Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Belper

Introduction

The church is named Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Belper. The parish serves the Catholic population of the Belper, Duffield and Ripley area.

Music and liturgy

Easter and Christmas are the highlights of the music group's musical year. The music group plays at children's First Holy Communion ceremonies, confirmation masses and other celebrations, including weddings and baptisms on request. The group's repertoire ranges from traditional Catholic hymns to gospel, folk and rock-themed songs and mass settings. A few musicians and singers supply the music, giving weight to musical energy rather than to a formal disciplined choir. The music group regularly tries new music and keeps pieces that succeed with the church.

Parish life

The music group leads the liturgy at family masses on Sundays in Belper, and organists and pianists provide music at other masses during the week at both Duffield and Belper. The music group is made up of keyboard, guitars, ukulele and voices covering a wide range of ages and abilities.

The parish works closely with the charity Hope for Belper, which aims to provide for individual and community needs in the Belper area. The parish is involved in the project The Basic Idea, helping people in need with food parcels.

The weekly Scripture Sharing group meets on Monday evenings. The parish has a large number of altar servers who regularly serve at both Belper masses, ranging in age and attending different schools.

First Holy Communion preparation is for baptised children in year 3 and above attending Mass regularly, with classes held before Sunday Mass. The Confirmation programme for young people is run every two or three years. The church is listed with full facilities, access to the church and a loop system.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Marriage preparation requires a minimum of six months, including attendance at a Marriage Care day course in the Diocese. Engaged Encounter courses are recommended for couples preparing for marriage. A statement on marriage issued by the bishop of Nottingham is read at Masses twice a year.