Easter in extraordinary times will bring new learning and gifts, says Bishop Nick

Extraordinary circumstances in Holy Week 2020 bring blessings and challenges, writes Bishop Nick in a letter to clergy, sent this evening.

In his latest Ad Clerum during the COVID-19 pandemic, he gives hope that new ways of spreading the Good News will be born from a time of confusion.

“We will re-construct our diaries in due course, recognising that the world will have changed and so might the ways we work in future – we might learn some new things about ourselves, our ministry and gifts, and how to lead our church and serve our parish,” writes Bishop Nick.

Comparing this year to Easters when our churches and cathedrals have been full of worshippers he writes:

“Each Holy Week we speak thoughtfully about sacrifice.

“This year we also live it. I pray that each of you will be blessed through this Holy Week and that Easter will bring you great joy.

“You are being prayed for by the bishops daily and they join me in anticipating the great Hallelujah when the Christmas promise that “the light cannot be overcome by the darkness” is seen to be true at Easter.”

Encouraging clergy to take part in an online Chrism Eucharist programme tomorrow, Bishop Nick makes thie invitation: “When we were intending to be together in Wakefield Cathedral for the Chrism Eucharist with Re-affirmation of Vows and the Blessing of Oils, we can join in on the cathedral website to a pre-recorded and edited ‘service’.

“Please do join in. You can find it from 11am (and thereafter) at https://youtu.be/d78hVSHtD2A . The order of service can be downloaded from: https://www.wakefieldcathedral.org.uk/uploads/wakefield_cathedral/files/Reaffirmation_of_Commitment_to_Ministry_2020.pdf

The full version of the Ad Clerum sent on Wednesday, April 8 can be read on our website’s Easter Section here: /video-diaryeaster-2020/bishop-nick