The Salesians of Don Bosco arrived in Farnborough in
the year 1901 in response to a plea from Bishop Cahill, the then Bishop of
Portsmouth to look after the pastoral needs of the Catholics living in the
area, and in particular to take charge of the soldiers' Boys Home in
Queens Road.
A chapel was established and was used both by the school and the Salesian
Community and also by the local Catholic population. It continued to be
used by the parishioners until the completion of the new church.
The idea of a new church was first mooted by a later Bishop of
Portsmouth, Bishop Cotter who, in March 1939, declared it was imperative
that one should be built. To this end the parishioners began collecting to
fund the new building. Sadly the war years intervened and activity was
curtailed. The next mention of the church comes in the 1946 edition of the
Salesian College magazine where it was noted that £12,000 had already
been raised but "at least twice as much again is needed".
The estimate of, say £36,000 contrasts markedly with the eventual
cost of the church and the associated presbytery at around £875,000.
Fortunately, over the years a considerable sum had, by prudent investment,
been accumulated, so our borrowings were minimal as the parish was also
fortunate to have the land leased to them by the Salesians for a period of
150 years, rent free. Following a selection procedure, the Sarum
Partnership was chosen to design the new complex and obtain planning
permission. On receipt of this, the detailed design was completed and
construction commenced in January 2000
To the left of the baptismal font is the Blessed Sacrament
chapel which may be venerated from the font. The Sacrament is reserved in
a safe like container, reminiscent of the Old Testament tabernacle which
housed the Ark of the Covenant.
On the opposite side is the statue of Our Lady Help of Christians to whom
the church is dedicated.
The original chapel has been converted into a Parish Hall complete with
catering and toilet facilities and and this area is separated from the new
church by a gathering space or narthex which acts also as an overflow on
special occasions when the glazed screen separating it from the church is
drawn back to afford unrestricted visual access to the altar.
On a fine September day in 2000 the new church was solemnly consecrated
by the present Bishop of Portsmouth, Bishop Hollis and so, after 61 years,
the dream was realised
The interior layout of the church is designed to express the parish as a
worshipping community gathered around the table of the Lord, which is the
altar. The configuration of the seating in a loose semi-circular
arrangement highlights this central feature.
The altar itself, cut from a solid block of stone, symbolises/represents
the rock of Calvary on which Christ's Cross was erected and it is this
altar on which the sacrificial offering of Christ is commemorated during
the celebration of Holy Mass, and on which the Priest consecrates the
bread and wine to become the Body and Blood of Christ, as foretold at the
Last Supper. The design of the roof above the altar is intended to portray
a tent which reflects Old Testament Tradition.
At the entrance to the body of the church is the baptismal font, also cut
from a solid block of stone Everyone must pass the font to enter the
church, a reminder of our own initiation into the Church at our baptism.
 Parish Prayer. Father, send your Holy Spirit to guide and help us as we carry out our parish mission. Bless our families and make our homes places of peace and harmony. Through the intercession of Mary our Mother, continually renew our faith and give us courage to reach out to others with love and understanding. Give us a new vision of your glory so that your love may grow among us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen |
 Times of services Saturday: 6.00pm (First Mass of Sunday) Sunday: 8.30am & 10.30am Weekday Masses: As advertised weekly Holy Days of Obligation 9.00am & 8.00pm (Vigil - previous day at 8pm) |