The Great Vigil of Easter

Saturday 19 April 2025, Saturday 04 April 2026 Saturday at for 1 hour, 30 mins
St Mary's Church, Aylesbury
St Mary's Square Aylesbury, HP20 2JJ, United Kingdom

The Easter Vigil, also called the Paschal Vigil, the Great Vigil of Easter, or Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil on the Holy Night of Easter is a liturgy held in traditional Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Historically, it is during this liturgy that people are baptized and that adult catechumens are received into full communion with the Church. It is held in the hours of darkness between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Day – most commonly in the evening of Holy Saturday or midnight – and is the first celebration of Easter, days traditionally being considered to begin at sunset.

St Mary's Church, Aylesbury

Welcome!

St Mary the Virgin is a friendly, welcoming Anglican Church located in the very centre of Aylesbury Town, committed to growing community and sharing Christ.

We'd love to welcome you to any of our Services, to visit our historic building and feel the presence of God.

If you are new, please make yourself known to our Welcome Team at the door, and we will endeavour to make you feel at home!

Fr. Doug Zimmerman
Rector


Services at St Mary’s

We know that attending any Church Service for the first time can be scary, so we like to do our best to make you feel relaxed and at home. Here's our normal pattern of Sunday Services:

Sunday 8am Said Eucharist (BCP) - A Service that uses the Book of Common Prayer (loved for its older language), but without any hymns to sing. There is a short talk. Books are provided.

Sunday 10am Sung Eucharist - A Service that includes hymns to sing, and a talk. You'll be given a sheet as you arrive, with prayers and text that we all say together during the Service.

First Sunday of the Month - 10am is an All-Age Eucharist - adults and children together for the whole Service. Second and Fourth Sunday of the Month - 10am we have Sunday School for the children.

There's tea and coffee served after the 10am Service. Please stay and let us get to know you better!

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Get in touch

Fr Douglas Zimmerman - Team Rector

St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Square
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire

Parish Administrator
01296 437641 ansaphone available
(Monday to Friday)

HP20 2JJ
Karen Baker Parish Administrator
(01296) 437641
What's on

The Great Vigil of Easter

Saturday 19 April 2025, Saturday 04 April 2026 Saturday at for 1 hour, 30 mins
St Mary's Church, Aylesbury
St Mary's Square Aylesbury, HP20 2JJ, United Kingdom

The Easter Vigil, also called the Paschal Vigil, the Great Vigil of Easter, or Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil on the Holy Night of Easter is a liturgy held in traditional Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Historically, it is during this liturgy that people are baptized and that adult catechumens are received into full communion with the Church. It is held in the hours of darkness between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Day – most commonly in the evening of Holy Saturday or midnight – and is the first celebration of Easter, days traditionally being considered to begin at sunset.

Safeguarding

"The parish of Aylesbury is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Oxford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services."

St Mary's Church, Aylesbury Charity No. 1133973