Our Lady of Lourdes

Introduction

The church was designed by architects Broadbent and Partners. The church opened on All Saints' Day, 1965.

History

Catholics in Thames Ditton first met for worship in a converted garage in Esher. Plans for the church were approved by the Bishop in March 1962, and the Foundation Stone was laid on May 16th, 1964. The church underwent a name change to 'Our Lady of Perpetual Succour' in 1969 at the request of benefactor Mr. Ruiz-Mateos. In 2022 the two churches of Holy Name Esher and Our Lady of Lourdes Thames Ditton became one parish – newly named The Holy Family.

Architecture and furnishings

The church has a 12-foot high statue of Christ carved in situ by David McFall, placed over the main entrance. The church has a towering crucifix and glittering stained glass window. The church has a stained glass window designed by Pierre Fourmaintraux.

Music and liturgy

Music groups combine for special joint Parish celebrations, including the Open Air Mass in summer and during Holy Week. Once a year, parishioners leave their pews to attend Mass on the school field next door, an annual tradition followed by a picnic and Pimms.

Parish life

The Charities Team draws its members from across the Parish and meets every two months. First Holy Communion sessions are held on Sunday mornings at Our Lady of Lourdes, Thames Ditton.

The parish runs a Community Café and Playgroup at OLOL on a Friday morning. The parish runs a weekly Children’s Liturgy at either Church on a Sunday morning.

The Gillespie hall has been the venue for many fundraisers and socials over the years, including cake sales, ceilidhs, quiz nights, parish monthly soups, Christmas Teas, Strawberry Teas and music evenings. The parish offers a Baptism for Older Children programme for children who have reached the Age of Reason. The parish is part of the Moderated Parish of Weybridge, with sacramental preparation organised across the parish.

The parish ran a Musical Tots group for mothers of preschool children, which became a stepping stone to Our Lady’s Nursery. Our Lady's Nursery closed its doors in 2019 after 27 successful years, building a bridge between the church community and St Paul’s School.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish live-streams daily masses, a tradition that remains, ensuring that the housebound can livestream mass from home. The parish has a Care Network. The parish has a Ministry of Consolation for bereavement support.