Holy Cross Church, Topsham

Introduction

Holy Cross parish in Topsham was founded through a canon who retired to the town after a lifetime in Australia and New Zealand and gave much of his life savings. The foundation stone of Holy Cross Church, Topsham was laid on the Feast of the Holy Cross, 14 September 1936. Holy Cross Church, Topsham was blessed and opened on 11 February 1937.

History

Priests from Sacred Heart in Exeter were celebrating Mass regularly in private houses in Topsham by the 1920s. Topsham became part of Blessed Sacrament parish, and about a dozen Mass-goers travelled to Exeter by taxi. Wilfred Mangan was the architect of Holy Cross Church, Topsham, and the builders were CC and WJ Turl of Topsham.

Parish life

The parish has a Finance Committee. Parishioners undertake many ministries and tasks, some on their own and some in a group under a team leader. Flower arranging, cleaning, choir singing, reading at Mass and stewarding at Sunday Mass are among the parish tasks.

Communion is offered for people who are sick or housebound. Confession is available by arrangement. The parish produces a newsletter each month.

Visiting

Topsham train station stands opposite the church, the 57 Exmouth-Exeter bus stops outside, and parking is at Tappers Close car park, Holman Way car park and on the street.