Our Lady Help of Christians

Introduction

In 1935 Father Plummer announced that West Byfleet was to be established as a separate parish, with Father Loader as first parish priest.

History

The first Mass in the area was said in 1917 by Father Christians van Aspert, a Belgian priest attached to the Woking Mission, in a small temporary building in Madeira Road. In May 1965 the Southwark Archdiocese was divided, and West Byfleet became part of the new diocese of Arundel and Brighton. St Thomas More Church in Byfleet was closed with last mass being said in 2006.

Architecture and furnishings

A porch was added to the front of the church, providing sheltered space for a repository and notice boards, whereas previously the church door opened directly onto the pavement. The high altar was replaced by an altar facing the people, and the pulpit was removed.

Parish life

Children's Liturgy has been running for many years at the church. The parish has a parish school, The Marist Catholic Primary School. The parish has a community Facebook page. The parish has a proposed new Canonical Parish of Woking & Surrey Heath that will change the structure from Woking Deanery to one large parish.

The parish has a Confirmation Away Day. The parish requires a minimum of 12 months notice for marriage.

Visiting

The church is open for Mass and private prayer, and Mass is live-streamed on YouTube. The church is in Madeira Road, opposite the West Byfleet Health Centre, close to West Byfleet station. The parish hall can be booked for events.