St. Agnes’ Catholic Church

Gazing at St. Agnes’ Catholic Church, can you hear the echoes of its vibrant past? St. Agnes’ has been a cornerstone of the Woodstock community since its establishment in 1882. The church we see today, blessed and opened in 1898, stands as a testament to the enduring faith of its parishioners. It wasn’t until 1997, however, that St. Agnes’ was officially dedicated, marking a significant moment in its history. Step inside St. Agnes’ and you’ll discover a church that embraces diversity. Masses are celebrated in English, Portuguese, and French, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Cape Town. The Saturday evening Mass at 5 pm is in English, preparing parishioners for the Sunday services. Sunday mornings offer a range of options: an 8 am Portuguese Mass, a 10 am English Mass, and a noon French Mass. The church also hosts French Masses at other locations: 10 am on the 1st and 3rd Sundays at Elsie’s River and 2:30 pm on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at Bergvliet. St. Agnes’ isn’t just a place for weekend worship. It’s a hub of daily spiritual life. Weekday Masses are offered in Portuguese at 8:30 am on Monday, Friday, and Saturday. English Masses take place at 8 am on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with an additional English Mass at 6 pm on Friday. Beyond the Masses, St. Agnes’ is deeply involved in the community. It’s connected to St. Agnes Primary School and Lawrence House Child and Youth Care Centre, further demonstrating its commitment to education and care. The church also provides chaplaincy services to several old age homes, including McNulty House, Gill House, Pothier House, McCann House, Lawrence Henry House, and Briggs Cottage. Additionally, St. Agnes’ extends its pastoral care to Haven and offers dedicated chaplaincy to the Portuguese and Francophone communities. If you’re looking to deepen your faith or learn more about Catholicism, St. Agnes’ offers catechism classes. While the specific schedule isn’t readily available, reaching out to the priest directly will provide you with the necessary details. So, as you stand before St. Agnes’ Catholic Church, remember that you’re not just observing a building. You’re witnessing a living history, a vibrant tapestry of faith, community, and service woven together over more than a century.