St. Winefride

Introduction

The present Saint Winefride’s church in Bradford was consecrated in 1983. The Parish of Mary, Mother of God was formed in 2009 when the parishes of Saint Winefride’s and Saint John’s merged.

History

Buttershaw had formerly been part of Saint Winefride’s parish before it was made the parish of Saint John the Evangelist in 1954. The neighbouring parish of Holy Innocents, Wyke, merged with Saint Winefride’s parish in 1997.

Parish life

The parish participates in the Inn Churches’ Winter Shelter initiative each year, opening one of its church halls for a week to house homeless guests. The parish works with its two primary schools, St John’s and St Winefride’s, and the Catholic High School St Bede’s and St Joseph’s in Bradford. The Shared Leadership Team, comprising lay and clergy members, drives the parish’s mission through monthly conversations.

Children whose parents are not Catholics but who attend one of the parish primary schools may be baptised in the Catholic Church. Children typically receive First Confession in Year Three, First Holy Communion in Year Four and Confirmation in Year Six. Online resources can be provided for parents whose children do not attend Catholic schools. Couples preparing for marriage are invited to participate in a faith formation process.

Adult faith formation is offered through regular one-to-one conversations or in a small group setting. The Junior Youth Group meets on Friday evenings for activities like trampolining and ice skating, aimed at children in Years 3 to 6. A friendly group for adults, young people and children with a learning disability meets monthly.

Volunteers can get involved with youth groups or the children's liturgy. Volunteers can join singing and music ministries.

The Parish Pastoral Council includes a representative from twelve Parish groups. Parents seeking baptism for their child are invited to three faith formation sessions run each quarter.

Visiting

Wheelchair access is available to all church buildings, with ramps outside the main entrances at St Winefride's Church and hall. Disabled toilet facilities are located at the back of St Winefride's Church. Both churches are fitted with loop induction systems. There is a car park at St Winefride's Church Hall, next to St Winefride's Church.

Visitors can pick up a copy of the latest newsletter in church or read it online via the website or Facebook page. St Winefride's church hall can accommodate 140 people and has kitchen facilities, wheelchair access and a disabled toilet.