Delight as churches ready to reopen to worship

The work on Holy Trinity in Bilston, St. Joseph's in Darlaston and St. Mary's in Willenhall means all three churches are now able to reopen to hold masses and welcome back worshippers.

This will be marked by masses taking place at each church on Sunday, October 18, presided over by Father Craig Fullard, the parish priest of the cluster.

The three churches are part of the St Newman Cluster, a collection of Catholic church communities which also include St Joseph's in Wolverhampton.

More than £70,000 has been spent on the repair work at the three churches, with windows and doors being replace in Darlaston and general repairs completed at Holy Trinity and St Mary's.

Father Craig Fullard said the work had also ensured each church was Covid-safe, with social distancing measures and hand sanitisers in place among many other safety features.

Father Fullard described his own feelings of excitement about the churches reopening.

He said: "It's fabulous and I feel like a child in a sweet shop again!

"It's just wonderful to know that those buildings which mean so much to people will be open again and people will be coming in worshipping the Lord."

Each church will have a full booking system in place to ensure social distancing can be met, with limited numbers allowed to attend the services.

Father Fullard said all efforts had been taken to ensure the churches were safe, with stewards helping people follow the rules and clear instructions, and thanked all those associated with the churches for their patience.

He said: "People have been so vigilant and understanding as they know that we have been doing what we can to keep them safe.

"We've been able to reach people through online services, which has been appreciated, but all of us are delighted to be able to go back to the buildings as a church family."

To find out more and to book a place at a mass, call 01902 452841 or email stnewmancluster.wmids@rcaob.org.uk