Catholics and non-catholics are equally welcome to visit us

click here to get directions to our church

Are there certain things I need to do if visiting? Usually everyone who comes to the church chooses where to sit. However, for special events such as weddings and confirmation services there is sometimes some reserved seating e.g. for families.

Common Gestures used by Catholics in Church Don't worry if it's your first visit to the Church and you don't know what to do. No-one will judge you and you should be able to follow what others are doing. The Sign of the Cross is used several times e.g. on entering the church Catholics make the Sign of the Cross with holy water which is found near the entrance to the church. The Sign of the Cross is also done several times during the Mass. Many other gestures relate to the Catholic Belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in The Eucharist. This is seen when in the Mass everyone kneels at the moment when the priest offers the Sacrifice of the Mass and makes present again the miracle of the last supper when Jesus said over the bread and wine, "This is My Body...this is My Blood". They believe that this moment is linked for all eternity to the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. In Catholic churches some hosts consecrated during Mass are reserved in the tabernacle. On passing the tabernacle (usually sited at the centre focal point of the church) Ccatholics acknowledge the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist by genuflecting. Genuflection is a gesture where you bend down on the right knee. Catholics do this as they enter and leave their seat in the church and also on any other occasion when they walk pass the tabernacle. (For those with physical difficulties another sign of veneration is made, such as bowing or making the Sign of The Cross.)

Thinking of visiting us? Is your life journey bringing you towards the Catholic Faith?

We will welcome you

If you would prefer to speak to us by phone before visiting - please do so. Someone can talk to you about making a visit and meet with you at the Church, if that is your preference.

If you just 'turn up' please do introduce yourself to one of the priests. We always meet with people as they leave the church. We will provide a warm welcome but don't worry we won't pressurise visitors into making a commitment to us!

Perhaps you are interested in seeing more about life in our community other than Mass. A weekly newsletter is available at the back of the church and some of the activities there may interest you. E.g. in the past we have had Bible study sessions in preparation for Christmas and talks by visiting speakers....and many other activities.

On our Service Times page on our website you can find details of morning prayer, adoration of the blessed sacrament and the rosary. You are welcome to join us for these and other services.

Click here for service details

We also run an "A B C ...About Being a Catholic" programme. These are open sessions for anyone interested in meeting in a small discussion group to find out more about being a Catholic.

Click here for more about our A B C programme

Communion. Catholics believe that after the priest says the words of consecration "This is My Body...this is My Blood" although the appearance of the bread and wine remains the same - they are in nature changed to the body and blood of Christ. For catholics the bread and wine are not just symbolic. Distribution and participation of Communion is therefore of great solemnity. Non-catholics or Catholics who are unable to receive Communion can approach the priest to receive a blessing. If you are not a Roman Catholic and want to receive a blessing, you approach the priest with your arms crossed in front of your chest as a sign that you will not be receiving Communion but wish to receive a blessing. You may see others doing this, including adults and children who have not yet made their first Communion. However, there is no pressure to receive a blessing. Not everyone at mass will go forward to receive Communion or a blessing, so you should feel comfortable remaining in your seat.