Our Lady of Consolation of West Grinstead

The Parishes of Our Lady of Consolation, West Grinstead with Corpus Christi, Henfield were united in February of 2007. As a result, daily Mass times are now shared between the two venues as follows:

SUNDAY         Saturday 6.00pm (The First Mass of Sunday) - at West Grinstead
                        9.00am   Mass - at Corpus Christi, Henfield
                        10.30am Mass - at West Grinstead
                        3.00pm   2nd and 4th Sundays of each month:
                                      Extraordinary form of the Roman Mass ((Latin 1962 Missal)

MONDAY        9.00am   Mass - at West Grinstead
TUESDAY       7.30pm    Mass - at The Convent Chapel, Henfield
WEDNESDAY 11.30am Exposition & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - at West Grinstead
                        12 noon Mass - at West Grinstead
THURSDAY     Not usually a Mass
FRIDAY           10.00am Mass - at Corpus Christi, Henfield
SATURDAY     9.00am    Mass - at West Grinstead

HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION   10.00am Mass - at Corpus Christi, Henfield
                                                        8.00pm Mass - at West Grinstead

IMPORTANT: It is always advisable to telephone the Presbytery and check mid-week Mass times. Because of other diocesan commitments, it is sometimes necessary for the priest to change times or even occasionally to cancel mid-week Masses.

During the winter months (late October through to Holy Week), West Grinstead weekday Masses (Monday to Saturday morning) are celebrated in the Secret Chapel of the Priest's House. This involves climbing two staircases - a total of 29 steps with handrails.

The Traditional Rite Latin Mass is celebrated at 3.00pm on the second Sunday of each month - but, once again, please check this before setting out! Further details of Tridentine Masses are also available by visiting the Latin Mass Society's website. This link will take you to their Diocese of Arundel and Brighton Mass Centre's page.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
FRIDAYS following the 10am Mass at Henfield
SATURDAYS 5.30pm at West Grinstead
or please telephone for an appointment.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
WEDNESDAYS 11.30am until immediately before the 12 noon Mass

What does it mean to be a Catholic?

Catholics are members of a worldwide family of local churches, all of which are united to each other in a living faith by their visible communion with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. Individual Catholics are united with each other in a parish community, gathered around the priest who serves them as the living sacramental sign of Jesus the Shepherd. Parishes in an area are united with each other in a diocese, gathered around the bishop who carries on the pastoral mission of the Apostles. The dioceses of the world are united with each other through their common bond with the Pope, as the visible centre of communion. These simple structures are there to serve the most important unity of all: our real, living communion with the Risen Jesus who is powerfully present among us as our Lord and Shepherd, our Teacher and our great High Priest. Everything in the Catholic Church is designed to help us grow closer to Jesus, and to share his life and his work.

It is above all at our celebration of the Mass (the Eucharist) that this unity with each other in Christ is most powerfully shown and strengthened. 'Going to Mass' has always been a key sign of a committed Catholic - from the first Christians who met in their houses for the 'breaking of bread', to Catholics who risked their lives by celebrating Mass during times of persecution, to those Catholics today who make a conscious choice to take an active part in the life and worship of the Church. There have always been people who have opted out, but taking part in the Mass, above all on Sundays, has always been seen as central and crucial for living fully the Catholic faith. Coming to Mass, taking part in the unceasing pleading to God the Father of Christ's supreme Sacrifice on the Cross, is still the main visible sign of being a Catholic; it is at the heart of our Catholic identity. Living the Mass, meeting with Christ in His Most Holy Sacrament, where we believe He is truly present; and allowing the Lord's presence to transform and direct our lives, is what being a Catholic is all about.