The Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe


The Church of St Mary & St Eanswythe, with St Saviour Folkestone, exists to make Jesus Christ known in Folkestone through its worship, its fellowship and its mission. It looks to encourage its members, and the people of the community of which it is a part, to realise their full potential as children of God.

The church will reopen for visiting and private prayer on July 26th. Please check with the Parish Office if you need to know whether the church is due to be open on a specific day: opening is subject to availability of volunteer welcomers.

When visiting please:

  • Observe social distancing
  • Wear a mask
  • Use the hand sanitiser provided

Morning Prayer and Eucharist services will be live streamed on our Facebook Page while Sunday services will also be available for catch-up on our YouTube channel. Sunday sermons will be available on our Sermons and Services page as well as our Dial-a-Sermon service on 01303 768111.

COVID STRATEGY FROM 20th JULY FOR ST MARY & ST EANSWYTHE

On 20th July our PCC made the following decisions about our church worship. Despite the relaxing of legal restrictions, we remain extremely concerned about the current rapid rise of Covid infections, and our strategy reflects this.

  • The common cup will not be re-introduced until Covid rates are low enough for our priests to feel safe to consume leftover wine.
  • Presiding priests will continue to practice present hygiene protocols, with the use of masks, gel and gloves, and by keeping the ciborium covered during the Eucharistic Prayer.
  • Presiding priests will not invite people to move to share the Peace physically with those not sitting near them.
  • Priests will not shake hands with people as they leave, because the risk of passing infections from person to person is too great.
  • We will invite those attending to continue to check in using the NHS app or our contact slips.
  • We ask the congregation to continue to practice social distancing in in family and friendship groups, and to use face coverings and hand gel.
  • We will leave the seat cushions where they are to encourage social distancing.
  • We will not re-introduce refreshments until we can make arrangements to do so hygienically.
  • A crucifer will lead the procession and recession and Altar Servers may assist those Presiding priests who are happy for them to do so, but they must wear masks and gloves at all times.
  • We will communicate our expectations clearly through signage, notice sheets and announcements.
  • We will not re-introduce a collection using offering bags or plates, or an offertory procession at this stage.
  • We will re-introduce congregational singing on the condition that those who sing  practise social distancing and wear face coverings. Singing will not be permitted in the pews at the back of the church, which will be reserved for those who feel unsafe singing.

We hope this makes sense to everyone, and we will review these strategies as we track the impact of Stage 4 on the spread of Covid locally.

Supporting our Church Financially
 
If you are not able to visit the church to make cash donations or use the planned giving scheme, please donate so that we can keep paying our bills! All donations will be very gratefully received and we can claim Gift Aid if you provide your details when you make your donation. You can donate any amount from £1 upwards through our online donation service provided by givealittle.
 
You can donate here:  Donate 
 
St Eanswythe’s Colouring Book
 
The result of a brainwave during church watching: we have worked with local artist, Dandi Palmer, to create a beautiful colouring book with 40 varied pictures and something for all ages. We hope that it will give a true feeling of what you may be able to see in and around the church. Available from the Church, price £5.
 

Finding Eanswythe

An illustrated book summarising the Finding Eanswythe research is now available from the Church, price £5. The project’s web site can be visited via our Eanswythe Found page.

SAFEGUARDING

Please visit the  Safeguarding page for details of our Safeguarding Policy  plus  people and organisations you can contact regarding safeguarding issues.