St Joseph

Introduction

St Joseph's parish in Whitnash is part of Catholic Leamington, a grouping of three churches. The church is a prayerful place where the Blessed Sacrament is kept in the tabernacle.

History

Saint Peter's Aid for the Needy (SPAN) was founded by parishioners in 1974 and became a registered charity in 1994. There was a significant uptake in regular giving following the 2025 'Giving campaign' mandated at a Diocesan level.

Parish life

The Johnson Association provides financial help to clergy from the Archdiocese of Birmingham who retire through illness, old age or serious disability. Locally, each of the Parishes in Catholic Leamington has a Conference of the SVP. At Christmas SPAN coordinates the distribution of vouchers to Catholic Primary School pupils who receive Free School Meals, local refugee families and families suggested by local Family Centres. The Johnson Fund is also known as The Secular Clergy Association, Reg Charity No. 238681.

The parish has a large Parish Hall available for hire on a limited basis, with fees helping parish costs. The parish holds collections for the food bank. The parish is a Fair Trade parish and promotes fair trade. St Peter's Aid to the Needy collects and distributes funds both at home and overseas.

The parish encourages recycling and walking to Church. The parish holds special Justice and Peace prayers during Lent. The parish holds Live Simply events including local organisations.

The parish includes Trinity Catholic School. Parish Groups and St Joseph's School use the hall without charge and receive priority for its use.

Sacraments and pastoral care

First Holy Communion preparation is given in Catholic schools, with parish classes for other children from about December. Couples planning marriage are asked for about 9 months minimum lead time. The parish offers anointing before an operation or at other significant moments.