Our Lady & St. Joseph

Introduction

Our Lady & Saint Joseph's in Kirkwall, within the Diocese of Aberdeen, was formally established with its first Mass on Sunday 23rd September 1877.

History

The building was erected by the firm Wm Firth and Robert Fea on land known as 'Groat's Garden', which belonged to Robert Scarth of Binscarth. In late 2006, Our Lady & Saint Joseph's Parish Church suffered extensive flooding, damaging most of the interior and requiring significant renovations. Our Lady & Saint Joseph's was re-ordered in 1982 in keeping with changes introduced by Vatican II.

Music and liturgy

The parish priest planned to form a small schola to help with singing the Psalm, hymns, and other musical settings at Mass. The parish priest invited recorder players to form a group to support the singing of carols and other liturgical music. A requiem mass for George Mackay Brown was held on St Magnus Day, 4th April 1996.

Parish life

The Roman Catholic community in Orkney is a minority, but Kirkwall has a strong and consistent cohort of parishioners and many visitors from the tourist sector. The parish also has the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, built from two Nissen huts by Italian prisoners of war who were encamped there from 1942-1944. The parish occasionally holds a service in St Magnus' Cathedral. The Saint Magnus Way pilgrimage route passes by Our Lady & Saint Joseph's Church, marked on the footpath, before terminating at the cathedral.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Father personally guides candidates through the Confirmation preparation process. Father personally guides couples through marriage preparation, providing spiritual guidance and support.

Father works with families to create a meaningful funeral liturgy that celebrates the deceased's life and offers prayers for their soul. The parish collaborates with John G. Corse Funeral Directors to ensure a dignified and respectful funeral service.

Notable people and events

One of the most famous or well-known parishioners of Our Lady & Saint Joseph's was the Orkney poet George Mackay Brown. Father Herbert Bamber had been parish priest in Orkney from 1963-1981.