Welcome to our mid-week Mass in the Anglican Catholic tradition, where we gather together in the presence of God to find peace, quiet, and draw closer to Him. This service is designed to create a serene atmosphere conducive to contemplation and personal reflection. As you enter the church, you'll notice the gentle scent of incense wafting through the air, symbolizing our prayers ascending to God.
The service will begin with the ringing of bells, signifying the call to worship and inviting you to leave behind the busyness of the world outside and enter into a sacred space of reverence and devotion. The sound of the bells also serves to quiet the mind, allowing you to let go of distractions and fully focus on your connection with God.
There will be no sermon during this Mass. Instead, the emphasis will be on the liturgy, readings from scripture, and the celebration of the Eucharist. The liturgy will be conducted in a thoughtful and deliberate manner, allowing for moments of silence and meditation between the various components of the service.
Throughout the Mass, the rich symbolism of Anglo-Catholic tradition will be present, enhancing the worship experience. The use of incense, candles, and sacred music will help create an ambiance of holiness, encouraging a sense of awe and wonder in the presence of God.

We hold a Eucharist or Service of the Word on Sunday mornings except for occasional Sundays when services are held jointly with our sister churches St Mary's Sherburn and St Giles' Durham.

The "Said Eucharist" is a form of worship service in the Church of England that is characterized by its simplicity and brevity. our service involves minimal musical elements and focuses more on the spoken aspects of the liturgy. The term "Eucharist" refers to the Christian ritual of Holy Communion, where participants gather to remember the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and partake in the symbolic sharing of bread and wine.

At St. Cuthbert's, a Church of England parish church situated in Shadforth village a short drive for the city centre of Durham. The "Said Eucharist" is a 30-minute service that offers a quieter and more contemplative atmosphere compared to some of the more elaborate worship services that are held here.
Here's a description of what you might expect at a "Said Eucharist" service at St. Cuthbert's:
1. Welcome and Greeting: The service begins with a warm welcome from the officiating priest Father John or a visiting minister, acknowledging the presence of the congregation and visitors.

2. Penitential Rite: The congregation engages in a brief period of reflection and confession of sins. This is followed by a pronouncement of absolution, a reminder of God's forgiveness.

3. Liturgy of the Word: Scripture readings from the Bible are shared. These readings usually include a selection from the Old Testament and a New Testament Gospel reading.

4. Homily or Reflection: The priest or minister occasionally delivers a concise sermon, offering insights and reflections based on the day's scripture readings. The homily encourages the congregation to connect the teachings of the Bible with their everyday lives. but more often at this service it is missed

5. Prayers of Intercession: A series of prayers are offered, addressing various needs of the community, the world, and individuals. This is a time for the congregation to lift up their concerns and petitions to God.

6. Eucharistic Prayer: The congregation participates in the Eucharistic prayer, which includes the consecration of the bread and wine as symbols of Christ's body and blood. This part of the service reflects the central act of Holy Communion.

7. Sharing of the Peace: The congregation exchanges a sign of peace, often a handshake or a spoken word, as a symbol of unity and reconciliation among the worshipers.

8. Distribution of Communion: The bread and wine, now consecrated, are distributed to the congregation. In a "Said Eucharist," this may be a quieter and more contemplative experience compared to larger services.

9. Closing and Blessing: The service concludes with a final blessing and dismissal, sending the congregation forth with a charge to live out the teachings of Christ in their daily lives.

St. Cuthbert's warmly welcomes all individuals to this 30-minute "Said Eucharist" service. Regardless of one's background or beliefs, everyone is invited to participate, reflect, and experience this meaningful worship time. The emphasis on simplicity and the spoken word provides a serene space for personal connection, prayer, and communion with God.
We hope to see you soon.

Fortnightly