PARISH GROUPS

The prime reason for the relocation of Saint Patrick's Church to New Cross was the close proximity of the Hospital. The life of the Hospital would in many respects define and drive the pastoral work of the parish. For many years between 1972 and 1998 St Patrick's enjoyed the presence of two priests in order to cater sufficiently for the pastoral and spiritual needs of the parish and the Hospital. Prior to 1972 a Catholic Chaplain would visit the Hospital from the nearby St Francis and St James Church in Wednesfield, once part of Our Lady's parish, Cannock Road. Canon Woulfe acted as Chaplain for many years and would say an early Sunday morning Mass in the Hospital chapel.

Many of the staff at New Cross Hospital are parishioners not least the Filipino and Keralan communities. Since arriving in 2002/2003 many have married, started families and bought houses.

From 1998 to 2004 two other parishes were involved in providing and organising Catholic Chaplaincy: Corpus Christi and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Alongside the priest chaplain for many years there has also been Sister Mary Connell and a number of volunteer ward visitors. In addition there has been a Marist brother and a number of students on placement. 

From 2004 to 2011 Catholic Chaplaincy was the responsibility of Saint Patrick's with regular on-call cover support from Ss Mary and John, though Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and Corpus Christi help out. During 2010 we were blessed with the chaplaincy support of a Deacon, and two volunteer ward visitors: a parishioner and a staff member of the Hope family project.

In 2012, Fr. Craig Fullard from St Joseph’s was appointed as hospital chaplain and emergency on-call has been provided by priests from other churches in the Deanery: St Joseph’s, St Patrick’s, St Mary and St John’s, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, St Anthony’s and St Peter & Paul’s. 

Since 2017, Mrs Julie Morrell has been appointed as lay chaplain to New Cross Hospital and the priests from the Deanery continue to be on an on-call rota, providing Sacramental care to the patients (e.g. Confession, Anointing of the sick).

The Hope Family project is a real gift for our parish, situated in the centre of Heath Town; its service and care are widely acknowledged.

In charting the history, we should pay tribute to the Mercy Sisters who served at St Patrick's until 1984 when the parish sister was moved to London. Following that change Canon Allport approached Sr. Frances, the Superior of the community of the Infant Jesus Sisters in Merridale Road, for help. In February 1985 Sr. Margaret, Sr. Mary Joy and Sr. Brid began working in the parish. Canon Allport was very pleased when his request for help in the hospital and parish was accepted and the sisters suggested doing a census in Heath Town (a later census would take place in Park Village and the High-rise flats in Wednesfield). From 1985 for many years, the Infant Jesus Sisters did hospital work, firstly those based at Heath Town Community and later Sr. Ann Breen and Sr. Mary O'Connell from Merridale Road.

The Hope Community was formed in 1985 by three members of the Infant Jesus Sisters: Sr. Margaret, Sr. Bernadette and Sr. Brid after many conversations with the Parish Priest, the Order leadership and with people on the estate who felt forgotten by society, by the Church and even by their own families. They experienced isolation, loneliness and fear and yet there was so much to unlock and share. Sister Margaret Walsh recalls driving through the Heath Town estate and sensing what the Lord was asking of them.

Sister Margaret relates how the words of Saint Peter kept surfacing in her prayers: 'Be ready always with an answer to everyone who asks a  reason for the hope that is in you'. (1 Peter 3:15) People longed for hope, the virtue of hope was to be shared with the people of Heath Town and the fledging community would take hope for its name. 

The Sisters had a deep desire to live among the people and this came to fruition in October 1985 when they took up residence in two and later four maisonettes. The sisters would listen to the people and encourage them to participate fully in community and family life. 

In 1994 a partnership was formed between Father Hudson's Society and the Infant Jesus Sisters. The need for community workers was identified mainly to develop a literacy project for young families. 

In December 2010 Hope Community registered as an independent charity, with the Infant Jesus Sisters, Father Hudson’s Care and the Archdiocese of Birmingham (represented by St Patrick’s Parish) as the founding trustees. Hope also has representation on its Board of Trustees from other churches and organisations, in particular from Holy Trinity Church of England, Heath Town.

On 24th October 2015, Hope celebrated its 30th Anniversary in Heath Town. The solemn Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated by Bishop David McGough and refreshments were served in the Parish Hall afterwards.

Due to Heath Town estate’s regeneration project and demolition of Chervil Rise building, Hope Community moved to its new premises (40 Ling House) in December 2016. 

On 28th September 2017, Hope was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at a ceremony at St Patrick’s church hall attended by the Lord Mayor and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands. This award is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities.

On 24th January 2018, Sue Allen – the long serving Project Manager of Hope – has been honoured with a Benemerenti Medal from Pope Francis. She was presented with the award by Bishop David McGough at a special Mass at St Patrick’s church to celebrate her retirement after twenty years at Hope. 

Following Sue Allen’s retirement, Hope Project managers were: Jane Bamber (2018-2019) and Lisa Storey (from August 2019). 

The Emerald Club at the edge of the parish has been a gathering place for the Irish community and their friends and relatives since the late sixties. With the closure of Bishop Milner hall and pubs, such as the Dan O'Connell and the Warwick, a social hub was required. A former bowling pavilion hut, leased from a lady owner in Cross Street North, would be the location. A licence was obtained on 12th December 1968. The founder members were Kevin Reynolds (Chair), Tom McNulty (Secretary), Vincent O'Hara (Treasurer), Tom Campbell, Tommy Lennon, Jim Needham, Jim McCormack, Eddie Ruddy, Ray Jennings, Tom Keaveney, Gary Cotter, Mick Mee and Bill McDonald. A constitution was drawn up which included two very wise rules which proved importance in the years ahead: the club would be non-political and non-sectarian.

A charity committee was formed to assist members in need or distress. There were educational and cultural activities: Irish dance classes, Irish language and sport, activities that attracted new membership. The site was purchased in 1981; Andrew Moody was appointed to oversee the building of a major section of the premises with Frank Kelly of Fareco construction the builder. A loan was received from Scottish and Newcastle brewery and a further loan for the second stage of construction a dance hall in 1985 by Ereconomics with Brian Dowdall as Quantity surveyor. A building fund was set up which speeded up repayments and after all loans were repaid a surplus of £60,000 remained in the bank. A great debt is owed to those former members.

The club is now 50 years old and there is something going on most nights: Irish set dancing, line dancing, live country and Irish music, and it's a favourite place to go for a drink on match days at the Molineux, to watch Gaelic football on the big screen, or just to meet up with friends for a bit of Irish craic. Thanks to the Dion Fund the Emerald Club is also open on Thursday afternoons between 1pm & 4pm for Irish Senior Citizens, free admission and entertainment.

Every year in November we gather at the Club to celebrate annual Mass for the deceased members of the Emerald Club, which is very well attended.