St. William of York, Forest Hill

Introduction

The sanctuary furniture, including the altar, ambo, presider's chair and credence table, was designed by David John.

Architecture and furnishings

Miss Ellis paid for the original yellow brick church. In 1930 the church was extended by the addition of aisles, a new apsidal sanctuary, a baptistry, sacristies and a Lady Chapel. Four marble consecration crosses on the walls were anointed at the consecration. The window was commissioned in memory of a former Parish Priest.

Underneath the altar is a bronze reliquary containing relics of Saint Marian, Saint Septimus and the patron saint. Saint Francesca Saverio Cabrini was an early worshipper in the church.

The relic of Saint William of York was given to a priest in 1905 and now rests in the reliquary beneath the altar. The mission at Forest Hill was founded in 1905, served from Brockley until then. In 1921 the mission became a Parish.

Parish life

The church hall is used seven days per week by a wide range of people in the local community for activities by children and adults of all ages. The parish is one of ten parishes in the Deanery of Lewisham within the Archdiocese of Southwark.

The Pastoral Parish Council supports the Parish Priest in managing parish activities and meets approximately six times per year. By agreement within the Lewisham Deanery, baptism at Forest Hill requires consent from the priest of the parish where the applicant resides if outside parish boundaries. Visitors entering the church first see a mosaic of St William's original coat of arms, formerly the central part of the old High Altar.

Regular events

Every year on 5 May candles are lit in front of the four consecration crosses. Baptism preparation consists of two evening sessions usually held over consecutive weeks. Baptisms are not celebrated during Mass in Advent and Lent.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Engaged couples are required to give at least six months notice to clergy of their intention to marry. The parish's 'Journey in Faith' programme is the name given to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.