Our Lady Queen of Peace

Introduction

The present Our Lady Queen of Peace church in Worcester was finished and dedicated in 1984.

Parish life

The church ordinarily remains open through the hours of daylight. People can contribute to the Church's mission according to their gifts through the parish council, a consultative body that cooperates with the parish priest.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Confession is heard when someone asks and when the parish newsletter gives notice of it. A Marriage Care preparation course is expected of couples who marry at Saint George's or in the parish. Notice of at least six months is required ahead of a marriage, so that the couple can be prepared and the paperwork completed. The parish office supplies a guide titled Your Wedding, which describes a Catholic wedding.

First Confession is offered to young people by the parish and by the parish of Saint George's, as a stage on the way to First Holy Communion. Preparation for First Holy Communion continues from Reconciliation preparation and uses the same format.

Commitment Masses for Reconciliation are held before that course starts. Confirmation preparation follows the same pattern as preparation for Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Candidates for Confirmation are required to attend a day-long retreat at Harvington Hall.

Extraordinary Ministers bring Holy Communion to the sick and the housebound, including people in nursing homes within the parish. Parishioners who are sick, frail, aged or infirm normally have the front pews reserved for them, and ushers notify the Master of Ceremonies if a person there wishes to receive Holy Communion.

At the Easter Vigil, those becoming Catholics are received with Baptism if it is needed, and with Confirmation and Holy Communion. A course called Sycamore supports the sacramental programmes.