Jesuits prepare to hand over Brixton parish to Archdiocese

On Saturday, 23 July 2005, the keys of Corpus Christi Church in Brixton Hill (South West London) will be handed over to Archbishop Kevin MacDonald of Southwark, as the Jesuits officially leave the parish after 25 years.

Since 1980, the Jesuits have been serving the parish at the request of the then Archbishop of Southwark, Michael Bowen.  Many of the former parish priests and curates of Corpus Christi are expected at the 6pm Mass, as well as the British Jesuit Provincial, Fr David Smolira SJ, who will also be preaching.

When he announced that the Jesuits would be leaving the parish earlier this year, Fr Smolira said that the Jesuits were 'extremely proud ... to have been associated with such an energetic and dynamic parish.' And he went on to point out its many strengths; ' the rich mix of races and cultures who worship and socialise together; the real sense of welcome and the genuinely caring community that exists; the first rate sacramental programmes and the large number of other groups that flourish here; the superb level of collaboration that takes place between the priests and the lay people who play such an active and enthusiastic role in the parish; the wonderful primary school and its contribution to parish life; and so much more.'

Fr Michael Bossy SJ will continue to supply at Corpus Christi parish until a priest from the Archdiocese of Southwark takes over in early September.


 Archdiocese of Southwark