Par Parish News:

We began our Holy Week journey on Palm Sunday when all four churches met at St Blaise for a joyful service beginning outside the gates of the church for a procession into church with our blessed palm crosses during the first hymn. It was good to see the church so full and to meet up at the end of the service for coffee and some lovely cakes.

On Monday we travelled to Treverbyn for the Stations of the Cross, not the full church of Sunday, but a meaningful time together. On Tuesday the service at Charlestown with Taize Music was so beautiful, the setting being enhanced by the lighted candles forming the shape of the cross in the chancel and the violin accompaniment to the music played by Sarah. The original plan was for everyone to sit in the chancel, but the people kept coming and many present were seated in the main body of the church. It was an extremely moving and spiritual service.

On Wednesday morning Holy Communion was held at St Mary’s and then on Maundy Thursday evening we were blessed with the presence of Bishop David for another spiritually uplifting celebration of the Last Supper with the washing of the feet and followed by the Gethsemene Watch in the lady chapel where the altar was decorated with flowers and lighted candles.

On Good Friday there were services at the Good Shepherd and Charlestown and the Silent Witness by the Cross at the roadside at St Mary’s. Unfortunately the wind blew and it was quite damp, but there was a mix of brave souls from Par Churches Together to make an impact on the incessant traffic.

Easter Eve the Vigil was held at Treverbyn, another moving service where the Easter Candles were blessed and we celebrated the Risen Christ. The service was followed by a very nice supper in the Community Rooms.

Easter Sunday, a truly happy occasion was celebrated in St Mary’s the church came alive with the lovely Easter garden, flowers in all the windows, some rousing hymns and everyone rejoicing in the fact that Christ was alive and with us. The celebrations continued with coffee and cake.

The Church of the Good Shepherd looked equally resplendent and thanks must go to all who worked so hard in the preparations for Holy Week and making Easter so special. 

AW