The parishioners of St Patrick`s would like to welcome you to our church.  We are part of the Thames Isis Pastoral Area of the Catholic diocese of Portsmouth and, with St Mary`s church in East Hendred, we serve the Downland villages.

St Patrick’s church came into existence in 1947, thanks to the determination, tenacity and hard work of local Catholics who strongly felt that a church was needed to provide Mass for those in the horse-racing community of East and West Ilsley. With a donation of land and help from other Christian denominations in the area, the church was converted from a derelict 250 year old barn at the cost of £600.  It was so grand that Bishop King of Portsmouth called it a “basilica”, and the prayer chairs were delivered to “Cathedral Church, East Daley”.  The Stations of the Cross were painted by a local artist, the delicate chalice was donated by the Eyston family of Mapledurham and the safe is an 18th C carriage safe.  More recently, our own parishioners have refurbished our little church.  The two stained glass windows, one dedicated to St Patrick and the other in memory of Father Bushell, were created by Margaret Gallacher, who also painted the beautiful murals behind the altar depicting the Annunciation and the Visitation.

You will find that there are many opportunities to meet other members of the parish: join the St Patrick’s committee, stay on for the coffee mornings after Mass, and come to the events in St Michael’s Room. 

If you would like to share in developing our parish, there is a range of helpful roles open to you.  For example, we are rumoured to give the best parish barbeque in the diocese!

 

This is a rural community where each looks out for the other, so if you need a lift to church, please do not hesitate to make yourself known to Fr Andrew or one of the ushers.