OUR HISTORY
Our past
Founded in 1980 from Stonebridge Parish by Fr. John Murphy and parishioners and Solemnly Consecrated by Cardinal Basil Hume on 13th September 1981, St Patrick’s, as the name suggests, was predominantly a strong Irish parish with a large flourishing club which helped finance its Sacramental life and pastoral outreach.
Under Fr. Willie Skehan, a youth worker was employed, financed by the club, to develop the vibrant club and to meet the needs of the youth of the parish and the local estate. The years under the leadership of Fr. Michael O’Doherty and strengthening St. Patrick’s over the years saw much needed development of the Parish plant and fabric. This included upgrading the buildings, surrounding wall and fencing while also refurbishing the presbytery, hall and toilets.
Our present
Social changes and large inflows of Catholics from Ethnic Groups have greatly changed the face of the parish. The club, as a place of social gatherings and a financial resource for the Parish was in decline and debt, and was closed by the Diocese in 2009. A flourishing nursery is however now in its place, along with a new refurbished hall and upgraded lights and media equipment give the Parish a warm welcoming space for worship and socials.
On going English classes, keep-fit sessions and various yearly socials also make good use of the hall, and our growing Summer Bazaar is ever popular. Our memebership of Brent Multi Faith Forum. Sufra Food Bank and St. Raphael’s Edible Garden Project. Roots us in the reality of our wider community and its needs. Over the next six months in partnership with Ashford Place http://www.ashfordplace.org.uk .We hope to develope Mental Health Programmes and have weekly ‘ Dementia Cafe ‘ sessions on Wednesday. The growing partnership with Phoenix Arch School for special needs children is another important project for the parish.
