St Joseph Church

Introduction

Darlaston was established as an independent Parish of St Joseph on April 18th 1923 with its own resident priest, Father Budgen.

History

The first Post-reformation Mass in Darlaston was celebrated on December 17th 1865 in a clubroom at The Bulls Head public house. The first Permanent Deacon was ordained on 29th June 1997. Sycamore meets once a month at St Joseph's, Darlaston.

Architecture and furnishings

The statue of the Risen Christ was moved from above the altar to the 15th Station and replaced with the crucifix that had been a feature of the old church. The Stations of the Cross, which had been clustered on the wall of the 15th Station, were removed and re-sited around the church in a more traditional fashion.

Music and liturgy

The statues of Our Lady and St Joseph, of Italian origin and introduced when the church opened, were repainted. The whole church was lined out and the Stations of the Cross were repainted; these stations later went to the church of Mary Immaculate at Bentley. The novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour was introduced during Saturday morning mass, preceded by one hour's adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Good Friday Stations of the Cross became the focus of an ecumenical service with the vicar and parishioners of St Lawrence's C of E church taking part.

Mature parishioners were chosen to be Eucharistic Ministers who took the Blessed Sacrament to the sick and housebound after Sunday mass. Additional Eucharistic Ministers were appointed to cope with the increasing burden of sick calls after Mass on Sunday. Yearly pilgrimages to Lourdes were initiated, and thanks to parishioners' fundraising, a number of sick and less fortunate parishioners were sent to Lourdes free of charge. Lourdes pilgrimages started again under a later pastorate. 1967 saw the first major pilgrimage to Rome, joining with priests and parishioners from Walsall, Willenhall, Wednesbury and Bilston.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples considering marriage must speak to the parish priest as soon as they begin to consider marriage, even at a very early stage. To organise a funeral, one must first contact the Funeral Directors and then the Parish Office. Within both a Funeral Mass and Funeral Service, only sacred or religious music is permitted. Within the church itself, short eulogies are permitted, provided they are respectful, brief, and supportive of prayer for the deceased.

Preparation for Confirmation is through a parish-run Sacramental Club, which takes place one evening a week for nine sessions. All Confirmation candidates take part in a Confirmation Retreat Day. Registration for the Confirmation Preparation Programme takes place each July.

The parish cannot baptise someone who does not live in the parish. Preparation for the sacraments is offered as part of the Sycamore journey for those who feel ready.

The parish schools work with the parish in preparing students for First Confession (Year 3 and above), First Holy Communion (Year 4 and above), and Confirmation (Year 6 and above). The Bereavement Group meets once a month on Monday to provide support for those who are bereaved. Those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith can contact the parish office to enrol on the next Sycamore.