Community Chronicles

Pilgrims Sanctuary

A Tribute to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dorchester"—an intimate collection capturing the serene beauty and spiritual essence of this historic Grade II listed church. Each image reflects the intricate artistry and profound tranquility that make Holy Trinity a cherished place of worship and reflection.

Church’s Exterior View

The exterior of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dorchester features the timeless charm of Gothic Revival architecture. Its pointed arches, intricate stonework, and tall windows reflect elegance and historic significance, blending beautifully with the local surroundings. A true testament to its cultural and spiritual heritage.

Preparations before Jubilee Opening Mass

Every hand that sweeps, every cloth that polishes, and every smile shared among our Volunteers weaves a stronger community bond.

Jubilee Opening Mass 2025 - 23rd Feb 2025

A Brief Report by Kate Bone : On Sunday 23rd February we had the inaugural Mass of the Jubilee at Holy Trinity. It was celebrated by Canon John Webb and was a Mass full of joy. The choir led the music, and the newly refurbished organ was played. Our Children’s Liturgy and Catechism group sang and danced for us and many of our diverse congregation brought the gifts at the Offertory procession. At the end of Mass, a cake was blessed to be shared afterwards. A Jubilee rose was planted in the church garden and tea and cake were shared by all who stayed. So much preparation had gone into this beautiful occasion, the church was looking fantastic with decorations and ‘Welcome’ displayed in many of the languages of our congregation. There were ‘Seeds of Hope’ in the form of little plants for the children and parishioners to take home with them and maps at the back of the church to highlight where both visitors and our own congregation come from. It was a fitting start to Holy Trinity serving as a place of pilgrimage during this Jubilee year

Steps of Faith: Children's Journey of Hope

Youth Group Visit from St Mary’s Parish, Poole - 1 Mar 2025

A Brief Report by Sarita de Kretser : Date : Saturday 1st March, 2025 - Members of the Youth Group from St Mary’s Parish, Poole spent the day on retreat with us at Holy Trinity, Dorchester. They were led by Deacon Nick Johnson, and other catechists from Poole. They arrived at 10 am, were welcomed by Father Babu, and settled in to an episode of Youth Alpha in the meeting room, followed by insightful spiritual discussion. We all shared refreshments together and then proceeded into the church. One of the group, Romeo, a very talented pianist, played us in to Amazing Grace. Sue Bousfield then gave a very interesting summary of the history of the church building. A tour of the church building by Deacon Jonathan followed, made fun and interactive by the introduction of a competition. We learned much about the stained-glass windows, statues, pictures and other features of the building. Both teams scored equally, so each received a carton of Cadbury’s Heroes to share! Sue Bousfield gave us another short talk, this time on the Dorset Martyrs. A Pilgrim’s walk to the Dorset Martyrs Memorial followed where flowers were laid, and Deacon Nick led us in prayer. The group spent the rest of the afternoon completing the Youth Alpha session, and fun and games in the grounds. And, of course, they all had their Pilgrim Passports stamped! Thanks to St. Mary’s for bringing along a lovely, polite and engaged group. Thanks to Deacon Nick and other helpers from Poole. Thanks to volunteers from Holy Trinity who provided and served refreshments. Thanks to Sue Bousfield and Deacon Jonathan for their valuable inputs.

Jubilee of the World of Volunteering -A Special Jubilee Mass 15 March 2025

Special Jubilee Mass : 15th March 2025, Dorchester Volunteers are the unsung heroes who selflessly dedicate their time, energy, and skills to various causes. The Jubilee offers volunteers a chance to reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements, and find renewed purpose and motivation for future endeavours. This event "Jubilee of the World of Volunteering" acknowledges their invaluable contributions and celebrates their spirit of giving. This post is dedicated to Edgar Riches who has been killed in Nairobi, Kenya. Edgar has been a good friend and tremendous CAFOD volunteer of over 35 years. See link below for more details. https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/edgarriches Participant Organisations are : CAFOD, Caritas, Catholic Women's League of England and Wales, Aid to the Church in Need UK, Stella Maris - Apostleship of the Sea, St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales), The Catenian Association and Jubilee Volunteers of Holy Trinity Catholic Church Dorchester

Pilgrims of Bridport Parish

A Brief Report by Jackie Clayton - Holy Trinity Church welcomed 2 pilgrims from the Bridport parish on the 14th April. They had walked from Chideock to Dorchester, over two days, as Pilgrims of Hope. They were welcomed in Dorchester, by Fr Babu and two parishioners, where they had their pilgrim passports stamped and enjoyed some welcome refreshments. After their photographs were taken, they left to return to Bridport by car. However, before they left, they told of how they were planning to return to Dorchester with their husbands on May 11th for the Jubilee Mass for married couples. We look forward to welcoming them again. Photo Courtesy - Sue Bousfield

A Special Jubilee Mass for Married Couples

What a joyful Celebratory Mass! About 80 married couples from Dorchester and surrounding parishes attended this special celebration presided by Fr Babu Francis, assisted by Father Anthony John Punneth, Fr Scott Anderson, Deacon Jonathan de Kretser, and Deacon Geoffrey Carey. Our young readers supported the Liturgy of the Word with clarity and confidence and an engaging homily followed. A special blessing and renewal of marriage promises, where couples held their wedding rings together and hugged afterwards was a moving moment for many. There followed a beautiful song performed by our children for their parents. Each couple was presented with Jubilee Seeds of Hope (and chocolates!). One couple, who were married at Holy Trinity, celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary on this day, cut our delicious celebration cake. Thanks so much for all those who helped to make this a perfect and memorable occasion. A report by Sarita de Kretser Photo Courtesy : Sue Bousfield

A Special Jubilee Mass for Religious and Lay Associated Members

A special Mass was held to celebrate the dedication and faith of the Religious and Lay Associates within our community. The celebration included special prayers and blessings, along with the presentation of rosaries, mementos, and Seeds of Hope to each person representing the various orders. Following the Mass, a beautifully decorated cake was cut by our honoured guests and joyfully shared among all in attendance. Report by Sarita de Kretser Photo Courtesy : Sue Bousfield, Venecia Rebello & Uchechukwu Onyeka

Parish Summer Fete 2025

We held our Parish Fete on Saturday 7th June. Unfortunately, we had to move inside our Parish centre due to the weather forecast. It was a great event enjoyed by everyone involved. There was a lovely atmosphere during the Fete. Thank you to everyone involved whether you were a volunteer or came to support us. - Maureen Jones (Summer Fete Co-Ordinator)

Pilgrims Visit - Parishes of Kingsbridge & Totnes, Devon

We were delighted to welcome Father Jaromir Wilczak and 9 pilgrims from The Sacred Heart in Kingsbridge/ Totnes Devon on Tuesday 10th June to Holy Trinity Dorchester. Father Jaromir celebrated mass for the pilgrims and we joined by 2 other pilgrims from Chard, Father was overjoyed to be able to vest in the jubilee chausable. After the mass Holy Trinity volunteers provided refreshments to our guests and were able to talk about the history of our church, passports were endorsed with the official stamp and those who had forgotten their passports had the jubilee prayer card stamped as a memento. Photographs were taken as a record of their visit both for our website and theirs, including one of them entering the church through the jubilee door, they were also presented with packs of the Seeds of Hope. We wished them well and were able to wish them Bon voyage for their journey home. Report & Photo Courtesy : Sue Bousfield

Pilgrims Visit : St. Mary's Catholic First School, Dorchester

On Wednesday 2nd July the children from Years 2, 3 of St. Mary's Catholic First St Mary's Catholic First School Dorchester visited Holy Trinity Church as Pilgrims of Hope. They came to learn about Jubilee and the Martyrs and to see and find out about different objects in our church. They were greeted by Father Babu and some members of our parish who helped them to understand more about being a pilgrim. They left with some gifts, especially a small, red wooden heart to give away to someone they felt needed a little extra bit of love and hope that day. On their way back to school they visited the Martyrs' statues in South Walks. A Report by Jackie Clayton (Holy Trinity Catholic church Dorchester)

Pilgrims of Sidmouth

We welcomed 19 pilgrims from The Church of Most Precious Blood Sidmouth, to Holy Trinity on Friday 4th July .The pilgrims decided to visit Dorchester first in order to participate in mass , before on their way home visiting the chapel in Chideock to view the relic of the Martyrs. After mass members of our congregation invited our guests for refreshments in the church meeting room which were supplied by Jackie Clayton and Elizabeth Morris ,passports were stamped before the pilgrims were Photographed by the Holy Door. Father Babu, Lawrence and Sue Bousfield accompanied the pilgrims on a walk through Dorchester to the site of the gallows now the site of the Elizabeth Frink sculptures in memory of all the martyrs who were executed for their beliefs on that site. A beautiful wreath had been left at the site which was important as that particular day was the Chideock Martyrs Memorial Day. One of the ladies Mary Spittel from Sidmouth had recdited a very touching poem to honour all martyrs. After more photographs the party made their way to the parish centre where Irina Osbourne had provided more refreshments. The Sidmouth Pilgrims thanked all at Dorchester for their hospitality. We wished them Bon Voyage on their journey to Chideock and ultimately Sidmouth. A report by Sue Bousfield Photo Courtesy - Sue Bousfield (Dorchester) & Jill McGauley (Sidmouth)

Celebrating the Feast of The Chideock Martyrs

*Jubilee Mass Celebrating the Feast of The Chideock Martyrs* On Sunday, 5 July 2025, Holy Trinity parish community came together in faith to honour the Feast of The Chideock Martyrs during a special Jubilee Mass, beautifully presided over by Canon Paul Cummins, our Diocesan Administrator of Plymouth. Guests were warmly welcomed by Jubilee volunteers from across our vibrant community. The liturgy featured moving readings from youth participants, a reflective homily by Canon Paul, and a reverent litany that deepened the sense of solemnity. A joyful hymn from the children added warmth and spirit, followed by a meaningful Offertory Procession, with symbolic gifts presented by various Catholic organisations , each representing a mission of service, compassion, and faith, thoughtfully explained by the MC. Uplifting music from the choir enriched the celebration, and post-Communion included heartfelt thanksgiving, announcements, and an invitation to gather in the churchyard. After the final blessing and hymn, pilgrims received mementos as they departed, leaving with a sense of spiritual fulfilment. The celebration continued in fellowship as priests, deacons, religious and lay people and pilgrims enjoyed a delightful spread of multicuisine dishes lovingly prepared by members of our parish community , a true reflection of our unity, hospitality, and shared joy. May the legacy of the Chideock Martyrs continue to inspire us in faith, courage, and compassion.

Parish Picnic and Cake Evangelisation

15 parishioners braved 3 minutes of very light rainfall - then glorious and warm sunshine prevailed! What a fun time we had at the picnic in the Borough Gardens. A few of us baked cakes to share with passers-by, and took the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

Catechism Children of Holy Trinity

A Blessing in Colour: Catechism Children’s Gift to Pilgrims In a touching act of creativity and faith, the catechism children of Holy Trinity, Dorchester painted the scallop shells today to be blessed by Father Babu and gifted to pilgrims who are preparing themselves to begin their journey. The pilgrimage walk will be from Thursday14th Aug to 20th Aug.

Holy Trinity Pilgrimage 2025

14th to 20th August 2025 A pilgrimage in honour of St Wite [pronounced Wee-ta], Patron Saint of Dorset, who lived and died 1,200 years ago was undertaken in August by pilgrims from parishes in Seaton, Dorchester and Wimbourne. The pilgrimage to the shrine to St Wite at St Candida and Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canoncorum, is only one of two shrines in the country to have survived the 16th century Reformation unscathed (the other being King Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey). To reach shrine of the St Wite, a total of 20 pilgrims numbering between 5 and 17 across each of the seven days of the event, walked a loop of over 50 miles from Dorchester to Bridport and back. The pilgrimage attracted a broad range of parishioners with their ages ranging between 24 and 94 years old. Highlights of their journey included a celebration mass at Chideock Martyrs Church, a fascinating talk by the Vicar of the destination Church holding St Wite’s Shrine and visiting atmospheric ruined chapels on the return leg to Holy Trinity Church. Executive Summary - By Keith Grimmett

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
FINAL BLESSING

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