Church of St. John Fisher, Wellington

Introduction

Bishop Lee opened the church in March 1937, and it was certified as a place of meeting for religious worship on 26 November 1940.

History

The church occupies the site of an almshouse founded by Sir John Popham in 1594, built about 1606 and rebuilt in 1833. The first priest in charge at Wellington was Father Ninian O'Connor, and Father Francis Kelly S.J. officiated at the first marriage in the church on 25 November 1941. About 1964 considerable restoration work was carried out, including removal of the chimneys and creation of the parish room. In 1936 the vacated Popham Almshouses were bought by the Catholic community and converted into the present church.

Architecture and furnishings

John Willman, the architect for the conversion, reportedly carried out the work without charge. Major roof repairs in 1990 were followed in 1996 by a new ceiling, funded partly by a bequest from parishioner Mary Morris.

Parish life

A team of volunteers visits patients in hospital and brings them communion. The parish has groups and activities supporting the most vulnerable in society and fundraising for charities. The parish runs a volunteer-run bookshop selling religious items, open after Sunday Masses. A team of welcomers greets people as they arrive at and leave the church.

Altar servers assist at the altar with the celebration of Mass. A team of readers proclaims the Word of God at Mass and other services. Teams provide refreshments after Mass or at special events. The parish has adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at regular times, with a team of adorers. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring communion to the sick and housebound of the parish.