The most recent origins of our Catholic Community in this area are mainly due to the beginning of new industries in the area. In 1921 Markham Main Colliery was opened in Armthorpe . Mass was celebrated in a wooden workmen huts, in 1930 Monsignor Hawkeswell opened the church of St. Francis of Assisi in Armthorpe.
In 1959 the present church of Our Lady of Sorrows was built at Mere Lane. The old church was converted to a Parish Hall and served the needs of the parish and the wider community for many years.
In 1970 the doors opened to Our Ladys R.C Primary School. The parish and the school have worked tirelessly to meet the spiritual and educational needs of our children, teaching them to be good Christians and worthwhile citizens of the future.
This thriving church has served its community well since the doors were opened, accommodating over the years a variety of groups such as the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, a HCPT Lourdes group, a folk music group, a Ladies Group, to name but a few. These have sadly dwindled over the years however their impact on the parish can still be seen today. We should also remember all those persons, sadly not with us any longer, who have contributed to help create what we have today.
Our current Parish Priest is Fr Darren Reid looks after the parish from St Peter in Chains, Doncaster. Our resident Priest Fr Joe Aylookunnel balances his role as Hospital Chaplin with a variety of Masses and services in the church. Due to shortages of Priests in the Diocese we do not have a resident Parish Priest, so a team of very able parishioners look after the church and its administration behind the scenes.
Being part of this parish is a privilege, it is a welcoming community, why not come along to one of our regular services and join us?
1957 - 1961 Fr Bernard Keegan
1961 - 1963 Fr Francis Abberton
1963 - 1974 Fr John Belton
1974 - 1975 Fr John Roach
1976 - 1987 Fr Terence Tolan
1987 - 1993 Fr Patrick Walsh
1993 - 1995 Fr Anthony Attree
1994 - 2003 Fr Andrew Browne
1995 - 2007 Holy Cross Sisters - Sr Elizabeth and Sr Christina - in residence
2004 - 2007 Fr Terence Brebner
2008 Fr Darren Reid
Fr Craig Elliot
Fr Darren Reid
Fr Joe Aylookunnel - Hospital Chaplain in residence at Armthorpe