Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sittingbourne

Introduction

The Sacred Heart of Jesus in Sittingbourne is a Gothic Revival church designed by local architect William Leonard Grant. The church was opened and consecrated on 27 August 1902.

History

In 1881, Mass was first offered in Sittingbourne by Fr Moynihan, the priest at Sheerness, in a house near the railway station. The first mission priest, Fr Eugene O'Sullivan, launched a building fund for a new church in 1899. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Bourne on 26 June 1901; William Leonard Grant was architect and Mr E. Bishop was the builder. In March 1902, Fr O'Sullivan placed the cross on top of the tower.

A chime of eight bells was installed in 1905. In 1926, the Calced Carmelite Friars took responsibility for the parish and served Sacred Heart for fifty years. Mrs Steadfast presented the church with its hanging rood in 1933, believed to have been made in Oberammergau. Carmel Hall was built in 1938.

In 1958, land between Carmel Hall and the O'Sullivan Centre was purchased and later became the parish car park. The Carmelites returned responsibility for the parish to the Diocese in 1976. The church underwent restoration between 1976 and 1982. In 2010 the narthex and gallery were reconfigured with a new glazed screen and reconciliation room.

Architecture and furnishings

The church is constructed from local brick laid in English bond, with Bath and Caen stone dressings. Its distinctive west façade was inspired by the medieval church of St Mary at Nun Monkton in Yorkshire. The six-bay nave contains statues of St John Fisher and St Thomas More. The stained-glass windows include the Baptism of Christ, St Joseph and Our Lady of Mount Carmel; windows in the apse depict the Virgin Mary, the Sacred Heart and St Margaret Mary.

The sanctuary contains stone altar rails and the hanging rood presented in 1933. The Caen stone high altar was a gift of Miss Murphy of Cork and incorporates statues and relief scenes depicting events from the life, death and Resurrection of Christ.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may take Communion to parishioners who are sick or housebound. The Confirmation programme is open to young people in Year 8 and above who are baptised Catholics. Couples must give a minimum of six months' notice before their wedding, per diocesan policy.