Visiting St Mary's

Welcome to
St Mary’s Convent & Heritage Centre

The Union of the Sisters of Mercy of Great Britain
- registered charity no. 288158 –

Birmingham’s Hidden Gem

98 Hunters Road - Handsworth - Birmingham B19 1EB
phone: +44-(0)121 554 3271
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.mercyhandsworth.co.uk

“a peaceful yet stimulating environment
… conducive to mindfulness
… and productive and reflective time”

St Mary's Convent has been a vibrant feature of the Birmingham landscape since 1841,and is located in a peaceful haven designed by the renowned architect Augustus Pugin, master of the Victorian Gothic style.
The hallmark of the Sisters of Mercy is hospitality, so visitors are always assured of a warm welcome.
As a working Convent, our doors are open to folk of all denominations and faiths, and those of no faith …. for an hour or a day, or something in between.
St Mary’s threefold mission lies in the complementary areas of spirituality, heritage and community outreach.
The Sisters are also known as the ‘Walking Nuns’. They have never been an ‘enclosed’ order but have worked throughout with the poor and marginalised in many spheres of activity – “the street is their cloister”.
Reflecting the ethnic and cultural diversity of the local area and beyond, the Sisters have a shared commitment to the search for social justice and cohesion.
St Mary's was honoured to be chosen as a Place of Pilgrimage for the Holy Year of Mercy designated by Pope Francis, for which the Sisters designed and led a special in-house pilgrimage.
The Sisters of Mercy were founded by Catherine McAuley, a progressive woman able to transcend denominational and social boundaries. She knew both wealth and poverty, and her life was enriched by exposure to several religious traditions.
So, regardless of background, we are sure our guests will enjoy their visit to this, Catherine’s last foundation!

St Mary’s Convent is located close to central Birmingham.
For enjoyment and reflection, visitors have access to the common areas of the house - including the Oratory, Chapel, Cloisters, Refectory, Parlour and Gardens.
There is lift access to all floors, and additional ramps as necessary for those with limited mobility.
Wi-fi is installed throughout.
We have a secure car park with up to eight spaces available to visitors, but are also allowed use of the more extensive car park belonging to St Francis’ Church opposite.
In addition, the Convent is easily accessible by taxi or public transport.

OUR FACILITIES INCLUDE

Catering for Non-Residential Guests
Our Viennese Chef prepares and serves a wide range of sit-down and buffet menus to suit all tastes!
Room Hire with audio visual facilities
Suitable for Religious/Business/HR Meetings and Conferences; Group/Individual Retreats; Educational/Team Building Sessions
Facilitation for Groups and Spiritual Accompaniment for Individuals
Conducted Tours of the Convent & Heritage Centre

INVITATION

So, why not hold a meeting day or celebrate a special occasion at St Mary’s - combined with a special lunch and guided tour …?
Remember, firms can demonstrate corporate social responsibility by supporting this gem of a local venture!

SUGGESTED DONATIONS

St Mary’s is a small non-self-supporting part of our ‘mother’ charity.
We therefore trust that guests will understand if we suggest a reasonable level of donation to help us cover our costs and so support the continuation of our work.
However, our policy is never to turn anyone away due to non-affordability, so Sisters can always be approached about terms.

ACCESS

Partial wheelchair access. Stepped Cloister, Heritage Room and Chapel are inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Lift to all floors