In the heart of Holy Week there was an important re-dedication of ministry in our diocese. At the Chrism Mass in St Ninian’s Cathedral on Maundy Thursday the Oil of Chrism (for Baptism) and the Oil of Healing (for the Sacrament of Healing) were consecrated, the clergy re-affirmed the promises of their Ordination, and Lay Readers re-affirmed the commitment made at their Licensing.

This Easter Holy Trinity welcomes ‘The Lord’s Supper’ a visual expression of the inclusivity of God’s welcome for all people, no matter who they maybe. The image contains an  infinite variety  of people of all ages, races and conditions, so it is a symbol of how we as a church acknowledge that God’s love is for all without exception. The painting represents that solidarity and encourages us all (whatever we believe) to embrace our humanity and to embrace the humanity of all people. All are Welcome to the unveiling on Thursday 28^th March at 1.00pm followed by Prayers for Peace in the Holy Land in the church.

The painting has been created for us by local artist Myette Godwyn and with the  help and support of Pitlochry Festival Theatre represents that solidarity and encourages us all (whatever we believe) to embrace our humanity and to embrace the humanity of all people regardless of religion, sexuality, gender, race, and ability and to embrace the whole of created order.

Myette writes: This is my interpretation of a modern-day version of the ‘Last Supper’ –

welcoming all to the Lord’s table, and took inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s

painting, in that he interpreted it for his Renaissance times and painted people

he knew.  Something very important to me, as a devout Christian, is that Jesus Christ welcomes all – he never judged or turned anyone away when he walked the Earth but challenged hypocrisy and fake religion. I am now a visual artist, theatre maker, playwright (member of the Scottish Society of Playwrights), director, and actor. Both my drama school principal tutors were Quakers and I used to stay at the Quaker meeting house when I performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. One thing that struck me and has always stayed with me since is their core value of ‘that of God in everyone”. All people can have a connection with God. All people are valuable and should be treated with love and respect.’ 

It has been a pleasure to work with Myette and The Festival Theatre to create, this image of love, diversity and inclusivity.

The Painting is on display in the Churchyard until 4th April and can be available for anyone in the Diocese to display and use at any time.

On the evening of 24th March 2024 at St Margaret’s Church Rosyth, some of the young adults and delegates who went on the Provincial Iona Pilgrimage led a presentation and Iona Service theme on peace and justice for Sunday @ Six, a great evening service leading us into Holy Week. The service and presentation was led by Sabine Pajak, with support and input from Lucy Peat, Andrew Wedge from Holy Trinity Dunfermline – Scottish Episcopal Church and James Gardner. After the service there was time for fellowship in the Crush Hall

The Revd Canon Richard Grosse was licensed as priest in charge of St Margaret’s, Rosyth on St Joseph’s Day, Tuesday 19 March at 6.30pm. Please pray for Richard and St Margaret’s and this new beginning.

Please pray for the Revd Ian Boa and his family, as he is ordained Priest, at Holy Trinity, Stirling on 21 April at 3.00 pm. Clergy are welcome to robe (alb and white stole) and lay readers also – please inform the Diocesan Office if you are coming.

The Chrism Mass this year is at St Ninian’s Cathedral on Maundy Thursday 28^th March at 11.00 am. At this service the Oil of Chrism (for Baptism) and the Oil of Healing (for the Sacrament of Healing) are consecrated, the Clergy re-affirm the promises of their Ordination, and Lay Readers re-affirm the commitment made at their Licensing.  This is a very important re-dedication of ministry in the heart of Holy Week.

Clergy (in alb and white stole) and all Lay Readers (in cassock, surplice and scarf) are invited to participate, together with all those involved in ministry, and all members of the Diocese are invited to join them.

Clergy should bring emptied and cleaned Oil Stocks, to be filled for ministry in the coming year.

Lunch is being provided, so please let the Diocesan Office know if you will be coming, how many will come from your congregation, and if you have special dietary requirements.

A wonderful day of Celebration to welcome Bishop Marinez to our Diocese and to celebrate our Diocesan link with the Diocese of Amazonia in Brazil.

In the afternoon there was a Diocesan Evensong to welcome Bishop Marinez to the Diocese. During the Evensong service the former Provost of St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth,  The Very Revd Hunter Farquharson, was made an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral.