In the story of Jesus’ life, he had supper with his friends on the night before he died on the cross. At this supper, he told them to share bread and wine to remember him. Ever since, Christians have gathered together in the same way to celebrate the mystery of our faith.
Christians have many names for this celebration – the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, the Mass, Holy Communion – but whatever we choose to call it, it remains at the centre of all our worship at St Thomas’.
Normally, the Eucharist takes place on Sundays at 10am and Tuesdays at 12 noon and on some feast days. You can find more information on the timings of our services in our service calendar.
”What can I expect?
At St Thomas’, there are two different ways in which we celebrate the Eucharist. Sung Eucharists usual include hymn singing, music from the choir, and a sermon. Said Eucharists are shorter and do not usually include a sermon or music.
During these services, the congregation will be invited to share in the bread and wine. If you receive communion in your own church, you are welcome to receive communion here. If you do not normally receive communion, you are invited to come forward and receive a blessing.
VicarSt Thomas the Apostle
The main celebration of the Eucharist – on a Sunday, is at 10am – it is the high point of our weekly worship, engaging the senses with sound, colour and movement. This service includes choral music, hymn singing and a sermon, and lasts just over an hour. On feast days, our Parish Mass is celebrated in much the same way and may include incense.
We regularly have a Family Parish Mass where our young people take a central role in the leading of the service. See calendar for more details.
”Said Eucharists
- The Tuesday noon usually lasts around 30 minutes. There is no music at this service.
- The 6.30pm service of Evening Prayer on a Sunday: comes from the Book of Common Prayer of 1662. This distinctly Anglican service benefits from the poetry and language of its time.
VicarSt Thomas the Apostle
You do not have to be a practicing member of the Church of England to attend the Eucharist. If you are unfamiliar with the service, you can pick up an easy-to-follow order of service at the beginning, which will guide you through each part.
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