This morning we had our Family Communion at 10 am and as it was All Saints Day we had an excellent presentaton from Mrs Field about one of the lesser known saints Saint Fiacre. He is the patron saint of gardeners, florists and taxi drivers! Originally from 7th century Ireland, where he was brought up in a monastery where he later became a monk, he planted and tended a beautiful garden, He moved to France and again planted a herb and vegetable garden  he gave away the produce, and founded a hospice for travellers. he was also a famous healer. He is associated with taxi drivers and in the 17th century they drove special carriages called fiacre after the saint. Our music reflected the day, we sang 2 hymns, 'Oh happy band of pilgrims' and 'For all thy Saints' In addition we used the setting for the service by Darke, and sang a motet 'Let us now Praise Famous Men' setting by Ralph Vaughn Williams, and during Communion Ave Verum setting by William Byrd. 

At 6pm we had a requiem service, a said communion service for All Souls Day. A list of the names of the departed was placed on the altar during this service. It is at this service that we would normally sing the Faure Requiem, but this was not possible under current  covid restrictions. This was our final service for the immediate future.

   

Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; 

and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.

Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

"Blessed are those who mourn, 

for they will be comforted. 

"Blessed are the meek, 

for they will inherit the earth.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 

for they will be filled. 

"Blessed are the merciful, 

for they will receive mercy. 

"Blessed are the pure in heart, 

for they will see God. 

"Blessed are the peacemakers, 

for they will be called children of God. 

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you 

and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 

Rejoice and be glad, 

for your reward is great in heaven, 

for in the same way they persecuted the prophets 

who were before you. 

Almighty God,

you have knit together your elect

in one communion and fellowship