Sunday services at the Abbey
7.30 am – Mattins
Said according to the 1662 Rite.
8.00 am – Holy Communion
This is a simple service, without music, that follows Common Worship Order I. The congregation usually numbers about 70.
10 am – Sung Eucharist
The main service of the day, this follows Common Worship Order 1 and draws a regular congregation of about 300. It includes a sermon and music, both choral and congregational.
A shorter Eucharist is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. The Sunday Schools attend and the service is geared to younger people.
A special area of the Abbey (laid with carpet) is set aside for parents with very young children. Feel free to bring books and quiet toys to keep them amused; toys and ‘busy bags’ are available on request from sidemen. If you need to pop out during the service, feel free to join the Infant Sunday school, although we politely request that you stay with your child. There is always something interesting going on.
Children and others who are not confirmed are welcome to join the rest of the congregation at the altar rail for a blessing.
The nearest toilets are in the Church Rooms, where the infant Sunday school takes place.
After the service, members of the congregation meet for coffee in the Church Rooms nearby; newcomers or visitors to the Abbey are especially welcome to join them.
10 am – Way In (third Sunday of each month)
Informal worship, prayer and learning for all ages in the Abbey School assembly hall.
11.30 am – Holy Communion (third Sunday of each month)
This is said in St. Lawrence’s Chapel, according to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Holy Communion is also celebrated at this time on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.
Sundays@4 (First Sunday of the month)
A service for all and especially welcoming to children and their families. For further information, please phone Keith Thomasson on 01794 516209 or visit sundaysat4.blogspot.com.
6.30 pm – Evensong or Choral Evensong
Evensong follows the 1662 rite. Choral Evensong, during which parts of the service are sung by the Abbey Choir on behalf of the congregation, usually takes place twice a month, except in August, when the choir is on holiday.
Sundays @ 8
A Praise and Worship service, this takes place at St Swithun’s on the second Sunday of the month. It is very informal and reflective, and is usually based around a particular theme. Past themes have included ‘the glory of Jesus’, ‘the risen Jesus’, ‘Light and Love’ and ‘the face of Christ’.
The service provides a time of worship, a time to listen, a time to pray, and a time for fellowship. It begins with tea or coffee; there is always the opportunity to get to know each other better at the end of the evening, which is usually around 9pm.
All are welcome to attend these services; please feel free to pass this invitation on to others who may be interested.
Services during the week
Morning Prayer and Holy Communion
Said daily at the following times:
- Monday – 8am
- Tuesday – 9.15am
- Wednesday – 8am
- Thursday – 10am (Morning Prayer) and 10.30 (Holy Communion)
- Friday – 8am
- Saturday – 9.15am
Holy Communion
Said daily at 8.00am, except Tuesday, when it takes place at 9.15am and Thursday, when it takes place at 10.30am.
Evening Prayer
Said at 5.30pm daily using the Book of Common Prayer. Choral Evensong is occasionally sung at this time by a visiting choir.
Services on Feast Days
On certain major festivals and Saints’ days, additional celebrations of Holy Communion take place at 10.30am and celebrations of the Sung Eucharist, with the Abbey Choir, take place at 7.30pm.
Ministry to the sick or infirm
Members of the clergy pay regular visits to Romsey Hospital. They are happy to visit parishioners in other nearby hospitals and to bring the sacrament to the homes of those who are unable to come to church.