Teddington church to reopen after three years
Teddington church to reopen after three years
A church in Teddington is reopening its doors to the community next weekend (27 – 29 June).
The roof of Sacred Heart Church was badly storm-damaged three years ago, and its churchgoers have had to use its small parish rooms to worship.
One Sunday night on the Valentine's weekend of 2022 a mighty storm Eunice became the final straw that cracked roof of Sacred Heart Parish Church in Teddington.
At one time the Church had been extended; the front third, from about the choir balcony to the front doors, was added on.
Over time this part had begun to shift minutely, dropping down and away from the original building.
The Storm helped it along and the ceiling lathe and plaster joint cracked. No one was hurt, thanks be to God, but, as you can see, it didn't look good. And sure enough, investigations revealed the scale of the damage, though out of sight, was potentially extensive.
Repair work started in November 2024, after a gargantuan holy spirit-filled collective effort – from an incredibly generous grant that was match-funded, and further donations and pledges by parishioners and well-wishers, to hours of planning, liaising, grant submissions and meetings by Fr Stephen and the Diocese. The money needed was in place.
However, the building has now been fully repaired, with financial help coming from individuals and families as well as from the Catholic Diocese of Westminster.
A Sacred Heart Church spokesperson said: "The restored church looks beautiful. The parish has been led wonderfully through this difficult time by Fr Stephen Beale of the Sons of Divine Providence."
The church will host various services throughout the weekend to celebrate its reopening, with the highlight being a Mass on Sunday, 29 June celebrated with His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who took part in the recent Conclave to elect Pope Leo XIV.
There will also be morning and evening services on Friday, 27 June at 9.30am and 7.30pm, and an evening service on Saturday 28 at 6pm.
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