St. Paul, Cantley

Introduction

Saint Paul, Cantley, in the Diocese of Hallam, is distinguished by its modern church building opened in 1973.

History

A dual-purpose building was constructed on the previously acquired site to serve as both Church and Church Hall. On June 29th 1959 the new St Paul's was opened and blessed, with the first Mass celebrated. Architect John Black was appointed, plans were drawn up, and Dixon's builders of Balby were given the contract to build the new church. A new parish priest arrived in early April 1983.

The parish priest retired on 28th January 2019, his 80th birthday, and remains Pastor Emeritus. A second hand light oak altar was bought from a private chapel in Barnsley. The church was built by a team under foreman Mr Ken Murray of Balby, including bricklayers and a joiner. At the opening, the bishop consecrated the altar, anointing the stone in five places on the table and at the four corners.

There was a new worry of a £55,000 Parish Debt. A plot of land was purchased which was later to become the site of the future St Paul's. A Parish Development Committee was set up and a Building Fund Account opened. The Building Fund had topped £2,000 by August before the opening.

The Church was decorated with flowers by the nuns for the opening. Gifts or promises of money towards furnishing the new Church included offers to provide the Altar, Font, and Stations of the Cross. The choir sang the 'Gloria', 'Credo' and 'Sanctus' in English for the first time in the parish.

Architecture and furnishings

In April 1985 a 'Church Improvement Scheme Appeal Fund' was launched to carpet the Church, replace two flimsy doors, and double glaze windows. The church's brickwork was laid in Flemish bond, with one cavity wall requiring seven hundred bricks to be cut to preserve the pattern. The new church was designed with under-floor heating, which was expected to provide an even temperature. The new church had under-floor heating, but the floor heated up at great expense while the Church remained cool.

Two more heaters were installed at the end of 1987, making the church warm at last. The church has a stained glass window by artist Richard King with the theme of the Holy Family, described as symbolic. In the stained glass window, Joseph is depicted as the breadwinner with symbols of his craft including the adze, mallet, bow saw, and square. In the window, Mary is depicted as the young mother protected by Joseph, and the Child holds a Noah's Ark.

The February 1983 news sheet announced the installation of the New Tabernacle. A pedal organ was given to the church and served for many years. Sanctuary bells, Formica tables, candleholders, and a communion plate were borrowed from St Peter's and never returned. At Easter 1998, forty-seven musicians took part in the services, including current and past members.

Parish life

Six catechists support the parish's sacramental programme. A Ministry of Welcome helps newcomers and visitors feel at home in the parish.

Monday Warm Space sessions in the church hall are open to church and community members. All Christmas, weekend, and daily Masses are live-streamed from the church. The parish signposts people to the Neighbourhood Centre for help and support. The parish advises contacting Doncaster Council about concerns regarding isolation. Baptisms are usually held on a Sunday morning after Mass, with a short welcome service the previous Sunday.

Regular events

Preparations for the Annual Garden Party to be held in the grounds of Burton Grange proceeded in June. The Youth Group has prepared Advent and Lenten services and Youth Sunday services. On 14th February 1987 the Youth Group was re-launched with a St Valentine's disco.

Visiting

The stained glass window is complemented by a large cross in white glass. Fan assisted gas central heating was installed in 1980 at a cost of £1000. On July 3rd 1980 St Paul's became a parish within the diocese of Hallam. The first Pastoral Council met on 10th July 1989.

The first Brownie pack started on the 8th of May 1978. A Music Group appeared in late 1984 and a Young Wives Group in April 1985. The Divorced, Separated and Bereaved Group met for the first time in November 1988. The Society of St Vincent de Paul was extremely active with its programme of visiting and providing outings and entertainment for the elderly.