St Clare - Chester

Introduction

Communities south and west of Chester, from the city's edge to Dodleston, Eccleston and Pulford, have had Saint Clare's in Lache as their Catholic parish since 1960. Chester Catholics were to be served by Saint Clare's as their sixth church.

History

Before Saint Clare's church, Catholics in the Lache needed to attend Saint Anthony in Saltney or Saint Francis in Chester. Of two sites considered, the corner of Hawthorn Road and Downsfield Road was chosen, while the corner of Lache Lane and Circular Drive was set aside. Work on the building started in 1958 with the laying of the foundation stone. An OFM CAP priest of Saint Francis church and Friary, Grosvenor Street, was to have charge of the church.

The first Mass at Saint Clare's was to be sung by a former guardian of Saint Francis' church, travelling from a Franciscan friary in Scotland. Mr Roddy, a Catholic resident of Cliveden Road, built the church and died soon after its completion. The first Christmas bazaar raised £1,000 in December 1960. About 300 people were to be accommodated in the church.

Regular events

People with mobility difficulties can reach worship and community events by ramps at the side entrance and at the parish room. People attending Mass or events can use a smaller car park in front of the church. Parishioners may use the car park shared with Lache Primary School and the community centre next door, a short walk from the church.

Visiting

Wheelchairs and strollers fit through the church doors. Accessible toilets stand at the rear of the church. Close to the entrance ramp are two parking spots reserved for disabled people. A hearing-aid loop sends the service sound into hearing aids and lessens background noise in the church.