St John Bosco, Woodley

Introduction

The parish of St John Bosco was established in 1946, and a church was built in Woodley Centre with the help of Reading's Polish community. In 1960 the parish centre was moved to Western Avenue.

Music and liturgy

The choir is seated in the section adjacent to the church organ. Children's liturgy begins shortly after Mass starts in the Newman Centre and concludes at the offertory, when the children rejoin the congregation in the main church.

Parish life

The parish Bereavement Support Group offers love, support and prayers to parishioners and families who have lost a loved one. A voluntary cleaning rota cleans the inside of the church once a month. A team serves refreshments after Mass on Wednesday and Sunday mornings and at parish celebrations.

The parish collaborates with Marriage Care for preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage and support of married couples. Confirmation preparation is open to baptised Catholic children in school Year 8 and above who have made their First Holy Communion. The church is at 56 Western Avenue, Woodley, Reading, RG5 3BH.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples are asked to give the priest at least six months notice for marriage because all paperwork needs approval by the Diocesan Chancellor. Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is part of the First Holy Communion programme.

Confirmation will normally take place at Saint John's Cathedral, Portsmouth. If this is your first child to be baptised, you will need to take a short preparation course with a catechist beforehand.

Individual confessions are heard on Saturday evening, after weekday Masses, or by special arrangement with the priest. Penitential Services are held in Advent and Lent.