part of the Diocese of Portsmouth. The parish was reconnected on Easter Sunday 15 April 1990 and received its current name Our Lady of Peace and Blessed Dominic Barberi.

History

In 1997 a separate legal entity named Our Lady of Peace Catholic Club Ltd was incorporated, fully owned by the Diocese. In 2003 a new extension named The Advent Room was added to the front of the church. In 2016 the parish celebrated the 40th anniversary of the opening of the church. In October 2017 a Marian Chapel was organised from the existing Lady Chapel and an icon of Blessed Dominic Barberi was installed.

On 4th January 2009 a water main burst on Wilderness Road, causing extensive flooding that submerged the hall and club premises and caused substantial damage. The parish logo includes a map of Great Britain entwined by a rosary, displaying the symbols of the bishop and the Passionists.

Music and liturgy

Sacristans care for the altar linen and vestments and arrange the correct liturgical colours according to the season or type of celebration. Welcomers distribute newsletters and hymn books before all Sunday Holy Masses.

Parish life

The parish supports CAFOD, which collects and distributes funds to alleviate the effects of injustice and poverty overseas. The parish supports other charities including the New Generation Christian Foundation, Christian Aid, Aid to the Church in Need, Fair Trade, Food Bank, Christian Community Action, Mary's Meals and CIRDIC. A small group of parish volunteers takes part in the annual Christian Aid house-to-house collection in East Reading. Parishioners give generously to the Woodley Food Bank, which provides emergency food parcels and support to people in crisis.

The First Holy Confession and Communion programme is led by a priest, helped by a group of catechists. The church cleaners, a team of 32 members, ensure the church, Advent Room and Bl Dominic Barberi Room look clean and tidy.

Sacraments and pastoral care

A group for adults preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation meets each September, led by three catechists. Couples wishing to marry in the parish or elsewhere are invited to make an appointment with the priest, and the parish usually needs six months' notice. Marriage preparation takes place both by discussions with the priest and by attending a Marriage Preparation day.