St Francis de Sales, Wash Common

Introduction

On Sunday 16 May 1971 the barn church was blessed. The Servite Fathers' presence in the Wash Common area of Newbury dates from 1948.

History

From the outset the parish aimed to follow the Second Vatican Council by drawing lay people into the running of the parish. During the parish's first three months, worship took place in the chapel at Enborne Lodge. The priests lived in a small house in Essex Street and used the box-room as an oratory for daily Mass until the garage was converted into a slightly larger chapel. A Servite priest later left Newbury for Kidlington, and another Servite took that priest's place. Warren Lodge and the adjoining property and barn came on the market, answering prayers for a permanent church site.

Parish life

The parish formed joint Bible Study groups with St George's Anglican church, beginning a lasting relationship. Eucharistic Ministers take Communion to the sick and housebound.

The parish has a Justice & Peace Group. The parish has an Altar Servers ministry. The parish has a Church Cleaning Team. The parish has a Ministry of the Word.

The Transept was converted and completed by 1973. A new porch was completed in 2012 following a Diocesan Fund Raising.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The Sacrament of the Sick is available for any who feel they would like to receive it. Confirmation courses are held in the pastoral Area and the Sacramental celebration is held in the Cathedral in Portsmouth.