WELCOME TO
OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA
CATHOLIC CHURCH, LOWESTOFT
Our Lady Star of the Sea is the most easterly Roman Catholic Church in England, situated in the town of Lowestoft, Suffolk in the Diocese of East Anglia.
Our mission is to serve those who share the Catholic faith and reach out to others in ways which will encourage and develop their interest in and understanding of Christianity. We are blessed to have a thriving weekly congregation of around 400 parishioners composed of several nationalities including English, Irish, Polish, Portugese, Spanish, Sri Lankan and Indian.
Masses
Mass at Our Lady's is said daily during the week and twice at weekends. Please see the Mass Times page for more details. Mass is also said every Sunday and once during the week at St Nicholas Chapel of Ease in Pakefield. The Sunday masses are normally sung, led either by the organ or instrumental group (see Music page for more about the church's Music ministry).
Groups
There are several active groups within the church: Knights of St Columba, Catholic Womens’ League, Childrens’ Liturgy Group, Stella Maris Toddlers’ Group, Adult Explorers and Prayer Group. Members of the church also assist with collecting and delivering items for the local Foodbank.
Above: Image slideshow of the beautiful Grade II listed building that is Our Lady Star of the Sea, Lowestoft.
History
Modern Catholic life began in Lowestoft in 1867 with a Jesuit Mission, the Parish being established in 1881. Masses were initially celebrated in a fishing net loft but thanks to fundraising and donations it was possible in 1899 to start building the church we have today. The doors to Our Lady's were opened to the public in June 1902.
Our Lady's is regarded by many as the most beautiful Catholic church in Suffolk and contains some of the best examples of a restrained 'arts and crafts' style of decoration. It is a Grade 2 Listed building but unfortunately did suffer some bomb damage during Word War II.
NEWS & EVENTS
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Tuesday 24th December Christmas Eve
5.00pm Childrens' Nativity Mass
(Our Lady's)
12pm Midnight Mass (Carols at 11.30pm) (Our Lady's)
Wednesday 25th December Christmas Day
9am Mass (St Nicholas)
10.30am Mass (Our Lady's)
Thursday 26th Dec Boxing Day
9.15am Mass (St Nicholas)
NORMAL MASS TIMES
SATURDAY
5pm Vigil Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea (OLSS)
SUNDAY
9am Mass at St Nicholas Church (SN)
10.30am Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea
Above: Clergy of the Parish (L to R): Rev Stephen Pomeroy (Deacon), Rev Paul Chanh (Parish Priest), Fr Neville McClement
Schools
St Mary's R C Primary School on Kirkley Cliff was established in 1967 and has always maintained strong links with the church. Children from the parish can attend here with an option to apply for admission to Notre Dame High School in Norwich at age 11+.
St Nicholas
St Nicholas Church, which is also part of the Parish, was originally built as a Congregational Church and purchased in the 1990s to replace a former billiard hall which had been used as a Chapel of Ease since 1955. This building is also in the 'arts and crafts' style, the work of the same architects of Our Lady's: Baines and Richards.
Above: Sunday Mass at Our Lady's
Contact Details
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church
19 Gordon Road
Lowestoft
Suffolk NR32 1NL
Tel: 01502 572453
Alternatively, please fill in the Contact Form
*Please note that Deacon Stephen is currently undergoing medical treatment and therefore unable to answer email and phone enquiries. Do get in touch though and your query will be answered by Fr Paul or another member of the parish team.*
