Parish Premises and Maintenance

The parish premises are all located in a single complex on Sandygate Road. This comprises the Church of St. Francis, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Assisi Hall, the Upper Room, and the Presbytery. There is a car park at the rear of the building.

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel

The blessed sacrament chapel as seen from the main church 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

The upper roomThese 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 and the Upper Room, either for a parish event or for a private function should be made to Clare Gavin.

The Narthex

The narthexThe Narthex, at the entrance to the Church building, is the place for people to meet each other before or after all services; it is a better place for conversations than the church or chapel. We should be sensitive to visitors or strangers, 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 in the near future.
  • Notice Board B (between the main entrance and the Chapel)
    More permanent notices and information.
  • Notice Board C (between the entrances into the Church and 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, also, are for sale in the Narthex with the prices marked. These, also, are a good source of current teaching and information. Happy reading!

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.

Other leaflets and publications are available and may be free.

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

The gardenA team of volunteers tirelessly maintains the large parish garden. If you would like to help or to adopt a section of the garden please contact Keith Thornton.

Church Cleaning Volunteers

The main churchA loyal group of parishioners meets on Saturday morning for about 1 hour with individuals involved at intervals of about 5 weeks. New volunteers are always welcome. For details see the rota on the notice board or contact Blanqui Butcher.

Church Flowers

FlowersIf you would like to help with the church flower arrangements please contact Maureen Creswick.