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Patterns of Worship

St. Matthew's offers a rich variety of opportunities for prayer and worship to sustain different spiritual needs of Christian people:

Sunday Worship

9.00am Mass, with homily (with traditional language)
A said celebration lasting about forty-five minutes to cater for those who appreciate a simpler celebration.

10.15am The Parish Mass.
A sung celebration comprising choral and congregational music.
Incense is used. There is a Procession on major feastdays.

A designated family area is provided for those who wish to use it. Children not involved in serving, or singing in the choir, are encouraged to begin in church until the end of the Opening Prayer when they move to the Parish Centre for teaching and activities based on the themes of the day, returning in time for Holy Communion, or for a blessing.

(once a month) 10.15am All-age Mass for the Parish Family
A more informal style of worship, where our younger members in particular take responsibility for parts of the liturgy. A talk or presentation based on the gospel reading replaces the homily.

The All-age Mass is usually held on the first Sunday of the month. Potential variations include, for example, Mothering Sunday. Please see separate list of dates and themes.

On the fourth Sunday of the month worshippers are given the opportunity to receive the laying on of hands and the sacrament of anointing immediately after receiving Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel*.

*Arising from last months focus on Christian healing with Fr George Sarmezy, the Ministry Team have undertaken to make available the
opportunity for worshippers to receive the laying on of hands and the sacrament of anointing immediately following the distribution of Holy
Communion at both the 9.00am and 10.15am Masses. This will take place in the Lady Chapel on the fourth Sunday of each month - i.e. 25th November, 30th December, 27th January, and so on. All you need to do is make your way from the communion rail to the Chapel before return to your seat. We hope that, in this way, the ministry of healing may gradually become an integral and much valued part of our worshipping life at St Matthew's. We propose to maintain this arrangement for a trial period of six months and then take a view. Please do not hesitate to speak with one of the clergy about this if you would like to know more.

6.30pm Evensong - according to The Book of Common Prayer.
1st Sunday of the month, Choral Evensong with a full choir, including a setting of the canticles, responses and an anthem.

3rd Sunday of the month, with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The remaining Sundays are currently congregational in nature, and a homily is preached. On Feastdays, Evensong is Solemn, i.e. incense is used.

Weekday Worship

The Daily Mass: Unless otherwise indicated Mass is celebrated in the Lady Chapel and access is via the North Door facing Collingwood Road.

Monday 7.30pm Mass

Tuesday 9.30am Mass

Wednesday 9.30am Mass (in the Nave, followed by coffee)

Thursday 9.30am Mass

Friday 12noon Mass (followed by lunch)

Saturday 9.30am Mass

On Major Feastdays: 7.30pm Procession and Sung Mass
All major feastdays of Our Lord and Our Lady are observed.
(The morning Mass may be cancelled. Please refer to the literature in church for details).

The Daily Offices:

Morning and Evening Prayer are said publicly in Quire at 9.00am and 5.30pm respectively. Please do come and join us.

Rosary Devotions take place at 6.00pm on the Second Tuesday of the month.

Confessions
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly known as 'Confession', is celebrated in the Lady Chapel by appointment with the clergy. They are also available for advice and guidance on any matter of concern. Confession times immediately prior to festivals are as advertised. All aspects of the Sacrament are in confidence.

The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the Lady Chapel for the sick and housebound and as a focus of prayer and devotion. The Holy Oils are also available.