St. Patrick

Introduction

The parish originated in 1828 when Rev. Lewis Oxley O.P. appealed for funds for a second chapel in Leeds; the chapel dedicated to Saint Patrick opened in July 1831.

History

The first chapel on York Road survived until 1964, when it was sold to Leeds Corporation and demolished. Provost A.J. Collingwood V.G., parish priest from 1887 to 1926, was responsible for the 1891 church, the presbytery (1894), the parochial hall (1906), and the former Saint Charles school (1906-7).

The Foundation Stone was laid and blessed in February 2001. Initial plans were too expensive for the Diocese and had to be modified. Q.S.P Construction Services carried out the building work.

Music and liturgy

The design ensures that no-one's vision of the liturgical action is impeded and no-one is further from the sacred action than necessary. The Episcopal Vicar for Worship addressed a parish meeting explaining modern liturgical principles in building a new church. Parishioners visited new churches in the Diocese – St Phillip's Middleton, St Paul's Alwoodley and St Benedict's Garforth – to clarify their thinking on the design.

Parish life

The parish community participates in the celebration of all sacraments, including Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and funerals. Individuals and small groups use the church as a place of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament or images of Our Lady and the saints.

A live online streaming service lets housebound parishioners and distant relatives or friends watch and listen to church services. Parishioners attended an Open Meeting in the Church to meet the architect.