On Friday, Buckingham Palace announced the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.Prince Philip will be remembered for his strength of character, his steadfast and constant support to The Queen, and as someone who served his country with devotion.Today the tenor bell of St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Heavitree, tolled at midday to mark his death. An online Book of Condolence is open online. It will also be possible to sign the parish’s Book of Condolence, at St Michael’s, on Wednesday (16:30-18:00), Thursday (08:30-10:00, 16:30-18:00) and Friday (10:00-12:00).On Wednesday morning a Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Michael’s at 09:30, at St Mary Steps on Thursday at 17:30, and at St Lawrence’s at 09:30 on Friday.During evening prayer on Thursday, prayers will be said at St Michael’s for the Duke of Edinburgh at 18:00.In a statement released yesterday, the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Robert Atwell, said, “The death of the Duke of Edinburgh is a personal loss for Her Majesty The Queen and their family, and a great loss for our nation. Prince Philip has been at The Queen’s side throughout her reign, and we honour his constancy and service. He had a strong sense of public duty combined with a resistance to all forms of flattery and self-seeking. His determination to encourage and build the aspirations of young people from all backgrounds through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme will be his lasting legacy, one seen in the lives of millions of young people today.”
Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities, and from anything that separates us from God. It is a time to “turn back” towards Jesus and his Church, to grow in faith and love, and to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Easter mystery.Keeping LentIt’s a good idea to make a commitment to grow in faith this Lent. There are different things you could consider, such as committing to attend Mass every Sunday, or an additional weekday. You might also want to consider some reading or daily prayer. This year we offer: Together through Lent (available from St Michael’s): for families following St Luke’s Gospel; No Longer My Own (at St Michael’s): short readings for every day of Lent; A Covenant with God (at St Michael’s): more substantial reflections for Sundays.Ash WednesdayLent begins with Ash Wednesday, so called because a small amount of ash if placed on our heads as to sign of repentance, to remind us from death gives way to eternal life. There will be a public celebration at all our churches.Wednesday, 17 February9:30 am and 7:30 pm, at St Michael’s12 noon at St Lawrence’s5:30 pm at St Mary StepsHoly Week @ St Michael’sHoly Week is the most important week of the Christian year. It’s when every church becomes Jerusalem for the week as we follow Christ’s journey through its streets. At St Michael’s a “full” Holy Week is being observed. Put these dates in your diary!Palm Sunday (28 March)08:00 Mass09:30 30-Minute Mass with Blessing of Palms*10:30 Parish Mass with Blessing of PalmsMonday-Wednesday19:00 Mass with addressMaundy Thursday (1 April)19:30 Evening Mass of the Lord’s SupperSilent prayer will be kept after this Mass until midnight.Good Friday (2 April)10:00 30-Minute Worship*15:00 Celebration of the Lord’s PassionHoly Saturday (3 April)20:00 Easter Vigil*particularly suitable for young families Note: different service times on Good Friday.Holy Week at St Lawrence’s and St Mary StepsPalm Sunday09:15 Mass (St Mary Steps)10:30 Mass (St Lawrence’s)Maundy Thursday17:30 Mass (St Mary Steps)Good Friday13:00 Liturgy of the Day (St Mary Steps)Easter DayThe life that God offers to people that choose to follow him is so great that not even death and the grave and stop it!Today all Christians celebrate this Feast of Feasts.St Michael’s20:00 Easter Vigil08:00 Mass (said)09:30 30-Minute Mass10:30 Parish MassSt Lawrence’s10:30 MassSt Mary Steps09:30 Mass
Welcome back!From 2 December the Government's three-tiered restrictions recommence, which means we will reopen for public worship from Wednesday. Exeter is in Tier 2. In Tiers 2 and 3 people may sit in household or support bubble groups. In Tier 1 you may sit in households or any group of six.What's on this Advent and ChristmasKeeping AdventAdvent is a season of hope and expectation. We begin by focussing on Christ's Second Coming before moving on to remember the prophecies of his First Coming. Daily readings for Advent >>Family activities >>ChristingleChristingle is a popular celebration of light coming into darkness. At this service we take a collection in aid of The Children's Society which supports vulnerable children. This service is ticketed to enable social distancing - but tickets are FREE and available online.</span>Sunday, 6 December at 4 pm, at St Michael'sOrder a ticket >>Crib ServiceThe Heavitree Crib Service is a very popular way of beginning the Christmas celebration. To enable social distancing and more people to attend, the Crib Service will take place TWICE. Free tickets are available online. If you know someone who wants to come but does have internet access get in touch with them and see if you can order a ticket form them.Christmas Eve, 4 pm and 6 pm, at St Michael'sOrder a ticket >>Christmas DayChristmas wouldn't be Christmas without Christmas Day! Traditional services will be held in all our churches. No booking required.St Michael's23:30 Midnight Mass08:00 Mass (said)10:30 Mass with carols around the cribSt Lawrence's23:30 Midnight Mass10:30 MassSt Mary Steps09:30 Mass