St Richard of Chichester Church, Wiveliscombe

Introduction

Bishop Lee began a mission in Wiveliscombe in 1942, served by Father Ronald McDonald.

History

A possible venue was found at 34 Church Street, comprising a detached house and an adjoining property belonging to B.J. Langdon and Sons, egg and poultry packers, which could be demolished. St Richard's never benefited from a mains water supply until 2000. The church was relocated from the first floor to the ground floor of the building in Silver Street because of concern about the strength of the floor.

Parish life

A team of volunteers visits patients in hospital and brings them communion. The parish has groups and activities supporting the most vulnerable in society and fundraising for different charities. The parish has a bookshop run by volunteers selling books, statues, cards and other religious items, open after Sunday Masses. A team of readers proclaims the Word of God from the Bible at Mass and other services.

A team of welcomers greets people as they arrive at and leave the church and answers questions. Altar servers assist at the altar with the celebration of Mass. Teams of people help provide refreshments after Mass or at special events.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick, with preparation to receive them. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring communion to the sick and housebound of the parish.