Our Lady of Pity and St. Simon Stock

Introduction

Our Lady of Pity and Saint Simon Stock in Putney, within the Archdiocese of Southwark, was completed and consecrated in 1936, adding the medieval title of Our Lady of Pity to its dedication.

History

The land for the church once belonged to John Temple Leader (1810-1903), who left it to his great nephew and wife, Lord and Lady Westbury. The statue of Simon Stock outside the church is modelled on a likeness of John Temple Leader.

Parish life

The parish runs a programme to help non-Catholics thinking of becoming Catholic to understand what is involved in becoming a practicing Catholic. The parish's programme prepares non-Christians for the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. The parish's programme meetings are informal and begin with tea, coffee and social chat while the whole group assembles.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The programme prepares uncatechised baptised Catholics for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation as needed. The Southwark Diocese holds days for engaged couples given by experienced married couples, which the parish strongly advises attending.

The parish asks Confirmation candidates to provide a brief outline of a saint's life, why they admire that saint, and why they chose that saint as their patron. The parish requires instruction for children over the age of five before they can be baptised.

The parish states that only priests are ministers of the Anointing of the Sick. The parish states that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is part of the First Holy Communion programme and the Confirmation programme. The parish states that confessions take place in the church.