Sacred Heart, Goudhurst

Introduction

Sacred Heart Church in Goudhurst, within the Archdiocese of Southwark, began as a chapel at Oakleigh House in 1882.

Architecture and furnishings

In 1886 a small piece of land was bought, and the present church was erected as a school soon afterwards. The church is built of brick with a tiled roof, a simple rectangle with the gable end to the street and large segment-headed side windows. Only the group of three steeped lancet windows to the street and the adjoining pointed arch to the porch give any ecclesiastical flavour, and the church looks more like the school which was its original purpose. There are brick buttresses along the sides and decorative stepped brick detailing in the gables, and at the east end a smaller rectangle incorporating the sacristy is placed at right angles.

The interior is plain, with exposed roof trusses and pine pews. The icons in the church were collected by a parish priest who served for over 35 years until 2021, and the painted Stations of the Cross are by that priest's uncle. The church contains statues of St Thérèse of Lisieux and Our Lady.

Music and liturgy

The Children's Liturgy follows the Order of Mass, including a sorry prayer, collect prayer, Sunday Gospel reading, discussion and a practical activity, and finishes with a prayer before returning to church for the Offertory. Parishioners support the liturgy as altar servers, lectors and musicians, and by leading the Children's Liturgy. The Mass at Sacred Heart Church is streamed live online.

Parish life

The parish offers courses during Advent and Lent and holds a parish retreat near the end of each season. Parishioners contribute practically by arranging flowers, cleaning the church, cutting the grass, and maintaining the gardens. The parish is run by volunteers, with a parish secretary, treasurer, and finance committee members supporting the priest in charge.

Adults seeking baptism receive instruction individually or through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Adults seeking Confirmation enrol in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parents must attend Infant Baptism preparation sessions at the parish. Non-adults must complete the parish's Confirmation preparation for older children or teens.

Visiting

Parking is available next to the church. A What3Words reference gives the church's location. A Children's Liturgy Group runs during term time.

The Children's Liturgy has two age groups, year 2 and below and Year 3 to Year 6, each with two leaders. The diocesan policy on marriage requires at least six months' notice of marriage at the parish closest to the Catholic party.