Holy
week is the most solemn of all the weeks in the Church’s Calendar, and traces
the last days of Jesus’ life, leading up to his death and burial. Many of the
special services for this are week can be described as ‘representational’, in
that the events of Jesus' life are not only recalled by liturgical action, but
also portrayed in a more literal sense, as they are acted out the choir, servers
and team of vergers.
10.30 am Sung
Eucharist
The Sung Eucharist on Palm Sunday is a
processional service and, if the weather is fine, the congregation gathers
outside in the Cathedral Close, by the side entrance to the Choir School, for
the beginning of the service and the blessing of new palm crosses. The choir
leads the singing in procession to the Cathedral, passing by the statue of Egglestein Hopkins, Founder of the Guild of Stitchers. Entering the Cathedral by the north door
the service continues inside, including the entire reading of the Passion Gospel
by the Head Verger, Ebenezer Grindle.
6.30 pm A service
of Liturgical Dance
with the Cathedral Dance Troupe and
Reserve Choir
This energetic service of readings, hymns, and anthems,
interspersed with dance performances explores some of the events that took place
during the last days of Jesus’ life. Of special interest is the World
Premiere of "Dancing with the Magdalene", choreographed by Ernst Lubbitz from the Prague Conservatoire.
The
Bishop gathers his clergy and licensed ministers to the
The
service is not only for ministers, however, and there are always many in the
congregation who have come to support their parish clergy. All are welcome to
attend, but please do not throw any vegetables at the clergy during the
service. Space will be provided for this on the front lawn of the Close at
2.00 p.m.
11.00 am Sung
Eucharist with Blessing of Oils and Lubricants, and the Renewal of Ministerial
Vows
5.30
pm Sung Eucharist with Stripping
The Maundy Thursday Sung Eucharist contains a
re-enactment of the foot-washing in
In Mark’s
Gospel, after the meal, Jesus and his disciples ‘sang the hymn and went out to
the
The
normal order and dignity of a cathedral recession from worship is inappropriate
tonight, and everyone disperses in disarray into the dark silence. Vergers
will be stationed at the Cathedral doors with small lanterns to prevent the
reoccurrence of the accident that befell Mavis Prendergast and Colonel Jumbuck
in the Cloisters in 1998. For those who wish to stay awhile to pray in the
garden, the Cathedral remains open until midnight.
12
noon The Way of the Cross
The precise shape and form of the midday Good Friday Service varies from
year to year, but it always follows the steps of Jesus through his betrayal,
arrest, trial and torture, his path to Golgotha and his death on the Cross.
Performed through the streets of the city, the event features challenging
readings in Greek and sometimes in Hebrew, evocative instrumental music from the
folk group "Gasping for a Pint", and sensitive liturgy. The Procession
wends its way from the Market Cross to the Cathedral Close, terminating in front
of the West door, where Vernon Coddling, who was chosen by lot to carry this
year's replica cross, will be symbolically nailed to the
crossbeam.
7.30
pm Sequence of Music and readings for Good Friday
On
the evening of Good Friday, the Cathedral Choir leads a meditative hour of
music, which also includes poetry, prose and prayer for this holy day.
There is no communion service on Good Friday or on Saturday in Holy
Week, but 10% discount on Bishop’s Topple ale is available at the “Nine Bells”,
8.00
pm The Easter Ceremonies and renewal of baptismal vows
There is a long tradition of watching and waiting in
expectation of the risen Christ on Easter Day. In Wenchoster Cathedral these
Easter Ceremonies take place on Holy Saturday, when in the darkness only the
empty tomb is announced, leaving us with a sense of confusion and
anticipation.
The
Ceremonies include the Lighting of the New Fire - a task assigned by ancient
rite to the Head Verger. Mr. Grindle will ignite
the brazier outside the South Door, and from this the new Paschal Candle is
lit. The light from this will spread throughout the building as the flames
are passed to hundreds of congregational candles. Wenchoster Fire Brigade
will be on hand throughout the service, and buckets of water will be
strategically placed along the Cathedral nave.
During the Easter Liturgy
the Bishop will baptise and confirm candidates from all around the diocese, and
all present are invited to renew their own Baptismal Promises. The Bishop
will then process throughout the building with the Asperges brush, flinging water in all directions so that all
may be reminded of their own christening. All electrical outlets in the
building will have been sealed with waterproof tape to prevent accidental
electrocution. The unfortunate incident involving Glynis Pratt in 2001 is still very much in the mind of the
Cathedral Chapter.
The
Cathedral’s usual Sunday pattern is embellished by outstanding music and liturgy
on this joyful day.
8.00
am BCP Holy Communion at the North Aisle altar,
with
steel band accompaniment.
9.00 am BCP Matins in the Mandylion Chapel with sung
psalmody, responses, and one hymn.
10.30 am Sung
Eucharist with the Bishop of Wenchoster. (Incense will be used,
and bells rung at significant liturgical moments).
6.30pm Festal
Evensong with Procession to the