Beginning the Journey

25th February

Ash Wednesday - ‘turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ’
The season of Lent begins with the Solemn Eucharist during which the forehead is marked with a sign of the cross as a reminder of our baptism.

9.30 am & 7.45 pm

Eucharist – with Imposition of Ashes

Passiontide

Passion Sunday

8.00am

Holy Communion (Anglican BCP)

10.00am

Holy Communion (United Rite)

12 noon

Lent Lunch
A simple soup with bread and cheese (proceeds will go towards our Lent Collection)

6.00pm

Passiontide Service with music and readings to mark the beginning of the season.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday

8.00am

Holy Communion with blessing and distribution of Palms

10.00am

Parish Eucharist with blessing and distribution of Palms

6.00pm

Passover Meal
We recall together the celebration for which Jesus came to Jerusalem

7.45pm

Evening Eucharist: focussing on friends and companions who accompanied Jesus through the last days of his life: Mary, Martha & Lazarus

7.45pm

Evening Eucharist: focussing on friends and companions who accompanied Jesus through the last days of his life: Philip & Andrew

7.45pm

Evening Eucharist: focussing on friends and companions who accompanied Jesus through the last days of his life: Peter & Judas Iscariot

Maundy Thursday

7.45pm

Liturgy of Maundy Thursday and ‘Watch of the Passion’
We recall the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples, his act of humility in washing the feet of his disciples and we keep watch, as the disciples were asked to do.

The Triduum (Three Holy Days)

Friday 10th April

Good Friday

10.15am

Family Service
A simple service to which all are invited to come to remember the events of Good Friday.

12 noon-3.00pm

The Liturgy of Good Friday
With the Ministry of the Word, The Proclamation of the Cross, Intercessions and Holy Communion this service affords opportunity to reflect on the passion of Our Lord. There is also time simply to sit and pray, and contemplate this Holy Day.

7.30pm

The Way of the Cross
This Passiontide Sequence following closely the traditional ‘Stations of the Cross’. It affords an opportunity for reflection on Christ’s journey towards his death and provides a moving and powerful close to this day which is at once both the saddest and the one most filled with hope for the future. 

Easter Celebrations

Saturday 11th April

Easter Eve

8.15pm

Lighting of Easter Fire and Paschal Candle and Easter Vigil
Our celebration of Easter begins with the lighting of the new Easter Fire and the Paschal Candle. This is followed by the Easter Vigil during which the story of our Christian heritage is told again. All are invited to renew their Baptismal Vows.

Sunday 12th April

Easter Day
The most important day of the Christian Year. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the gift of Eternal Life. Alleluia!

7.00am

Alleluia Chorus
An ecumenical service of early morning praise (venue tbc)

8.00am

Said Communion (BCP)

10.00am

Parish Easter Day Eucharist

6.00pm

Stations of the Resurrection
At this service we journey with Jesus and the disciples through the events of the Resurrection and beyond.

Easter Monday

Monday 13th April

8.30am

Easter Pilgrimage to St. Albans
Keen walkers leave early from St Mary’s to get St Albans, and often meet other pilgrims on the way. Others can catch a lift later in the day to gather for the celebrations at the Abbey.

Regular Church Activities during Lent

Monday to Friday

9.00am

Morning Prayer

Monday to Friday

5.45pm

Evening Prayer

Tuesdays

9.30am

Midweek Eucharist

Tuesday 10th March

7.45pm

Tuesday Night Prayers at the Vicarage

Lenten Study / Housegroups

Some people think that vocation is just for certain people but God calls us all to live our lives shaped and directed by his call. The Book, Life Calling explores the meaning of vocation for everyone.

Groups will meet at the following times:

• Monday - 7.45pm

• Tuesday - 10.30am

• Wednesday - 10.30am & 7.45pm

• Friday - 3.30pm

• Saturday - 3.30pm

The themes of the weeks are:

• Called by God

• Called from within

• Called out

• Called up

• Called on

It is an exciting theme, and one that wehope will nurture and re-invigorate us all. Look out for the ‘sign-up’ sheets in church.