Large numbers expected for mass at Christmas

12:00pm Friday 21st December 2007

MASS congregation numbers are expected to surge in Swindon at Christmas due to the influx of immigrants.

Catholics from Poland and Goa are boosting the numbers attending mass with Holy Rood Church, in Groundwell Road, expecting about 4,500 through the doors during the festive period.

There used to be about 2,000 people at Holy Rood on a Sunday, according to Monsignor Richard Twomey.

But the arrival of Goans and other nationalities has increased the congregations.

"We are gaining Mass numbers," said Monsignor Twomey.

"We are getting Catholics from other parts of the world, including Goa, Africa and Brazil.

"It is hard to judge exactly how many we will get at Christmas.

"We try to welcome them all, but with such a big congregation, it is hard to welcome them all individually.

"They add a good spiritual dimension to the parish.

"They bring new customs, which are much appreciated."

Monsignor Twomey said 8,000 to 9,000 people have arrived in Swindon from Goa.

The Polish community is also preparing for large congregations at Christmas.

A Polish midnight mass will take place on Christmas Eve, which is expected to be packed.

Father Janusz Paciorek, who says mass in Polish at the community centre in Whitbourne Avenue, says about 600 people attend on Sundays.

"Many young people attend on a Sunday," he said.

"We have midnight mass in Polish as it is very important for us.

"It is a traditional mass on Christmas Eve."

Anna Rabuszco, the vice-chairwoman of the Polish Community Association, says the arrival of immigrants from Poland has made a difference.

"We have definitely had more people coming to mass in the past year," she said.

"Christmas Eve is a special time for Polish people. We have a family gathering and a meal and then we go to mass.

"People come and go, as some return to Poland but there are definitely more at mass."

The rising numbers of Catholics from abroad is also having an impact on schools.

Holy Rood Infants, Holy Rood Juniors and St Joseph's are all struggling to meet demand according to the church.

About 400 pupils applied for 216 places at St Joseph's School, in Ocotal Way, in 2006.

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