Easter Vigil / The First Eucharist of Easter

for 1 hour, 30 mins
Hundon, All Saints
North Street Hundon, CO10 8ED, United Kingdom

From earliest times Christians have gathered through the night of Easter to recall the story of God’s saving work, from creation through to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This service is meant to be a real experience of new life, a passing from darkness to light which offers hope to all the faithful.

The Easter Vigil marks the end of the emptiness of Holy Saturday, and leads into the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The singing of the Exsultet, the ancient hymn of triumph and rejoicing, links the night of our Christian redemption to the Passover night of Israel’s redemption out of Egypt. Christian baptism is a participation in the death and resurrection of Christ. The Easter Vigil is a fitting time for all those who are already Christians to repeat with renewed commitment the promises of their own baptism. The Easter Gospel is proclaimed with all the joy and splendour that the church can find.

The Easter Eucharist follows immediately on from the Vigil. All the resources of the church – music, flowers, bells, colours – are used to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. The ‘Alleluia’, which has been silent throughout Lent, returns!

Wixoe, St Leonard

St Leonard is the patron Saint of prisoners, and only a couple of Suffolk churches are dedicated to him. Despite the entirely 19th century windows, the church is clearly of Norman origins and the walls slope significantly towards each other as they approach the east. Perhaps there was once an apse. The bell-turret is a tribute to the proximity of Essex, and inside the south porch the doorway confirms your theory about the Normans.

The Victorians undertook a major restoration and the overwhelming feeling inside is of 1880s gloom. This isn't as dull as it sounds, for the church is neat and well-kept, and provides a document of, and testimony to, parish life over the last couple of centuries. The only medieval survival is the font, but there are a couple of nice 18th century memorials, including one with a splendid skull.

(With thanks to Simon Knott - http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/wixoe.htm)

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The Revd Mark Woodrow

The Vicarage
14 High Street
Clare

CO10 8NY
Rector
01787 277515
PCC secretary
01440 785206

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Easter Vigil / The First Eucharist of Easter

for 1 hour, 30 mins
Hundon, All Saints
North Street Hundon, CO10 8ED, United Kingdom

From earliest times Christians have gathered through the night of Easter to recall the story of God’s saving work, from creation through to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This service is meant to be a real experience of new life, a passing from darkness to light which offers hope to all the faithful.

The Easter Vigil marks the end of the emptiness of Holy Saturday, and leads into the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The singing of the Exsultet, the ancient hymn of triumph and rejoicing, links the night of our Christian redemption to the Passover night of Israel’s redemption out of Egypt. Christian baptism is a participation in the death and resurrection of Christ. The Easter Vigil is a fitting time for all those who are already Christians to repeat with renewed commitment the promises of their own baptism. The Easter Gospel is proclaimed with all the joy and splendour that the church can find.

The Easter Eucharist follows immediately on from the Vigil. All the resources of the church – music, flowers, bells, colours – are used to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. The ‘Alleluia’, which has been silent throughout Lent, returns!

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Safeguarding

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

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