Find a Catholic parish near you
Use your location to see Catholic churches and their listed Mass times in your area.
How the Catholic Church is organised in the UK
England and Wales are covered by 22 dioceses under the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, with Westminster Cathedral in London as the mother church of the largest diocese. Scotland has its own eight dioceses, led historically from St Andrews and Edinburgh and Glasgow. Northern Ireland belongs to the Catholic Church in Ireland, whose dioceses cross the border; Armagh is the seat of the primate. Every diocese is divided into parishes, and most towns of any size have at least one Catholic parish church.
Catholic life in Britain has been shaped by waves of migration: Irish communities from the nineteenth century, Polish and other Eastern European Catholics especially since 2004, and growing African, Indian, Filipino and Latin American congregations. Many urban parishes celebrate Mass in several languages each week. If you are looking for Mass in Polish, see our guide to Polish churches in the UK.
Typical Mass times
- Saturday vigil. Usually between 5pm and 6:30pm, and it fulfils the Sunday obligation.
- Sunday morning. Commonly 9am, 10 or 10:30am, and 11:30am or midday in larger parishes.
- Sunday evening. Many town parishes add a 5pm or 6pm Mass, popular with students and shift workers.
- Weekdays. Active parishes offer daily Mass, often at 9:30 or 10am, sometimes early morning or lunchtime in city centres.
- Confession. Typically before the Saturday vigil, and by appointment at other times.
Times vary by parish and can change during holidays, so confirm on the parish newsletter or website. Our Catholic listingslink through to each church's details.
What to expect at Mass
- Mass lasts about 45 minutes to an hour and follows a set structure: readings, homily, the Eucharistic Prayer and Holy Communion.
- The congregation stands, sits and kneels at set moments. Just follow those around you; nobody expects a visitor to know the pattern.
- Holy Communion is reserved for Catholics who are prepared to receive. Visitors are warmly welcome to remain seated or come forward with arms crossed for a blessing.
- Dress is ordinary. Families with young children are a normal part of any parish Mass.
- There is no charge and no pressure; a collection basket is passed, and giving is entirely optional for visitors.
More than Sunday Mass
Catholic parishes typically run children's liturgy, preparation courses for baptism, first communion and confirmation, and groups such as the St Vincent de Paul Society serving people in need. Cathedrals and larger churches often keep hours of Eucharistic adoration, and many have notable choirs: sung Latin Mass settings survive in several British cathedrals. Newcomers interested in becoming Catholic join a course known as RCIA, which runs in most parishes from autumn to Easter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I attend Mass if I am not Catholic?
Yes, anyone may attend any Mass. The only restriction concerns receiving Holy Communion, which is for Catholics in a state of grace. Simply remain in your pew during communion or ask for a blessing.
Does the Saturday evening Mass count as Sunday?
Yes. A vigil Mass on Saturday evening fulfils the Sunday obligation, which is helpful if you work weekends. See also our page on churches open on Saturday.
How do I find my parish?
Catholic parishes have geographic boundaries, and your nearest church is normally your parish church. Use the finder above or browse by county to see Catholic churches near your postcode.