St Francis of Sales and St Gertrude, Stockwell

Introduction

The Church of St Francis De Sales and St Gertrude in Stockwell, within the Archdiocese of Southwark, was founded in 1902.

History

During the Second World War, the church and presbytery were twice damaged by bombs, in November 1940 and May 1941. On the second bombing occasion, bombs came through the church roof, burning the sanctuary and all its contents. After temporary measures were put in place, Mass continued to be celebrated without a break. The church hall was finally completed in 1982.

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Villefranche moved to Albert Square in 1980. Early masses were celebrated exclusively in Latin, with only sermon, notices and hymns in English. On the first bombing occasion the bombs destroyed the large terraced houses to the left of the church. In 1954 Stockwell bus garage was built bringing more jobs and more families to the area.

Visiting

The parish promotes a Summer Psalm Walk designed to help families explore Psalm 139 while walking in a local park or on holiday. The parish offers a two-year online course, the Archbishop's Certificate, for those wishing to understand their faith more profoundly and share it with confidence and joy.

The parish promotes the Southwark Catholic Youth Service activities for youth and young adults, with updates via its network. The parish promotes the Catholic Medical Association UK to support Catholic healthcare professionals and students and to promote a faithful Catholic understanding of medical ethics and practice.