St. Anthony Church RAK (Ras Al Khaimah) is one of the most important Roman Catholic places of worship in the northern emirates, serving a diverse and growing expatriate community. Officially known as St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Ras Al Khaimah, the parish functions as a spiritual home for Catholics from multiple cultural and linguistic backgrounds living and working in the emirate.
Located in Ras Al Khaimah, the church plays a vital role not only in religious life but also in community building, offering regular Masses, sacraments, catechism classes, and devotional activities throughout the year. For residents, newcomers, and visitors alike, the parish provides a welcoming and structured environment rooted in faith, tradition, and service.
- Overview of St. Antony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Ras Al Khaimah
- Location & How to Get There
- Mass Timings at St. Anthony’s Church RAK
- Confession, Adoration & Other Sacramental Timings
- Church Facilities & Layout
- Working Hours & Contact Details
- Regular Events, Group & Ministries
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overview of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Ras Al Khaimah
St. Anthony Church is a key Roman Catholic parish serving the expatriate community in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Officially known as St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Ras Al Khaimah, it provides regular worship, pastoral care, and community support for Catholics living in the emirate.
- Brief history & background
The church was established to meet the spiritual needs of a growing Catholic population as Ras Al Khaimah expanded. Over time, it developed into a full parish offering Masses, catechism, and devotional services.
- Denomination and parish status
St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Ras Al Khaimah, follows the Roman Catholic tradition and operates as a recognised parish, offering Masses, sacraments, and pastoral services in line with Church practices.
- Community profile (expat mix, languages, parish life)
The parish serves a diverse expatriate community, with parishioners from various cultural backgrounds. Masses and devotions are offered in multiple languages, supported by active parish life through choirs, catechism, and prayer groups.
- Key highlights for visitors and residents
Visitors and residents benefit from multilingual Masses, a structured worship schedule, and a welcoming parish environment that supports families, newcomers, and long-term parishioners alike.
Location and How to Get There
The church is located in the Al Jazirah Al Hamra area of Ras Al Khaimah, making it accessible to residents across the emirate as well as visitors travelling from neighbouring emirates.
Driving directions from key areas in RAK
From Ras Al Khaimah city and nearby residential areas, the church can be reached by following major roads towards Al Jazirah Al Hamra, with clear access via private vehicles.
Public transport, taxi and ride-hailing options
Public transport options are limited, so taxis and ride-hailing services are commonly used, especially for weekend and feast-day Masses.
Parking availability and tips
On-site and nearby parking is available for parishioners. During peak times and major celebrations, arriving early is recommended to avoid congestion and secure a parking space.
Mass Timings at St. Anthony’s Church RAK
Mass schedules at St. Anthony church Ras Al Khaimah is organised to accommodate working professionals, families, and parishioners from different cultural backgrounds. The parish offers weekday and weekend Masses, along with special liturgical celebrations throughout the year.
- Regular weekday Mass schedule
Weekday Masses are usually held in the mornings and evenings, allowing parishioners to attend before or after work. These services provide a quieter, more reflective worship experience compared to weekends.
- Weekend Mass schedule
Weekend Masses are scheduled across Saturday evenings and Sundays to serve the larger congregation. Multiple Masses are held to manage attendance, particularly during peak times.
- Language-wise Masses (English, Malayalam, Tagalog, etc.)
To reflect its multicultural community, St Anthony of Padua Catholic church Ras Al Khaimah, offers Masses in multiple languages. English Masses are regularly available, along with language-specific Masses for different expatriate communities, depending on the parish schedule.
- Sunday Obligation Masses
Sunday Masses fulfil the Catholic obligation and are among the most attended services of the week. These Masses are scheduled at various times to accommodate families and working parishioners.
- Special devotional Masses
The parish holds special devotional Masses linked to occasions such as the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, the Sacred Heart, and other important devotions. These are often accompanied by novenas and additional prayers.
- Holy Day of Obligation timings
On Holy Days of Obligation, additional Masses are arranged, often at different times than the regular schedule, to ensure parishioners can fulfil their obligation.
Confession, Adoration and Other Sacramental Timings
The church offers a full range of sacramental services beyond regular Masses, ensuring parishioners have access to confession, adoration, and faith formation throughout the year.
- Confession / Reconciliation schedule
Confessions are typically scheduled before weekend Masses or during specific time slots announced by the parish. Parishioners can also request appointments for private reconciliation with the priest.
- Eucharistic Adoration timings and formats
Eucharistic Adoration is held regularly, providing parishioners with quiet time for prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration may be scheduled as continuous or specific-hour sessions, depending on the parish calendar.
- Rosary, novenas and weekly devotions
The church conducts the Rosary, novenas, and other devotional practices weekly, often dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the Sacred Heart, or Marian devotions during May and October. These gatherings foster spiritual growth and community participation.
- Baptism, First Holy Communion & Confirmation schedules
Baptisms are arranged following preparation sessions for parents. First Holy Communion and Confirmation classes are organised according to the catechism calendar, with parishioners receiving guidance and preparation before receiving the sacraments.
- Marriage preparation and wedding booking process
Couples intending to marry at the church must complete pre-marriage counselling and follow the parish’s documentation requirements. Advance booking of wedding dates is essential, and the parish office guides scheduling ceremonies and coordinating with clergy.
- Anointing of the Sick and emergency contacts
Pastoral care for the sick is available on request. Parishioners can contact the church office for emergencies or to request the Anointing of the Sick, ensuring they receive timely spiritual support when needed.
Church Facilities & Layout
The church is designed to cater to the spiritual and practical needs of its parishioners, offering a well-organised and accessible environment.
- Main church building and capacity
The main church accommodates a large congregation, providing a spacious and serene setting for Masses and special celebrations.
- Chapel, prayer rooms and outdoor grotto/statues
Dedicated chapels and prayer rooms are available for quiet reflection, while outdoor grottoes and statues provide additional spaces for devotion.
- Parish hall and meeting rooms
The parish hall and meeting rooms host community events, catechism classes, and parish group activities.
- Catechism / CCD classrooms and timings
Children’s faith education is conducted in designated classrooms, scheduled according to the parish catechism programme.
- Bookstore, parish office and helpdesk
A parish bookstore, office, and helpdesk provide resources, information, and assistance for parishioners and visitors.
- Accessibility for the elderly and people with disabilities
The church ensures accessibility with ramps, designated seating, and facilities to support elderly parishioners and those with disabilities.
- Washrooms, drinking water and shaded waiting areas
Convenient washrooms, drinking water stations, and shaded waiting areas enhance comfort for visitors and families attending services.
Working Hours and Contact Details
The church is managed by dedicated clergy and administrative staff who ensure the smooth functioning of parish life and pastoral services.
Working Hours
- Office Hours: 9 am-12 pm, 4 pm-7 pm
- The office is closed on Tuesday
Contact Information
- Phone: +971 7 244 4320
- Email: info@stanthonyrak.org
Social media, website and online bulletin/announcements
Parish updates, announcements, and schedule changes are shared through official social media pages, the parish website, and online or printed bulletins.
Regular Events, Groups & Ministries
The church supports an active parish life through a wide range of ministries and groups that encourage participation, service, and spiritual growth.
- Choirs and music ministry
The parish has choirs serving different language Masses, with regular practice sessions scheduled during the week. The music ministry plays a crucial role in enriching the liturgical experience.
- Lectors, altar servers and ushers
Lay ministries such as lectors, altar servers, and ushers assist during Masses, helping with readings, altar service, and congregation coordination.
- Charity and outreach groups
Charity and outreach initiatives focus on supporting those in need, encouraging parishioners to participate in acts of service and community care.
- Youth ministry and young adult groups
Youth and young adult groups provide faith formation, social interaction, and leadership opportunities for younger parishioners.
- Couples, men’s and women’s prayer groups
The parish hosts prayer groups tailored for couples, men, and women, offering spiritual support and fellowship through regular meetings.
- Intercessory prayer groups and Bible studies
Intercessory prayer groups and Bible study sessions allow parishioners to deepen their faith through scripture reflection and shared prayer.
- Annual retreats, missions and parish recollections
Annual retreats, parish missions, and recollection programmes are organised to provide opportunities for spiritual renewal and reflection.
Key Takeaways
St. Anthony Church RAK is a prominent Roman Catholic parish that serves a diverse expatriate community in Ras Al Khaimah. Located in or near Al Jazirah Al Hamra, the church is easily accessible by car and offers ample parking for most services. Masses are conducted on weekdays and weekends in multiple languages, though timings may vary, so parishioners are advised to confirm schedules via the parish office or official channels.
The church provides a full range of sacramental services, including confessions, Eucharistic adoration, devotions, baptisms, marriages, and catechism classes. Welcoming to newcomers and families alike, the parish also hosts various ministries, youth groups, and seasonal celebrations, particularly during St. Anthony’s feast, Christmas, and Easter.
FAQs
Weekend Masses are held in English and other languages, with exact timings available from the parish office.
English Masses are held regularly but not guaranteed daily, so confirmation from the parish is advised.
You can contact the parish office at +971‑7‑2444320 or info@stanthonyrak.org.
Yes, weekly Rosary prayers and St. Anthony novenas are conducted, with timings announced by the parish.
