Our Lady of the Annunciation

Introduction

Our Lady of the Annunciation in Poringland dates back to 1943, when Geoffrey Birkbeck offered his artist's studio as a place of worship. In 1949 Birkbeck had the Chapel of the Annunciation built in the form of a Roman Basilica with a rounded apse. The present church building, created by demolishing the old annexe and incorporating the original chapel, became a reality in December 2002.

History

After Birkbeck died in 1954, his widow gave the White House and Chapel to the Diocese of Northampton in 1960 when she decided to leave. The Phase 2 project was completed in 2016, adding a new extension with a large meeting room, sacristy, overflow area, and kitchen facilities.

Architecture and furnishings

Stained glass windows designed and made by Paul Quail and his fellow artists were in place and blessed at a Mass on 25th March 2009. Two new stained glass windows dedicated to the Holy Spirit and Saint Paul were installed in the sanctuary, completing the re-glazing. The two new sanctuary windows were designed and executed by Jane Quail and Lily Shaw, who had worked with Paul Quail on the original four Annunciation windows. The blank panes of coloured glass represent holy men and women not named in histories, and the name of Baby Grace O’Neill is among the saints' names in the windows. The bell in the cupola above the chapel was refurbished and is still rung before Sunday Mass.

Music and liturgy

The church's musicians have a fourfold responsibility that includes implementing the teaching of the Second Vatican Council on music in the liturgy and making the parish a model for music in the liturgy. The church's music team includes an organist, an assisting organist, an organ scholar, and a cantor.

The church bought a new Missal and Mass books, and Stephen Restieaux of Norwich made a new oak lectern for £35. Confessions were heard once a month and the parish went to Saint John's church for services such as Good Friday and Easter Vigil. The usual practice in this parish is for a group of children to be prepared together through catechism classes after Mass on Sundays, with the First Holy Communion Mass taking place on the feast of Corpus Christi.

Parish life

The parish includes a group called St Martha's. A 100 Club operates within the parish. The parish runs a Book Group. Coffee Mornings are held by the parish.

The parish supports CAFOD. Stella Maris, formerly Apostleship of the Sea, is supported by the parish.

Catechetical classes for young children were started, initially held in the Bishop's lounge in the White House. An altar society was formed to care for vestments and altar linen. The parish purchased a harmonium that was played by Monica Thirkettle. In 2003, a new Bishop's secretary and Parish Priest was appointed.

The parish is served by the Congregation of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette. The church is open every day. The parish offers a Bible reading plan to read the Bible in one year. The parish has a calendar of events that take place in the church or in the meeting room or conference centre.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples must give six months notice of intention to marry to the Parish Priest and attend a preparation programme over several weeks. All couples are encouraged to attend Marriage Preparation Days run by Marriage Care.

Confirmation candidates are expected to take part in a preparation course organised by the parish. The parish can offer an 'Order of Service' to personalise funeral arrangements and help the congregation take part in the liturgy.