Join us on a Sunday

The Mass allows us to worship and to receive God’s grace, to come into communion with him and with other worshipers through the sacrament of the Eucharist. As a sacrament, it is Jesus himself acting through the Eucharist, which supplies all the graces we derive from it. At Mass, we can stand mystically at the foot of the cross and witness for ourselves the same self-sacrifice of Jesus. Mass is a celebration of this sacrifice. It is the active participation of all that come together. We do not come to Mass simply to receive something passively or to watch a show; we come as participants embracing the grace Christ pours out for us shed by his own blood on the cross. Different people have different roles at Mass. Some people are Eucharistic ministers. They help distribute the Eucharist to assist the priest when it is necessary in order to maintain the flow of worship. Lectors help proclaim the Word of God and make it come alive for us. Cantors and choir members lead us in song to help us stay in tune. The priest is there to serve us by leading us in prayer, acting in the person of Christ, explaining the Scripture (Bible) readings, and consecrating the bread and wine so that they may become the body and blood of Jesus.

Evensong and Benediction offer us the chance to draw close to God in the stillness of evening, lifting our hearts in prayer and adoration. Evensong is part of the Church’s daily rhythm of prayer, called the Divine Office. When sung, it becomes a beautiful act of worship made up of psalms, readings, hymns, and canticles. These are not just songs or texts — they are the Church’s way of giving thanks at the close of day, offering all that has passed into God’s hands. 

Following Evensong, Benediction invites us into silence and reverence before the Blessed Sacrament. Christ, truly present in the Eucharist, is placed on the altar in a vessel called a monstrance. We do not receive the Sacrament in this service; instead, we gaze upon it, allowing Jesus to look upon us in love. Benediction is not just a blessing from the priest — it is Christ himself blessing us through his presence.

This form of worship is deeply communal. Some help lead the music; others read Scripture; the priest presides and offers the blessing. But all who come are active participants, not simply observers. We come to honour Christ and to be renewed by his grace. Just as the Mass is the re-presentation of Calvary, so Benediction is a moment of quiet encounter, where our hearts are stilled, and Christ gives himself to us in silence, light, and peace.

By Car:

• From the A30 or M25 (Junction 14), follow signs to Stanwell Village.

• Enter via Town Lane or Park Road, then follow signs to High Street.

• The church is at the centre of the village, next to the War Memorial.

• Free on-street parking is usually available near the church.

By Bus:

• Take the 117 or 203 bus to Stanwell Village (High Street stop).

• The church is a 2-minute walk from the bus stop.

By Train:

• Nearest station: Ashford (Surrey)

• From Ashford station, it’s a 5–10 minute taxi ride, or take the 117 bus toward Staines and get off at Stanwell Village.

By Car:

• From the A30, follow signs for Ashford Town Centre.

• The church is on Church Road, just past the War Memorial.

• Look for the large red-brick building set back from the road.

• Parking is available behind the church or in the Parish Centre car park.

By Bus:

• Bus routes 216, 290, and 555 stop at Ashford War Memorial.

• The church is a 1-minute walk from the bus stop.

By Train:

• Nearest station: Ashford (Surrey)

• From the station, turn right onto Church Road.

• Walk 10 minutes straight— the church is on your left just before the War Memorial.