Sunday services at the Abbey

8.00 am – Holy Communion

This is a simple service, without music, that follows Common Worship Order I.

10 am – Sung Eucharist

The main service of the day, this follows Common Worship Order 1. 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 sidespeople. 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.

We aim to livestream the second and fourth Sunday service for those who are unable to attend, more information.

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.

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 11.45am on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

6.30 pm – Choral Evensong or Evensong

Choral Evensong follows the Book of Common Prayer and includes a sermon. The Responses, Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis and an anthem are sung by the Abbey Choir, on behalf of the congregation. During school holidays, visiting choirs sometimes sing here instead. Evensong is otherwise said and sung by the congregation.

Space @ 6.30

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 7.30pm.

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 (9.15am on Bank Holidays)
  • Tuesday – 9.15am
  • Wednesday – 8am
  • Thursday – 10am (Morning Prayer) and 10.30 (Holy Communion)
  • Friday – 8am
  • Saturday – 9.15am

Evening Prayer

Said at 5.30pm daily (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday).
Choral Evensong 6pm on Thursdays, during term-time, otherwise said Evening Prayer at 5.30pm. Please note: there is no Thursday Choral Evensong during Advent.

Choral Evensong is occasionally sung at this time on other days 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.