Walking together in faith and mission this Good Friday

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}
Christians of all denominations, will line the streets of Nottingham city centre on Good Friday, in memory of Christ’s glorious Passion.

While many others will be enjoying the Bank Holiday with pub lunches and other recreational activities, Christians of all denominations will process from Nottingham Cathedral to St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market, in a powerful Ecumenical Act of Witness.

In a custom which faded out prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, participants will meet at Nottingham Cathedral at 9.45AM and the ceremony will begin at 10AM.

The ceremony will begin with some introductory words from Lord Lieutenant, Professor Veronica Pickering and Bishop Patrick McKinney.

Bishop Patrick, will then continue with a prayer: “Christ is our peace. He has reconciled us to God in one body by the cross. We meet in his name and share his peace.”  

Bishop Andy Emerton, Bishop of Sherwood will also be present.

Following a brief time at the cathedral, the congregation will process to Old Market Square in the centre of Nottingham, where a Salvation Army Band will be playing.  A two-minute silence will also be held in the square to mark the solemnness of the day. After the silence, everyone will sing “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” before continuing their walk.

The procession will conclude at St Mary’s Church with a reflection from the Bishop of Sherwood.

Holy Week in the Diocese of Nottingham will be particularly memorable this year, as a record number of 35 people will become catholic on Holy Saturday at Nottingham Cathedral.

Among them, 12 will also have their feet washed by Bishop Patrick McKinney on Holy Thursday during the Mandatum Mass, which commemorates Christ’s Last Supper and the Institution of the Holy Eucharist.