Sacred Heart and St. Aldhelm, Westbury

Introduction

Sacred Heart and Saint Aldhelm in Sherborne, within the Diocese of Plymouth, was completed in 1894 to a design by Canon Scholes.

History

Before the church was built, Mass was celebrated in Cliffe House by a priest from Marnhull. In 1891, the Sisters acquired a large property in Westbury through Doctor William McEnery. The church was re-ordered in 2000. The church was built in two parts: a nave for parishioners and a side chapel for the Sisters, with an organ loft open to both.

Music and liturgy

Four Mass settings are sung, and include part-singing. The Choir uses a lot of Taize, but also rehearses more challenging pieces, particularly for feasts and special occasions. The Music Group consists of singers, guitarists and other instrumentalists. The Music Group presents different Mass settings and hymns to those normally sung by the choir. The Sisters carried out most of the work associated with the church, including music.

Parish life

Two ecumenical groups in the parish support the Missionaries of Charity Sisters in London. Children's liturgy for ages 5 to 11 runs on Sundays in the Parish Hall.

An active fundraising group runs events including a Summer Fete drawing over a thousand visitors. The Finance Committee oversees parish finances and produces quarterly and annual accounts. The Property Committee oversees maintenance of buildings, gardens and grounds.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Confirmation preparation includes a group meeting regularly over several months and a weekend retreat with young people from other parishes. Those baptised in other Christian churches who wish to become Catholics join a group meeting weekly for about six months, then make a declaration of faith and are confirmed. Ministers of Holy Communion visit and take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound.

Visiting

The church is located in the South of Sherborne, a few minutes walk from the Abbey and Cheap Street shopping area. The church is located on Westbury, with the Parish House just across the road. There is limited parking to the back of the Church, reserved for elderly or disabled Blue Badge users.

Cars may be parked in the car park at the rear of the church, but only in the marked areas on Church property. Cars may be parked against the hedge, just off of Westbury opposite the old St Antony's school house. On Saturdays and Sundays, parking is allowed on Westbury on the South side, opposite the Church. Mass intention envelopes are available in the Narthex, and there is a Cashless system in the Narthex.