St. Columba- Chester

Introduction

The idea for a new church in the area had been taking shape since the late 1950s due to housing clearance in inner Chester and suburban developments.

History

The site was acquired from the City Council in 1959. It took a full 12 months to complete all design and preparatory work, and the firm of Costains were selected as main contractors in late autumn 1963.

Architecture and furnishings

Laminated cedar wood was used for the four portals, Douglas fir pine linings for the ceilings, and Columbian pine boarding for the doors. In the Sanctuary, a reinforced concrete altar wall, ornamentally pierced with small triangular openings glazed in ruby reds, deep blues and purples, restrains the timber work. The Children's Choir welcomes all children, Catholic and non-Catholic, from about age 7, with no prior musical training needed.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Confirmation preparation is offered to candidates in school year 8 or older, with no upper age limit, and usually takes place between May and November. The bishop celebrates Confirmation for all Chester parishes together once a year, with preparation led by parish confirmation teams in even years. Youth confirmation candidates who have not yet made their first holy communion can do so during the confirmation preparation programme. The parish provides separate preparation groups for youth and adults, as well as individual arrangements for those who need them.

The priest can give the Anointing of the Sick to housebound or hospitalised people in hospital, hospice, residential home, or at home. The hospital chaplaincy includes four chaplains from different Christian denominations and about 50 volunteers who visit wards and help bring patients to services in the Spiritual Care Centre. A Catholic chaplain and volunteers bring Holy Communion to patients on the wards.

Visiting

A parish Social group arranges events that help parishioners become acquainted with one another. St Columba’s Church and Parish Hall are located 2 miles north-east of Chester City Centre, on the corner of Plas Newton Lane and Newhall Road, near the main A41.