St Peter

Introduction

St Peter's in Eynsham, within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, was established as a parish in 1929. The present church was 'open for business' in 1968. In Autumn 2007, a new pitched roof was put on the Presbytery and Sacristy. The new church is 'the wrong way round' with the altar at the western end.

Architecture and furnishings

Construction of the church began in 1966 and it was consecrated in 1968. The new church had a high wooden ceiling and large windows that flooded it with light.

The new lectern in memory of Denis McCall was blessed on Sunday 20th February 2011. New solid silver chalices were brought into the church in January 2011, donated by two people, each inscribed with a friend's name.

Workmen from Belgium installed a pipe organ. To the left of the organ, above a door, there is a dark picture of St Peter showing his keys.

Music and liturgy

Each Sunday the music leaders aim to give good support to everyone at Mass. The music group occasionally gathers in church to rehearse new music or prepare for major festivals. The Children's Liturgy includes a time of prayer, a Gospel story, and an activity related to the story.

The liturgy should be less bland, with a mixture of music styles and not too much Latin, which can exclude people, especially younger ones. The Bishops decided the change of Lectionary translation from the New Jerusalem version to the English Standard Version with little or no communication or consultation. There is a need for positive wording in the liturgy and uplifting sermons, not psychological turn-offs like 'not worthy' or 'confess your sins'. There is a very strong need for the female 51% of the population to be fully represented in the language of the Mass and other devotions. The role of the laity is crucial to the future of the Church, with more Eucharistic ministers and the serious need for Deacons – male and female – to assist priests.

Parish life

Four Synodal Pathway groups were formed with appointed convenors to address Formation, Liturgy & Worship, Social Outreach and Evangelisation. Altogether 9 group meetings were held, with attendances of between 6 and 26 members. The parish aims to provide Christian witness in communities by contributing to local information platforms and engaging with local environmental issues.

The parish has official Welcomers on duty at the door who hand out books at Mass. The parish provides a ministry taking Holy Communion to the sick or housebound, with training provided. The Primary School linked to St Peter's Parish is Our Lady of Lourdes in Witney. The parish has a CAFOD representative and takes a second collection for CAFOD after two Fast Days a year.

The parish has a Finance Committee that meets at least twice a year to advise the priest on parish finances. The three Churches in Eynsham – Catholic, Anglican and Baptist – have worked together for many years. Every other month the parish collects sandwiches, cakes and warm clothes for the poor and homeless of Oxford.

Catholic education is provided by Our Lady of Lourdes in Witney and Greyfriars Catholic School for secondary. The Tolkien Room is available for hall hire. During Christian Aid Week in May, the parish arranges a Christian Aid Collection together.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Anyone wanting baptism for themselves or their child should talk to the priest after Sunday Mass, who will arrange a meeting. Weddings require six months' notice.

The Blessed Sacrament is taken regularly to sick or housebound members of the church. Catechists are named for Confessions & First Holy Communion and for Confirmation.