St. Mary Magdalene, Milton Keynes

Introduction

The parish priest of Wolverton initiated construction of the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in Stony Stratford during 1954, with completion in 1957 and a blessing on 25 September 1958. During 2002 the parishes of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Mary Magdalene amalgamated, a change that restored their pre-1976 status.

Music and liturgy

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Youth was set up for young people too old for First Confession and First Holy Communion and too young for adult RCIA, so they can be baptised or complete initiation.

Parish life

The parish includes two churches, two presbyteries, two parish gardens and a parish hall, and average attendance in Wolverton and Stony Stratford is 300. Monthly devotions are offered to help growth in the spiritual life.

In November the parish blesses graves and prays for the dead at its four cemeteries, New Bradwell, Wolverton, Calverton Road and London Road. A requested Mass is listed on page 1 of the newsletter in the week it is said, and that listing shows the church at which the Mass is said. Those sessions are normally held in the Hall at Saint Mary Magdalene, Stony Stratford.

Sacraments and pastoral care

A funeral may be a Requiem Mass or a funeral service, and the parish priest helps the family decide. Families may choose a vigil in church, with the coffin staying overnight before the funeral.

People in MK Hospital can seek Holy Communion on Sundays or the Sacrament of the Sick. Parents must complete the Anchor Course before they begin the Baptism Course. Parents may apply to have a child baptised at Saint Francis de Sales Church or at Saint Mary Magdalene Church after the Anchor Course and the Baptism Course. Adults wishing to be baptised attend the RCIA course.

New RCIA sessions begin each September, and enquiries are welcome all year round. The RCIA Youth Course is adapted for people aged 9 to 17. Thirteen sessions prepare young people for Baptism and/or First Holy Communion, beginning before Lent and finishing after Easter. Young people who are already baptised have an additional session preparing them for First Confession. It is never too late to be confirmed, through Adult RCIA, RCIA Youth, or an appointment with the parish priest.