St. Gregory The Great

Introduction

The original Church Hall was converted into a Social Club which opened on Saint Patrick's Day 1971.

History

The first Confirmation at Saint Gregory's took place in December 1958 when 96 young people received the sacrament. At Easter 1974 the parish boundary changed to include the new housing development at Whinmoor - formerly part of the parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel. On the feast of Saint Gregory the Great, September 3rd 2004, we celebrated fifty years of parish life. The perimeter wall and car park were built by voluntary labour from the parish. In preparation for the consecration, the grotto statues were restored, the sanctuary was carpeted, and the altar rails were removed.

Parish life

The Saint Gregory's Union of Catholic Mothers was founded shortly after the opening of the church and offered help and support for the young families attracted by the new housing development. The Social Club is run by a committee who have refurbished the property and provided much needed additional income for the church.

The SJHN Parish Food Facility has boxes in each church porch for non-perishable food items. A number of Eucharistic Ministers visit the sick each week. A group of people take pride in keeping our church clean and tidy and welcome people to the weekend Masses. All our lay ministers renew their considerable commitments once a year.

The Pastoral Council normally meets six times a year and seeks to make decisions by consensus. The Christmas following the new church's opening, the parish Mass was broadcast on Yorkshire Television.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish's first parish Sister, Nora Dowd, arrived in September 1998 and prepared candidates for the sacraments of initiation, arranged funerals, weekday Eucharistic services, Penitential Services and pastoral care. Couples planning to marry in any of the parish churches must give at least 6 months' notice for preparation and paperwork. The Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) St John Henry Newman Conference offers visits for a friendly chat or practical and emotional help.