Saint Michael's Church, Pollards Hill

Introduction

Saint Michael's Church in Pollards Hill, Mitcham, in the Archdiocese of Southwark, began with a Mass celebrated in a dance hall on 12th March 1939.

History

In 1938, Father Cyril Walmsley bought a triangular plot of land and had a dance hall built to develop as a Mass centre. The dance hall had a fine sprung dance floor that made it a popular venue, and hire charges offset the cost of the land purchase. The hall became Saint Michael's, a semi-independent parish, in 1964.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Baptisms are arranged by appointment with the parish priest. Confirmation candidates aged 14 and above who have been baptised, received Holy Communion and attend weekly Mass at Saint Michael's are eligible to enrol, with weekly classes held in the Parish Hall. Six months' notice is required for Marriages. The Sacrament of the Sick is available urgently by contacting the parish priest or any Catholic priest.

Funerals are by arrangement with the parish priest and the chosen Undertaker. Readers read the first and second readings, the psalm and the prayers of the faithful at Masses on a rota basis. Altar Servers can be boys or girls who have received their First Holy Communion. Retrouvaille is designed to help troubled marriages regain their health, helping spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together.

Visiting

The parish has a Blessed Carlo Acutis Youth Circle. The parish celebrates the Solemn Easter Vigil and First Mass of the Resurrection in the evening.

Visitors can pray at the Marian Grotto for families and for peace in the world. A secure car park and free street parking are available nearby for visitors who drive. The church is accessible for those with disabilities, with reserved parking near the entrance, accessible entrance and toilets, and a hearing loop. A monthly coffee morning is held after all Masses, where existing parishioners welcome new parishioners.

The nearest railway station is Mitcham Eastfields. The parish has a custom of taking the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary home for prayers, and those interested can contact the parish office. The church offers a pre-recorded penitential service to help prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession.