Bristol church member makes desperate plea for funds after ‘much-loved’ priest’s death

They have set up a support group for Christ the King following the passing of Father Michael after a long illness.   

The Catholic church, on Filwood Broadway in Knowle West, runs bingo nights every six weeks as one way to raise money for repairs and heating.  

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Barb Dollin, who has started the support group, wrote on Facebook: “Christ the King Church is desperate for funds, and with the decline in parishioners, collections at Mass are very low, and to run the church takes a lot of money.”   

The death of the church’s priest, Father Michael D’Mello, was announced in the adjoining primary school’s newsletter last Friday (September 20).

The school wrote: “It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Father Michael.  

“Father Michael died in the early hours of this morning, after a long and brave battle with illness. 

“Father Michael was a much loved member of our school and church community.      

“He had a huge passion and fondness for our school and was a champion of all the children and staff at Christ the King - he will be sorely missed.”  

The church building was built in the 1950s and is one of just a few sites on Filwood Broadway not currently earmarked for development.  

The library next to it is due to be moved into the community centre on the street following a £10m revamp, and new homes and shops are set to be built on the other side of it. 

The next bingo night to raise funds for church will take place at Christ the King Social Club on November 2, eyes down 7pm.