St Joseph

Introduction

St Joseph's Church in Wolverhampton, part of the Saint John Henry Newman Parish in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, had its foundation stone laid in 1966 on a plot known as 'The Island'.

History

In 1868, John Hawksford purchased land in East Street for £350, upon which the old Saint Joseph's school was built. The school was opened on November 2nd 1868 and put in the charge of the Sisters of Mercy. On September 8th, 1903, Bishop Isley opened the New Mission in Walsall Street, with Monsignor Basil Fielding beginning his ministry. The New Mission of Saint Joseph's was a temporary iron building seating 400. Saint Joseph's School moved to Steelhouse Lane in September 1914.

Music and liturgy

Heartsong is the parish youth choir that assists at various liturgies. Te Deum is the parish music group that assists at liturgies and meets every Wednesday.

Parish life

The Bereavement Group meets once a month on Monday to provide support for those who are bereaved. The parish Walking Group meets weekly for a walk lasting around 45 minutes. Nicholas Barre House, working closely with Brushstrokes, provides accommodation for those who are granted asylum in the UK. The Parish was awarded the Live Simply Award in 2022 and across its four churches strives to reduce waste and decrease its carbon footprint.

The Focolare community works closely with the parish, providing spiritual reflections and retreats throughout the year. The parish holds 7 coffee mornings per week under the umbrella of “Places of Welcome”, open to the public. The parish youth meet as Ambassadors for Christ every month at Holy Trinity, Bilston. Children’s Liturgy groups meet during Sunday Masses in various places each weekend.

The Arts and Crafts Group meets every month on a Thursday evening at Holy Trinity. The parish runs a two-year sacramental preparation programme for children from Year 3 upwards, registered each July. The parish holds a First Holy Communion Retreat Day led by One Life Music. Registration for the Confirmation Preparation Programme takes place each July.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Confirmation preparation is through a parish-run Sacramental Club that meets one evening a week for nine sessions. All Confirmation candidates take part in a Confirmation Retreat Day. The Church asks for a minimum of six months of preparation for marriage.