St. Peter's Church, Cirencester

Introduction

Saint Peter's Church in Cirencester, within the Diocese of Clifton, traces its origins to the Cirencester Mission founded from Fairford in 1885 with the opening of a chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception in London Road.

History

The foundation stone of Saint Peter's was laid on 20 June 1895 by Bishop William R Brownlow, the first he laid in the Diocese. The builders were Collins & Godfrey of Tewksbury and Cheltenham and the altar is the work of Boulton & Sons of Cheltenham. Father James A. Martin served in Cirencester between 1894 and 1906 as Priest-in-Charge and completed the building programme with no debt. The architect was Cannon A. J. C. Scoles, who designed some 20 churches.

Architecture and furnishings

A new stone altar enclosing relics of Saint Alphonsus Liguori and an English oak lectern were installed in the recarpeted sanctuary. Since the summer of 2011 the church has replaced the organ with a new digital instrument Roland C380 with two manuals and pedals. The stained glass in the three lancets at the east end depicts the founding of the Church with Christ's words from St Matthew's gospel, donated in memory of George Murphy who died on 11 February 1934. The small side altars with statues of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady date from just before the Second World War, as do some benches from the former Our Lady's Convent in Chesterton (1936-73).

Redecoration included a ceiling stenciled with motifs of intertwined S(aint) P(eter) and crossed keys copied from a more elaborate earlier design. The new English oak organ loft is decorated with carved shields of two Bishops of Clifton, Brownlow and Alexander, flanked by those of Saint Peter and the Town of Cirencester. The Immaculate Conception window is by Francis Tucker of London. The relics placed in the altar during its consecration on 5th Oct 1996 are of St Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri (1696-1787), Bishop, Doctor of the Church and founder of the Redemptorists. The land had been bought in 1892 for £500, provided by Cannon John Mitchell of Taunton and the Chilean Garcia brothers.

Parish life

The parish covers a wide area from Northleach to Somerford Keynes and from Cherington to Poulton. The parish supports Achieve Africa, which helps children with special needs in Africa. The parish participates in Churches Together in Cirencester. A Parish Family Ministry team offers visits to parishioners.

The parish promotes adoption through the Catholic Children's Society. Married couples approaching significant anniversaries are invited to seek a special blessing at Mass. Saint Peter's Hall is available for hire for events. A prayer book for intercessions is kept at the back of the church.

Parish-based instruction for children from Year 3 upwards prepares them for the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, with First Holy Communion during a Sunday Mass. The pastoral team offers visits to anyone who requests them. On Christmas Day, lunch is provided for people who are on their own.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Requests for marriage should be made to the Parish Priest through the Parish Office at least 6 months before the wedding. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated each Sunday or Wednesday before Mass or by appointment, with a Service of Reconciliation usually during Advent and Lent. Funerals are arranged through the Funeral Director, and the family meets with the Parish Priest to discuss the Order of Service.