From the outside St. Patrick’s Soho Square may seem like an ordinary church. But for many it is the reason they are spiritually and physically alive.

If we cannot keep the fabric strong we will no longer be able to reach out and offer spiritual solace. Or the simple comfort of a hot bowl of soup. The damage caused by the World War II bomb which hit St .Patrick’s but miraculously failed to explode, has long since been repaired.

But subsequent years of damp, dry rot, urban pollution and constant lack of funds have resulted in severe structural damage. Centuries of gas, incense and candle light have also taken their toll. Paint and plaster are falling off the walls and many paintings and sculptures are in very real need of restoration.

The heating, lighting and public address systems are a shambles. We have inadequate wheelchair access. Because of meagre kitchen facilities, we have to rely on the kindness of volunteers to bring in the meals we serve to the destitute.

Our Community and Drug Rehabilitation Areas, Pastoral Outreach, School of Evangelisation and administrative offices are all housed in an ill-equipped, dingy basement.

St. Patrick’s may be down at heel, but not down in spirit. Our Parish Priest, Father Alexander, continues the legacy of his predecessors with renewed optimism and energy.

Our mission is to raise £4 million to restore the building and to continue with our work, but we are entirely reliant on your generosity. Please can you help in any way?