Catholic church to celebrate 125 years

The event next weekis also a thanksgiving for the lengthy history of Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

The anniversary is being celebrated with flowers and choral and classical musical events.

Church press officer David Orde said visitors to the church, in Clarence Road, would be in for a treat.

'Certainly, the imposing facade does not draw you in but step inside and, as if entering a 19th century Tardis, treat yourself to the light and airy interior of this truly beautiful Italianate church,' he stated.

The church was formally opened and dedicated by Canon Butt on August 16, 1882. Three days of festivities will mark that occasion.

They begin next Thursday when the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, the Rt Rev Kieran Conry, will celebrate Mass with fellow diocesan priests at 7.30pm. Bishop Kieran will then bless the new parish centre before a reception is held.

The next day - Friday, May 18 - will see the church open for visitors to view the floral decorations between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

A concert - Music for a May evening - will feature music for flute, piano and cello performed by Fr Terry Martin, Mike Carver and Giles Kennedy at 7.30pm.

This will provide the chance to enjoy the music of Handel, Mozart and Bach in the splendid setting of the church. Tickets are priced 10 each from the parish centre, in Hislop Walk, on 01243 823619.

Saturday, May 19, will again see the church open for visitors from 10.30am to 4pm accompanied by choral music from school and church choirs between 11am and noon.

A race night at 7.30pm in the parish centre will provide all the fun of the races for 3, to include a ploughman's, without having to travel to Fontwell and Goodwood .

A grand raffle with a 400 first prize will be drawn during the race night. Tickets will be on sale throughout the celebrations.

Morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas will be served in the parish centre from 11am to 4pm on May 18 and 19.