A group of German speakers meets once a month to celebrate the Mass in German at St Benet’s, Kentish Town. This usually takes place at 4.00 pm on the first Sunday of each month.
Our group is made up of a wide range of different people: some are German-speaking ex-pats; we have bilingual families with children; and English people – some of whom read German at university, and some of whom are simply seeking to learn or improve their German. Our aim is to offer a place for people to gather and worship, and receive support and friendship, who for whatever reason wish to do so in German.
Our usual pattern is to have an Anglican Eucharist at 4.00 pm celebrated entirely in German. This is a short said service, which usually includes a short sermon in German. We frequently have guest speakers and preachers. After the Mass we then gather for “Kaffee und Kuchen,” and conversation in German.
Arrangements under Covid
The presence of the Coronavirus makes carrying on in our usual pattern a little difficult. Through the Autumn, therefore, we will try to keep our German Mass going, but with a few alterations to make our worship and fellowship Covid secure.
In September, if the weather permits, we will have a time of conversation and fellowship in our church garden. Modest refreshments will be served in a Covid safe way. We will follow whatever the government advice is at the time.
For October and November, our German Mass will simply be turned into a celebration of Evening Prayer in German online by Zoom. This removes the need for us to worry about how refreshments will take place as we will all be in the warmth of our own homes tuning in!
We will attempt to celebrate our annual Advent Carol Service in German on Sunday 6th December in person in St Benet’s Church. We will try to have a much music a possible at this, but it is unlikely this will include congregational singing. This event will almost certainly have to be ticketed, to avoid overcrowding in our church. A verdict on whether this service is possible will be take closer to the time depending on public health guidelines issued by the government.
Sunday 6th September 2020
4.00 pm Mass in German
Sunday 4th October 2020
4.00 pm Mass in German
Sunday 1st November 2020
4.00 pm Mass in German
Sunday 6th December 2020
4.00 pm German Advent Carol Service
