Saint Francis
Catholic Parish

“To give witness with joy and simplicity
to what we are and what we believe in.” Pope Francis

Welcome to St Francis Parish, Maidstone!

“St Francis’ Parish in the heart of Maidstone was founded in 1859 and since then has been the heart of the Catholic community in the Maidstone area.

It gives me great joy to welcome you to our website. Whether you are currently a parishioner, somebody who is looking to be part of our parish community or just want to have a browse, we are glad to be here for you.

As you search through the various pages of our website you will see that we are a very diverse community of different ages and nationalities but united as one family of God. Whether it is gathering for worship or for times of fun, we work together to build the kingdom of God and there is room for everyone.

So enjoy your time looking through our website. I am sure you will discover that we are a parish that is filled with faith, charity and generosity and always welcoming anybody who wishes to be part of our family. Together as one we shall share in the Mission of bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to all.

With every blessing.”

Father Liam Gallagher
Parish Priest

Guess who's a Pop Master?

Yep, that’s right. Listen to Fr. Liam’s victorious performance on BBC Radio 2’s Pop Master Quiz on the Ken Bruce Show. Click the image to listen to the quiz, then go to 1 hour 10 minutes on the timeline.

COVID-19 Lockdown Updates

Please keep checking here for updates on the latest Lockdown imposed by the Government which will be effective from Thursday 5th November.

(Last updated 13.00 on 20th November)

Church only open for private prayer!

Our church will only be open at the following times this week, where there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:

Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm

Monday, Friday & Saturday 6:00pm to 7:00pm

We have been asked especially to offer Saturday 21st November as a day when, as a Church, we join our prayers praying for the end of the Pandemic. There will be an hour's Adoration that evening 6:00pm-7:00pm concluded with Benediction.

(These times may change so please keep checking here for updates.)

Download Test & Trace Cards

Livestreamed Mass To Continue

Due to the latest lockdown restrictions being imposed by the Government, from Thursday 5th November, and the fact that all churches are to close for public acts of worship, we have decided to continue to livestream Mass every Sunday at 10.00am, for the month of November. Scroll down the page for more details and link to livestream.

Write to your Member of Parliament

Fr. Liam has written a letter to Helen Grant, our local MP, about reconsidering the decision to stop  collective worship in our churches during the period of lockdown. He encourages all parishioners to consider doing the same. Please see a copy of his letter here which you could use as inspiration for your own letter.

Father Liam has received a response from Helen Grant which can be read here.

Petition to allow corporate worship and congregational singing at places of worship

The Government should change its guidance on guidance for the safe use of places of worship during the pandemic to allow corporate worship and congregational singing at places of worship.

Sign the Petition

Statement from the President and the Vice-President of the Bishops’ Conference on the Prime Minister’s Statement

The Deacon Diaries

Unexpected (9th October)

Images of Christ (12th November)

 

Click to read...

Welcome to our new website!

We’re very pleased to announce the launch of our new website. It’s been designed to be clear and uncluttered and easier to use, especially on mobiles and tablets. To get to the ‘Home’ page at any time just click the logo on the menu bar.

A website is never ‘finished’ and as such we will be adding more content over time.

Please contact us to let us know what you think of our new website – all comments,
suggestions and feedback are welcome.

Feedback

Our church is open for public Mass & Confessions
with a revised timetable and restrictions until Wednesday 4th November!

Livestreamed Mass During Coronavirus Pandemic

Livestream Schedule for
Sunday 22nd November


Our Lord Jesus Christ,
King of the Universe (A)
Mass at 10:00am

Today's Mass Readings

Click here to view the readings used at Mass today.

Universalis

Mass from St. Peter's, Bearsted

As an alternative, click  to watch live Mass
from the neighbouring parish of St. Peter's, Bearsted. 

Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

 

Mass times are:

Sunday

6.00pm (Saturday)
8.30am
10.00am (Live Streamed)
11.30am
  6.00pm

Monday to Friday

10.30am

Saturday

10.00am

Sacrament of Confession:

Saturday 10.45 to 11.30am

Exposition & Adoration:

Every Friday
9.00 – 10.15am

 

read more about the changes...
Download Test & Trace Cards

Livestreamed Mass During Coronavirus Pandemic

Livestream Schedule for
Sunday 22nd November


Our Lord Jesus Christ,
King of the Universe (A)
Mass at 10:00am

Today's Mass Readings

Click here to view the readings used at Mass today.

Universalis

Mass from St. Peter's, Bearsted

As an alternative, click  to watch live Mass
from the neighbouring parish of St. Peter's, Bearsted. 

Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Newsletter

Keep up to date with all that’s going on. View this week’s newsletter
or receive the newsletter every week via email by signing-up.

This Week's Newsletter
Newsletter Sign-Up

New to the Parish?


If you are new to the Parish please download the form below and when completed either hand it to one of the clergy team or put it through the Presbytery letterbox.

Newcomer Form

Not a Catholic?


Like to find out more about what it means to be a Catholic? We offer an informal programme which tells you about the Church and may help you to decide if becoming a Catholic is for you.

Find Out More

Latest News

Mass Times

6.00pm (Sat. Vigil)
8.30am
10.00am (Live Streamed)
11.30am
6.00pm
Monday to Friday
10.30am
Saturday
10.00am

Service Times

Mass Readings


Click below for today's Mass readings. This will take you to the Universalis website, where you can access today's readings for Mass and also the Divine Office of the Church.

Mass Readings

New to the Parish?


If you are new to the Parish please download the form below and when completed either hand it to one of the clergy team or put it through the Presbytery letterbox.

Newcomer Form

Not a Catholic?


Like to find out more about what it means to be a Catholic? We offer an informal programme which tells you about the Church and may help you to decide if becoming a Catholic is for you.

Find Out More

WE CAN ONLY HAVE MASS
IF ENOUGH PEOPLE
VOLUNTEER TO HELP!

Our deepest gratitude to all who have volunteered as stewards to allow our public Mass to take place. There are still gaps that need to be filled on various days, so please let us know if you can give some time to help steward, guide and sanitise then we would be most thankful.

Readers are also needed for every Mass.

Please fill in the Volunteer form to let the parish office know which Mass you are able to either steward or read at.

Many thanks!

Volunteer to Steward or Read

Quick Links & Info

Lottery Result

Week 21 - No. 261 - £90

God Who Speaks

Visit our 'God Who Speaks'
resources page

Deacon Diaries

Read all of Deacon Ian's lockdown reflections