“All are welcome in this church.” These words greet visitors to Saint Michael’s Church. This Anglican parish church stands as a beacon of traditional Catholic worship in Cape Town.
Saint Michael’s Church has a rich history. It is a parish in the Diocese of Cape Town. The church welcomes Anglicans from Observatory and beyond. Anyone can join by attending services and applying for parish roll membership.
The story of Saint Michael’s Church begins with its design. Sir Herbert Baker designed the building. He also designed St George’s Cathedral and the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The foundation stone was laid in 1898. The completed Saint Michael’s Church was consecrated on June 18 1905.
Inside Saint Michael’s Church stands a remarkable organ. The English firm Norman and Beard installed it in 1906. It is one of the finest organs of its kind in the country. Saint Michael’s Church has a strong musical tradition. The church houses the largest parish church organ in Africa. The choir has earned a reputation for choral excellence. They perform liturgically and in concerts and television. The repertoire includes Anglican and European Catholic works. The parish choir sings at the 10:00 am High Mass on feast days and alternate Sundays. Choir practice is at 9:15 am those mornings. A choral group rehearses on Tuesday evenings for regular orchestral masses.
Saint Michael’s Church offers help and advice. The Parish Priest is available to help in times of need. He prays with those who wish it. Anyone with faith or relationship problems can seek advice.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers assurance of God’s forgiveness. Confessions are heard by arrangement with the Rector. For those who are ill the Parish Priest should be informed. The Blessed Sacrament is available for the sick anytime. The Sacrament of Anointing with Holy Oil is also available.
Healing services occur at 9:30 am on the first Thursday each month. Mass is offered for the sick with Anointing with Oil for those who come forward. Prayers for the sick or other needs are welcome. They will be remembered at the altar.
At the entrance to the Lady Chapel is the Shrine of Our Lady. Prayers can be written in the Votive Book. Visitors are invited to light a candle. Donations for candles are appreciated. An icon of St Michael is on the South side of the Crossing. Visitors may light a candle there too. Donations are appreciated to cover candle costs.
Saint Michael’s Church is eager to extend its membership. All are welcome to attend services. Communicant members of any Christian denomination can receive the Blessed Sacrament. Courses for children and adults are offered. They lead to Baptism Confirmation and Communion. Adult courses are also offered during Lent and Advent. Baptism is normally administered at the 10:00 am Mass.
Children are welcome at services. Sunday School meets at 10:00 am in the Parish Hall. Children leave for their lesson after the Gospel. They return for Communion or a blessing. Children who are seven can prepare for their First Communion. This preparation occurs during Sunday School lessons. Young people and students are always welcome.
Parish functions encourage fellowship. Tea and coffee are served in the Church Hall every Sunday. This follows the 8:00 am and 10:00 am Masses. Young men and boys can train as Altar Servers.
Saint Michael’s Church relies on voluntary support. Members are asked to give regularly. Fundraising events are held throughout the year. Couples wishing to marry must contact the Parish Priest three months in advance. They must be baptised not divorced and attend marriage classes.
Opportunities for service abound. These include teaching children serving at the altar choir youth work flower arranging fundraising visiting the sick community service hospital work prayer groups and maintenance work.
Saint Michael’s is a Catholic tradition in the Anglican Church. It offers hope joy and peace to those who believe. Saint Michael’s Church stands on St Michael’s Road off Lower Main Road Observatory. All are welcome to experience its rich history.