English Martyrs

Introduction

The Barn was built in 1771 and was originally thatched, but this was in poor condition and replaced by the present tiled roof.

History

The Barn served as the first parish church when the parish was created in 1952, before being replaced by the present building in 1970. The Barn was built for George Jupp a local farmer.

Architecture and furnishings

The Barn is a five bay barn with rear aisle, former farm building attached to the left. Barn interior has original timber work, including aisle posts on pad stones. Aisle post dated MH 1771. Straight brace to arcade and tie beams, queen strut roof trusses, staggered butt purlins and old rafters.

Coursed flint stone with red brick dressings, with two tiers of vents. Original cart entrance masked by front twentieth century porch. Original rear cart entrance blocked by cobblestones with added bell under canopy. Pantile roof. The Barn and outbuildings are Grade 2 listed.

Parish life

RCIA courses are run for those interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith with a view to being received into full communion. English Martyrs has strong links with two local Catholic schools: English Martyrs Primary School and Chatsmore High School.

The Parish Confirmation programme is run by a parish priest and two Catechists. The Confirmation programme culminates with Confirmation in Arundel Cathedral in May for the whole of Worthing Deanery. After 12 months, altar servers are enrolled as members of the Guild of Saint Stephen.

Regular events

The church is normally open each year from Easter to the end of October. In January there is a service of Commitment, usually with the Dean, for all candidates from the whole Deanery.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Those who wish are received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Twenty two children received the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion at English Martyrs Church in May 2017.

Visiting

Visitors are welcome to view the ceiling. The parish has the only known reproduction of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in the world. Thirteen national and international TV companies have filmed the ceiling, including CBS, ABC, BBC, ITV, Australian, New Zealand broadcasters, and Nippon Television International.