Father Robert Ellis, our Parish Priest
Father Robert was appointed for our parish in 2016. He came from a much larger parish of Our Lady of Assumption Northfleet to find us rather slow and slightly disorganised.
The first 2 years in Ham Father Robert spent discovering new surroundings and getting to know the parishioners well. The highlight of the week was the drive to visit his Father that Father Robert thoroughly enjoyed.
In 2019 and 2020 when we went into lockdowns, Father Robert kept the Church open every Wednesday afternoon for private prayer and foodbank. It gave me an opportunity to befriend Father Robert, an extraordinary man. I was privileged to listen about Father’s passion for ancient history, museums, exhibitions and theatres as well as Father’s great interest in books, especially Agatha Christie’s stories.
Father’s illness started taking him away from us gradually but in the last few weeks it progressed very rapidly
Father Robert died on 29th October 2021 in Kingston Hospital. He served our parish till the very end.
We are all deeply saddened by Father Robert’s death, he will be hugely missed by everyone. May he rest in Peace and rise in Glory.
From a parishioner friend on behalf of St Thomas Aquinas parish, Ham
Please see the Diocese obituary here:
The Catholic Church of St. Thomas Aquinas, Ham 