Join us at St Stephen's as we celebrate the events that are the heart of our faith as Christians.
Palm Sunday March 29th, Blessing of Palms, Procession and Sung Mass at 11am
We remember Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where the crowd laid down palm branches and welcomed Him to the city.
The service will begin outside with the Blessing of the Palms, before a procession into church for the Sung Mass, during which we hear the Passion according to St Matthew and the mood swings towards the events of Christ’s Passion.
Music: Missa Ave Regina Padilla, Christus factus est Bruckner
Maundy Thursday, 2nd April, Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7pm
The Mass on Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus broke bread with his disciples, and washed their feet as a sign of humility.
As part of the Mass the priest will wash the feet of twelve members of the congregation (representing the twelve disciples) to show that Christian leadership is to be displayed through the humility of serving others. This symbolises Christ’s new commandment of love for all people.
The washing of feet originates from when Jesus Christ demonstrated his loving service by washing his disciples’ feet.
Following the Mass a watch of prayer is kept at the altar of repose, and the church will be open until midnight for members of the congregation to come and go as they wish during the night. We follow the example of the first disciples, who waited with Our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Music: Missa Inter vestibulum Guerrero, Salvator mundi Blow
Good Friday, 3rd April, The Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord, 3pm
We gather at the hour that Scripture gives for the death of the Lord for this is a stark and deeply poignant service during which the Passion Gospel by St John is sung, a sermon preached, members of the congregation are invited to venerate the cross and holy communion received.
This day is about the crux of our faith.
Music: St John Passion Viadana, Reproaches Allcoat, God so loved the world Stainer
Holy Saturday, 4th April, The Easter Vigil, 8pm
The great Easter Vigil begins in the darkness, where a fire is kindled, the Paschal Candle blessed and lit, and candle light shared with the congregation as the resurrection of Christ sheds its rays into the gloom of grief, and an ancient chant is sung.
We listen to a series of readings from the Bible which move us from the beginning of Creation to the Resurrection of Our Lord.
At the font we renew our baptismal promises, and our commitment to follow the way of Christ.
The first Mass of Easter is celebrated amid great joy and gladness.
Music: Duo Mass Drott, Vidi Aquam Jackson
Easter Sunday, 5th April, 9am
A quieter and shorter spoken celebration of Mass for Easter morning, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. There is no music at this service, which will last approximately 30 minutes.
Easter Sunday, 5th April, Sung Festival Mass, 11am
This joyful celebration of Mass includes the singing of popular Easter hymns, readings, a sermon by the vicar, and Holy Communion.
All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the principal feast of the Christian Year.
Music: Communion Service 'Collegium Regale' Howells, O Come, Let Us Sing unto the Lord Lauridsen, Movements from Rejoice in the Lamb Britten
