Worship - Lent 2026

Ecumenical Stations of the Cross

Station VII - Jesus Falls the Second Time

The Stations of the Cross are a traditional devotion which invites us to walk prayerfully with Jesus along the way of his suffering and death. The fourteen stations trace the final hours of our Lord's earthly life, from his condemnation before Pilate to his burial in the tomb. As we move from station to station, we are encouraged not simply to recall historical events, but to reflect on the meaning of Christ's Passion for our own lives, and for the life of the world. The Stations help us to contemplate themes of sacrifice, compassion, endurance, forgiveness, and love offered to the very end.

This devotion has long been a central part of Lenten prayer, allowing us to slow our pace, engage our hearts and minds, and deepen our awareness of the cost of our redemption. When shared ecumenically, as we do with St Gregory's, it also becomes a powerful expression of our common faith in Christ crucified and risen. All are warmly invited to take part, whether regularly or occasionally, as we journey together towards Holy Week and Easter.

As in previous years, we will share the devotions commemorating the final hours of our Saviour's life - the Fourteen Stations of the Cross - with St Gregory's Roman Catholic Church, alternating between our two churches. These take place on Fridays in Lent at 7.30pm as follows:

Friday 20 February 2026 at 7.30pm
Stations of the Cross at St Gregory's

Friday 27 February 2026 at 7.30pm
Stations of the Cross at St Matthew's

Friday 6 March 2026 at 7.30pm
Stations of the Cross at St Gregory's

Friday 13 March 2026 at 7.30pm
Stations of the Cross at St Matthew's

Friday 20 March 2026 at 7.30pm
Stations of the Cross at St Gregory's

Friday 27 March 2026 at 7.30pm
Stations of the Cross at St Matthew's

A Lent Course

Easter Day this year falls on 5 April, which is three weeks earlier than last year. Lent therefore begins on 18 February.

At the time of writing, not all this year's Lent resources have been published or reviewed. There will, however, be a Lent Course held on Thursdays at 2.00pm in the Parish Centre on the following dates:

Thursday 26 February 2026 at 2.00pm
Thursday 5 March 2026 at 2.00pm
Thursday 12 March 2026 at 2.00pm
Thursday 19 March 2026 at 2.00pm
Thursday 26 March 2026 at 2.00pm

We meet in the Garden Room. The change of day (from Wednesday) is due to the availability of the Parish Centre - though we will be meeting at the same time as our Tea Dance friends, who will be twirling their way around the hall.

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