We shall be marking the beginning of Lent with a lunchtime Choral Eucharist on Ash Wednesday at 1:15pm.

The service includes the Imposition of Ashes. Last year's Palm Sunday fronds are burnt to ash and these are used to mark the sign of the cross on a person's forehead. This is a sign of penitence and marks the start of the observation of Lent during which we prepare for Easter. It is also an echo of words from the book of Genesis and a symbol of our own mortality: 'for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return'.

The following music will be sung at the service by our wonderful St Bride's Choir:

Setting: Mass for five voices – William Byrd
Anthems: i) In aeternum – William Mundy; ii) Emendemus in melius – William Byrd; iii) Remember not, Lord, our offences – Henry Purcell

During the service we are invited to reflect both upon our own mortality, and Christ’s offer to us of life in all its fullness. It engages with some of the most profound realities of human life, which renders it one of the most powerful and thought-provoking services of the year.

All are warmly welcomed to join us as we enter the season of Lent together.