St. Mary's, Bodmin

Introduction

The foundation stone of the present church, Saint Mary's, Bodmin, was laid in 1937, and the building was consecrated on 24 June 1965 after wartime delay. Father William Young began the Bodmin Catholic mission and in 1845 built a presbytery and a church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.

History

From 1845 the Bodmin mission had only periodic service from Plymouth, and a priest was rarely resident. Saint Mary's, Bodmin is of local stone and has a nave of three bays, a sanctuary, a choir and vestries. The monks of Buckfast Abbey designed and made the fenestration in their own style.

Parish life

The parish raises money for CAFOD, including frugal lunches held in Padstow each month. Children of the parish raise money for CAFOD throughout the year. The Bodmin branch of SPUC, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, was established in 1984. Welcomers greet people at the church door.

Regular events

The Bodmin branch of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children takes part in education, lobbying parliamentarians, prayer witness and an annual Human Chain vigil.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Twelve members form the Pastoral Council, which gathers three times a year to consider parish matters, stay in touch with parishioners, and pass suggestions to the parish priest. In the Parish Centre, catechists lead First Holy Communion sessions for children while the parish priest leads the sessions for parents. Parents seeking baptism for a newborn start by making an appointment with the parish priest, and the parents, with the godparents when they can attend, explore what baptism means. A child aged seven or over prepares for baptism with the parents over a longer period.

When a Confirmation programme is needed, the parish runs one between October and Eastertide. An engaged couple begins by contacting the parish priest, and at least six months’ notice is required so marriage preparation can take place.

People who have asked to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church follow a full RCIA programme led by the parish priest and two catechists. Reconciliation is normally available as the weekly newsletter indicates, or at any reasonable time on request.