Solemn Eucharist the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Solemn Eucharist The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8 September 2020 7.00 pm Welcome to St Edmundsbury Cathedral

Whether here in person or joining us online, a warm welcome to St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

No Christian is solitary. Through baptism we become members one of another in Christ, members of a company of saints whose mutual belonging transcends death. Festivals (“red letter days”) and Lesser Festivals (“black letter days”) celebrate people in whose lives the Church has seen the grace of God powerfully at work. These holy days provide an opportunity to give thanks for that grace, and for the wonderful ends to which it shapes a human life; they provide a time to be encouraged and to recall that sanctity may grow in the ordinary circumstances, as well as the ordinary crises, of human living.

Today we celebrate the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary and hear again her song; new beginnings in a life ever-increasingly dedicated to loving and serving God and participation in the redeeming work of God’s grace that God’s kingdom will be revealed finally and in all its fullness.

This evening’s service sees the Rev’d Sarah Geileskey at the beginning of her ordained priestly ministry presiding for the first time. Father Tracy Williams (Parish of St Francis Heartsease, Diocese of Norwich) joins us as Deacon and the Very Rev’d Joe Hawes preaches. Thanks to both of them, to the Cathedral’s Acting Director of Music, Richard Cook, and the musicians for sharing their gifts with us, to Adam Geileskey for the Banksy-inspired artwork, to members of Junior Church for writing and leading the intercessions and to the clergy, vergers, wardens and all who have accompanied Rev’d Sarah’s journey.

Music during the service Four-part Mass Byrd Magnificat in F Dyson Ave Maria Parsons Ubi Caritas Gjeilo

Service order extracts from Common Worship Services © The Central Board of Finance of The Church of England. Music reproduced with permission - CCL Licence No 317297

The Dean gives The Welcome and Notices

The Rev’d Sarah Geileskey vests in a chasuble and is welcomed into the college of priests by the Canon Pastor & Sub Dean and the Canon Precentor.

Veni Creator

Cantor Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, and lighten with celestial fire; thou the anointing Spirit art, who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart:

Thy blessèd unction from above is comfort, life and fire of love; enable with perpetual light the dullness of our blinded sight.

Anoint and cheer our soilèd face with the abundance of thy grace; keep far our foes, give peace at home; where thou art guide no ill can come.

Teach us to know the Father, Son, and thee, of both, to be but One; that through the ages all along this may be our endless song:

Praise to thy eternal merit, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Words: Latin, 9th century, transl. John Cosin, 1594-1672 Music: Veni Creator Spiritus

The ministers proceed to the west end of the Cathedral. Please stand.

President Blessed are you, Lord our God, All to you be praise and glory for ever.

President Your handmaid Mary magnified your name All and rejoiced in your saving love.

President Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, ‘Blessed are you among women, All and blessed is the fruit of your womb’.

As the processional is played everyone remains standing while the ministers move to the Pavement and the altar is censed. The Greeting

We meet in the name of the  Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you All and also with you.

The Prayer of Preparation

All Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Prayers of Penitence

Deacon Born of a woman, born under the law, Christ has redeemed us from sin and brought light and hope to those who trust in him: in his light let us confess our sins.

Everyone sits or kneels as silence is kept.

Deacon Lord Jesus, born of Mary, you came to bring peace to our hearts, yet we are slow to show peace to others: Lord, have mercy. All Lord, have mercy.

Deacon Lord Jesus, child of Mary, you came to make us children of God, yet we sometimes turn away from you and from the Father: Christ, have mercy. All Christ, have mercy.

Deacon Lord Jesus, you are the Word made flesh, bringing light into the world, yet we often turn to dark and sin: Lord, have mercy. All Lord, have mercy.

President Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver  you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen.

All stand as the Choir sings

Gloria in Excelsis

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Glory be to God on high, et in terra pax hominibus and in earth peace, bonæ voluntatis. good will towards men. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, We praise thee, we bless thee, adoramus te, glorificamus te, we worship thee, we glorify thee, gratias agimus tibi we give thanks to thee propter magnam gloriam tuam, for thy great glory, Domine Deus, Rex coelestis, O Lord God, heavenly King, Deus Pater omnipotens. God the Father almighty. Domine Fili unigenite, O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesu Christe; Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, qui tollis peccata mundi, that takest away the sins of the world, miserere nobis. have mercy upon us. Qui tollis peccata mundi, Thou that takest away the sins of suscipe deprecationem nostram. the world, receive our prayer. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, Thou that sittest at the right hand of miserere nobis. God the Father, have mercy upon us. Quoniam tu solus sanctus; For thou only art holy; tu solus Dominus, thou only art the Lord, tu solus altissimus Jesu Christe, thou only, O Christ, Cum Sancto Spiritu with the Holy Ghost, art most high in gloria Dei Patris. in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Amen.

Music: William Byrd (1539-1623)

6 The Collect President Let us pray

Silence Almighty God, who looked upon the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary and chose her to be the mother of your only Son: grant that we who are redeemed by his blood may share with her in the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

¶ The Liturgy of the Word

Everyone sits as Adam Geileskey reads The First Reading

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

Isaiah 61.10-end For the word of the Lord. All Thanks be to God.

Please remain seated as the choir sings

7 The Magnificat

Choir My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his hand-maiden. For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm:

He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

Words: traditional Luke 1.46-55 Music: Magnificat in F, George Dyson (1883-1964)

Please remain seated as Theo Geileskey reads

The Second Reading

A reading from the Epistle to the Galatians.

When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. Galatians 4.4-7 NRSV

For the word of the Lord. All Thanks be to God.

Everyone stands as the cantor and choir sing

The Gospel Acclamations

Cantor Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Choir Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Cantor I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever. Choir Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Father Tracy Williams reads The Gospel Reading

Deacon The Lord be with you All and also with you.

Deacon Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. All Glory to you, O Lord.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

John 1.1-5,14 NRSV

This is the Gospel of the Lord. All Praise to you, O Christ.

Choir Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

9 Everyone sits for The Sermon

The Very Reverend Joe Hawes Dean of St Edmundsbury

There follows a period of silence for reflection.

The Profession of Faith

President Let us affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God.

All Though he was divine, he did not cling to equality with God, but made himself nothing. Taking the form of a slave, he was born in human likeness. He humbled himself, and was obedient to death, Even the death of the cross. Therefore God has raised him on high, and given him the name above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Please sit or kneel. Some members of Junior Church have written and others now lead

The Prayers of Intercession

Deacon From the rising of the sun to its setting, let us pray to the Lord.

We ask you to bless all those beginning new jobs and work in the church at this time, including Sarah and clergy in our diocese. Guide them with your spirit. Lord in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

We pray for those in our community who are worried about how to return to normal life after the pandemic. Help us to be like Mary and know that you will guide us. Lord in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

We pray for students and staff returning to school or starting a new stage in their education in this time of uncertainty. Inspire them with your wisdom and send your angels to protect the children and the teachers so they can learn all the beautiful things with love and be happy! Lord in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

We think of all children who are starting new beginnings in a new home with foster carers away from their families. We pray they will quickly feel safe, cared for and loved in a way all children should feel. We also think of children who are presently being adopted and pray they will grow up with the knowledge they are special. We thank you for all the different families that surround us and keep children safe. Lord in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

We pray for our world, for individuals and families that are affected by social unrest, injustice or crisis in their life and in their communities. Shed your light in everyone’s path and guide us so with your strength, faith, and love all of us may find our purpose in life and face new beginnings with hope. Lord in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

We pray for people who are unwell, for those caring for loved ones and for anyone adjusting to life following the death of someone they love. Surround them with your love. Lord in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

11 We thank you for Mary the mother of Jesus. We remember her courage as she began a new life as the mother of the son of God. Help us to be brave as we begin new chapters in our lives.

Merciful Father, All accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

¶ The Liturgy of the Sacrament The Peace Please stand.

President We are fellow-citizens with Mary and all the saints through Jesus Christ our Lord, who came and preached peace, peace to those who were far off and peace to those who were near.

The peace of the Lord be always with you. All And also with you.

Deacon Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

If you have other members of your household with you, you may wish to share the peace with them now. If you are alone, or joining us online, may you know Christ’s Peace to be with you now.

The Preparation of the Table

Please remain standing while the altar is censed and prepared and we hear

Choir Ave Maria, gratia plena Hail Mary, full of grace, Dominus tecum; the Lord is with thee; Benedicta tu in mulieribus, blessed art thou among women, Et Benedictus fructus and blessed is the fruit ventris tui. of thy womb. Amen. Amen.

Words: Traditional, Music: Robert Parsons (1535-1572)

The Taking of the Bread and Wine

President Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: through your goodness we have this bread to set before you, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life. All Blessed be God for ever.

President Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: through your goodness we have this wine to set before you, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become for us the cup of salvation. All Blessed be God for ever.

The Eucharistic Prayer

Everyone remains standing as the Priest and people say the Sursum Corda.

Bishop The Lord be with you All and also with you.

Bishop Lift up your hearts All We lift them to the Lord.

Bishop Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All It is right to give thanks and praise.

President It is indeed right and good, our duty and our salvation, almighty Father, ever-living God, To proclaim the wonders you have worked in all your saints as on this day we echo Mary’s praise of your loving kindness. For you have truly done great things and holy is your name. Your mercy is on those who fear you in every generation.

13 When you looked with favour on your lowly servant you remembered your promise of mercy and gave the world through her your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Through him the hosts of heaven adore you and rejoice in your presence for ever. May our voices join with theirs in the triumphant hymn of praise:

Choir Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, Holy, holy, holy Lord Dominus Deus sabaoth. God of hosts, Pleni sunt coeli et terra heaven and earth are full gloria tua. of thy glory: Hosanna in excelsis. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Benedictus qui venit Blessed is he that cometh in nomine Domini. in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in excelsis. Hosanna in the highest.

Music: William Byrd (1539-1623)

Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ;

who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. 14

Deacon Praise to you, Lord Jesus: All Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life: Lord Jesus, come in glory.

And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.

Send the Holy Spirit on your people and gather into one in your kingdom all who share this one bread and one cup, so that we, in the company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, James, Edmund and all the saints, may praise and glorify you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. All Amen.

The consecrated bread and wine are raised in the sight of the people as the sanctus bell is rung.

15 Please sit or kneel to pray The Lord’s Prayer

Deacon Being made one by the power of the Spirit, let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us.

All Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

President We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. All Though we are many, we are one body because we all share in one bread.

All remain sitting or kneeling as the Choir sings Agnus Dei

Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace. Music: William Byrd (1539-1623)

Spiritual Communion

President Jesus is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his supper. All Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

‘Spiritual Communion’ is an historic practice in the church for anyone who cannot receive the bread and wine physically. It is possible because Communion is always a spiritual practice and not simply physical. Through God’s grace, whilst we cannot receive the bread and wine, we can still receive the sacrament in our hearts and share in communion with Jesus. In making our communion spiritually, we are joining with Christians everywhere who cannot receive the bread and wine at this time. The following prayer is one form of words to use for Spiritual Communion.

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits you have given me, for all the pains and insults you have borne for me. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen. after the Prayer of St Richard of Chichester

Distribution of Communion

We hear the words of distribution once for as all before Holy Communion is distributed in silence in one kind. Please follow the directions of the wardens.

President The body of Christ, given for you. All Amen.

Please be seated as you await the wardens’ direction.

During the distribution the choir sing The Anthem

Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. Exultemus, et in ipso iucundemur Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero.

Where charity and love are, God is there. Christ’s love has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

Words: Traditional Music: Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978)

Prayer after Communion

President Let us pray.

Silence is kept.

God most high, whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh: we thank you that in this sacrament of our redemption you visit us with your Holy Spirit and overshadow us by your power; strengthen us to walk with Mary the joyful path of obedience and so to bring forth the fruits of holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

18 All Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, And the whole earth live to praise your name; Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ The Dismissal

The Blessing Deacon We stand for God’s blessing.

President Christ the Son of God, born of Mary, fill you with his grace to trust his promises and obey his will; and the blessing of God almighty, the  Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. All Amen.

The Dismissal

Deacon Following God’s saints in the ways of holiness and truth, let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord. All In the name of Christ. Amen.

The Organ Voluntary

Finale, Symphony No.6 Charles-Marie Widor

The Dean: The Very Reverend Joe Hawes

The Canon Pastor & Sub Dean: The Reverend Canon Matthew Vernon

The Canon Precentor: The Reverend Canon Philip Banks

The Cathedral Curate: The Reverend Sarah Geileskey

Cathedral Administrator: Sarah-Jane Allison

Acting Director of Music: Richard Cook