St Vincent de Paul, Bramhall

Introduction

The present church building was erected on the Handley Road site in Bramhall in 1968 at a cost of £18,000 and able to seat 280 people.

History

From about 1944, Mass was originally said by a priest from Hazel Grove at the Ladybrook Hotel, Bramhall Green, and this continued for at least the next 8 years. From 1952, there are no references to Mass being said in Bramhall and there is no reference to the Ladybrook Hotel in the Diocesan year book. The parish priest at Our Lady and the Apostles in Shaw Heath was responsible for the building, and on 8 December 1968 the Handley Road church became a Chapel-of-Ease served from Our Lady’s. The church was given to the local people as a gift from Our Lady’s.

After a number of years, a retired RAF Chaplain and priest of the diocese moved into the area to be with his sisters, and he supplied the Masses at St Vincent’s. When that priest retired, Saint Vincent de Paul’s was left without a resident parish priest, and a priest took on responsibility for Saint Vincent de Paul’s as well as his existing parish of St Peter’s in Hazel Grove.

Parish life

The Society of St Vincent de Paul is active in the parishes of Our Lady and the Apostles, St Ambrose and St Vincent’s, visiting the sick, elderly, and lonely, and supporting families and migrants in need. The SVP supports the SVP Holiday Camp for needy children, founded by members in Our Lady’s parish in 1932. The SVP group meets fortnightly in Our Lady’s presbytery meeting room.

The choir uses its music at events such as Vespers or Evening Prayer and at Sunday Masses. Adults interested in joining the Church follow a six-month RCIA course culminating at the Easter Vigil Mass.

A Young Catholic Adults group is hoped to be set up for ages 18-35, and parishioners are invited to help lead or assist with a Youth group. The choir records parts for music being learned, accessible through an app.

The parish offers the Sacrament of Anointing to those in need, administered by the priest during home visits. Many couples choose to marry at one of the parishes, and the parish priest can help begin marriage preparation.