Church extends premises after boom in migrant worshippers
By Ed West
11 April 2008

A church in Peterborough is building a £1 million extension to accommodate the city's growing population of eastern Europeans.

St Peter and All Souls Church in Geneva Street is struggling to cope with a huge increase in its congregation. The church was originally built in 1896 to hold 250. Peterborough historically has not had a large Catholic population, but as a result of immigration from Poland and Lithuania the Grade II-listed building is unable to cater for its parishioners.

In 2003 the weekend congregation totalled 740, but increased to 1,308 by 2006 and is now over 1,600.

The Diocese of East Anglia has submitted a planning application with Peterborough City Council applying for an extension. The proposals include a 300sq ft meeting place attached to the existing church via a glazed passageway, an extension to the nave, internal alterations to provide 50 additional seats for overflow at Mass, a new door to allow easier mobility of people, and a new font area and access to a new confessional.

The extensions would also provide space for children's groups, especially as the Polish club, which caters for 240 children, will close next year. The church will also host an enlarged parish centre in a multi-functional space.

Parish priest Fr David Jennings said: "To see our church double in three years is a tremendous sign of growth and hope, but it is also a challenge. There are 24 languages spoken in our parish. How do we work with people to make them feel they belong? The extension is about developing a sense of community. We are pleased the city has been very supportive.

"Anyone living in Peterborough will realise that the population is increasing. Most people moving to the city are from eastern Europe and are predominantly Catholic and look to the Church for support in various ways. The local population includes not only a large Italian community but also Polish, Lithuanian, Filipino, Portuguese and Czech migrants and refugees. The largest growth is in Poles and Lithuanians, but we have four Portuguese language groups and six language Masses.

"This has brought a number of joys to the church but also a number of challenges. We need to be able to meet their needs, which are many and varied. It's not just about finding somewhere for them to sit when they come to Mass but supplying a safe environment."