About The Church

With so many churches locked it is pleasing to note that there is always an open door at Holy Cross where people can come in to worship Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament or for private prayer or reflection. The tabernacle on the plinth below the crucifix contains the Blessed Sacrament which has been consecrated by the priest at Mass. This is central to our Catholic faith. The red light (permanently lit) in the sanctuary lamp reminds us of Christ's presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

The 14 Stations of the Cross around the walls are an interesting feature of the church. They depict Christ's Passion and journey to Calvary carrying the Cross. They are a modern, contemporary design with vivid use of colour and facial expression of the characters to portray thought and feeling. They were commissioned by Canon Daniel Cogan in 1961 and painted by an Irish artist, Fr. Jack P. Hanlon (1913-68), who also painted the large picture of the Resurrection above the west door. The Crucifixion of Christ followed by his glorious Resurrection are at the centre of the Christian faith. Christ, as priest and victim, offered himself in the Sacrifice of the Cross; the sacrifice which, in the Mass, is at the centre of the Christian life.

The Holy Cross has served as a convenient chapel-of-ease at a time when few residents of Seaview had cars, and public transport was rather erratic. Seaview Catholics have made this little church as warm, welcoming and devotional as possible. The small group of devoted and faithful Catholics in the village maintain and care for the church with great affection. Unfortunately, due to the shortage of priests, it is no longer possible to have a regular Sunday Mass here. However, Mass is said every Monday at 10-00am and during the Christmas and Holy Week season. The little church (one of the smallest in the Diocese of Portsmouth) continues to give witness to the faith in this area of Ryde and it is open daily for prayer, devotion and meditation.

Times of Services

Day(s)	Time(s)
Monday	10:00am

Contact Information

Address: Holy Cross, Seafield Road, Seaview
Parish Priest: Father Anthony Glaysher
Telephone #: 01983 562171

© Copyright 2009 St. Mary's, Ryde. All Rights Reserved.

Designed by Michael Acain.