St Petroc, Padstow

Introduction

Saint Petroc in Padstow has the only formal sharing agreement between Catholics and Anglicans in Cornwall. Agreement on a sharing between Catholic and Anglican was reached in Autumn 2011.

History

After an approach about regular Sunday Mass, a bishop suggested seeking the help of a prior in Bodmin. In 1909 the Canons Regular from Bodmin commenced the Padstow mission. The Prior's diary for 27 October 1909 records that the Bishop sanctioned trying to do something for the Padstow mission. The Long Room of the Ship Inn held Sunday Mass for 14 people on 14 November 1909.

In 1958 the late John Prideaux-Brune gifted a new site at the top of Church Street in Park Place from the Prideaux Park Estate. Miss Annie Chapman, a convert Padstowian, and Miss Eleanor Hunter were people to whom the Padstow mission owed much.

Parish life

With the vicar’s permission, summer Sunday Masses have for some years been celebrated in the Anglican Church of Saint Petroc. During the holiday season the church is too small for the increased number of worshippers.

Children of the parish raise money for CAFOD throughout the year. When enquirers ask to learn more about the faith, a programme begins in the autumn. Young people who wish to be confirmed contact the parish priest. Someone exploring ordination speaks to the parish priest, who puts that person in touch with the diocesan vocations team.

Sacraments and pastoral care

A pastoral council of 12 members meets three times a year to discuss parish matters, keep in touch with parishioners and send suggestions to the parish priest. A full RCIA programme, led by the parish priest and two catechists, prepares people for reception into full communion with the Catholic Church.

In the New Year, those going further commit as catechumens if they are not already baptised, or as candidates if they were baptised in other Christian traditions, and the process leads to Easter. Catechists lead the children’s First Holy Communion sessions, and the parish priest leads the sessions for parents. Parents seeking baptism for a newborn begin by making an appointment with the parish priest. Children who are seven or over join their parents in a longer baptism preparation.

When need arises, a confirmation programme runs between October and Eastertide. Engaged couples seeking marriage begin by contacting the parish priest. At least six months’ notice is required so that marriage preparation can take place.