HOLY Ghost worshippers in Basingstoke received a boost to their faith with the arrival of a specialist team to conduct a mission.

Members of the Sion Community, in Brentwood, Essex, ran the mission from St Bede’s Roman Catholic Church, in Popley Way, Popley.

They visited people in their homes and conducted services at St Bede’s, based on a series of themes.

The mission was the idea of Father Dominic Golding, who has been at the helm of the local Catholic congregation for two years.

The mission included a church and community display as part of the general “Church and Community” theme.

A healing mass was also held with the sacrament of the sick, during which worshippers had the opportunity to be anointed with holy oil and to be blessed with healing prayers.

Mass and other services are still held at The Holy Ghost Church, in Sherborne Road, but something as significant as a mission is held in the larger premises at St Bede’s.

Kate Webb, co-ordinator of the two-week mission, said: “There has not been a mission in St Bede’s Catholic community for many years and we were feeling a little apprehensive about how it would work.

“We need not have worried as the services were spiritually uplifting with beautiful music and singing.”

She said that as a result, members of the church are now more determined than ever not to lose the spirit and enthusiasm generated by the mission.