Our Lady of Compassion, Upton Park

Introduction

Our Lady of Compassion in Upton Park, within the Diocese of Brentwood, was completed in 1911, and its new High Altar was blessed by Cardinal Bourne on 11 December 1913. The parish was officially erected on 8 August 1918 and solemnly consecrated by Bishop Doubleday on 24 October 1929.

History

On 30 April 1909, Father Frederick Gahagan was appointed Parish Priest in Upton Park and served for 37 years. The present parish boundary was established in 1928, when St Michael’s church in East Ham was built. During World War II (1939-45), German bombing raids destroyed houses and lives; the crucifix in St John’s room was fashioned from pieces of shrapnel.

Architecture and furnishings

The church has two side altars, one dedicated to Our Lady of Compassion and the other to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Relics of two early Christian martyrs, Saints Januarius (+305) and Venustus (+303), were inserted into the High Altar.

Parish life

The parish community includes parishioners from over 80 countries. The parish celebrates a Reconciliation Service with individual confessions during Advent and Lent.

The parish has Eucharistic adoration in the Saint John's Room. The parish prays the Rosary after Mass on Mondays to Saturdays.

The Confirmation programme for youth usually begins in the autumn of each year with the Alpha course. Couples must contact the Parish Office at least six months before the wedding, and at least one must be a Catholic registered member of the parish.