St. James the Less & St. Helen, Colchester

Introduction

In 1837, a new church was built on land donated by a local farmer, funded by Baron Mowbray, and designed by Joseph John Scoles in the Romanesque Revival style. The church was originally dedicated to Saint James the Greater and avoided external Catholic imagery to reduce local hostility. The church was renamed twice, finally becoming St James the Less and St Helen, reflecting local tradition that Saint Helen was born in Colchester.

History

A church hall was added in 1911, designed by Canon Alexander Scoles. Further changes came in 1975 and 1987, including a reordering of the church and the installation of stained-glass windows by Augustus Pugin. Canon Scoles was the younger son of Joseph John Scoles, architect of St James the Less Church in 1837.

Architecture and furnishings

The Blessed Sacrament chapel houses stained glass designed by A. W. Pugin, relocated from a redundant church in Derbyshire. The central apse window, crafted by Heaton, Butler & Bayne, was installed in 1987 and originated from the former Anglican church of St Leonard in Leicester. Additional stained glass in the apse, by Lavers & Westlake, dates from 1904. Architectural highlights include triple arched windows above the west entrance, a round-arched window in the gable, and short clerestory windows above the nave arcades.

The narthex arcading has been glazed in, enhancing light and atmosphere. The aisles contain early twentieth-century stained glass added during later extensions.

Parish life

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society group meets regularly, helps families in need, visits the sick and housebound, and offers practical support. Mercy Associates, lay people associated with the Sisters of Mercy, meet as a group monthly in Colchester. The Colchester Catholic Heritage Group promotes Catholic history in Colchester and surrounding areas, participating in English Heritage Open Days and Ride and Stride with Essex Churches. A Confirmation group meets on Sunday afternoons to support children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

A Bereavement Support Group, working with two neighbouring parishes, offers group support at St Teresa's, Lexden and Saint John Payne's Greenstead, and one-to-one help in St James the Less. A Flower Group maintains the church flower rota and welcomes new members. A Ministry of Welcome greets people entering the church and assists with queries. The parish produces a weekly Parish Newsletter.

A Repository Shop in the church porch sells pamphlets, religious items, cards and Mass cards. The parish has a Youth Group.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers the Anointing of the Sick for those seriously ill, facing surgery, or growing frail, with a priest available to visit. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion take Communion to the sick and housebound and assist with distribution at Masses. A First Holy Communion programme for parish children meets on Saturday mornings to prepare for First Confession and First Holy Communion. Couples planning to marry should contact the parish priest for marriage preparation details, with 6 months' notice required.

Visiting

The church is open daily for visitors. CTS booklets are available for sale in the church porch. The parish offers pastoral care and welcomes volunteers to support it.

The church has a hearing loop system to support those with hearing aids. Step-free access is available via a ramp at the side door leading to the front seating area.