With a rich history spanning nearly a century, this church is more than just a place of worship; it is a vibrant hub of community life, embracing a diverse congregation and offering a wide range of spiritual, social, and charitable activities.
As we approach our centenary in 2027, there's no better time to explore what makes Our Lady of Lourdes a special place and to consider how you can become a part of our welcoming community.
A Rich History and Heritage
Our Lady of Lourdes Church was established in 1927, a time of great change and growth for New Milton and its surrounding areas.
Over the years, the church has stood as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. The church's architecture, with its serene sanctuary and beautiful stained glass windows, reflects the spiritual heritage and the artistic sensibilities of its time.
Each corner of the church tells a story, from the altar where countless sacraments have been celebrated to the parish hall that has hosted numerous gatherings and events.
A Diverse and Welcoming Community
One of the hallmarks of Our Lady of Lourdes is its diverse and inclusive congregation. We are proud to be a community that welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. Our parish includes members from various parts of Europe, as well as significant Keralan and Filipino communities.
This diversity enriches our worship and community life, bringing a multitude of traditions and perspectives to our shared faith journey.
Spiritual Growth and Worship
At the heart of Our Lady of Lourdes is a commitment to spiritual growth and worship.
We offer a range of services and activities designed to nurture the faith of our parishioners.
Our regular Mass times are:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10.00 AM
- Saturday: Confessions at 5.30 PM and Vigil Mass at 6.00 PM
- Sunday: Mass at 10.00 AM, followed by tea and coffee in the Parish hall
In addition to these regular services, we celebrate all major liturgical seasons and feast days with special Masses and events.
Our church also provides opportunities for personal reflection and communal prayer, including adoration, rosary groups, and seasonal retreats.
Engaging Youth and Families
We believe that engaging our youth and families is crucial for the future of our parish.
Our Lady of Lourdes offers a variety of programmes aimed at fostering the spiritual growth of children and teenagers.
From sacramental preparation classes for First Holy Communion and Confirmation to youth groups and family-oriented events, we strive to create an environment where young people can explore their faith and build lasting relationships within the church community.
Community Activities and Outreach
Beyond spiritual nourishment, Our Lady of Lourdes is deeply committed to serving the wider community. Our parish hall is a bustling centre of activity, hosting social events, fundraisers, and community meetings.
We regularly organise charity drives, food collections, and outreach programmes to support those in need within New Milton and beyond. Our recent initiatives include:
Food Bank Collections: Supporting local food banks with regular donations of non-perishable items.
Community Meals: Offering free meals to those in need, fostering fellowship and support.
Volunteer Drives: Encouraging parishioners to volunteer their time and talents in various local charities and community projects.
Embracing Technology
In today's digital age, Our Lady of Lourdes has embraced technology to stay connected with our parishioners and the wider community.
Our website provides up-to-date information on Mass times, events, and parish news.
We also offer live streaming of our services, allowing those who are unable to attend in person to participate in our worship from the comfort of their homes.
Our parish newsletter, available both online and in print, keeps everyone informed about the latest happenings in our community.
Preparing for Our Centenary
As we look forward to celebrating our centenary in 2027, we are excited about the future and the opportunities it holds.
Preparations are already underway for a series of special events and initiatives to mark this significant milestone.
We plan to host a grand Thanksgiving Mass, curate a historical exhibition, publish a commemorative book, and launch new community outreach projects.
These celebrations will not only honour our past but also inspire us to continue growing and serving in the years to come.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways you can become involved in the life of Our Lady of Lourdes and help us make our centenary celebrations a resounding success:
Volunteer: We need volunteers to assist with event planning, community outreach, and various parish activities. Your time and talents are invaluable to us.
Donate: Financial contributions are essential to fund our centenary events and ongoing programmes. Any donation, big or small, makes a difference.
Share Your Story: Do you have memories or photos related to Our Lady of Lourdes? We would love to include them in our historical exhibition and commemorative book.
Join Us: Attend our Masses, participate in our events, and become a part of our vibrant community. Your presence enriches our parish life.
Visit Us
Whether you are a long-time parishioner or a newcomer, we warmly invite you to visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
Experience the warmth of our community, the beauty of our worship, and the richness of our heritage. Our doors are always open, and we look forward to welcoming you into our parish family.
For more information, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Together, let us celebrate the faith, community, and service that define Our Lady of Lourdes, New Milton.
God bless you.