Saint Mary of the Annunciation, Loughborough

Introduction

Saint Mary of the Annunciation in Loughborough, in the Diocese of Nottingham, was originally built in 1833-4 by William Flint of Leicester.

History

In 1833 Father Benjamin Hulme decided to start a mission in Loughborough. Father Hulme built the first church in 1834, 71 feet long and 26 feet wide, inspired by a Leicester concert hall called the Green Room. Four cottages in Hastings Street served as a Novitiate from 1841 until the transfer to Ratcliffe in 1844. The completed extended church was opened on 26 August 1925.

Architecture and furnishings

The extended part of the church is positioned over the original cemetery and consists of a nave built at right angles to the old church, which became the sanctuary and transepts. The High Altar, consecrated 22 April 1933, and the altar of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, consecrated 2 July 1941, are the work of Dinelli Figli of Pietrasanta.

The church has a massive 4-column south portico flanked by aisle windows in lugged architraves, and a ceramic panel of the Annunciation above the central door. The original church has a ceiling with coved sides rising from a cornice and a west gallery with an iron railing enriched with palmettes.

Parish life

The parish is bordered to the south by Forest Road where it meets the Sacred Heart Parish, by the M1 to the west and by Derby Road and Belton Road to the north.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Confirmation classes for school children in Year 7 and above are held every other year. Adults wishing to receive Confirmation join the RCIA group.

The parish asks engaged couples to contact the office at least six months before the wedding to arrange a meeting. Baptisms usually take place on Sundays.

The parish arranges for Holy Communion to be brought to those unable to attend Sunday Mass, either individually or as regular weekly or monthly visits. The parish advises that anyone due to go into hospital should inform hospital staff that they would like the Catholic Chaplain to visit.

Visiting

On-site parking is available at weekends, major occasions and masses in the school playground at the rear of the church, with access via the left hand side of the church. Disabled access is provided via an external door with a ramp on the left side of the church. A toilet for the disabled can be found in the Church Hall, with external access on the left hand side to the rear of the church building. The church is equipped with a loop system to assist parishioners with hearing aids.