Our Lady of the Rosary Marylebone Our Lady

Our Lady of the Rosary Marylebone

Our Lady of the Rosary: Our Beginnings 1848 – Fr Hodgson came from the Chapel at the Spanish Embassy to say Mass in a hall in Cato Street for residents in the area. 1959 – Work finally began on the new Church. The foundation stone was laid on 23 rd September 1961 and the Church was opened on 7 th June 1964. 1861 - The Marylebone Mission became a separate parish from St James, Spanish Place. 1855 - The work on the Church in Homer Row was completed and dedicated to God in honour of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary by Cardinal Wiseman. From the start the church was very popular – the congregation was estimated at 2, 500. Early 1900’s – The parish family continued to grow and the Church grew too small for its congregation. At first, it proved impossible to purchase a new site for the Church at an affordable cost. However, in 1929, the property adjoining the present Church was purchased for £ 16, 100 and fundraising began for the building of the new

Today in our Parish We look back over the last 158 years with profound gratitude to the legacy left to us by previous generations. We also look forward in confidence to the next 150 years. We are blessed to have a beautiful Church and a very vibrant and active parish family of all ages and nationalities. Our Lady of the Rosary is represented from all four corners of the earth and we are continually welcoming families and individuals into our Church. Outside of Mass, there are many groups who come together: the Legion of Mary, Union of Catholic Mothers, 18 -30’s, catechism classes and starting this autumn – the Over 50’s Monday Rosary Club, to name but a few. Our Wider Responsibility: Growing in Faith at Our Lady of the Rosary The wider responsibilities of each Parish have been emphasised by Archbishop Vincent Nichols who has asked Our Lady of the Rosary to play our part in Growing in Faith. This extraordinary campaign will support three key pillars of our Church: 1. 2. 3. Fostering vibrant parishes across the Diocese Supporting priestly life at all stages Reaching out to those in our communities who need it most, through Caritas

Our Future and Growing in Faith Here in Marylebone, Growing in Faith will enable us to give future generations the same opportunities as we have had – worshipping in a beautiful and prayerful Church. An important legacy that I believe we can hand on to future generations are buildings, which are sound, prayerful and sustainable. I would like us to use our share of the funds that we raise for Growing in Faith to: 1. Refurbish the two halls – our parish halls are nearly 60 years old. Essential improvements are needed to the kitchen and toilet areas, as well as some general redecoration. This will make our halls more attractive for external hire, and more importantly, will be more accommodating for our parish groups who regularly use the facilities. 2. Meet the health and safety challenges to make our buildings more safe – this will involve wiring, installing new fuse boxes and emergency lighting, to name but a few. “We are thinking about our future and taking practical steps to be sustainable. Asking for the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, I look forward to working with you for the success of Growing in Faith in our parish. ” – Fr Michael Johnston If Growing in Faith develops in the way I think it can, based on the successes of our neighbouring parish – St John’s Wood, who have already taken part in the campaign, then we will raise £ 135, 000 over the next five years. We will retain over £ 40, 000, which we can use to refurbish our two halls and address the health and What youwithin are doing at Our Lady of the Rosary is significant for the future of your parish and our wider safety “concerns our Church buildings. Catholic Community. ” - Archbishop Nichols, September 2013 Transparency and Accountability Growing in Faith is a collective effort, with gifts and pledges advancing all aspects of the campaign. All monies raised will support projects that are consistent with the stated aims of the campaign. Local parish leaders and a Campaign Committee provide oversight to ensure that these ring-fenced monies are spent wisely. All supporters will receive regular updates from the Growing in Faith office.