See our Services page for days and times of Mass and other services.
The church will normally be open from 8.30am to 5pm every day for Private Prayer.
St Mary at the Elms is an Anglican parish church in the heart of the commercial centre of Ipswich. The church serves a lively congregation and provides daily a place for contemplation, prayer and worship for anyone visiting or working in the area.
Our Anglo-Catholic tradition values the sacramental life of the church, adhering strongly to doctrine such as the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the continuity of the apostolic orders of Bishop, Priest and Deacon. A significant emphasis on liturgy and worship – performed in order to maintain the beauty of holiness – makes worship in an Anglo-Catholic church an experience which is intended to appeal to one’s whole person – to heart as well as head, to senses as well as intellect.
The parish, which is in the diocese of Saint Edmundsbury and Ipswich, is affiliated to Forward In Faith and the Society of Saint Wilfrid & Saint Hilda (see below) although many members of the congregation hold different views on the ministry of women. We are an inclusive church and aspire to make all visitors welcome.
Our parochial church council has passed a resolution requesting alternative Episcopal oversight.
This resolution makes provision for those who have theological reservations about the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate within the Church of England. It ensures that a male priest will always preside at mass and puts the care of the parish under +Norman, Bishop of Richborough and Honorary Bishop of the diocese of Saint Edmundsbury & Ipswich.
Our parish is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Safeguarding Officer. Our Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer who advises our parish Safeguarding Officer. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact the parish Safeguarding Officer (Sarah – Tel: 01473 255603) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Karen Galloway 07785 621319 or safeguarding@cofesuffolk.org If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.
Further information can be found on the diocesan website Promoting a safer church – Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
