New church for Diocese of Middlesbrough

Artists impression

After holding services in a school and other venues for over 20 years, the Roman Catholic parish of St Thérèse of Lisieux in Ingleby Barwick is to get its own church at last.

The distinctive design includes a large number of windows, creating a bright area for worship. There will also be a space for parish celebrations and areas for meetings and children's liturgy.

Parish priest Father Pat Hartnett spoke of his delight after the plans were given the go ahead.

"Since our parish was officially founded in 1994, the parishioners have worked and prayed tirelessly to realise our dream of having our own church building," he said. "Working closely with the Diocese, we are now very close to seeing that dream turn into reality. We're grateful for the support over the years from the school and the other venues and now look forward to celebrating Mass and the other sacraments in a church of our own.

"We also look forward to sharing our facilities with the wider community of Ingleby Barwick. Having a building designed for the purpose will help us worship in a more fitting way. It will give us a place where we can celebrate all the sacraments and continue to build the wonderful community we already have here in Ingleby Barwick."

The Diocese of Middlesbrough will build the church, social space, altar and lectern, while the parish will be responsible for fitting out the church, which will be in Blair Avenue.

The Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Right Reverend Terence Patrick Drainey, said: "Now the parishioners can share in the joys of a new church and I know they will work closely with Father Pat to fit it out suitably for worship.

"I look forward to the formal opening of the church, which will be a day of celebration both for me as Bishop and for all the parishioners."

An appeal has been launched to raise an initial £100,000 towards the parish's part of the cost.

An open meeting will be held at St Thérèse of Lisieux Primary School in Lamb Lane on Tuesday April 28 to allow local people to see the plans. Work on the new church is due to start on Monday May 25.

If you would like to help with the fundraising effort, please call 01642 751304 or email fundraising@stthereseingleby.org.uk