The Assumption of Our Lady, Old Harlow

Introduction

The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Old Harlow was the first Catholic building in Harlow since the Reformation.

History

In 1950 Mr. and Mrs. Newman Gilbey made available a plot of land at Mulberry Green for the building of the Church of the Assumption. The church was served at first from Epping, but from 1954 had resident priests from the Canons Regular of the Immaculate Conception, who remained until 2001. Lord Petre donated the painting of the Nativity to the Assumption Church, and it is located behind the altar.

Parish life

The parish is a feeder parish for three primary schools and one secondary school in the Harlow area. The parish teams include a Bible group, catechists, a finance committee, and a social team.

The parish has readers, catechists, ministers of Holy Communion, acolytes, flower arrangers, cleaning teams, hall managers, and a music coordinator. The parish offers a downloadable resource called 'Pilgrims of Prayer'.

The parish has a vision document titled 'Shaping Our Future'. The parish celebrates a Sunday Solemn Mass using the Ordinariate Use, as listed for the 18th Sunday After Trinity.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children receive first Holy Communion around age seven, with classes for instruction and parents invited to help. Confirmation is celebrated usually every third year, coinciding with the Bishop's Visitation. Anointing of the sick is available for those suffering serious illness and may be requested at any time when a priest is available.

Visiting

A car park lies directly behind the church, and road parking is available nearby. The church car park closes in adverse snow or severe ice conditions.

The church buildings are disabled friendly, with good access and parking. The church has a loop system for hearing aid users.