A house for the community. Mariä Heimsuchung’s concept is immediately apparent.
Welcome to Mariä Heimsuchung in Dortmund. This Catholic parish is part of the North-West Dortmund pastoral network. It includes Bodelschwingh, Westerfilde and Dingen. Around 4000 Catholics belong to the parish.
Mariä Heimsuchung church is located on Rohdesdiek. A spacious parish center adjoins it. This includes rooms for youth work. The vicarage, parish office and Catholic kindergarten are also on the site.
The villages transformed into industrial parts of town. This happened after coal mining began in 1872. The mine was located between Bodelschwingh and Westerfilde. It was named Zeche Westhausen.
The church you see today is not the first Mariä Heimsuchung. A neogothic church was built between 1906 and 1908. It had to be torn down in 1975. The new church was dedicated on June 24, 1977.
The church boasts modern architecture. You can see surfaces made of exposed concrete and clinker. The pews are arranged in a semicircle around the altar. This allows the community to experience the service together.
Entering the foyer the building’s concept becomes clear. The worship space and community rooms are under one roof. Gathering around the altar involves communal activities. These activities are what make up a community.
Regular services are held in Mariä Heimsuchung. Saturday evening services are at 5 pm. Sunday morning services are at 11.30 am. There are also various church services during the week.
Various parish groups host their own events. These range from children’s and youth work to senior citizen groups. These have become diverse annual programs. The spectrum includes religious, cultural, and educational activities. Social gatherings and excursions are also offered.
The parish thrives on the commitment of many volunteers. They work in various projects and groups. This is in addition to the work of full-time pastors. Together they shape our lives in relationship with God. They strengthen each other in order to help shape the world. This includes everything from the district to the whole of creation.
Remember the date of the ground-breaking ceremony. It took place on May 2 1976. This event marked the beginning of the construction of the church. It also included the community center and vicarage. Mariä Heimsuchung continues to be a vital part of Dortmund. It is a place of worship, community and service.