Saint Teresa of Lisieux, Aspley

Introduction

Saint Teresa of Lisieux, Aspley, in the Diocese of Nottingham, is distinguished by its unusual hyperbolic paraboloid roof and internal lighting influenced by the Commonwealth Institute and Coventry Cathedral. Built at the time of the Second Vatican Council, the church reflects that council's influence on liturgy and design.

History

In penal times and into the eighteenth century, Mass was said at Aspley Hall, home of the Willoughby family. From 1937, Mass was said in a local school by priests from Bulwell and then Hyson Green. In 1947, a site just off Aspley Lane was acquired, and a timber building previously used by the British Legion was relocated there, serving as church and church hall seating 350. The church was fitted up with altar rails from the Cathedral and a reredos painted by a Bavarian ex-prisoner of war.

Later in 1947, St Teresa's was made into a parish in its own right, and a school and presbytery followed, the presbytery in 1951. The architect for both St Teresa's and St Hugh's was John Rochford of Sheffield. J.E.B. Wheatley were the contractors. The church could seat 450 people, and the cost, including seating and furnishings, was £33,000.

A CAFOD group in the parish carries out charitable acts such as appeals, collections and days of fasting. The parish provides anointing of the sick upon request. The parish offers guidance on bereavement.