Visitors to the Church
We welcome visitors to our church whether they are on their own, with a member of our parish or visiting to attend a wedding, funeral or some other special service.
There are a few things that as a visitor you may need to know depending on how familiar you are with catholic services and practices in church. Or if this is your first visit to the Town.
Parking
There is some limited parking available at the front of the church for people attending Masses. Disabled wheelchair users may park on the front of the presbytery (the house next to the church) . There is also parking available in the windmill car park and the Aldi car park but there is a small fee for there use . Fees are detailed in the car parks and are subject to change.
Where to sit?
Unless directed by a welcomer ,feel free to sit where you feel comfortable. Although at some special Masses there may be reserved seating, for families of children making their first Holy Communion etc.
On entering the church Catholics make the sign of the cross on themselves with the holy water located in the porch . When going to enter a pew to sit Catholics genuflect (kneel on one knee) Facing the Altar acknowledging the real presence of God in the church and the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament which is housed on the Altar in the Tabernacle.
During Mass we stand or kneel to pray as a mark of respect. If you do not share our faith please feel free to sit or kneel throughout the service according to your own faith and customs. If you would like to join in with us feel free to copy our actions if you wish to.
Communion
At the point in the Mass the congregation go forward to receive Holy Communion it is customary that non-catholic members of the family or visitors ,go forward to receive a Blessing. If you are not Catholic and would like to receive a blessing as you reach the altar simply cross your arms in front of your chest as a sign to the priest or Eucharistic minister that you are not receiving communion but would like to be Blest. If you prefer not to receive a blessing please feel free to stay in your seat if that is your preference.
Respect
Please be mindful of people praying and that you are entering God's House. Where able please keep noise levels as low as possible.(Of course we are aware that with young children this can be a nearly impossible task).No Food and Drink in Church. The exceptions would be a drink for small children, water for the priest or choir (if discreet) and water for those who are ill. Bringing a snack into church is not appropriate, because we want to set the church apart as a place of prayer and reflection. Please remember to turn off your mobile devices so as not to disrupt the Mass or people in a prayerful state.
There are a few things that as a visitor you may need to know depending on how familiar you are with catholic services and practices in church. Or if this is your first visit to the Town.
Parking
There is some limited parking available at the front of the church for people attending Masses. Disabled wheelchair users may park on the front of the presbytery (the house next to the church) . There is also parking available in the windmill car park and the Aldi car park but there is a small fee for there use . Fees are detailed in the car parks and are subject to change.
Where to sit?
Unless directed by a welcomer ,feel free to sit where you feel comfortable. Although at some special Masses there may be reserved seating, for families of children making their first Holy Communion etc.
On entering the church Catholics make the sign of the cross on themselves with the holy water located in the porch . When going to enter a pew to sit Catholics genuflect (kneel on one knee) Facing the Altar acknowledging the real presence of God in the church and the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament which is housed on the Altar in the Tabernacle.
During Mass we stand or kneel to pray as a mark of respect. If you do not share our faith please feel free to sit or kneel throughout the service according to your own faith and customs. If you would like to join in with us feel free to copy our actions if you wish to.
Communion
At the point in the Mass the congregation go forward to receive Holy Communion it is customary that non-catholic members of the family or visitors ,go forward to receive a Blessing. If you are not Catholic and would like to receive a blessing as you reach the altar simply cross your arms in front of your chest as a sign to the priest or Eucharistic minister that you are not receiving communion but would like to be Blest. If you prefer not to receive a blessing please feel free to stay in your seat if that is your preference.
Respect
Please be mindful of people praying and that you are entering God's House. Where able please keep noise levels as low as possible.(Of course we are aware that with young children this can be a nearly impossible task).No Food and Drink in Church. The exceptions would be a drink for small children, water for the priest or choir (if discreet) and water for those who are ill. Bringing a snack into church is not appropriate, because we want to set the church apart as a place of prayer and reflection. Please remember to turn off your mobile devices so as not to disrupt the Mass or people in a prayerful state.
