St Mary

Introduction

St Mary's Church was established in 1956 to serve the growing Catholic community, particularly those moving into the Woodhouse Close estate and its surrounding areas.

History

St Mary's and St Wilfrid's, originally two separate parishes, have come together as one faith community. St Mary's is the more modern of the two churches and serves as the residence of the parish priest.

Music and liturgy

The Spirituality Group helps explore topics including music and liturgy. School Masses and liturgies are celebrated at St Mary's at key moments in the liturgical calendar and school year. Staff and pupils regularly take part in Family Sunday Masses, usually held once per half term.

Parish life

The parish maintains strong links with St Wilfrid's and St Chad's Catholic primary schools and St John's Catholic Secondary School and Sixth Form College. The parish priest, parishioners, and school staff collaborate to deliver First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation programmes. The parish contributes to the national Flame event at Wembley Arena with financial support and parishioner involvement alongside St John's students and staff. St Mary's SVP supports local families through the Christmas Hamper Appeal.

Parishioners contribute to community events such as Remembrance Day commemorations. Many parish members serve as Foundation Governors within the schools. Parishioners are welcomed to St John's Christmas lunches and monthly 'Natter and Entertainment' afternoons delivered with Age UK.

The Social Group organises quiz nights including an annual Christmas Quiz and Grand Raffle. The Parish Finance Group meets quarterly with membership determined by Diocesan guidelines. The Parish Pastoral Council meets four times a year and has nine members. The Church Cleaning Group cleans the church, meeting room, and kitchen on a monthly basis.

The Journey in Faith (RCIA) programme runs from autumn to Easter, with participants able to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter. The Laudato Si' Group has met regularly since June 2021 and is inspired by an encyclical.

The parish actively supports the local foodbank alongside other Christian churches, with weekly contributions from parishioners. The parish provides pastoral care for the sick and housebound and collaborates with neighbouring churches. The SVP Group meets every two to three months.