Our Lady Help of Christians, Mottingham

Introduction

The church of Our Lady Help of Christians was built in 1933 at its present site on Mottingham Road. The church's new entrance porch was opened in 2009, providing disabled access and a toilet for the disabled.

History

In 1889 Father Von Ursbach said the first Mass in Mottingham in a military school he ran in Mottingham Lane with its chapel dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians. Until 1926 Mass was said by priests from Christ Church, Eltham, at an orphanage for small boys run by the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in Mottingham. In 1927 a Mission in Mottingham started, with Mass said on Sundays and Holy Days in a small black hut rented from the Porcupine Hotel by the Christ Church Priory in Eltham. In 1930 the Diocese took over the care of Mottingham.

In 1972 OLHC parish became a member of the ecumenical Association of Mottingham Churches, presently known as Churches Together in Mottingham. In July 2016 the retirement of the Parish Priest was announced after 22 years serving in that role at OLHC, a Parochial Administrator was appointed for OLHC, and the Mass centre at All Saints Church in New Eltham was closed. On 24th September 2016 a new Parochial Administrator was formally installed for OLHC Parish.

Music and liturgy

Junior Church for Key Stage 2 children runs alongside Little Church, with both groups beginning and ending together but Junior Church breaking out to reflect more deeply on the Gospel reading.

Parish life

Little Church is run by a group of parents who share the leadership and spiritual guidance of the youngest members of the community. The parish has a Sunday Choir.

The parish has a Ministry of Reader. The parish has an Offertory Procession ministry. The parish has a Scripture Group.