A pastoral initiative for the local community

Led by The Catholic Community in the South Holland District & Partners

Thanks to a very generous donation from local businessman, resident and parishioner, Peter Borst, we were able to purchase the former St. Thomas’ Road Methodist Chapel, which sits next door to our own church complex, separated only by the car park.

Our joy today is tinged with sadness as we remember with deep affection, Peter Borst, who sadly died on ‘Ascension Thursday’, 13th May 2021. It is the intention of everyone associated with this project to ensure that this venture is dedicated to his memory for many years to come. We offer our sincere condolences to Peter’s wife, Janet, and to the extended family members. May he rest in peace.

A Message from Bishop Patrick McKinney

Thanks to a very generous gift from a parishioner, whom I have been honoured to meet and thank, and the vision and enthusiasm of Fr Jim and those working closely with him, your parish of Immaculate Conception and St Norbert's in Spalding has this wonderful opportunity to respond to the call to be a centre of missionary discipleship. I look forward, alongside the other Diocesan Directors, to continuing our support for the Parish General Committee as they seek to bring their aspirations and ideas to fruition. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire and guide the St Thomas Project.

One does not make the world more human by refusing to act humanely here and now. We contribute to a better world only by personally doing good now, with full commitment and wherever we have the opportunity, independently of partisan strategies and programmes. The Christian’s programme —the programme of the Good Samaritan, the programme of Jesus—is “a heart which sees”. This heart sees where love is needed and acts accordingly.

Deus Caritas Est (“God is Love”), Pope Benedict XVI, 2005 #31.14

Project St Thomas is an inspiring example of what Caritas stands for: people working together to bring the Gospel to life. Caritas is the global network for Catholic social action, but its essence is found in parish initiatives like yours at Immaculate Conception and St Norbert’s. Bishop Patrick is launching Caritas is in the diocese at Pentecost 2021, and I’m thrilled that Project St Thomas will be part of it – the plans you have vividly express Pope Francis’ vision for the parish as a “community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a centre of constant missionary outreach". We look forward to helping you turn your vision into reality, and sharing the inspiration from Spalding to other parishes in the Diocese and beyond.

Paul Bodenham, Programme Leader for Social Action, Diocese of Nottingham