The First Easter Sunday: 
What happened ... and why does it matter?

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WHAT HAPPENED AT EASTER?
The dead body of Jesus was sealed in a tomb on Good Friday and a huge stone placed at the entrance, but that wasn't the end...

The following Sunday his friends went to visit the tomb, but found
  • the stone rolled away,
  • the tomb empty and
  • the grave clothes left behind.
 ​Jesus suddenly appeared to them, but he wasn't a ghost! Over the next 40 days they talked with him, listened to him, touched him, ate with him and worshipped with him. They now knew that what He had said was true: He is Risen! Their lives were changed for ever.

Why is it important?  
  • Life has a meaning and death is not the end.
  • Because of what happened at Easter, death is now an event which, though it finishes our earthly life, can't hold us in its grip.
  • Jesus forged a new way, so if we follow in his footsteps, we can live forever with him.
  • We can share this greatest news in the world with others.
How can we join in?  
Easter is such an important day that we  celebrate it in church twice and you can come to either event or both!
  • Come at 7.30pm on Holy Saturday  (3rd April)
  • gather (socially distanced) in the north churchyard near the porch as the day darkens;
  • see the new fire lit, which is a sign of the new life of Resurrection – that light has overcome darkness forever.
  • Flames from this fire light the Easter (Paschal) candle. Take a candle and light it from this candle as you join the procession into the darkened church.
  • Hear the story of God’s never-ending love for His creation in Old Testament readings and
  • His triumph over sin and death in New Testament readings.
  • Join in the light, colour, sound and scent as the wonderful Vigil unfolds.
  • Receive the body and blood of Christ in the Holy Communion, or a special blessing if you are not a Communicant,
  • Thank God for this most wonderful gift and
  • let the light of Christ shine through you to light up the lives of others.
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You are all welcome, however frequently or rarely you have come to church before.
  • On Easter Sunday (4th April) come and join our family Parish Mass at 9.30 am.
  • Of course we are sorry we can't give chocolate eggs and have our usual party celebrations after the Masses, but we are grateful that, unlike last year, we can worship together in church despite the covid restrictions and can still celebrate the resurrection and new life of Easter​​

Happy Easter!