Business Details
Welcome to St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church and Parish in Derby stands as a beacon of faith and community service, rooted in a rich heritage dating back to 1839. Our mission is to glorify God through worship, foster personal holiness among parishioners, and extend Christ's compassion to the wider world. With a legacy shaped by visionary architects like Augustus Pugin and a commitment to modern inclusivity, we offer a welcoming space for all, whether local residents or visitors. Our parish encompasses three churchesSt Mary's, Holy Family, and Christ the Kingeach serving as hubs for spiritual growth, education, and outreach. We prioritise safeguarding, with trained officers across all sites, and actively engage in community initiatives like the Caring Group and Project Arusha.Through daily Mass, sacraments, and educational programmes like Journey in Faith, we nurture both individual and collective faith journeys. Our historical significance, marked by Pugin's Gothic architecture, is matched by a forward-looking dedication to evangelisation and social justice. The parish's 180-year-old schools and care centres reflect our enduring commitment to education and vulnerable communities. Under the leadership of Fr Gregory Tobin and a team of dedicated clergy, we continue to evolve while preserving our sacred traditions.
Services
Mass Services
Baptism Programme
First Communion
Confirmation
Marriage Ceremonies
Reconciliation
Anointing of the Sick
Funeral Services
Caring Group
Project Arusha
Highlights and features
- We offer a 180-year legacy of Catholic worship in a Pugin-designed Gothic church
- Our parish provides comprehensive sacramental preparation programmes for all ages
- We operate three community-focused churches across Derby with dedicated clergy
- Our safeguarding team holds nationally recognised certifications
- We combine historical preservation with modern outreach initiatives like Project Arusha
What people say
Welcoming community
Beautiful architecture
Dedicated clergy
Strong outreach
Rich history
Services
Baptism Programme
Our Baptism Programme prepares families for infant baptism through five sessions held twice yearly. Children aged seven+ receive tailored preparation. Baptisms occur after programme completion, usually Sunday afternoons. The course covers Catholic teachings on baptismal promises, with parental support through catechism sessions led by priests and trained catechists.
First Communion
Year 3+ children prepare for First Reconciliation and Holy Communion through a programme starting November. Includes parental workshops, children's lessons from January, and sacraments during Holy Week and June. The curriculum focuses on developing personal prayer habits and understanding the Eucharist's significance in Catholic life.
Project Arusha
This charity initiative (Reg. 1124283) sponsors gap-year students to teach in Tanzania. Participants fund half their costs, with parish support for the remainder. Includes cultural training, Kiswahili lessons, and post-trip reporting. Over 170k donated since 2004 to support Tanzanian education and crisis relief efforts.
Caring Group
Parish volunteers provide home visits to housebound members and coordinate the Derby Food Bank Appeal. The group supports vulnerable local families through partnerships with other churches and organisations, offering practical assistance and spiritual companionship.
Journey in Faith
A nine-month programme (September-June) for adults exploring Catholicism. Includes Monday evening sessions covering core beliefs, scripture, and sacraments. Open to all backgrounds with no pressure to convert. Led by priests and lay catechists in a supportive environment for faith exploration.
People
Fr Gregory Tobin
Parish Priest
Ordained in 1983, Fr Tobin has served across the Midlands and Lincolnshire. He leads St Mary's pilgrimage to Lourdes annually and combines parish duties with diocesan responsibilities. A keen golfer and Spain enthusiast, he brings decades of pastoral experience to Derby.
Fr Benjamin Sunder
Assistant Priest
Ordained in 2011, Fr Sunder brings international experience from India and the UK. His background includes publishing and education leadership. He contributes technical expertise to parish operations while maintaining a focus on youth engagement and community outreach.
Canon Timothy O'Sullivan
Assistant Priest
A Derby fixture since 1993, Canon O'Sullivan has over 60 years of priesthood experience. The oldest serving priest in the diocese, he combines traditional values with modern engagement, often cycling around the parish to visit congregants.
Deacon Chris Blunt
Deacon
Ordained in 2016, Deacon Blunt previously worked in food standards and ran a butchers business. He chairs the liturgy group and brings practical wisdom to parish administration, balancing spiritual duties with hands-on community service.
Deacon Martin Farrell
Deacon
A former university lecturer, Deacon Farrell combines academic rigor with pastoral care. Ordained in 2014, he contributes linguistic expertise and educational insight to parish activities, maintaining Scottish hillwalking connections while serving Derby's Catholic community.
Questions
What Mass times are available at St Mary's Church?
Sunday Masses at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 6:30pm. Weekday Masses at 12:00pm with Exposition from 12:00-12:45pm. Saturday Mass at 11:00am.
How can I arrange a baptism at St Mary's?
Contact the parish office to join our Baptism Programme, which runs twice yearly. Parents attend five preparatory sessions before infant baptisms, typically held Sunday afternoons.
Does the parish offer support for vulnerable individuals?
Our Caring Group provides home visits and coordinates the Food Bank Appeal. We partner with local organisations to support those facing hardship in the Derby area.
Are there opportunities for adult faith development?
Our Journey in Faith (RCIA) programme runs September-June, offering weekly sessions for adults exploring Catholicism in a supportive, non-pressured environment.
How can I get involved in mission work?
Project Arusha sponsors gap-year students to teach in Tanzania. Applications open annually in October for Year 13 students from local Catholic communities.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
We follow diocesan protocols with trained officers at each site. Contact Charlotte Idigo (St Mary's), Suzanne Forster (Holy Family), or Chris Jones (Christ the King) for safeguarding concerns.
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