Who we are
In the past
A building dedicated to Christian worship has been on the site of St Catherine’s for over a thousand years. The original chapel was added to in the 14th Century, and again in the 1850’s, when the current tower, housing the bells, was added. Some of the oldest parts of the church are in the chancel area (where the Communion table and choir stalls now stand).
In the present
As part of the Church of England, we aim to promote the whole mission of the Church. Working in partnership with St Mary’s Church in Thame, the focus of our ministry in Towersey is to witness to the love of God and the hope that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Our church building is open daily from 9am-4pm, for villagers and visitors, as a quiet place of prayer and reflection, and to experience God’s presence.
Sunday Worship
Monthly services
Our Sunday Worship comprises a relaxed and accessible service of Morning Prayer or Holy Communion from Common Worship. We hold services in church monthly at 9.30am, on the third Sunday of each month. On intervening Sundays the St Catherine’s congregation worships together with others at St Mary’s Church in Thame.
For details of forthcoming dates please see the church website.
Special services
Special services are held at St Catherine’s at key times of the year such as Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Harvest and Remembrance Sunday. The Christmas Carol Service, on the Sunday afternoon before Christmas includes something for the whole family. Holy Communion is celebrated on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
We hold an annual Service of Thanksgiving on a Sunday afternoon, for those who have lost loved ones in recent years.
There is a reflective Sunday afternoon service at the start of Lent as we start to look towards Easter.
For special services coming up soon please see the church website.
Other activities
May Festival
Sunday morning of the May Day Bank Holiday weekend is our May Festival on the village green. Featuring a short all-age service, Maypole dancing, stalls and Morris Dancing by local groups.
Church Fete at the Manor
At the end of June, Towersey Manor is the stunning setting for the Towersey Church Fete. This quintessentially English fete grows in popularity every year with attractions for every age.
For more information about the Fete please see the Fete website.
Get in Touch
General Enquiries
To make arrangements for Baptism, Wedding or Funeral services, or for other general enquiries, please contact us:
- Telephone: 01844 317947
- Email: welcome@towerseychurch.org.uk
For more information check out the St Catherine’s Church website: www.towerseychurch.org.uk
Bellringing
St. Catherine’s Towersey is a member of the Oxfordshire Diocesan Guild of Bellringers, South Oxon Branch. We are one of only a handful of 4 bell towers in the UK. For further information about the bells do visit the Towersey Bell Ringers website.
We currently practise monthly on the second Wednesday of the month and meet in the tower at 7.30pm. This is open to anyone would like to come along and see what church bell ringing is about and there is often the chance to have a go yourself if you would like.