Welcome to the website of
St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Minsteracres
About us
We are a vital and vibrant faith community striving always to be a living sign of the Kingdom of God in our community.
We are part of the Roman Catholic diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, and belong to the Heavenfield Partnership of parishes.
Fr. Emmanuel Kabinga CP is the rector and Rev. David Collins is the deacon.
Our Vision
Inspired by the Gospel we will journey together towards the Kingdom of God. We will offer a warm and united welcome to all. Sharing our gifts, we will grow in our love of God and one another through our celebration of the Eucharist. By our faith and example we will provide support and encouragement to all. We will work in harmony with the Minsteracres Retreat Centre Trust and wider Minsteracres community in our shared mission, recognising a joint responsibility for the continuity of this unique facility.
We have a single purpose: to carry on Christ’s work on Earth under the guidance of the Spirit – Christ, who came into this world to bear witness to the truth, to save and not to judge, to serve, not to be served.
Our Church
Our beautiful church of St Elizabeth (of Hungary) is located on the site of the Minsteracres Retreat Centre, a place of Christian prayer and retreat, with which we have close links.
Completed in 1854, the church was designed by the architect Joseph Hansom in the style of the Gothic revival, which placed a high value on craftsmanship and artistry. The church’s dignity and grace, the tabernacle housing the Blessed Sacrament, and the beauty of the setting together create a sense of peace and God’s loving presence that provides spiritual nourishment to many people.
You can read more about the church here.
The Passionists
The Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ was founded in 1725 by St. Paul of the Cross. Passionists have been present at Minsteracres since 1949, when the House was bought for use as a seminary. Since 1967 it has served as a place of retreat. As Minsteracres Retreat Centre, it is still home to a resident Passionist community, and offers spiritual retreats for groups and individuals, who often attend our Masses.
Fr. Kabinga and Fr. Whelehan are members of the community – some of the many Passionist priests to have served the Parish since 1949.
Also at Minsteracres is the Monastery of Our Lady of Holy Hope, home to contemplative sisters of the Congregation of the Passion.