The generosity of George Ravenshear provided the site for the new church, and the architect Mr. Alec Watson realised Fr. Smith's architectual scheme. In 1954 the new church was blessed by the Bishop of Southwark.

The church occupies a commanding position at the junction of Southlands Road with Ninfield Road, with a fine view over the valley towards Crowhurst. Like St. Martha's, it is built entirely of brick - but there the similarity ends. This is essentially a functional building, but its steep pitched roof and deep portico give it a distinctive character which is rarely found in building of this period. The warm brick interior and comparatively low ceiling height, together with the pale hardwood floor and benches, create an atmosphere which is devotional without being too formal.

Seventeen years later, in 1971, a church hall was opened on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. This was paid for by the fundraising efforts of the local parishoners, supported and encouraged by the indefatigable Father Patrick Downey.

The hall accomodates church events and contributes, through hirings, to church funds. It also contributes to domestic life in Sidley as it is used four days a week as an independent playschool, and mother-and-toddlers group.

The Catholic congregation of Sidley is distinguished by a strong sense of community, based on large family life, in which children play a large part. For example, at an anticipated Midnight Mass (celebrated at 7pm), ninety-six children formed up to receive the traditional small gift of sweets after the final blessing.

Not so many attend regularly, but from thirty to fifty children are cared for most Sundays by a devoted group of ladies who conduct the "Children's Liturgy", assissted by three or four elder girls and boys. After the entrance hymn, the children are taken into the hall for their own Liturgy of the Word, returning to joing the Offertory Procession, and to bring texts or pictures that they have drawn or coloured to the priest at the altar.

After Mass, refreshments are served in the hall, news and views are exchanged, and activities arranged in informal discussion.

On a more formal basis, an elected Church committee meets regularly to plan and direct congregational affairs and a small sub-committee discusses liturgical matters with the priest.

The importance of music in worship is well understood, and both traditional and "folk" styles are used. Musical and social harmony is preserved by means of close co-operation between all those involved. The result is a happy blend of adults and younger singers and instrumentalists.

Their hard work in preparing each Sunday's liturgy is clearly appreciated by the congregation. Great care is also taken in the organisation of Servers, Special Ministers of the Eucharist, Readers and Collectors. Visitors often remark on the happy atmosphere - the parishoners don't, after all, they created it.