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
on the edge of
The Jewellery Quarter
 
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.   
Picture
                                                                     
​                                                                                   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 state-of-the-art 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​
Picture

​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!
Picture
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                    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.
Picture
ACCESS
  • Wheelchair access  to all areas with exception of stepped Cloister and Heritage Room.