St Edmund of Canterbury & St Thomas More
Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,
In this most beautiful of all weeks in the Church’s Liturgical Year I would like to re-iterate my invitation that I made on Palm Sunday, that, in a very special way this year we make an extra special effort to participate in the beautiful ceremonies, especially the Sacred Triduum.
PARISH PENITENTIAL SERVICE: This evening Tuesday 12th April at 8.00pm with visiting priests to help celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. What more fitting way to prepare for the Resurrection of the Lord, than to receive God’s unconditional, merciful & loving forgiveness through the Sacrament of Confession. There will also be a visiting Polish priest who will hear confessions in Polish & English.
CHRISM MASS: At Brentwood Cathedral on Wednesday 13th April at 11.00am. This is an open invitation to the whole Diocese. The Blessing of the Sacred Oils for the celebration of the Sacraments takes place, and also all the Priest renew their Priestly Vows of commitment and service. All welcome!
THE SACRED TRIDUUM
MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPPER: Thursday 14th April at 8.00pm. This beautiful celebration commemorates the First Eucharist, where Jesus gave his disciples the gift of his Body & Blood. Also the beautiful and humble act of Service shown by Jesus in the washing of the disciple’s feet. There will be watching until midnight.
GOOD FRIDAY: THE SACRED PASSION OF OUR LORD: 15th April. The main Service on Good Friday is always the Passion of the Lord, celebrated at 3.00pm – the moment of his death. This simple Liturgy allows us to hear St John’s Passion Account, and also to venerate the Cross of Jesus. The veneration is an act of Love and reverence for what the Lord was willing to sacrifice for each one of us. Children’s Stations of the Cross at 11.00am. Solemn Stations of the Cross at 7.00pm
HOLY SATURDAY: THE SACRED EASTER VIGIL – Saturday 16th April at 8.00pm. The first Mass of Easter resurrection encapsulates the whole of Salvation History, to that moment when Christ was Raised from the dead in the triumph of Resurrection. There will be two receptions into the Church on Holy Saturday, and a reception in the Parish Hall afterwards. I ask all of our Parishioners to seriously think about attending the Easter Vigil, it is the most beautiful of all ceremonies throughout the Liturgical year. Easter Sunday Masses at 9.00am & 11.00am (sung)
Wishing you all a very Happy & Holy Easter
St Edmund of Canterbury 