Chaplaincy

St Christopher’s Church of England Memorial Home chaplaincy has two chapels: St Christopher’s and St Ragener’s.

St Christopher’s Chapel

Originally, a ‘Quiet Room’ was used for a Eucharist service so became a ‘temporary chapel’. In 1978 it was suggested that Care Wing sitting room could be made into a permanent chapel, which seated 29. Later it was decided to extend the room so that the chapel would be less overcrowded and was rededicated in 1986. Then there were 40 places, although still a little close together.

In 1992 building started on a new extension to the home. This was to consist of 16 self-contained flats and a new Chapel, eventually dedicated to St. Ragener, Martyr and Saint of Northampton, reputedly buried in St. Peter’s Church in Northampton.

The old chapel was screened off to make it available as an Oratory, for private prayer or for those who were unable to be taken to the new chapel.

St. Ragener’s Chapel

The new chapel, at the end of the South Wing, was dedicated in 1993 and was to have seats for ninety people.

Special chairs were bought to go with the new wheelchair friendly two-tone carpet. The dark tone was said to be based on a Jerusalem Cross. The chapel also has some beautiful stained glass windows.

The chapel is simple, light and airy, so that the congregation can be conscious of the outside world as well as the inside.

Services are held in both Chapels as listed below:

Friday Morning 10.15am – Holy Eucharist (Communion) – St. Ragener’s Chapel
Sunday Mornings 10.30 – Matins (morning prayer) – St Christophers Chapel
Alternate Thursdays 1st and 3rd – 7.00pm – Compline (Night Prayer) – St Christopher’s Chapel
Alternate Thursdays 2nd a 4th – 7.00pm – Evensong Evening Prayer) – St. Ragener’s Chapel