The Parish of The Holy Spirit,
Heckmondwike
Parish Priest: Fr John Abberton.
18 Cemetery Road, Heckmondwike. WF16 9EB. Tel:01924 402579. Email: holy.spirit@sky.com
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Welcome to our parish web site.
The Church of The Holy Spirit is unique, being
built in the Byzantine style with design features inspired by the great church
of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. It is actually described as "Byzantine-Romanesque"
(see our history page)
The church was built by Fr J O'Connor (1914).
The architect was C.E. Fox. In our well-kept grounds we have an outdoor shrine
dedicated to Our Lady Queen of Peace. It also serves as a memorial garden
to some of our deceased parishioners.
Next door to the church we have Holy Spirit
Primary School, one of the best known schools in the area. For more information
about the school visit the web site:
You are welcome to stay awhile and visit our
history page. For details of weekly events please check our Parish
Newsletter
See the links below. You can keep up with
Catholic world news, look at the daily Mass readings and indulge in some bible
study!
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Mass Times and Services
Saturday
Vigil Mass 6.00 pm.
Sunday Morning
Mass 10.00 am.
Most weekdays
Mass is celebrated at 9.30 am. Please check the weekly Newsletter for more
details.
Confessions:
Wednesday 6.30-7.30 pm. Saturday 10.30-11.30 am (and by request)
Exposition:
Tuesday-Friday 7.30-9.15 am (please check Newsletter in case of alterations)
Mass in the Extraordinary Rite
(Latin): Saturday 11.30 am (except first Saturdays),
and on the first Sunday of the month at 2.30 pm (please check the Newsletter).
First Saturday Devotions:
The first Saturday of the month. Mass at 11.30 am, followed by Exposition
and Rosary. Those who attend are invited to eat lunch together (bring sandwiches-tea
and coffee are provided)
Friday Mass with Healing Prayer:
The last Friday of the month. We begin with Exposition at 6.30 pm,
with Rosary at 6.55, and Mass at 7.30. The Mass is followed by prayer for
healing. Please check the weekly Newsletter in case of changes.
True Life in God Prayer Group.
This group meets every two weeks at 7.30 pm. You are most welcome to join
us. Please check the Newsletter in case of changes.
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Fr J.O'Connor and G.K. Chesterton
Fr. O'Connor was the "model"
for Chesterton's "Father Brown", the priest-detective. Chesterton
wrote a poem on the flyleaf of a book he had borrowed from the priest. It
begins;
"This is a book I do
not like, take it away to Heckmondwike"
It was thought, by some, that
Chesterton was received into the Catholic Church here in Heckmondwike. In
fact he was received in the dance-room of the Railway Hotel in Beaconsfield
(30 July 1922). By that time, Fr O'Connor had moved to St. Cuthbert's in Bradford.
It was Chesterton's wife, Frances, who particularly requested that her husband's
reception should be arranged by Fr O'Connor. He was assisted by Fr Ignatius
Rice O.S.B.
Chesterton had thought that
he might be received by Fr Ronald Knox. When he wrote to Fr Knox of his decision
to be instructed (and received) by Fr O'Connor at Beaconsfield, Fr Knox replied
in a humorous vein that he had admired Fr Brown's ability to neglect his parish,
and trusted that this had been drawn from life!
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Four of our World Youth Day Pilgrims with
Fr John
