Maundy Thursday Eucharist invitation

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I warmly invite all our Clergy and Readers, and as many lay people as possible, to join me, Bishop Jonathan and our Assistant Bishops for the Eucharist which will include the blessing of the oils and the renewal of our ministerial commitment. We hope that you will make every effort to attend as we attach great importance to this gathering as we prepare to celebrate the events of Good Friday and Easter.

The Service will start at 11 A.M. and I warmly invite you to stay for lunch in the Cathedral afterwards. Soup and sandwiches will be provided.

All Clergy and Lay People who wish to robe at the service are warmly invited to join the procession both at the beginning and end of the service to emphasise our common calling of service to The Lord. Chairs will be allocated for seating during the service. Please be present at the Cathedral in good time.

Clergy should robe in a white cassock alb, or cassock and surplice, with a white stole if it is your practice to wear a stole, or with scarf and hood; and Readers as they are accustomed to robe.

Those who wish to renew their supply of oil, whether for the ministry of healing or for use in initiation, should bring the appropriate containers marked with the name of the parish and the oil required to the Venerable Chapel in the South Transept before the service, collecting them after it.

Please park in Chesil Street car park or at Wolvesey , where a limited amount of parking will be available. Parking will not be available in the Close.

This year’s Alternative Regional Chrism Eucharist for those who have not accepted the Ordination of Women to the Priesthood will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, 31st March at Guildford Cathedral where the Chief Celebrant will be the Right Reverend Norman Banks, Bishop of Richborough. Would those priests wishing to concelebrate please advise the Reverend Father John Harvey on 01252 622793 or email father.john@talktalk.net . Father John is co-ordinating the arrangements and who will be able to give more information.