As we continue to journey through Lent this year it has been good to hear of the many ways in which people and churches are using this time of reflection as we individually and corporately ready ourselves once again to enter into the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. As we do so we are reminded that even in the darkest of times and the most desperate of situations there is hope to be found.
With the backdrop of continued global turmoil and challenges nearer to home, the message of the gospel provides us with something good to share with our friends, family and communities. We have a message of hope in this world and the next.
Through the lighting of Easter fires or paschal candles, the gathering for vigils or sunrise services, the singing of hymns or songs full of alleluias, we will be proclaiming the greatest moment of hope for humanity as Christ conquered death and rose again.
The marking of Holy Week and the celebrations of Easter will take many forms and expressions across our diocese over the coming weeks, in schools, churches, halls and homes and in our cathedral. Thank you for all you are doing in your context to prepare for the sharing of the love of God which led all the way to the cross and the hope of God found in the Resurrection.
I hope that many of us will be able to meet together for the Chrism Eucharist at the Cathedral on Maundy Thursday and then to join in the Resurrection celebrations at the Easter Monday Pilgrimage with the apt theme this year of ‘Hope’.
May your continued journey through this Lenten season be a blessed one in which you discover afresh the love and hope that is to be found in the good news of Jesus Christ.
With every blessing,
+Jane
Bishop of Hertford
Messy Church explores the season of Lent
In Limbury this past Sunday, at St Augustine’s Church with Holy Trinity, Messy Church spent time exploring the meaning of Lent. Together they reflected on this season of preparation: considering the life of Jesus, setting aside more time for prayer, and thinking about how giving something up or taking something on can help us draw closer to God in the 40 days leading to up to Easter.
It is a joy to see the many creative ways churches across our diocese are helping people of all ages engage with faith and worship. If you have a story to share about an initiative in your parish, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch at comms@stalbansdiocese.org.
Maundy Thursday Eucharist
We invite you to add to your diaries the Chrism Mass at 11am on Thursday 2 April at St Albans Cathedral.
A sung Eucharist, gathering together clergy, lay ministers from the Diocese and open to all, is an act of commitment to ministry and the blessing of the holy oils for use throughout the following year.
Easter Monday Pilgrimage: Hope
We would love to see you at this year’s Easter Monday Pilgrimage, as we mark the 80th occasion of this event.
Taking place this year on Monday 6 April, come along with others from your churches and communities in whatever way works best for you – walk, travel by bus, car or train. Set out from your local church or one of our designated starting points together as a community.
Whether you’re bringing a colourful banner, sharing prayers along the way, or just enjoying the journey, this is your chance to join a joyful celebration.
Arrive at the cathedral from 2.30pm, with the service beginning at 3pm.
Worship will be led by Russell Blackman, Barbadian-born, award-winning singer, songwriter, worship leader, and vocal coach who uses music and mentorship to inspire and impact lives. Leah Bucko will be speaking, youth pastor at Soul Survivor and author of Living In-Between Grief and Hope.