Our Lady and St George, Walthamstow

Introduction

The parish of Our Lady and St George has existed in Walthamstow since 1849. The second St George's, a massive brick building in the Early English style, was opened on 8 December 1901 by Cardinal Vaughan. The current St George's was opened in 1996.

History

In 1847 Captain Collard conveyed land to his wife, who gave a 2-acre site in Shernhall Street to build the mission chapel of St George. In 1854 the church was reopened and in 1855 the trustees' title to the land was confirmed by a Chancery decree. The cause of the fire was described as malicious, but those responsible were never caught. After the fire, the ruins of the second St George's were found to be unsafe and had to be demolished.

Parish life

The parish runs a First Holy Communion preparation programme for children in school year 3 and above, beginning each autumn and running until the following summer. The parish has an RCIA group with weekly meetings introducing participants to the fundamentals of the Catholic faith.

The parish has strong links with Whipps Cross Hospital, which it has served since the hospital's foundation. A Confirmation programme for teenagers in year 10 begins each autumn and continues until Pentecost.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation after all Masses on weekdays and Sundays. The parish holds communal Reconciliation services during Advent and Lent with visiting priests. The parish has facilities for face-to-face and anonymous confessions.

The parish supports the parents of confirmation candidates. The parish's priests will hear confessions at other times on request.