TEDDINGTON CHURCH REOPENS AFTER THREE YEAR CLOSURE
Sacred Heart’s Church building on Kingston Road is reopening on the weekend of 27th-29th June 2025 after nearly 3 years and monumental efforts on every part after being severely damaged in a storm.
“We’re bringing our church back to life for generations to come! And you’re invited,” said Father Stephen Beale
There will be morning and evening services on Friday 27th June (9:30am and 7:30pm)
Father Beale said: “We are delighted to announce the visit of His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols who will be leading our inaugural Sunday service in the newly renovated SH Church on Sunday 29th June at 10am.
On the Valentine’s weekend of 2022 mighty Storm Eunice became the final straw that cracked roof of the Sacred Heart Parish Church.
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 but further investigations revealed the scale of the damage, which was extensive.
Repair work started in November 2024, after a collective effort – from a 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..
Fr Stephen said: “I would personally like to say a heartfelt “Thanks” to all the contractors who have supported the enormous building project that is now as good as complete. They have worked with professionalism and with pride in their work.
“An enormous thanks too to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster Trust staff in various departments who have supported us and encouraged us to get to where we are today and a big thanks to our parish staff and parishioners for their loving trust and support from start to finish. A heartfelt thanks to our parishioners who have supported us and to all those who have donated financially thus far.
“The church of today is for the people of today and tomorrow – hopefully another 100 years plus. The skills and good will of so many have made this happen.”
He added: “Together with our fundraising and a loan from the Diocese, the money was made available for the renovations.
“Of the estimated total cost we have raised one third. That money has been spent and the drawdown on the loan has begun. We are continuing to fundraise because the more we can raise now, the lower the loan will be and that’s all to the good for our future generations.
“So can we ask, please keep on giving and ask your friends and acquaintances too: donations, however large or small pledged or spur of the moment, are so welcome..
“You can make donations online here, electronically (by tapping the donation machine at the back of church – put in your address once for gift aid and you’re good to go- or the old fashioned way, any lose change warmly welcomed in the tub at the back of church.
“There are also posters with a QR at The Sacred Heart school Teddington and in front of our church as well as a QR on the newsletter
“The reopening doesn’t stop the fundraising. Please keep a look out at the back of church (more details here when we can get them up) and together as a parish we can make them fundraisers happen and bring the loan down.
“Very soon we will be back in our restored Church, as with Notre Dame, bringing it back to life and filling it with hope for generations to come. How great is this. How great is God.”