SS. Peter and Paul, Bath

Introduction

SS. Peter and Paul in Bath, within the Diocese of Clifton, was designed by architect Martin Fisher and built in 1965 in the post Vatican II style, being consecrated in 1976. The church has been enhanced with carvings, sculptures and paintings.

Architecture and furnishings

The exterior of the church is simple with little decoration, and only after new signs were fitted was it widely recognized as a church. The church is flooded with light from windows along each side as well as from a skylight above the sanctuary. Adjacent and connected to the church is the Apostles' Room where various parish groups meet and where parish functions are held.

Parish life

The parish serves the areas of Combe Down, Odd Down, Claverton Down, and the outlying villages of Bath. The parish provides support for two hospitals, St Martins Hospital and the Bath Clinic.

The Guild of St Stephen is the parish's altar servers' guild, with young servers usually joining after First Holy Communion and some adult servers. The Parish Task Force was formed to raise funds for major work and organizes events including Summer Fates, Christmas Fairs, St Patrick's Craic Night, Concerts, Skittles Evenings and Ceilidhs. The Parish Fabric & Finance Committee, required by Canon law, advises the Parish Priest on maintenance, development and use of parish property. The Shrine of St Peregrine in the church at Combe Down, cared for by a Servite friar-priest, has a first-class relic of the saint for those wishing to receive the Blessing.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The church provides the Baptismal candle, while parents must bring a white shawl. Couples must give the priest at least six months' notice of intention to marry. To marry at Sts Peter & Paul, at least one of the couple should be a Catholic connected to the parish.

In the Diocese of Clifton people are normally confirmed when they have reached at least school Year 9 or above. Confirmation preparation involves about twelve sessions and a day's retreat, with enrolment before the first session.

Children normally make their First Holy Communion when in Year 3 at school or around the age of 8. Children are mainly prepared for First Holy Communion by the Parish Priest and the parish catechist.

The RCIA programme is for those not yet Catholic and also for 'rusty' Catholics who would like to learn more. Initially, one meets the priest in a private appointment to understand who you are and what is required of you as a candidate. The parish can arrange anointing of the sick or Holy Communion brought to someone in hospital by emailing the parish.

Visiting

Relic Medals touched to the first-class relic and Picture Holy Cards may be obtained from the church. The blessing with the relic is always available to those who wish to receive it for themselves or on behalf of others suffering from Cancer or other serious illnesses.