Saint Finbarr, Aylesham

Introduction

Saint Finbarr, Aylesham, in the town of Aylesham, is dedicated to Saint Finbarr, Bishop of Cork, founder of a famous monastery and virtually founder of the city.

History

In 1950 the present site of Saint Finbarr's was purchased, and architect J. W. Pollock designed a church and hall, but a pre-cast concrete dual-purpose building was accepted instead. The church was community-built: miners levelled the site and did much outside work at no cost. The parish was canonically erected on 17th September 1978. In 2015, Saint Finbarr's Church was amalgamated with Saint Paul's Church in Dover to form the Parish of the Good Shepherd. The church building was refurbished inside in 2015.

Architecture and furnishings

The wooden statues of Mary and Joseph were procured from Saint Augustine's Hospital in Chartham when it closed. The Cross outside the church was war-wounded in London, came to Aylesham, was painted and erected on the grass patch in the drive. The Cross was consecrated in its present position on Good Friday 2007. Joe Mathers, father of Eddie Mathers, served as organist for both Saint Joseph's and Saint Finbarr's for many years.

Parish life

The church offers a popular Children's Liturgy, a lively choir, a First Communion Group, and an SVP Conference. Both Saint Finbarr's and Saint Peter's had their own football clubs. People from surrounding villages have come to regard Saint Finbarr's as their own church.

The St Finbarr's Administrator runs a walking group to help people get out and about and meet new people. The church is used for ballroom dancing, Snowdown Male Voice Choir practice, and village teas.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children entering Year 3 of primary school or above are eligible to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The church introduced Exposition and a weekly Mass on Wednesdays throughout the year. The church enjoys good ecumenical relations with Saint Peter's, the Baptist Church and the Bruderhof Community in Nonington.