St Catherine of Siena Church, Birmingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Catherine's Church |
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| St Catherine of Siena Church, Bristol Street | |
Front entrance
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| 52°28′20″N 1°54′01″W / 52.472254°N 1.900385°W | |
| OS grid reference | SP 06863 86040 |
| Location | Birmingham |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | stcatherinesbirmingham.org |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founder(s) | Bishop William Ullathorne |
| Dedication | St Catherine of Siena |
| Consecrated | June 1918 |
| Events | Replaced 1964 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Completed | 1965 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Birmingham (Cathedral) |
| Archdiocese | Birmingham |
| Province | Birmingham |
St Catherine of Siena Church is a Catholic church located on Bristol Street in Birmingham, England. It's part of the Catholic community in Birmingham. The first church was built in 1874. It was later taken down and a new one was built in 1964. From 2005 to 2013, a group called the Columban missionaries helped manage the church.
Contents
Church History
The First Church (Horse Fair)
In the 1800s, more and more Catholic families moved to Birmingham. A Catholic school was built in 1869 to help educate their children. Soon, a bigger church was needed for these growing families.
So, on April 30, 1874, work began on a new church. It was named St Catherine of Siena's. The church was built in a style called Gothic Revival. This style looks like old medieval churches.
Bishop William Ullathorne of Birmingham laid the first stone. He also led the opening ceremony on September 28, 1875. At first, only the main part of the church was built. By 1893, more sections were added, like the chancel and sacristy. The church tower was finished in 1909. By 1918, the church was fully paid for and officially dedicated. This first church was located near where the Holloway Circus roundabout is today.
Building the New Church (Bristol Street)
On June 1, 1964, the old church was officially closed. The local council bought the building. They needed the land to build a new road system. This was part of a big project to create an Inner Ring Road around the city. Many old houses around the church were also taken down. New council flats were built in their place.
While the new church was being built, church services were held in the nearby school. The new church opened its doors on December 20, 1964. This new building is round with a dome. The altar is in the middle of the church. This design followed new ideas from the Second Vatican Council. The church is made of brick and concrete. Inside, you can still see the Stations of the Cross from the old church.
The Church Today
From 2005 to 2013, the church was managed by the Columban missionaries. Since 2013, the Birmingham Archdiocese has been in charge again.
Right next to the church is St Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School. The church and school work closely together. The church helps prepare children for important Catholic sacraments. These include reconciliation, communion, and confirmation.
The church also has a group focused on justice and peace. It also works with a local group called Citizens UK in Birmingham. Next to the church is the presbytery, which is where the priests live. This building is also used to help young people who have been in trouble get back on track.
Exterior Images
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Location for previous church
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View from the road
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Church tower
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Side view
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Exterior
