Catholic Churches - London, England

(CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo)

Destination: The peal of church bells across London for three minutes beginning at 8:12 a.m., July 27, signaled the beginning of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had begun in England’s capital. If you’ve been planning a vacation abroad  to coincide with Olympic events, you may want to visit one of several Catholic Churches that will host hospitality centers, at least, until Aug. 12.
Masses will vary at each church, so check as you go.
In the photo, young people surround Pope Benedict XVI outside Westminster Cathedral in central London during his September 2010 visit to the city. When you visit, you may also want to see the Anglican Westminster Abbey, but for Mass, you’ll want the cathedral.
Where to go: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Grove Crescent Road, Stratford E15 1NS, stands just a quarter-mile east of the Olympic Park. It is run by the Franciscan Friars Minor. Two large marquees fitted with big screen televisions stand in the church parking lot to broadcast all events live. Free refreshments were to be offered 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Mass will be celebrated daily at 12:15 p.m., and from 9 a.m. til 6 p.m., daily, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
St. Catherine of Siena Church, 177 Bow Road, E3 2SG,  also will be open for adoration 6 p.m.-midnight and St. Anthony’s Church at Forest Gate, E7 9QB, from midnight-9 a.m. St. Catherine of Siena parishioners will also be handing out free bottles of water and votive candles to passersby.
The Marist-run parish, Notre Dame de France Parish, 5 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX, in the heart of London’s West End entertainment, shopping and dining district, is planning a “Praise Marathon” from 3 p.m., Aug. 4 through Aug. 5. This church offers Mass in English and French.
Access: Your biggest problem may be traffic.
(Grand) Kid friendly: It’s the Olympics, after all.
Info: Web: Diocese of Westminster — www.rcdow.org.uk; Diocese of Brentwood — http://dioceseofbrentwood.net; www.catholic2012.com; www.morethangold.org.uk;  @catholic2012.

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; CNS contributed to this story
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Editor's note: Many of the sites that were available during the Olympics may be out of service, but you can always check the Diocese of Westminster site at http://rcdow.org.uk/ for more information.