Our Lady of Peace and Blessed Robert Dibdale Church

Introduction

Our Lady of Peace and Blessed Robert Dibdale Church in Shottery, within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, was opened on 22nd May 1973 and dedicated to Our Lady of Peace.

History

In 1956 a site for a new church on the west side of town was suggested, and the site was blessed in 1962. At the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1998, the name of Blessed Robert Dibdale was suggested to be added to the dedication.

Music and liturgy

The initials IHS, an abbreviation of IHΣΟΥΣ, the Greek word for Jesus, appear behind the Crucifix and in the stencilling in the apse together with PAX, Latin for peace. The altar is consecrated and marked with five crosses symbolizing the five wounds of Christ, and within the altar are sealed relics. The altar rails in St Gregory's were repositioned to the sides of the sanctuary during the reordering in 2020. The aisle window is dedicated to the memory of James and Anne Cox, bequeathed by their daughter Mary Monica, with saints reflecting the families' names.

Parish life

The parish is run by the Benedictine monks of Douai Abbey and covers Stratford and nearby villages including Shottery, Wilmcote and Snitterfield. The parish borders eight other Catholic parishes: Wooton Wawen, Hampton-on-the-Hill, Warwick, Kineton, Shipston, Chipping Campden, Bidford and Alcester.

The parish is linked to a cluster of other parishes: St Peter & Paul (Brailes), Our Lady and St Michael (Shipston), Our Lady & St Benedict (Wootton Wawen), and St Francis of Assisi (Kineton). The candle in front of each consecration cross is lit on the anniversary of the consecration, 23rd October.

Sacraments and pastoral care

For a first child, parents must speak to the parish priest and attend instruction sessions, and baptisms usually take place at Mass. For marriage, at least one party must be a baptised Catholic, and a copy of the baptism certificate must be available six months prior to the wedding.

The parish confirmation programme runs bi-annually for candidates at Year 10 level or older. The parish has a bereavement team that can offer help to the bereaved. The parish holds regular Masses for all the bereaved of the parish, followed by small socials.

The parish provides the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for non-Catholic adults. Parishioners are asked to inform their priest if they or a family member is going into hospital, and to ask for the Catholic Chaplain when in hospital.

Visiting

A shrine honouring Our Lady of Lourdes is inspired by the original grotto in Lourdes where Our Lady appeared to Saint Bernadette. Fourteen framed pictures around the church depict Jesus' condemnation, his journey to Calvary, his crucifixion, and his burial.