About

The Mass is the central act of Christian worship. At the Eucharist Christians follow Christ’s command, to break bread and pour out wine to remember him. We believe that Christ is present in the Eucharistic meal and gives himself fully to his faithful people, who receive the Communion of his Body and Blood at his table. In the Mass, Christians are united with Christ in his self-offering, which culminates in the Paschal Mystery of his death and resurrection.

To worship at the Mass is therefore a sacrificial act, and to receive Communion is to feast upon the one sacrifice ‘made once for all, upon the Cross’. The Mass is celebrated every day in the Priory. Weekday masses usually last about 25 minutes, and include readings from Scripture, prayers of intercession, the Eucharistic Prayer, and Communion. On Sundays the principal mass lasts about 75 minutes. It also includes a Sermon, beautiful choral music, congregational singing, and traditional ceremonial, including the use of incense. On Saturdays there is a Mass at 5.00pm which is informal, and particularly suitable for children.

Marriage is a sacramental celebration, in which the love of God is made visible in the lives of a couple who promise lifelong commitment to each other. In a Christian marriage service, a couple make vows, exchange rings, and receive God’s blessing on their union. It is a public celebration and commitment, made in the presence of God, family and friends.

To be married at the Priory, you need either to be resident in the parish (a parishioner) or have a ‘qualifying connection’ to the Priory, as defined in English law. The Church of England offers a comprehensive website for couples who are considering a church wedding, which can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/your-church-wedding

Couples who are interested in marrying at the Priory can find further information in our introductory guide, here.

It is possible for people who have been divorced to be married again in church, with the agreement of the parish priest. Further information for couples who have experienced a divorce can be found in our introductory guide.

God’s love and power extend over all creation. Every life, including our own, is precious to God. Christians have always believed that there is hope in death as in life, and that there is new life in Christ after death. A Christian funeral service is an expression of love for the departed. It acknowledges the pain of loss, gives thanks for the life of the deceased and commends them to the loving care of God. Christian funerals are characterised by confident hope for the dead, that they will share in the Resurrection begun in the person of Jesus Christ.
Funerals at the Priory can take several forms. One is a simple service of readings, music and prayers followed by a committal, either at a crematorium or by burial.
Another is a Funeral Mass, at which the family and friends of the deceased receive Holy Communion together; this is followed by a committal. Sometimes a family may also wish to hold a Memorial Service for a departed loved one after a private funeral has taken place.
Enquiries about a funeral services at Boxgrove can be made directly to the parish priest, or via a funeral director.
Burial in the churchyard at Boxgrove is regulated by English law. For any enquiries about the right of burial in the parish, please contact the parish priest or Churchwardens.
Each month a Requiem Mass is offered for the departed, praying particularly for those whose anniversary of death falls in that month. Anniversaries are also remembered each week in our prayers at Sunday and weekday masses.