Bishop will lead the Easter service at St Mary's

Canon Michael Rothwell, Vicar of Thorpe, said: "We are delighted that our Bishop has so kindly agreed to come to St Mary's at this very busy time in the church calendar. We are hoping very much to include in the service the re-enactment of the Last Supper in which Christ washes the feet of his disciples."

Bishop Christopher with symbolically wash the feet of altar servers, before celebrating Holy Communion.

Following this part of the service, the church will be stripped of all its finery in preparation for Good Friday. The Holy Sacrament is taken in procession to a side chapel and there will be a vigil which helps people to focus on Christ's time spent in the Garden of Gethsemane before Roman soldiers take him to Pilate.

On Good Friday, Bishop Christopher will be at St Mary's again, to lead the liturgy of the three Last Hours on the Cross between 12 noon and 3pm. Traditionally local people and parishioners "pop in" for part or parts of this service, which is a devotional mixture of prayers, hymns and readings. Everyone is welcome.

Canon Michael said: "If you want to really see Easter for what it is, and to experience the true joy of Easter Day, you could do no better than follow the Gospel story on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

"This great message of hope, that Christ conquered death for us, has never been more important at this very challenging time for so many people who are facing redundancy and poverty, difficulty and danger."

St Mary's Easter Day services are at 8am and 10am. All welcome.