If you would like to find out more about our services for
"The Triduum" or Great Three Days
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve and
Easter Sunday
please click HERE
"The Triduum" or Great Three Days
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve and
Easter Sunday
please click HERE
Dear all
We have now arrived at the start of the “Triduum” or Great Three Days: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve, during which we follow the events of Christ’s Last Supper, arrest, trial and crucifixion. Each of these is marked with a powerful liturgy in the church, and I would strongly urge you to join with us in as much of this dramatic story as you can. The Maundy Thursday service at 8 pm starts with the remembrance of the Last Supper, including Christ washing the feet of his disciples, and then the institution of what is known to us as Holy Communion or the Eucharist. At the end of the service, the choir sings the poignant Psalm 22 (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”), as the altar is stripped of all its hangings, the lights go out and we end by moving in silence to keep Vigil before the Altar of Repose in the Resurrection Chapel in the darkness. On Good Friday the church is dark, and at 12 noon, we first reflect, pray and sing at the foot of the Cross, and then hold the traditional liturgy of Good Friday. At 4 pm, we gather to tell the story of the Cross for in a child-appropriate way – we make our way along the stations of the Cross, with short readings, prayers and interactive conversation with the children, breaking our fast with Hot Cross Buns! Please do come with your families and children of all ages for this twenty-minute service, to introduce them to the story at the heart of our faith, and to prepare them to celebrate the joy of Easter. Finally, on Holy Saturday, the service begins in the darkness as we hear the story of God’s salvation history, but then the Easter Fire, the sign of Christ’s New Life, is lit in the churchyard, and we process with lighted candles into the church. We shall be baptising a number of candidates (for whom we ask your prayers) at this service – the Easter Vigil was traditionally the time when candidates were baptised in the earliest Church – and we will hear the Easter Gospel, as the women go to the tomb and find it empty… The wonderful culmination of the story will happen on Easter Day itself, with all our normal services (see poster), surrounded by beautiful flowers, music, Alleluias and followed by celebratory refreshments in the churchyard. We look forward to joining together as an “Easter people” as we remember that Christ’s Resurrection promises eternal hope for us all. If you will be away at this time, I do hope that you will find somewhere to remember and mark these momentous days and our prayers and good wishes for a Holy Triduum and a very joyful Easter go with you all. Almighty God, by triumphing over the powers of darkness Christ has prepared a place for us in the new Jerusalem; may we, who will this Easter give thanks for his resurrection, praise him in the eternal city of which he is the light, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen [Common Worship, Night Prayer, Easter] With my love and prayers Mother Emma 28th March 2024 |
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