The Walk up the Coppice is a traditional fixture of the Accrington Calendar, organised by the Knights of St Columba and Accrington Christians Together. Fr Francis Wadsworth, from St Anne's and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Parish opened our worship as we gathered in Avenue Parade, and then made ten stations as we walked uptown to the summit of the Coppice. At each station, we had a brief reflection and prayer, led by pupils from the two Church High Schools in Accrington, St Christopher's CE High School and Mount Carmel RC High School, before our worship was concluded in prayer led by Fr David. 

It is a joy and privilege to engage in this act of witness and worship, as Christians from across the Church denominations and traditions come together to proclaim the truth of the Passion of Christ, and our hope in the promises of resurrection life together. 

Good Friday in the Parish of the Good Shepherd continued with the celebration of the Liturgy of the Passion at St Mary Magdalen's, and then we joined our friends at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church as we walked the way of the Cross retracing the steps of Jesus with Mary as we celebrated the devotion of Maria Desolata led by Fr Francis.

We are looking forward to our celebration of the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil at St Andrew's on Holy Saturday, 30 March, beginning with the lighting of the new fire of Easter at 8.00 pm, and concluding with our first mass of Easter in the holy night. All are most welcome.

There is another report of the Ecumenical Stations on the Mount Carmel High School site, together with more photos of this event. Do click here to see more!