St Catherine's Church, Wimborne

Introduction

The stone building of St Catherine's Church in Wimborne Minster replaced a wooden church and hall built in 1926. The foundation for the present church was laid in June 1933, and the opening took place in November 1933. The church contains a stained-glass memorial window designed and made by Paul Woodroffe (1875-1954).

History

A chapel dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria existed on the same site in the Middle Ages. In 1914 the Catholic community was served in St John's Temperance Hall and later in various houses. The church hall was completed in 1984. The original porch of the new church did not have a bell tower; it was added in 1936.

Fr Francis McGuiness served as parish priest from 1951 to 1957. The Catholic Church in Wimborne has been active in an unbroken line since 350 A.D., with Mass continued daily at Canford and Stapehill through the Reformation.

Music and liturgy

The musicians accompany choirs or singers at the Lenten Service of Lights and the Advent Service, and support ecumenical events including the Good Friday Witness Procession and the Folk Festival Service.

Parish life

The Charity Action Group was started in approximately the year 2000 by a group of volunteers to raise funds for charities in need, both at home and abroad. The St Vincent de Paul Society is an international Christian, voluntary, lay organisation founded in France in 1833, operating in 150 countries.

St Catherine's parish youth group warmly invites all young people to join in friendship, faith, and fun, inspired by the example of St Catherine of Alexandria. During 2024, the parish planned to introduce a new Mass setting by Dan Schutte, Mass of Christ the Savior, while continuing to use the Mass of St Bernadette by Boyce & Stanley.

The Deanery meets twice a year to host CAFOD groups from parishes in the Plymouth diocese to discuss current campaigns. At the annual Wimborne Folk Festival, the parish runs a CAFOD stall that mainly features children's games. A list of SVP members and planned events is on the SVP Board at the back of the church hall.