Our Lady of Refuge

Introduction

The Church of Our Lady of Refuge in Cromer was blessed and opened by Canon Richard Duckett on 25 August 1895.

History

The first stage of the chapel of Our Lady of Refuge was ready by the summer of 1895. In May 1888 the Bishop decided to direct Canon Duckett to purchase land in Cromer for a church, and in September 1893 Lord Suffield agreed to lease a plot to the Diocese of Northampton. In June 1900 the plot at Cromer was purchased for £510, and in November 1902 the Bishop fixed the boundaries of the new parish of Cromer and appointed a parish priest. The bishop approved an appeal to finish the Church and provide a presbytery, which appeared in The Tablet on 13 December 1902.

Sir Hubert Jerningham donated £600 towards the cost of the Presbytery. In May 1903 the first wedding in the Church took place, when Miss Sarah Durrell married Mr. Frank Loads. On 23 June 1904 the Bishop visited Cromer for the first Confirmation there. Canon Carter contributed £300 shortly before his death, and with funds raised under Father Armstrong the Church was completed with a new Sanctuary, opened with Solemn High Mass on 20 December 1938.

In 1948 the Church was re-roofed and the repairs generally completed. Permission was given for redecoration of the Church in accordance with the new liturgical practices introduced by Vatican II; all the Church fittings and furnishings were removed except for the Crucifix given by Philip Shepheard and the Our Lady statue. Philip and Maria Shepheard presented the crucifix which still stands behind the altar. In 1954 the electric cable was extended from Station Road to supply a service to the Church and Golf Club at a joint cost of £150. In 1993 Anthony Rossi was commissioned to draw up plans for reordering; Bullens of Cromer performed the work, and the front altar rails were removed and relocated.

Music and liturgy

Canon Carter was born in Liverpool in 1866, the son of an architect and pupil of Pugin. Canon Carter died on 19 November 1938 and is buried outside the porch to Saint Joseph’s Church. Canon Carter was transferred to Sheringham in 1910 where he built a church of outstanding architectural merit designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Canon Carter's church in Sheringham was consecrated in 1910 and enlarged in 1935.

Regular events

In 1948 a Garden Fete was held at the Newhaven Court Hotel in aid of the Cromer parish finances. In 1949 a Fete was held at the Newhaven Court Hotel for 500 people which realised £144. The management of the Colne House Hotel and the Red Lion Hotel provided the pilgrims with full meals.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Unbaptised adults participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults with the parish priest, culminating in the Sacred Paschal Vigil at Easter. Confession is available at request at reasonable times. Those wishing to become Catholic are advised to speak with the parish priest, possibly after Mass or by contacting him. At least six months' notice is required for a wedding in the parish.

Non-residents of the parish but within the Diocese of East Anglia must participate in the diocesan marriage preparation programme and prepare with their own parish priest, who gives permission for the marriage here. Wedding anniversary blessings are available on request from the parish priest. Funerals may be broadcast on the parish's YouTube channel, with the parish priest asking about this when planning the funeral. The parish includes the civil parish of Aylmerton.

Visiting

A social committee organises events for the parish each year. The Bishop received pilgrims in full Pontificals as they arrived carrying two six-foot crosses. After the ceremony ninety pilgrims stayed in the Links Pavilion, lent by the proprietor.