The Garrison Chapel of St. Barbara, Ambrosden.

The Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Bicester also serves the garrison of Bicester and its chapel dedicated to St Barbara. The chapel is unusual in that it is one of the few exclusively Roman Catholic places of worship that come under the jurisdiction of the Bishopric of the Armed Forces and its Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Francis Walmsey (a tripwire for the unwary liturgist). The other places of worship used by the armed forces being multi-denominational. The present chapel, opened in 1967, is plain on the outside with only a cross designating it as a place of worship. The plain, but noble, simplicity is repeated inside the chapel with almost the only colour being thrown into its interior by a large panel of stained glass. Mass is celebrated there each Thursday evening at 7.30.

The plain exterior.

The foundation stone in the main entrance.

Sunday Mass – Father Aldo preaches.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The Sanctuary Area. The banner on the far wall is of the Guild of St. Helena.