Christ the King

Introduction

Christ the King is the Roman Catholic church of Bagshot, built around 1953 and 1954.

History

The current Deanery of Woking is set to become a new canonical parish including Christ the King Bagshot, to be constituted under the proposed name 'The Catholic Churches of Woking & Surrey Heath'. In 1927 Mr and Mrs Charles Farmer moved to Bagshot Hall and purchased and adapted an outbuilding to provide an oratory. On Sunday 30th October 1927, Canon Twomey blessed the Oratory and dedicated it to Christ the King. At Easter 1929 Canon Twomey blessed an extension to the oratory.

On September 26th 1930, Bagshot received its first permanent priest, Fr Edward Gallagher, on loan from the Irish Diocese of Achonry. From the 25th July 1935 the first Register of Baptisms appears, with Fr Steffe as Priest in Charge. The licence to build the church was granted in 1953 and Messrs J. Corbett & Sons commenced work. The completion date was 31 March 1954 and the building was insured for £8000.

Parish life

The parish collaborates with St John the Baptist School, one of two Catholic senior schools in the locality. The parish collaborates with The Children's Society.

The parish is a member of Churches Together in Camberley. The parish runs the Alpha and Sycamore programmes for Catholics, seekers and newcomers.

The parish offers prayer groups and resources including Lectio Divina, a prayer course, how to pray the rosary, and 33 Days to Morning Glory. The church is often open for private prayer, with availability checked on the events page. Public Masses are streamed live on YouTube.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Confirmation candidates attend 2 or 3 sessions monthly, assist with a couple of Masses throughout the year, and usually visit Wintershall for the Nativity Presentation, an evening of Reflection with the bishop, and possibly a Christian event. The RCIA Adult Formation is led by the parish priest. Fran and Dave lead Marriage Care.