Our Lady of Lourdes, Lee

Introduction

Built in 1939, the church was originally dedicated to St Winifred and designed in the Early Christian style.

Architecture and furnishings

An architect who was a member of the congregation designed the church. The tower holds landmark value, and the church positively contributes to the district of Lee. The sanctuary furniture, particularly the baldacchino, is of special note. The church is used once a month for a Nigerian Edo Mass.

Parish life

The group raises funds to support its sister conferences in India and sponsors students there through school and university. The Justice and Peace group works against oppression and injustice at home and abroad, meeting monthly to highlight issues, raise awareness, organise events and raise funds. The Uniform Groups serve young people of the parish through the Scout and Guide movements, with ages ranging from 6 to 18 years. PHAWS-CIC seeks to facilitate and provide charitable service projects that contribute to the health and wellbeing support of the parish community.

The Guild of Saint Stephen supports and encourages the highest standards of altar serving, and children may begin training once they have received their First Holy Communion. The parish is a Live Simply Parish, achieving the award in 2016, being the third parish in Southwark and the twenty-first across the country.

The parish runs an RCIA programme leading up to Easter for adults who wish to be baptised or received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Confirmation is generally celebrated annually and follows a preparation programme of around ten sessions including a full day's retreat. The Sacrament of Marriage is by arrangement with the Parish Priest, with at least six months notice usually required. The 200 Draw raises parish funds from mid-October each year, with a £15 annual number and monthly prizes of £25, increased to £100 four times a year.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Baptism preparation for children requires at least one parent to be a baptised Catholic and parents to follow a short preparation course over 2 sessions. Reconciliation is celebrated as part of the Eucharist programme annually for children in at least year 3 at junior school, with a preparation programme of approximately 10 sessions on a Saturday morning between September and July. Confirmation candidates should be at least 13 years old by the date of Confirmation, or in year 8 at secondary school. The sacrament of the sick can be received by contacting the parish priest to arrange a time. Parishioners who are housebound or ill and unable to attend Sunday Mass can receive Holy Communion at home by advising the parish priest.