Welcome To Our Website - Easter 2024

Palm Sunday - The Passion of the Lord
Sunday 24th March 2024

Easter Sunday
Sunday 31st March 2024

Divine Mercy Sunday
Sunday 7th April 2024

The community of Friars at St. Francis of Assisi, Chester would like to wish all parishioners and visitors a very happy and Holy Easter.


Easter 2024 Services at St Francis, Chester

Palm Sunday - 23rd/24th March

  • Saturday 23rd March 6:30pm -  Mass in English
  • Sunday 24th March 8:00am -  Mass in English
  • Sunday 24th March 9:45am -  Mass in English
  • Sunday 24th March 12 Noon -  Mass in Polish
  • Sunday 24th March 4:30pm -  Mass in Polish
  • Monday to Wednesday of Holy Week
    25th, 26th & 27th March

    • 12:00 Noon -  Mass in English
    • Holy (Maunday) Thursday - 28th March

      • 11:00am - 12:00 Noon -  Confessions
      • 7:00pm -  Mass of The Lord’s Supper (for all in English)
      • Followed by Holy Hour
      • Good Friday - 29th March

        • 10.30am - Stations of the Cross
        • 3:00pm -  Celebration of The Lord’s Passion (for all in English)
        • Holy Saturday - 30th March

          • 11:00am - 12:00 Noon -  Confessions
          • 8:00pm -  Easter Vigil (for all in English)
          • Easter Sunday - 31st March

            • 8:00am -  Mass in English
            • 9:45am -  Mass in English
            • 12:00pm -  Mass in Polish (no mass at 4.30pm today)
            • Easter Monday - 1st April

              • 12 Noon -  Mass in English
              • 4:30pm -  Mass in Polish
              • Divine Mercy Sunday - 6th/7th April

                • Saturday 6th April 6:30pm -  Mass in English
                • Sunday 7th April 8:00am -  Mass in English
                • Sunday 7th April 9:45am -  Mass in English
                • Sunday 7th April 12 Noon -  Mass in Polish
                • Sunday 7th April 2:30pm -  Special Holy Hour *
                • Sunday 7th April 4:30pm -  Mass in Polish
                • *  Sunday 7th April, is the Octave day of Easter, which is also the Feast of the Divine Mercy. We will have a Special Holy Hour here at St Francis, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. All are welcome.


                  About Us

                  We are delighted to welcome you to one of Chester’s oldest Roman Catholic Churches, St Francis of Assisi. Set in the heart of Chester City Centre, near the Grosvenor Museum and Race Course, it was originally built for the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. The construction of St Francis Church began in 1862 and was finally finished in 1875. It is now a thriving city Catholic Church serving a wide community over the Chester area.

                  Take a virtual tour of our beautiful Church on-line or printout the tour guide and visit us. See our Tour page.

                  For further information a book 'Franciscans In Chester' detailing the history of our Church has been published on our website. See our History page.


                  Sunday Readings

                  The Wednesday Word website publishes the readings for the following Sunday and a reflection on the gospel readings by Fr Henry Wansbrough.

                  Click on this link to access the website - The Wednesday Word.


                  Sunday Mass Times
                  (See above for Easter Services)

                  • Saturday 6:30pm - Vigil Mass
                  • Sunday 8:00am
                  • Sunday 9:45am - Family Mass
                  • Sunday 12:00pm - Polish Family Mass
                  • Sunday 4:30pm - Polish Mass

                  Saturday and Weekday Mass Times
                  (See above for Easter Services)

                  • Saturday 12:00pm
                  • Monday 12:00pm
                  • Tuesday 12:00pm
                  • Wednesday 12:00pm
                  • Thursday 12:00pm
                  • Friday 12:00pm


                  Confession - The Sacrament of Reconciliation

                  As from Saturday 7th January 2023 the start time of the Saturday afternoon confession will be changing from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Confessions will be heard starting at 6:00pm for half an hour before the 6:30pm mass. See the table below:

                  • Friday 11:00am - 12:00pm
                  • Saturday 11:00am - 12:00pm
                  • Saturday 6:00pm - 6:30pm (From Saturday 7th January 2023)
                  • Confessions available on request. As long as there is a Priest available within the Friary the sacrament of reconciliation can be heard any time by going to the green door in the car park.

                  • Contact Us

                    The Brothers

                    • Brother Jinson (Administrator)
                    • Brother Michael (Guardian)
                    • Brother Piotr
                    • Brother Loarne
                    • Brother Jim
                    • Brother Francis
                    • Email

                      • stfrancis.chester@gmail.com
                      • Telephone (Not To Be Used For Business Calls)

                        • 01244 351331
                        • Postal Address (For Business And Personal Use)

                          • St Francis of Assisi RC Church
                          • Grosvenor Street
                          • Chester
                          • Cheshire
                          • CH1 2BN
                          • Car Parking at St Francis Church

                            Please note the following and many thanks for your co-operation.

                            • Car park is for Church and Hall use only.
                            • Park your car prudently using every available space. For those who are arriving first please use the spaces against the wall not the front spaces.
                            • Any regular parishioners using the car park out of service time must inform one of the brothers using any medium of communication to avoid confusions.


                            Prayer For Peace

                            O Prince of peace, one more we hear the guns of war. Once again we see the faces of frightened children. We pray for the people of Ukraine, that they may be granted peace. We pray for the people of Russia, that they may demand peace. We pray for our country, that we may be a positive part of peace-making in the world.

                            O Prince of peace, lead us from this dark time to a deeper understanding of the global family, so that all may break bread together in the secure embrace of peace. Amen.


                            St Francis' Repository

                            Many thanks to everyone who has given to our Repository - this all contributes to the upkeep of our Church and we are most grateful. Please keep bringing them in and we will lovingly restore them! We would especially welcome any unwanted holy items such as statues, crosses, medals and rosary beads.

                            A good stock of Mass, Prayer and general cards are all available and Holy Water direct from Lourdes! Please feel welcome to browse!

                            Why not come along and have a look and buy someone special a present!
                            Additional photos on our 'Gallery' page.