The English Martyrs’ UCM
Our foundation was formed in 1932, the year our present church was opened by Bishop Cowgill. These ladies were the stalwarts of the UCM in the parish, particularly through the war years. They helped raise money towards the building of Our Lady’s Church in Acomb.
In 1955/56 Fr John Murphy, a curate at English Martyrs’, knocked on doors inviting mothers to a meeting which resulted in the reorganization of the UCM and an enrolment ceremony in October 1956. Our present membership is eighteen, although not all are able to attend meetings.
What do we do?
The objects of the UCM are:
- To promote and appreciate the sacramental character, responsibilities and permanence of marriage and to live in unselfish love, observing the laws of God and his Church.
- To promote family life.
- To offer love, sympathy and practical help to the family in difficulty.
- To foster vocations in life, especially in Christian marriage and family life and in the priesthood and religious life.
We support and work alongside the St Vincent de Paul Society, visiting the sick, catering for the party for senior parishioners in January and helping at functions for the parish.
Membership is open to all ladies: you do not have to be a mother. Interested? Then please come along to our meetings, which are held fortnightly on Thursday evenings in the small parish hall after Mass, where you will be welcomed with a good cup of tea!
Mary Partridge, Foundation President