Our Lady & St Bernadette, Pangbourne

Introduction

Our Lady and Saint Bernadette in Pangbourne was the earliest permanent church constructed following Saint Mary's, Woolhampton. A very wet Sunday in December 1957 was the day the foundation stone of Our Lady and Saint Bernadette in Pangbourne was laid. Dedication of Our Lady and Saint Bernadette in Pangbourne commemorated the centenary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Saint Bernadette at Lourdes in 1858.

History

Douai monks celebrated Mass during 1915 at Buckhold Grange, close to Pangbourne, for Belgian refugees. The Pangbourne mission subsequently transferred to Mrs Manning's house at Weir Pool and later occupied the Pangbourne College boathouse. During the Second World War, the parish priest assumed charge of Pangbourne. Lewis Treevers was appointed architect of Our Lady and Saint Bernadette in Pangbourne.

Parish life

Saint Bernadette's and Saint Luke's support ReadiFood, which Faith Christian Group operates in Reading. Children of the parish who are in Year 3 or above receive preparation for First Confession and First Holy Communion. People wanting to know more about the Catholic faith can take part in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults offered by the parish. Seasonal flowers are placed in the church for Sunday Mass and other special occasions.

Rainbow Trust is the parish's current charity and provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. Woolhampton Parish has an initiative across its churches that responds to Laudato Si'.