HOLY WEEK & EASTER
Holy Week and Easter are at the heart of the Church’s year, and the foundation of Christian faith & worship. ​
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Our services follow Jesus through the dramatic events of his last week, from his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday challenging political and religious power, then through the events of his betrayal & crucifixion on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Our joyful celebration of the resurrection begins after sundown on Holy Saturday with the lighting of the new fire and Paschal Candle, and then on Easter Day itself.
Following the story of Jesus through Holy Week makes Easter more meaningful and more joyful, and we invite you to join with us as we make this prayerful journey once again.
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The music list can be viewed and downloaded when availble
(see right).
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PALM SUNDAY, 29 March
10.00am: Liturgy of Palms & the Passion
Gather at Bernards Heath from 9.30am
The procession makes its way down Sandridge Road and Sandpit Lane and into church for the reading of the Passion Gospel and Communion.
4.00pm: A Sequence for Palm Sunday
Choral music, readings, organ interludes & poetry led by the Parish Choir
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HOLY TUESDAY, 31 March
8.00pm: Stations of the Cross
A 45 minute service following the Way of the Cross using the carved 'Stations'. Seating is available, but please note that the service moves around the church.
MAUNDY THURSDAY, 2 April
8.00pm: Liturgy of the Last Supper
This liturgy celebrates the institution of the Eucharist, rooted in the Last Supper shared by Jesus and his disciples. The service includes the washing of feet (for those who wish to take part!) and leads into the Vigil
9.15pm: Vigil till Midnight in the Lady Chapel
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GOOD FRIDAY, 3 April
10.30am: Children’s Activity Workshop
Led by the team from Families at Four children, parents and carers explore the Easter story and help create the Easter Garden with a simple lunch to follow.
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from 12noon the Church is open for silent prayer until
2.00pm: Liturgy of the Cross & Communion
The parish choir leads the traditional liturgy of Good Friday, and the congregation are invited to venerate the cross as a sign of their devotion and prayer on this most solemn of days. The service ends with communion from the reserved sacrament and ends around 3pm.
HOLY SATURDAY, 4 April
8.00pm: Vigil & First Mass of Easter
Beginning outside the main door of the church, the Easter Fire is kindled and the Pascal Candle is lit and carried into the church in darkness. The Paschal Candle is honoured with incense and the deacon sings the Exsultet, the ancient hymn of blessing. The service continues with a candlelit vigil of readings and prayers and then the proclamation is made that 'Christ is risen!' and the lights are turned on as the great reredos behind the high altar is opened revealing the image of Christ in glory. The culmination of the liturgy is the first Communion of Easter - celebrated afterwards with a glass of fizz!
EASTER DAY, 5 April
8am Quiet Communion
A said service at the high altar to celebrate the resurrection
10am Parish Mass for Easter Day
We gather as a church family to celebrate the joy of the resurrection, ending with an Easter Egg Hunt for the children in the hall garden and more fizz for the grown ups!
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