Easter Vigil

for 1 hour, 30 mins
St Peter & St Mary Magdalene
The Parish Church of St Peter and St Mary Magdalene High Street Barnstaple, EX31 1BL, United Kingdom
The Vigil on Holy Saturday (30 March, 7:30pm) begins where Good Friday left off. We gather in a darkened Church for Bible readings and psalms that tell the story of God creating the universe at the dawn of time and of God’s unstoppable purpose to reconcile the world. Christ’s resurrection is commemorated by rekindling the light that was extinguished on Good Friday. We gather outside around a newly lit fire, kindle the Paschal Candle, and bring this light into the darkened Church. We all light our own candles from the flame and, as the Church is filled once again with light, we bring in Easter with songs of alleluia, by ringing the Church bells, and with joyful organ music and hymns. The prayers and discipline of Lent are preparation for the renewal of baptismal vows that then takes place at this service, and we share together in the first Holy Communion of Easter.

St Peter & St Mary Magdalene

Saint Peter and Saint Mary Magdalene is the town centre Parish Church in Barnstaple, where a warm and friendly welcome is extended to all. We aim to be an inclusive church for everyone in the area, irrespective of age, gender, marital status, sexuality, nationality, disability, or background. We believe that each person is a child of God, valued and loved, and that we all have gifts and talents to contribute and share.

Our main Parish Mass is at 10:30am on Sundays. The service is 'modern catholic' in style: traditional, accessible, and friendly. We aim for an atmosphere of relaxed formality; no one stands on ceremony. So there's no need to dress up specially or anything (unless you'd like to) - feel free to come as you are. :-)

The weekly coffee morning, Tuesdays from 10am, is another good time to visit. Tourists and anyone new to the area are most welcome. If you would like to join us as a new worshipper, or if you need any further help or information, please don't hesitate to get in touch, for instance by emailing [email protected].

Please also visit the Parish Web Site: www.BarnstapleParishChurch.org.

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Get in touch

The Rev'd Canon Dr Benjamin Williams

Our website

What's on

Easter Vigil

for 1 hour, 30 mins
St Peter & St Mary Magdalene
The Parish Church of St Peter and St Mary Magdalene High Street Barnstaple, EX31 1BL, United Kingdom

The Vigil on Holy Saturday (30 March, 7:30pm) begins where Good Friday left off. We gather in a darkened Church for Bible readings and psalms that tell the story of God creating the universe at the dawn of time and of God’s unstoppable purpose to reconcile the world. Christ’s resurrection is commemorated by rekindling the light that was extinguished on Good Friday. We gather outside around a newly lit fire, kindle the Paschal Candle, and bring this light into the darkened Church. We all light our own candles from the flame and, as the Church is filled once again with light, we bring in Easter with songs of alleluia, by ringing the Church bells, and with joyful organ music and hymns. The prayers and discipline of Lent are preparation for the renewal of baptismal vows that then takes place at this service, and we share together in the first Holy Communion of Easter.

Safeguarding

Our parish of Barnstaple: St Peter & St Mary Magdalene is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Representative (PSR). Our Diocese of Exeter’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSR.

If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSR:

Brian Newcombe on 07878 983 925

or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor:

Costa Nassaris on 01392 294 969

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services.