St. Mary of the Angels Parish is over 150 years old, and was erected by and for the mainly Irish labourers who built Paddington Railway Station, one mile to the west.
It was staffed by a new community of priests, the Oblates of St. Charles, which explains why the parish house, next door on Moorhouse Road, is so big: inside you can see their old chapel and meeting room.
Originally the parish school was also housed on site, either side of the Church, but these buildings have now been converted to other uses, and the school is a short distance away on Shrewsbury Road.
From 1978-1997 one of the most famous parish priests in the whole of England ministered here, Fr. Michael Hollings. He kept open house, counselled thousands of people, and was celebrated for his writings and retreats. In his memory the parish set up the Fr. Michael Hollings Centre, where every weekday morning breakfast and other services are offered to homeless people.
We welcome you to take part in our weekend services (Saturday 6pm, Sunday 9.30am, 12.30pm and 6pm), and in the other activities of the parish.
The parish office, with its own entrance on Moorhouse Road, is open 9-1 each weekday, and our parish secretary, Bernadette, will welcome you and give you general information about the parish, while Theresa, who looks after our finance, will book a Mass intention for you or sell you items from our Repository, which is also open after some weekend Masses (more volunteers needed for this!). A selection of Catholic booklets is also on sale at the back of Church.
The Church is open most days from about 7am to 7pm, and many people drop in to light a candle or spend some quiet time with the Lord.
Our highly rated parish school is situated a short distance away and is well-known in the area for its academic excellence and its dedication to the personal and spiritual welfare of our children.
The best time to speak to the parish priest about having your baby baptised or to sign school forms is after one of the weekend Masses.
Finally, if you are with us for the first time or have not already done so, please ask for one of our forms so we can place you on our parish records, or email us with your details.