Welcome to Our Church

Our Church Community

Our Church is a thriving Roman Catholic community in the heart of Luton. We are characterised by a vibrant mix of faith, culture, and active engagement in both spiritual and social aspects of life.

Serving our Community

Our Church serves as the heart of the community, offering multiple Masses daily and on weekends to accommodate diverse schedules. The community reflects the multicultural makeup of Luton, with members from various ethnic backgrounds united in faith.

Masses are celebrated with active participation, including choirs, altar servers, and lectors. Services might incorporate elements from different cultural traditions, such as hymns or prayers in various languages.

Engaged Faith Life

Active preparation for Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage, drawing large numbers of families and youth.

We host regular adoration sessions that foster a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. The Sunday Evening Adoration includes public Vespers and Gregorian Chant. Rosary prayer groups, Bible study meetings, and charismatic prayer sessions flourish, offering spiritual growth for all ages.

There are frequent parish socials, international food fairs, and celebrations for feasts like Corpus Christi, Our Lady of Guadalupe, or St. Patrick’s Day.

A thriving youth group organises retreats, sports events, and outreach programs to inspire the next generation.

Our Church runs support groups for the elderly, new immigrants, and young families, ensuring no one feels isolated.

Social Outreach

A dedicated team of volunteers supports initiatives such as food banks, refugee assistance, and homeless shelters.

We collaborate with other faith groups and local organisations to address issues like poverty, mental health, and housing in Luton.

Education and Formation

We have strong links with local Catholic primary and secondary schools like St Margaret of Scotland Catholic Primary School or Cardinal Newman Catholic School, where children are educated in faith and academics.

There are courses on theology, Catholic social teaching, and personal development to deepen understanding of the faith, through programmes such as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

Strong Leadership

Our Parish Priest is very approachable, visionary, and active in pastoral care.

We have active lay leadership in ministries, councils, and committees ensures everyone has a voice and role in the parish’s mission.

Celebration of Diversity

Our community joyfully celebrates its diversity, with members from English, Irish, Polish, Philipino, African, Indian, and other backgrounds. Our congregation is made up of people from various socio-economic backgrounds and cultures. Special Masses and events mark key cultural feasts, creating a sense of shared identity. No matter where you are in your faith journey, the choices you have made, or the challenges that you may be facing, at Our Lady Help of Christians, you will find a place to belong!

We have a strong Ecumenical Spirit and engage with other Christian communities and interfaith dialogue strengthens unity in Luton’s wider religious landscape. Our parish embodies the spirit of Vatican II, becoming a beacon of hope, service, and faith in Luton’s busy urban environment.

Our Church Volunteers

We thank God for the past generations of parishioners for this beautiful building in which we are able to celebrate Mass and other services.

However, it is important to remember that we, the people, are the Church, not the building, and its future depends entirely on the faithful continuing to worship here and taking care of it, as it so richly deserves, for it is indeed God’s house.

Currently there over 1,000 parishioners coming to mass. People of all generations and communities attend Mass and different services at our Parish. As we are located near the university there are many overseas students coming to our Church and it is important that we welcome everybody who comes to our Church.

There are over 200 volunteers who support our Parish Priest to keep the parish going. Volunteers range from Altar servers, Cleaners, Flower Arrangers, Readers, Cleaners, Catechists etc. Father is always looking for volunteers and if you are willing to help out in any little way, please speak to our Parish Administrator, in the Parish Office.

If you think you have gifts or talents to share, the time to give, and would like to volunteer, then please Contact Us.

Our Church History

In 1845, a mission was founded in the town by Fr S. Ward. In the 1880s, the mission was served from St Joseph's Church in Bedford, and served a congregation of 180 people.

In 1910, on the same site of the iron church, the present church was built. It was made to accommodate a congregation of 350 people. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style and is the first Roman Catholic church built in Luton after the Reformation.

On 2 November 1973, the original iron Church building burnt down – having lasted almost 90 years. In 1982, the new Parish Hall built and was blessed by Bishop Thomas on 28 November 1982.

Our site on Castle Street, in Luton, is currently served by the main Church building and the Parish Centre. While the church fabric and condition has been updated to conform to British building standards and regulations, we welcome donations to maintain the church and to keep the Church buidling and Parish Centre in good order.

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