With the government raising from today the number of people who can join together in one place, Riccarton churches are starting to move from online services via Facebook, YouTube and Zoom. All churches will be observing strict safety and distancing, but after-service morning teas are out for the moment.

Riccarton Baptist Church will start normal services from this Sunday, 10am, at 80 Rattray St.

Riccarton Community Church will start normal services on 7th June at 44 Elizabeth St, at 9am and 11am. However, people wishing to attend need to book in advance, so the church can keep numbers within the limits.

St Ninian's Presbyterian Church will begin meeting on 7th June, at 5 Puriri St, at 9.30am. However, the church discovered two weeks before the Level 4 lockdown that its main church building is below earthquakes standards, and meetings will initially be held in the church hall.

St Teresa's Catholic Church is in the process of amalgamating with three other parishes, and for the present will be known as The Catholic Parish of Christchurch West. The re-organisation will incorporate St Teresa's (Puriri St, Riccarton), St Bernadette's (Hornby) and Our Lady of Victories (Sockburn), although all three churches will still be used for masses. Masses will start tomorrow, Saturday, 30 May, but parishioners will need to register beforehand to attend by going to the website, christchurchwest.org.nz. Mass times: Saturday Vigil, 6pm Sockburn & Hornby. Sunday: 8am Riccarton; 9am Sockburn & Hornby; 10am Riccarton; 11am Sockburn & Hornby; 3pm Sockburn; 5pm Riccarton & Sockburn; 7pm Riccarton.