The Parish Eucharist

The central act of Christian worship is the celebration of the Eucharist, often called Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper or Mass.  The Parish Eucharist at St Michael's is the principal act of worship of a Sunday.  There are many faces, young and old, who can be seen nearly every Sunday, but we are pleased to welcome visitors and people who would like to know more.

The Gathering

The people gather together in church for the start of the Eucharist.  The ministers enter the church during a hymn, led by the cross and lights symbolising the Risen Christ and Light of the World.  Prayers of preparation are said, we are assured of God's forgiveness, and our prayers are gathered together in a prayer called the Collect.

The Liturgy of the Word

During the Liturgy of the Word the word of God is proclaimed and responded to, and there are prayers for the church and for the world.  Most readings are taken from Holy Scripture (the Bible) whose writings contain history, stories, letters to the early church and narratives.  The purpose of the readings is that through them we may hear the word of God and how we may apply that to our daily lives. 

The Gospel, from the Greek for 'good news', is proclaimed from the midst of the congregation, demonstrating how God became man in Jesus and walked on earth among us.  A sermon follows.

Prayers of intercession, led by a member of the congregation, are invitations to pray for certain causes.  These prayers usually include prayers for the mission of the church, for society, creation and the state, for the local community, for those who suffer, and for the communion of saints, those who have gone on before us.

The Liturgy of the Sacrament

This portion of the service begins with The Peace.  Jesus came to bring God's peace to the world, and before we encounter him in the Sacrament of Holy Communion we share and greet each other with a sign of peace.

The altar is prepared, the bread and wine are offered and placed on it.  A collection is taken for the maintance of the church and its worship as well as other causes.

The priest prays the Eucharistic prayer, praising God for his mighty acts, recalling the Last Supper and thanksgiving.  Anglicans believe that Jesus is present in a special way in the consecreated bread and wine, and that these represent his Body and his Blood.

The bread is broken and the people approach the altar to share in Christ's body and blood.  During this hymns and anthems are sung by the choir, and silence is kept.

The Sending Out

The priest pronounces God's blessing on his people, who are then sent out into the world.