Saint Mary

Introduction

The altar, designed and made in Germany, is carved on all four sides with scenes including the Last Supper and Old Testament offerings.

Architecture and furnishings

The church has a confessional on the left-hand side as you enter the narthex. The church has a large stoneware jar and jug containing holy water used to refill the containers in the porch. The church has a repository, a cupboard with a display window showing bibles and missals for sale. The church has a lectern (ambo) from which God's word is proclaimed during Mass.

The altar contains relics of three first-century saints: St Pius, St Boniface and St Fortunatus. The tabernacle stand is carved in a similar design to the altar and shows our Lord Jesus. The church was consecrated by anointing the twelve bronze crosses around the walls. The consecration stone on the inside wall above the stairs bears the initials D.O.M., Deo Optimo Maximo.

The church has fourteen Stations of the Cross on its walls. The church has a large crucifix on the wall to the right of the sanctuary. The church has a statue of St Anthony holding the Child Jesus. The church has a statue of Jesus as the Good Shepherd carrying a lamb.

The church has a sanctuary lamp in a red glass holder that is alight constantly except when the tabernacle is empty. The church has two large bronze candles next to the altar which are lit when Mass is celebrated. The church has a Paschal candle which is renewed each year at the Mass of the Easter Vigil.

Parish life

Saint Mary's serves the west of Guildford and is a diverse community with many nationalities worshipping at Mass. Saint Mary's has a large number of families and a large number of altar servers.

The parish has a Bereavement Group with a team of trained individuals who listen and journey with people through grief. The parish runs an RCIA process from late September to May on Tuesday evenings for those exploring the Catholic faith and adult Catholics seeking Confirmation.

Sacraments and pastoral care

In autumn 2024 the parish started Journey of Faith: Children's Edition, a programme for children aged seven and over wishing to be baptised or received into the Catholic Church, preparing them for baptism, first Confession and first Holy Communion. All baptisms take place at St Joseph's Church.

Young people are invited to prepare for Confirmation when they are in school year 10 and above. The Catholic Church expects each couple to give six months' notice to the parish that they want to get married. The Blessed Sacrament is taken to the sick or housebound of the parish by the clergy or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Visiting

Visitors arriving by car can use the church's small car park for around 30 cars, with additional parking at neighbouring schools on Sundays. The church offers a free car park for easy parking. Baptisms take place in the church on set days each month, with a two-month notice advisable. The church has a stained glass window of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour behind the altar.