Saint Joseph, Oakham

Introduction

The Mill Street church was built in 1883 under the direction of Fr E Van Dale, dedicated to SS. Joseph and Edith.

History

In 1975 an entirely new church was built on a new site in Station Road, with an integral hall and a presbytery. In 1979 the old church in Mill Street was converted to serve as a parish centre, but is now in secular use.

Architecture and furnishings

The church is a simple rectangular structure, faced in buff-coloured brick, with a shallow monopitch roof and a clerestorey strip on both long sides. The interior is simply finished, with bare brick walls and exposed roof timbers.

Parish life

Saint Joseph's is part of The Parish of Our Lord Jesus Christ Eternal High Priest by Rutland Water, sharing parish life with the church in Stamford. HELP is a group of volunteers who aim to reach out to others in the community who might need support. The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative and advisory body supporting the Parish Priest and enabling parishioners and groups to participate in parish life.

After Sunday Mass at Saint Joseph's there is often tea and coffee, and on Wednesdays as well. The parish offers RCIA for anyone exploring becoming Catholic. The parish has close ties with local Catholic education.

All Holy Masses and other services and liturgies are streamed online from Saint Joseph's. The parish has a well stocked Repository located at the back of the meeting room. The Repository supports Traidcraft and Quidenham Cards.

There is a mandatory short course of preparation for first time parents, led by a deacon. The Bishop celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Parish every few years, with preparation normally lasting about 12 weeks.

Visiting

The church on Station Road serves the town and villages around Rutland Water. The church is located at Station Road, Oakham, LE15 6QU. Visitors can join Sunday worship, weekday Mass, the sacraments, and light a quiet candle for someone they love. The parish at Saint Joseph, Oakham, can pray for you.