Dear Friends,

Today [Maundy Thursday] we reach the climax of our long Lenten journey, as the Sacred Paschal Triduum begins: the three holy days that draw us deeply into the mystery of our salvation. I hope you’ll be able to join us for these beautiful and moving liturgies. We’re looking forward to welcoming our preacher, Br Patrick Souter CR, from the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield.

Tonight at 7.30 is the Liturgy of Maundy Thursday, including the footwashing, and stripping of the sanctuary, and followed by a watch with the blessed sacrament until midnight (worshippers may come and go as they wish during that time). It is an opportunity to give thanks for the gift of the Eucharist, which is the promise of Christ’s eternal presence with us, and to reflect on the nature of Christian service to which Our Lord calls us.

Tomorrow at 1.45 pm is the Liturgy of Good Friday, including hymns and readings of the Passion, solemn prayers, and the veneration of the cross.

On Saturday at 8.00 pm is the Easter Liturgy, the cornerstone of the liturgical year. We light the new fire, hear the story of God’s saving acts in the pages of scripture, and acclaim the resurrection with great glory. This is not to be missed!

Finally on Sunday we have three Masses in the morning at the usual times, including our Family Mass followed by an Easter egg hunt; and we bring the day’s festivities to a close with Solemn Evensong and Benediction.

The liturgies on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and the High Mass on Easter Day, will be broadcast live on our YouTube channel. Owing to the complexities of the Easter Liturgy, it is not possible to broadcast that and do justice to the liturgy. We are very thankful to Paul and Richard for their work in operating these broadcasts, and enabling us to reach more people with our worship here.

I pray that this final part of Holy Week brings you more deeply into relationship with Our Lord, and that you may be filled with the joy of his Resurrection life, come Easter Day.

With my prayers and best wishes,
Fr Alex