St Ambrose

Introduction

Saint Ambrose in Kidderminster is a Roman Catholic church in the Victorian Gothic Revival style. Father Charles James O’Connor began the Catholic mission in Kidderminster in 1831 for the growing community of Irish wool-combers. Gilbert R. Blount designed the present church, which replaced the original chapel after a foundation stone was laid in 1856 and the work was completed in 1858 for about £2,300. On 5 August 1902, Bishop Edward Ilsley formally consecrated Saint Ambrose.

History

In 1834 Father Charles James O’Connor opened a modest chapel, with support from his uncle Daniel O’Connell. By the 1850s the Catholic population had grown, so a larger church was needed. A spire and bells were added at Saint Ambrose in 1901 and dedicated later that year. Saint Ambrose had founding priests. The Habberley parish was joined with Saint Ambrose.

Architecture and furnishings

Saint Ambrose is of red brick with Bath stone dressings, blue brick window arches and a Welsh slate roof. Saint Ambrose is planned as a nave with two aisles, a sanctuary flanked by chapels and sacristies, and a southwest tower capped with a spire. The nave of Saint Ambrose has five bays and stained glass windows. A war memorial porch added in 1925 holds stained glass and a dedication to parishioners lost in the First World War.

Music and liturgy

Musicians and singers form a folk group that practises once a month ahead of the monthly Folk Mass. Classical repertoire and congregational hymns sit together in the Catholic sacred music of the parish choir. A Latin Mass is offered monthly.

Parish life

Parish support reaches the Kidderminster Food Bank and the Christmas Day Lunch. Parish life includes a Saint Ambrose Conference of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Talks, social events, prayer and reflection all feature in Catholic Men’s Society meetings. Throughout the year, a flower team prepares the church’s floral arrangements. That flower team usually gathers about once a fortnight to prepare the arrangements. Christmas, Easter and special occasions also receive flowers from the flower team.

The hearing of confessions takes place on Saturdays. The parish makes Adoration available. The parish includes a Luncheon Club for the Elderly called the Friendship Club.

Regular events

Christians Together in Kidderminster counts clergy and parishioners among its members, who join the annual Lenten groups, the Good Friday Walk of Witness and the Easter celebration.