Our Lady of the Rosary, Lawrence Weston

Introduction

On 16 July 1951 the then Bishop of Clifton laid the foundation stone of Our Lady of the Rosary in Lawrence Weston.

History

Our Lady of the Rosary was built in 1953, the year in which its former wooden door was installed. Between 1957 and 1958 a sanctuary, bell tower and side chapels were added to Our Lady of the Rosary.

Architecture and furnishings

Ten crosses on the new door represent the ten Hail Marys of a decade of the Rosary. The toughened glass in the crosses is blue, the colour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is continuous, and anyone inquiring about membership is interviewed after the initial inquiry.

Parish life

A couple wishing to marry in the parish or in the parish of Saint Bernard must have a family link with that parish. Altar servers are required to attend trainings and meetings to improve existing skills and learn further ones.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish runs a marriage preparation course that complements the course provided by Bristol Marriage Care. The parish and the parish of Saint Bernard are registered buildings for weddings. Marriages are not celebrated on a Sunday or during Lent or Advent.

First Holy Communion is prepared through a parish-based programme. Children preparing for First Holy Communion are expected to attend every preparatory session and Sunday Mass, and to attend weekend Mass with their family.

Children from both parishes who have made their First Holy Communion are invited to become altar servers, and experienced servers provide their training. An altar server must be 8 years old or above and have made First Holy Communion. CWA, an association of Catholic lay women, invites every woman in the parishes to join. Funeral planning guides set out choices of readings and prayers, and Into Your Hands, prepared for the Bishops’ Conference, advises on the form of the funeral service.