Premises and Maintenance
The parish premises are all located in a single complex on Sandygate Road. They comprise the Church of St. Francis, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the Assisi Hall, the Upper Room and the Presbytery. There is a car park at the rear of the building.
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Visible from the Church, but with its own entrance from the Narthex, this
is a place for quiet prayer and reflection and where families with young
children are able to participate in Sunday Mass. Most weekday Masses are
celebrated in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and it is the centre for Adoration
of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday afternoon.
Assisi Hall and the Upper Room
These
are well-used venues for the many activities which take place during
the year and for the social life of the parish. Many external organisations
also make bookings and a varied programme of events takes place on a regular
basis. Enquiries about booking the Assisi Hall or the Upper Room, either
for a parish event or for a private function should be made to Clare Gavin.
The Narthex
The
Narthex, at the entrance to the Church building, is the place for people
to meet each other before or after services. It is a better place
for conversations than the church or chapel. We should be sensitive to
visitors or newcomers and remember that the duty of welcoming falls on
us all, not just on the official welcomers.
Notice Boards
The Narthex is well equipped with notice boards, organised as follows:
- Notice Board A (the central notice board)
Details of current or up and coming events. - Notice Board B (between the main entrance and the Chapel)
More permanent notices and information. - Notice Board C (between the entrance into the Church and the Assisi Hall)
Lists and rotas.
Catholic Literature
Copies of The Universe, The Catholic Herald and The Tablet are on sale in the Narthex. The diocesan newspaper, Hallam News is a free publication available on the last Sunday of each month.
CTS booklets are for sale in the Narthex with the prices marked. These are a good source of current teaching and information.
Payment for publications should be placed in the ‘Publications’ box on the wall in the Narthex, beneath Notice Board B.
Our parish weekly bulletin, The Franciscan, is free. There are also LOOK sheets for young children each week, which are available from the welcomers at each Mass.
The Library and Children's Library
Spiritual reading is a recognized way of increasing knowledge and devotion. Books, videos and audiotapes of a spiritual nature are kept in the Narthex, in an open bookcase. You are welcome to borrow, read/listen to and return them. With them is a small book and pencil for signing them out and in. All these items have been donated and further donations are welcome. These can be given to the Parish Priest.
The Garden
Gardeners
visit twice a month to maintain the Church gardens. If any parishioners wish to donate plants for the
garden, please bring them just before the first Monday of the month. The gardeners can then plant them
on their longer visit which will always be the first Monday each month. If you would like to adopt a
section of the garden, please contact a member of the finance and maintenance committee of the Parish Council.
Church Cleaning Volunteers
A loyal group of parishioners meets on Saturday morning for about one hour with individuals involved every five or six weeks. New volunteers are always welcome. For details, see the rota on the notice board or contact Cheryl Koh.
Church Flowers
If you would
like to help with the church flower arrangements, please contact Paula Coates or Jacinta Campbell.