St. George, Maghull

Introduction

Saint George's Roman Catholic Church is a parish church in Maghull, Merseyside, operating in the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

History

The parish of St George was founded on 4th September 1887. The first Masses were celebrated in the house of Mr. Massey in 1887. A new barn owned by Mr. Thomas Colgan was rented and used as a church on the 26th June 1888. In 1929, at a cost of £12,000, the new and current church was opened to the public.

In the centenary year of 1987, the church was treated to a new Social Centre building. In 1927, the architectural firm Pugin & Pugin were commissioned to design a new parish church building.

Music and liturgy

The parish's group of musicians provides music at Mass and other events, and welcomes those willing to sing as cantors or play instruments such as the organ, flute, or violin. Weekday Masses are usually shorter, around half an hour, and often without hymns.

At weddings, couples may choose hymns or readings, and may have musical instruments. The parish bereavement team helps prepare the Order of Service for funerals, including Scripture readings and music.

Parish life

Saint George's serves as the parish church for Saint George's Roman Catholic Primary School and Maricourt Roman Catholic High School. The Ministry of the Eucharist brings Holy Communion to parishioners attending Mass and to those who are sick and housebound.

The parish runs a Wednesday Coffee morning in The Venue and a Craft Club. The parish has a group of musicians who provide music at Sunday Mass, and is looking for organists and singers.

The church frequently hosts events and activities for parishioners and non-parishioners alike, from fundraisers to prayer sessions, theology groups to pilgrimages. The church offers a live streaming service of Mass.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parents and those seeking baptism are asked to attend a short course to understand the meaning of baptism, after which a date is chosen. If unable to get to Mass because of a disability or health condition, parishioners can receive Holy Communion at home.

The parish asks parishioners to let them know of any sick or housebound parishioners who would like to receive Holy Communion or the Sacrament of the Sick. If at home and not in immediate danger of death, the parish office will arrange for a priest to administer the Sacrament of the Sick at church or at home.

The parish has an experienced bereavement team who, with the priest or deacon, can offer sympathy, caring support and practical advice to help plan the most appropriate type of service. The parish bereavement team offers spiritual and practical support to parishioners and their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. The bereavement team can organise a vigil at the chapel of rest or family home if requested, with a Priest or Deacon presiding or prayers led by team members. A memorial list is displayed in church and on the Prayers and Intercessions page showing the names of parishioners who have died in the current month.