Holy Name

Introduction

In 2002, a new hall was built next to the church on the site of the old presbytery.

History

During the Blitz in 1941, an incendiary bomb fell through the church roof, but the damage was limited. The original church was a small brick building with gothic windows, seating about 80, on the same site as the present church. The larger church was built over the top of the old church to allow worship to continue while it was completed.

Architecture and furnishings

Behind the altar, the church has a stained glass window on the theme of the risen saviour, surrounded by four biblical scenes. The new church seats 300 and includes a choir loft and a Lady Chapel.

Parish life

The Charities Team is made up of members from across the Parish and meets every two months. Bereavement support is offered through the Ministry of Consolation.

The parish's Catholic primary school is St Paul's School Thames Ditton, which welcomes families with young children. The parish has a Parish Pastoral Council (PPC).

In 1961 the parish ran a Football Pool with a weekly prize of £200. Weekly Bingo sessions were held in King George's Hall, Esher, to reduce the parish overdraft. Parish pantomimes ran for many years, and in 1956 the company named themselves The Sandon Players.

Music groups come together for special joint parish celebrations such as the Open Air Mass in summer and during Holy Week. The Sycamore course (RCIA) is offered for adults seeking to become Catholic. The parish supports families from all local schools who are exploring the Catholic faith. The parish offers a Baptism for Older Children programme. A parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land was led by the parish priest during his tenure.

Regular events

The parish's annual garden fete, opened each year by a celebrity such as Marlene Dietrich in 1955, became a hugely popular event. The 100 Club is a simple draw that takes place in the Parish at the end of each month.