Our Lady of the Angels, Nuneaton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic Church |
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| 52°31′02″N 1°28′00″W / 52.51735°N 1.46657°W | |
| Location | Coton Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | St.Mary's (1837-1889) (current name since 1889) |
| Dedication | Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Angels |
| Dedicated | 1838 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Joseph Hansom |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Nuneaton |
| Deanery | Coventry and Nuneaton |
| Archdiocese | Birmingham |
The Our Lady of the Angels church is a Roman Catholic church in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. It is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham. The current priest is Father Jimmy Lutwama. He works with a group of Presentation Sisters.
This church is one of two Catholic churches in Nuneaton. The other is St. Anne's. Our Lady of the Angels used to be the only Catholic church for the whole town. In 1948, St. Anne's church was built. Today, Our Lady of the Angels serves the town centre and nearby areas. These include Caldecote, Weddington, and Stockingford.
Contents
History of the Church
How the Church Started
After a law called the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 was passed, Catholics in Great Britain gained more freedom. This led to new Catholic communities forming, including in the Nuneaton area. At first, Mass (a church service) was held in a farm, then in a small house. But soon, a bigger, permanent church was needed.
In 1837, land was bought on Coton Road. This is where the new church would be built. The church, named St. Mary's, opened in 1838. For many years, different groups of priests served the church. First, the Dominicans were there until 1880. Then, the Capuchin Fathers took over until 1889.
A New Name for the Church
The year 1889 was a big moment for the church. The Capuchin Fathers moved away. The church then came under the full care of the Diocese of Birmingham. At this time, the church's name was changed to Our Lady of the Angels. This is the name it still has today.
Changes in the Parish Area
In 1949, the area the church served became smaller. This happened when St. Anne's church was built. Nuneaton's Catholic population was growing, so more churches were needed.
In 1960, another new place for Mass, called St. Bernadette's, was built in Stockingford. This also helped with the growing number of Catholics. However, in 1994, St. Bernadette's sadly closed. This was due to fewer priests and other changes. Mass services then returned to Our Lady of the Angels church.
Schools Connected to the Church
The parish of Our Lady of the Angels works with local Catholic schools. These schools help children learn and grow in their faith.
- Our Lady and Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy is a primary school.
- St Thomas More Catholic School and Sixth Form College is a secondary school.
Both of these schools are part of the Holy Spirit Catholic Multi Academy.
