For most Parishes, the Eucharist lies at the heart of our lives. For most Christians, it is the act of worship they attend more frequently than other. But why? What does the Eucharist have to teach us about how we live as Christians in the world? How can children and young people best get involved? How can we celebrate it fittingly? And what part does it have to play in a Church waking up afresh to the priority of mission?
These are some of the questions that will be reflected upon in the Eucharistic Festival at Blackburn Cathedral, on Saturday January 28th. It promises to be a wonderful day with something for all ages and everyone is welcome to attend, come and go as they wish.
The day kicks with a Eucharist at 10.30am, at which the Cathedral Choir and Girls’ Choirs will be singing. This will be followed by the Keynote Address given by the Bishop of Chichester, which will reflect on the evangelistic dimension of the Eucharist.
Following lunch (please bring your own or go to one of the local cafes) there will be a wide range of workshops as follows:
- The Eucharist and the Common Good – led by Canon John Hall
- Music and the Eucharist – led by Sam Hudson and Canon Andrew Hindley
- Praying and Living the Eucharist – led by Rosemary Lyon
- Doing the Eucharist Well – led by the Revd Rowena Pailing
- Welcome to the Eucharist – led by Canon David Banbury
- Word and Sacrament – Getting the Balance Right – led by the Bishop of Blackburn
In addition to the above, there will be a parallel programme for children and families, which will comprise a Messy Church session, exploring the Last Supper and the Eucharist. This starts with lunch at 12-noon, which will be provided. Following the arts and crafts activities, there will be a Messy Mass from 2-2.30pm, demonstrating how the Eucharist can be made accessible to all ages.
For adults, the day will close at 2.30pm with a time of quiet prayer in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
If you would like to attend some or all of the day, the organisers kindly ask that places are beeoked in advance. To do so simply drop an email to Jean Duerden on jeanmduerden@virginmedia.com.
