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Parish Churches
Our Lady of Grace, Cotgrave
"A Community Rooted in Faith and Growth"
Nestled a few miles southeast of Nottingham, Cotgrave retains its village charm and is home to the welcoming Catholic community of Our Lady of Grace. The community's journey is one of perseverance, growth, and dedication to serving the faithful.
Early Beginnings
The Catholic presence in Cotgrave began with the opening of Cotgrave Colliery in 1964, which brought miners from across the country to the area. To meet the spiritual needs of the growing Catholic population, Fr. John Gilroy CSSp. was appointed to the newly established Parish of Keyworth and Cotgrave in 1973. Initially, Mass was celebrated at the Miners’ Youth Centre, with the priest residing in Candleby Lane.
The First Church
In 1976, a hut (formerly part of a school) was acquired from Newark and brought to Candleby Lane, where the first Mass was celebrated on 5th December. This humble structure, known as The Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from 1980, served as a place of worship despite being described as "small, draughty, and dingy."
A New Beginning
By 1989, Bishop McGuinness recognised the need for a more suitable place of worship and granted permission to build a new church. In September 1990, the new church was opened and dedicated as Our Lady of Grace, marking a new chapter for the community.
Church Evolution
With the closure of Cotgrave Colliery in the 1990s, the church saw significant changes in its structure. Keyworth, initially the parish centre, became a chapel-of-ease served from Cotgrave. Over time, further reorganization occurred, and as of 2017, Keyworth is served from East Leake, while Cotgrave is served from West Bridgford.
A Place of Worship Today
Our Lady of Grace continues to be a vibrant part of the Catholic community, welcoming parishioners of all ages and backgrounds. The church stands as a testament to the faith and commitment of its parishioners, rooted in a history of perseverance and unity.
Church’s Archive – How Our Church Came To Be Built
