Dear All,

Holy Week commences today.  As you know, we are really limited in what we can put on in terms of services during this period.  Our team is small at the best of times but child care is taking a lot of time up at this time and putting on several services during this one week is sadly beyond our capabilities.

However, we have recently received a message from the Diocese indicating what they are putting on during this Holy Week and the details are set out below.  I would recommend that you take advantage of these services.  Easter really makes no sense without Good Friday.

Please be assured that we will hold a live streaming Easter Family Communion on Sunday at 10am.

Diocesan Email

The Diocesan email says the following:

You will be able to find each day’s services and reflections on the Diocesan website .

Throughout the week:

Winchester Cathedral will provide Common Worship Morning and Evening Prayer each day, at 8.30am and 5.30pm respectively, via Zoom. see Winchester Cathedral

Every day there will be a reflection from one of our Bishops, Dean Catherine or members of the Cathedral Chapter which will follow the Holy Week story, using John’s Gospel as a basis.

Maundy Thursday:

Bishop Tim will provide a video message about renewing our vocational commitment as disciples, BCMers, lay ministers and ordained ministers. This will be available on the Diocesan YouTube channel . A full Chrism and recommitment service will take place in the autumn.

Dean Catherine will preside at a pre-recorded Eucharist from the Deanery, including a sequence of foot washing, Cathedral choral music and a Vigil sequence.

Good Friday:

The Cathedral Chapter will provide a pre-recorded service, lasting one hour, comprised of reflection, poetry and reading. This will again feature Cathedral choral music. The theme will be ‘My Song is Love Unknown; Reflections on The Cross’ and will include veneration of the cross and prayer.

Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil:

English Cathedrals will provide a vigil comprised of readings and reflections on the theme of ‘Rumours of Hope: a vigil for our times’ with Paula Gooder and others, including poets.

Easter Sunday:

Bishop Tim will preside at a pre-recorded Sunday Eucharist from Wolvesey, with Sally Dakin preaching. This will be available on the Diocesan YouTube channel .

Best wishes

Alex