ABOUT US
OUR VISION
WHO WE ARE
To make an impact for God, here in Mottingham, by helping people understand the enriching messages of eternal hope given to us by Jesus Christ through His words and deeds. We aim to make contact with, and encourage others, to join us in our life-changing Christian journey in worship and service to God. The journey of each person to God our heavenly Father is unique. When you make contact with our parish community, we will share our personal Faith experience to help you enhance your own Faith journey and follow Jesus more closely.
Who we are is the result of our past, present and future experiences, not where we are, what we do, or what we have. At the heart of these experiences is the person of Jesus Christ, whom we share with others. He asks us to plant the seeds of faith that were given to us in our local community. As Lord, Jesus says: ‘come to me all who labour and are laden and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28). Let us entrust ourselves to Jesus our Lord and the Holy Spirit to embrace us in all our experiences. Jesus says – ‘come to me all who labour and are laden and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28)
About Fr. Mario:
Fr Marian Nycz, popularly known as Father Mario, was appointed on 4th December 2015 as Parochial Administrator for St Patrick’s Parish, Chislehurst. Originally from Poland, Father Mario has worked for many years in education. His natural gift for adapting to a new environment has enabled him to take over as Parochial Administrator of St Patrick’s following Father George Webster’s retirement. Since his arrival, Father Mario’s ministry has grown from St Patrick’s and neighboring parishes in the Bromley Deanery to his additional appointment as Parochial Administrator for Our Lady Help of Christians Mottingham in the Greenwich Deanery. He takes the place of Father John O’Callaghan who retired in August 2016. Father Mario’s experience in education bears fruit here on British soil in his increasing involvement and work with the youth. He is chaplain to St. Vincent’s Catholic Primary School in Mottingham and helps on occasions at Christ the King Sixth Form College in Sidcup.
Parish History:
1889 – Father Von Ursbach said the first Mass in Mottingham in a military school he ran in Mottingham Lane with its chapel dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians.
Until 1926 – Mass was said by priests from Christ Church, Eltham, at an orphanage for small boys run by the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in Mottingham.
1927 – Start of a Mission in Mottingham – Mass was said on Sundays and Holy Days in a small black hut rented from the Porcupine Hotel by the Christ Church Priory in Eltham.
1930 – The Diocese took over the care of Mottingham.
1933 – The church of Our Lady Help of Christians was built at its present site on Mottingham Road.
9th May 1952 – The church of Our Lady Help of Christians was consecrated by Bishop Cowderoy with Father Porter as Parish Priest.
1953 – The Presbytery was built with Father Porter and two curates as its first residents.
1953 – St Vincent’s Primary School was built in Harting Road with Miss Rose Kennedy as its first Head Teacher.
1956 – The first ordinations took place at OLHC: Father Peter Harris, Father Brian Atkinson, Father Farrow and Father Nixon.
1960 – Father Porter passed away; Father Peter Tak was appointed Parish Priest.
1965 – Father Tak left Mottingham; Father (later Canon) Desmond was appointed Parish Priest.
1967 – Sunday Masses started for parishioners in New Eltham, first held at Bridgeman Hall.
31st January 1969 – Bishop Cowderoy consecrated the new high altar, sealing the relics of martyrs Saints Felicis and Virginia. Bishop Cowderoy also blessed the newly built Maryfield Hall.
1969 – A Mass centre opened at All Saints Church, Bercta Road for Vigil Mass on Saturday evenings.
1972 – Father Eric Nimmo was ordained at OLHC.
1972 – OLHC parish became a member of the ecumenical Association of Mottingham Churches, presently known as Churches Together in Mottingham.
1985 – Anthony Ward was ordained as one of the first Deacons serving Mottingham Parish.
1989 – Canon Desmond passed away; Father Derek Vidler was appointed Parish Priest.
1994 – Father Vidler retired; Father John O’Callaghan was appointed Parish Priest.
2009 – The church’s new entrance porch was opened, providing disabled access and a toilet for the disabled.
2014 – Father John O’Callaghan celebrated his 50 years as ordained priest.
July 2016 – Father John’s retirement was announced after 22 years serving as Parish Priest of OLHC. Father Marian Nycz – known as Father Mario – was appointed Parochial Administrator for OLHC. The Mass centre at All Saints Church in New Eltham was closed.
28th August 2016 – A Thanksgiving Mass was concelebrated for Father John’s retirement by Bishop Pat Lynch, Father Richard Plunkett and Father Mario. Bishop Pat blessed the newly installed stained glass windows of Saint Anthony and Saint Jude, and the new vestments acquired by Father Mario.
24th September 2016 – Father Mario was formally installed as Parochial Administrator of OLHC Parish.
FIND YOUR FAITH
“Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit.”
Pope Francis