Saint Margaret Clitherow, Keyworth

Introduction

Before the church was built, Mass was celebrated in private homes, the British Legion building, local Anglican and Methodist churches, and at the Mary Ward Teacher Training College.

History

In 1983 a site on Willow Brook was acquired and the church building was constructed. Initially part of the Parish of West Bridgford, Keyworth later became part of Radcliffe-on-Trent before forming an independent parish with Cotgrave. In 2005, the parishes were reorganized: Cotgrave was allocated to West Bridgford, and Keyworth was served from East Leake.

In Autumn 2022, the churches of Holy Spirit (West Bridgford), Our Lady of Grace (Cotgrave), Saint Anne (Radcliffe-on-Trent), and Saint Margaret Clitherow (Keyworth) came together as one Catholic community. On 25th March 2023, the parish officially became The Parish of The Annunciation, Rushcliffe. The church stands in the village of Keyworth, six miles southeast of Nottingham.

Parish life

The college, staffed by Sisters of Loreto, played a central role in Catholic life until its closure in 1977, after which the Methodist Church was used for Sunday Mass until a permanent site was secured. The parish thrives through the dedication of many groups working together, including parish schools, Parish Mission Group, Local Church Groups, Ministry groups, and Community groups.

Eucharistic Adoration is held at various times across the parish churches. Weekly Mass is streamed to enable the sick and housebound and those unable to attend in person to participate in the liturgy. Live streams are made possible by parish volunteers, and streaming depends on volunteer availability.

The parish spans approximately three-fifths of the Borough of Rushcliffe, covering nearly 100 square miles, home to around 100,000 people. RCIA, known as the Faith Journey Group in the parish, is open to all adults interested in becoming Catholic.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers a Baptism preparation program for families and godparents. Confirmation is typically received by young people in Year 9 who are already baptised.

First Holy Communion is normally made when children are in Year 4 at school or above. Couples are recommended to contact the parish priest at least 12 months before their desired wedding date. Couples are required to attend a marriage preparation course provided by the parish or other organisations.

The priest meets with the family to discuss the loved one's life and wishes for the funeral service. The parish offers support groups and resources for those grieving. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring Communion to the sick or homebound.

Notable people and events

Sister Mary Beuno O.P., who lived in the parish, played a major role in supporting the local Catholic community between 1984 and her death in 2023. A community of Loreto Sisters, active in Keyworth, staffed the Mary Ward Teacher Training College from 1969 to 1977.