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. To contact the school ring 01924 325712 or log on to the
You
are welcome to stay awhile and visit our history page. For details of weekly events
please check our Parish Newsletter
NEW:
Parish Events and Photographs. Check the link below.
See
the links below. You can keep up with Catholic world news, look at the daily Mass
readings and indulge in some bible study!
Fr.
Abberton has a new blog. See below.
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Mass
Times and Services
NEW:
Please note change to Friday Mass Time
Saturday
Vigil Mass 6.00 pm.
Sunday
Morning Mass 10.00 am.
Most weekdays
Mass is celebrated at 9.30 am. Every Friday Mass is at 7.30 pm. (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). Each
Friday during the YEAR FOR PRIESTS, there will be Exposition from 6.30 - 7.30
pm
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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Confirmation
Class 2009
